A Lesson in Business
Disclaimer: I don't own either of the major characters. And, frankly, we won't be meeting anyone else yet.
A hooded figure stepped through the cracked doorway. Once inside, she spoke before allowing her eyes to adjust to the dim light. "I've been told that a certain Malfoy's services are being offered here. Should I trust my sources?"
"For you, Granger? It depends on what sort of services you are requiring. And if you have the capital to back your requirements," Draco drawled back from a seat against one wall.
"I require an escort," she responded haughtily before moving towards him.
He looked at her amusedly. "You think I'm running an escort service here? The idea had occured to me, but it seemed like more of a bother than it was worth."
The slip flustered her, and though she tried to hide it, he could hear the loss of confidence in her voice as she responded. "Charming as ever, Malfoy. I am in no need of that manner of services. I've been called as Maid of Honor for my sister's wedding, and I need to bring a date."
"I've yet to see why this concerns me, and it seems like an escort service might be far more suited to your needs."
"I had intended to request your company, actually."
"Really? Touched, I'm sure, but not so much as to commit myself to anything. Why me? Why not Wonder Boy, or his amazing sidekick?"
"The family has all met Harry and Ron before, and would recognize something was amiss. I have been outspoken about my lack of feelings for both of them. Neville is busy with work, and Dean and Seamus are undeniably in love with one another. Whereas you are unknown, aesthetically pleasing, not gay, and most importantly for hire."
"Aesthetically pleasing? You ought to work on your compliments. And where did you get the idea I was for hire for this sort of engagement?" Draco leaned back against the wall, watching Hermione's expression.
"Things heard over the back fence, besides the shingle you've hung out, suggest you have no higher standards than you ever did. That anything is possible for the right price." The words rolled off her tongue.
"Really? And what would you consider the right price for an appointment such as this? Tell me what it would entail, first."
"Attending a rehearsal dinner on November 15th, the ceremony on the morning of the 16th, and a reception that evening. Interacting innocuously with Muggles the entire period, including dressing as one."
"And my status?"
"Commited boyfriend."
"Ah, what would that entail?"
"Exchanging pleasantries, sitting by me during meals, a modicum of physical affection, and the semblance of sharing a hotel room. Your fee?"
"Give me your offer first and I'll tell you if it's appropriate."
"I won't report you to the Ministry for the incident with Blaise Zabini's N.E.W.T. scores, your brief involvement with the Death Eaters, or the various acts of violence commited while in that position."
Draco swore. "You play dirty."
"What's the fun in business dealings without blackmail? Should I assume you accept?"
"Fine. Shall I assume you'll show up the evening of the 15th to take me to whatever forsaken wilderness at which the events will occur?"
"At five-thirty exactly. Be ready."
Author's Note: Inspired by events at work, and it will get livelier in future chapters. Review, if you've anything to note.