New Beginnings

Second Chances

Draco dropped a Sprink into the pay-phone coin slot. With his wand he dialled 222. A tinny ringing sounded through the receiver.

'Elf's Cabs, how can I help?' An elf squeaked.

'Hi, could I get a taxi from the YWWA Hostel to Brooklyn Heights please?'

'Sure thing, Buddy will be there in a sec. Have a nice day!'

'You too, thanks.'

'Good luck!' Jim shouted, as Draco stepped out into the busy street.

*****

Buddy dropped Draco outside a brownstone building. Straightening his suit jacket and tie, Draco walked up the steps with forced confidence.

The large oak door had 'J.K. Selwyn & co.' embossed in gold. Draco knocked, then adjusted his tie again.

A smartly-dressed wizard answered the door and ushered him inside. He gestured for Draco to take a seat.

'Mr Malfoy, I presume?' An elegant witch in her mid-forties stood in a doorway. Her dark hair shone in the sunlight pouring through the high windows. 'I'm Joanna Selwyn.'

'Yes, pleasure to meet you ma'am,' Draco shook her hand warmly. He hoped his palms weren't too damp.

'This way, Mr Malfoy,' she showed him into her office. It was opulently but tastefully decorated, with a computer whirring on the desk. 'Would you care for some tea?'

'Please, call me Draco,' he smiled charmingly, settling into the leather chair she offered. 'And yes, please, I'd love a cup.'

She smiled at him, pouring them each a cup from a floral teapot. Draco detected the remnants of an English accent as she spoke.

'I see from your résumé you had a proficiency in potions while at Hogwarts, is that correct?'

'Yes, it was my favourite subject and I had a talented professor. He taught me a great deal.'

'Severus always was an excellent potioneer,' she smiled, fondly.

'Well, let me give you the tour,' her teacup clinked back into the saucer and she swept out of the room.

Draco rushed to keep up as she marched upstairs.

'We employ a mixed staff here,' she said as a dwarf passed them. 'That won't be an issue, will it?'

'No. No, of course not.'

Each floor had rooms filled with witches, wizards and magical creatures at various stages of potion-making. The rooms were bright and airy, with large windows and comfortable stools.

'You'll work from 10am until 7pm with an hour to eat, Monday to Friday, in the prep room. You'll assist with dicing, slicing, skinning or otherwise preparing vast quantities of ingredients.'

The sound of knives clunking into chopping boards could be heard over the friendly chatter of employees.

'We'll require you to work an additional three 11pm to 1am shifts every few weeks. There's also the opportunity for picking up additional shifts, especially around a full moon.'

Draco nodded, trying not to get his hopes up. He really needed this job.

'We're a relatively new company, but we're continuing to expand. There's always room for progression. We believe in providing quality products, and happy employees is integral to that. Do you have any questions?'

They had returned to her office and she poured them both more tea.

'No, I think you've answered everything I wanted to ask,' Draco said.

'Excellent. Welcome to the team, can you start tomorrow?'

'What? Really?!' Draco spluttered. 'I mean...yes, of course!'

'You'll need dragon-hide gloves and wear smart-casual clothes. We can loan you gloves if you need.' She shook Draco's hand, escorting him to the door. A red and black tattoo peeked out from her left sleeve as she held the door ajar.

'That's amazing, I just...wow, OK. I'll see you tomorrow!'

'Everyone deserves a second chance, Draco,' she smiled softly at him.

'Thank you, I won't let you down!'