Hi Guys, so I know I'm working on a lot of stories right now, but again, I had another stroke of inspiration, I was watching Strictly Come Dancing, and this kind of popped into my head, its in the muggle world and I think it should be a good story, but who knows...
Here goes though.
Hermione Granger was a famous author, her books had sold millions of copies worldwide. They'd approached her about doing the dancing show for years, why wouldn't they, she was young and she would likely attract a younger audience to the show, and for years she'd refused.
"Hello?" She spoke into the ringing device in her hand.
"Hermione, it's your publishers, the sales in your books are declining, maybe through lack of public appearances by you, we just thought you might want to know" The voice on the other end of the line spoke clearly.
"Oh really? I've been going from primary school to primary school for months now"
"Maybe you just need to do something to boost your popularity again" They replied, hanging up the phone.
She sighed, she knew this day would come, eventually, and she knew she would have to do something about it.
"Hey Gin" She spoke having clicked on the contact she knew so well. "I'll do it"
"Do what?" Ginny said hopefully on the other end of the line.
"The show, I'll do the fucking show"
"Great!" Her friend exclaimed, "What changed your mind?"
"The sales on my books have declined, and I need to boost them somehow, or I'll get dropped by my publishers, this seems like the quickest and simplest way of doing that"
"Good, I'll let the casting directors know your interested, they should send you through a contract in a couple of days, and if everything is present and correct, you can sign and then we're ready to go"
"What would I do without you?" Hermione asked her best friend and manager of sorts.
"Wallow, be unproductive?" Ginny replied.
"Shut up you, make the phone call"
She hung up with her best friend and made her way through to her sitting room, plopping down on the chair she sighed, rubbing her face. Fuck, what the hell have I just signed up for?.
A few days later, Ginny arrived at her flat with the contract.
"How's my favourite author, soon to be dancer doing?" She asked stepping over the threshold.
"Good" Hermione sighed, following her best friend through to her living room.
"So this is it, this is the contract, everything is in there, fee, publicity, legal terms, contract conditions and what is expected of you, read through it when you want and sign it when your ready, although deadline is 2 weeks from now, so you don't have much time"
Hermione nodded taking the massive document, flicking through its pages. "I don't know anything really about that show you know"
"Well let me fill you in" Ginny said, "There are 13 pros this series, 6 men and 7 women, obviously you'll get one of the men, firstly we've got Charlie Baker" Ginny pulled up a picture of the short brunette on her phone "He's an old one now, been on the series since its inception, normally gets the one trick acts, I don't think you'll end up with him, next we have Tripp Parkinson, he's Australian" She pulled up a picture of a blonde man, a lanky dancer "He's been on the show for a few years now, interesting choreography, but again, I don't think you'll get him. Then we've got Freddie Pierce, he's from the U.S. he's a ten dance champion, one of the newer pros, started last series" She showed Hermione a picture,
"again, not sure you'll get him" Hermione sighed, to be fair she didn't really care who she got, just that he could dance and teach her how to do it. "Now, these 3 I think you might be in with a shot at getting. There's firstly Peter Johnson, an oldie, but a goodie" she pulled up a picture of a ginger man "and this is Vincent Giovanazzia" She showed Hermione a picture of a dark brunette man, his hair long and almost greasy looking "he's one of the new pros this series, one of 3, to men and a woman, he's a proven Latin stallion, and I think you stand a good chance with him." She smirked at Hermione before getting up the picture of the last man, "And this, is Draco Malfoy, new pro, U.K. and world wide Latin and Ballroom champion undefeated for 5 years, very passionate dancer, I think you stand a very good chance of being paired with him." Ginny smirk as Hermione observed the picture of the man, he was tall, lanky but physically strong, he had platinum blonde hair and looked to be a very serious man.
"Nice, good to know, I'll have a look through this contract tonight and then get back to you, I should have signed it by then" Hermione told Ginny.
Ginny nodded, "So how have you been then my future dancing queen?" Ginny asked, this time as a friend and not as her manager.
"Good, just been touring for the book, which evidently seem not to have worked" Hermione said.
"No man in your life?"
"Nope, just because you and Harry seem to have it all worked out doesn't mean the rest of us will"
Ginny rolled her eyes, and the two old friends caught up properly.
The weeks passed by since Hermione had signed the contract. She'd barely heard a whisper since she'd signed the contract about the show, but it was nearing the middle of August and she knew it wouldn't be long before she was contacted. In fact at that very moment her phone started to ring.
"Hello?"
"Hi Hermione, I'm Pansy, I'm the casting director and a producer over here at Strictly Dancing Stars, I just wanted to let you know that you are the last celebrity to be announced this year, so everybody will know of your involvement in the show by Friday"
"Thanks, when's first rehearsal for the launch show dance then?"
"That will be a week today, I'll get your manager to send you all the details of the studio where you'll all be rehearsing and everything should just flow from there"
"Alright thanks"
Hermione hung up her phone, there was definitely no backing out now. No way to turn back, proclaim it all a mistake.
Friday arrived, and she knew everybody was talking about who the last celebrity would be to be announced as competing in this years Strictly Dancing Stars. She had an appearance to make on the Friday Show tonight and she had to admit she was dreading it, but she knew just what to say to make her excitement seem genuine.
She'd arrived at the studio for the Friday Show 3 hours early and was hustled into a private green room to attempt to keep her identity as secret as possible until they announced her participation on the show live on air. The 3 hours seemed to pass painfully slowly, but she knew it would hopefully be all worth it in the end.
"How you feeling now then?" Ginny asked her, 15 minutes before she was due to be announced.
"Sick to my stomach, and this is them only reading my name out, can you imagine what I'm going to be like come launch night or the first lives?"
The two girls laughed and slowly some of Hermione's nerves ebbed away.
"Miss Granger, we need you on set right now, Hannah and Stephen will be announcing you in t-minus 3 minutes." A voice told her, and she nodded, checking her appearance once more in the mirror before following the stage hand. She wiped her sweaty hands on her cigarette style black trousers, and her red heels clicked as she followed him into the studio and behind a translucent screen. Her top seemed to glisten as the stage lights hit her plain white sparkly blouse, and her hands began to shake.
"Now many of you may be excited to find out who the final competitor on Strictly Dancing Stars this year is, and it is our pleasure to announce it to you tonight." Hannah said, and she could hear the woman's heels trekking closer and closer towards her.
"Yes, there has been much speculation about who this years final contestant is, but before we announce them we thought we'd give you guys a run down of just who else is competing in this years show" Stephen said as they came to a stop just in front of her.
"So, the first 12 celebrities announced this year are... Isaac Holt" Hannah said.
"Tracey Jones"
"Deana Walsh"
"Francine Marklines"
"Will Hanson"
"Olivia Steele"
"Robert Kelley"
6 gone, 6 more to go! Hermione thought as she counted down the names knowing it was a matter of minutes until she was announced as competing to the nation.
"Zachary Edwards" Hannah said.
Stephen followed. "Lucas Fox"
"Jason Kaylee"
"Seamus Finnegan"
"and finally Angelina Johnson" Stephen announced, Hermione sighed, finally her turn. She'd been elated when Seamus and Angelina were announced the day before, knowing she wouldn't be going through the whole experience alone, she had friends who understood what she was going through.
"Now, the time has come to announce this years final celebrity, they're a multi-million selling author" Hannah said.
"Their books have sold over 300 million copies worldwide"
"And they are one of these most beautiful human beings on this earth" Hannah finished.
"It's... Hermione Granger" Stephen announced, and she rounded from her side of the glass to the other side where the two presenters were waiting for her.
"Hi guys" She said, standing in the middle of the two.
"We're really excited to announce your are the last contestant on this years Strictly Dancing Stars, how are you feeling?" Hannah asked.
"I'm absolutely buzzing, its been a dream of mine to do this, and I can't believe I'm finally getting the chance, its been really nerve-wracking for me too being the last one to be announce but, I'm looking forward to the challenge and I'm looking forward to learning how to dance" Hermione answered effortlessly.
"Now, you've sold millions of books world wide, what is more nerve-wracking, releasing a new book or this?" Stephen asked.
"Oh, it's definitely this, this is in front of the entire nation in something I'm not trained in, so its going to be scary, but I'm looking forward to the challenge, I mean its an honour just to be asked to do it, and now its a reality"
The interview wrapped up very quickly, and Hermione sighed in release, that was hurdle one of many completed.
Draco Malfoy sat in his home watching the Friday Show, waiting for the announcement of this years final contestant, he'd been mildly impressed with some of the other celebrities but now he was curious to see who the final girl would be. He watched his screen intently as the announcement was made.
"Its... Hermione Granger" The miniature screen sized Stephen announced.
He'd heard of the girls books but had never actually seen her in person, a tall, brown eyed brunette girl made her way into the studio, he could tell from the way she walked she had a natural grace to her, she also had a classic beauty about her. Her long light brunette hair was swept out of her face, and it was in soft curled ringlets, her make-up was barely existent, yet she seemed to glow without need of it. Draco knew this girl was special, and he knew he would fight tooth and nail to have this girl as his partner for his debut series.
Monday morning rolled around and it was the day she had been dreading, the first rehearsal, she just hoped to god she made a good impression on everybody. Jumping in her car she sped off to the secret rehearsal studio, and found she was one of the last to arrive.
"Miss Granger, if you'll follow me please" A man said to her, and she followed.
She was led to the back of a large room, divided by a single black curtain, behind which she was told to stand, she was flanked either side by Seamus and Angelina.
"How you feeling?" Angie asked her.
"Shit scared" Hermione replied and their little group laughed. they were quickly told to be quiet, and they heard little paters of footsteps enter the room, this was what they could only assume to be the professional dancers. The presenters of the show then entered the room and the TV cameras began rolling.
"Welcome professionals to this first day of training" Rachel the first presenter spoke.
"I'm sure you're all very eager to meet the very nervous celebs behind this curtain, so please welcome this years Strictly Stars" Gina the other presenter announced.
The curtain dropped and they were left face to face with the pros. Hermione slowly walked forward and began greeting everybody, growing tired of having to introduce herself to many people 13 times.
"Hi, I'm Draco, you're Hermione the author" The last pro said to her.
"Yes, I am, I've been watching some of your work online, Jesus your amazing" She told the platinum blonde headed man.
"Thanks" He replied with a smile, "I'm a massive fan of your books"
"Thanks" She smiled in reply.
"Ok, lets get some training done!" Rachel announced.
They were split back into Celebs and Pros, and then paired off on heights and Hermione knew her partner would change in this dance at least 3 times.
Her first partner was another celeb, who she would strut forward to, and he would lift her up, this thankfully turned out to be Seamus. Her second partner was Tripp and her final partner was Draco.
"Hermione" She heard Rachel shout and she knew she was being pulled aside to be asked who she fancied for her partner, and what vibes she was getting off people.
"Hi" She said jogging over.
"You look like you've been working hard, how's it going?" Gina asked.
"Great, everybody is working so hard, I can't wait for everybody to see the finished product."
"Is there anyone in particular you fancy for a partner?" Rachel asked her.
"Dare I say it , but Draco and I seem to be getting on rather well, he's funny and we've been having a good time working out the steps, I think him or Vincent and I would be a very happy girl indeed"
Hermione was then allowed to return to the dance floor.
"Hermione?" The choreographer shouted to her, he then waved his hand for her to come to him. "Hermione, I'd like for you and Draco to rehearse a little solo section for the dance, roughly about 10 seconds in length"
Hermione nodded, moving closer to the blonde professional dancer. He took her hand in his and place his hand round her back, whilst hers was place elegantly on his shoulder. The choreographer instructed them for about 10 minutes before leaving them to rehearse.
Once the day had finished Hermione was exhausted, but she knew her days would only get more hectic from here on out.
It was a week before the launch and she was called in to do her little biography interview for camera for the launch show. She was sewn into the costume she had been fitted for a few days ago, it was a deep purple 2 piece which expose more of her stomach than she was entirely comfortable, but she was happy they had faith in her to pull it off. She was then called to go and take promotional pictures to advertise the launch show, after which she was then ushered back to costumes to get her dress for the interview. The hair and make up team restyled her and she had to admit she looked pretty good.
Her dress was a pale pink, with little white flowers on it, she had a deep cut in the back which rested just above her lower back, she wore pink pumps on her feet and her look was completed with her flowing locks being pulled back into a braid which lay over one shoulder and her make-up done just enough to give her more of natural glow.
She sat down in the room and the interview began.
"Hi I'm Hermione Granger, I'm a philanthropist and stage actor but most people know me for the multi-award winning, multi-million sending books which I wrote." She said to the camera with as much enthusiasm as she could.
"I've always loved dancing, never taken a class in my life, just dancing around the kitchen with my dad" She laughed.
"I think the boy who gets me is going to have there hands full, I'm a little bit boisterous when I want to be, so I need someone whose not afraid to have fun with me but someone who can boss me around when I'm getting out of hand."
"I can't wait to let the story begin"
She wrapped up and was told she was allowed to go home, no worries about changing and for that she was glad.
A week later and it was launch show night, and Hermione was absolutely shitting herself. She stood nervously at the top of the stairs and waited for her name to be called to make her entrance into the Strictly Stars studio for the first time.
"Please welcome your host Rachel McKinnon and Gina Davies" The overhead voice said as the to host made there way on stage.
"Thank you, this is going to be an amazing series isn't it Gina"
"Yes, Rachel, we've got 2 Olympians, 2 singers, and a multi-million pound selling author. Plus 3 new pros and one new judge!"
"Yes and speaking of our stars, why don't we meet them" Rachel said.
"Firstly, former Olympic athlete Tracy Jones" A voice over man said, he continued.
"Fellow Olympian Will Hanson"
"Reality TV star Jason Kaylee"
Hermione's heart began beating quicker by the minute.
"Cricketer Robert Kelley" The voice over continued.
"Manchester City and England footballer Seamus Finnegan"
"Male figure skater Lucas Fox"
"Actor and Comedian Isaac Holt"
"Singer and Actress Deana Walsh"
"Tennis star Angelina Johnson"
"Actress Francine Marklines"
"Actor Zachary Edwards"
"Singer Olivia Steele"
Hermione sighed, it was her turn, she evened out her breathing and pasted a smile on her face as she emerged at the top of the stairs.
"And finally, Author, stage actress and philanthropist Hermione Granger"
She smiled and waved before making her way down the stairs to the group of nervous contestants.
"There they are, our Strictly Dancing Stars for this year" Rachel announced,
"Don't they all look nervous, why don't we start pairing some of them off hey?" Gina asked.
"Welcome to the floor Will Hanson, Jason Kaylee, Robert Kelley and Lucas Fox" Rachel said.
Hermione was ushered off the dance floor and into the green room, the suspense of waiting to know her partner was killing her. She watched on the green screen monitor as the 4 men were paired up. Will with Kalee Mattson, Jason with Megan Lomax, Robert with Ellie Flanagan and Lucas with Carla Maria. The next 3 girls were taken out of the room, and then she was left watching with bated breath.
"Here, please welcome to the floor our first 3 lovely ladies, Deana Walsh, Tracey Jones and Olivia Steele" Gina announced. They paused where the VT's of each celebrity would be edited in to be shown to the public.
Dean was paired with Vincent Giovanazzia, and Hermione hoped Draco would not be paired with another girl, knowing that one of her choices had gone. Tracey was paired with Charlie Baker and Olivia was paired with Tripp Parkinson. Hermione sighed in relief when she realised Draco had not been paired with anyone yet. The last 3 boys were taken from the room and Hermione was left with Francine and Angie.
Zachary was paired with Penny Wiseman, Isaac was paired with Charlotte Maybury and she smiled when she realised Seamus had been paired with the one he really wanted Jamie Partington, but with the final pairing of the last boy, it dawned on her it was her turn now.
Hermione was ushered out of the green room and back into the studio where she found the final 3 boys waiting to be announced. She was going to be the penultimate girl to be paired with Angie going first.
"Lets welcome to the floor Angelina Johnson, now Angelina, your footwork is usually very fancy on the court, how do you plan on bringing that to Strictly?" Gina asked.
"I don't!" Angie replied laughing.
"Shall we reveal who your partner is?" Gina added and Angie nodded, "Your partner this year will be... Peter Johnson!"
Angie screamed and Hermione smirked knowingly.
"It's going to be the Johnson twins!" Gina remarked, "Off you go to Rachel upstairs, great pairing" The pair ran off upstairs pleased with their new couple.
"Next up we have the ever gorgeous Hermione Granger" Hermione made her way across the floor towards Gina, and held on to her hand tightly, "Oh my dear, your shaking are you really that nervous?"
"I'm terrified Gina!" She laughed.
"Well lets put you out of your misery" Gina said, "The man you will writing up a storm with this year is..."
Hermione's breath caught in her throats as she surveyed the two boys in front of her. Of course she wanted Draco, but life would not be so bad with Freddie Pierce.
"It's Draco Malfoy!" Gina announced and Hermione let out a breath. Draco ran over to her, spinning her around in a circle. "Aren't you two the most beautiful couple, I expect great things from you two, make your way up to Rachel"
Draco grabbed hold of her hands and they an off upstairs, her purple tassels on her two piece jangling as they ran. They stood next to Rachel, and Draco's had wormed its way around her waste feeling cold against her bare skin.
"I'm so glad I got you as my partner" Draco whispered in her ear, Draco would never admit it out loud but he was physically attracted to the girl and he was excited to get to know her better.
"Me too, I was hoping I'd get you" Hermione whispered back, a laugh in her voice.
Finally Francine and Freddie joined them upstairs and Rachel commenced her interview.
"Now Angelina, how do you feel about having this magnificent man on your arm?" Rachel asked.
"Ecstatic! I wanted him as a partner so badly, and I was thrilled when they announced his name"
"and Peter, what are you Johnson twins going to be doing this series?"
"Dancing up a storm hopefully" He answered squeezing Angelina's waist.
"Now, Francine, last girl to get her partner announced, how nervous were you?" Rachel asked.
"So nervous..." Hermione tuned out of what she said, Draco had started drawing intricate patterns on her skin by her waist and she was getting more and more distracted by the second.
"Now, Hermione and Draco, you two were clearly very happy to be paired together, what is the main thing you think you have got to work with here Draco?" Rachel asked them, and his intricate drawing stopped, but his hand still lightly caressed her waist.
"I think there's a natural chemistry here to work with, we get on really well and rhythmically its all there already so its just really teaching her the steps and letting her flourish from there"
"And Hermione what is the main thing you are excited for?"
"I think probably learning a new dance each week, and why wouldn't you be excited about that when you have this handsome specimen here teaching you every week" She laughed, "I'm looking forward to the challenge each dance presents and I can't wait to show everybody what I'm made of" she smiled. "Oh I shouldn't have said that now, dug myself a hole now which is going to be hard to climb out of if I can't dance!" The group laughed.
The recording continued, and the group performed their group dance, Hermione surprising herself by how much she enjoyed the whole thing, her and Draco's solo section flew by without a hitch and she was excited to see what else she and Draco could do when they danced together, needless to say, she was in for and interesting few weeks.
So there you have it guys, hope you all liked it, I'll try and keep on top of updating, I think you can probably guess where this story is headed!
Thanks so much for reading,
DWMS6