She hadn't had a good summer.

None of them had.

Hermione had long since realised that her life would never be easy or simple, even with the War out of the way. The Wizarding world was still healing the after effects of the Final Battle. Not always in the best way.

She had known that it was all going to fall apart the moment she'd read the first letter.

Dear Miss H. Granger,

On behalf of the Wizarding world, we thank you for your courage and your efforts in the War. You will be notified at a later date as to the celebration and commendation event.

With the recent decline in the Wizarding population, we deemed it necessary to rule a new Law. We understand that this may cause a greater divide between the two Bloods but we hope that in time the conflict will diminish and disappear all together.

The Law of Repopulation is, in fact, quite simple. We shall be performing the Aimer à La Folie Charm on each person aged 17-35 in order that we create matches, which are, if you will, Soulmates together.

We require you to submit a single hair from your head so that this charm can be the most accurate. We will be expecting an immediate reply.

As you are not returning for your last year at Hogwarts, we must ask you to prepare for your new housing. The ministry will send you a letter with the name of your new housing next Thursday where you will meet your fiancé.

Owl me if you have any urgent questions,

Best of luck in your future endeavours,

Mathilda Spawn.

(Secretary to the Minister of Magic)

It's safe to say that she was shocked. She never thought the Ministry could sink that low. Arranged marriages.

Being Hermione, she wrote back immediately demanding to know whether or not she had a choice in the matter. She didn't. The law could not be changed.

She stood staring at her plain, empty apartment as she said goodbye to all the memories it held. She'd already had to say her goodbyes to Ron. They'd been together since the end of the war but even then they knew it was never meant to last forever. When the Law came about they stuck together anyway, despite the fact that heartbreak was immanent.

It wasn't the goodbye that hurt, she supposed. It was more the fact that, once again, she didn't feel safe. She was venturing into the unknown. She was moving in with a complete stranger. Moreover, she was marrying a complete stranger.

She portkeyed to her new place soon after and even she had to admit that it was beautiful. He dream house. A defined cottage in a traditional setting, it was surrounded by fields and the garden was filled to the brim with rose and other sweet smelling flowers. The vines, which crawled up the side of her house, tied in nicely with the fairytale, perfection look the house had effortlessly achieved.

It wasn't until she heard a thump and a yelp inside that she pulled herself away from the view to go and meet her new 'significant other.'

"Hello, I'm Hermione Gra-," she started but stopped short as she caught side of the new arrival, his unmistakable blond hair and piercing grey eyes gave him away

"MALFOY!"