Chapter 9
After the aptitude test life at Hogwarts resumes to normal, although all single students seventeen years and older get the occasional marriage proposal and a few more couples get engaged. Hermione is surprised there aren't more and brings this up in her weekly tea with Ginny and Minerva.
"I believe a lot of the single witches and wizards, especially the younger ones are putting their faith in hands of the ministry for this. Most purebloods already expected to be in an arranged marriage, this new law only changes who does the arranging for them. As for the rest, they seem to trust Kingsley and the aptitude test." Minerva explains.
"You know Minerva, one of these days you have to tell me the secret to your knowledge." Ginny laughs. "You always seem to have an accurate view of people's opinions and future choices. One would think you are a seer." She continues jokingly. Causing both Hermione and Minerva to gasp.
"Ginny! Minerva loathes divination even more than me!" Hermione exclaims.
"Well what other explanation is there?"
"Well Ginevra, it is really quite simple. As the headmistress of Hogwarts it is my duty to take care of the students. I asked the heads of house to keep a close eye on all students affected by the law, suggested to have a talk with them, they did and reported back at me. Also as headmistress I have regular meetings with ministry officials and the minister himself. One hears things at the ministry and during these meetings." Minerva gives Ginny a little explanation.
"Now girls I must cut tonights meeting short since I have some paperwork to finish. Unfortunately I have an appointment next monday so I won't be available for tea. I was thinking maybe we could have lunch together on sunday instead?" Minerva tells the girls
"Of course."
"Sure."
"Alright since this might be one of the last days with good weather I was thinking about having a picnic at the lake?"
"That sounds wonderful Minerva." Hermione answers while Ginny nods enthusiastically.
"Be at the main entrance at noon and we'll walk together from there."
When the girls have left Minerva sits down to write a letter.
Dear Molly,
I'm only now responding to your letter because I had to think about it for a long time. Part of me is angry at you for breaking Hermione's trust. You told Ronald he shouldn't tell anybody about Hermione because it is Hermione's story to tell, yet you told me. I'm a strong believer in practice what you preach. Luckily I already knew so you didn't really betray her confidence. I would however like to stress the importance of letting both Hermione and Ginny themself decide when and who to they come out.
That being said another part of me is glad you know. Because now I can tell you that I agree with you, these girls are made for eachother but unfortunately too stubborn for their own good.
After giving it long thought I've decided to help and I've already made the arrangements for a first 'date' for the two of them this sunday. I will be observing them as closely as I can as my animagus and will report back to you.
Love,
Minerva
Next sunday minerva makes arrangements with the house elves to pack a picnic basket for the girls and she has set up a blanket at a secluded spot near the lake. Minerva herself is hiding in the bushes in her cat form while one of the elves will pick up the girls at the entrance.
Ginny and Hermione are looking around for Minerva when an elf appears next to them carrying a picnic basket. "The Headmistress apologizes but something came up. Since everything is already organized she insists on the two of you enjoying the picnic alone. If you would both please hold on to me, I'll transport you." Both girls put a hand on the elf's shoulder and the three of them disapparate. Moments later they appear near the great lake. Hermione looks around confused. "Why would Minerva plan a picnic at such a secluded area?"
Ginny shrugs. "Maybe because she doesn't want the other students to think she favours us?" Though deep inside Ginny has other ideas about what Minerva's reasoning is and plans to talk to her about it the first chance she gets.
"I guess you have a point. Well let's sit and eat." Hermione says and sits down. Ginny sits down as well. They've been sitting for a few minutes when they hear their names being called.
"Hermione, Ginny? Is that you?" They look around and see two figures on brooms coming their way across the lake. When they get closer they see it's Harry and Ron.
"Hi guys, what brings you here?" Hermione asks.
"We were taking our brooms out for a flight when we thought we saw familiar hair and decided to investigate." Harry explains while getting of his broom and sitting down next to Hermione. Ron sits next to Ginny.
"Why are you guys here?" He asks while picking up a sandwich to eat.
"We were supposed to have lunch with Professor Mcgonagall but she couldn't make it." Hermione shrugs.
Unbeknownst to the four friends enjoying lunch a tabby cat gets out from its hiding place in the bushes and moves to the castle. Sad that the plan didn't work out.
Dear Minerva,
I'm glad to hear you agree and thank you for arranging a first date for them. I wish I could do more, but unfortunately there isn't much I can do while the girls are at Hogwarts, especially since Ginny refuses to talk about it any more.
Love,
Molly
Minerva has just pulled out a fresh sheet of parchment to write to Molly when the door to her office burst open and an angry red-head walks in.
"I can not believe you did that. What part of I'm not telling Hermione do you not understand?"
"Please calm down Ginerva. Than tell me what it is that is bothering you." Minerva tells Ginny in a calm voice while discretely hiding the letter from Molly.
"You set me up on a date with Hermione today."
"What gave you that idea?"
"We were supposed to have lunch with you but then an elf comes up to us telling us you won't be able to make it and then we're transported to this secluded, almost romantic, area near the lake where the two of us are supposed to have a picnic. Thank Merlin Ron and Harry showed up before things could get awkward."
"I had every intention of joining the two. However as the headmistress of Hogwarts I can not always help it if things come up and ruin my plans."
"If something really had come up you could have just cancelled and we would have eaten in the Great Hall. This was you orchestrating a date between Hermione and me. Do not do that again do you understand Minerva?"
"I did not orchestrate a date but if I ever feel the need to do so in the future I will refrain myself."
"Hmmpf… alright."
"I know you asked that I don't pry but I would really like to know why it is you won't tell Hermione?"
"I told you I'm afraid of her reaction." Ginny sighs.
"Are you afraid she'll react badly or unexpectedly well?" Minerva asks and Ginny takes some time before she answers.
"Both. If she react badly I'll lose my best friend, which I don't want but if she reacts unexpectedly... well it is worse."
"Why is that?"
"Well if for some weird unknown reason Hermione actually fancies women in general or me in particular I want to woo her. With the ministry deadline of december first for the engagement I don't have enough time to properly woo her."
"You could get engaged and continue to woo her?"
"I know that's an option I just have this image of how I'll propose to Hermione, I want it to be perfect and this stupid law stands in the way." Ginny exclaims.
"Are you saying you would woo Hermione if there was no marriage law?" Minerva asks cocing an eyebrow.
"Well no… Yes… I don't know."
"I won't bring this up anymore after today but I really want to urge you to reconsider and at least come out as a lesbian to Hermione."
"Yeah…we'll see." Ginny shrugs and leave waving her goodbye to Minerva.
Once the door is closed behind Ginny Minerva picks up her quill to write Molly.
Dear Molly,
Unfortunately things didn't go as planned today. In the end my plan didn't only not work, it backfired. I just had a very angry Ginerva in my office accusing me of trying to set her and Hermione up. Although she was right I obviously denied trying to set her up. An angry Ginevra, who reminds me a great deal of an angry Molly by the way, is not the worst of my date idea. About five minutes after the start of their 'date' Ronald and Harry spotted them and joined them for lunch.
So not only is Ginerva suspicious but there wasn't even a date. Unfortunately I have to lay low for a while which is not good with the deadline rapidly approaching.
I've also learned that it is not possible to interfere with the pairing. This is automatically done in an enchanted room that is set-up by a group of unspeakables who have all done a part of the enchantment and there is nobody, not even the minister, who knows every single enchantment. As much as I applaud Kingsley and his fight against corruption in the ministry, today I do not like it all that much.
For the time being we can only hope the test prove us right.
Love,
Minerva
P.S. I might try another date idea in a couple of weeks if things have cooled down enough by then.
