Harry hated coming to any event held by the ministry. It was always overcrowded with loud, obnoxious, rich people who never stopped talking about how big their collection of brooms are or how many estates they have. It was all ridiculous to him. The only reason he came was to support his friend, hermione. This was her first party as minister of magic so of course he had to come and show his support. (Hermione really asked him to come to watch Ron, but Harry would never admit that)
'This turned out really great mate.'
Ron said while leaning against the bar. He brought his drink up to his lips as he looked upon the people dancing and laughing.
'Mhm' Harry mumbled in agreement, swirling his finger in his glass, not paying any attention to the crowd around him.
'Hermione should be starting her speech soon.'
Ron replied, completely oblivious to Harry not paying any mind to the party. Suddenly the music died down, a loud voice filling the room.
'Good evening witches and wizards! Thank you all for attending the annual ministry spring festival! For donations this year, we will be doing things a little differently. As some of you know my first request as the minister was to get rid of section 2.9, article 12 where it states all elves must serve witches and wizards. So it's only fair that I change the tradition of auctioning off elves for something I think everyone will enjoy a lot more.'
Ron knudged Harry's arm, causing him to finally look up.
'Pay attention. It's about to get good.'
The people around them began to whisper to one another. The elf auction was held every year up until now, it was a long running tradition in powerful wizarding families.
'I would like to welcome to the dance floor our most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, who will, for a good price, go out on a date of your choice!'
The whispers suddenly stopped as the sight of the first person walking in. Harry recognized who it was right away.
'Is that?'
He began to say before he was cut off.
'Our first bachelor, Draco Malfoy. He is currently the most seeked out bachelor of the year after many men have tried to win this slytherin's heart but none have succeeded. He likes studying potions in his spare time for his new book, 'potions from the heart'. And He also still enjoys quidditch.'
Ron laughed to himself looking at Harry's face. He knew his plan with hermione would work. He was sick of watching his friend pine after his coworker everyday. It was sickening.
'Will you be the one to win him over? The starting price for his date is 1500 galleons. Do we have a offer?'
A few wands raised up causing Harry to stand up from the bar. His cheeks turning bright red in anger. Draco pushed his long blonde hair over his shoulder, showing off his clean all black suite as he smiled at the crowd.
'Blimey mate put your cup down before it breaks'
Ron noticed the cup beginning to crack in Harry's hand, making him wonder if this was such a good idea after all.
'3,000 galleons! Do I see 4,000?'
A few more Wands rose up, shaking Harry out of his angered state. He slammed his cup onto the bar, pushing past Ron through the crowd.
'Oh shit.'
Ron quickly finished his drink before following behind his friend who was shoving past the people surrounding them.
'Oh sorry about him.'
Ron replied to a man sending him a glare.
'Harry wait mate!'
Ron tried to grab his shoulder to stop him but it was to late. Harry stood in the front of the crowd with his wand raised.
'20,000 galleons ! Gold in hand!'
His chest heaving in frustration, his green eyes locking with the bright blue ones staring down at him. Draco looked like a hippogriff stuck in a trap. His eyes wide, frozen in place.
'20,000 from mr. Potter! Do I hear 25,000?'
Before anyone could even react, Harry stepped forward , his wand pointing right at draco.
'50,000 dollars.'
Ron was in shock. He never thought Harry would do it. He wished he could take a picture because the look on malfoy face was priceless.
'50,000! Wow Mr. Potter what a charitable donation! Going once, going twice. Sold!'
Harry finally lowered his wand, his eyes still locked on malfoy who was making his way off stage. Ron quickly pulled Harry back into the crowd, breaking him out of his stare.
'What the hell was that?'
Harry shrugged, pushing past Ron to sit back at his seat at the bar.
'So this was hermione's idea huh?'
Ron finally sat back in his seat, giving him a quick nod.
'Now it's time for our next guest! Bachelor Neville longbottom.'
Her loud voice echoing around the room. The bartender walked up, conjuring both men another drink.
'Me and her are going to have a talk later.'
A long period of silence lingered between them, the echoing of hermione's voice in the background keeping it from being awkward.
'We always knew you wanted to shag malfoy'
Ron mumbled picking up his glass.
'Fuck off !'
YOU ARE READING
Ministry Set up
RomanceHarry's friends knew all along about his feelings towards his supposed 'enemy' but if only they could get him to realize it as well.