A/N: Yes, I know a new fanfiction from me...(Why Tess? Why not just finish your other fanfics before starting on a new one?) Because honestly (sadly) I have no plot for the others...or well I have no plot for Obscure Reality...not yet...or I can't come up with a good chapter. But I really try to. But for now I really have this amazing inspiration for this new fanfiction, I truly hope you will enjoy this new fanfiction written by me. Was up all night editing this chapter and quite satisfied with the outcome. Loads of parings in this one :3 So if you like those kinds of fanfics then make sure to follow it!
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter (sadly) J.K Rowling is the true creator of this masterpiece. I only use my own imagination for a different storyline. So enjoy!
Short Prologue
The conclusion of a war can change a person rather drastically. Either it be for the worse or for the better. It had been five years since the last battle ended and conquered. Many lives were lost. However despite it all, life went on for the remaining heroes. New rules were made to be set and the Phoenix order was disbanded. Instead a growing amount of compatible auror's took charge. The prejudice against muggleborns no more existed, and muggle inventions were introduced to the world. One item in particular, the television. Slowly but steady the Wizarding World was yet again returning to the world everyone once loved.
This is the part of another story. A story not yet too been told. Now when the golden boy's adventure had come to pass. For this is about a bookworm called Hermione Granger, and her journey has just begun.
HG/DM/AP/ZS/CW/DT/MF/RD/TB/TH/OW
Chapter 1
The Article.
It was an early Wednesday morning; Hermione was sitting in her new apartment in Wizarding London, drifting off to her dream-world of classical literature and romance novels. It's one rare pleasure she found herself quite fond off, when not engrossed with paper-works. Hermione even dared to admit that her pretended romance in books was more satisfying than her none existent in real life. She did date Ron for a while after the war but they grew apart and realised they were better suited as friends, and that was four years ago. Now Ron's dating Cho, they met on work and their relationship has flourished since then, and Hermione had stayed far away from relationships and boys ever since.
Even Harry settled down. He and Ginny moved to Grimmauld Place and they're now expecting their first child.
Hermione gave an exaggerated yawn, stretching her body from sitting on the couch for far too long. Tearing her eyes away from her book, glancing at the living room clock. Her eyes widening when she noticed her book reading made her forget about time...again.
"Ginny's going to kill me" she panicked and slammed her book shut, placing it back to the bookshelf. She rushed inside her bedroom and grabbed some clothes from the wardrobe, not really caring about the outfit so she dressed quickly. Hermione had promised Ginny to make an early visit before heading to work. Ginny had snapped at her on the phone the day before, phrasing Ginny 'Your work takes all your waking hour! I demand some Ginny time!' Hermione chuckled softly to the memory, typically Ginny referring herself as needed Ginny time.
Hermione hurried with her last efforts with her socks and managed to pull them on. Then she headed inside the bathroom real quickly and brushed her hair so it was more tame. Ignoring the need to brush her teeth as Ginny had made breakfast, and if Hermione knew her friend right she always made alot to eat. Especially now with the raging baby hormones. When she decided she was all done she made her way to the door, but checked once more that everything was in order. Then she exited her apartment and disapparated, towards Harry and Gin's house.
"Took you long enough" a bothered redheaded witch said while opening the door to Hermione. Ginny pouted and crossed her arms over her pregnant belly. Hermione grinned sheepishly, pulling a small strand away from her face as she stepped inside the house.
"Sorry, lost track of time" she apologized, and gave a quick hug to the redheaded witch, who just pursed her lips.
"Uh-hu. A good book I presume?" Ginny teased smirking. Knowing the exact cause for Hermione's lateness, there was always a book involved. Hermione just chuckled, having no good apology for that retort.
"Yes, actually it is. It's really fascinating, I recommend you read it" Hermione suggested, giving a sassy smirk on her own, to which only amused her more when she saw the look on Ginny's face.
"Not likely" she replied, almost looking offended. "Now! Before you start rambling about this oh so 'glorious' book of yours I suggest with start with breakfast. Because I'm famished!" Ginny added just as her stomach grumbled loudly, making both witches laugh out loud. Hermione nodded her head, liking that idea very much. So they both headed to the kitchen.
"So how's the pregnancy been going?" Hermione asked as she bit down on her toast, glancing at Ginny's big stomach. She reckoned her being 7 months pregnant. Ginny peered down at her stomach rubbing it gently.
"It's been rough. I have to admit it's not like I've expected it to be. Sure it's been lovely too, but all this morning sickness...I just thought it would've been gone by now" she mentioned with a sigh, staring back at Hermione. "Harry has been annoying too! He's way to overprotective! He won't let me do anything. He didn't even let me carry a box to the attic, He told me that I was in a too fragile state right now" Ginny scoffed while Hermione laughed out loud.
"What did you do?" she asked interested. Ginny smirked. "I hexed a leg lock on his feet and dangled him upside down in the air. He haven't called me fragile ever since" they both burst into laughs again, Hermione even clutching her sides from all the laughter.
"I'm sad I missed that. It would've been a hilarious sight to see" Hermione spoke as her laughter tuned down.
"Well that's because you never have time for us anymore. Your work is your first priority and we never get to see you. So that's entirely your fault" Ginny half snapped, thinning her lips. Hermione blinked surprised by Ginny's snapping at her. Had she deserved it? Well maybe, but it was a bit sudden. Had Hermione really neglected her friends that much? She was just about to make an apology when Ginny beat her to it.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to snap like that. It's just the baby hormones, so don't mind me" she added a bit calmer this time. Hermione smiled, she understood it must be hectic and stressful with the pregnancy. Hermione patted Ginny's hand, giving a small smile to which Ginny greeted with her own.
"It's fine Gin. I guess it's alot to process now. I'm sorry too. I'll promise to keep in touch more often" she reassured. Leaving Ginny's hand she reached over to the bacon and placed three pieces on her plate and started eating. "Oh that reminds me. How's Harry been doing at his work as auror? I heard some rumours about him and Ron catching a former death eather last week?"
Ginny nodded her head agreeably, as she took a bite of her own food. "You heard correct. He and Ron did in fact catch a former death eather. Although it's none we have heard off before. But it's nice to know the world will be a safer place with yet another former death eather imprisoned"
Hermione smiled, looking down at her half-finished plate. How she missed Harry and Ron. The both of them working as aurors. She still remembered when they all decided to work together as aurors, fighting crime...in a matter of speaking. All that changed when the war ended. That's when Hermione knew she couldn't face those challenges every day, so when she gotten a job offer as an auror she happily declined and now she's working with something that is more enjoyable and less adventurous, at the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, muggle committee.
Hermione must've zoomed out because Ginny was waving her hand in front of Hermione's oblivious face.
"Hello? Earth to Hermione. Are you still there?" she heard a distant chuckle from Ginny and snapped out of her small trans and blushed.
"Sorry, you were saying?"
Ginny huffed with a sigh slipping through her sealed lips, shaking her head. "Like I was saying 'before' you dozed off on me" she stated with a glare. "You should have a look on this" Ginny smirked and pushed the daily prophet to Hermione's reach.
"Hmm?" she glanced down at the news tabloid and frowned. "Care to evaluate what I'm looking at here?" she asked with a puzzled frown. Ginny rolled her eyes, pointing with her finger on the small article to the bottom left. It was hardly readable and Hermione had to squint her eyes to read it better.
"Isn't it great?" Ginny cheered loudly, getting all excited while Hermione was still trying to figure out what all the fuzz was about. She didn't even get enough time to read the entire article as Ginny pulled it back to her grasp. Hermione frowned at Ginny once more.
"I wasn't finished reading Gin"
Ginny decided to ignore Hermione and smiled wickedly, clearing her throat and re-read the article out loud.
"Feeling romantically challenged, miss the heated passion and with less drama? Or the right kind of drama? Then this might be something for you. We're now looking for a young single woman around 20-30 years old that will date 20 young eligible men for our new Wizarding tv show 'Madness in love'. Every week there will be an elimination to find your true love. Does this sound like anything for you? Then don't hesitate any longer write your acceptance letter and sign in...-" Ginny continued reading the article but Hermione had stopped listening when she heard Ginny mentioning 'dating 20 men'.
"Wait? What? Are they insane? Who in their sane minds would even consider participating in this pathetic love game?" Hermione outburst, which made Ginny look at Hermione in bewilderment.
"Well, I would...if I didn't already have the most amazing husband that cares for me" Hermione rolled her eyes by that. Honestly the article was so cliché it made her want to barf.
"Ah, c'mon Mione. Think about it. Having the attention from 20 men, gawking after you, wanting you, and in the end it's you that have the power. So my obvious answer...of course women would love that. It's in our nature to like the attention" Ginny chuckled while Hermione snorted disgusted. She has never ever felt the need in having a man's attention. Sure she once had Ron's attention but that's about it.
"Well not me. I don't like getting to much attention and I wouldn't want that."
"Oh, yes right. I forgot, you rather want a good book than having a guy that gives you flowers-"
"I get it"
"-Gives you chocolate, and takes you out on dates-"
"I get it!"
"-Gives you massages, and breakfasts on bed, oh and better yet have someone that kisses you so passionately..-"
"I know Gin! I get it! Stop it, you don't need to say anymore. I know I'm hopeless with love!" Hermione snapped louder than necessary. Ginny sniggered and had a knowing smirk growing on her face. She knew Hermione would react like that, it was getting on her nerves, and that only proved one thing. Hermione needed this. She needed romance.
"All I'm saying is that you need that, the romance. Plus you're not hopeless. Just had a bad experience with relationships. It's been ages since you had a boyfriend, or better yet...got laid"
"Hey! My sexual encounters are none of your business!" Hermione blushed a bright red. Ginny just sighed. It was even more troubled than she thought.
"C'mon Mione. It's not like it's a big secret. You even gave yourself away with expressing sex as 'sexual encounters' and that is not normal. So yes I do know it's been a while, and you my friend need all the attention you can get. You don't want your uterus to whiter and collect dust" Ginny joked.
Hermione snorted and took a sip from her cup of tea. Trying to clear her thoughts that kept popping up while Ginny was speaking. Usually she wouldn't let the ginger girl's words of 'wisdom' get her down or worried but somehow she knew that her friend was partly right in this matter but this didn't suit in with her big life-plan. Hermione gave a big sigh.
"I know you mean well Ginny, but I don't have the time for romances and boyfriends right now. As far as I see it, I'm married to my work and I'm quite content with that"
Now it was Ginny's turn to give a snort.
"Rubbish and you know it. Everyone needs romances once in awhile. You can't just find that solitude in a book Hermione. You need the real life experience" Ginny spoke with conviction. Hermione wanted to hide, and leave the house, away from Ginny's love advices.
"I got the perfect solution for it as well" she pointed to the small forgotten article and grinned. Hermione raised a brow and followed her gaze and when she saw what Ginny was referring to, her eyes went as big as saucers.
"No way! You're completely mental if you think I'm going to sign into that stupid TV show. Only desperate people sign into that willingly" Ginny chuckled and a wicked gleam could be seen from the corner of her eyes, it was quite terrifying.
"Oh, I 'know' you won't sign in on your own record" Hermione bit her lip a bit worried for what Ginny had in mind. "That's why I'm going so kind to do it for you, from the goodness of my heart"
It took a mere second for Hermione to process what Ginny had just announced and then she stared at her mouth opened and she could've sworn that she felt a terrible shiver down her spine.
"The hell you are!" she cursed out, her voice echoing in the house. Ginny blinked in surprise.
"You are NOT going to sign me into that show. It's pathetic and I won't stand for it! So there's no way you'll get me to join that. Don't meddle with my love affairs again!" with that said she drank her last sip of her tea and stood up as she had noticed the clock on the wall was already 9:30.
"Thank you for breakfast Gin, it was marvellous. Although I need to be going now, work starts in half an hour." Her eyes wandered to the delicious blue-berry muffins on a black tray and Hermione reached out to take one. "I'll save this for later" she added softly, like her snapping hadn't occurred two seconds ago.
Ginny gave a frustrated sigh and stood up as well. "I was only thinking about your best interest Hermione. You're like a sister to me and I truly think it would've done you some good."
Hermione barked out a sarcastic laugh, crossing her arms to her chest. "Trust me, it wouldn't" Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose, she could feel a headache crossing her temples and groaned. Great, just what she needed before heading to work she thought sarcastically. Letting her hand down to her sides again she gave a weak smile directed to Ginny.
"I'm going to be late, so I'm just going to tell you this once. Don't sign my name into that show" she almost pleaded
Ginny frowned in a deep concentration and kept chewing on her bottom lip, like she was considering her toughest decision ever. Hermione shook her head desperately and glanced over to the clock again. "I don't have time for this. I need to go, I'll call you later, and again. Don't do anything drastic that we both might regret"
Hermione gave Ginny a fast hug and said her goodbyes. Within a second she was gone, dissapparating to her department at the Ministry. Ginny peered at the article again. She was debating what to do, but deep inside she already knew what to do and she hoped Hermione wouldn't murder her for doing so.
"I'm sorry Hermione but this is for your own good."
Arriving at The Department of magical accidents and catastrophes she entered the muggle committee office. She was late and she knew it. The gawking colleagues made it quite clear, and it annoyed Hermione beyond her limits. Her headache only getting worse, but still she remained in a calm posture and greeted them all with a fake smile.
When she finally rounded the last corner that would lead her to her office she sighed relived. She couldn't stand to face them all now, judging her for being late or something else. She saw the door to her office and smiled. Suddenly like the speed of lighting a guy jumped right in front of her, making her give away a small shriek.
"Good morning Hermione. You look stunningly today!" the compliment almost went unheard by Hermione as she was trying to catch her breath, clasping her hand to her chest. When she had calmed a notch she finally looked up to the intruder of her private space.
"Thanks" she managed to mutter out, clearly bothered by his presence. Terry Boot gave a bright smile. "You seemed rushed? Been a hectic day? I hope I didn't scare you" Hermione almost rolled her eyes. What an obvious statement, how in the world could he have guessed that, she thought sarcastically. Although the sincerity worded in his question made her almost feel guilty, he was always kind to Hermione...in his own disturbed way.
Hermione really didn't have anything against him. He had been in the same year as her in Hogwarts and was, made head boy when she was head girl. Most of the times they got along perfectly. However sometimes, like today she just wanted him to go away and keep quiet.
"I'm fine" she replied, cutting it short. Hermione looked over to her office and yearned to be inside so she could relax before getting to work. Something was strange though. Hermione noticed her office door was shut, and she never closed her door, so why was it shut?
"Terry? Why is my door closed? Is someone inside or...?"
Terry followed her gaze directed to her office and then back to Hermione and smiled.
"Yeah, I almost forgot. Mr. Rogers is inside your office. He told me to tell you he's in there waiting for you"
Hermione had to blink a couple times before her brain could register what Terry just said. Her boss is inside her office, waiting for her? Now why would he ever do that? She prayed that she wasn't in any trouble for being late.
"Did he say anything more?" she asked with uncertainty, not sure if she liked this situation or not. Terry shook his head no. "Not really. He just told me he was waiting there. Something about discussing a matter of great import"
Hermione widen her eyes and swallowed with anticipation and nervousness. What could be so important to talk about inside her office?
"Thanks Terry" nodding her head as she approached her office. She heard a distant 'you're welcome' from Terry. But at that moment her mind was to preoccupied to focus on anything else. Grabbing a hold to the door handle she pushed it down and stepped inside the small quaint office.
Hermione regarded Mr. Rogers who stood by the window his back facing her, and then he sensed her presence turning around he smiled.
"Miss Granger, good. Come in, and please sit down" he offered and Hermione felt more or less like a statue at that moment so she just did what she was asked, not knowing of what her future would bring.
A loud squeal was heard from the other end of the phone and Hermione had to tilt her head away from the phone not to get deaf.
"I can't believe you're getting a promotion!" Ginny shrieked again, but not as loud. Hermione laughed richly, leaning down to her couch. "Well I haven't gotten the promotion just yet. But he was very positive about it. That's if I can pull this off"
"Oh, you'll manage Hermione. I know you, you're not the brightest witch for nothing. I have big hopes for you and besides didn't he tell you he was proud of you, and remember being the employee of the month will only gain you credit! Trust me this promotion is yours faster than you can say Qudditch"
Hermione actually gave genuine giggle. She was overwhelmed, this was the biggest news she gotten in a very long time and she wanted to shout out to everyone about her success, however she doubted anyone would even care.
"I'm so excited Gin! But I still have my doubts. I mean how am I supposed to pull this off and collect 200,000 galleons in only two months. It's quite the task for a new department building at St Mungos, it demands a miracle and I don't work wonders." Hermione knew it demanded something extraordinary to happen for her to actually manage to collect that amount of money. When Mr. Rogers had mentioned it she didn't hesitate once she agreed right away. Also because it was for a good cause. St, Mungos was in desperate needs for a new department and Hermione would be proud to be a part of that project. That's when he told her that if she pulled that off, she would receive a promotion.
Ginny remained silent, her head rummaging through Hermione's possibilities.
"What about a big fundraiser in St Mungos honour? Or a charity?"
"A charity? You can't be serious." She asked dumbfounded.
"I'm not Sirius, I'm Ginny" she chuckled, though Hermione did not. She rolled her eyes quite tired of hearing that same joke for the hundred tenth time, the joke wasn't even funny anymore.
"Ginny..." she sighed.
"Fine! No charity then. Do you have a better idea your high and mighty?" she asked with hint of sarcasm. Hermione bit her lip, finding her nails really interesting at that moment. "Well...none at the moment" she admitted meekly. Ginny just snorted at the phone.
"That's what I thought. Now if you ju..-" Ginny stopped speaking like she just received an epiphany. How could she forget? The answer was just staring her right in the face, it was so obvious!
"Ginny? Hello, you there?" Hermione asked out to the silence she got from Ginny. Almost dropping her phone to the floor when she heard the loudest of squeals from Ginny.
"I have it!"
Hermione managed to catch the phone again, thanking her fast reflexes.
"Merlin's pants Ginny. You scar.."
"I have it!" Ginny repeated, not letting Hermione finish. "It was so obvious! I'm feeling so stupid why didn't I think about that" Ginny chuckled and Hermione gave a tired sigh, feeling defeated.
"Fine, go ahead. Tell me your 'glorious' idea" she doubted she would like it anyway, it was gut feeling.
"Well do you remember the article from earlier this morning?" Hermione's stomach tensed, nope she didn't like where this was heading at ALL.
"Yes what about it?...you didn't?" she asked with a slight quiver on her voice. "Just hear me out" Ginny interrupted, clearing her throat in her hand.
"'The participant won't only compete to gain the love of her life, but she will also gain a winning prize for the happy couple to spend, 300,000 galleons. If that doesn't sound like a fair deal then I don't know what would. Sign in with your name today, and you'll have a chance to be the one lucky woman winning a man's heart and the money of a lifetime. P.S interviews starts within a week' "Just as Ginny finished the article she waited for a response from Hermione.
"Why don't I remember that part of the article from this morning?" she asked slightly more intrigued than before.
"Because Miss Know-it-all, you didn't let me finish reading it before" she hissed out with roll on her eyes. "So you see this is the solution for your problems. You need 200,000 galleonsfor your project, in this show they offer 300,000 so it's a win/win situation" she added more calmer this time. Although Hermione wasn't that easily fooled, she raised her brow confused.
"How's this a win/win situation?"
"Because not only will you get the money but you'll also gain a man that loves you. That's why this is a win/win situation" she stated honestly. Hermione shook her head furiously, like Ginny could actually see her through the phone.
"No way Ginny. We have to find another way. I'm not ready to find a romance and I'm certainly not ready to join a show to win some money and make a fool of myself in the process. So I'm sorry, but there has to be another way, and that's my final answer"
Hermione refused to lower herself to that standard. She wasn't that desperate. Plus she didn't want everyone to see her on television...and men gawking after her. She had enough with being in the famous golden trio. Ginny whom had only been listening to parts of what Hermione had said, just shrugged her shoulders.
"That's too bad-"
"Not really" Hermione scoffed.
"-Because I already signed your name to the show, and they accepted an interview with you next week" Ginny grinned wickedly, awaiting a loud outburst from Hermione in any second now...
1...
2...
3...
"YOU DID WHAT?!"
(A/N: As you might have noticed this was nothing about the pairings...so far. They will all pop up in the next chapter. This fanfic is kind of like the tv show bachelorette and bachelor (Giving roses and eliminations) that kind of competition. I remember when I was just a kid I used to love those shows and I thought. Hey! Why not write a HP related fanfic about it! And then poof this came up.
SO hope you liked this small idea of mine and don't forget to comment something, be kind (: and please follow. Take care my dears! 3
