I do not own anything in the Harry Potter universe. Those all belong to The Beautiful JK Rowling. I'm just borrowing her characters to make a story of my own. I hope you all enjoy.

Also, this story is mine, as are any new characters that I introduce. Please do not steal them.

And now for our Feature Presentation!

Hermione Granger walked along the streets of Diagon Alley with a strange little contraption in her hand, well it was strange to most around her. To those who had even a small understanding of muggle electronics, they would recognize the little black box as a cell phone. The frizzy haired woman speaking into it was waving her arms around like a lunatic, talking to The Boy Who Lived.

"Harry, I can't understand you. I'm walking through Diagon Alley, you know how the magic upsets the connection. Just owl me and I will answer you when I get to the school." A loud crackling sound could be heard by anyone within ten feet of Hermione Granger, and it was clear that the witch was highly frustrated. With a flick of her finger, she slide the small screen shut and stuffed it into the large bag hanging off her shoulder.

It was a cool day in Diagon Alley, which suited her very well. A gentle breeze was blowing through the cobbled streets and the shops were busy as usual. She waved to the red-haired man currently standing outside of the famous Weasley Wizard Wheezes. He waved back with what looked like a wing for an arm.

With a chuckle, Hermione continued walking, the clip of her heels bouncing off the street. Her shoulder was beginning to hurt from the bag that was currently weighing down her right side. It was Monday morning and she definitely wasn't ready for class. Her weekend had gone by far too quick, but she loved the school and she loved her kids.

During the week Hermione ran a wizarding school for young wizards. Many thought she would be unsuccessful, but being 1/3 of the Golden Trio, she found herself very successful in inciting the idea of early childhood learning to Wizards. In the mornings she would enjoy a short walk through Diagon Alley, teach during the day, and come home to a small, but comfortable two-bedroom flat at the heart of London.

Though she loved being a witch and using a wand, muggle London is where she felt like home. Hermione just couldn't completely let go of her muggle heritage. In her apartment she kept the perfect mixture of muggle devices and magical objects. For every magical appliance she owned, there was an equal muggle counterpart that could do the job just as good. Sometimes, doing it the old fashioned way is so much more rewarding.

As the school came into view, Hermione smiled and waved at a few of the parents who were exiting. Each one smiled and gave her happy looks as they passed. Though Monday mornings bring her down, Hermione's spirit can always be uplifted by the site of young witches and wizards ready to learn. Of course, not all of them were excited, but for the most part they enjoyed her teaching. When she first started Sunny Skies Wizarding School, the only person who believed that she could do this was her best friend, Harry Potter. Whenever she had admitted her dream to Ron Weasley, he had only scoffed and rolled his eyes. "You'll never get anywhere," he told her, trying to comfort her, "Parents want to teach their own children." Hermione could still remember the sting that his words had caused. From the very beginning, he hadn't believed she could do it.

As Hermione walked through the door, her mind wandered back to Ron. The final battle had taken a toll on everyone, but no one was surprised whenever she and Ron became a couple. For four years she had tried to make things work, but he never wanted to cooperate. Hermione wasn't strong willed enough to contradict him, so she just went along with everything. That was her mistake. Not a day goes by that she doesn't miss him, but that's what happens whenever your life gets torn out from under you. Hermione had believed, just as everyone else had, that they would end up together. The problem, he never supported Hermione, and she was finally fed up. All it took was one big fight and Ron had left. That was 6 months ago, but to Hermione the pain seemed like it was yesterday. She would never admit it though, not to anyone.

Now he was seeing a new girl, Rachael, and Hermione was stuck playing the supportive best friend. The tension between them had caused Harry to get caught up between the two. So, being the brave and loyal Gryffindor she was, Hermione played the good best friend and told him that she didn't want him torn between she and Ron. Unlike Hermione, Ron had made sure Harry played owl between them every chance he got.

Pulling herself away from self pity, Hermione instead focused on her class that day. As soon as she stepped over the threshold, she could feel the atmosphere shift. Instead of the quiet shoppers outside, the inside of the outer office was total chaos. There were little kids running here and there, while every parent was trying to sneak in a goodbye kiss or a see-you-later hug. Hermione scanned the room and found Ginny Weasley, wife of Harry Potter, and best girlfriend of Hermione, standing next to the front desk with her son Albus on her hip. Al, being the abnormal two year he was, was laying his head on Ginny's shoulder. Her other son, Teddy Lupin, was standing by her hip with his hands placed dramatically over his chest. With a grin, Hermione walked over to the three and patted Teddy on the headl. "Are you ready for Class Teddy?" she asked him, smiling down into his tear glazed eyes. Were Hermione not aware of how dramatic Teddy tended to be, she may be alarmed.

Teddy shook his head as his answer and began to cry. A tear crawled down his cheek as he stared up at his Aunt, "I asked Mommy for some ice-cream, but she wouldn't let me have any. It's right across the street." Teddy's eyes drifted to what he must think was heaven and Ginny made a face at Hermione. While she was just laughing, Ginny shook her head and rolled her eyes in a very Ginnyish way. "I told you, you were being ornery," she stated, signing her name on the clipboard in her hand and sat it it.

Teddy shook his head, tears still falling, and ran into the four to six year old playroom. Hermione couldn't help but laugh when she walked behind the counter to check the list of children who was signed in. Her flat mate and co-worker Jeanette walked up behind her and took the list out of her hands. With her tongue between her teach, Jean ran her finger down the list and grinned, "I hope you are ready for a full day, you've got almost 15 in your class. You've always got so many. Perhaps you should look into hiring a teaching assistant."

Hermione, having heard this conversation multiple times, shook her head and took the list back, "I handle them just fine, thank you very much."

Jean, understand this was a battle she couldn't win, just shrugged and wandered over to her classroom. A few cries of the one to three year olds could be heard. Although they didn't accept newborns, Jean was a miracle with small children and a blessing to Sunny Skies. Hermione met her while Jean was training to become an Auror. Hermione, along with Harry, had both agreed to teach a new generation of students everything they had learned themselves. Of course, like all the other students, Jean was fascinated with all things Harry Potter.

Ginny, who had been listening intently, cleared her throat. This caused Hermione to jerk back to reality. With a scowl, Ginny touched her friend's shoulder, "I think Jean makes a good point. You are over-working yourself 'mione. I think that you should try and take a break, maybe come and stay at Number 12. It's only been six months and your still not over R-"

Hermione silenced her with her index finger and shook her head. "I am completely over him," she lied. Sensing the fib, Ginny started to continue, but the sound of a bell ringing overhead made her jump. Her scowl deepened as she hitched Albus farther up her hip,"I still don't see what that absurd sound is for. The kids always get here on time; the parents make sure of that. We had bells in Hogwarts and we did just fine."

"It makes it easy to keep track of them," Hermione explained, "They all know when they hear the bell class is about to start."

Ginny just shrugged and adjusted Al again, "Whatever works I guess. Perhaps I should do something like that with Harry at home. He is always on the move, new cities new places."

Hermione just nodded her understanding, "That's what happens when you are married to an Auror."

After a few more words and swift hugs, Hermione shooed Ginny out the door. Turning around to hug her once again, Ginny whispered in Hermione's ear, "I really miss you around the house. I wish you would come over to dinner tonight. Ron will be there, but it's horrible being stuck as the only girl."

Hermione smiled a sad smile, knowing exactly how Ginny felt. With a nod, Hermione waved her off with her hand. "Alright, I'll be there," she said, turning to begin her day.

The morning passed by smoothly, mostly due to the fact that none of the children acted up. Even Teddy was sitting quietly, learning his ABCs on the laminated paper in front of him. It was such a productive day that Hermione found lunchtime came in no time at all.

Once the bell signaling break rang, Hermione pulled out her wand and with a quick spell, cleaned up the art supplies sitting out. Motioning for everyone to stand up, Hermione gave them all time to stand in a single file line. "Today Miss Christy made Peanut Butter Sandwiches for everyone," she said with a smile, sure that someone was going to complain. The day was going by too smoothly, something was bound to happen.

Teddy raised his hand, but Hermione already knew what he was worried about, "And for all those who don't want or can't have PB&J, we have chicken bites." There was a loud exclamation of "YAY" and the children started walking out the door.

Christy, or Miss Christy as the kids called her, was the seven to ten year old teacher, and normally didn't have very many students. When the children got to be around that age, parents wanted to teach them on their own. Therefore, Christy normally did a lot of office work on top of her classes. Today she was handling a new addition to Sunny Skies, a small boy Hermione had yet to meet. She had been interested in meeting the new boy, that is until she led the class to the small lunchroom sat up down the hall. Hermione caught a glimpse of a small blonde haired boy with familiar grey eyes.

He was staring at Hermione as she led the kids into the lunchroom. Glancing inside and spotting Jeanette, she instead started down the hallway towards this new addition. Before she could get a better look, the boy's father stepped out from around the corner and held out a handful of papers to Christy. "Well, if it isn't Granger," he stated. He sounded surprised, but Hermione figured it was probably just an act.

As she stared up at his face, his trademark smirk was currently pointed in her direction. Memories of years of torment and torture came to mind and Hermione stopped where she was. Plastering on a fake smile, she crossed her arms behind her back. "Good Afternoon Mr. Malfoy. I assume you are enrolling your son?"

He seemed to think her question was quite obvious, because the smirk stayed on his face. He nodded, staring her down with grey eyes that used to mock her, "Yes, I am." Then, looking down at his son, he nudged the shy little boy forward, "Go on."

The boy looked up at her and Hermione's heart broke. Unlike this morning, where she knew Teddy's tears had been fake, his eyes were filled with tears that were obviously real. Hermione could understand the terror of attending a new school for the first time, and she was very sympathetic to them. The little boy stepped forward a few inches and wiped his eyes, "M-m-my name is Eltanin."

Hermione raised her eyes to Malfoy, her lips pulling up into a smile. Leave it too Malfoy to name his son after the brightest star in Draco. His egotistical way never ceased to astound her. Looking down once again, she could tell that the name fit. Avoiding Malfoy's face, she smiled down at the terrified boy and sank to her knees. "Well Eltanin, How old are you?" she asked, holding out her hand for him to shake.

Instead of taking it though, Eltanin grinned and turned to hide his face in his father's pant leg. Hermione smiled and stood back up, still admiring the small boy. Malfoy leaned down and picked Eltanin up, holding him so that he faced Hermione, "She asked you a question." His words were scolding, but, as she looked back at Malfoy, he was smiling a genuine smile. It was very endearing to watch Malfoy with his son. Hermione watched as he wrapped his arms around the boy and held him tight. Eltanin buried his face into his father's neck and refused to speak.

Hermione compared Eltanin to the various kids in her class. She smiled at him and tapped him lightly on the shoulder. Eltanin, clearly surprised looked up. She could see Malfoy glaring at her but she didn't care. "I don't think that you are wearing diapers, so you must be much older. Although you aren't a big strong man like your father, so I'd have to say you were five years old."

Eltanin laughed and looked up, "No, I'm four." He held up four fingers and counted them off, "See, one. Two. Three. Four."

Hermione couldn't help but laugh, "Oh, I'm so sorry. You are four."

She could feel Malfoy's gaze on her, but he didn't seem angry anymore. She looked up at him, ready for some scathing remark about how she was acting like a child, but he was smiling at her. Not a smirk or a sneer, but a real smile. Hermione was taken aback by how much his eyes had softened. "He will not be starting today," he stated, "but I'll be sure to get Elt here first thing tomorrow morning." As a sort of peace offering, he held out his hand for her to shake. It took her a second to respond, but she reached out and grasped his hand. His smile, still something she would have to get used to, widened, "It was good seeing you again Granger."

Hermione almost did stumble at that. Never, in her wildest dreams, would she have imagined Malfoy to be the one offering a truce. Sure, it wasn't as though he were professing his love, but a friendship seemed like a possibility. Of course, Hermione told herself, she would be teaching his child. Therefore some level of civility was implied. They couldn't very well be bickering back and forth between the children, now could they? Hermione let go of his hand and nodded, "It was good seeing you again too. I'll see you tomorrow bright and early. Please don't worry about bringing any supplies or the like. I make sure to provide any materials that they may need."

Malfoy nodded and turned to leave, "I'll see you tomorrow morning." With that he walked into the outer office and away from Hermione. She waited until she heard the door shut before leaning against a wall. Could it be true? Was she going to teach the son of her former enemy? Hermione had to pinch herself to be sure that had really happened. Sometimes dreams tend to take a crazy turn. When pain shot through her arm though, she knew it was true. Malfoy had just enrolled his son into a school taught by someone he once called a 'mudblood'.

Draco Malfoy exited through the front door of Sunny Skies Wizarding School and had to take a deep breath to steady himself. He was aware that Granger ran the school, but he hadn't expected her to be so dedicated to her work. The way she handled Eltanin showed her love of children and how well she could handle them. His fears of leaving his son under someone else's care were eliminated by the scene he had just witnessed.

His thoughts drifted back to their school days. As hard as he tried to match the Granger from then to the Granger he had just met, it was impossible. She just wasn't the same girl he had made fun of all those years ago. I suppose the war just changed us all, he thought sourly. The war hurt so many people, weakened so many families, but it made her even stronger. His mind couldn't help but think of her face when she had been snatched, sitting on the floor of his very own sitting room. Granger had looked up to him for help, pleaded with her eyes.

Why hadn't he helped her?

"Daddy, are you listening to me?" His son's voice broke through the fog that was currently his brain, bringing him back to the present. Draco nodded his head and kissed his son's forehead, "Yes, just like I always do."

"Dad, that means you weren't listening to me," The sigh Elt gave was full of exasperation, which only made Draco laugh. The boy scowled and crossed his arms, "We have two ears to listen Daddy, and you are not using either one."

With a shake of his head, Draco headed into Flourish and Blotts, "You truly are wise beyond your years."

Elt's brow furrowed in confusion, "How can I be wise beyond my year? I'm only," he counted on his fingers once again, "Four."

Draco was walking past a display of new books. One caught his eye, so he picked it up and stared at the cover. The picture staring back was all too familiar. Albus Dumbledore, greatest headmaster of Hogwarts, stared back at Draco. The blue eyes seemed to pierce through him once again, just as they had when he was younger. His heart clutched as he thought about the day he had told Dumbledore of the Dark Lord's plan, and had received nothing but mercy and forgiveness in return.

Dumbledore looked at Draco over his half-moon spectacles as the young man explained his predicament. The boy looked terribly frightened and Dumbledore wanted nothing more than to make everything better for him. As he finished his story, the young man stared up at his headmaster with pleading eyes. "Professor," he said, "I really didn't want to accept this assignment. I'm asking you to understand that I am putting myself and my family in danger to tell you this. If he ever finds out, I don't know what he will do. I just- I don't want to kill you, sir."

The old man stared at the Slytherin before him, knowing what he said was true. Much like Harry, Draco Malfoy was forced into a life that he didn't ask for, nor did he want. He was only doing what he could to stay alive and keep the people he loved alive. So, with a heavy heart, Dumbledore nodded, "Mr. Malfoy, I assure you that, were you to kill me, I would hold no grudge. I believe you are telling the truth when you say that you did not wish the mark upon you."

Draco's hand instinctively moved to his forearm. His eyes were downcast as though he were ashamed. Instead of denying his claim, Draco instead shook his head, "Sir, with all due respect, you are utterly insane."

The old man chuckled and rose to accompany Mr. Malfoy to the door. "You are free to go, and remember. If you must go through with this, please don't be afraid to protect yourself," the old man's eyes were sad as he regarded his once brilliant student, "Do what you believe is right and always look after your family.

With that, the boy was whisked from the office and sent back to class, contemplating some way to escape the inevitable.

A chill went down Draco's spin as he realized what could have happened that night on the tower. Thank Merlin that he had not been forced to become a murderer. Before that moment, he had truly doubted whether or not there was any good still left in him. Thanks to that old man, Draco had still had a choice. Thanks to Dumbledore, not only did he make a decision, but Draco made the right one. Eltanin tapped him on the shoulder, trying to pull his attention back from his thoughts. "Hey Daddy?" he asked.

Draco raised his eyebrows at his son and walked to the front desk and paid for Dumbledore's Army. Eltanin sighed as Draco picked up his purchase and walked back into the sun. Eltanin still hadn't said anything, so Draco put him down so that he could walk beside him. A scowl creeped onto Elt's lips as they walked.

"Hey Daddy?" Eltanin repeated, staring up at his father. Draco looked down and smiled. "Can we go for ice-cream? I've been really good today."

A laugh bubbled through Draco's chest, fatherly adoration radiating from deep inside. With a small shrug, Draco picked his son back up, "I suppose."

Rewritten, hopefully now a little better than before.

I hope you all enjoyed

Always remember to love,

Until We Meet Again,

Ms. Darcy