Chapter 4

"What the bloody hell is that all about mate?" demanded Harry as he forced Ron outside. Lavender followed everyone outside with a giggle, either anticipating a fight or being so stupid that she really had no idea what was going on. "She doesn't deserve that crap. I can't believe you would do that to your best friend!" continued Fred. Ron started to whimper as his classmates, siblings, and best friend backed him into a corner. With a pop he apparated to Lavender who startled, let out, "But Won Won why are we-," and with another pop they were gone. When they left, the crowd could be hurt murmuring a barrage of insults about Ron and Lavender,

"Whore," said Ginny.

"Slut," said Parvati, Lavender's now ex best friend.

"Stupid git," exclaimed Fred.

"Bloody idiot," muttered Harry.

It was without a doubt, that Ron and Lavender were no longer welcome at the burrow. With a sharp gasp Ginny realized she had forgotten all about Hermione. She ran into the house grabbing a handful of ashes and calling out her destination she was gone in flames.

00000000000000000000000000000000000

Hermione, now in a pair of blue pajama shorts and a white tank top, was sitting and watching the oddly interesting muggle TV Show, "Britain's Next Top Model," while she devoured a bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream. She was startled as she saw nothing but long red hair running toward her and within seconds her mint chocolate chip ice cream was passed aside and she was enveloped in a bone crushing hug that rivaled those of Mrs. Weasley. "Ginny!" she exclaimed. "What brings you hear…oh."

"What do you mean oh? My brother, no my ex-brother, is one of the most foul, underhanded, stupid, idiotic gits in all of Europe! Why didn't you tell us?" Hermione's best friend demanded.

"I dunno…it just didn't seem relevant I guess. Ron's your family, I just figured that was one of the things I'd have to give up."

"Never, never think that! You're part of our family too! It's the opposite really, because we've decided to give him up, that prick. You are coming with me right now, and we are going to spend some time with the family eh?" Ginny said the words angrily, still furious at her brother for what he did. Before Hermione could protest she felt the familiar sensation of apparition and found herself standing in the Weasley riving room in front of her closest friends wearing practically no more than underwear. All thoughts of Hermione were abandoned when an owl broke the silence, flying just as if it were drunk into the living room of the Weasley's and landing with a thud. Alicia scrambled to find some food for the poor owl and Harry took the piece of parchment addressed to the Weasley family and Guests from its leg, placing a few knuts in the pouch on the owl's other leg. A shrill and familiar voice filled the room and Hermione cringed as the voice read aloud,

"Dear Weasley Family and Guests, Including but not Limited to Miss Hermione Granger,

It is my duty and pleasure to inform you all of the new marriage law. This law, having just gone into effect yesterday, has been enacted to increase the population of powerful wizards should a dark lord rise again. The Magical Power Genetic and Ancestral Analysts have determined the best matches using the latest magical technology and are happy to announce the wedding of Miss Hermione Granger and Mr. Fred Weasley. Please come to the ministry on October 22nd to wed. Enjoy!

Sincerely,

Mildred Umbridge

Minister of Magic"

Hermione was seething. How dare this, this witch step into her life and force her to do something. The whole concept of course, was simply ridiculous.

"But if this whole law is to create more powerful wizards…" said George, "Then won't this just amplify the problem?" The whole room was silent, completely dumbfounded. No one could have ever predicted something like this to happen, not in a million years. And Hermione…and Fred? Impossible. It would never work. They were too different it was laughable. "They were probably thrown together 'cause they're the only single people left," suggested Oliver. No, Umbridge wouldn't do that, but would she? Oh yes, she would. Hermione, without regard to what she was wearing began to apparate to the ministry. With a jump Fred was tagging along.

00000000000000000000000000000000000

Hermione wasted no time. She walked straight the receptionist's desk, cutting all of the angry young 'couples' in line and demanded to see Mildred, her former boss. With a sigh the receptionist led Hermione and a very bewildered Fred, who didn't really understand what was going on yet. Hermione stomped inside the office drawing some glares and stares from those who were both angry at her for cutting in line and couldn't believe she would wear such skimpy clothes out. Fred, noticing the stares in his confusion, was glad when he noticed Hermione's minimalist outfit, his confused expression turning into a smirk as he followed Hermione into the office.

They waited for five minutes, both too embarrassed to even murmur a word to each other. Just as Hermione was getting up to go and get the secretary a lean figure walked in. Wearing a crisp brown suit and black shoes, a fashion faux pas that Hermione would have noticed on any other occasion, the man's most distinguishable feature was most definitely his flaming red hair.

"Percy?!" Hermione said, aghast. Now it was Fred's turn to be furious. It was almost as if the steam was coming out of his ear's like in muggle cartoons. His face turned red and he opened his mouth to yell. "Hold on!" Percy exclaimed, aware of his brother's imminent explosion as he threw his hands protectively in front of his face. "This isn't my fault! I swear I had nothing to do with this she made me!" Percy was speaking a million miles an hour; trying to get his excuse in before Fred took his anger out on him. Fred calmed down but was still visibly angry. "Doesn't mean you're not a spineless git," he muttered under his breath.

((AN: Sorry for the short chapter, but I just wanted to get something in))