Hot for Teacher (A Harry Potter Fanfiction--Dramione)

The Things We Do To Impress

Draco bit his lip and huffed in frustration. He was usually a master at negotiations, but all the Slytherin cunning in the world couldn't hold up against the wall of communication that were house elves. People, he could deal with in his sleep. People were hopelessly easy, falling easily for flattery or cool charisma. But house elves tended to talk in circles and his own were no exception.

"I'm just asking if you would consider it, Quincy. And I'm certainly not asking you to leave. I'm simply asking if it would be possible for you to allow me to give you a bit of money every week and perhaps something half-way decent to wear."

"Master Draco tries to free us. We is being loyal and hard working for Master Draco and he is wanting to send us away," the elderly house elf seemed torn between indignation and hurt.

"That's not it at all. I want you to keep doing exactly what you're doing. I want you to continue to live here and work here. Absolutely nothing will change. I only want to give you a little money for your work."

"Master Draco is trying to give us clothes. Master Draco is trying to free us."

"Forget the clothes, then. If you're happy with your pillowcases, then that's all right with me. You can even buy new pillowcases. Better pillowcases. With the money I will pay you."

"Master Draco already gives us everything we requires. We is not needing any monies. Why is Master Draco wanting us to go away?"

Draco put his hands behind his head, closed his eyes and breathed deeply to collect his calm. "Quincy. I don't want to send you away. I want you to stay here and do nothing differently except allow me to give you a small amount of money every week. I am asking as a favor to you. But I could very well order you to take it. Which is absolutely daft because who in their right mind would have to be ordered to take wages?"

"Master Draco says we will not be free elves. But Master Draco talks of wages. Only free elves are paid wages." Quincy curled his lip in disgust at the thought.

"I don't give a bloody fuck what you call it Quincy." Draco was truly exasperated now. "Call it a gift, alright? Every week I will give you a gift. Nothing will change. Alright?"

Quincy exhaled deeply. "The other elves will not be pleased with Quincy. Quincy will tell them Master Draco orders us to take this gift of monies."

Draco nodded his head and held his palms together in a gesture of appreciation. "Thank you Quincy."

Draco left the servant hall feeling drained of all energy. He leaned against the door and banged his head against the wood.

Some women liked flowers. Some liked jewelry. Draco had to go and become smitten with the one woman who would rather you made your house elves miserable by shoving money down their throats.

The things I do to impress a girl.

Draco grinned as he recalled his conversation with Hermione in front of the Floo last night. Potter conceded to grant them some privacy as they said their goodnights.

"So...the Gryffindor/Slytherin game is tomorrow," Draco said.

"Is it? I can never seem to remember when these things come up."

"I'm going."

"Are you?"

"I never miss it. Perhaps I'll see you there too?"