"I honestly don't think I can do it." Hermione was sitting at a table in the Weasley household with her two best friends, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. They each held a letter in their hands, a letter that would seal their fates. The Ministry had decided that there weren't enough wizards in the community, and that each young wizard had to apply for an arranged marriage. Apparently, Harry had the most guts.

"I'll open it," he said with a grimace. Harry opened his letter and read it silently. "Oh, okay then."

"Who is it, mate? You're killing me here," Ron asked, looking at Harry with a worried look on his face. Harry kept a serious expression up before bursting into laughter.

"Ginny Weasley; your turn, Ron," he answered. Ron sighed.

"You git," he mumbled. Ron opened up his letter. "Okay, Katie Bell. Wow, she's a bloody wonderful chaser. Hermione, you're next." Hermione opened up her letter. She tried to scream but only a small squeak came out.

"What, who is it Hermione?" Harry asked, worriedly. Hermione found that she couldn't speak. She just handed him the letter silently. "In the name of Merlin, aren't these supposed to be compatible?"

"Yes, and it says that we are both exceedingly intelligent, have vast potential, and that they hope that this will put an end to interhouse rivalry. I think that it's all a load of rubbish!" Hermione very nearly shouted. Of all people, it had to be him . . .

"Will someone please let me out of the dark?" Ron begged. Hermione sighed.

"Ron, please don't murder me for the sake of my happiness," she requested. He nodded for her to continue. "Ron, I have to marry Draco Malfoy."