When I walk into the Ministry of Magic at three o'clock sharp I feel nothing. I don't even remember the route I took to get here. My feet must've memorised the way and just taken the lead because here I am; I feel so numb. It's sinking in; my earlier decision. I know I made the only one I could have, the right one, but this is one of those life changing decisions. I'd be a fool to ignore that. I've just decided a huge part of my future today. I've chosen the man I'm going to spend the rest of my life with.

I enter the elevator, someone greets me and I murmur a greeting back without even blinking. Once the elevator opens someone shoves me, but I hardly budge. That's when I feel them circle my upper arm and pull me out. 'What's wrong?' I see a pair of emerald eyes, which I think are familiar, but can't be certain.

I'm so tuned out I don't even remember deciding to answer. But, sure enough, I hear my own voice say: 'I'm getting married.'

For a moment the green eyes become slightly wide, but soon go back to their regular size as I get dragged along the corridor. By the time my brain's turned back on and has decided to work properly, I'm seated behind my desk. In front of me are several documents. I guess they must be the candidates that have passed the tests. With Luna leaving in a few weeks, we need someone to take her place. She'll never be replaced though. No one will be as absent minded as that wonderful girl. I can't imagine anyone making the same remarks she does. Oh, I'm going to miss her. But we need someone new, and the candidates have to go through a thousand tests before their documents reach my hands. Then I get to test them in whichever way I find fit. All these tests happen to ensure that they're on our side. Wouldn't want a Death Eater in disguise with us out in the field.

Harry's still in my office, looking slightly worried. 'Are you okay?' he asks.

I sign. 'Yeah, but I am getting married.'

He takes a seat in front of me, trying to look casual. 'I didn't know you were dating someone...' he admits, clearing his throat awkwardly.

Here's another decisive moment. Do I tell him the truth or should I just start telling him what everyone else is meant to know? Well, I don't want to take any risks... Might as well start the act now. 'He's not exactually your best friend,' I reply and a small smile lingers on my lips. 'And Ron's just going to have a fit when he finds out.'

'So we know him...'

'Oh, yes,' I can imagine the horror in his eyes when the name leaves my lips.

'Well...' he presses.

I smirk. This is going to be rich. 'Draco Malfoy.' Definitely a Kodak moment. I don't think I've ever seen Harry's eyes so confused. His expression is priceless and, if my body weren't still partially in shock, I'd laugh.

'You're right,' he says, once he's pulled himself together 'Ron's going to flip.'

'I've thought of asking Draco to get himself a bodyguard,' I play. 'Just in case Ron decides to try and hunt him down.'

'Oh, you can bet a hundred galleons that Ron's going to try,' Harry snorts.

I shrug. 'He'll accept it... eventually. I was hoping I could count on your common sense to help me,' I offer him a smile and he rolls his eyes at me.

'Don't go flashing that Colgate smile at me,' he warns me. 'When did you become engaged?'

'Just about an hour ago,' I reply.

Surprise, again. 'And you want to marry Malfoy?'

'Yes,' this is true. I had a choice. I chose to marry him, so I guess I haven't lied yet.

'Then why did you look like a zombie back there?'

I shrug. 'I was more than happy to accept his proposal, but suddenly I started thinking about all these... Things.'

'Things,' he arches an eyebrow at me.

'New house, new name, kids... I just freaked out momentarily.'

'But you want this,' again his eyes narrow at me 'you really want this?'

Damn it, Potter, stop making me look into this! If he keeps this up, I'll crack under the pressure and babble everything out. I manage not to let my panic show, as I nod and smile. 'Yes, I really want this, Harry.'

His eyes keep studying me and, after a moment, he signs. I feel like I've won a small victory. If I manage to convince Gryffy over here, I'll manage the rest of the wizarding community in a heartbeat. 'I'm happy for you... I guess.'

'I know that you and Draco aren't the best of friends,' I tell him and it takes an effort on my part to remember not to call him Malfoy.

'I understand him,' says Harry. 'And I'm glad he found someone like you. Perhaps people will give him some slack now that he's with you...'

Oh, Harry, little do you know... That's the whole reason I'm getting into this. 'I sure hope so,' I say with half of a smile.

'Would you like me to speak to Ron?'

I don't want him to. I know it's my job. After all, it is my engagement. But I can see it in my mind, Ron's overreaction. Perhaps if it's his best friend breaking it through to him, he may calm down sooner. 'Since you insist,' I say with a grin.

Harry chuckles and rolls his eyes at me. His eyes turn to my hand and I know what he's looking for. And I know he won't find it; a wedding ring. 'I want to avoid questions,' I tell him, as if he's asked me something. 'We want to wait until it was official. I just wanted you and Ron to know before the rest.'

Harry smiles softly as he gets up. I rise to my feet as well. It's a habit, I guess, from when we're on the field. One person moves and we all kind of shift. 'I suppose you'll need a few weeks off after the wedding,' Harry wonders.

I nod. 'Yeah, but you don't have to worry yet. We haven't chosen a date.'

'But you'll keep me informed?'

'Harry James Potter,' I gasp as I fake pain in my voice. 'Like I would ever not invite you to my wedding.'

'Good,' he smirks 'because I'll be more than happy to throw something at Malfoy, even if it's just rice.'

I laugh at his comment as I take him to the door. He suddenly looks quite serious. 'Can I hug you?' he asks. Without answering, I put my arms around him. 'Congratulations, Vitta,' he murmurs against my ears. I hug him tighter and then release him.

'Thanks, Harry,' I say as he walks away and I close the office door. That was surprisingly easy, much easier than I'd foreseen. I'd manage to convince Harry fast enough that I'd be willing to marry Draco Malfoy, but my reaction back at the elevator can not be done again. I'm sure Harry has his doubts and suspicions, but he's Harry and we've spent countless weeks on the hunt for Death Eaters together. Wether you want to or not, these people end up becoming family and knowing you better than anyone. It's natural that he feels that something's up, but with time he'll become reassured.

I sign as I sit behind my desk. I can pull this off. Even if I've never been in love, I'll pull this off. I've seen enough girls lovesick to know how they act. All I have to do it mimic them. I've seen Ron and Hermione, Harry and Ginny. I'll be fine; not to mention my parents, Lucius and Narcissa. I've definitely got this.

I look at the files in front of me. There has to be at least a dozen and each file probably has the scores of the thousands of tests each candidate has been subjected to.

It takes me a good three and a half hours to take notes and analyse all the files. I can't begin to explain how shocked I was to find Blaise Zabini's name among these. At first I thought that perhaps there'd been a mistake and he'd been running for a position in some other department in the Ministry. But, as soon as I saw the tests he'd been submitted to, I knew it was in the right place. He'd also had impeccable scores and he had forced one of his professors to put him under Veritaserum, just to prove the honesty of his words. It would seem that Blaise Zabini was turning his life around. I tried to find some flaws in his curriculum but there weren't any. I mean, other than a few notes regarding his arrogance, there wasn't much to be said. And that was hardly reason enough to dismiss him.

There was a knock on my door, making me look up from my files. I didn't even need to ask. It was almost seven o'clock. I knew perfectly well who it was. 'In you come, Ginny,' I allowed, with joy overtaking my eyes already. Sure enough the door opened to reveal a very pretty young lady. She entered and closed the door behind her. There was a stupid grin on her face and I was sure I was mirroring her expression. Ginny had been out for about a week. She'd gone to Lisbon for a match. I'm so used to seeing her every day that suddenly a week without her is torture.

She embraces me tightly, her straight red hair dancing behind her with her sudden movement. 'I've missed you,' she tells me happily, but the moment we part she hits my upper arm.

'Ginny,' I gasp in surprise.

'Don't Ginny me,' she snaps and all her previous good humour is now gone. 'I leave for a week - one week - that's seven days, I come back and my boyfriend informs me, ever so casually, that you are engaged. And to none other than Draco Malfoy.'

'In my defence, I only became engaged five hours ago,' I tell her quickly.

'Oh, so cute, counting the hours,' and she seems genuinely amazed by my affectionate action. Actually, I was counting the amount of hours that had passed since I've condemned myself, but if I can make myself look as if I'm lovesick so effortlessly, I'm sure I'll be fine. Ginny suddenly drops her grin, narrows her eyes and becomes half angry again. 'I'm still upset,' she announces. 'You kept things from me.'

'I'm sorry, Gin,' and I am sorry... that I can't tell her the truth. 'I was just hesitant due to the fact that you and Draco don't really see eye-to-eye.'

'He's not my favourite person in the world,' she admits as she sits down 'but I've noticed that you've been happier these last few months. And, if it's because of Malfoy, then I'm more than glad to accept him.'

I had been happier. But, of course, it had nothing to do with Malfoy. I was just glad to be back at the Ministry, instead of out in the field. I love field work, don't get me wrong, but it's like camping 24/7 for months at a time. Being able to eat proper food, take a bath every day and sleep in a soft bed had been more than welcomed luxuries. Not to mention the fact that I got to see my parents and friends. But Ginny had definitely given me something to say when people asked. I'd say I was happier because of Mal- Draco. She was a genius, this girl.

'It might just take some time getting used to,' she adds.

'Regardless, I appreciate the effort, Ginny,' I smile, because I mean it. When Draco Malfoy comes waltzing into my daily routine, they'll have to endure his presence. I don't really know what he's like, but they sure as hell don't consider him a friend at the moment. An effort is more than I could have asked for.

'I understand now why you never accepted to go out with these Ministry employees,' she ponders thoughtfully. 'Some even thought you were gay,' she adds in a whisper, as if it's some big secret, but there's a knowing smile on her lips.

I laugh out loud, but she's given me yet another idea. It's true, I'd never gone out with any of the guys from the Ministry and many of them had asked, but I'd done that because I never knew when my next mission would be and didn't want to leave anyone waiting on me. That and the fact that I'd never actually fallen in love. I didn't see the point in going out with someone I didn't like. I'd always said it would take something from out of this world to make me give up my single lady status. The thought is ironic. I would snort if I were alone. Something out of this world... An arranged marriage.

But Ginny's brilliant! I can now say that I didn't accept any of the requests because I'd have my heart set on Draco Malfoy all this time, and most people will probably believe it.

'I'm sure they did,' I laugh again. 'Soon enough they'll know better.'

'Harry told me that you won't be wearing the ring until it's official,' says Ginny. 'I want to be the first one to see it.'

'Gin, it'll probably be out in the Prophet before I manage to get to you,' I tell her with a sympathetic smile.

She's not pleased with this. She signs loudly as she crosses her arms. 'Fine, but I want to be the first to see it in person,' she declares.

'I'll Floo to you as soon as I can,' I promise.

'Good,' she jumps to her feet, a big grin spread across her face. She looks like a school girl; I want to roll my eyes at her, but decide that I'll just laugh instead. 'I have to get going. Harry's coming over to the Burrow for dinner. He's going to deliver the news to Ron,' she winces at the thought.

'Perhaps you should tie him down before you drop the bomb on him,' I suggest.

Ginny grins. 'That may actually be a good idea.'

All too soon, I find myself watching Ginny go. Ginny was in my year at Hogwarts and, while we weren't friends, we did get along there. We'd always be teamed up in DADA, Charms and Potions, which we shared, because I was in Ravenclaw. Once we all became Aurors, Ginny became my partner in crime but, sooner than I'd like, she left. She came by quite often to see Harry, and I was glad that she did; gave me an excuse to see her. We'd definitely become close and if I'd ever had a girl friend, it would be Ginny Weasley. I'm relieved that she isn't mad about my sudden engagement, but I know that once this sinks in - and once we stop worrying about Ron's reaction - she'll have one thousand and one questions ready for me. I can only hope that by then Draco Malfoy and I have plotted some nice love story.

As if on cue, I hear a noise by my window. It's Snow, my owl. Yes, she is indeed, white. I was quite young when I got her, so I can't be held responsible for the lack of creativity by my former self's part. I open my window and she drops the letter on my desk before resting on my shoulder. I stroke her neck as I sit down. I open a draw and find a couple of treats for Snow. She's quite dependant. I allow her to go wherever she likes and if needed, I whistle and she comes. I feel her rub the top of her head against my neck, tickling me. 'I've missed you too, Snow,' I whisper, rubbing her neck with the the back of my index finger. My hands open the letter I've been sent.

Eva,

We have been invited to attend a dinner at the Malfoy Manor. I am well aware that this is a little last minute, but please darling, do agree.

We are supposed to be there by half past eight. I'll be at the Ministry by eight - sharp - with your dress, so that we may save some time. Lucius will join us and we shall all return together to the Manor together.

See you shortly.

Mom.

I could kill her. Last minute... I can't help but snort. She sends me a letter when she's ten minutes away from storming through that door with some dress and drag me to this dinner. I sign. It's not worth getting worked up. Nothing can be done now. I've agreed to marry the boy, the boy I barely know. Sure, his parents are my Godparents and I love them, but Draco's something else. When we were kids we spent an awful lot of time together. I think it's safe to say we were friends... As a matter of fact, I'm being ironic. We were best friends, once upon a time. But then he went off to Hogwarts that changed. I felt alone and once I got to Hogwarts we merely acknowledged each other. Our relationship was limited to greetings. He would bow his head and so would I. Sometimes we'd actually say something like "Good morning" or "excuse me", but that was about it. It has been five - almost six - years since we last attended Hogwarts simultaneously. I've barely seen him since. Our last proper encounter was during the Battle and if he'd ever tell someone about it I'd probably be frowned upon by Ron. Well, I suppose if he forgave Harry - who risked both their lives to save Draco's at the Room of Requirement - I suppose he could forgive me for sending a hex on a wizard to defend Draco. Yes, I had placed myself between Draco and some Death Eater when he was supposedly a traitor. It's just, when you've grown up with someone, no matter how much people may hate them, it's not something you do easily. It was pure instinct.

My office door jerks opened and my mother enters without as much as an "excuse me". She closes the door behind her and locks it. In her hand are a few bags. She points towards the window and makes it black, and with her wand, she manages to undress me and get me into a navy blue dress. It's a muggle dress. My mother and her fascination for muggle labels. This one's a Chanel. The zipper works on it's own - well, with some help from my mother's wand - and my shoes walk up to me as the stockings run up my legs.

'Mother,' I groan 'I can dress myself.'

'No time,' she replies as she flicks her wand again, and suddenly I have makeup on. I don' complain, she hasn't overdone it, so I better not push it. My black hair had been tied in a messy bun and Merlin forbid I exit the door in such a state. My hair falls down my shoulders like cascades and my mother nods her approval. I know that my hair is probably her favourite thing about me.

'Mother, does Draco know?' I ask.

'Of course he knows,' she says quickly. 'I suggested the marriage, but he knew before you did.'

'So it's my wedding, but I'm the last one to know,' I want to be angry, but I'm far too tired for that. The earlier shock has drained out my energy, which is probably a good thing; no scandals during dinner.

'Well, it's not much different from a traditional wedding,' says my mother as she passes her fingers through my hair. 'The groom normally asks the father for permission before asking the bride.'

I know it's expected of me to have an argument right about now, but I'm just too tired for that. I sign instead, and my mum seems relieved with my reaction. 'Well, how's he handling it?' I ask.

My mother hesitates. Shit. She shrugs. 'He's dealing.' Dealing... He's dealing? So I have to go over to this boy's house and watch him deal with our marriage? What have I agreed to? Merlin... 'We're late,' says my mother and she hands me a thick dark raincoat.

'Where's Daddy?' I ask as she takes my hand and pulls me out the office.

'Here, Princess,' my father's waiting just outside my office. He's smiling when he first speaks but turns serious. 'Baby, are you sure you really want this?'

'Cold feet, Father?' I ask with a smirk, trying to lighten the mood.

'Is there a boy you might be interested-'

'Daddy, there's no boy I'm deeply in love with,' I tell him seriously. 'Maybe that's why it's so easy for me to do this. I don't have my heart set on anyone. And I could do much worse than Draco Malfoy. At least you know your grandchildren will be pretty,' I pull off a glorious Belby smile, but my father's not convinced. 'Daddy, I'll be fine.'

'You heard her,' presses my mother, her eyes looking up and down the corridor. 'We should go. Lucius must be almost ready.'