A/N: I am soooo sorry that this is coming out so late. I was in a car wreck and so the meds I was taking…well…let's just say that they didn't do much for my writing…

Chapter 8

The Chance I Took

I lived in ecstasy that morning, reliving that early morning trip. The only thing that kept me grounded was the thought that I had to go back to work the day. To face my failure fully.

Around noon, I was in my shop once again. I propped the door open, hoping that it would encourage people to enter. But, when early afternoon came, no one had stepped foot inside. I had seen plenty of people walk by, peeking their heads in, almost debating before moving on. I only thought I imagined their looks of fear when they saw me. I walked outside, locking it behind me and thought of heading out for a belated lunch break. It seemed that many had the same thoughts that I did. The streets were almost deserted and the most of the shops had closed down temporarily. I still did not regret my decision, but I would still be hard pressed to find someplace to dine alone.

Luck, however, seemed to want her way with me. A good way, perhaps. I found a small café where the patrons inside weren't too rowdy nor abundant. A small corner of the café offered me a nice retreat, away from the scarce customers. A short witch waited on me, though she didn't seem inclined to speak with me more than she had to. A small sandwich and a cup of "strong" coffee later, I was out of that place. And into someone standing near the door. We fell in a heap on the ground, dirt staining my new robes. Shaking my head as I sat up, my mouth opened to tell the clumsy person just what I thought of them. Irony, it seems, loves us all. My attacker was the first to speak.

"I am so sor…"

Her voice was soft, the sound sending a pleasant rain of serenity through my mind. Hermione's eyes met mine and I thought I detected a faint flush in her cheeks. But that might have just been the attention that we were receiving from the curious shoppers. The latter was the reason for my own blush.

"Hermione? Are you hurt? What are you doing here?" I managed to whisper before I remembered just who I was. Lazily, I stood up fully, offering my hand to hers. She took it and rose as well, though neither of us let go.

"I'm fine. And I was watching a pair of Muggle parents across the street. They looked like they needed help."

Both of us glanced over, but the only couple we saw wore dark green robes and gripped their wands loosely in their hands. I laughed softly as she did the same, our voices causing the people gathered to find something else to gawk at.

"I suppose they found help…"

"Or…" she stopped, looking up to me. "Here I am, thinking the worst of everything. I really do need a break from working…"

I didn't know if that last comment was meant for me, but I chose to use it to my advantage.

"Then come back to my shop with me," I offered, surprising even myself. "You won't have to worry about Muggles coming in for help there." Or anyone else, I added silently. She gave me a smile, shaking her head in what looked like amusement. Or at least, I was simply hoping it wasn't disappointment I saw there. I know now what I never would admit before. And I know that the one thing that I could never be able to stand would be her disappointment.

Fear struck my body when we neared my shop. There was a crowd of people around the doors and windows, trying to peer in. I stopped walking, but Hermione just continued on, not a care in the world. As she walked closer to them, they ceased their chatter and watched her, awestruck.

"People, people. There is no need to start a riot here. The owner has just arrived and will be able to help you with whatever potion or ingredient that you desire," she announced. A happy murmur ran through the crowd like a wave. It was much like the happiness that surged through me. Though my happiness was tainted with confusion. I had no time to ask Hermione what she had done that night, for I was too busy running around helping everyone. Most of them were concerned Muggle parents, but I wasn't going to be picky. They had money, and they didn't seem to be afraid of me. It was perfect.

Night came all too soon and, due to my lack of supplies, I had to close up early. Hermione had stayed the whole time, helping when I got too busy and keeping all those waiting from leaving. She was busy counting all of the money I made when I returned from locking the door.

"Well? How did I do?"

She laughed and held up a piece of parchment where she had figured up the total. I took a step back, almost tearing the parchment from her hands. That was the money that I made. I made it! I wanted to jump up and down, cry and kiss Hermione all at the same time. But, being Draco Malfoy, I regained my composure and just smiled.

"That's minus your overhead cost for this month as well. With just the sales from today, you made enough to keep this place going for another eight weeks!" she exclaimed, tangling her fingers in her hair.

"I assume I have you to thank for this?"

She shrugged modestly and stood up, straightening the papers on my desk. I was near her in a heartbeat, placing my hand over hers.

"Draco…" she whispered, but I cut her off with a soft kiss.

When she left for home that night, I realized that she never did explain how she got all those people to come.

A/N again: Hope it was worth the wait!