AN- this was 17 pages handwritten and it still wasnt done. there was a LOT of editing involved. im a week overdue i know! i have a million excuses but hey, a week is better than three months, right?

After a very stern talking to from Draco ("Look, if all this canoodling in hallways is going to continue, I'm making arrangements for Gabrielle to stay somewhere else!") They slipped into anticipation for Gabrielle's arrival.

At the Manor, there was much discussion as to where their guest would stay. Hermione pitied Draco immensely. He said nothing, but it was obvious that he wanted to share a room with Gabrielle. Who could blame him? Things finally came to a head at dinner one evening.

"I have instructed the elves to air the blue room in the guest wing," Lucius began.

"Look," Draco said, dropping his silverware, "I know you want her in a separate room and all that but she IS my girlfriend, and I really-"

"Draco I will not-"

"No, Father, I'm telling you,"

"Draco,"

"Father,"

"Draco,"

"Father,"

"WAIT!" they turned to Hermione heatedly. She delicately set down her silver. "Has anyone asked what Gabrielle wants?"

Lucius fingered the bridge of his nose as Draco groaned and fell back in his chair. "I'm so thick!"

"Yes you are."

"Lucius! Draco, you are NOT thick, you just got excited about the visit. Now, may I, without interruption, put forward a compromise?"

Lucius inclined his head as Draco nodded from behind his hands. "Draco, ask Gabrielle if she has a preference. If she declines sharing a room," she glanced at Lucius, "then offer the room next door to Draco's."

The lord and master bristled a bit. "Well I suppose but he should still offer the other room."

"She may even suggest it herself. He may say 'do you have a room preference?' and she might say 'no just put me in a lovely guest bed.' And have done with it."

"Well, just having her next door would be alright." Draco said thoughtfully. "I mean, as an alternative, I suppose."

"Of course it would. Now after dinner you can go and ask her about it, but as for me, I would appreciate finishing my chicken in peace."

PAGE BREAK

At the Ministry, Hermione was still caught up in preparations for Gabrielle's visit. Most of the inter-ministry paperwork had been taken care of and arrangements made, and the Association had sent her a rather large pamphlet and overview, which she was now cheerfully reading in her office.

"Boss?"

"Yes, Sandy?" Hermione glanced up. He looked nervous. "What's the trouble?"

"Uh…well, I have this, ehm, request for you." He turned the envelope over in his hands.

"Sandy. What is it."

He winced. "I'm afraid you and Malfoy senior appeal to the Prophet's photographers."

"What?!" she had known this day would come.

"I'm sorry!" He cried. "There was nothing for it, Em tried her best, and I told them about the French Project, but they are so persistent! I was worried they would get suspicious and follow you or something."

Hermione sat back in her chair. "You tried. Send my regards to Emily, that was lovely of her to try."

"I'll leave the envelope on your desk."

"He's going to be LIVID."

PAGE BREAK

"Preposterous." Hermione bit her lip and Draco covered his face with his hand. "How high handed."

"Perhaps we could work out a deal?"

"Vermin do not know the meaning of the word 'deal'."

"Well, what do we do?"

"Accept. Maybe they will leave you alone." Draco suggested.

"I think we should." Hermione said. "And just get it over with."

"I do not like this."

"I will talk with a correspondent tomorrow," she began, "I have talked with her before, we'll fix it up." Lucius made to argue but she cut him off. "I would really rather just take care of this now. Maybe we can get some nice prints out of the ordeal." Lucius furiously cut into his meat and Draco resumed eating.

Hermione felt a little stuck. She wanted privacy, like Lucius, but she worried about him. Privacy was everything to him, he had just been ill, and the wizarding news had never been kind to him, even after the war. He would, of course, want to handle everything, but now she had a tentative ally in Emily Baker, she felt like she could do a much more inside job.

PAGE BREAK

The next morning, Hermione slipped into the Prophet correspondence office. "Miss Baker?"

The reporter looked up. "Ms. Granger!" she stood rapidly. "Please, sit, coffee, tea?" when Hermione shook her head in the negative she forged ahead. "I take it you've gotten the summons."

"Yes. I was told you tried to put a stop to it."

"I did, Sandy said he told you."

"Thanks very much. I do have an idea. Could you maybe find a particularly agreeable photographer? Or someone to head this? If we could, we would like to cut some sort of deal."

An idea formed in the back of Emily's mind. "There's a chance…I'll see if I can swing it. Any conditions?"

"Those can be agreed upon when the time comes." She hesitated. "Anything you do will be vastly appreciated…we're both wildly private, and this is definitely a trying situation. I have a massive meeting with the Egyptian consul in ten minutes, but I trust you'll do what you can."

After Hermione left Emily sat back and sighed. She really did understand the privacy issue. But she was only a junior reporter and it was a miracle she had even gotten the remote outpost of the correspondence office. She didn't carry much weight. She was gaining ground; Hermione's idea of a small article was labeled a 'stunt' by her superiors, who were immensely satisfied with the results. But she had barely fazed them when she argued against the photo session. Everyone knew that those photos would be accompanied by an article, you can't print straight photos. But there was one person she could ask.

Apparating quickly to headquarters, she ran through the twisted halls of the Daily Prophet. "Beck!"

A middle-aged, no-nonsense woman looked up from her desk. "Emily! What's the problem?"

Emily looked at her mentor, feeling a bit helpless. "Spot of trouble."

"Let's hear it." Emily gave a rushed explanation. "I see."

"Would it be out-of-place for me to ask you to head it? I know it's awful but I really need a hand."

Elizabeth Beck sat back in her desk chair. "Well, Baker, I'll see what I can do." She held up a hand, stemming the stream of thanks pouring from her one-time trainee's mouth. An idea formed in her head, and Emily caught the odd look in her eye.

"What is it, Beck?"

"Never you mind, Baker. It's being taken care of."

Emily stood and gave her a sincere look. "Thanks, Beck." The older woman waved her off.

PAGE BREAK

The next day, Emily stared at the letter on her desk. "She would."

Beck had been assigned to take her under her wing when Emily had first gotten a job. He was a winsome woman. She must have viewed this as a way to step up Emily's career.

In truth, Beck had quietly usurped the project, taking the lead and assigning a careful team. This team included Emily as her second in command.

The notice of this development sat on Emily's desk with a handwritten note in the corner. "I'm afraid that you're mostly on your own for this one, seeing as I've taken this job on top of the rest of my assignments. Cheers! Beck."

Emily groaned and stood, gathering a notebook, appointment book, and quill, heading towards the elevators.

She marched steadily into the office, pausing briefly to glance meaningfully at Sandy, who then followed her to his boss' office.

Rapping on the doorjamb, Emily waited for Hermione to glance up. "Oh, come in, do, sit down." She perched nervously on a chair. "Do you have any news?"

"Yes. I'm not sure if it's good or bad…"

"Just tell me, you're well aware I can take it."

"Well I asked my mentor, Elizabeth Beck, to handle this little exposé,"

Hermione sat back. "I've heard of her…it looks like there is a 'but'."

"But she did it as a ruse and appointed me as her second in command."

There was a silence. "That's PERFECT!" Hermione exclaimed, shooting forward. "Oh, I'm so relieved, Emily, that's great!"

"Really? I mean, thank you!"

"Oh, I'm so relieved! Well, how would you like to do this?"

"Well, quickly of course."

"Absolutely." Emily took out her appointment book. "I have to get one of those."

"You have one." Sandy broke in from the doorway, where he had taken up residence.

"Sandy! You didn't have to follow."

"If you like I can attribute it to professionalism, following my boss' schedule." He sat in the chair next to Emily.

"Well, when do you want to do it?" Hermione asked.

"Does this weekend work? Saturday?"

"Sounds good."

"Do you think we could do it at the manor?"

"I'm sure that would be great, it would be more on Lucius' territory."

"Around one?"

"Superb!"

"Wonderful! And anything that gets published I will run by you first."

"Emily you are my favorite reporter."

"She's my favorite too."

Emily gave Sandy a playful shove. "Run those by Mr. Malfoy and let me know."

"Tomorrow morning." Emily gave her a look. "Family dinner." Hermione filled in. "Lucius, Draco, myself and a guest. Off the record."

"Strictly." Emily said, grinning, as she and Sandy stood. "Well, have fun. See you tomorrow and see you," she turned and pointed her notebook at Sandy, "tonight."

"Bye!" Sandy grinned as she left. Hermione arched an eyebrow at him. "We've got another date!" he said defensively.

"I'm sure."

"Yeah, family dinner my foot."

"Touché."

PAGE BREAK

That evening, the Wednesday of the week before her arrival, Gabrielle was to dine at the manor. From the very start there was talk about her stay and what fun it would be. Over dinner, Lucius brought up the Prophet. "Oh, don't worry, I've got it all sorted. Wait; are you busy Saturday at one?"

"No."

"Wonderful, I have contacted someone I trust at the Prophet and they have sorted everything out so it's very agreeable to us."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. A few quick photos here and then they show us everything before it's published."

"I suppose it is more favorable than the original."

"What is it?" Gabrielle asked.

"The news has been hounding father and Hermione for photos." Draco interjected.

"Gracious!"

"Yes, but I've fixed it. And Emily is dating my assistant. She is trying to work her way up in the Prophet and she is the one who cut us the deal from before."

"I see."

"You still don't trust it."

"Do you expect me to?"

"Just tell me you are placated."

"I am resigned." Lucius said, in a very final tone. "No longer what you, my dear, would label 'livid'."

"I can accept that."

"Now that that little bit of unpleasantness has passed, Gabrielle, when do you think you will be arriving exactly?"

"Well, if it would not be too much, I was thinking perhaps I could arrive on Saturday and be able to settle in and be ready to work on Monday."

"What a splendid idea!" Hermione said.

"Yes, I think it is a wise idea. I am almost positive that our unfortunate meeting with the Prophet is the only activity on Saturday, at what time do you think you will be at the manor?"

"Well," Draco began, "Perhaps you could come at 12:30 or so, and you and I could go out to lunch and do some looking around or what have you and Father and Hermione could have their little photo shoot while they're out."

"That sounds lovely!" Gabrielle said, smiling brightly at Draco. "If it's alright with you, of course." She turned towards Lucius.

"Excellent idea."

"I'm sure you'll have a lovely time," Hermione agreed, "and then you'll miss this mess here."

They concluded the meal without much fuss, whisking away to their individual destinations until they agreed to meet in the library.

Hermione took Draco aside when she was sure Lucius was out of range. "D'you mind if I talk to you for a second?"

Gabrielle smiled. "I can wander unescorted; I need to explore this place a little anyway."

Draco grinned as she walked off. "I have a feeling I know what this is about."

"Was that alright? About the Prophet, I mean. I don't want to be making plans and handling things he wants to handle."

"Hermione, don't worry. You aren't stepping on his authority or anything. You are an executive woman who found a way to ease an issue."

"I mean, normally I wouldn't be so worried, but what with his being sick and my barging in on him-"

"Really, I'm telling you. You handled it. I can't really stress it properly. I'm sure he is grateful for what you have managed to do. You're saving as much face as either of you can."

"I suppose. Have you settled the sleeping arrangements?"

"Gabrielle has decided that it would be less awkward for the family if she took the room next to mine. It was a good compromise, thanks."

"Absolutely." They started towards the library, where they could see Gabrielle examining a portrait next to the door. "That argument would have never ended, I had to say something."

PAGE BREAK

The next morning, Hermione told Emily that Saturday at one was perfect, thanks ever so, and went on with her business. Saturday rolled around, no muss no fuss, until, of course, Gabrielle arrived.

The residents of the manor (of the human variety) had been waiting for her in the dining room. Draco (who had been pretending to listen to the conversation and really sneaking glances out the window) saw her coming up the walk first, and went to answer the door, Hermione and Lucius not far behind.

"Hello!" she greeted brightly, taking a pillbox-sized cube out of her pocket and enlarging it to a blue trunk. "How are you?"

"Fine, and you?" Hermione said, giving her a hug.

"Fantastic!" she bent, sliding a handle up the side of the trunk. Evidently there were wheels. "Are you ready for your photo shoot?"

"As we will be, I suppose."

"Did they give you any instructions? Like, what to wear or anything?"

Hermione glanced at Lucius, who had closed his eyes and sighed. "No, they hadn't. Damn."

"I'm sure you are fine the way you are, I didn't mean to suggest-"

"No, I know what you meant, it's fine, I just wish we had had more instruction."

"It will work out."

"Come on up, I will show you your room." Draco led her up the stairs.

Hermione turned to Lucius. "Do YOU know what we're to do?"

"Absolutely not. I am sure your contact will direct us appropriately. Sit."

They returned to the dining room and Hermione followed his instruction, worrying her lip. Draco and Gabrielle came back down the stairs, departing with a few quick instructions.

"Now, Father, don't de too horrid to the Prophet people, Hermione wont appreciate it at all, and Hermione allow him to be just a little horrid to them."

Almost as soon as they had left, a knock came at the door. Hermione swiftly went to answer it, Lucius slowly rising and following her. The open door revealed Emily Baker and three other people. "Hello, Miss Baker, come in." she tried to remain professional; she did have an image to maintain, despite her nerves.

"Thank you so much for the interview." Emily said, entering. "This is my staff, my assistant of sorts, Dermott Hadley, today's photographer, Jerome Michaels, and his assistant Moira Logan." The trio entered, Dermott looking around, Moira studying Hermione and Jerome being sort of sullen. Emily turned to smile, only letting a small amount of nerves show, at Lucius. "And thank you excessively for letting us trample on your privacy, time, and home. We'll be quick, I picked everyone specially."

They agreed that the large sitting room would be perfect, really it wasn't a sitting room at all, just a very long room with a good sized fireplace, oriental rugs, some sofas, and windows at either end, letting in a good deal of natural light.

Hermione and Lucius were soon to find out that this team was, in fact, fast. Jerome, who was very short, dark haired, and scowling, set up his camera and muttered directions to Moira, who was thin and Hermione's height with a low ponytail of reddish brown hair. She was typically one step ahead of Jerome, causing his low-voiced comments to drop away before he finished. Rapidly, she began to quietly position the couple while Jerome adjusted his equipment, including the obscenely large, old fashioned camera.

Dermott, who Hermione could remember seeing around the Ministry, was looking around curiously. Emily was chatting, or trying her best to, with Lucius and Hermione. Hermione was grateful because it was none to deep conversation, and she knew that it was fodder for the accompanying article.

How do you find your job? How do you fill your days? How do you spend most of your time together? Everything was very lighthearted, practically droll. Lucius answered staunchly, unbending enough to let a witty comment slip through. All this chitchat occurred while they were being positioned and preliminary photographs taken.

Hermione had, of course, been photographed before, but most photos were candid or impromptu. Lucius had more experience. Pose after pose, quick flashes of light, more instructions, and suddenly, they were done. The crew began packing up, Emily and Dermott stopped going over what they had, and they began to trickle out of the room. Emily, last to leave, smiled. "Thanks so much again, Ms. Granger, I will be in touch with you on Monday, and I hope the rest of your weekend goes without further interruption."

They walked the group to the door, and once they had left completely, Hermione put her head on Lucius' shoulder. "I'm exhausted."

For the first time that day, he laughed a little and wrapped his arms around her. "I am terribly sorry."

She hummed happily and closed her eyes. "That's alright." He kissed her forehead. "I wonder when Draco and Gabrielle will get home."

"I am not exactly sure…hopefully not for a very long time…"

The front door burst open. "UGH! What did I tell you two?! Gabrielle you may want to look for another residence…"

"DRACO!"

AN- okay. there you go. work and school are starting up, so i dont know exactly the next time i update, just know it will be before October :) thank you so much!