A/N: Thanks to those of you who've reviewed---apparently I have been missed? Thanks also to those who've added this story to their alerts or favorites. I have a small request of you, my readers. I have very much gotten into fan art and I would really love it if someone drew a little something for this story…if anyone is interested let me know. I mean I have a few ideas, but the extent of my drawing powers is stick figures, so really let me know. Also this chapter might be a bit dull after my little joke here at the beginning, but heaven knows there are things that I need to explain and set the stage for all the next problems…and trust me there will be a few.

Disclaimer: I only own the idea of the Pledge, everything else belongs to the lovely J.K.

Chapter Seven:

"What are you doing here, father?"- Draco said eyes wide as he saw his father in a disheveled state with cheeks flushed.

"Draco! Your…mother and I are here for…marriage…counseling?"-Lucius Malfoy said tentatively when his wife, Narcissa, slightly trotted to his side with constant giggles. Then, she saw her son and her smile turned into a frown: "Oh bugger"

Draco's mother was even more disheveled than his father and he couldn't believe his parents had both gotten the Pledge and were in part of the Society of the Inked AND had apparently just had sex. I mean it's only normal for his parents to engage in such activities, but to know about it is just plain disgusting and disturbing. He then planted his face onto Hermione's lap and she stroked his hair.

"Oh for heaven's sake Draco. You should be happy that your parents actually love each other. It's a rare commodity in Pureblooded marriages."-said Galatea. Draco lifted his head and looked at his parents. "I'm happy for you both, mother; father."

The Malfoys went out the front door as quickly as they could and at that same time, Blaise appeared in the room, quite tidy actually, and said hello to everyone. Draco got frustrated…it seemed that everyone he knew was under this Pledge and he and Hermione were the only ones suffering because of it. Blaise whispered something into Galatea's ear and exited the room.

"Blaise has informed me that Ileana has halted all her other cases for this. She is to submit all the documents within the next hour. This means that within the day, the public will get hold of these news and you will be searched for tirelessly. Thankfully, we don't admit the press into our society and even if we did, everyone here is sworn to secrecy. Which is why you were so embarrassed to find your parents here, Draco." He blushed and then asked.

"Blaise is Ileana's mate?" Galatea nodded at this and had one of her house-elves bring in some tea and scones.

"There are rules to this society and certain things we have to discuss before I show you to your rooms. Now, Ron and Hermione, how long have you been married?"

"'Mione and I have been married for almost seven years." At this, Galatea took out a clipboard and a quill and started jotting down notes on the relationships of the couples. To them it seemed rather unnecessary but to a woman who has dealt with Inked couples for decades it seemed perilous not to have it. She especially had to deal with Draco and Hermione…their relationship could turn deadly if she did not help the bond. The bonds formed through this Pledge were extremely delicate and theirs was a bond that had already been through to much. The question was…just how much?

"Hermione, how long have you and Draco been bonded?"

"Twelve years. Thirteen in April."- she said smiling up at her blonde beloved.

" What are your brands?"- Galatea asked specifically to the newest couple.

"I have a moon tattoo and Luna has a terrier."

"Luna, have you and Ron been in any sort of romantic relationship during this seven year marriage?"

"Not until Ronald had discovered that Hermione and Draco had bonded. He told her the truth right after we had kissed the first time."

"Just as I thought. Ron, Luna by my calculations, your bond should be perfect. Mina here will direct you to your room in the twelfth floor. I'd like to speak to the other two in private."

The lovely house elf, dressed in a well made pink sundress, escorted Ron and Luna out of the room. Galatea then wandlessly closed all the doors and cast a silencing spell all through the room.

"You two are in big trouble. You two were way in over your head when you performed the ritual. I would have thought that someone as smart as Hermione Granger, would have figured out the consequences of her actions. They are coming out to bite you in the behind as we speak."

"I don't understand Galatea. The book I read said nothing about a situation like ours."

"You should have done more research. I understand, though, young love waits for no one."

"Could you please just explain what's going to happen to us?"- said Draco turning into his snarky self.

"Certainly. Your bond has been through deception for its entirety. First and foremost, this bond does not like the fact that it has to be hidden. As I believe, your relationship has remained a secret to the public ever since you were in Hogwarts and not having anyone know about your relationship weakens the bond. It weakens the bond but strengthens the passion, which means you were both in either an irate or a lustful mood. The supposed death of Draco caused the bond to weaken and the separation left both parties tired and empty. The reunion and the knowledge of anyone else about your relationship strengthens the bond but to negative effects. Your bodies will slowly but surely destroy themselves and the way you act and think will be completely different. Currently, you will feel very much in love and it shall be as it once was when you were both in the prime of youth. This is merely a phase. After this everything will down spiral and we don't want that to happen. As of tomorrow, you two will be in intensive therapy with me and my associates. For now you two should rest…you are going to need it."

Draco and Hermione took the elevator to the thirteenth floor and found their room. It had a king sized bed with sapphire blue sheets and white walls with matching blue curtains. Their things had already been moved there and as the room had an adjoining bathroom they got settled and once they had both showered together, they laid together in bed, legs tangled and hands intertwined and were rubbing noses when Hermione realized what Galatea was saying. She stopped her childish act and spoke seriously: "Draco, Galatea is right. Look at us, we're acting like teenagers. I'm scared of what this could mean for us in the future."

"I know Galatea is right, Hermione, but you have always been courageous and under worst circumstances, so this should be a snap. I will always love you no matter what."

"You're right…heaven know you're write and your acting like I used to be. I will always love you too."

The two slept, unknowing of the field day the press would have in the morning.

---0---

As the couples at Hallow Grounds woke up for breakfast, the Daily Prophet and every other Wizarding newspaper went to print with the story of the Inked couple. When Draco and Hermione sat down to eat, Galatea gave them a copy of the Daily Prophet. The front page read: "Death Eater and Member of the Golden Trio Have Secret Affair." The couple got close to one another and read the same front page article:

"Yesterday evening, the Department of Social Affairs within the Ministry of Magic received a most interesting appeal for marriage dissolution. Hermione Granger Weasley, known member of the Golden Trio and veteran of the Second War, filed for a divorce from husband Ronald Weasley, another known member of the Golden Trio. Nevertheless, what astounds this reporter is not so much the divorce as for the reasoning for this divorce.

Within the filed appeal, it states that Miss Hermione Granger has been formerly bonded to a Mr. Draco Malfoy, known ex Death Eater. Not only have Ms. Granger and Mr. Malfoy been bonded, but they have bonded through the True Love's Pledge. For those of you not knowledgeable in law, this Pledge has been illegal for around a century and notice of this illegal contract sends the participants directly into Azkaban. Said bonding ritual has many negative effects that could very well lead to death, and as such it has been made illegal. There are several other reasons as to why this bonding has been made illegal and as such I have written down the law as an undernote.

It is rumored that Miss Granger was coerced into this bond by Mr. Malfoy in midst war to coerce her into joining forces with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, seeing as in the filed report it is noted that the unlikely pair have been bonded for twelve years. These twelve years supersede the seven Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger have been married. It is also stated in the report that Mr. Weasley has been in a relationship with daughter of the Editor in Chief of The Quibbler, Miss Luna Lovegood a few weeks prior to the filing of this report. Whether or not Miss Granger was aware of this relationship is not known. Neither have yet been reached for comment, but their lawyer a Miss Ileana Swanson said the following: 'Mr. and Mrs. Weasley kindly ask for privacy in this difficult moment and they will not be reached for comments until the trial is to commence.'

Hopefully the ex Mr. and Mrs. Weasley will be reached for information in the time."

This was not a good omen for things to come. Luckily enough the pair would never be found.