'Who knew finding a job would be this hard' It had been nearly a month since Melinda had come to England. It had been nearly a month that she had been looking for a job. It seemed no one wanted to hire her. She wasn't sure why, she knew she was qualified. She had to wonder if the reason was that she was an American. She was clueless that the reason why was because of her family name.

Melinda current was walking down Diagon alley, which had earlier been busier. Yet now she noticed that many of the shops were closed. According to one of the witches she passed, it was because of celebrations dealing the the defeat of Voldemort. Melinda could only hope that the shop she was trying to stop by today would still be open.
While Melinda had been rejected at almost ever Apothecary she had gone to in order to find a job, finally someone told her about 'Snape's Apothecary'. This person was convinced that someone like her should work there. She wasn't sure what they meant, but she shrugged it off. She needed a job and with luck this place might be hiring. It had been rather late that night, so she returned to The Leaky Cauldron for the night and decided she would head out to the place she had been told about.

Melinda had finally arrived at the Apothecary. She stood there outside feeling rather nervous, what if this place didn't want to hire her because she was an American. This might she knew was her last option, she was running of the saving. Melinda didn't want to head back to the States, her Mother had been dead set about her coming here, and if she returned home now all the fighting with her mother would have been pointless. Especially after she had finally agreed. It would all be for naught. Melinda moved her gaze to the door before reaching out and pushing it open slowly. As she stepped through the door she made sure to take in the interior of the shop.

Once Melinda was fully into the shop, and the door was closed behind her she stepped towards the counter. Her eyes glanced around the shop looking for someone who worked here. The sign did say open, and yet she couldn't spot anyone up front.

"Hello, is anyone here? I heard you might be looking for someone to hire..?" Melinda called out.

Moments later she was berating her self in her head, knowing that she sounded so unsure. She bit at her lip nervously, what if the shop keeper had left and forgotten to the look the door or something. Oh she really hoped that wasn't the case.

Melinda felt antsy as it took some time for someone to answer her. Maybe there was in fact no one here. Yet what sort of Wizard or Witch would leave, and leave the shop open. She would figure that people would be more careful considering that just a year ago there was a war. A war that Melinda was ever so thankful never made it's way across the Atlantic. While she considered leaving for a moment, she couldn't. Not with having such little funds someone had to be here. She'd wait all night if she had though. She grimaced hoping that she wouldn't have to wait all night.

Melinda let out a smile sigh as she waited. It felt like time was moving so long, that an entirety was passing by. Maybe there was someone back there and they were ignoring her because she was American. If that in fact was the case she would be so cheesed off. Just because she was from America it didn't mean, she needed to be ignored and treated so badly. Melinda considered shouting again, to try and get someone's attention. She was not someone you ignored.

Frankly the other person should consider his self lucky when he finally appeared. Melinda could be rather nasty when annoyed. She smiled at the attractive looking blonde before her. 'Did you really just ask that?' She could tell that he was skeptical of her, he probably thought she was some foolish chick.

"Well I've recently moved here from the US. Like anyone else I need to make a living and I happened to be rather skilled with Potions. I'm not the best, but I the best at my school Salem Witches Institute. I've been hoping to find a job at an Apothecary as a potions assistant, yet it seems the moment I say my name is Melinda Prince and I'm from the US looking for a job, I'm shooed out the door. If you are worried about my skills, I've bought a few potions I've made for you to test my ability. As well as a letter of recommendation from my old Professor. " She told Draco pulling out the items she mentioned.

After Draco had taken the papers Melinda, she allowed her arms to rest at her side. "Yes." Melinda said with a curt nod. It never occurred to her that the problem might in fact be her last name. While there were pureblood wizards in America and those very into family lines and all that. Melinda's mother wasn't, she didn't mention anything regarding relatives. All Melinda knew regarding any family she might have, was that they'd be in England. That's where her Mother was from, but for some reason she moved to America. Yet Melinda's last name came from her Father, she knew because her Mother still had her maiden name. So she had assumed her father was an American or something.

Melinda shook her head,"Oh no that's far from the case. While the Trials did happen, in 1692-1693, witches never left. They just went underground and created the school in memory of the witches who were killed." She explained the brief history of her school, not wanting to have to explain the whole history. Melinda watched him as he tried out her potion, hoping that he would deem it well. She knew it was of a wonderful quality, but the others had tried to tell her it was the worse they had scene. "Why should I be? I could ask you the same you know. While the war might have come to America at some point, and it did affect us a little, It really mostly didn't. Why should I celebrate something I had no role in? It's would just be like when American Muggles claim that the our people knew what World War Two was like, even though they only showed up at the end."

Melinda had to wonder if that was the truth, or if he was hiding something else. Plus someone young like him, he should want to party or something right? She was confused, but didn't ask feeling it wasn't her place. Plus she didn't want to risk her chance of being hired. She really needed to find a job.

She watched as he summoned the wine and the glasses. She took the glass that was offered to her. "Thank you." She said softly. Of course she was a bit surprised, but she had to remember that in Europe the drinking age was different from America's. "Oh I've been staying at the Leaky Cauldron." It was the last place she wanted to stay, but she couldn't be picky right now. Melinda cautiously took one sip of the wine, not sure if she was going to like it having never had wine before.

Her gaze turned towards the direction of the popping noise. Melinda looked confused, having no idea why the elf was addressing her. "Umm...I'm not him." She realized how lame that sounded, goodness she was making a terrible impression.

Melinda watched the two of them interact. She couldn't help but think he had a nice smile. Melinda nodded as she set down her glass. With a flick of her wand that she had pulled out. Her vastly long hair moved into a small bun, so that it wouldn't get in her way. She put her wand away and grabbed the box carefully. She followed after him with carrying the box.

Once she was in the other room, she set the box down next to the others. Melinda took in the area. She noted that the shelves were completely full. It seemed he liked to keep his supplies well stocked. She turned her gaze towards him, surprise spreading across her face. "Really? That would be ever so wonderful....Mr. Malfoy" Melinda said with a smile. It felt weird referring to someone her age like that, but he was to be her boss he had to be treated with respect. His family name had no effect on her, it sound familiar, but she had no idea why and nor did she care. She wasn't the type to judge someone based on their name.

Melinda nodded acknowledging the fact that he wanted her to call him Draco. "Yes of course." Melinda said nodding. She nodded, making sure to note in her mind where he said everything was. She wondered if they were going to start unpacking the boxes now. She listened making sure to memorize everything he was telling her. "I understand." Melinda said.

She watched him as he spoke noticing that he was passionate about his work. As she listened and watched him speak she notice just how attractive he is. "Of course that sounds fine to me" Melinda said nodding. She took a deep breath, "What time does work start?" She asked. She wanted to make sure she would be up and ready on time. It wouldn't do her well to be late to work ever.

Draco paused for a moment - he was an early riser, but the shop didn't open until 7:00am. They would need to unpack the boxes tomorrow, but since there were two of them it shouldn't take that long. He would need some extra time to show her a few more things... "6:00am, I'd say - be ready to go for 6:00." He nodded, opening the door to the loft above the shop.

"The loo is down the hall to the left - guest room across from it. My room is straight ahead if you ever need me, that's probably where I'll be if I'm not in the shop." He said. With a wave of his arm, he sighed. It was small, but the furniture was antique, and expensive - one could easily tell. The place held a subtle air of class to it, and the green theme of the furniture was very... Slytherine, but cosy. A fire was going in the fireplace in the living area, and Kindle was snapping her fingers, magic-ing the soap and water to do the dishes. Melinda's luggage was already sitting outside her room.

"This is it - it's small... But I've learned over the years that a big house can get rather lonely." Draco said, his eyes unfocusing for a moment. Shaking his head, he turned to look at her. "I'll see you tomorrow." Rather abruptly he walked off, into his room - closing the door behind him.

Pulling off his tie, he dropped face first onto his bed - his hand bringing his wand up to hide it under his pillow. He wasn't sure exactly what he had just done. But he felt as though it was a good decision. Haven't made one of those in a long while, mate. He thought to himself, before the long day and the alcohol finally put him to sleep. For once, he didn't dream of the war, or a snake-like man... But a faceless long-haired witch, who was trying to lead him somewhere. He didn't remember the dream by morning.