Full Summary:
The International Confederation of Wizard's Quidditch Committee is hosting the World Cup in a few months. The problem is, the players are refusing to participate, citing that the previous cup was poorly planned and underwhelming, making it a waste of vacation time. Among those who do not want to participate is Puddlemere United's star chaser, Draco Malfoy.
Instead of canceling the event, the committee decided that this year it would be better to hire professionals. They approached Hermione Granger, the owner of Heavenly, the top events management company of the wizarding world and muggle world.
Hermione's number one priority is to convince Draco to join the world cup. Draco's number one priority is to spend his vacation time wisely, like charming any girl he wants because he can. Hence, he refuses to meet with any of the World Cup organizers. Hermione hated not succeeding. She decided that she will personally dragged the Chaser out of his vacation, even if it meant becoming the chaser, herself.
The Meeting
Hermione found herself sitting at of the dining rooms of the Four Season, waiting for Peter Brooks and Harry Potter. It was close to 2 weeks from their first meeting, about organizing the Quidditch World Cup. She smiled to herself, looking forward to a fruitful meeting. She needed a few more details before giving them her answer. She'll then fly out to Paris. She was already packed to depart after the meeting, the fashion week was just a few days away. Some of her clients requested last minute run downs with her team. She saw the two men enter the dining area, she motioned to her seat.
Peter Brooks was the first to greet her. "Good evening, Ms. Granger. I'm happy to hear from you. Can we expect to hear good news?" Hermione could only smile, while Harry followed his words, "Why don't we get some food, first?"
A chuckle followed his words. The group immediately started on dinner. Hermione opened up the conversation.
"My team and I have a few things we have to clarify, before I give our answer."
Harry laughed at that. "Well, I didn't expect it to come without those. Go on." Mr. Brooks raised his glass in agreement.
"Well, my team did some researched and we found that a lot of the bad publicity with the Quidditch World Cup didn't come from the recent one. It actually came from the cup, a few years back, the championship between Bulgaria and Ireland, to be precise."
Mr. Brooks cleared his throat. "Yes, that is no secret. I guess, that's where the big expectations came along. The reason why we wanted to change it up a bit, make it a happier ending."
Harry nodded in agreement. "During that cup, Hermione and I were present. It was our first world cup experience. Sadly, it ended on a sour note. I hope to change that."
Hermione sighed. "At least, we cleared that up. Another thing would be the budget you sent over, I was wondering if that includes the venues, the travel? As you know, when we organized the football cup, it was held for a few days. We had events, signings, merchandising, parties, etc. This was to peak the excitement of fans, as well as increase the funds."
Harry gave it a careful thought. "I think, we can go outside of the box. Peter and I have already raised the possibility that the cup will be unconventional. That's something I noticed about the previous cup and the old reports. These are big events, but no opportunities to interact with players, no fan events, unlike in the muggle world. I also raised the idea of possibly having a portion of the earnings, donated to various charities, supporting people who got hit by the war pretty badly."
Mr. Brooks smiled from chewing his meal. "I think the people in charge realized that when Harry became head, a lot of things will be unconventional, and more catered to a younger audience. I'm all for it. Change would be good. You have our team, on deck as well. We will help with most of the bookings. Your company will be in charge, will all fan events, meet and greets, parties, advertisements, basically all crowd sourcing features. The cup itself, will be ours to handle. I read the file for the football cup and your small hand in the NBA all-star game. You gave us a very similar proposal for the division."
Hermione smiled. It was good that they were agreeable with the terms. She can handle all fan-based events, but the Sports itself, will be too far of a stretch. There was still one more thing.
"Lastly, I'd like to know more about this additional request, you mentioned. You want help, convincing players? What does that entail, exactly?"
Harry cleared his throat. "It is what it is. You need to get them to play, at least try-out. Most of them have become uncooperative with regards to joining. I know, people who are willing like the Americans and Asians, but the big names in Europe, for example, Draco Malfoy. They're pretty set on passing on it. We need to get them there."
The answer didn't come as a surprise. Her team did her research and the big names were vocal about not coming in. It wasn't just Malfoy. Names, like Viktor Krum, Thorsten Pffefer,and Mathilde Mallard were vocal about their nonappearance.
"Our team did some research and it seems that the people who are least thrilled about the cup are mostly the Europeans. That's not surprising as we experienced the bulk of the war."
Mr. Brooks nodded his head in agreement. "That's true. With the mess coming from England. It seems it's causing a lot of turmoil. It is our turn to host the cup as dictated by tradition, so nothing we can do but make it better."
Hermione smiled. She had made up her mind. "Well, I've expected what you have told me and we will be thrilled to work with you. We've prepared a draft of our contract. You can arrange a meeting with me, once you've read through it. If you have questions, I've also included the contact of the managers."
She handed them a thick envelope. Harry just grinned at it. He expected Hermione to be on top of this, already. Peter Brooks looks pleased by the outcome and readily accepted it.
"Basically, what we've included here is a mock-up of the services we will provide. Venue reservation should be handled by the Ministry, including security, cleaning etc. What our team will be doing is handling sponsorship, merchandising, marketing and events planning. We want the event to be as amazing as what you've seen with muggle sporting events. The plans are there. I'm more than ready to present to the Confederation, Just give me a date."
Harry looked over the contract. He was surprised to see that budget was left unfinished. "Hermione can you discuss the budget? I think we haven't fully discussed this. The ministry is more than willing to splurge on this but, I have to give a number."
Hermione smiled at that. She was really excited to discussed this. Her team found out that since this would be the first Cup that would integrate a muggle conceptualization of the event, a lot of companies are willing to become sponsors and merchandisers, just to be advertised.
"I'm glad you asked that. We've approached some of our connections with regards to sponsorship, advertisement and merchandising. I'm pleased to say that many companies are interested in joining. I can't give you an exact figure, yet. What I did write there is the price for our services. Whatever expense you may have on your part, we will not interfere unless we get sponsors."
The two men nodded in understanding. The meal ended with a promise of meeting another time to discuss budget and with a go signal to start sponsorship and merchandising arrangement. Hermione didn't stay to have small talk with Harry, as both needed to get back to work.
Hermione had to go to Heathrow and catch the flight to Paris. At this point, she was already considering apparating to the airport, even Paris but her muggle employees might not appreciate that, seeing as they are kept from that secret. She rushed to the reception to request for a cab. She stood at the lobby of the Four Seasons.
"Didn't expect to see you here, Granger."
The familiar voice didn't startle her. Upon turning around, she came face to face with none other than Draco Malfoy.
"Malfoy, fancy seeing you here."
He smirked at her. "I would hope so. My family has stakes here."
She didn't act surprised. She just smiled. "Safe to say you help with running the business."
Draco moved to stand beside her. "I invest. My mother runs it. I help out, when I could. Shouldn't waste my degree."
Her interest was tweaked. "What University?"
He grinned at her. "The nerd in you speaks. London School of Economics. Business Administration 2001."
Hermione's faced grew shocked. "Seriously? I'm Batch 2000. So the rumors were true, you were there."
Draco smiled. He knew she was there, she saw her. He just did his best to hide from her. He didn't want to make her feel bad.
"I don't really go out. I was already training and playing at that time. That's why it took longer for me. I had to juggle Quidditch."
Hermione nodded in agreement. "It was already hard to juggle my social life. Before you ask, my friends dragged me. The connections do wonders though."
He smirked. "Very true. It did wonders for me. In terms of pulling muggle technology in."
Before Hermione could respond, a staff approached her, stating the car is ready for her. She moved to hand him luggage. To her surprise, Draco beat her to it. He easily lifted the luggage towards the staff. The person thanked his boss.
"Going somewhere?" Draco said, before Hermione could say her farewell.
"I have a fashion show in Paris." She said as she started lifting her laptop bag. Draco placed his hand forward.
"Let me." Hermione raised a brow, but Draco seemingly waited for her to hand over the luggage.
"Granger, do yourself a favor. Give me your bags. I won't die by lifting it." There was a hint of annoyance in his voice, mixing with amusement.
"You, being a gentleman, is kind of weird for me." She said so with a chuckle. Draco laughed at that. They walked together to her ride.
"And you looking hot is kind of weird for me." Hermione blushed at the compliment, but did not stutter.
"I'm not buying what you're selling, Malfoy." She responded as they reached the car.
"You say so, but your face says otherwise." His smirk did not waiver. He was so sure of himself.
"Don't sound keen. It's unbecoming of you." She said, recovering from the initial blush. Draco helped the driver load the car.
"Granger, I'm only stating facts." He said as he beat the driver in opening the door for her. The driver just shrugged, not understanding why his boss.
Before Hermione entered, she leaned on the door. She placed herself a little closer at Draco who held it for her. Her face was a little close to him. Malfoy's face curved into a smirk, while hers showed confidence.
"You can't read my mind, Malfoy. Thank you for escorting me. I'll see you around." And she quickly moved to take her seat. Malfoy chuckled and stepped back from the door.
"Thank you for staying with us, Ms. Granger. I'll see you." He closed the door, stepping farther. He watched the car drive away. He liked the game their playing. He didn't really expect the bookworm to fall for his charms. Aside from the depth of their history, she just wasn't the type. At least they were civil, clearly the brunette didn't carry a grudge. Who would? Everyone seems to be getting along these days.
Hermione smiled to herself, after looking back at Draco's retreating figure. She didn't carry a grudge. It was petty. They were all young and confused back then. Everyone seems to have moved passed it, and so did she. She then realized another thing, causing her to hold back a chuckle. She'll be seeing him, quite sooner. Draco Malfoy needed to play for the cup. His refusal was no secret. She looked forward to getting him to agree. He won't know what hit him.
