1 week later
"Good morning sleepy head, here's some breakfast." Draco said sweetly, placing a large tray of bacon, eggs, and orange juice on her lap. "Thank you Dray." Hermione said smiling, she couldn't remember the last time she had breakfast in bed.
"Happy birthday, by the way." Draco said winking. "Thanks." Hermione said stuffing her mouth with the bacon. "Anytime." Draco said smiling. As you probably guessed today was Hermione's 18th birthday. She was excited for it, but this would be the first birthday in many years she would be spending away from her friends.
"How are those interviews coming along?" Draco asked. "Not so well, it's frustrating because no one wants to hire me with bad requirements." Hermione noted. "Have you tried maybe switching category's for the time being, and just focus on getting a small job to help pay for things?" Draco suggested. "Maybe." Hermione said chewing her eggs. "I saw there was a opening at the book store down the street, that sounds fun." Draco said happily. "Maybe" Hermione repeated.
"Alright well I'd better get to work. Happy birthday Minoe." Draco said before marching out the door, closing it tightly behind him.
Hermione got dressed, and brushed her teeth extra well. She then walked out the door herself. She was going shopping for her school supplies. She was running low on money and would probably have to get most things second hand.
She swerved through diagon ally, winding in-and-out of shops. Less chance of running into someone she knew. She then stopped at the ice-cream parlor to rest her feet. She was about to move from the benches, until the Weasleys, ( shopping for Ginny.) walked past. No one seemed to recognize her, except for Bill. He half waved and faced back towards his giant family group.
Hermione wondered out-loud. "How come bill is with them, it's usually just the kids going to Hogwarts." Hermione then realized because of the war, they wanted comfort in case they had to walk by Fred's shop. Suddenly she felt horrible inside.
She pushed through the sickness in her stomach and continued with her shopping. She eventually ended up at flourish and blots and was shopping for her school books (plus a few extras) when it hit her. Draco.
What will she do once she leaves for Hogwarts. She felt maybe it was leading him on too much to have them try to maneuver the long distance relationship. Plus Ron wouldn't be around at Hogwarts, so she wouldn't have to worry about running into him. She liked Draco in all, she just felt angry with herself for making her use him as a excuse to be over Ron. It wasn't fair to anyone.
That afternoon Hermione went to another interview, this time for flourish and blots.
"So, why would you think you would be suitable for the job?" The manger asked.
"Well, I graduated Hogwarts top of my class, I fought in the wizarding war, I was the last generation to be educated by Albus Dumbledore, I took more then the required graduation courses, and I love to read."
The manager raised one eyebrow in surprise. "Yeah, I think you may be too over qualified. All we are looking for a person to put away books." Hermione smiled. "Please, I really need a job." The manager looked at her sincere. "I'll tell you what. If you can't find a better job then this by the end of the month. You can come back here. If you do then good luck at your new job." Hermione grinned. "Really? You have no idea how much that means to me!" Hermione said with excitement. "It's the least I can do." The manager said kindly.
