Hello everyone and welcome. I must admit this is very different from my usual fair, but every author has to write at least one fic that is in some way Dramione. I anticipate that this will be largely light hearted and I apologise for the fact that it may become exceedingly cheesey and a bit bizarre - just warning you now. But if you guys like it I think it could reach a good length so let me know what you think. And before anyone asks, I did get inspiration from Strictly Coming back this weekend.

Disclaimer: I am not J K Rowling an doubt I will become her during the writing of this fiction. All rights and all credit for Harry Potter and his universe are hers. I am borrowing and embroidering.

I hope you like it, please review!

Strictly Professional

Chapter 1

The new term was going well. It was October and the castle was quiet and peaceful in the dawn before the breakfast-rush. The new first years had settled in well. Even the necessary accommodation had been found easily for the extra students (Hogwarts Castle was, as a general rule, very accommodating) who were re-sitting seventh year, or just sitting it a year late. Disruption had affected everyone's lives, and almost every member of 'the lost year' had come back in September, ready to study for their NEWTS.

Yes, everything was going so well. But Minerva McGonagall, who was surveying the Hogwarts Grounds from the arched window of the Headmaster's Office, had a horrible feeling she was about to disturb the Castle's, the student's and her own well-deserved peace. Deputy Headmaster Slughorn had a new scheme and, as he had told the new Minister before her, his plan had full Ministry backing. The Headmistress' hands were tied, and she could put it off no longer. The announcement would be made after Breakfast, giving her and everyone else, about an hour and a half's more contentment before the metaphorical curse would be dropped – whether they knew it yet or not.

…

"What do you think that's about?" Ron asked through a mouth full of scrambled egg, looking at Hermione accusingly. Several other Gryffindors peered down the table at her too, clearly expecting their esteemed Head Girl to know the answer.

"If you're referring to Professor McGonagall's request that we 'eighth' years stay behind…?" She received an affirming nod. "Then I don't know. But clearly it's of importance – her expression was very grave – and so if I did know, I wouldn't tell you." Hermione ignored Ron's disgruntled noise and turned her attention back to her toast. Harry who was next to her jumped in to peace make, an over-anxious habit he had developed since his two best friends split up from their very brief relationship.

"Well we'll find out soon anyway. Lucky we all have frees first, or you can be sure the rest of the school would hang around to listen in. Thought we'd had the last of these special announcements when they figured out how to fit in three extra Defence Against the Dark Arts class groups…" Harry trailed off when neither friend paid any more attention to him than they were to their food. He heaved a sigh and helped himself to more bacon. He could only hope that whatever this announcement was it might force the two of them to be a bit more than vaguely civil to one another.

…

Draco Malfoy was leaning one elbow on the Slytherin table, waiting for McGonagall to stop muttering to Slughorn and tell them what the hell was going on. He'd had just about enough of complications, and everything had seemed to be getting back to how it should be. This was supposed to be the regular, peaceful seventh year they had all been denied. He had everything planned out and he didn't want anything to interfere with his plans.

Sure, things weren't quite how they were in his first four (and largely peaceful) years of Hogwarts. Crabbe and Goyle hadn't got the OWL grades to be offered a place in the new eighth year but he surprised himself by not missing their bulky presence. He really did want a quiet year, and those two meat shields would be constant reminders of the war that was over and done with. Another quite welcome change was his elevation to Head Boy. He knew choosing a Slytherin to star opposite the Gryffindor Princess was mostly just part of their 'reconciliation' policy that they kept going on about.

Still, he liked to think he would have been the obvious choice anyway. Now that the pressures that came with a Dark Lord taking up residency in your home were gone, his grades were back up to their excellent standard. Plus, he'd regained weight and relaxed back into his good looks over the summer: he really looked the part of charming young leader. Not to mention that anyone who cared to look could see that he almost enshrined their ideas of reconciliation. He was , all in all, a reformed character. His thoughts were cut off as he instinctively looked up to see why the noise level in the Great Hall had dropped. McGonagall was ready to let them off their tenterhooks.

…

Hermione looked up at their Headmistress, her face full of mild admiration as the older woman waited to begin until every voice in the crowded Hall was stilled. Whatever the Professor had to announce Hermione would offer her full commitment and support. It was her duty as Head Girl to lead through example and the Headmistress had her full loyalty – they had literally fought for each other in the past, after all.

Hermione focussed onto McGonagall as she drew breath to speak. "This year, with the approval and direction of the Ministry, Hogwarts will be sampling a new extra-curricular… competition. Due to our shared policy of reconciliation the Minister has seen fit to make this activity compulsory for you. 'The lost year', those worst affected by the horrors that our society suffered, you are to be the ones who will have this opportunity to break down barriers, veto stereotypes and learn from each other. I'm afraid that it is compulsory. No exceptions. I invite Professor Slughorn, who helpfully gave the Ministry this… innovative idea, to explain the concept more fully"

Hermione frowned a little and glanced back to exchange a worried glance with Harry who simply shrugged and turned his attention back to Slughorn - who was taking his time coming to the lectern, clearly not having expected to speak. Whatever this was, Hermione mused, Minerva McGonagall did not really approve. Hermione was beginning to dread what this 'scheme' would entail… she remembered all too well what had happened the last time the Ministry had tried to interfere at Hogwarts. She was sure that if Harry and she had to organise another illegal group than they would. She just hoped it wouldn't be necessary. She wanted this year to juxtapose the last one and that meant it should be restful, danger free and include academic achievement.

Professor Slughorn's jovial voice interrupted her thoughts as he cheerfully addressed the gathered students. "Now then, Ladies and Gentleman… I am sure you are all eager to know exactly what you're all in for. Now, don't worry, you're all going to have the besttime. Of course, a little dancing never hurt anyone." Here Slughorn waved down imaginary laughs from the students as he himself chuckled. "Yes, we're having a little dance competition. Ballroom mind you everyone… and, er, everyone will be partnered up – sometimes Slytherin to Gryffindor, sometimes pure-blood to muggle born or supposed ' blood traitor' to muggle born and so on. This is the next step in our reconciliation, and it will be great fun too! The Ministry has identified that our society remains fragmented, and you are the generation that will form it back into a whole!

"Now, each pair will have one month to prepare… and then, say, fortnightly, every pair will perform for the School. After a few dances, a ballot will be taken and the least popular couple will be voted out of the competition. Now, before you all go and dust off your ball gowns let me add a few details!" Slughorn was completely ignoring the despairing groans and rowdy complaints that were spreading through the hall, but was displaying enough enthusiasm to make up for them all anyway. "The winning couple will receive a substantial number of House points for their prospective Houses, extra credit and an interview at the end of their year – with a view to an eventual job offer – from a major wizarding corporation or organization! That includes Hogwarts itself, St. Mungo's and even the Ministry of Magic! And now I hand you back to Professor McGonagall so she may tell you what you are all most anxious to here." With this Slughorn positively bounced back to his seat, a beam on his face and a gleam in his eye. He could not have seemed more chuffed.

Professor McGonagall's demeanour could not possibly have been more different. She returned to the lectern with a stony expression and gripping tightly a role of parchment that bore the fate of them all.

"What follows are the names of female students, and then the name of their partner. I am assured that these pairs are non-negotiable.

"Hannah Abbot…Neville Longbottom… Lavender Brown… Theodore Nott… Susan Bones…Terry Boot… Mandy Brocklehurst... Seamus Finnegan… Millicent Bullstrode… Harry Potter..."

Oh Merlin… thought Hermione. It was getting close. Surely she wouldn't have to… surely life wouldn't be so cruel.

"Hermione Granger…" McGonagall's voice rang clear as she glanced at her Head Girl and Hermione could see the apology in her eyes. Please no… she twisted her fingers in her lap, pleating her skirt nervously… anyone but him!

"…Draco Malfoy…" The Headmistress carried on but Hermione paid no attention. Fantastic a sarcastic voice chimed in Hermione's mind. This was a nightmare. She could feel her posture drooping as Harry rested a comforting hand on her arm, but she kept her eyes fixed on the Headmistress. There was no way she was turning to catch site of the ferret. She'd have to deal with him enough later.