LUCKY

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this tale, and receive no proceeds from it. All borrowed courtesy of Ms. J.K. Rowling.


CHAPTER ONE

Hermione couldn’t believe her luck. She had been with the Ministry for two years in their Charms Reversal Department, and finally had an opportunity for a promotion. Hermione had finished her apprenticeship in Charms and had taken the Ministry exam. All that stood between her and her hopeful title as Junior Charms Mistress were the routine Ministry interviews. She was to be interviewed by four of the Ministry officials (two active professionals, and two that sat on the board) at varying times this week. After three down, she only had one left to impress. But of all the people on the Ministry’s board, they had to send Lucius Malfoy.

Malfoy. Just the name sent her blood boiling. The slimy arsehole had greased his way out of Azkaban, and back onto the Ministry’s board. How people could be so stupid was beyond Hermione. It was clear that he was not under any spell. Yet, it was amazing (or distressing) how the exchange of galleons seemed to guarantee Malfoy’s freedom and privileges.

Every time Hermione chanced to encounter Malfoy in the halls of the Ministry, it was all she could do not to hex his smirking face. Malfoy would look her up and down as if he had some type of x-ray vision. It always left her feeling bare and dirty. She couldn’t help but wonder if he knew she didn’t have on matching underthings. Hermione couldn’t imagine an afternoon spent in Malfoy’s company.

Presently, Hermione was in the ladies’ room checking her appearance in the mirror. She wanted to make sure Malfoy wouldn’t have any ammunition to disparage her in her manner of dress. Her robes were pristine, and her hair neatly charmed into an soft bun with tendrils trailing around her delicate face. Her figure was neat, but not flamboyant. Nothing to cause undue attention. And for once, she had on a matching set of lingerie. Just in case Malfoy could see through her robes.

‘Not bad.’ she thought ‘It’s just one afternoon. I can do this.’

Leaving the bathroom with that mantra playing in her head, Hermione headed for her final interview. Soon, she was in what passed as the Ministry’s cafeteria. The food here was mediocre at best.

'Surely, more than Malfoy,' thought Hermione, 'warranted.' At that thought Hermione scowled, then immediately attempted to smooth the crease from her visage. It wouldn’t do to seem hostile before the meeting even began. She would have to work on her self control.

“Ah, Miss Granger, punctuality is always appreciated,” came a growling voice at her ear. She nearly jumped but controlled the response in time.

Turning to face her nemesis, Hermione stepped back a bit to widen the distance between them to a more comfortable one.

“Mister Malfoy,” she acknowledged with a nod. “Thank you for meeting me today. Where would you like to sit?”

Malfoy’s lips sketched a smile, “Certainly not here, my dear. I have reserved a private room. Follow me if you will.”

After being seated in a beautifully appointed room, Hermione looked around her. Malfoy was certainly out to impress. The rich mahogany furniture gleamed and the lighting gave the room almost a romantic air. Suddenly a menu appeared in front of her. Hermione perused it shortly before making her selection.

Malfoy made polite, if not fascinating, conversation during the appetisers and first two courses. It was not until they had selected dessert before Malfoy approached the matter at hand. Before Hermione knew it, she was peppered with questions about her studies, work and any research pertaining to charms. She was surprised at the depth of Malfoy’s understanding.

“Well, Miss Granger,” he drawled, “it seems that you would make an exemplary Jr. Charms Mistress.” His grey eyes glinted in amusement. He could read her shock.

‘It couldn’t be this easy,’ she thought. There had to be more. Hermione unconsciously held her breath certain there was a catch somewhere. Malfoy would never be this cooperative. What did he want?

Malfoy suddenly smiled. Really smiled, wolfish teeth and all. “There is of course a small matter to clear up, and then, I’m sure that I can recommend you take up the post at once.”

He reached into his clothing and withdrew a slim package. Placing it on the table in front of Hermione, Malfoy watched her with narrowed eyes.

With trembling fingers, Hermione tore open the envelope. What was inside shocked her. There were pictures of Hermione and Ginny in very graphic sexual positions. Moving, wizard pictures. How the hell did Malfoy come by these? She hadn’t touched Ginny since their days at Hogwarts, and even then it had only happened twice.

Hermione felt her gorge rise. Merlin! This meant her career was over. Harry would never understand. She would be blacklisted. Willing her head to rise, Hermione met Malfoy’s eyes.

“Exactly what do you want?” Hermione’s voice was pure venom, loathing in every syllable.

Lucius leisurely wiped his hands on his fine linen napkin before answering. “Put simply. You.”

At this strange response, Hermione snorted. “You’re joking! Me? What on Earth could you want with me? There’s no way in Hell I would ever sleep with you, Malfoy!”

Laughter sounded from Lucius in the form of a short bark. “Sleep with you! Hardly. No, my dear. I find myself in a particular quandary. Since, Narcissa’s demise, I have been, let us say, short on social obligations. I am in need of an appropriate escort in order to gain entry once again to my social set.”

Taking a sip of his coffee, Lucius paused momentarily. “It has become the vogue to marry outside of the pureblood community. And with the added incentive of your celebrity as Harry Potter’s best friend, I believe that I can once again enjoy my previous position. As with any wealthy businessman, when your reputation suffers, so does your business. I do not intend this short downward spiral to continue.”

“So, you’ve decided to blackmail me instead!” cried Hermione. “No! There is no way that I would be seen anywhere in public with you, let alone pretend to date you. You are completely mad if you think so!”

She stood ready to quit the room, only to find Lucius’ hand restraining her.

“Sit!” he hissed.

Hermione automatically obeyed.

“This will not harm you in anyway. If anything we will both benefit. Instead of viewing this as blackmail, consider these pictures my insurance that you will fulfill your duties as my fiancee.” Malfoy smirked at this last comment.

“I will give you a day to consider my proposal. When you have made your decision, sign the document that is included in your package and return it to me.”

Standing, Lucius looked down at Hermione, “I’m sure you are aware that these are only copies of the originals. So don’t think burning them will put an end to your predicament. I will see you soon, I hope” He bowed as he stepped away.

Lucius swept from the room leaving a stunned Hermione at the table with her pudding. This certainly was not her lucky day.