Author's Note: This story has been kicking my ass for a few months now. I wanted it to be completely finished before I posted anything, but I'm hoping having it posted will get my creative juices flowing again. The rating is purely for safety, but may eventually change depending on how well my characters behave. *glare*

Warnings: eventual BL of the Drarry variety

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and its characters. I do however claim this plotline and the original characters contained therein. If you feel the need to sue, I have plenty of college loans I'm willing to let you have without a fight.

Collision: Chapter 1
Jackie's Junction

It was a beautiful day in London; the kind where you could forget a war had taken place nearly five years prior. Though there remained a lot of scars in the hearts of a generation, the rebuilding of the Wizarding world had made immense progress. If one feared that the new era of peace would cause amnesia, they needn't worry. The Ministry of Magic, under the able direction of Kingsley Shacklebolt, ensured that measures were taken so that any attempt of starting another war would be trying indeed.

One such measure was to create a Department of Muggle Awareness, headed by Arthur Weasley. The department quickly set to work increasing awareness and understanding of Muggles and their culture. The hope was that if Wizards understood their non-magical cousins, there would be less inclination to fear or despise them. As part of this initiative, an area was designed off of Diagon Alley to include shops that gave wizards a Muggle shopping experience. Cashew Alley featured shops, diners, and even a Muggle-style carousel. In the middle of the shopping strip sat Jackie's Junction.

Jackie was an American who thought that if the British Ministry of Magic wanted to increase Muggle awareness, they might as well do so on an international level. And like most Americans, she felt that this was best done by selling American products. She opened up a retail shop that specialized in Muggle-American clothing and accessories. She hired young Wizards and Witches willing to work hard and wear the latest Muggle styles.

Retail is not a glamorous job, and certainly not one in which you'd think to find Draco Malfoy. And yet there he was found, helping a loyal customer decide on a pair of jeans. After Voldemort had been defeated Draco had made a deal with the Ministry of Magic. He was let free with the stipulation that he contribute to the Muggle Awareness Campaign. Unfortunately Jackie was the only one who would hire him, since she had no real feelings concerning the Great War.

The old Draco would never have done well in any field requiring customer service; however, the Draco who'd had his life threatened—on numerous occasions—was just happy to be alive. And if in order to stay alive and comfortable he had to cater to the whims and fancies of picky women and clueless men, then so be it.

Draco thanked Mrs. Crowsley after she paid for her jeans and turned to two women approaching the counter. He was momentarily distracted when Mrs. Crowsley told the two women that they had to work with Draco because he was the best and she only bought clothes when he was working. He laughed to hide his embarrassment at the enthusiastic compliment and thanked her again. Finally, he was able to get a good look at the two women and stopped his greeting short.

There stood Hermione Granger—or Weasley—and her mother-in-law. He had not seen either woman since the end of the war five years prior. He took a deep breath and decided that the best way to navigate this awkward situation was to pretend they were any other customer. He put on his best smile and began his greeting again.

"Good morning, ladies. How may I help you?" His mother would be so proud of his good manners.

The Weasleys took longer to recover from their shock. Used-to-be-Granger was first and thankfully decided to keep things civil. "Um, hi. Molly would like a Muggle-styled formal dress."

Draco nodded. "Let me take you to our formal wear." On his way he passed a coworker. "Hey, Eva, can you help me out here?" He was confident he would be able to find a perfectly good dress for Molly Weasley on his own, but given the nature of their relationship he thought it best that a neutral party also be involved.

Like Jackie, Eva was American. Unlike Jackie, or anyone else in the store, she was also a Muggle. She had witnessed a murder by two wizards and her memory was kept intact so she could testify against them. She had been relocated to London for her safety while the criminals were still on the run. Though they were now incarcerated, she had appealed to become a permanent resident of London and had agreed to secrecy about the magical world.

Draco had never heard of such a practice, and was appalled that the Ministry would allow a Muggle to live freely among Wizards. He supposed it was part of the new praise-the-Muggles mentality that had swept the community. Of course Eva was currently his only friend, so he couldn't really protest to her presence too much. She was proving to be an ally in helping him become Muggle-tolerant enough for the ministry. Although he did secretly commend the Minster of Magic for ensuring her silence through the use of a spell.

"What can I do for you Drake?" she asked enthusiastically. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He hated that she had come up with that nickname, but her ceasing its use was about as likely as her becoming a witch.

"Will you help me find a formal dress for Mrs. Weasley?"

She grinned. "Sure thing!" She turned to the red-headed woman. "What kind of dress are you looking for?"

Mrs. Weasley appeared to still be a bit tongue-tied by Draco's presence. "I—uh—am not really sure." She looked around the store wide-eyed.

Eva giggled and he was sure Weasley's—forget it, she was still Granger in his mind—hand was hiding a small smile. "That's okay, ma'am. We get a lot of first time customers. What's the occasion?"

Granger stepped in to help. "We are going to the Muggle Awareness Ball. Molly needs a stunning gown as she will be very much in the spotlight that night."

"I see, a VIP are you? You're very lucky Jackie isn't here or she'd be fawning all over you. She loves celebrities!" Draco mentally cringed. Another quirk about Eva was that she lacked any sense of propriety. "Okay, what will be your main function at the ball? Will you be mingling with other important people, dancing, sitting at a dais…?"

Eva's southern charm was working its magic on the woman as she visibly relaxed. "Mostly mingling, I suppose. I may have to participate in a few dances, but not many if I have my say!"

"Certainly! Well then, you'll want something with room to move, with a hem you won't step on. I'm thinking more along the conservative side. And you would look fabulous in rich tones!" She guided the two Mrs. Weasleys through the formal section. After showing the elder Weasley a few gowns she set her up in a fitting room so she could look for more of what the woman liked. Eva was great at dressing people. Seeing that she had it firmly under control, Draco left her and went to greet a new customer who had walked in.

After sending the young man off with some jeans for his girlfriend, Draco leaned behind the cash register and scanned the empty store. The Weasleys were the only customers at the moment and he was quite bored. Eva seemed to pick up on it and skipped over to him. "They're deciding between three gowns right now. She's trying to figure out which one she likes best with the shoes we picked out." She stared at Draco intently when he shrugged. "I know you could have handled that one yourself. Why'd you pawn it off on me?"

"I thought you might be bored."

Eva rolled her eyes. "Right. I'm sure it had nothing to do with their connection with your arch-nemesis."

Draco was not sure which to react to: his surprise at her accuracy or her description of Potter. He decided on the safer route. "Arch-nemesis?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Don't do that!" Eva snapped. "I hate that 'holier-than-thou' attitude of yours. And arch-nemesis is as good a word as any." She paused and redirected herself. "And yes, I am very observant and read people very well. You were all tension with them. I thought you were used to dealing with people who shared a mutual dislike?"

Draco let out a breath. It may have been mistaken for a sigh if Malfoys did such things. "They're different."

"Oh, I'd love to hear that explanation!"

Thankfully he was saved from further interrogation as the Weasleys waved Eva over. The truth was that he couldn't explain why the Weasleys were different. Ever since the end of the war the Golden Trio made him feel…unworthy. And he hated feeling that way. When he saw them he felt like his sins were written all over his face and that he would never gain the admiration that those three had. And then there was Potter. Potter evoked such intense feelings that Draco could not even begin to name.

Eva was back at the register to ring up the Weasleys' purchases. "You're going to be the belle of the ball!" she assured the elder Weasley, who blushed.

Granger turned to Draco. "Will you be attending?" she asked politely.

That was the question Draco had been hoping would not come up. He had not bothered to RSVP, convinced that no one would lose sleep over it. The invitation had been sent for proprietary purposes. All wealthy Wizarding families would have been invited, in hopes that they would fund Muggle Awareness Measures. Now Granger had to bring it up out of some sadistic need to make idle conversation.

Draco shook his head. "I don't know that I will be able to make it," he said diplomatically.

"You were invited?" inquired Eva, glaring.

Draco not-sighed. "Yes, I was invited. No, I did not tell you about it. The invitation was made out to my family."

"I can't believe you're not going to take me to this ball! How many times have I told you that I love these kinds of things? I had to miss my prom, if you remember! And you would keep this from me?" She was now in full scene-making mode, and if Draco did not remedy the situation he would be severely embarrassed in front of the Weasleys. That simply would not do.

He turned back to the women, who were watching with poorly concealed amusement. "It seems that my plans have changed and that I will be attending."

"Well then…" Granger started awkwardly. "We will see you there." He nodded. She turned to his coworker. "Eva, it was a pleasure meeting you. Thanks for all your help."

Eva grinned. "My pleasure! Come back and see us again!"

After they left Eva turned back to Draco. "You got off easy, I hope you know. I don't give a damn about your socio-phobic need to shut yourself away from higher Wizarding society. I stayed here because this world amazes me. You are my best friend and it is your duty to ensure my Wizarding experience is as rich as possible. Besides," she said, "you need this. Going to a Muggle Awareness Ball? That's going to be amazing publicity for your family!"

"She is correct," was Narcissa's opinion on the matter at dinner that night. "It will help bolster public opinion about our family, which can only be beneficial."

"Am I to assume that you will be in attendance?" he asked, spearing a pea with his fork.

"Do not be foolish Draco," answered his father. "We would be unwelcome at such an event. You are young and easily forgiven. Besides, Eva is a charming woman who will be an asset at this event, despite her…disadvantages."

Lucius had finally accepted that Draco had Muggle friend. As a rule he could not like her, but his positive appraisal of her personality was a step in the right direction. Still, Draco could not help but shudder at the prospect of the ball. He was sure it would not be enjoyable. It would also require important political finesse. He did not want to draw attention to himself as many people still saw the Malfoys in a negative light. At the same time he would need to be seen so the public would know that Malfoys supported such an event. He frowned as he speared another pea. It was going to be a trying evening indeed.

AN: Oh my, Draco's taking a muggle to the ball. How will this turn out? *evil cackle* Please leave me a review. The reviews I get the more likely my writing will speed up. *grin*