Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any Characters, Settings, Spells, etc that were created by J.K. Rowlings. I just play with the characters etc. from time to time. I also did not create the Marriage Law challenge, I am just using it for the purposes of this story.

A/N: This is my first attempt at the pairing so let me know what you think.

New Law Shakes up the Wizarding World

Today a law was passed enabling Pure Blooded witches and wizards to petition for the hand of a muggleborn or half blood witch or wizard of legal age. There has been whispers about this law for awhile now, but it seems to have hit the world unexpectedly. Already protesters have assembled in the Ministry lobby with complaints. Among the throng of wizards are both pure and muggle born. It seems no one is happy about the latest ruling from the Minister. For a full listing of the law and what it entails please see page 16.

Harry put the paper down and scowled at it not bothering to finish the article, disgust written across the young wizards face. The war had come to an end but there were still death eaters aplenty out there who wanted revenge. It seemed that this was how they planned on getting it. He knew that he did not have much to worry about. He was sure that he could find plenty of witches out there who would be willing to marry him. But he did worry about Hermione. Sure Ron would offer, but he knew for a fact that there was no way the young witch would ever marry Ron. They were too different, and in this case opposites most definitely did not attract.

He stood up and ran a hand through his messy black hair. The trio was staying at Grimmauld Place with Remus and Nymphadora for the last two weeks of the summer. They had already bought there school supplies and all three of them were impatiently waiting to return to Hogwarts. They couldn't wait to see what there last year would be like. It would be the first since the demise of Voldemort.

The final battle had taken place during the last week of the school year. The trio had been at Hogsmeade when all of a sudden they were surrounded by death eaters. Hermione had managed to send a patronus for help before all hell broke loose. Voldemort was not there himself. No he wanted to wait until Harry was weak. What he didn't expect was that the trio had been training together, and that there magic combined was stronger than his alone. They took down most of the death eaters as help arrived. Then they ran to the shrieking shack to wait it out. They didn't have to wait long. Harry doubted any of them would forget what happened next.

"Ah, Potter the Weasel and the Mudblood." The cold voice spoke from the shadows. "What a touching sight the three of you walking towards your death together. It almost makes me cry." He let out a high laugh as his red eyes scanned over the three of them. They were covered in dirt from head to toe, each of them had cuts across there faces and arms. But all in all they looked healthy.

"We are not afraid of you Tom Riddle!" Harry shouted at the creature standing before them, looking down at the three like they were scum.

"You dare to use that name boy. You need to learn some manners" Voldemort hissed, "Crucio!"

The spell hit Harry instantly and he dropped to his knees writhing in pain. He didn't see Hermione run up to Voldemort and punch him. Though he did hear a laugh escape Ron. It was enough to distract the mad wizard. The curse was dropped and Harry rose to his feet. Hermione grabbed his left hand and Ron his right.

"Harry we can do this. We just need to focus our energy and do it together like we practiced." Hermione said looking at him, hope in her eyes. "I know we can do this."

"She's right mate. We already got the horcruxes, this is all that is left." Ron said with a smile. "Let's do this for our parents. And for our friends. And for everyone that bastard has ever hurt."

Together they raised there wands and pointed them at Voldemort who had a hand pressed to his nose. He pulled it away and saw blood and let out an inhuman shriek.

"You filthy little mudblood."

"AVADA KEDAVRA!" The golden trio shouted together. All the hate they felt for the wizard who had destroyed there childhood was poured into the curse. A brilliant green light lept from there wands and combined as it went racing towards the pale figure cloaked in black. It hit and he fell to the ground dead. His body started to smoke and then burst into flames. The trio gathered up the ashes and put them into a specially constructed box.

"This way we know he can not come back." Harry said as he sealed the box containing the last human remains of Tom Marvolo Riddle. For them it seemed the battle had stopped. Time was frozen as they stood there looking at each other. But then the sounds from the village caught up with them and they turned to race back. Hermione saw Neville facing off against both Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange and screamed. She shot a hex at Bellatrix and was relieved to see the woman turn to her.

"Give it up you inbred, your precious Lord Voldemort has been destroyed." The teenager spat out at the older witch.

"You lie you filthy mudblood." Hermione took advantage of her confusion to stun her. She was not in the mood to take anymore lives. Sure the wizard she had killed was Voldemort, but it didn't make the trauma of taking another life any less.

The Order went around stunning all the Death Eaters that had not vanished upon hearing of the Dark Lord's demise. But there were quite a few who did get away, and those escapees worried the Order. But they would let nothing destroy the good mood the Wizarding World was in, or let it stop the celebrating.

"Thinking about the final battle again mate?" Ron asked as he took a seat at the table.

"It's all I seem to think about anymore." Harry said with a sigh.

"I know Harry, but it will get better." Ron poured himself some coffee and took a drink of the steaming hot beverage.

"How can you say that after everything you lost Ron?" Harry asked honestly. In the war the Weasley family had been hit hard, the only surviving members being Ron, Ginny, the twins and Charlie.

"Because that is what my family would have wanted." He said firmly with a nod of his head. Ron looked down at the paper and spit out the coffee he had just taken a drink of. "Blimey, they are serious aren't they?"

"It seems so. What will we tell 'Mione?" Harry asked the other boy. She was next in line to become of age. Her birthday was in September.

"Tell me what Harry?" The girl in question asked as she entered the kitchen.

"Well ,erm, you see." Harry stopped and tried to think of how to put it.

"They passed that bloody law Hermione." Ron spat out.

"Them imbeciles, thinking that they could tell us when to marry and who. Why I ought to..." She trailed off as she stormed out of the kitchen, no doubt to head into the library to do some research. Hermione was indeed going to the Black family library. Though she doubted that anything in there would be of use. There was the crack of someone apparating but Hermione ignored it. She had other things on her mind at the moment.

"Ahh Miss Granger just the witch I was looking for." Albus said as he entered the library. "I take it you have heard about this new law." He said looking at the frazzled witch. "Lovely, well that is what we need to speak about."

Hermione turned and looked at Albus. After her parents' deaths half way through the previous school year he had legally adopted the young witch. True she was mature enough to not need a guardian, but the ministry had declared she find a guardian or would be made a ward of the ministry. Albus did not want that to happen so he stepped up.

"What do those damn fools in the Ministry think they are playing at?" She asked looking over at him.
"Thank god I have a month to figure this out."

"Actually my dear that is what I wanted to speak with you about. Due to the use of a time turner in your third year your birthday is actually the first of September." Albus said looking around the library. "We need to come up with a plan my dear. We know that plenty of Wizards will petition for you. But we want to be sure you don't end up with a Death Eater."

"This is absurd! I can not do this Albus! I just can't! It's to much. I have my head girl duties, N.E.W.T.S. and my future to think about. I can not get married!" The young lady shouted. "What am I going to do?" She collapsed into the chair and finally let the tears she had been holding back fall.

"Do? Well my dear child, you will get married." Albus said sadly, all twinkle gone from his eyes. "I would recommend another student. And I would recommend you choose one or two before the year begins. That way there is time to talk to them before you have to marry."

"Albus, do you think I could come back to school early?" Hermione asked softly, she sounded a bit broken. "I think it would be easier to think this through rationally if I was there and had the other Professor's to discuss this with."

"Of course my dear. If that is what you believe is best. Also, congratulations you are the newest Head Girl." He said grinning.

Hermione was not surprised by the news. But she was curious as to who the Head Boy would be. There were three boys who came to mind, Terry Boot from Ravenclaw, Blaise Zabini from Slytherin, and Justin Finch-Fletchey from Hufflepuff. But I did not know which would have been decided on for the position. All of them were qualified in there own way.

"May I ask who the Head Boy is?" She asked softly looking down at the floor.

"Blaise Zabini from Slytherin. A quiet young man if I do say so myself." He said with a smile. "Now I will leave you to pack. Shall I come collect you tomorrow morning?"

"Yes. That will be fine." Her voice was monotone as she spoke. "I need to pack and say good-bye to Harry and Ron." She said with a sigh. "And to Professor Lupin and Tonks." Everyone still called Nymphadora, Tonks, even though her surname was now Lupin. She hexed anyone who dared call the metamorphagus Nymphadora.

"Alright. I will see you in the morning bright and early." He started to leave the room but paused at the door, "And dear don't worry, it could be a lot worse. You will figure something out." With that Albus left Hermione to her thoughts.

"That bloody fool." Hermione said with a groan throwing the ink well across the room. "Nothing is going to be ok. Nothing."

There was a knock at the door and Hermione raised an eyebrow. It had to be Harry or Ron. They were the only two with enough sense to not barge into a room that an angry Hermione Granger was in. She rubbed her eyes wearily and sighed. She didn't want to be around anyone right now, but she had to say her good byes before setting out to make a life changing decision.

"Come in." She said in a falsely cheery tone.

"Hey 'Mione, we just wanted to say we're really sorry and all." Ron said peeking into the room. "And if there is anything I can do you know I will." He said nodding.

"Thank you guys." Hermione said with a sad smile. "So I was thinking I could cook dinner tonight and maybe Ginny and the twins could come by? I really need to be surrounded by family right now."

"Of course I will floo over to the burrow and let them know. Charlie will want to come too of course if that is alright with you." Ron said solemnly.

"Oh, um thats fine." She said softly. It had been awhile since she had seen Charlie Weasley. He had stopped working in the field after the death of his parents so he could take care of his younger siblings. The stress of it all had seemed to be wearing on him the last time he visited. "How is he doing?"

"Good, he is dating this nice single mom who works over at Midgie's Books." Ron said with a smile. "She thought him giving up his lifestyle was admirable."

Hermione couldn't help but laugh at that. Figures that Charlie would have no problem snaring a woman. He was by far the most dashing of the Weasley brothers in her opinion. "Well she could come along to with her kid...erm kid?"

"She has a daughter, she actually goes to Hogwarts. She is in Ginny's year, a Slytherin. They have become close. It's good for Ginny to get some more friends." Ron sounded worried as he talked about his younger sister. "Her name is Isobella Caprusso."

"Caprusso, hmmm wait isn't that Blaise Zabini's cousin?" Hermione asked slightly surprised.

"Yes it is. I was surprised when I found out myself." Ron said with a laugh.

"Well yes invite them too." She said brightly.

"Okay, but only if you are sure." Harry said walking into the room. "It is your last night here and we want you to enjoy it. And with everything going on we would understand if you wanted it low key and just the immediate family."

"Hey one day they might be part of that immediate family." She said laughing. After the war the surviving Order members grouped together to form a family. But the Weasleys, Hermione, Harry and the Lupin's were the closest of all. "Besides I need tonight to be fun. I need to not think about this bloody law. I need to just relax before I have to choose a damned husband." Hermione shook her head and rubbed her temples. This wasn't a problem that she could research in a book and make go away. This was serious, she had to choose a suitable husband, one that wasn't a Death Eater and was strong enough to protect her.

"Okay a party it is!" Ron shouted happily. "With food, lots and lots of food. I know just what to do!"

Both Harry and Hermione could not help but laugh at this. One thing that Ron always thought about was food. One of his first thoughts after defeating Voldemort had been going out for a victory dinner. Hermione just nodded and watched as he practically ran out of the room leaving Harry and Hermione alone. They looked at each other and both became serious.

"Do you know what you will do. I mean granted you have til September nineteenth before you need to worry about anything but still." Harry said, then raised an eyebrow when she shook her head. "What?"

"Damn me and my need to learn everything." Hermione said with a frown. "I actually come of age on the first Harry. That damn time-turner. I am lucky it wasn't sooner I suppose."

"I am so sorry. I had no idea." Harry shuddered at the thought.

"Ya, neither did I." Hermione sighed as she wrapped her arms around Harry. "I don't know who to marry."

"I don't know love, we will figure it out though." Harry said returning the hug. He pulled away and they walked into the kitchen. Harry pulled out a chair for Hermione and she sat down. The boys got her breakfast together and she ate in silence.

"Well I will go floo over there." Ron said as he stood up. "Be back soon to let you know when everyone is coming by."

Ron left the room and Hermione sighed. She was relieved he wasn't going to be old enough to offer to marry her. She always thought of him as just a brother, though she had a feeling it was not the same for him. But still she did not have many options. Hermione wanted to marry someone close to her age. It would not due to be married to an old man. She shuddered at the thought of it. But the problem was she didn't fancy anyone. Sure there were plenty of handsome seventh years, and a few boys that had recently graduated. But no one paid attention to Hermione Granger, well at least not that sort of attention. So it was hard for her to really take a liking to anyone.

"Hermione I know what you are thinking. Just stop it. You WILL find someone. I am sure of it." Harry said firmly, "You are a beautiful intelligent witch. Any bloke would be lucky to have you."

"Thank you Harry." She said with a small smile. If only words could make her feel better about the predicament at hand. Hermione turned as Tonks walked in the room Remus in tow.

"Wotcher Hermione. Why the long face?" The young woman asked. Changing her hair to short bubble gum pink spikes, her eyes to match.

"I take it you haven't read the prophet yet?" Hermione asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No what's going on Hermione?" Remus asked carefully.

"Oh nothing really, the bloody Minister decided to pass that damned marriage law." Hermione said with a growl. "And thanks to my pursuit of knowledge back in third year I am going to be eligible on the first."

"Ah but one good thing came of that pursuit of knowledge." Remus said with a smile.

"Oh yeah. Whats that?" She asked sarcastically.

"You saved Sirius and Buckbeak." Remus said softly putting his hands on her shoulders and giving a gentle squeeze. "You did a good thing for everyone that year."

"You are right as always." Hermione said with tears in her eyes. "I am just so frustrated. There isn't a thing I can do to change this. I have to get married. I always thought I would graduate, become an apprentice in something then work at Hogwarts. Maybe a bit down the road get married and have a family. But no this is happening in reverse. I am just not ready."

No one would ever say that Hermione Granger acted her age. None of the Golden Trio really did. There years at Hogwarts had been trying and they went through a lot more than anyone there age should have. But together they pulled through and they were wise beyond there years. But at that moment Hermione felt like what she was, a scared teenager. Her life was changing and she couldn't do a thing to stop it. She looked up as Ron came into the room mumbling under his breath.

"What's wrong Ron?" Remus said turning to the young man.

"Well Hermione, I don't know if you will like this. Blaise is staying with his Aunt. And well he kind of invited himself along. The damned Slytherin." Ron said looking at her apologetically.

"It is fine Ron. I am sure that Blaise though he may be a Slytherin is capable of behaving for an evening." Hermione said with a smile.

"Ok, well in that case everyone will be here around 6:30." He said with a grin. "And everyone is bringing food!" Ron practically squealed with delight at the thought of the dishes people would prepare.

"I guess I will go pack and get that taken care of early. That way I can relax and enjoy myself tonight." Hermione said standing up and going upstairs to her room. She wasn't quite sure how she felt about Blaise coming over tonight. In all honestly she knew next to nothing about him, though they had practically every class together. He was tall, dark, handsome and quiet. She also knew that he was extremely smart. The two of them were always back to back for head of the class. Last she checked he was in the lead. But that was understandable with the year she had just experienced. She planned on catching up rather quickly.

Hermione got up with a yawn and looked over at the clock. It was six so she had a half hour to get ready. The witch figured it would be enough time. Walking over to her wardrobe she opened the doors and looked in. She wasn't sure how to dress for the night. With a slight sigh she pulled out a knee length black skirt and a emerald green v-neck sweater. For shoes she grabbed a pair of black ballet flats. She carried her clothes into the bathroom and looked in the mirror with a slight frown.

Her hair though still frizzy was now somewhat manageable, if she used the shampoo that Ginny had created it actually cooperated when she needed it to. She had lost some of the childhood chubbiness and had a figure. But still the young woman could not see herself as attractive. In her eyes she was a bookworm that no guy could find attractive. So she worried that she would have to accept an unsuitable offer.

She got into the shower and let out a moan of pleasure as the hot water cascaded over her. After the day she had it was a relief to let the water ease some of the tension away. She washed her hair with Ginny's shampoo and conditioner. After showering she got out and dried off careful not to get any water on her clothes. She took her wand and used a spell to dry her hair. Not quite sure how to style her hair Hermione got dressed and went back to her room. She grabbed a ponytail and settled on pulling it out of her face.

She checked the clock again and saw it was six thirty. With a silent prayer she headed down the stairs. Looking in the living room the only person she spotted was Blaise. She wondered where everyone else was but the noises coming from the kitchen answered that question. He hadn't noticed her yet and she didn't dare make a sound. Hermione took this opportunity to study him. He was tall but not lanky. You could tell even from a distance that he had some muscle, yet he wasn't bulky. His hair was jet black and had a slight curl to it. It wasn't recklessly long but some of it fell into his eyes. His eyes alone could stop someone in there tracks. They were a deep blue with flecks of silver in them. Tonight he was wearing black pants and a green sweater. When she noticed it she couldn't help but laugh, at the sound he looked up and noticed her.

"Ah, the lovely Miss Granger, Gryffindor's very own lioness." Blaise said with a smile and nod in her direction.

"Good evening Mr Zabini. Though I would prefer to be called Hermione." She said as she walked closer to him.

"As you wish Hermione." He said raising her hand to his lips and placing a light kiss across the back of it. "Thank you for allowing me to attend this gathering."

"The pleasure is all mine." Hermione said slightly dazed by the whole encounter, a slight blush on her cheeks. "Though people may suspect we planned the outfits." She said laughing. At that Blaise eyed her up and down slowly and she had to take a deep breath to slow her heartbeat.

"Ah mi bella, it is quite alright. You look wonderful this evening." Blaise said softly. Always the gentleman he offered her his arm. "Shall we head to the kitchen and enjoy the feast that has been set out for us."

"Why were you in here instead of enjoying said feast?" Hermione asked curiously as she took the offered arm.

"I was waiting for you of course. I wanted to tell you in person, I am to be the Head Boy." A smirk crossed Blaise's lips at the declaration.

"Well you are tolerable for a Slytherin I suppose." Hermione acquiesced with a nod. They walked into the kitchen and Blaise escorted Hermione to the table and sat down beside her.

"Hermione you look beautiful." Charlie said looking over at Hermione.

"Thank you." She said softly with a slight blush.

"Now, now Charlie, don't you go running away from me just yet!" A woman's voice rang out with a laugh. Hermione turned and looked at her and couldn't help but smile. Her hair was as black as Blaise's and she had those same eyes. It was obvious the two of them were related. "Hullo there darling I am Francesca." The woman said extending her hand across the table.

"Hermione Granger, pleased to meet you." She said politely shaking the woman's hand. Hermione looked over at the twins next and couldn't help but laugh. They were putting food on a plate, a lot of food and looking over at her the entire time. "Boys, how are you?"

"Oh just peachy, the store is..." Fred started.

"Doing really well." George finished. "This is..."

"For you." Fred handed her the plate with a mountain of food. "You need to eat a bit more Hermione." He said with a nod.

Hermione looked down at the plate and started to laugh. Harry and Ron sighed and shook there heads. But she ignored them and continued to laugh. The twins goofiness was exactly what she needed tonight. She stood up and pulled them both into a hug, shaking her head slightly.

"Thank you." She whispered.

"Are you alright Hermione?" Blaise asked slightly amused. The Slytherin leaned back in his chair and studied the young woman standing there. She looked so fragile and so beautiful. Blaise had always noticed the Gryffindor. How could he not? She was as smart as he was. But he doubted that she ever noticed. Tonight though, there was something different about her. When he saw her in the living room his jaw had literally dropped. She had changed a lot over the summer.

"I could be better Blaise." She said shaking her head. "But tonight I have fun, tommorrow I go back to Hogwarts."

"Why are you returning so early?" Francesca asked oblivious to the marriage law situation.

"Erm, well I need time to sort out my future." Hermione said cautiously.

"Oh alright." The raven haired woman said wisely dropping the subject.

"Aunt Francesca why must you always be so nosy?" Blaise asked without a trace of emotion in his voice.

"It's just my nature my dear." She said with a bell like laugh and a smile.

A/N- Well I hope you like the first chapter. Let me know what you think...reviews are an authors food and you don't want me to starve do you? Seriously let me know what you think, the good and the bad.