Chapter 25: Marriage Proposals

Monday, March 8, 1999 – The Great Hall, Hogwarts 7.30 a.m.

Hermione

"Good morning, Hermione!" Luna said while she sat down next to me.

Today Luna wasn't wearing her radish earrings but a weird tentacle animal that reminded me of an octopus, but wasn't because it was a violent orange coloured animal. It clung to the side of her neck with its suction cups and I suppressed a shiver.

"Good morning, Luna. Did you sleep well?" I asked her after I put down my glass of pumpkin juice without drinking from it.

Luna placed her wand behind her right ear and nodded while holding the wand in place.

"I did. Dad wrote that he looked forward expectantly to the number of Quibblers he would sell today. He says it might even come close to the time when Harry gave his interview."

"Right. Well Aremo wanted everyone to know, that's why he wanted it published in at least two news sources. So I know he hopes many people will buy it." I said, the nervousness still audible in my voice.

"You shouldn't be nervous. You're able to handle this perfectly."

I tried to swallow the nausea down and said, "I'm just afraid what people will say behind my back. And if they're going to treat me differently. I still feel like a muggleborn, and not like a pure-blood, let alone a princess," I whispered the last word.

"Hmm, hmm. Well you'll be fine. No one would dare to mess with you. Not with Harry, all the Weasley's, the Minister of Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt, Aremo, and everyone here at school by your side. Plus, you have Padma, my dad and I at the newspapers so you'll be fine. But do you know how to sort the marriage proposals? I could help if you want?" Luna suggested, after stabbing a piece of tomato rather passively.

Despite Luna's attempts to calm my nerves, I felt the insecurity rise inside of me and didn't know how to react. I really didn't know and it was the worst feeling in the world.

"Uhm, yes, that would be nice. I thought of reading them with Harry and Ron tonight somewhere in Hogsmeade. I'll let you know when I'll leave," I thanked her gratefully.

Three owls entered the Great Hall and I wondered who they were for, when all three of them flew in my direction. Two brown barn owls landed next to me, followed by a black spotted owl.

Luna helped me to relief the owls from their letters and packages, and after I had thanked all three of them, the black and one of the brown owls flew away, while the other waited for a response, I figured.

I read the letter from the waiting owl first and looking at the handwriting I knew it was from Harry, so I opened it quickly.

Hermione,

Ron and I will be at The Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade waiting for you to help you with your letters. Will 8 p.m. be okay? We'll also bring a few letters from Andromeda's house, which have been sent in the past few months. Kingsley asked me to give you a letter in person, so I'll take that with me as well. Hope you are doing well and I'll see you tonight.

Harry

I quickly took a piece of parchment from my bag, took out my quill and ink and wrote Harry a quick answer. After thanking the barn owl, it flew off again. I put my parchment, quill and ink back into my bag and I already looked at the second letter. I took the second letter off the package and when I looked at the addressing I didn't recognize the handwriting.

"That's my dad's handwriting," Luna said as if she'd heard my thoughts when I opened the letter.

"Alright, let's see what he has to say," I smiled.

When I opened the envelope a strong carrot-like odour came from its contents. The smell was nearly vomit inducing combined with my already present nausea from the nerves. I swallowed a few times and slowly continued breathing through my mouth. The letter was orange-coloured and the paper felt so rough that when I took it out, small pieces of the parchment crumbled off.

"Ooh! I see Daddy has sent you a message on carrot-parchment!" Luna's excited voice sounded.

I looked at her face but to my surprise the look on her face was radiating utter happiness.

"I haven't seen this before, but it smells nice," I said half-lying because it would probably smell better when I wasn't nauseous.

"Yes, it does. Dad has finally got it approved to be sent as an official type of parchment. It is much cheaper and most carrots don't mind it. Trees are very much sadder when we kill them off for parchment."

"Right."

Not knowing what else to say, I read the letter.

Dear Ms. Granger/Ms. Shafiq/Princess,

I am pleased that you have asked Luna to write the story, I have included a free copy of The Quibbler, hoping that it would be to your liking. If you need our services in the future; please don't be afraid to contact either Luna or myself. We will always be of service of those who speak the truth.

Also, since you are a true Princess now, you probably know all about the myths concerning true royals. Still, I feel obliged to tell you a small bit about them before asking you another question. The most important myth about royals, is being the last in line. Every wizarding family has their own characteristic magical signature as you probably know. Muggleborns are seen as magical-weak and sometimes even as stealers of other's magic, as you know about well. But nothing is less true. Muggleborns are new wizards or witches with a new characteristic signature. The muggleborns have enough power to create a new characteristic magical signature. Regarding magical strength, muggleborns are stronger than the pure- and halfbloods. Royals however are different. As you might have read (Luna told me you are always reading), there are very much types of magic. Every witch and wizard has a magical core, that is bound to their soul and body. But in wizarding families, there is also the familial magic (others will call it blood magic, making it sound like Dark Arts which it is not most of the time, but familial magic is the original word for it), which is a way of saying that all the magic (the magic bound to a magical core like soul and body, but also the love, the protection and the unbound familial magic) in one family is combined. In the earlier times, pure-bloods were very superstitious and believed that all their own unbound and bound magic that wasn't used, should be available for the living blood relatives. The Fawley and Shafiq family were no different. That is why you are for example more powerful than muggleborns. You have the remnants of both your family's powers. And because your family is an old one, much magic has been 'stored' for you and your brother. Also because you were raised as a muggleborn, no one would suspect anything when you showed more magical ability then half-bloods or 'normal' pure-bloods.

Now, this is only a small part of the myths, but it leads me the next question: If it won't be too much trouble, I would love some true tears from you for its probable healing powers. Would you be so kind to cede me a few? And please don't feel offended or endangered, I won't be selling them to others.

If you would like to know more about the myths, I would love to tell you all about them, if you have the time to visit.

Thank you for all the above mentioned. I will be awaiting your owl with patience, knowing you will receive a lot of proposals soon.

Kind regards from a friend,

Xenophilius Lovegood

Chief Editor of The Quibbler

I took the package out of its wrappings and saw the new edition of the Quibbler. I was a little shocked to see a photo of Aremo and myself near the pond at Shafiq Manor, next to a huge gulping plimpy, which I only knew that it was a gulping plimpy because that's what it said below the awful drawing of the weird fishy animal. The title of the cover however was to my relief within the boundaries I imagined it would be;

Hermione Granger is a True Princess!

Go to page 1 for the full interview with her and her brother, the Princess and Prince.

I smiled awkwardly at the cover and didn't dare to open it. I knew that Padma probably had send me the Prophet with the letter, so I decided to open her letter now. I didn't recognize her handwriting, but it was written with big gracious letters and it certainly stood out from other handwritings.

Dear Hermione,

I have attached the Daily Prophet; I hope you like it. The picture I have chosen is the one where you two are in the library, both looking incredibly comfortable and relaxed.

When I gave my story to the chief editor, he was furious because I should've told him sooner about the scoop, ha ha! But he immediately made arrangements for it to be placed on the front page and he was happy with the result. He also said that he wanted to have a word with your attorney, seeing if he can persuade the attorney to allow us to publish more, so be warned! J

On a more personal note I might add that you two are both gorgeous people, the pictures you gave me are truly stunning. It's a shame Aremo is taken…

Now, I know this wasn't exactly the deal, but I have added that Aremo is currently in a relationship, so that he won't get marriage offers. That would be highly offensive for the person he has a relationship with! I'll see the consequences of my actions sooner or later, though I really think this is the better way for him and you.

I have had an idea to plan a reunion once you are finished with Hogwarts. But I hope to see you way before that, let have lunch in a few days, yes? Hermione, take care. Let me know if you need my help with something else, same goes for Parvati, of course.

Your friend,

Padma

I put the letter back in the envelope and put it on the pile with the rest of the letters and The Quibbler. While I removed the wrapping, I saw the Great Hall filling up with students. My eyes fell on the cover of the Prophet and my mouth fell on the floor.

The photo of Aremo and myself was plastered all over the front page with one big title.

GOLDEN GIRL HERMIONE GRANGER IS A PURE-BLOOD PRINCESS!

I just stared at the cover.

"Well, that's one way to put it."

I gasped in shock and turned to my left where I stared straight into Draco's smiling face.

"Draco!" I exclaimed in a manner that was weirder than I'd ever done.

"Princess," he grinned amused with an inclination of his head.

"How has the Princess slept?" Theo asked jocular while sitting down next to Luna.

"Your Highness," Neville said with a nod before smiling broadly.

"What are they talking about?" Pansy's voice sneered over the table.

"Yes. Why are they calling you princess, Hermione?" Tracey asked with her brows furrowed and a crinkle in her forehead.

Daphne said nothing but she sent me a serious look where I didn't know if it was meant friendly or not.

"Sit down ladies, you are making a scene," Theo said calmly.

"Is that this morning's paper? Is that Aremo with Hermione?!" Pansy's shrill voice hollered over the table. Her eyes flashed over the title and Pansy's mouth dropped for a second before Daphne gave her a poke, followed by Pansy restoring her stance.

"Pans, sit down," Astoria said authoritative, who popped up behind the three Slytherins with Lisa and Ernie by her side.

Slowly Pansy, Tracey and Daphne sat down. Then the rest of the eighth years, Hannah, Justin, Terry, Michael and Anthony also arrived at our table with expectant and curious looks on their faces. I didn't know if I had to make an official statement, but I felt awkward for thinking about it.

Before I actually had to do something, Professor Vector from Arithmancy suddenly stood at our table and looked straight at me.

"Ms. Granger, the Headmistress wishes to see you in her office. Ms. Lovegood, you too," Professor Vector said conspicuously.

Draco sent me a nod and Neville murmured a 'good luck'. Luna and I quickly rose from our seats and followed Professor Vector to the Headmistress' office.

"Professor, do you know why the Headmistress wishes to see us?" I asked, hoping we wouldn't be in trouble for publishing it without her knowing so.

"I do. It's about the interviews of course."

When we reached the third floor and stood in front of the large gargoyle, Professor Vector spoke, "Snape."

I was surprised by the password, but held my mouth. Professor Vector took a few steps back, gestured us to step forward and when the gargoyle gave us access to the slowly ascending circular staircase, I straightened my robes. Luna just looked around us and said nothing. We arrived at the double oaken doors and I knocked on one of them.

"Enter," the Headmistress' voice sounded.

I opened the doors and when we entered the Headmistress' office all the portraits of former Headmasters were awake and looking at Luna and myself incisively. The Sorting Hat was snoozing, making a light snoring sound at every breath. Professor Dumbledore inclined his head, to which I smiled back broadly. Professor Snape just looked at us, no smile, but no angry look either. I nodded to him and turned my head to the current Headmistress, not waiting for a response. Professor McGonagall looked up from the letters on her desk, where a copy of The Quibbler and The Daily Prophet were laid out too.

"Ladies, please take a seat," Professor McGonagall said while gesturing to the fauteuils with flower print.

"Good morning, Professor McGonagall!" Luna said enthusiastically, which made her orange octopus-like earrings cling in her ears.

"Good morning, Ms. Lovegood," Professor McGonagall said, sounding slightly amused through her sternness.

"I think you know why you are here. It's about the news that has come to me through The Daily Prophet and The Quibbler," she sent the both of us a stern look, and even though I couldn't possibly think of why I couldn't have given the interview of a reason that infected Hogwarts.

"Is there something wrong with it, Professor?" I asked unsure.

"Ms. Granger. There are very much aspects that you have not considered, which I should punish you for."

I gasped and my eyes widened. Were there laws that legally prevented me from giving an interview? If there were than wouldn't Harry have had the same problem when he gave an interview when he was at Hogwarts? I think Timothy Schofield, Aremo's attorney, would have thought about that before it was published and I really couldn't think of anything that would be illegal for it to be published.

"First of all, it says in school regulations that any special cases, should be known to the Headmaster or Headmistress, being a Princess is included in these special cases. There are more rules that are not necessarily that important and since I am used to your tendency to break school rules, even for a good cause, I am severely disappointed that you have not told me personally."

She looked like she wanted to say more, but she pursed her lips together in a thin line.

Luna moved in her chair, extended her hand to pick a biscuit from the desk but with her hand halfway, she changed her mind, probably knowing it wasn't nice to take a biscuit from someone's desk without it being offered. When I looked back at my Transfiguration professor, she actually seemed disappointed. I felt awful. I had so much respect for her and without telling others first, she had to find out through the paper. It was not like we were friends, but after the Battle of Hogwarts, we'd come to an understanding I thought. And now I was the one who had been an idiot.

"Professor…" I stammered with a lump in my throat, "I'm so sorry. You are right, I should've told you."

"You should have. But then again, your brother should have known to send me a message too. I have kept his secret of being Prince all these years and I would expect that he would inform me of happenings like the ones published today. However, it seems he has forgotten we are related," Professor McGonagall explained in a flat tone, like that was worse than what I'd done so my flaw could be overlooked. The Headmistress gave me no time to answer, when she turned to Luna.

"Ms. Lovegood, I wonder why you haven't informed me in private of this interview being published," Professor McGonagall's brows were raised high, expectant.

"I was contract-bound not to mention it to anyone else. They are very protective of their secrets," Luna answered, sending Professor McGonagall a knowing look. This earned me a straight look of Professor McGonagall and after that she started laughing.

"I guess that hasn't changed then. Now, before you go to class, there is a matter of visitors that needs to be decided about. I think that a lot of men will want to make you a marriage offer, or make their interest known in big gestures, wishing to come by here at Hogwarts to officially introduce themselves with a courting gift to make their intentions clear. We can't have that here at school. Since the war is over, I think I have been very welcoming and lenient to all you eighth years and your privileges, but I have to draw a line at big marriage proposals. Do you have any idea how you are going to combine this with your schoolwork?" Professor McGonagall asked smiling.

"I'm afraid I don't know, Professor. I was thinking of going to Hogsmeade tonight with Luna, Ron and Harry to read the letters I'll be about to receive. But I doubt there will be much," I explained quickly.

And again Professor McGonagall smiled broadly.

"Hermione, I know you are not really familiar with all the customs of the Sacred Twenty-Eight families, but being a princess, who isn't betrothed to anyone and fought on the light side of the war, is like finding a luxurious oasis in the desert. You are their oasis."

"Professor, with all due respect, I know I don't know much about being a princess, still I think everyone is overreacting. I don't have any pure-blood manners, I don't want to be a sit at home wife and have children, I want a career to help restoring the balance here in the wizarding world for every witch, wizard and creature. When all the 'proposers' know that, my guess is that they'll leave me alone," I stated more pertinent than I felt.

But before Professor McGonagall could respond, Professor Dumbledore's portrait let out a light chuckle.

"Hermione, my dear, I think that will only make you more attractive to them," Professor Dumbledore said solemnly smiling.

"I think it is time for class," the cold voice of Professor Snape came from his portrait.

Professor McGonagall looked at the clock and nodded, shooing us off.

"I will not allow anyone with a marriage proposal inside the school, Hermione. You are warned now. Have a good class, ladies, I will see you at Transfiguration."

When I said goodbye to Luna and arrived at Alchemy, Professor Slughorn seemed more than content with the news.

"Ah, Princess Shafiq, welcome. How would you like me to address you?" Professor Slughorn asked with a happy tone in his voice.

I resisted the urge to hit myself on the forehead and took place next to Draco, who grinned at Professor Slughorn's question.

"Just Hermione, Professor. Just Hermione."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Dramione~~~~~~~~~~

When it was dinner time and I had shooed off the next students who wanted my autograph, I was glad that I could leave the castle soon and talk to Harry and Ron. I suddenly felt pity for Harry all these years, it wasn't fun for him, and I knew that, but now, being asked and asked and asked for autographs and boyfriends and such, I felt like I could strangle each and every one of the ones who disturbed my peace. I needed to focus on my schoolwork!

Luckily, my nausea had finally faded and dinner had never tasted this good. When Draco sat down next to me, he got irritated too about all the questions, that he even threatened to sue a second year student who had asked my autograph nine times during lunch and now during dinner, simply because he irritated us so much.

"So, what time are we leaving?" Draco asked after wiping his mouth with his napkin.

"Oh, you want to join?" I asked, now looking at Blaise who had nodded at Draco's question.

"Just Lovegood and myself. Blaise has some Alchemy and Charms homework to finish, Theo has date night with Lisa, Longbottom is busy with his plants and Sprout and I forbade Pansy, Tracey and Daphne to come. Astoria wanted to come but she had a previous engagement, so she will be joining us if her appointment finished early."

"Right," I said between bites.

"So, what time do we leave?" Draco asked again, reaching forward to put some extra cauliflower on my and his own plate.

"Euhhh," I stammered at his action.

"Don't worry Princess, you looked hungry and cauliflower is delicious with this cheese sauce," Draco brushed my hesitation away.

"Right, we leave at seven-thirty."

When it was time to leave and head for the Three Broomsticks, the rest at the table wished me good luck and Luna, Draco and I were on our way.

Monday, March 8, 1999 – The Three Broomsticks, Hogsmeade 8 p.m.

Hermione

When the three of us arrived at the Three Broomsticks, I saw Harry smiling happily and Ron looking awkwardly at his feet. Harry gave Ron a nudge to which Ron looked up and smiled too. I ran the last few metres forward into Harry's opened arms.

"Harry!" I said breathily while ruffling his hair and releasing him, "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too, Mione."

Then Harry turned to Luna, who gave him a hug as well and I walked up to Ron, hugging him tightly. When his huge arms closed tight around me, I felt his familiar warmth through all of my veins.

"It's good to see you again, Mione."

"I've missed you too. How are Ginny and George?"

"Ginny is fine, working extremely hard on a diet that doesn't make her want to kill everyone while still stay in shape. And about George, why don't you ask him yourself?"

"Just hold on!" an invisible voice said from behind Harry.

Then I heard a scrunching sound, as if someone was eating a cookie of some sorts and George slowly became visible behind Harry.

"George!" I exclaimed and gave him a hug as well.

"Hermione, it's good to see you. Can I interest you in some free invisibility cookies? Vanilla-strawberry flavoured," he said while holding out two tiny sand-coloured cookies and two tiny pinkish-red coloured cookies.

"Yes, that might come in handy," I said thinking.

"Just remember, the vanilla flavoured you eat to become invisible and the strawberry you eat to become visible again," George grinned slyly.

"Thanks, George!"

"No problem, Mione. Now, let's read your proposals, shall we?" he said while wrapping his arm around my shoulder, guiding me inside.

"We shall," I said while placing my arm around his waist.

I was far too relieved to see George this happy again and I didn't feel like destroying his happiness one tiny bit.

Luna

I waited patiently for the rest to enter the Three Broomsticks and just when Draco wanted to follow them inside, I placed my hand around his robe-covered arm. He froze immediately.

"Draco, wait a second," I said conspicuously.

"What is it, Lovegood?" he asked softly.

"Have you sent a courting letter?" I asked, looking up at the bright, starlit sky.

"Excuse me?" he whispered, his face almost angry now.

"I know you like Hermione."

"I don't like Hermione that way."

His response had been immediate, tone cold and distant, with a hint of wariness in his voice. He straightened his back, making him look even taller and let his shoulders hang in a false relaxed position.

I just looked at him, interested in the path he had chosen just now. His eyes seemed unfocussed, just one of the few signs of him that told me if he was lying or not. Gryffindors were much easier to read, wearing their heart on their sleeve and all, but the purebloods were always trickier than others. In the interview with Aremo, I had truly never seen somebody so locked down before. Draco was one of the most reserved Slytherins I'd met (even while he was thawing now), Aremo was the top of the cake. I had felt sorry for Aremo, not being able to express his feelings, thoughts, opinions and preferences with his beloved sister. But I also saw much scars that weren't healed properly. I really hoped someone would be able to help him. I truly did.

A small ruffling sound escaped from beside me and I was pulled out of my thoughts. I looked at my surroundings, where Draco came back into vision. Yes, Draco was a troubled soul to be sure, still, I was fairly sure that if he finally confessed his feelings for her, he'd feel a lot better. Though, I doubted he actually knew about them. Maybe it isn't the right time yet.

"If you say so," I responded before stepping inside the Three Broomsticks.

Hermione

It took a while for everyone to get comfortable but when all of us had a big cup of tea in front of us, I placed a silencing spell around us and took all the letters out of my bag. After counting it turned out that I'd received 25 letters, so we split them six ways. Everyone got four letters, except Luna, who insisted to have the last letter. I didn't mind, seeing as I had more letters to read that Harry's brought. We decided to check the letters for harmful spells first and when everything seemed to check out be fine, everyone started to open the first letter.

Even though I was curious for the letters Harry had brought for me, the marriage proposals were too interesting not to open now, so I picked up the first envelope. It's handwriting was almost offensive to say the least, but I managed to decipher it. The wax seal was shaped in a shield, with the Macmillan name on it and I was nearly afraid that it would belong to Ernie, the Hufflepuff boy who also was an eighth year. I couldn't remember him having such atrocious handwriting, but I quickly opened the envelope to make sure.

My eyes scanned for the end of the letter, which was surprisingly short. Luckily, it wasn't Ernie, but a man named Patrick Macmillan. A stack of paper was enclosed, just like a photograph of a black-haired, average-tall man, who seemed to be 25 at least. He was wearing beautiful dress robes, smiling friendly in the picture. He looked straight into the camera, as if he knew he was being photographed, yet, he seemed spontaneous enough. I read the added piece of parchment.

Dear Princess Shafiq,

I wish to court you. Attached you will find a draft of a marriage proposal, hoping your brother will approve. I have sent the same draft to your attorney so that he can filter it to your brother's wishes. I hope my second cousin Ernie, who goes to school with you, is able to introduce us soon.

Kind regards,

Patrick Macmillan

14th Sacred Twenty-Eight family

The note was short and impersonal, sparking a tinge of irritation inside of me, but Aremo and Draco had warned me this would happen. It almost felt like he was forced to send this, but never the less, in the photograph, he seemed nice. I didn't feel like reading the marriage contract, it was about 15 pages, and now was hardly the time to read such things. I placed the letter, photograph and marriage proposal back into the envelope and continued to the second.

The second envelope was of normal size, cream-coloured and the addressing was written by handwriting so graceful, I doubted this was a straight man's doing. Or had he simply made his house-elf or sister write it for him? And there probably was a charm that could change one's handwriting in something less atrocious than the previous letter. Still, I doubted that was the case here. Turning the envelope around, I found a small, blue wax seal, in the shape of family's crest. The crest was decorated by various butterfly-like animals and even for a family's crest, it seemed nice. I broke the seal and took out the letter and photo apparently. In all four corners the crest was present, this time in multiple colours. The letter was written in clear blue ink, in the same handwriting as the addressing.

Monday, March 8, 1999

Dear Princess,

My mother made me aware of the article in the Daily Prophet. I'm afraid that even though the Prophet is trying to redeem itself, I find it no use. It is my honest opinion that during the war, the Daily Prophet has made too little attempts to work against the obviously infiltrated ministry. Therefore, I cannot forgive them and so haven't read the article before my mother insisted. Now, I am glad I did! I have enclosed a picture of myself in our lovely garden on the last page of this letter. The garden is, as you can see, filled with clabberts (the frog-like creatures) and the bowakees (the butterfly-like creatures). Before you read on I have to make my wishes clear: my name is Grace Selwyn, I am from the 22nd Sacred Twenty-Eight family and I wish to court you. I haven't heard about any preference for men or women, that is why I dared to send this letter.

I felt my heart beat in my throat. A woman wrote to me? I didn't even know how I'd feel about that. I have never been attracted to girls, simply because I never even thought about the possibility, but I could appreciate a beautiful woman nearly as much as a beautiful man, if they were intelligent of course.

"Listen to this!" George said while snorting with laughter.

Everyone looked up from their letters at his amused face when he said, "let me show you my intentions by devouring your lips with mine, crushing my passion onto yours, feeling your heated skin next to mine!"

Everyone was silent for one second and then we all joined him laughing. It took us all a few minutes to regain our breaths when Luna asked, "who was it from?"

"You won't believe it!" George snorted.

"Tell us!" Ron said, grabbing the letter from his brother's hands.

Ron searched for the name and when he found it, his eyes went wide as saucers.

"You're kidding me," Ron said before roaring with laughter as well and clapping his hand on the table.

By now, tears streamed from George's eyes and Ron took out a photograph. I recognized the man in the photograph immediately. He was a few years older than us, black hair, grey eyes, so many crooked teeth that he didn't seem a hundred present human and I knew Harry suspected him to have some troll blood in him. It was no other than Marcus Flint.

When we were done laughing, I continued to read Grace Selwyn's letter.

Even before you were called the Shafiq Princess, I knew of your existence. I consider myself a well-read woman and when the Second Wizarding War (further shortened as WWII) was on the verge of beginning, I had to read up on The Chosen One's friends, Ronald Bilius Weasley and yourself, Hermione Jean Granger. You stroke me as an interesting person, outsmarting all the other students by a mile, all the years you attended Hogwarts. I am drawn to intelligent, ambitious and beautiful women and you fulfil all of those criteria. Please don't take this as flattery, but as the truth, I hardly speak untrue words, something that mustn't be unfamiliar to you.

Before I continue my reasoning of why you should accept me as a courter, I wish to thank you. To thank you, Hermione Jean Granger, for ending WWII, for fighting and for standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. For the muggleborns (as you have been, because I am not stupid enough to force you to believe you have been a pureblood all along, you probably still feel like a muggleborn on the inside and find all of these courting letters atrocious, still correct me if I'm wrong), the werewolves (yes, I have heard of your third year Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor Lupin and I daresay you would've been able to figure it out) and to make the long list short, the house-elves (Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare). What you have done for those creatures is not only honourable, but also very fair-minded. You want to give them a choice, if they do not want to have a choice, it is fine, if they do, even better!

I know you might not even be searching for a partner, but let me give you an option. There is nothing wrong with having more options, right? The best three reasons I can give for courting you are simple: we are compatible in more ways than one, passionate about the things we believe in, and my final reason is that I can be your ally. I am well known in the wizarding and muggle world; therefore, I can help you to get more support from every angle you need. I can help you achieve your goals quicker; like laws, rules, notions, you name it, if I agree with your purpose of course.

I have to mention one important notion to me, I refuse to be 'a housewife'. I have my own social life, my hobbies and my job, I work for the Wizengamot. When I turn twenty, I will become a Wizengamot member, unless my mother chooses to stand down earlier. I would never expect you to become a housewife, but I think we can make it work, both of us having our jobs and both of us being home in the evenings. That is my option. If this appeals to you, I would love to meet up while enjoying a cup of tea.

My dearest Princess, you know of my courting wishes; I truly stand by this letter. I look forward to your reply and hope you are doing well.

Kind regards,

Grace Selwyn

22nd family of the Sacred Twenty-Eight

The photograph that was enclosed with the letter, was stuck to the parchment with a sticking charm. It was a normal sized photograph, but the picture itself was unusually beautiful. I could see a dark-blonde young woman, relaxing on a comfortable looking bench in a beautiful garden. She was wearing a white dress that stopped far over her knee. Her face was not looking directly into the camera, but to the book in her lap. When I looked closer, she seemed engrossed in the book, and when I wanted to know what she was reading, the title and author were, to my frustration, covered by a black book cover. Her eyes were an unusual green-bluish colour, accentuated by a brown eyeshadow and long eyelashes. Even though her eyes seemed focussed on the book, they stood content and friendly. The picture was obviously taken on a sunny day, the sunrays lighted up her hair even more, and the flowers around her were in bloom.

The flowers were of a soft pink colour, coming from a very dark green bush that had grown neatly around the bench. The same various coloured, butterfly-like animals that she had named bowakees, were resting their wings on the flowers behind her, one blue bowakee flying right past her.

I moved my eyes to the other surroundings on the picture when my eyes fell on the bench she was sitting on. The wooden bench was large enough to fit six people next to each other, but Grace Selwyn sitting sideways, didn't even use up the room for three persons, creating enough room that someone else could sit sideways too on the other side of the bench. On either sides of the bench, the sides were decorated with the same Selwyn crest I had seen on the envelope and I wondered what the rest of her house would look like.

Logically thinking it would've looked something like Shafiq Manor, but somehow I figured her house was completely different.

"A woman wrote to you?" Harry asked from over my shoulder, looking at the photograph Grace Selwyn had sent.

Now, everyone looked up and sent each other mixed looks.

"Yes, apparently I haven't made my preference for men or women clear," I stammered, looking back at Harry.

"That is so hot!" George exclaimed laughing.

Luna sent him a pulverizing look, to which he furrowed his brows.

"What? Don't you agree that it is weird?" George asked Luna.

"No, I have had another letter, also from a girl. She seemed really nice, only it wasn't what Hermione was looking for."

"And why is that? Maybe because she is a girl?" George exclaimed, laughing again, and Ron joined in this time.

George clapped his hand on the table, causing the bartender of the Three Broomsticks to look at us, but not come over. Not that the bartender would be able to hear, because of the soundproofing spells, but George's face seemed to say it all.

To my surprise, Luna responded with something I hadn't seen coming.

"No, because she has dark hair. Hermione likes blondes," Luna stated seriously.

Draco and Harry choked on their tea so heavily that I had to use an airway-clearing spell to make them stop coughing. Ron seemed anything but amused and if steam could come from his ears, it might've happened.

I acted like I didn't notice, yet I still felt the need to correct Luna's statement.

"I really don't have a preference in hair colour, Luna," I said softly, not wanting to hurt her feelings.

"Sure you do, everyone has preferences! You like them intelligent, ambitious, independent, funny, rule-breaker-ish and blonde. I like them war-hero like, raven-haired, green-eyed and oblivious," Luna stated as if it was all common knowledge.

Immediately I felt uncomfortable, so I coughed once to hide the strange strangled sound that had escaped my throat. Luna had looked straight at me when she said it, and I refrained myself from gasping and nudging Harry, but he didn't even seem to notice.

Now, George and Ron stopped laughing, both looked at Harry, who was still looking at the picture I was holding. It took Ron a few seconds to say something.

"Uhh, mate," Ron said, nudging Harry slightly.

"Hmm?" Harry asked, looking away from the photograph.

"When we get home, I have to tell you something," Ron said, barely able to keep in his laugh.

"Okay, sure," Harry said, not really listening.

"What is her name?" Harry asked, tapping at the photograph.

When Draco saw that Harry was still so interested in Grace, he looked over Harry's shoulder and then his eyes widened.

"Grace Selwyn wrote you a letter?" Draco asked me disbelievingly with shock clearly sounding through in his voice.

"Yes, why? Is she important in the pureblood world?" I asked him.

Now, George, Ron and Luna looked at me agape.

"She is going to be the youngest Wizengamot member ever," Ron said with wide eyes.

"And don't forget hottest," George grinned jovially.

"Aren't you dating Angelina?" Ron hissed teasing.

"She has accomplished all of that by herself. She didn't even get help from her mother. If you find ambition attractive Hermione, you must certainly feel attracted to Grace Selwyn," Draco said slowly.

I didn't know how to respond to this, but then Draco continued.

"It does explain as to why she had her marriage contract with Geoffrey Wood dissolved," Draco said thinking.

No one responded to this and everyone started reading again.

When every letter was read, Luna had made 7 categories for us to sort the letters in; 1: Not ever, 2: No, 3: Slightly no, 4: Too little information available, 5: Maybe ever, 6: Possibly and 7: Match made in heaven.

When all my friends gave me a summary of every letter, Luna asked us the same questions:

Does the courter seem intelligent enough to be Hermione's match?

Do you find the courter atrocious?

Do the courter and Hermione have big differences in opinion about important cases like; rights for magical creatures, pureblood supremacy etcetera?

Do you have any other reasons why Hermione wouldn't like this courter?

To my own surprise, the only one who was placed in category 7 was Grace Selwyn, the one whose letter I had read second. That was only because Luna had said that if all the questions were answered with no, they had to be in category number 7. I did find her being a girl very weird, but when I wanted to say so, Luna simply didn't listen and said that every animal, humans included are a little bisexual. I didn't want to make a scene, so I simply said nothing.

When all the letters were categorized, we all started talking about the letters, making fun of some of them, but being also serious about it, simply because 25 of the 26 letters that were sent, were honest proposals. I sat against Harry's shoulder and after our 8th cup of tea, Ron said that it was already 10 p.m. and everyone needed to head back home to go to sleep. Then, Harry paid for everyone's tea, which got him a huge discount at the bar. I had thanked Ron, George and Harry for helping me read the letters and Draco and I headed back to Hogwarts. I felt like I was missing someone, but for a second I couldn't remember.

"Wait! We lost Luna!" I said shocked, standing still about 20 metres away from The Three Broomsticks.

Draco grinned lightly and stopped as well, looking back at me.

"Easy there, Princess. Lovegood has left over an hour ago," Draco said calm, with an amused look on his face.

"Oh, thank Godric," I said, my breathing slowly calming down.

Then I remembered again and I caught up with Draco. After a small shudder, he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, softly pulling me closer.

I snug a little deeper against his warmth and for a few minutes we were both silent. I was thinking about the letters I'd received and for some reason I couldn't stop thinking about them. Luna's words also haunted me, like I was hearing them over and over, stuck on replay in my head.

"You like them intelligent, ambitious, independent, funny, rule-breaker-ish and blonde."

Intelligent.

Ambitious.

Independent.

Funny.

Rule-breaker-ish.

Blonde.

Suddenly, I wanted to know if Draco was ambitious. I don't even know why, since it had nothing to do with what we had been dealing with this evening, but I just found out that I actually didn't know that very much about Draco, while he did know a lot about me.

"Hey, Draco?"

"Yes, Hermione?"

"I just found out that I don't even know that much about you."

"Okay…" Draco responded, clearly not knowing where I was going with this.

"Well, we are friends right?" I wondered.

"Yes," he said slowly. As if he was afraid that I still wasn't clear about why I was asking this.

"Well, you know a lot about me, I want to know more about you too," I stated simply.

"Because we are friends?" Draco wondered, his brows raised and a confused look in his eyes.

I don't know why, but suddenly a jolt ran down my spine, as if it was meant to be a warning. When I leaned against his shoulder, like I did when we studied late in the evenings, it didn't feel the same like with Harry and Ron. It still felt comfortable, but in a nerve-wrecking way. Like the way I was leaning against him now and his arm was placed around my shoulder. To Draco, it probably felt like friends, but there was something edgy between us. I was conscious of it now. I was going to address it to him, as soon as I figured out, why we were still this sparkling. Maybe it had something to do with our past, being 'enemies' and all, but I never had that jolt running down my spine feeling with Harry and Ron when they touched me, or when they called me Princess teasingly.

I felt his arm around my shoulder move me closer slightly, and I snuck even deeper against him, our robes now touching clear. He smelled like spearmint toothpaste, even after all the cups of tea, something else I didn't know and something that smelled familiar, but my brain was too tired to recognize it. After forgetting what our previous conversation was about, I asked the question I wanted to ask.

"What are your goals in life?"

"Are you serious?" Draco gazed at me.

His face was suddenly very close, and I could see the silver speckles in his grey eyes. I smelled his spearmint toothpaste again, and a small shudder started at the back of my neck. Only now I realized that he was a lot taller than I was. I felt our steps getting smaller, going slower.

He looked at my lips for just a second and I couldn't help but looking at his, an automatic response.

Then, he held his breath, moved his head back and so looking forward and sighed.

"I hope to be a Potioneer one day. Develop better potions and maybe cures for all the diseases that exist today."

I raised my eyebrows. "Really?"

"Does that surprise you?" he asked grinning.

I thought about that for a while. "Yes, I always thought you'd go one and do something pompous like the rich spoiled brat you used to be," I said teasing, but meaning it a little.

This caused him to laugh fully and he looked at me, clearly amused.

"Tell me, what does a rich, spoiled brat become when he grows up, Princess?"

"I don't know, act like you have a legal business but meanwhile blackmail and extort the hardworking people."

"Ha!" he laughed.

"What? I had to guess something right? Don't you inherit a lot of business with your father out of the picture now?" I blurted out.

He stopped walking but he didn't push me away. His eyes met mine again and he sighed.

"I will inherit the Malfoy fortune, yes. But my father never worked a day in his life. He invested," Draco stated with a meaningful look and a tone that was warning.

"I thought your father worked at the Ministry of Magic?"

"Like I said, he invested. He was never on the official pay roll of the Ministry of Magic."

Draco had sounded hoarse and a little angry so I decided to move along.

"Well, I could see you become a Potioneer, helping people," I smiled at him when we fell back into pace towards Hogwarts.

A small tug at the end of lips were seen but he didn't look at me anymore.

"Any other life goals?"

"You are seriously interested? Never mind, don't answer that. Of course you do, you can't stand not knowing. You are still an insufferable know-it-all," the venom in his words was palpable, yet he didn't look at me.

"Says you! You rich spoiled brat!" I yelled back.

He looked at me, clearly wondering what I was doing and after one second, we couldn't hold it anymore and we both started laughing, hard.

"I might even miss you when Hogwarts is finished," I said, poking his ribs teasing with my elbow.

Draco raised his brows high, in a way only he could and he shook his head, smiling.

We entered Hogwarts castle Draco released me and he suddenly felt really far away even though he was walking right beside me.

"So you like blondes, huh?" Draco teased.

"What? I do not! I told Luna, I don't have a preference," I said quickly, hastening my pace.

"Right," he said.

When we arrived at the third floor on the right side, we said the password to the portrait of Laverne de Montmorency.

The common room was empty.

We stood still in front of the girls' dorm room door.

"Thank you for helping today, Draco."

I looked up, into his eyes when he nodded.

My mind went blank as soon as I smelled him again, his cologne or whatever it was. I could only look at him. His platinum blonde hair, his grey eyes with silver specks in them, his eyes that seem to say all the words I wanted to hear, yet I didn't know any of them. My skin felt cold and a miniscule thought crossed my mind if I wasn't actually coming down with the flu or something, but it passed as soon as my eyes mover to the next silver speck in his eye. I felt empty yet overwhelmed by all the senses that were flooding my brain for no apparent reason. It felt like Draco was just out of reach when I moved my hand forward to hold his, but I might've imagined moving my hand forward. Maybe I just wanted to.

I didn't know how much time passed when his voice croaked.

"Anytime, Princess," he said hoarsely, and just as breathless as I was.

The spell seemed to be broken and I straightened my tensed back.

"Sleep well," impulsively, to reduce the painful tension, I bent forward and kissed him on the cheek.

When my brain caught up with what I'd done, I hid my face in my curls and turned around, opening the girls' dorm room door.

"Good night," his sudden deep voice sounded.

I closed the door behind me resting against the now closed door, trying to stop my heart from beating so loud that it would wake up my dorm mates.

Draco

I heard a small crack as she leaned against the other side of the door.

"Are you fucking blind, Draco?" the familiar voice of Blaise sounded in front of me.

"Where are you?" I asked loudly, drawing my wand.

"I have been practising my charms homework, the disillusionment charm was part of it. Needless to say, I mastered it now," the smugness in his voice ruined my good mood.

I said the reverse incantation while pointing my wand at the direction of where I heard his voice last and there Blaise became visible. He was dressed in only his underpants and yet he still looked smug.

"Now you have spoiled all the fun!" Blaise whined.

"I'm going to bed, goodnight Blaise."

"But… I wasn't finished talking with you! Don't you see that…"

"Silencio."

Blaise made some hand gestures and took out his own wand to undo the charm, but I already closed the dorm room door behind me. I needed to get some sleep in order to be fit enough for Charms tomorrow.

Before sleep caught on with me, my mind wandered over all the proposals she had received and over all the proposals she would be receiving in the next period. I needed to protect her from all those vultures, from all those men who wanted her as a trophy wife. I couldn't let that happen. I wouldn't.

Hi everyone!

In the next chapter you will find a time jump forward to when the N.E.W.T.s were taken. I figured the whole gang (this includes Hermione, Draco, Astoria and all the others) would be too focussed on doing well of their N.E.W.T.s so that's why I have put the engaging and responding to the marriage proposals on a side path. If you think it's weird, in the chapter itself is a recap of what happened, so no worries my awesome readers!

Now it's time to shout out to all my lovely reviewers! Snowflake Dazzle, Black Banshee, lrmorena (so loyal 3 check out her stories as well!), Smartmom and MrsMalfoy (guest), thank you for your kind words, you stimulate me to keep writing, truly.

Love,

Aimee

Ps. I will send this chapter to my beta M (love) as soon as I'm able, (I have posted this chapter with a hotspot on my phone, I'm on holiday, surrounded by mountains and I don't have Wi-Fi). All faults and mistakes are mine and mine only.