Authors Notes: Next chapter! Read onwards 8).

'Dirty Work'

Ballroom Planning

"Hello, Delilah. Any messages this morning?" Hermione asked her secretary as she walked in.

"None at all Miss Granger. But this flew in five minutes before you came," she said, holding up a rolled up parchment, "it's from Mister Malfoy. About the rough draft you sent him yesterday."

"Perfect. I'll take that now, Delilah." She said, smiling sweetly.

Hermione walked over and took the parchment that was tied with a green ribbon. Quickly, she unrolled it and her eyes scanned the note. It said that the rough draft was perfect, and that there was no need for a final copy. He sent it straight to the Daily Prophet, making sure to include in the message that it should be published Monday morning, front page if possible.

Hermione grinned. "No final draft? Good. Less work for me," Hermione said to herself. She began walking to her office, when a paper flew in, narrowly missing her. For some reason, the paper air planes were always attracted to her, and she found herself always ducking. It went to her secretary.

"For me, Delilah?" She asked, pointing at the paper air plane that landed on her secretary's desk.

Delilah picked it up and read it quickly. "Yes, Miss Granger. From Mister Malfoy again," she handed the note to Hermione, "he says that stage one for planning the event is taking place on floor 47, the journalist room. He says to report there immediatley."

"Alright, thank you, Daisy." She took the note and wadded it in her hands, throwing it away in the nearby garbage can. Hermione picked up her briefcase and went on her way to the elevator, on her way to floor 47. It would be another long trip, no doubt about that.

When Hermione finally made her way onto floor 47, she let out a long breath. Honestly, we need another form of transportation other than lifts.

She entered the journalist room, briefcase in hand, and heard a certain number of voices within, talking about something heatedly. Hermione peered inside, to make sure she wasn't intruding on anything. She lay her briefcase down slowly, but it made a loud thunk on the ground. The men in the room turned around to face her.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Excuse me, I didn't mean to interrupt - "

"Granger, it's alright." Came the voice of Draco, walking over to her wearing the same cloak as the other day when they first began the planning. "I was just having a conversation with the owner of the Justinian Hotel. Don't worry, we weren't arguing, just debating." He said, when Hermione gave him a look that meant she didn't want to impose.

"Are you sure? I could just wait outside - "

"Don't be silly," Draco said, ushering her in with one hand, "you're presence is needed for this event." He said, smirking at her while nodding.

"Justin, this is Hermione Granger, journalist and advertiser for The Goodwill Charity Ball. She's very good at what she does, and you can trust that she will give your hotel very good publicity."

A tall, dark, fat man, with a curly mustache came into view, as Hermione walked in, her robe swishing behind her. He looked like a sultan, someone who was usually happy. "Hello, Miss Granger. I am Justin Reddford. Owner of the Justian Hotel. Lovely meeting you," he said, in what sounded like a forced calm, and taking out his large hand.

Slowly, Hermione shook it and sat herself. "The pleasure is mine, Mister Reddford."

Draco smiled at the two. "Now that we're all introduced, back to our discussion, Justin." Reddford nodded.

"Sorry again," Hermione said, butting in, "but may I ask what you two were talking about before I came?"

"Of course," Draco said, "we were talking about the number of people and whether or not we need to reconstruct a part of the ballroom, in order to make it bigger for the amount of guests we're going to have."

Hermione nodded in understanding. Reddford just gave Draco an angry look. "We will not reconstruct my ballroom, Draco, I will not have it!" He exclaimed. "That ballroom has been the same for years since my forefathers have come to own it, and I will not change that!"

Draco put up both of his hands up, signaling him to calm down. "I realize what you are saying, Justin, and I understand. But surely you can reconsider? We're going to have at least 700 guests. You're ballroom only fits 500. We cannot fit an extra two hundred in a small room."

Reddford looked outraged. "A small room? Is that what you call the Justinian Ballroom? It is big enough, Draco!" He pointed a finger at him. "If you feel that this ballroom isn't good enough for you, then find another!"

Draco looked absolutely panicked when he heard that. He looked over to Hermione with wide eyes. She couldn't help but think that he was silently sending her a signal for help. Without making sure, Hermione immediately went to his rescue.

"Mister Reddford, if I may suggest something..." Hermione came in softly but quickly. He looked at her, surprised, and nodded. "Let's just say that you're ballroom, which I'm sure is as beautiful as I imagine," and Draco gave her a thumbs up from behind Reddford, who was grinning like an idiot, "isn't... appropriate to accomodate all of our guests." She made sure not to use the word small so as not to upset him.

"Yes, that seems to be the problem." He muttered. "But your suggestion?" He continued.

"Is there another room next to your ballroom, sir?" She asked with polite curiosity. He thought about it for a moment. "Anything? Like a library... a resteraunt or bar..." She suggested.

Reddford rubbed his chin, thinking. "Well... yes, there happens to be a large library next to it, just a few feet away." He said. "It's a new feature of the hotel as of two years ago. It used to be a manky old storage cloest, but our guests had a sudden interest for books. We decided to change it to something more useful to them..." He added, as if still pondering.

Hermione nodded once and smiled at him. "Well, that's perfect! We can use that." She said, looking Draco's way.

He gave her a puzzled look, mixed with shock. As did Reddford. "The library? Fit enough for only 300 hundred people at least?" Reddford asked increduously.

Hermione laughed politely at the two men. "No, no, no! Of course not, that would be a very inappropriate size for our guests. I meant that we could connect it to the ballroom, change a few things inside, like taking out the books, the shelves, and all of those study desks, and transform it into a ballroom floor." Reddford looked at her, a bit convinced, but a little worried. "We'll put everything back the way it was right after the ball Mister Reddford. You can trust our men to do it just the way you want." She added, with a pleading look.

Draco smiled big enough for Hermione to see that he was pleased. He turned to Reddford. "So, how does that sound Justin? I'll pay you extra." He added with a bribing look on him.

Reddford pondered a moment. "And the library is new addition, isn't it, Mister Reddford?" Hermione continued in her business voice, "It hasn't been around for centuries, so it's alright to change it for just one night, isn't it? I'm sure your forefather's will be proud that you're hosting the social event of the year." She made a big emphasis on "year."

This seemed to have hooked Reddford on the idea. He turned to Draco with a big smile and held out his hand. "It's a deal, Draco!" Gladly, Draco shook his hand, and worded out "thanks," to Hermione, so that Reddford wouldn't notice. Hermione gave him a smug look and nodded. She knew she was the master of persuasion.

"We'll have the library changed and connected any day you want, Draco. So long as it continues to be held in my hotel."

Draco gave him a mock surprised look. "Why would I do it at any other?" Reddford absolutely beamed and turned to Hermione.

"She's quite the persuasive one, isn't she?" He said, pointing a finger at her. "You should be very glad she's helping you, Draco. Very glad indeed." Hermione almost blushed at that comment. She muttered a thank you to him so she wouldn't show her flattery to much. Draco nodded in agreement.

"Alright, Justin, our business here is done," he said, patting him on the shoulder. "If you like I could show you out or you can just apparate back - "

"No, no, no, my dear boy, I'll apparate." He said, holding up a hand. "But I suppose I'll be seeing you later today so you can inspect my ballroom?" He asked.

"Of course, of course." He said, picking up Reddford's briefcase and handing it to him. "You can expect me there somewhere around noon."

"Jolly good, Draco." He waved goodybe to Draco and turned to Hermione, "And I hope I'll be seeing you soon, Miss Granger." And with a tiny little pop, he was gone in an instant.

Draco turned to Hermione and wiped his forehead after he left. "Good job you did there, Granger." Hermione shook her head.

"No, no, it was nothing." She answered, as if it were a piece of cake. "I'm used to persuading people. I'm a journalist. I have to prod for information all the time."

"Of course," Draco said, turning around and picking up his own briefcase. "Thank you for coming here. The minute Reddford started arguing, I knew I needed you around to help me."

Hermione grinned, "That's what I'm here for."

As Draco walked towards the door, he turned around slightly to face her. "I'll see you at noon, then." He said with a smirk. Hermione looked at him, puzzled.

"Noon? I don't have any meetings with you at noon though - "

"Well, now you do, Granger. I'll wait for you in the reception area." He said, leaving the room. Hermione caught the door before it closed, and called to Draco as his figure walked away.

"The reception area? What reception area?" She yelled to him. A few workers turned their heads.

Draco turned around and smirked at her. "The reception area of the Justinian Hotel, of course." Hermione gave him an odd look, and he just stood there, smiling like he knew a joke that she didn't. She just shook her head from side to side to show she didn't understand. Draco just continued to give her a sly look.

"You didn't think that I'd go without you, did you?" He said, giving her a wry face while walking away into the packed hallway, being one with the crowd. Hermione watched him go.

"Not after that." He called back. And with that, he went away, and with a slight grin, Hermione slowly shut the door.

--

At the Justinian Hotel in the Reception Area.

Draco sat alone on a red leather chair, waiting for the arrival of his new worker, Hermione. He was very patient in waiting, usually, but he had a grumbling in his stomach that bothered him. He wished that he'd used his break after his debate with the owner of the hotel, but he decided he could always get a meal here, after he'd inspected the place.

A witch with black, pointy ended spectacles looked at Draco with a sweet smile and stood up from behind her desk. Draco guessed she was the receptionist.

"Mister Malfoy, a Miss Hermione Granger says that she'll be here in a moment. She got caught up at work, and she'll be here as soon as possible." Draco nodded and turned away from her, focusing on what he had been planning since the end of the war.

Usually, if he were his old self, he would just spend and spend the money he inherited from his father and forget to think about what good it would do if he put it to some good use. After the war, though, he saw the damage that happened and felt a little heavy in his heart. He, a man with all this money and fortune, was doing nothing to help recover. Well, this is when the whole charity ball idea began to form.

His father, had he been alive (and Draco didn't know whether he was or not), probably wouldn't have approved of what he was doing with the family money. Well, it was Draco's money now, and he was so gladly willing to give it up.

As if on cue, when Draco stood up, thinking that he'd just inspect the ballroom once around, Hermione came in with a fluster and a tiny pop.

"Granger," he said, walking towards her as she straightened out her clothes. "Nice of you to make it."

She breathed heavily, "Sorry, I was late, Malfoy. The office said - "

"No need for excuses, Granger, at least your here."

Hermione looked at him oddly. "Really?" She asked. "'Cause if this were us in school, you would've ripped my head off with names." Draco looked at her indifferently.

"As it just so happens, Granger, we're not in school anymore." Hermione thought this came a bit cold for a moment, but she saw him wink kindly at her. "Now come on, let's get into the ballroom."

Following suit, Hermione went with Draco up a flight of stairs. Her heels made click clack noises as they walked up and she tried to step softly, so that she wasn't disturbing the other people on the bottom floor. Draco was ahead of her, leading her onto a clean and polished floor. There were doors on either side, and this floor seemed to go on for miles and miles and the width looked like the size of a manor.

Draco went up to a brown door and waited for Hermione to get to where he was. When she came and stood beside him, she looked up and all around the hall. It was huge. "Where are the rooms?" She asked, for this surely wasn't the only floor.

"Well, first there's the reception area and the check in counter and booking area, and that takes up the whole first floor." Draco pointed a finger downards. "The next floor, which is what we're standing on, is where all the hotel parties takes place. All the festivities and everything. Which is why the ballroom is here," he pointed at the door, "and a few other rooms big enough for small parties."

"I see." Hermione said, still looking around the hall. "And the indoor pool and rooms? Where are those?" She asked.

Draco pointed to a door far away to their right. "Inside there, is the indoor pool. Remember, festivities and everything here? Some people have pool parties." Hermione nodded. "The rooms are just above this floor. They just go on and on. Sometimes I wonder what the last room number is. Probably 600." Hermione stared upwards in awe. This hotel had a lot of room. "Oh," Draco said, pointing outside a window, "there's an outdoor Quidditch playing field too. It's behind the hotel." Hermione raised her eyebrows. Talk about too much space.

"Now, shall we step inside to inspect the ballroom?" He said. "Hopefully you're prepared to take notes for your future articles." He said, pointing at her small bag which she carried on her shoulder.

"I don't go anywhere without parchment and quill, Malfoy." Hermione said assuringly. Draco smiled at her and placed his hands on the door knob. Slowly, he pushed it open, and when the room was in full view, he thrust them aside. Hermione looked inside eagerly, and her mouth dropped. The room was... insanely huge.

Draco walked in, as if it wasn't as big as Hermione imagined it, and began circling the room. Hermione followed, forgetting that she was here to report for a moment. "This can't fit 700 people?" Hermione said in awe. It looked big enough to fit a thousand.

"Surprisingly not," Draco said, going towards the bar. "It's not half as big as the Great Hall." Hermione looked around everywhere. There were tables with plates, forks, spoons and everything with polished wooden chairs, all neatly clustered around a dance floor large enough for everyone to dance in. Hermione left Draco and walked to the very center of the dance floor.

"This is wonderful! It's absolutely huge!" Hermione exclaimed as she twirled once on the center floor. Draco continued to walk to the bar and chuckled.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" He said. A few maids were walking around and rearranging the plates and the eating utensils. A man was at the bar, cleaning glasses and organizing the glasses. Draco walked up to him and ordered a scotch.

"You the man that's going to organize the ball?" He said, pouring Draco his drink. He nodded.

"Yes, that's me." Draco dropped a galleon on the counter and took the drink with one hand. "Thank you," he said to the man. He nodded and went back to his cleaning. Draco sipped his scotch as he walked towards Hermione who was still admiring everything in the room.

"What do you think?" Draco asked her, as she walked around the dance floor. Hermione turned to him with a smile. "I think it looks wonderful!" She said, her eyes gleaming.

Draco nodded, glad that she approved of the room. "Do you see anything wrong with it?" He asked, walking with her all around the room. Hermione gave him a surprised look. One that indicated that what he asked was completely ridiculous.

"Wrong? No! It's perfect. I think you chose the perfect setting for this ball, Malfoy." She said, walking over to the tables and examining the silver ware. She picked up a fork and held it in front of her eyes. Draco walked over to her and picked up a wine glass that was beside it. "I think the eating utensils are fine." She said, putting the fork down.

"I agree," Draco said, taking out a chair and seating himself onto it. He felt a thud when his behind made contact with the seat of the chair. He winced and grimaced slightly. "But this needs new furnishing." Draco said defiantly. Trying to relax himself, he put his hands on the table. It wiggled slightly. "And good Merlin's beard, we need to find a furnishing place quick. These sticks holding up the table are as wobbly as a child's loose tooth." Hermione nodded and looked down to the floor.

"I suppose we'll need to clean the floor as well? It looks a bit dirty and uncleaned... I don't think anyone's planned anything in this ball since the war," Hermione said, tapping her foot on the ground. "This will definitely need a clean." Draco nodded.

"What do you think about the chandelier?" He asked, pointing at the large, pointy glass that hung from the ceiling. It wasn't on, but it was definitely shining because of the sunlight that was peering through the windows that were at the very top of the entire room.

"I think it's the most attractive thing in this ballroom. We don't have to change it to a disco ball or anything," Hermione said. Draco looked at her a little puzzled at what she said.

"What's a disco ball?" He questioned.

"Oh. It's this... muggle thing. Used for dancing back in the 70's - "

"My dear friends!" Came a booming voice. Hermione turned around at the same time Draco nodded, and faced the door quickly. It was Reddford, with a large smile on his face. He looked taller then the last time Hermione saw him which was only a few hours ago. "I was expecting you!" He said, his arms spread wide, as if he were going to hug them. "I was wondering when you two would come."

"Justin, Justin, nice to see you again this fine afternoon," Draco said smoothly, shaking Reddford's hand. "You remember Hermione Granger, I suppose?" He asked, his palm open, swaying Hermione's way.

"Of course. Pleasure," he said, shaking her hand vigourously. "Have you seen the rest of the ballroom? Any problems?" He said, looking around the room.

"Oh, it's absolutely fine, Justin. We just think the floor could have a little clean and a change of furnishing should be in order. Not that there's anything wrong with the furnishing here, we just think it would be nice for a change, don't you?" Draco added, when Reddford's eyes widened at the comment of new furnishing.

"Ah, of course, no problem. Have you seen the library next door?" He asked, pointing to where they entered. "It's right across the hall."

"Oh, no, we haven't, sir." Hermione said, including herself in the conversation. "We're on our way right now." She stalked off, in front of Draco, her heels making the same click clack noises. Draco hastily put his drink down on the nearest table.

Hermione lead the way to the room that was right across the hall from the ballroom. It had a large door, except it was painted a dark shade of blue, and polished. The handles were bronze coloured and looked old, but in an elegant sort of way. Already, Hermione was looking foward to entering.

Pushing the door open, Hermione stepped inside, taking in a deep breath. It was disappointing in size, but none the less, it looked like every single place in the room was covered with a shelf of books. There were study tables with little lamps on each side, a librarians desk, where a young lady sat, immersed in a thick book, and a little area with comfy looking chairs and couches.

"Nice," Draco said, stepping in front of Hermine and going to the nearest bookshelf. "I imagine that once we take out all of these things, it will big enough for the rest of our guests. A simple connecting charm should do so that the rooms look like one. I'm very impressed with what you've got here, Justin." Draco said, taking out a book from the shelf. Time Turners: Tales and Theories.

"Oh, indeed," Justin said walking towards Draco, "we've got any kind of book with all of the answers one might need." He looked around, proud of the room. "This will need some new furniture though."

Draco snapped his head out of the book. "Oh, yes, of course. We'll need plenty of furniture to make it look like the ballroom." He began strolling around, Hermione at his side. "The furniture must look old... old, but elegant. Graceful, really," he said, pondering. "Let's see... perhaps another chandelier can go up. Different from the one in the ballroom, I suppose." He said while lifting a finger to the ceiling, "We could have another bar to the side over here... and perhaps a stage somewhere. We'll be having an auction of course, so that can showcase the prizes. Hmm... we'll have tables over there, for the food and everything. What do you say, Granger?" He turned to Hermione.

Hermione stood there, and pondered on all his suggestions. "Well," she began, "I think everything you said is needed of course, but a table for the food? You don't expect someone to have to walk up to that table everytime they want something do you?" Hermione suggested politely. Draco looked at her, confused. "Why don't we use the waiters and waitress' from the resteraunt providing us the food to deliver it. Or, have pre-prepared meals, and just have the food appear on their plates when it's time to eat? Like at Hogwarts." Hermione said, to make it more simpler.

Draco looked at her, impressed at her suggestion. "A good idea, Granger. Very good indeed. I'll make sure to tell the caterers to lend us their waiters and waitress'."

Reddford smiled between the two of them. "She's like your right hand, isn't she, Draco? You must be glad she's here to help you,"

Draco bowed a little towards Hermione but grinned towards Reddford. "Of course."

Hermione flushed a little at Reddford's comment, but made sure not to show it. Quickly, she turned around to a bookshelf and hastily immersed herself into a book about mountain trolls and how you can train them to become smart. She left the rest of the planning to Reddford and Malfoy.

"...and the designer can draw a sketch for you, if you like, Justin."

"Ah, of course. I'd like that."

"She'll give it to you by no later then next week. It will have all the drawing plans... all of the area's in the library and ballroom that will need stages, tables, everything really."

"And the furniture?"

"I'll handle that. In the mean time, sketches of them will have to do."

"Of course, Draco."

The two continued to talk, leaving Hermione on her own to look at the books. Of course she was interested in them, but she was much more interested in something else. Draco's new attitude, no matter how surprising and shocking it is, was something Hermione was quickly getting used to. She had wondered whether it was an act, just to make the planning go simple, but she was believing differently about him now.

"Alright then, Justin. I'll be seeing you in a couple of days." Hermione could faintly hear the patting of a back. She quickly stood up from the chair she was seated in, reading the book, knowing that it was time for them to leave.

"Indeed, my friend. You have a good day, and do take your time leaving if you like, my people can give you a meal if you're hungry."

"I'd like that, thank you, Justin."

"The pleasure was all mine."

Hermione made her way towards them and stuck out her soft hand. "Pleasure seeing you again, Mister Reddford."

"Same to you too, my dear." He said, taking it kindly, and making sure not to squeeze her tiny little hand too hard. "Until then, make yourself comfortable in my hotel. You shouldn't be in a hurry to leave."

Hermione nodded and bade him goodbye. She watched him open the dark blue door and leave, trotting off in a jumpy sort of way. Hermione smiled. He seemed like a fatter version of Cornelius Fudge. Very, very, cheerful of a man.

"Well," Draco said, as the door shut behind him, "our work here is done."

"For now. I imagine I'll be here again, taking notes on the attractive furniture and the impressive gleam of the new chandelier." She smirked, knowing that she had to find something interesting to put in an article, for the future. Full coverage, she was reminded.

"That won't be too hard then," Draco said walking towards the door. Hermione followed him. "Becase you'll be coming with me to the furniture shop." Hermione smiled slyly.

"I don't suppose it's because I'm the better half of the tag team?" Draco smirked at this comment.

"Well, apparently you're my right hand now. I need my right hand, Granger. All the time, really."

"Oh, alright. I suppose this means that I'm coming along for the caterers as well?"

Draco nodded, almost apologetically. "And to the flower shop. We need flowers, see," he added as explenation. "And to the carpet and drapery place," Hermione sighed, half amused. She knew she was good, but not that good, "And, to everywhere else." He ended, knowing that if he made it amusing, she wouldn't find it so bad.

"Oh, alright. I guess I could come along with you. With all of these things, I'll be working my nose to the grind stone till the late night hours of the ball..." Hermione trailed off, a hint of tiredness in her voice.

Draco looked at her amused. "Now, why would you do that?" He asked, opening the door for her. Hermione stepped through.

"Well, I am the journalist and advertiser for this event, Malfoy," she said, sarcasm in her voice.

"I know," Draco said, walking beside her, "but you do know that you're coming to the ball, right? For free?" He added, when Hermione halted to a stop.

"I am?" She said, the surprise not hidden very well in her voice.

"Of course you are, Granger. You can't expect to work this hard, and not get to actually go to the event you're planning, right?" Hermione looked at him confused. "Besides, you're invited. You have to come now," Draco added, as he skipped along.

"Oh." Hermione said, still surprised by the invitation. She knew they were on good terms now, but not good enough for an invitation to his event. "Alright." She said awkwardly, catching up with him down the same flight of stairs. "So am I done for today?" She asked eagerly. She wanted to get back home and have a nice bath.

"Yes, you may leave." He said, with his lips a little pursed. Hermione sighed in great relief.

"Thanks, Malfoy. I really want to get home."

"Just make sure you're at the furnishing place on Monday morning, alright, Granger? It's called Daisy and Don's Furnishing Front. It's in Hogsmeade."

"Mmhmm," Hermione said, as she went towards the door, not turning her back towards him. A bell man opened the door for her, his back stiff and straight. Hermione dropped him a tip for opening it for her.

"See you, Granger." Draco said, turning his back on her, going towards the resteraunt they had inside the hotel. He was going to eat.

"Hey, Malfoy!" Hermione called to Draco's back, for the second time in the day. Indifferently, Draco turned around with his eyebrows raised.

"Yes?" He asked plainly.

"Thanks for the invite."

And with a small smile and the wave of her hand, she was swept out the door.

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TBC.

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A/N: Tada! Agh. Sometimes I feel like my chapters are so pointless. So sorry guys. I dunno what's going on with my writing skills. AGH. forgive me.

anyways. if you read it please review. i love those xD. and if my updates seem long im SO sorry. i have the next chapters already written and i have a lot in store for you guys XD. JUST REVIEW IN THE MEAN TIME xD

Yours truly,
Sevengee/Lina.