Author's Notes:Firstly, I want to apologize for the delay between this chapter, and chapter thirteen. I've had a busy few weeks, what with the holidays and then my little boy going back to school. Rest assure, however, now that everything has returned to 'normal', updates should be weekly again. Thanks for the patients.

Additionally, I'd like to thank Disco Inferno1, Hannah Loves Lupin, Alistriona, Indeffinate, SailingAwaySoftly and xo.A.m.o.r.e.t.t.e.xo for your review for chapter thirteen. I'm thrilled you're all enjoying the story, and I always appreciate your support and comments.

Finally, special thanks to the wonderful IMissPadfoot (UserID:1133633) for beta'ing for me – chapter 13 had so many mistakes without your keen eyes!

Chapter Fourteen: No Longer Alone

It took a few weeks for Morrigan and Draco to not only adjust to living together, but also to living away from their parents. Despite the fact that both of them had been living away from home for some time, not only while at their respective schools, but also since graduating, they had always stayed in places where everything was done for them. Their beds were made by House Elves, their meals prepared by others. Now, however, they had to learn to do things for themselves, and even if they did have the use of magic, day to day tasks, like doing the laundry didn't really come naturally to either Morrigan or Draco.

"You know, we could find an elf to do all of this," commented Draco one afternoon, after they'd spent hours magically scrubbing the oven.

"Yes, we could depend on the enslavement of 'lesser' beings to do our chores for us," returned Morrigan sarcastically. "Or we could learn to do it ourselves, and actually be proud of what we've accomplished."

"Rubbish. I didn't spend seven years at Hogwarts just to learn how to clean an oven. Besides, House Elves like doing this sort of thing, that's what they live for," insisted Draco with a faint sneer. "You know, we had an elf who actually cried when Mother wouldn't let him scrub the bed-pans three times a day."

Morrigan rolled her eyes, and threw a wet cleaning cloth at him.

"Well, don't go getting any ideas, we'll be doing things the 'normal' way," she informed, with a slight grin.

"Humph," muttered Draco under his breath, as he returned to cleaning the kitchen.

However, despite the difference in life style, the change in both Morrigan and Draco was very apparent.

The young witch had been very surprised, and slightly captivated, one evening when the Malfoy heir had entered the living room, freshly bathed, and wearing a set of new robes.

Morrigan's breath caught in her throat, as she took in Draco's gleaming, shoulder length silver locks, and his handsome appearance. She'd gotten so used to seeing him in dirty robes, with an unshaven face and unwashed hair, that to see him now was a drastic change. The witch mentally put herself in check, insisting that – for now – they could be only friends, and her growing feelings would have to wait.

"Cat got your tongue," Draco smirked. "Or are your reconsidering the offer I made to you on the first night we met?"

"No, actually I was just thinking how pretty your hair would look with a nice ribbon tying it back," she returned facetiously, glad the dim lighting in the living room was concealing the blush slowly creeping up her cheeks.

Draco simply shook his head, and with an amused smile took the available seat across from Morrigan.

"So, have you given any more thought about finding a job?" she inquired, after a few moments of comfortable silence had passed between them.
"Yes and no," Draco replied ambiguously. When Morrigan raised an eyebrow questioningly, he elaborated. "Well, I know eventually, I'll have to find some sort of work. The question is what? I don't want anything too high profile, like a job in the Ministry, because my parents will know exactly where I am. However, I also don't want to spend my days dusting dirty book shelves in some back alley shop."

"And what would be wrong with that?" she countered. "Just think of all the reading you could do then."

"You know, you're starting to remind me of someone I went to school with," sneered Draco. "And trust me, that isn't a good thing."

"Oh, do tell," returned Morrigan. "Actually, wait, I think I can guess. Were they someone in your class you bullied into doing your homework for you?"

Draco let out a hallow laugh, "Not a chance. She was a dirty mud-blood, and an insufferable know-it-all to boot," he sneered.

The young witch sighed and shook her head. "What have I let myself in for?" she muttered under her breath.

"Seriously though," said Draco a few moments later. "I have been thinking about my future. I always enjoyed potion making at school, and thought I was quite good at it. Maybe I could make potions from here, and then sell them on to St. Mungo's and places like that."

"You know, that idea isn't half bad," agreed Morrigan with an impressed smile. "I mean, you wouldn't have to be in the public eye too much, and it would be a good way to make money. And then, who knows, after a few years, you could sort things out with your family and go on to do something different."

"Well, yeah, that's kind of along the lines I was thinking," continued Draco. "Going out to get potions ingredients and then sending the finished product off wouldn't be too difficult. I could just go in disguise, or to a village that isn't very busy. I don't know about reconciling with my parents though. It isn't really something I'm ready to face yet."

"That's fair enough, considering everything they've put you through. Just take it one day at a time," reassured Morrigan. "I'm going to the Ministry of Magic tomorrow, to see what job openings they have available. Do you want me to see about potions supplying to St. Mungo's?"

"That would be really great of you, thanks," returned Draco. "I don't suppose, if I gave you the gold that you'd mind picking up a few books and some equipment for me, would you?"

"Sure, not a problem," replied Morrigan. "Just write me a list of what you need, and I'll drop by Diagon Alley after I've finished at the Ministry. Is there anything else you need me to do for you, while I'm out?"

"No, I'm good thanks," informed Draco with a shrug.

"Ok," answered Morrigan, also shrugging her shoulders. "Just the potions equipment and books it is then."

Draco nodded his head, and slipped into thoughtful silence once more. For the remainder of the evening, the companions stayed in their positions in front of the fire, saying little to each other, but enjoying the fact that they we no longer alone.