The rule of law
The war had come to a end finally the Ministry was cleaning up the mess the war had left that included Hogwarts the castle was left a mess and needed to be restored all students were granted leave from the year they would all be granted a do over of the previous year. For one Hermione Granger it was the best possible thing She would be allowed to finish her magical education and find a job worth doing to better wizard kind. For Draco Malfoy this meant he would have to face those who despised and loathed him the war had taken it's toll on all but the most surprising chapter awaited everyone and no one would have ever predicted its out come.
The sleek red train stood proudly at kingscross station at platform 9 ¾ it stood welcoming all in its magnificence. A lone muggle-born girl sat in a compartment already dressed in her robes, She was both excited and depressed with returning to her beloved school She had just received wonderful a She was made Head girl of Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft And Wizardry the thing she had been striving for since first year. After her aren't had been killed the very thing she had worried about during the war. The Weasley's had welcomed her into their home generously as a surrogate Daughter even after her failed relationship with Ronald it warmed her heart to know she still had family that cared for her. But opted to stay at Grimmauld place with her best friend and brother Harry Potter it was the best choice. The door to her compartment slid open and a fiery red headed girl walked in Her best girlfriend and sister Ginny Weasley. Who sat next to her with a bright smile.
"Hey Hermione you ok you've been distant since you got the letter about your family you need someone to talk to you can't bottle this up Mione they wouldn't want you to cut us out." she said sympathetically knowing me well.
"Sorry Gin I know I need to but I can't just yet it's to fresh in my mind." I murmured We were disturbed by a familiar blond girl Luna Lovegood who rushed in in a state of panic which alarmed both of us.
"Luna what is it what happened?" Ginny broke out
"Haven't you heard the new they passed a marriage law!" She yelled terrified very outa character for the brilliant brave blond. She thrust a copy of the Daily Prophet in My hands sitting down gasping as Ron and Harry walked in to join us. They looked puzzled I waved them to sit as the train lurched to a start and I read out loud.
Marriage Law Passes
by. Filer Flowlder
The Ministry of Magic has deemed fit to pass a marriage law the Minister himself Kingsley Shacklebolt reluctantly passed the law yesterday "This law is an unfortunate must after the short stint Lord Voldermort has placed the magical communities numbers at an all time low there for the need for the law is urgent. This law is fair every single witch and wizard of age will be matched with a partner the partners will be chosen by a complicated matching spell which will give each person two perfect matches. The Wizard can petition for the witch of their choice but the witch has every rite to refuse but if she refuses one she will automatically be paired with the other by default even if she refuses both." The minister also stated that the rest of the law will be sent to all who are affected by the law with further regulations. The population is displeased as of initial passing but all party's who attempt to over turn disobey or find a way out of the law will be punished severely up to and including incarceration in the newly rebuilt Azkaban.
The group was quiet all thru the article I fell silent after reading it glancing around at my friends who were unexpectedly quiet I knew they were all lost in thought. They would be paired to a person they barely knew for ever stuck possibly with someone they couldn't stand.
"Damn them like I don't have enough to deal with they have to pull this shit now!" I fumed my friends snapped their heads up to me I never cursed Ginny slung a arm around me trying to comfort me. We were once again interrupted by Ernie Macmillan sliding the door open.
"Ah Hermione,Ron,Ginny its time for the Prefect meeting." We gasped following him out running to the head compartment entering in a rush.
"At last Miss Granger I have orders for your first duty please."Minerva McGonagall smiled at me.
"Yes professor please forgive my tardiness its been an interesting morning." I replied
"I had heard my condolences Miss Granger."She gave me a maternal look that expressed her sympathy.
"Thank you professor I appreciate your sensitivity." I smiled at the older woman
"Yes well on that note Miss Granger you and your male counterpart Mr Malfoy shall be escorting the First years across the lake to the Castle for me. And before you ask Hagrid is well just settling his brother in to a new safer home." She smiled kindly misinterpreting
my shock but I wanted to leave the past behind and give Draco Malfoy another chance.
"Yes of corse professor that will be no problem."
"Mr Malfoy?" She questioned the tall blond that slouched in the corner.
"As Granger Said Headmistress its no problem." his deep baritone spoke softly and inclining his head politely in my direction.
"Wonderful I'll leave you two in charge of getting the prefects organized for patrol and the other students in their robes I need to hurry to the castle and start overseeing the problems that have come up due to the stupid law the Ministry has made all will be revealed tomorrow Good day!" With that she sped out of the room handing me a piece of parchment ending in a faint pop.
"All right then we should be arriving at the school in a hour and half id like you all to sweep the train for any wrong doing also inform students they may want to change in to their robes specifically the younger ones. And remember you do not have the authority to pass out detentions only myself and Mr Malfoy have that I see or hear about any one abusing their power I will not hesitate to speak with the head mistress about removing the title of prefect from you now with the extra prefects this year corridor patrolling will not be as heavy of a burden this year as in previous years once we get to the castle Mr Malfoy and myself will draw up a schedule for your patrols. Lets set an example of unity for this new generation we should not allow prejudice stand in the way of this new world we have all fought for lets leave the hate behind and create a better school for our children and grandchildren. Now questions?" I rambled. Lavender Brown stood hesitantly and addressed me.
"Hermione I know we haven't been on the best of terms since third year I would like to apologize to you for all the name calling and childish behavior I pulled over the years. And I would also like to offer my deepest regrets for the death of your parents," She spoke sincerely I smiled at the blond.
"Thank you Lavender I appreciate your guilt and sorrow and forgive you the past is past lets move on." I said opening my arms to the other girl she stepped into my hug she returned it grateful we broke apart after a moment. No one else stood so I spoke again.
"Ok so I will call a meeting with the time schedule for patrol until then please just keep an eye on the other students I will pass out the common room passwords after the sorting You are all free to go patrol the train." I smiled at them departing Ginny Ron Parkinson and Malfoy stayed in the room. I sat unfolding the parchment in my hand reading McGonagall's instructions Ginny interrupted my reading.
"Hermione how are you holding up?" she pondered.
"Ginevra Molly Weasley I told you 20 minuets ago how I was and told you to back off and give me some space believe me when I'm ready to talk you or Harry are gonna be the first people I come to." I snapped she nodded sadly.
"Hey what about me." Ron exclaimed I snorted
"Ron I told you a few years ago you have the emotional range of a teaspoon and absolutely no sensitivity its as true now as it was then. Now if you two don't go to let me write these passwords out for the others." I fumed at them.
"But Hermione Harry can't help..." Ron began I cut him off.
" As much as you hate it Ron Harry is a much more sensitive person then you will ever be I know exactly what he is capable of Ronald you didn't see Godric's Hollow did you you weren't next to your best friend when he needed Ron. You didn't create a Christmas wreath for their grave Ron so turn around and leave before I hex you into next month." I hissed at him he paled and fled Ginny laughed.
"I love watching my brother flee from you never fails to make me laugh" Ginny spoke waving and walking out the room i walked up to the small desk at the front of the compartment sat down pulled a quill and parchment to me. Before I could begin a soft female voice made me turn.
" Um Her Granger I um I wanted to speak with you do you have a moment?" Pansy Parkinson spoke I looked up at the other girl her face had softened a lot since I last saw her I hesitated but she didn't look threatening and Draco Malfoy's silent appearance strangely made me feel safe as if he wouldn't let any one get hurt I nodded at the black haired girl motioning for her to sit next to me.
"Sure Parkinson I have a moment please." I gave her a small prompting smile she seemed to gain some strength from my smile for she spoke in a clear voice.
" Well I wont waste your time since your kind enough to spare it for me I just wanted to say that I feel awful for everything I have ever done to you for calling you names and tormenting you from day one I'm not asking for your forgiveness or anything like that cus I don't expect you to forgive me I was a right bitch I understand that now and after your speech I hope that you can at least look past what I did and let me make it up to you." She spoke softly her head held high I smiled brightly at her.
"May I call you Pansy?" She stared nodding confused. "Well then Pansy I must say you were probably the last person I ever expected to apologize to me and I very much hope that you would be willing to start over let us get to know one another as friends?" I asked lightly. She broke out in a small smile this girl had grown up a lot and I was gonna give her another chance she had humbled herself enough to apologize to someone she had been taught to hate.
"I would like that a lot Hermione I hope we can become great friends." She beamed.
"As do I Pansy and I'm glad you stood up and took the first step It was a very selfless thing to do admit your wrongs and faults is very admirable." I opened my arms to the girl a few tears slipped down her cheeks She flew literally into my arms. Sobbing I hugged the girl rocking her slightly trying to calm her tears she sputtered.
"Thank you thank you I don't deserve your forgiveness thank you." As she sobbed the compartment slid open revealing a pale Harry I smiled at him still holding the sobbing girl he relaxed his grip on his wand stowing it back in his pocket.
"I thought it was you crying Mione I heard down the hall and came rushing." He sighed
"I'm fine Harry Pansy and I were just having a quick chat. Good to know that you'll still come rushing for me." I smiled at my brother in everything but blood he looked incredulous strode over to were we were sitting.
"Ow Mione that hurts what kind of brother would I be if I didn't come rushing to save my sister. Your my family I'll always come rushing for you always." He smiled kissing my forehead I laughed.
"I love you to Harry James Potter now shoo I gotta get back to my friend." He hesitated turned spotted Malfoy relaxed considerably Malfoy stood straight meet Harry in the middle offered his hand.
"Harry nice to see you back." Malfoy said sincerely
"And you as well Draco." I was stunned since when were those two on first name terms I shrugged looking down at the black haired girl who was slowly calming down thinking 'stranger things have happened' If Harry trusted him so did I.
"See you three at the castle." He said happily strolling out I laughed at the way he walked having seen memories of his Father I rolled my eyes heaven word and sent a small smile up to his Father in humor.
"Boy is more and more like you James Potter everyday he misses you Remus, Sirius and Lily so much. Oh and do me a favor pull a prank on Dumbledore also look after my poor muggle parents " I muttered under my breath my ritual for whenever Harry did something to remind me of either his Father, Godfather or even the man who died for him I addressed the guilty party for the trait. The young Slytherin girl sat up from my embrace with a large smile on her face I smiled back.
"Thank you Hermione I see now how wrong I was lets get together soon and hang out I would also like to apologize to Potter and the Weasley's as well." She squeezed my hand I returned the pressure.
"Knowing my boys they can never not forgive a girl ever they are incapable of being mad at a girl. Ginny mite take some convincing but I will back you up and she'll see." I laughed She stood thanking me again spouting she'd see me later and dashed out of the compartment leaving I turned back to my paper and started copying the common room passwords I hummed under my breath unaware that Draco Malfoy was still in the room until he spoke up.
"You have a decent singing voice Granger." he sounded slightly impressed I turned and smiled at him.
"Thank you Malfoy my Mother taught me." I replied sincerely folding up the passwords labeling them and slipping them in my far he had Initiated conversation and made a decent pass at it he was trying to make up for being a rat bastard so I did the polite thing and asked him.
"How is your mother holding up being confined to the Manor?"I kept my voice light and honest.
"She going bloody Bat shit crazy she's sold all the contents except my personal things and her clothing and is redoing the entier place she completely went nuts blasting apart the room were you know screaming at the top of her lungs crying about how she was horrid for letting you get hurt like that and wishing we would have been able to save you from Aunt Bella." He replied trying to keep his voice even obviously as disturbed by the thought of me being cruciod in front of them as he described his Mother of being.
"That's lovely of her to do a re vamp completely transforming your home will keep her busy she wont be able to dwell on her remaining time." I gave a small laugh and flashing smile to him. He remained sitting his silver eyes danced with humor but his schooled face remained the same.
"Oh I almost forgot Mother wanted me to give you this letter its from her to you she says she wouldn't blame you if you didn't open it." He stood handing me a envelope with beautiful handwriting that bore my name Hermione Granger on the front I did not hesitate to open it had either Draco or Narcissa meant any harm I'd already be dead so I took a leap of faith and unfolded the letter Draco Malfoy look slightly shocked by this.
Dear Miss Granger,
I do hope you decide to open and read this letter that you give both myself and my Son a second chance. I'll be frank with you Miss Granger since I really have know Idea wether or not you'll actually read this I feel I have to get it of my chest somehow. I wish you to know that my Son will never beg for your forgiveness he feels much like myself that we do not deserve your forgiveness he has always spoken to me privately away from his Father that you are an extraordinary young woman even without your magic he will probably be very mad at me for confiding that in you he has always been at the mercy of Lucius always been forced to think a certain way like Lucius was before him. I'm ashamed to say that after the dark lord's disappearance for eleven years Lucius was even harsher with Draco about blood purity and the continuation of the pure blooded rule. I always tried to help him see that it was not all about blood. You can imagine how hard it is to be put thru that. I hope that if you read this you will give Draco a second chance he really is a good boy deep (deep) down. I do hope that you will also accept my deepest sympathy's and heartfelt apologizes for everything that you have suffered at the hands of the Malfoy family. I would like it if you wrote me back I fear I am going stark ravening mad shut up in this bloody house and would enjoy some female company no matter how small. But I understand if you do not reply (thou I really hope you do) good day Miss Granger I hope you'll consider my request.
Yours truly,
Narcissa Malfoy
I finished the letter with a slight smile Narcissa Malfoy may have been the wife of a death eater but was a truly loving mother just was unable to raise her Son the way she deemed. I folded the letter back up and slid it in my robes I looked out the window completely forgetting Malfoy was still in the room with me. I watched out the window as the train passed the small villages that lay scattered between Hogwarts and Kingscross.
I started humming again a sweeter softer melody then before.
"Am I really that dull to be around Granger?" The deep baritone voice asked a soft teasing tone. This new Draco Malfoy was defiantly odd treating me well not calling me Mudblood not throwing insults and sneers my way.
"Oh sorry Malfoy its nothing personal really since I got the news about my parents I've been in and out of reality the others are tired of me. Its not that I'm depressed or can't accept what happened to them. I just miss them its hard knowing they'll never see certain things. And with this new law it hits me hard that my Father will not walk me down the isle. Even thou its being forced on us I would still like a amicable marriage a nice wedding nothing extravagant just simple. It it hurts because they wont see my children wont get to play or laugh or scold them. * sniffle *" I spoke voice breaking tears rolling down my cheek a long pale finger wiped it away.
"Shh your wrong they love you so much I'm sure they are sticking around in spirit to look after you and see those things." The soft baritone soothed pale fingers wiping away my tears gently rubbing my cheek with a thumb.
"Wh why are you being so nice to me?"I sobbed trying to cover my face but the pale hands wouldn't let me. They lifted my head up to meat molten silver pools that swirled with untold pain regret sorrow love.
"Because I want to I need to make up for being an enormous prat for hurting you all these years. I have been a horrible person and I'm trying to make amends for everything I've done." He paused rolling up his sleeve to reveal his dark mark. " this is proof of my sin's I will bare the mark forced upon me I never wanted any part of it I was given no choice not that it's any excuse for what I did I will spend my life trying to right my wrongs." He looked down at the mark lost in his thoughts. I reached out and touched the evil mark that was set on his beautiful pale arm to marr such perfect skin with such a vile mark filled me with rage and hate.
" No Draco your actions now show who you are a good person you had no choice but to listen you could have been killed or your mother you did what you had to to survive just like the rest of us. It was a dark time all of us did things we regret even me but we have all been given a wonderful chance to start over it doesn't matter which side you were on. You regret your actions and are owning up to them. I am so proud of you Draco you are changing and bettering yourself it is no easy feat." I said absently tracing the black mark on his arm.
" You just called me Draco..." he paused unsure of what to say then added. "That's the first time you've ever called me Draco. I i like it may I call you Hermione?" I smiled patting his arm.
"That's my name isn't it Draco?" I laughed saying his name softly I liked calling him by his first name.
"Yes it is Hermione." He spoke my name like a prayer with reverence. The train started slowing down as we neared Hogsmead.
"We need to be off the train first come on Draco." I jumped up pulling the tall boy wait correction man with me he was even taller this year then he was last year taller then Ron broad wide set shoulders his blond hair spilled down naturally he had stopped gluing it back in 5th year it fell in his face making his features more handsome. The train lurched forward coming to a stop I lurched with it lucky for me I was dragging the second best Seeker to grace Hogwarts his reflexes acted his free arm circled my waist pulling me up and into his chest we flew down the hall him carrying me, me holding on for dear life he managed to slide to a stop at the end of the corridor i shook still scared from my almost fall he noticed my shaking he carried me off the train setting me on solid ground keeping a hand on my elbow so i didn't collapse.
"Are you ok Hermione are you hurt anywhere?" Draco panted huffing adrenaline still coursing thru him I shivered.
"I'm ok thanks to you." I smiled rubbing my hands over my bare arms he elegantly flicked his cloak off and settled it around me. I gratefully pulled it around me reveling in its warmth.
"Thank you Draco." I smiled he nodded I turned and started yelling for the first years I pulled my wand out conjuring a lantern as I did I counted heads as they filed around me when I reached the correct number (from the parchment) of first years I looked to Draco.
"Ok that's all of em I'll lead the way can you walk behind to make sure none of em get lost and your sleeve you mite want to fix it If you don't want know what seen ." I smiled he nodded catching it and shoving the sleeve back down. Luckily the 11 year olds were to excited to notice the exchange and obliviously followed me. We gathered at the edge of the lake I took count again pleased that all were accounted for. I set to getting them organized in the boats.
"Do do we have to ride in the boats Miss head girl?" a small girl squeaked
"Yes we do all of us are sweetie trust me its worth it you get to see the whole castle lit up from here its so pretty to see." I smiled trying to sooth the girl Draco stepped up patted the girls head softly gave her a rare real smile.
"Don't worrie me and Hermione are here to keep you safe none of you will get hurt with us. She's quite scary when you get her riled up trust me I had the broken nose to prove it." The girl looked at me with wide eyes stunned.
"Did I really hit you that hard Draco?" I gasped hand over my mouth
"Yep I was a rite git and deserved it thou Madam Pomfrey fixed it in a second so no big deal Hermione I deserved it." He laughed helping the wide eyed girl in the lead boat and instructing the remaining 5 students one went in the lead boat with the scared girl and the other four sat in the last Draco got in the lead boat first surprising me once again with his strength and dexterity by lifting me up and around to sit in the back of the boat the scared little girl in front of me seeing his plan I sat a comforting hand on the girls shoulder she leaned agents me shivering I pulled her in to Draco's cloak with me warming her Draco sat next to me behind the other student in our boat he flick his wand and the boats launched across the lake the girl sitting agents me shivered from nerves.
"Its ok sweetie Draco's controlling the speed of the boats he wont go to fast just sit back and relax your safe." I ran my fingers thru her hair rocking her and humming again this did the trick she relaxed enough. A boy whispered to his friend in another boat.
"She is defiantly not gonna be sorted in to Gryffindor she's got no courage."
"Make no mistake young man there are many types of courage and bravery it is not just a Gryffindor trait in fact Two of the bravest men I have had the honor to meet were both Slytherin's they stood tall in the face of evil. One of them was one of the best teacher's Hogwarts has ever seen and I for one will miss his stimulating classes. The other was forced to serve evil but he served not for himself but to protect his mother from death he endured and became free. So think before you make mindless comments young man!" I snapped harshly . The boy hung his head nodding and apologizing I fumed until a hand laid on my shoulder.
"Hermione hush he's just a boy he will understand in time." Draco soothed my ruffled feathers. 'Snap the fuck out of it Hermione there is a damn marriage law coming in to effect you can not I repeat cannot fall For Draco Malfoy he's gonna belong to another Witch and your gonna marry some blithering idiot that you'll murder the first day if your lucky made when I get carted off to Azkaban for murder I'll have the cell opposite of Lucius Malfoy you can stare at him and day dream about his look alike son. There you go girl its a plan. I shook the disturbing thoughts away. Get a grip Hermione Jean Granger your gonna get married after you pick the lesser of evils Groom from the selection process have a child and die early from heart failure. Now stick to the plan girl !'
The boats came to a halt on the sandy beach inclosed in a cave under the castle the kids scrambled out Draco crawled out first then helping me stumble out I grumbled.
"Why couldn't we ride in the carriage's like everyone else." He laughed at my moaning I ignored him walking up the stone steps that lead in to the castle with a gaggle of kids following me. I flicked my wand causing the lantern I conjured to disappear as the walls were lined with torches I heard a small yelp and a squeaky thank you then a deeper voice say your welcome I smiled to myself knowingly Draco had just caught a kid who slipped .
"Everything ok Draco?" I called peaking over my shoulder a small crying boy was swept up into the blonds arms.
"Just a small slip he says his knee hurts." he called back
"Ow poor thing we are almost to the level off I'll take a quick peek at it I'm no Madam Pomfrey but I can do decent healing magic. Hold on sweetie not much longer." I said soothing addressing Draco then the boy. I slipped in to my thoughts as I climbed the stairs strange that it took me only a half hour to go from thinking of him as Malfoy to thinking of him as Draco. The stairs leveled out the kids filled the small entrance hall Draco and the kid in his arm's were the last up I gave both a bright smile he really had changed. I meet him in the middle of the room I prodded the boys knee trying not to hurt the boy he clung to Draco's robes the injury itself wasn't to bad from a glance it was slightly bruised but knowing the castle steps had caused more broken bones then I care to think about I preformed a quick ex-ray spell smiling at the result i touched the bruise with my wand and sped up its healing it started fading and the boys grip loosened from its death grip.
"Your really lucky it was only a bruise I've seen people get seriously hurt falling down the castle steps there that should do it how does it feel?" I spoke to the boy gently he smiled tentitively back.
"Feels all better now miss Hermione thank you And thank you Mr Draco for catching me that was so cool I would have probably been hurt worse like Miss Hermione said if you hadn't." The boy beamed up at the blond man who just shrugged and sat the boy down as the castle doors opened and a small man walked out.
"Ah Miss Granger Mr Malfoy rite on time well done I trust nothing major happened?" squeaked the Charms professor smiling at us I grinned back at the man.
"Everything is under control Professor Flitwick all first years accounted for." I spoke for both of us Draco nodded.
"Wonderful why don't you both join your tables." He beamed at us we walked past him into the castle in a comfortable silence I suddenly remembered I was wareing his cloak I went to unclasp it from around me he stopped me.
"It's ok you don't have to give it back think of it as a symbol of truce of new found friendship." He gave me a small smile and swept in the great hall I stood open mouthed his cloak still fastened around me. I looked down at the Slytherin patch stitched on the front. I flicked my wand and the cloak shortened a bit to fit my much smaller frame I smiled if I was gonna keep it I was gonna ware it. It was a lot warmer then mine was thick like a winter cloak but helped keep you cool if you were hot as I was now finding out it must have a climate control spell on it. I smiled and swept in the hall walked around to the tables handing the oldest Prefect team the password for their first years then briskly sat down at the Gryffindor table next to Ginny who glanced at the cloak I was wareing eyebrow cocked I just smiled, the sorting started the moment I sat down. The hat had no warning or message that I could decipher. I watched as students were sorted Ron looked like he was about to die of hunger. The girl that hadn't wanted to ride in the boats Sara Mcdolt was sorted was sorted into Ravenclaw I smile as she waved to me I waved back as she was welcome to the Ravenclaw's by Luna. The last person to be sorted was the boy Draco had saved from falling Daniel Yewld he sat on the stool and placed the hat on his head it took a moment for it to call out Gryffindor my table cheered the boy on he got off the stool he frowned slightly disappointed glancing at Slytherin table before making his way slowly to the Gryffindor table Draco noticed he stood before sweeping over laid a hand on the boy's shoulder steered him toward Harry the hall went quiet.
"Hey Harry my friend would you take Daniel here up to Madam Pomfrey after the feast he slipped on the stairs earlier Hermione healed him and thou I trust her ability's I'd rather be safe then sorry." He winked at me I nodded pleased with him for standing up with the boy. Harry smiled at Draco slid over to make room for Daniel and addressed Draco.
"Of corse Draco I'd be happy to." He spoke joyfully welcoming to Draco and Daniel claiming friendship with the Slytherin Prince.
"Thanks Harry Owe you one." Draco patted Harry on the back .
"Don't worry about it Draco you don't owe me a thing that's what friends are for ." He smiled at the blond who smiled back turned and walked back to the Slytherin table. Food magically appeared in front of them they tucked in. Devouring their food as the feast ended. McGonagall stood calling for attention.
"Well as you all know regarding all witche's and Wizard that are single and of age there is a new marriage law in play as of a hour ago the Ministry preformed the love charm mentioned in the Daily Prophet was preformed, by Midnight tonight all male wizard's will receive a letter with two choice witche's that they have the most compatibility with the wizard will make his choice based on the two presented in the letter. She then will chose from the males interested there will be no prejudice involved every male will be listed as interested this allows us to give the other males that aren't chosen a default bride if you will. This is the fairest most possible way for this to work. When you males receive your letters you have a full 24 hours to decide upon a bride send a letter with your choice by midnight tomorrow. Same goes for the women when they receive their letter with all males interested in her hand she will have 24 hours to reply with her chosen groom. Then once you both receive word that both party's agree you will set up in the new wing of the castle with your groom. As I understand it you will be given 3 months to get married from the day you receive conformation of your partner men I suggest you to contact your bride once the male receives your yes from the Ministry this will make it easier when you receive your shared room number and give you some standing with the witch and create a easy environment for the two of you. Now I think that is it you are all dismissed all except the head boy and head girl. Everyone fled the hall McGonagall then addressed us.
"Until you both receive word of you partner you are allowed to use the head dorms Miss Granger I believe you know were it is the password is Starry night. Good night I wish you well." She turned and walked out of the hall I tugged on Draco's shirt got him to follow me to the 6th floor in front of a portrait of Severus Snape. He glanced at the duo gave a small smirk to me.
"Ah Miss Granger I should have known you'd end up here congratulation's and welcome back. Hello Draco ."
"Thank you Professor Snape that means a lot." I murmured smiling at the Half-blood Prince.
"Hello uncle Sev Starry night." Draco gave the dark haired man a small smile the portrait surprisingly smiled at me not a smirk a true smile.
"Ah In a hurry as always Draco. Just want to say one more thing to miss Granger before I open up." he paused Draco nodded he continued. "Miss Granger it was a pleasure to teach such a bright gifted Witch as yourself always pushing yourself driven by your thirst for knowledge you reminded me so much of both Lily and myself it made it hard for me to express the joy I felt teaching you Thank you." He gave me another smile as he watched the tears fall down my face. I cried for this brilliant man this example of good always winning he gave his life to bring the world to a brighter more loving place at that moment I wished he was standing in front of me so I could wrap my arms around this great man and give him a gentile kiss on the cheek. The tears rolled down my face I didn't bother to hide them the two men both knew I was crying a familiar pale hand reached out and brushed my tears away for the second time today. I squared my shoulders and gave the brave man the one thing I could.
" You honor me Professor with your words. I would also like to add and I know she wouldn't mind me speaking for her but Lily never stopped loving you Sir she never forgot the boy who was her best friend and continued to love you even after you hurt her trust me I'm a woman I know." I gave him a watery smile he looked stunned for a moment but gave a bright smile nodding swinging open to let us in. Draco had to pull me in with him I was to busy trying to stop my tears as they fell he pulled me in to his shoulder and let me cry in to it. I stoped sobbing a few moments I leaned in to his comforting presence smelling him old leather, fresh cut grass, parchment, and a muskier i couldn't put my finger on it was the same as what I smelled off of Amortentia in my 6th year I stepped away from the intoxicating smell Screaming at myself in my head "No no you can't fall in love with Draco Malfoy he's gonna pick a pureblood wife and never spare you a muddblood any more attention then as a friend back away flee to your room now!'
"Thank you Draco seems i owe you a lot today its late I'm tired see you in the morning." I smiled turning to find my room closing the door behind me flicking his cloak off me laying it in a place of honor on the bed and changing into pj's a tank top and shorts then wrapping the cloak around me like a blanket breathing his sent in from the cloak and fell in to a dreamless sleep.
(Draco's pov)
I watched as Hermione pulled away from me and flee to her room I shied to myself I had her in my arms for one glorious moment wrapped warm in my second best cloak safe from the hurt in my arm's my heart raced in my chest as I thought of her flush agents my body it ached to have her that close I loved the woman so deeply since the moment she hit me in third year she has been in my heart and mind I did what I had to I became a Death Eater to save her from him. I very nearly lost her thou the moment she was brought to the manor Aunt Bella did a number on her but she came out of it stronger and fiercer then before. I had a long way to go before I could ever ask her to forgive me but a part of me couldn't help but hope she would be one of my candidates to marry not only would it make me happy if she chose me but Mother would approve of her hell she already was singing Hermione's praise. I rubbed my hands over my face trying to rid my mind of all thoughts of her it shouldn't be this bloody hard I was one of the best wizards at Occlumency I could keep my mind closed off to Voldermort for the love of Merlin but no not her she was always penetrating my mind. It was almost more then I could hope for I was so far gone it wasn't even funny I was in love with Hermione Granger the brains of the Golden trio (as the prophet called them). I sat on my bed a sharp pecking at my window made me look up to spy a owl 'Damn already I was hoping to have at least another hour before I got the letter it was only half-ten. I stood unlatching the window to let the owl in it settled on my bed side table it lifted its leg were the letter was tied I removed the letter it stretched its wings shaking itself then took off thru the window . I paused before opening the letter.
Dear Mr. Malfoy,
We are pleased to report the love charms success we are pleased to announce the two candidates for your bride the first Miss Lavender Brown and the second Miss Hermione Granger. You have 24 hours to make your choice please send a return owl no later then midnight tomorrow.
Yours truly,
The Ministry of Magic,
department of Marriages
I automatically reached over grabbing a peace of parchment and quill from my bag I wrote a immediate answer i just prayed that she'd say yes and I wouldn't be stuck with that slut Brown.
Dear Ministry department of marriages,
My choice is clear I beg for the hand of Hermione Granger I sware on my love for her to always put her needs and wants before mine. I would be honored to have her as my wife.
Yours
Draco Abraxas Lucius Malfoy
I folded the letter sealing it addressing it and whistling a high pitched sound in to the night. And waited my Eagle Owl flew thru the open window landing on my shoulder I brushed his feathers.
" Hey Cassius can you take this to the Ministry for me?" He hooted softly and took off into the night. With that done I flopped on the bed and passed out.