The Front Desk

"Yes, I assure you someone will be assisting you rightaway." I said as I prepared myself to pick the other buzzing phone. "Sure, no problem". I hung up and immediately picked up the next call. "Sorry, we don't have those available sir, but I will see if we can do anything about that." and with that I hung up.

This job was tiring and even more tiring was standing in heels for 12 hours, which seem like 40 hours. I look around to find a deserted lobby. I guess everybody has made their way to the fair which means I can probably sit down.

"Hello! " came a familiar voice. "Are you enjoying coming back to your old job?"

"Some job is better than no job." I simply stated.

"Ouch!" he pretended to be hurt, "Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed"

I rolled my eyes at him. This conversation could go wrong so quickly and I have no intentions of making it dirty.

"What? " he said as he leaned on the front desk, "Well now I'm sure that you definitely got up on the wrong side of the bed or maybe... You didn't get enough sleep Madam Granger" he said in a suggestive tone.

And then he winked. He winked. Winked. Winked.

And I winced.

"Yuck."

And then the phone broke the weird conversation that I was having with Malfoy.

"Hi, how may I help you?" I said blankly as I kept staring Malfoy, "Uh huh, sure, we'll send someone rightaway." and with that I hung up.

"Well if you attend our guests with that tone Ms. Granger, they might not return back." he taunted.

"Aww... Then why don't you hire someone else? I don't think firing me once again should be a problem!" I glared at him and I knew that I had won the battle.

"Oh, I will fire you once my entire set of staff is done managing the Fair! And believe me, once they are back I will show you the door myself." He smirked at me. "Better, I will personally provide transportation to you!" Sure, he thinks he has won the war. But little does he know about my true intentions.

"Now if you will Malfoy, I have work to do"

"Even I have work, and my work involves correcting you." He sniggered.

"Really? Correcting me?" I rolled my eyes at him. This blonde head was going to correct me. Me? I'm the insufferable know it all. If I don't know it, then nobody does.

"Well, I have news for you. You are not allowed to call one simply by their last name. And that's how I'm now going to be referred to as Mr. Malfoy or Draco." he looked at me for a while, "no mistakes allowed in this one Ms. Granger." With that he left.

111111111

"I hope a little delay won't bother you Ms. Granger. I understand that you have just started working here but I request you to work a little over your working hours. I realise that the job is demanding and you must be tired by now but as you're aware that most of our staffers are busy in the arrangements of the Fair, we don't have someone to take shifts with you or to take shifts which is why I'm asking you to stay back and work a little more." Malcolm paused to look at me and then continued, "It has been informed to me that the condition for your employment was transportation and I assure you I will keep our word and provide you the same whenever it is we release you. Needless to say all your extra hours would be compensated to you in whatever means you wish."

"It is my first day back."

"I am aware of that Ms. Granger" he said with such composure.

"I feel like I'm back at school now." I couldn't help but not say it. "But I will take up your offer."

Malcolm gave me a warm smile.

"Glad to hear that. If I may Ms. Granger, I have another proposition for you." he looked at me for my approval and continued, "The next couple of days would require your presence for us to handle our guests and crowd. There is no specific time as to when you will be needed which is why will it be okay for you to move into one of our staff quarters in the hotel? That way we can access you anytime and any day."

"Move in? Here?" I had not anticipated living here.

"Yes, here." he said with calmness in his voice.

It was strange to see him so calm. To be honest, this was only the second time I had seen him. The first time I saw him was when I was getting fired.

"Okay, I will move in here but I have one request"

"And that is?"

"I cannot wear anymore of these blasphemous heels. I assure you that my efficiency will boost a 100% if I get out of these heels."

"Or how about we give you chairs at the front desk? I believe that's a win win situation!" he said with a smile.

Malcolm Forbes. You are one convincing chap.

"Done. I'll move in here tomorrow!"

"Nice to hear that. Now, you may go and resume your duties."

I left the room with hope. I keep reiterating how much I want to go home and everyday I feel like I am almost there. But today, I feel like this is the closest I have reached home.