Author's Note: l love hearing from my readers and each of your are important to me. I hope you will understand, I'm the Author of this story. It's my blood, sweat and tears which creates and writes it. I will Not change my plot to suit anyone but myself and I will ignore all requests for plot changes . If you have so many good ideas, please write your own story and post it. I'm sure I would love to read it. Thank you for your consideration.

Chapter One: The News

Draco x Hermione

Draco -– 18

Hermione - 18

I don't own anything

(Hermione's POV)

"I can't believe that the war is finally over, and we are in our last year of Hogwarts." I said to Harry and Ron, as we stepped onto the train to Hogwarts.

"Yes, it is hard to believe we won and are now able to complete school." Harry said, as we walked into an empty compartment.

It's been a year since the war ended, Hogwarts was rebuilt, and we can now complete out last year in peace. Harry is dating Ginny and Ron, who broke up with me about 6 months ago is now dating Lavender. It didn't matter to me as I needed to focus on my studies. With the new law the ministry has passed everyone is engaged including Ron and Harry, everyone except me. They got lucky and were matched to the ones they were already dating. I still can't figure out why I wasn't paired up with someone and I didn't tell Ron or Harry because I didn't want them worry.

"Hermione what classes are you taking this semester?" Ron asked.

."This year I am head girl and I will be taking the N.E.W.T.S." I said.

"But you didn't answer my question." Ron said.

"Advanced Charms, Potions, Advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology and DAncient Runesivination. It leaves me with me two study periods." I replied.

"Lucky, I wish that I had some free periods, too." Ron whined.

"Well, if you had taken more classes when you started school and done it all along you would be much better off." I said.

"Well I tried, but it's hard. Not all of us is as smart as you Hermione." Ron said.

"Ron you should have taken Hogwarts more seriously." I said.

"Now Hermione, you could be a little nicer." A voice sneered from behind.

"Well if it isn't ferret face." I said as I looked up into the face of Draco Malfoy. How he got in our compartment unnoticed I'll never know.

"Always pleasant seeing you as well Mudblood, Draco sneered.

"What do you want Draco?" I asked.

"Well as you know I am Head Boy." Draco said.

"Don't remind me!" I said.

"Well, my duty is to inform you Head Mistress McGonagall would like to see the two of us after we have eaten, and the sorting is complete." Draco said.

"Why did she send a messenger boy. She could have just sent me an owl." I said.

"I'm simply delivering the message." Draco said and left our compartment.

"What is up with him?" Lavender asked as she walked into the compartment, sat down next to Ron and kissed him.

"He is Head Boy, so he thinks he owns the place." I said.

"That's normal for Draco." Harry said as Ginny walked in our compartment.

It was getting crowded in here, but it wouldn't be long until we arrived at Hogwarts. A lot has happened since the war and there hashave been many changes, too. Families were reunited, but many friends and loved ones were lost. Not even my parents remember me, they never would. I felt a tinge of guilt because they were my parents and took wonderful care of me. I knew I was adopted but it didn't make things any easierwkward or upsetting. I had a lovely childhood ad I still loved them very much. Suddenly, I felt the train jerk to a halt and looked up to see if we were in Hogsmeade. I must have been lost in my thoughts for little while.

"Hermione we are here." Harry said.

"I can see that." I replied.

I stood up and walked out of the compartment and walked right into someone. I fell to the floor with a thud and hit my head on the wall. I looked up to see "Ferret Face" staring down at me with a grin on his face. What was he doing here, again? Can he not just leave me alone and let me live in peace?

"What are you doing here again, Malfoy?" I asked as I stood up.

"Just a friendly reminder, don't forget we have a meeting with Head Mistress McGonagall after the feast." Malfoy said.

"I didn't forget." I said.

"Good to know." He sneered.

"I am leaving as I don't have anything more to say to you." I growled.

"I thought I would walk you to the Great Hall." Draco said.

"What are you up to Malfoy." I sneered.

"I am not up to anything. I'm just doing as I am told." Malfoy replied.

"I can walk myself." I growled and shoved passed him.

Malfoy grabbed my arm, pulled me back against him so I was flush with his chest. I looked up at him, he had a shit eating grin on his face and his lips were mere inches from mine. I tried jerking free, he only pulled me closer to him almost making our lips touch. What was his deal?

"Where do you think you are going?" Malfoy asked in a husky voice.

"I am going to the Great Hall." I replied.

"Like I said, I am walking you to the Great Hall." He whispered, only a breath away from kissing me.

"I don't need an escort!" I growled.

"I wasn't asking, and you don't have a choice." Malfoy said.

Malfoy let go me briefly only to link his arm with mine. Malfoy began walking forcibly making me walk beside him. He helped me off the train and into a private carriage. He even pretended that this was a sweet moment. I really did hate him!

"I hate you Malfoy!" I growled.

"The feeling is mutual, trust me!" Malfoy replied.

"I don't understand why you need to escort me to the Great Hall." I said.

"Like I said, I am just following orders! We will be sitting up front with McGonagall." Malfoy said. Yay, I thought.

I knew Heads were now required to sit up front with the teachers to ensure everyone knew who the Heads were and to demonstrate the authority they held. We walked arm in arm to the Great Hall. I watched as my friends stared at us in shock as I quickly started glaring at Malfoy. Pansy's eyes were burning with rage. I jerked my eyes from hers and looked forward. We made our way to the Professor's table and my mind began racing. What could McGonagall want? We took our seats to next to Head Mistress McGonagall as she stood to give her announcements.

"Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I would like to welcome all of the first years." So, let the Sorting begin," she said.

I watched as the new first years walked single file to the front of the Great Hall to be sorted into their houses. Once they were sorted into their houses it appeared they were all about evenly divided. There were more kids sent to Gryffindor than Slytherin, but the difference wasn't terrible. McGonagall stood once more and gave a few more announcements.

"First, I would like to welcome all the first years to Hogwarts. I would also like to welcome all our returning students." McGonagall said, and all students cheered.

"Next, the third-floor corridor, as always, is off limits. The dark forest is off limits as well." McGonagall stated.

"Any student caught out after hours will cause their house to lose points. If you are caught in an area marked as "Off Limits" your House will lose points. Playing Quidditch and class participation earns you points." McGonagall said.

I quickly ate my food, eager to leave the room and we could get our meeting completed. Draco unfortunately was taking his sweet time about it. From the way he was acting, I could tell that he knew what was going to happen. I watched as students left one by one following their Prefects. I watched as one by one all the teachers left including McGonagall. I was now left alone with Malfoy.

"Are you done eating?" I asked.

"Yeah I'm done. We need to get to McGonagall's office before she has a fit." Malfoy said.

"I figured that much." I said.

"Let's go." He said gruffly.

I stood from my seat and followed Malfoy out of the Great Hall. He didn't try to link arms with me this time, and I was thankful for it. I honestly did not like being that close to him, it was just plain creepy. It wasn't long before we arrived at Head Mistresses McGonagall's office. I sat down in front of her desk and so did Malfoy.

"How are you this evening Ms. Granger and Mr. Malfoy?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"We are meeting to discuss an important matter." McGonagall said.

"What is it that is so important." I huffed

"As you know the ministry has set in place a marriage law. All available wizards and witches were informed of who they would be marrying except for the two of you." Professor McGonagall said. My heart sank at that moment as I became sick to my stomach and my world became blurry.

"Why were we not informed when the others were?" Malfoy asked taking the words right out of my mouth.

"The ministry wanted me to tell you in person because there was some news about Ms. Granger which has been brought to their attention." Professor McGonagall said.

"What kind of news?" I asked finally managing to speak.

"When the ministry was reviewing old files belonging to the Malfoy family, the investigators, came across some rather interesting information." She said.

"What kind of news?" Malfoy asked.

"I am sure you are aware of the Max family?" McGonagall asked.

"Yes, of course I am. They are one of the purest families in the Wizarding World and one of the richest as well. They are also known to be the most gifted and brilliant witches and wizards in existence." Malfoy replied.

"Only two remain and they are childless, so their bloodline is doomed to die out when each of them pass away." I said, trying to make sense out of everything she is telling us.

"My reason for bringing up the Max family is simple. The investigators discovered Joseph and Elena Max did in fact have a daughter who they sent to the muggle world to hide her from Voldemort." Professor McGonagall said.

"I am lost as to what this information has to do with Hermione." Malfoy said.

"Hermione Granger is their biological daughter. After discovering the Max's had a daughter, the ministry tracked down the adoption records of their daughter and it led them to the Grangers." Professor McGonagall stated.

I choked on air and Malfoy patted my back. I learned one year ago, shortly before obliviating my parents, I had, in fact, been adopted. I couldn't breathe. I had just learned why I was adopted by my parents. I couldn't breathe I was overwhelmed to learn I was a pureblood. Professor McGonagall was saying something to us but all I could do was nod my head. I watched as she performed a spell to test my DNA and next thing I knew she was congratulating me.

"Congratulations Ms. Max." Professor McGonagall said.

"Thanks." I managed to choke out.

"Now on to the marriage law. Ms. Max, you and Draco are to be wed two weeks from this date." Professor McGonagall said.

"What, you expect me to marry ferret face!" I yelled.

"Yes, the ministry does expect it, you will marry him and be happy about it." She said.

"I am not marrying that thing!" I yelled.

"I am not a thing Hermione and I do have a name, it's Draco." Malfoy said in a sarcastic tone.

"Hermione, Draco will make a fine husband for you. Your parents, as you know, are still alive and wish to meet with you and your future husband this weekend. Draco you will help prepare Hermione for this meeting." She said.

"My real parents?" I asked shocked.

"Yes, and you will need to act like a pureblood and for this reason why Draco will help you. Draco you parents will also be at this meeting." Headmistress McGonagall said.

"Oh, boy. This won't turn out well as my dad is not fond of Hermione." Malfoy said.

"I'm not fond of your father either, so the feeling is mutual." I grumbled.

"You are both Heads, so you will share a tower and I expect you to get along." Head Mistress McGonagall said.

"I am not sure sharing a tower would be wise." I said.

"Hermione that's enough! You are a pureblood and as such you need to behave like one." Malfoy said.

"You dare to try and tell me what to do ferret." I snarled.

"You will do address me as Draco or Malfoy, you do not speak to me in such a manner." Draco growled.

"You can't talk to me like I'm a slave and you're my master. I am not like other purebloods, I was raised by muggles and because of it, I actually have a heart." I yelled.

"Clearly, you have no idea how to behave as a proper pureblood lady." Malfoy said.

"I refuse to marry you!" I yelled before storming off.

I was not going to cry in front of the ferret and give him the satisfaction of knowing he'd hurt me. Malfoy was a cold-hearted jerk and he has never once cared about anyone but himself. I honestly can't understand what the ministry was thinking when they ordered us to be married. I looked up momentarily to see I had stormed off to the Hogwarts gardens. I knew no one would look for me here so I let the tears flow.