Now I'm really trying to make my updates faster. Thanks to all the people who reviewed.

wickedsoulx: You're right. I do have everyone being too friendly with each other. LOL, what can I say? But I actually wanted to get more comfortable with the storyline (this is probably the longest story that I've been committed to. I know what you're thinking) and then really do those antagonist characters and scenes(I really hate them). Thanks, now I know what I have to do. :)

P.S. You actually just gave me the perfect idea for a villain. Thank you, thank you. This was just what I needed.

waterflower20: I couldn't stop grinning when I read this. I was wondering if anyone got that part. But thanks for bringing it up. You see, Hermione's parents are always screwing up her friends' names. Ron and Harry, yes, I know. My parents almost always mess up my friends' names so I decided to just add that in at some points of the story. Sorry if I confused you.

And thank you so much for everyone else that reviewed. It makes my day-seriously.

Chapter Ten: Our Future Depends On It

Hermione sat in one of the empty tables in the back of the well known inn. The back of her chair faced the entrance to the inn, but it wasn't as if she was expecting anyone to come looking for her at the Leakey Cauldron. She knew for sure that Harry and Ron were probably searching for her in some library, with her parents tagging along. A pang of guilt made the Gryffindor wonder if she was doing the right thing by running away from the engagement. It wasn't like her to be doing something this outrageous.

On second thought, this is probably the least dangerous stunt I've pulled, Hermione mused as she remembered her little adventures with Ron and Harry. Mum and Dad are probably sick with worry. Maybe I should go back and just explain to them that I can't go through with this.

"Let's just say that the consequences for not following through with the Marriage Laws won't be pretty," Kingsley Shacklebolt warned.

What did that mean? What would happen if someone didn't follow through with the laws? Hermione wondered. Certainly they wouldn't do anything drastic? Could it just be an idle threat? The Ministry of Magic couldn't possibly expect everyone to follow through.

Something's not adding up here . . .

"You know for the brightest witch of our generation you aren't very clever," drawled a familiar arrogant voice. It startled Hermione out of her train of thoughts.

Oh no, please don't let it be-

"So you've just decided to stand me up at the altar, have you?"

Hermione's brown eyes widened as she turned around to see Draco Malfoy standing right in the middle of the Leakey Cauldron, drawing curious stares from the other occupants of the bar. Certainly, he was the last person the bushy-haired Gryffindor expected to be searching for her.

"Malfoy what are you doing here?" Hermione asked in shock.

The pale blond frowned in irritation, "First off, Granger, you insulted my family's honor by running away from OUR engagement and then you ask what I'm doing here? As if you don't know."

If Hermione didn't know better it sounded as if Malfoy had pouted while saying the last part.

"No, I really don't know," Hermione replied with amusement tingeing her voice.

Draco scowled, "I'm here to take you back."

"Oh really?" Hermione asked coolly. "And how do you expect to do that?"

This seemed to catch the Slytherin off-guard as he took a moment to quickly think up a witty reply. "By force."

Hermione narrowed her eyes, "I don't understand Malfoy. Why are you so eager to marry me? I thought you would be glad that I didn't turn up."

"I am NOT eager! Father thought it would be a good idea for everyone to find where you went."

"It seems a bit suspicious that Lucius Malfoy doesn't object to our wedding," she thought aloud, not intending for Draco to hear.

"What do you mean?"

Hermione brushed his question off with a wave of her hand, "Nothing. So why are you here?"

Draco ran a frustrated hand through his hair and growled, "I thought we went over this already!"

"Malfoy, take a seat. We're attracting attention," sighed Hermione.

Draco opened his mouth to protest but then shut it quickly, having thought better of it. He pulled out a chair across from Hermione and sat down; waiting patiently for her to say whatever she was going to say.

"Malfoy, can you honestly say that you thought we would ever get married-or even engaged?"

"No."

"Can you see a future with me? Or have you thought of it at all, before this law?"

"I see your point, but arranged marriages aren't all that unusual. Whether or not the Marriage Law had come into effect, I would still be having an arranged marriage," he said.

"But I wouldn't," Hermione countered.

"Oh come on, it's not that of a big deal," Draco replied.

"It is to me. See, this is what I was talking about."

"But just the past couple days you were fine. Might I even go so far as to say you were flirting with me?" he smirked.

"I was NOT flirting with you. And don't change the subject! We need to discuss this-our future depends on it," Hermione stated angrily.

Draco rolled his eyes. "What is it with you women and your 'our future depends on it' talks?" He quickly shut up from a furious glare sent his way. "Okay, fine. Go on with your 'discussion'."

"You're not even serious about this!"

"Of course I'm not. I think Potty and Weasel have disillusioned your thoughts of real men."

"I don't even know why I bother!" Hermione huffed angrily as she stood up with such force her chair fell back. Not even bothering to pass another glance at Draco, she pushed through the doors of the Leakey Cauldron and stalked into Muggle London.

"Oh great," Draco drawled sarcastically. "I just can't wait for our honeymoon." He sighed as he followed Hermione into the crowded streets.

Boy is Draco in for another lengthy 'Our future depends on it' discussion. Hopefully Hermione and Draco can settle their differences and continue with their engagement in the next chapter-or not. Let me know if this feels a bit rushed or anything. Because honestly I am dead tired and can't edit this right now.