Accepting You

by WintersEmpire

A marriage law was passed, forcing Hermione into an arranged marriage. Now she must deal with her new husband, but how can she when all they do is argue? Can they sort out their feelings before it's too late? HrxOC

36. Chapter 36

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is rightly owned by J.K. Rowling.

Chapter 36

It was too early for the sun to be out yet but the Headmistress sat at her desk with a quill in her hand, waiting for her expected visitor. Several minutes passed and McGonagall placed her quill down and looked up just a someone knocked lightly on her door.

"Come in," she called out.

Her eyes were set at the young man that came in and she motioned him to sit down. "How is she?" she asked him, wasting no time.

"I'm not sure," he answered her. "She had a break through yesterday but I can't be positive on her condition until she wakes up."

"Do you still plan on taking her with you?"

"Yes," Arian said. "I believe it will be for the best. Whether she's fine or not, I'm still taking her with me."

"I understand," McGonagall told him. "But please do tell us how she continues."

"I will."

"And when will you be leaving?" she asked him.

"When she wakes."

McGonagall wanted to question his reasons but maybe he was right to get her out of here as soon as possible. She had noticed the change in Hermione's behavior but she wished she had been more aware of it. Merlin knew what was going on through her former student's head. The mind is a sensitive structure and tampering with it could cause both slight and major damage. Giving in, she sighed. "Take good care of Hermione."

Hermione woke to a surprise pain, running from the side of her face to all of her body, especially her right arm. Groaning, she sat up carefully rubbing her eyes. Blinking, she looked around her. There she was, on the floor entangled in her own blankets. She couldn't help but gasp in disbelief. I fell off the bed!

"Hermione?!"

Hermione then turned to where the sound came. She saw Arian, stunned, coming towards her.

"What the…?" he started.

"I'm fine," she answered instantly. "Really." She couldn't help but feel slightly embarrassed.

As she tried to stand up, she couldn't help but feel weak and her legs gave in.

"Whoa!" Arian exclaimed, catching her before she fell. "Hermione, you need rest."

"No, no," she persisted. "I'm fine….just…."

Clutching his shirt, she started dropping down on the floor, and Arian, cautiously, lowered himself with her. When knees touched the floor, she released Arian and her hands went instantly to her head. There was no pain yet she bowed her hear, holding on tight to it. Memories flashed before her eyes like a movie playing on fast-forward. She knew everything.

"Hermione," Arian said more concerned. "What's wrong? Please tell me. I need to know how you're feeling." He was unable to hide the urgency in his voice.

Hermione stood up, Arian did the same.

"Hermione?" he tried again.

This time, Hermione turned to face him. Her expression was dumbfounded. It wasn't long before her brows furrowed and her fists clenched. "Who did this to me?" she asked him.

"What?" Arian asked, confused.

"Who did this to me? Do you know?" she demanded.

"Hermione, I need to know first if you are alright," Arian told her.

"Of course I'm alright," she snapped, staring at him. "I know everything that has been happening. The potion was controlling my actions and emotions. I'm just peachy."

"Wait…you remember everything! That means that you're back to normal."

"Arian, that's not important right now. What is important is…." she didn't finish because it was true. She did remember everything that happened, including what happened last night. Unconsciously, she brought her hand to the side of her neck, where the tingling sensation of Arian's lips were still fresh in her mind. She gasped, as her cheeks burned. Unable to tear her eyes from Arian, she mentally cursed herself.

Arian was now smirking at her, knowing exactly what was on her mind. "You were saying?"

Forcing her hand off her neck, she glared at him. "What were you thinking?! How could you do that to me?!"

He raised his eyebrows at her. "What happened to finding out who was behind the explosion?"

"That's not impor…I mean it is but not….I mean….Argh!" she yelled in frustration, finally being able to turn away from Arian. Her cheeks hadn't decreased in temperature.

"You're embarrassed," he stated, coming closer behind her. "Cute."

At that comment, Hermione's eyes grew wide and she turned to look at him again. But when she saw him, his face didn't held amusement. Instead, he came forward, taking hold of her shoulders, and looking down at her seriously.

"We'll have time to talk about us later. Right now I'm just glad you're back to yourself," he told her.

Even though her heart was pounding like mad, she stayed calm, "Now we need to find whose behind this."

Arian smiled at her, as he shook his head. Same old, Hermione. "Yes, and I know where to start."

It was Hermione to raised her brows at him.

"I talked to McGonagall and she allowed me to take you out of Hogwarts," he saw the look on her face, "Temporarily," he added. "I told her about your condition and she wants you to take time off until you regain yourself back."

"Alright," she agreed. "Now about…"

"Get your things and follow me," Arian told her.

"Eira!" Bran called out as he walked into the boutique. He waited a few moments before Eira came bustling out from the back. Her hair was up in a messy bun, and there was a quill in her mouth. "Looking good," he teased, coming over to her.

Eira glared at him, taking out the quill. "I hope you don't mind waiting. I'm rather busy at the moment."

"No problem. What is it this time? Can't find the right fabric?"

"No. A bride's here for her fitting and I'm putting the finishing touches on her dress. Plus I received orders for at least five more wedding dresses," she explained.

"Ouch," Bran commented. "You're not planning on doing that all today, are you? I only have an hour of brake."

"Of course not," Eira responded. "Just give me five more minutes."

"Fine," Bran said, letting her return to the back of the shop.

"Haven't seen you here in a while," someone voiced behind him.

Bran turned found Unity looking at him. "Actually, I haven't seen you here for a long while. What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Came to take Eira out to lunch? What are you doing here?" he countered.

Unity frowned. "Well, aren't you happy to see me?"

"Should I be," Bran responded smiling.

"Funny. I should tell Eira I found someone to help her."

"That someone better not be me. I already had enough of this place," Bran said.

"Boys," Unity muttered. "So, Bran, where is Eira? Is she in the back?"

Bran nodded. "Though she's busy right now with a fitting so I suggest you wait still she's finish."

"Another one?" Unity complained. "With all these wedding proposals she's getting, she won't have time to make my dress."

Bran wanted to make a comment on how he still couldn't believe she was getting married but decided to keep quiet. Instead, "Don't worry. Eira was probably planning your dress since before you got engaged."

Unity then smiled happily. "You're right!" Changing the subject. "So…tell me. How are things going with you and Eira? You two have been spending a lot of time together, haven't you?" she asked suggestively.

Bran blushed. "I-It's nothing like that!"

"And why is that so wrong? You two are married," she stated.

Bran then saw an smirk come up on her face. He turned away from her annoyed. "It had to be you, Unity."

Before Unity could respond, a pop was heard behind them. Both Unity and Bran turned towards the entrance, and there stood Hermione and Arian, in front of the door.

"Arian!"

"Hermione!"

Unity and Bran had both exclaimed at the same time.

"She's no longer under the potion's effect," he told them

"Hello. It's great to see you two," Hermione greeted.

"Hi, Hermione. Are you really….?" Bran started.

"What potion? What effect?!" Unity demanded, ignoring Hermione's greeting. "What are you talking about?"

Just then, Eira came back, followed by an older woman, and a younger woman. The women thanked Eira and walked out the boutique, after excusing themselves.

"Hey guys, what's going….Arian! Hermione!" Unity shouted, spotting both of them. "What's going on?"

"That's what I want to know," Unity said.

"I'm back to normal," Hermione responded. "Well, at least I hope I'm completely back to normal."

"Arian, you did it!" Eira happily threw her arms around him. "I knew you could." She then released him.

"Eira, we need to talk," Arian told her.

She nodded. "Let's go to the back."

Everyone followed Eira to the back of the boutique, especially a very confused Unity. She kept on asking questions and Bran advised her to stay quiet and listen. Unity stayed silent, hoping that whatever they were about to talk about would answer her questions.

"So, are you really feeling better?" Bran asked.

Hermione nodded. "Yes, and I also remember everything."

"Everything?" both Bran and Eira asked surprised.

"Yes," Arian answered. "And we want to confront the person behind this to make sure it won't happened again. I believe that would be Grandmamma, right?" This question was targeted on Eira.

Hermione and Unity both turned to look at Eira. Eira simply nodded.

"I knew she didn't like me and did tried to hurt me. But I can't believe she would actually put under the influence of a potion!" Hermione was angry.

"Calm down, Hermione," Arian said, coming to her side.

After taking a few deep breaths, Hermione calmed down. She then turned back to Eira. "Arian told me you and Bran were under it's influence as well?"

Eira nodded, and Hermione continued. "I'll ask about Bran later but, if I'm back to normal I believe you should be able to tell us what happened back there. Back at Rothia's place."

At this, Unity, Bran, and Arian, looked from Hermione to Eira, with interest.

"I'll try," Eira said. "You probably figured that it wasn't me who sent you the letter. Honestly, I had no idea you were going to be there.

"I was plotting against you with Rothia but it got to the point where I couldn't stand it anymore. It was starting to overwhelm me. That evening, I told Grandmamma that I couldn't do it any more. I could see she was angry…"

"She didn't hurt you, did she?" Bran asked concerned.

"Grandmamma wouldn't hurt her," Arian told him sternly.

"Just let her carry one," Unity spoke out. "I want to know what's going on so please be quiet and listen."

Eira then continued, "Grandmamma didn't hurt me. Instead she made a proposition. If I was able to brew one of her potions perfectly, then she would forgive me and dismiss what had happened. I agreed but when I arrived the next day, Hermione was already there and almost finished with the potion." She looked towards Hermione.

Hermione continued, "I received a letter earlier that morning, signed by Eira. It said that she wanted my help with a potion and it seemed rather urgent. Clearly, Eira hadn't written that letter. I also didn't know where I was, since the letter was a portkey. When I arrived, there was no one there, just a cauldron, an open book, and the ingredients needed. The potion in the cauldron was wrong so I started fixing it. It wasn't until a while later that Eira came. She tried to warn me but then it was too late. There was a bright light and then everything went dark. I'm guessing you know what happened next."

"Wait," Unity said, taking in what she heard. "You're telling me that my Grandmother was behind your hospitalization?!"

Hermione nodded. Turning to Eira, "I know she was behind many other things as well, and whether you were involved or not, that doesn't matter. I can understand how you felt about Arian. Also, Rothia can be quite cunning."

"What are you planning to do?" Eira asked them.

"Like I said," Arian informed them. "We plan to go confront her. Grandmamma needs to know her limits. I won't stand for her behavior anymore."

"About time!" Bran cheered.

"Ooh! Let me come!" Unity pleaded.

"No," it was Hermione who spoke. "It's better if it's just the two of us. Actually, I rather prefer if it was only me but…"

"There's no way I would allow it," Arian finished for her.

"So, when are you planning on paying her a visit?" Bran asked.

"I sent her an owl, saying that I would come by for lunch," Arian explained. "So we should get going."

"Take care cousin," Unity warn, "I'm guessing she had no idea Hermione is coming."

Arian shook his head but smiled. "We'll see you guys later." With that being said, Arian took hold of Hermione's hand and apparated them into his grandmother's home.

Her stomach twisted as the rush of air surrounded her. In seconds, she felt her feet safely on hard ground. Opening her eyes, she saw they were standing on a wide room that had large windows on every wall. The curtains were pulled back, causing the room to be brightly lit. The only furniture in the room was a long table, along with chairs, in the center of the room with a beautiful chandelier above it.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Rothia bellowed, planting her fist firmly onto the table.

Both Arian and Hermione turned to see Rothia at the head of the table. She looked very surprised an angry. Their entrance had caused her to stand up from her seat. "I repeat. What is the meaning of this?"

"Hello, Grandmamma," Arian said, walking towards his grandmother, puling Hermione with him. When they were next to Rothia, Arian released Hermione's hand and went to embraced his grandmother. Kissing both of her cheeks, "It's good to see you. I brought my wife with me. I hope you don't mind," he greeted.

"You didn't mentioned this in your letter!" Rothia spat, not hiding her disgust.

"So sorry, Grandmamma but you see, Hermione isn't feeling well and I feel the need to take care of her," Arian told her.

"Well, let her stay in bed," Rothia suggested harshly.

Merlin Arian! You are taking this on too slow. "Oh move over!" Hermione burst, stepping in front of Arian.

"Hermione…" Arian started.

"I'm so sorry you aren't happy to see me, Rothia," Hermione continued, ignoring Arian. As a result, Arian found it hopeless and allowed her to take over. "Could it be because you were expecting me to be with Devonald?"

Rothia looked taken aback but she wouldn't let her bring her down. "You are dating him, after all. I just didn't expect you to still be around Arian. Don't you have any shame. There's no reason for you to be here if you have found someone else."

"Oh really? If I recall, I don't remember ever deciding on going out with Devonald. Could it be someone else decided for me?" Hermione accused.

"Get out!" Rothia yelled. "This is my house and I won't stand for this!"

"Well, now that we're here, why don't you give us a tour. I would love to see that room where I was brewing the potion," she snapped.

"What are you….," Rothia didn't finish.

"Hate to brake it to you, Grandmamma, but I'm back to normal with a full memory of was happened. Also, I happened to know you were the one behind it all," Hermione stated.

Rothia looked beyond angry and was about to say something when Arian spoke out.

"Don't try to deny it, Grandmamma," he said calmly but firmly. "I'm aware of everything you have been doing and Eira's part in it as well. All I want to know, is why. Why Grandmamma?"

Rothia tensed and pursed her lips, yet she answered. "She's not the right one for you! She doesn't deserve you! I won't allow it!"

"Grandmamma, you know very well that it's my fault I wasn't able to be with Eira and you should be grateful Bran was there for her or right now, you can bet she would be paired up with complete stranger."

"But Arian….," Rothia tried.

"Just listen to me, Grandmamma," Arian said continuing. "I take full responsibility for what happened and I have dealt with the consequences. There was no escaping the marriage law and even if I wasn't paired with Hermione, I would still be paired up with someone else. There's no changing that. At first, I wasn't happy with this and neither was Hermione be we came to accept each other's presence. Grandmamma, it wouldn't hurt you to get to know Hermione. She's actually…."
"I don't want to hear it!" Rothia screeched. "I don't would not accept a woman to be married to my grandson who would eventually cheat on you!"

"What?!" Hermione yelled. "How can you say that?!"

"Grandmamma?" Arian said disbelievingly.

"You would've eventually cheated on Arian," Rothia declared. "I read the papers and it was obvious you had feeling for this Devonald Swancott."

"Yes I liked him," Hermione said, "But it was you the placed a love potion…."

"That wasn't an ordinary love potion!" Rothia interrupted her. "Yes, it did had an affect on you but what that potion did was bring out emotions that you already had within you. Basically those kisses you share with this other man or whatever was that you did, was what you really wanted."

Hermione's eyes grew wide and she stared back at Rothia.

"You do recall what happened so you know that what I'm saying is right," Rothia told her. "You had romantic feelings towards him and eventually you would have expressed them later in your marriage. I only rushed those feelings."

Hermione shook her head. "You took control of my mind. I couldn't even think!"

"The potion enhanced your emotions and made them your top priority. My potion didn't took control of you. It was your own emotions!" Rothia barked.

"That's not…," Hermione began but seem unable to continue. She didn't want to believe it. She wouldn't believe it yet she could feel herself fill up with doubt. "IT'S NOT TRUE!" she yelled looking furiously at Rothia. She then started storming up to her. Grabbing hold of her collar, and brought her hand up.

"Hermione!" Arian cried out in shock.

"Are you going to hit me?" Rothia hissed. "Go ahead."

Hermione's hand trembled and she dropped it down. Releasing Rothia, she started to shake and backed away. "No. No. No. NO!"

"Hermione!" Arian shouted again coming towards her and taking hold of her shoulders. "Stop shaking. Calm down."
"I can't be here!" she yelled struggling out of his hold.

Arian kept a tight grip on her. Could it me, she's not fully healed? "Promise me that you will go back to the mansion if I let you go," he whispered to her bringing her into his embrace. "Promise me."

In that instant, Hermione stopped shaking and nodded into his chest. With that, Arian released her and in a second she apparated herself away from them.

Once Hermione was gone, Arian turned back to his grandmother. "You should know that I can't forgive you for this Grandmamma. I won't forgive you for this!"

Rothia gaped at Arian.

"I won't allow you to hurt her anymore. She may still be under the potion or she may not but I'll assure you that I will bring Hermione back to herself. And during that time, Grandmamma, I want you to think about what you're going to do because from this day one, Hermione is my wife and no one, not even you can take her away from me. You better get used to that idea and start respecting her. If you don't, I swear on Merlin that this will be the last time you hear from me."

"Arian…" Rothia gasped. "What are you saying? You couldn't possibly….?"

"Thank you, Grandmamma," Arian told her. "Because of you I've come to realize where my happiness lies. I finally found my true love. I loved her all along. I loved Hermione, all along."

Rothia turned away in disgust, and walked towards a window and looked out into the horizon. How could Arian be serious? Why had her plans failed? What had she done wrong? How can her grandson be happy at the side of that girl? She clenched her fists and her lips turned into a thin line as she closed her eyes.

Taking this as her answer, Arian decided that he should leave. "Goodbye, Grandmamma," he announced but just as he was about apparate, his grandmother's voice boomed.

"ARIAN! YOU TELL HER THAT I PLAN TO TEST HER SKILLS ONCE MORE. THERE'S JUST NO WAY SHE COULD HAVE BREWED ONE OF MY OWN POTIONS PERFECTLY. TELL HER TO EXPECT A HIGHLY COMPLEX ONE, NEXT TIME!"

Arian knew his grandmother had yelled so loud to release her anger but he still couldn't help but smile. Turning around, "Alright, but don't go easy on her." His grandmother was still looking out that window but he could tell she was still tense. It wouldn't' be easy but he knew his grandmother would come to accept Hermione, though he wasn't sure if she would end up liking her. "Take care of yourself Grandmamma." Again he was about to leave when, he heard his grandmother's voice again.

"Give her time to think, Arian. You need to let her mind work things out. Just be ready at the last moment to prove your feeling for her."

Arian was stunned by her advice.

In her room, Hermione instantly went to her bed and laid there looking into the distance. It's not true. It's not true. Those weren't my own feelings. No. It's not true. She kept repeating that to herself but it wasn't no use. Her head was still full doubt, so much that she curled into a ball. "Why?!" she screamed. "Why?!"

She didn't know how it happened or why, but darkness instantly consumed her and dragged into unconsciousness.

There she was, standing under a light, not knowing where she was. She looked around in alarm. Darkness filled her other surrounding and she feared stepping out of the light. Just thing, something fell right before her. It was a small square of parchment. Confused, she bent down to pick it up but then more and more of them started falling. Looking up, she could see them fluttering above her. She reached out and grabbed one.

She gasped. These weren't parchment, they were pictures. The one she held showed Swancott taking a lick of her ice cream.

"This is…," she didn't finish as she started picking up the pictures that were scattered and looked at them. They were all shots of when she was under the spell. She saw herself embrace Swancott, kiss him, smile at him, laugh at him. She saw herself happy with him.

"Memories," she whispered in disbelief. "This are all my memories of my day with him." She then shook her head and pushed the pictures away. "Those aren't real. They are not real."

Starting to shake again, she wrapped her arms around her stomach and bowed. A shiver ran down her spine and she closed her eyes tightly. She then felt a strong wind blowing around her. Hesitantly, she looked up and was surprised to see the picture being blown away.

"What's happening?" she whispered.

Feeling something brush against her side, she sat up instantly. To her astonishment, more pictures started falling but this time, when they reached the ground, they were facing down. She didn't want to look at them yet her curiosity got the best of her. Slowly, she reached out for one and turned it around.

Before she knew it, her surroundings had change.

She was at the ball, dancing with Swancott.

"You really look beautiful," she heard him say.

She instantly looked up him and could feel herself blush. "Um…thanks," she found herself saying.

"You know," Swancott continued, "I don't know that much about you but I would really like too."

"Well…what is there to say?" she said.

"I know you went face to face with the Dark Lord so I'm guessing you're very brave and strong but what I would like to know, is the girl in front of me not the girl everyone sees."

She was surprised by this but she felt this warm feeling of appreciation. What was this feeling she was experiencing.

"Did I say something I shouldn't have?" he asked worriedly.

She found herself smiling up at him, as she shook her head. "What would you like to know…?"

In that instant, she was back under the light, holding onto that picture she picked up. Setting it down, she picked up another one and again she was gone.

'It looks like a wishing well, it won't hurt to try.' she instantly thought and felt herself smile as she arrived at the fountain. She quickly pulled out a pouch of galleons and sickles 'Hmm...maybe this is a bit much.' . "Oh well," she said aloud. She turned around, her back facing the fountain, and closed her eyes. 'I hope...' She threw the bag behind her, waiting to hear the splash but she didn't hear it. She somehow knew she wouldn't.

"Ouch!"

At the sound of that voice, she turned, instantly understanding what had happened.

"Oh! I'm very sorry." She apologized. The person turned and she had to fight a gasp that wanted to escape her mouth. She thought the young man before her to be very handsome. His black hair and brilliant silvery blue eyes. "Sorry," she said again.

The young man stayed expression less. "That's quite alright. No damage done." He looked into the fountain and smiled. "You must be very generous." As he left, she felt her face become warmer.

Once she was back, Hermione considered the situation before picking up another picture. "Not only am I remembering these event but I'm actually going back to them and feeling exactly what I felt that day." Taking a deep breath, she grab hold of many photos and turned them right up all at once.

The ground beneath her then started to shake, parting and plunging her into several of her memories.

"Let me go to sleep. Now let go!" Arian was yelling.

"No!" Hermione said, pulling the covers harder as he griped them tighter still. "Not until you tell me what's bothering you."

"Fine!" Arian said not loosening his grip. "You want to know what bothers me? You! You bother me. That woman...Tonks... was wrong. No one's lucky to have you. On the contrary, I wouldn't wish you on any man. You're a nightmare!"

Hearing this, she gasped. She no longer tried to pull the covers, as she fought off tears. At her sudden halt, came unexpectedly to Arian as he pulled at full strength, hoping to cause her to let go.

"Whoa!" Arian said as he went over.

"Hey!" Hermione said. She had loosened her grip but had not let go, which caused her to go over as well.

"Oof!" she heard beneath her. But she remained motionless. Her mind had stopped.

"Do you mind getting off?" Arian said.

Hermione then came back and noticed that Arian was beneath her, Shirtless! "OH!" She reacted and got off quickly, blushing fiercely. Hermione face him. She couldn't help but notice his broad shoulders. He was well built.

"Took you long enough." Arian muttered but not as quietly.

Hermione then took her eyes off his chest and moved them to his face. His eyes glared at hell, still haven't lost their fierceness. Suddenly Hermione burst into tears. She tried to stop herself but couldn't. All the words he had spoken to her came back into her mind. How could he had been so cruel.

Arian's eyes widened. He watched motionless as she tears after tears flowed from her eyes. Soon after he got over his shock and ran a hand through his hair. "Damn! Look I'm sorry, okay. I didn't mean what I said. I'm just irritated. It has nothing to do with you."

She turned once more only to bump into someone. "Oof...oh...I'm sorry," she said.
"What are you doing here?" someone asked her.

Hermione looked up and saw a man who seemed around Arian's age or a little older. She recognized him as one of the Catapults. He had sandy blonde hair and hazel eyes. "Well...I'm...uh..."

"You shouldn't be here. How did you get past the guards."

"I apparated," Hermione told him simply.

"That's impossible. There's a barrier and no one can apparate in here unless they are wanted." Realization came upon his eyes. "You're not a fan are you?"

Hermione shook her head. "No, I'm here looking for someone. Do think you can help me?"

He eyed her for minute but then gave in. "You did apparate in here. Who are you looking for?" he asked her.

"Arian. I'm looking for Arian Belth."

"Alright. He should be in the dressing room. Come this way," he said as he led the way. "By the way I'm Devonald Swancott, keeper for the catapults."

"I'm Hermione...mmm...just Hermione."

"I see that's a unique name," he commented.

"Yes it is. I'm surprised." At this Swancott looked confusingly at her. Hermione noticed this. "You actually introduced yourself and didn't expected me to know who you were."

Swancott chuckled at this. "I figured if you knew who I was you would have pointed that out the first time you saw me. Not all quidditch players are full of themselves you know."

Hermione smiled and nodded.

"You alright?" Swancott asked coming over, noticing how nervous she was.

"Yes," Hermione squeaked.

Swancott chuckled. "You'll do fine. Your team trust you and have faith in you so why don't you? I'm sure you're a great beater."

Hermione felt the color rise in her cheeks as she looked up at Swancott. "Really?"

"Yes," he answered softly looking into her eyes, as he took her hand in his.

Hermione flushed even more as her heart beat quickened. She felt the urge to pull away her hand but found that she couldn't. The part of her that liked the sensation of his warmth had dominated the other. Out of embarrassment, she looked away and muttered a thanks as she felt him give her a encouraging squeeze.

Hermione had flicked her wand to show her the time. The numbers 9:55 appeared before her. She gasped. "No way!" As she said this she bolted up from the bath tub only to hear the muttering of words. Alarmed, she turned. She felt herself blush all over as she stared into the face of Arian himself. They stood there for what seem liked hours. But something clicked in Hermione.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHH!"

"Shit." Arian turned instantly and slammed the door shut behind him.

"How dare you! Don't you ever knock!!!" Hermione yelled at the door. She couldn't stop blushing.

"Next time lock the door!" Arian's voice yelled through the door.

'Oh God. That just didn't happen.' Hermione then reached for the towel, her hands trembling. She could feel her warm face.

"Arian did something, didn't he?" he continued even though she was turned away. "I can tell. Have you talked to him about it?"

She slowly shook her head and muttered, "There's nothing to discuss. It's settled."

"What do you mean settled?" he asked seriously. "You're separated at the moment that doesn't seem settled to me. This law doesn't allow a divorce…" he stopped himself and phrased it differently. "Do you both want a divorce?"

"You could say that," Hermione said softly. "There's not much of a choice…so this is the answer." She was then completely shock.

Swancott gripped her chin gently, and turned her to face him. He tilted it up and looked at her intently. "I don't know what's going on here but Arian is a fool and so are you. When I first met you, I took you for the type who doesn't give up."

"I haven't," she whispered, still a little stunned. "I haven't given up on how I want to live."

"You truly are beautiful," Swancott whispered as he absorb her gaze. Whether it was a magnetic pull or something else, he didn't know but he leaned in, nearing his lips to her. It was clear that he had been attracted to her since he first met her even if she was younger.

Hermione's eyes grew wide and she caught her breath as Swancott leaned in closer. She was frozen and couldn't move. 'Oh Merlin.' It was only a matter of second before she would feel his lips…

Arian's laughter ranged out through the room. "God! You are something else."

Hermione smiled a bit, which made Arian glad. "Should I draw you a map, then? I don't think I can keep an eye on you all the time."

"That would help." Hermione said jokingly, but her voice still sounded down.

Arian stood up. "Well, why don't I walk you back, giving you a tour on our way. Can't have you getting lost within your own house now can we?"

"My house," Hermione whispered. Arian stared at her as he was able to catch that, and she still didn't move. "I'm sorry," she told him. "I'm very sorry."

"For what?" he asked, getting a little worried.

"It is living here that gets me lost." Arian just stared at her. She continued. "I think that I don't want to accept that this is my home. That's why I don't bother to pay attention to my way around here. Person always knows their home like the back of their hand, don't they? I'm afraid that this will become my home. But somewhere deep within me it's not what I want. I don't want this to be my home." She finished waiting to hear what he had to say.

After a while, he said, "You can go back, you know? I'm sure your friends will gladly have you back. Just because we're married doesn't mean we have to live together."

Tears started to form in Hermione's eyes and she left them flow down. "I don't want to go there."

"What?"

More tears spilled from her eyes. "I don't want to go to the Burrow. I don't want to go Grimauld Place. I don't even want to go to Hogwarts. I want to go home and...and...see my mum and dad again." She then started crying more and wasn't able to speak.

Arian didn't now the places she was talking about, but that was the least of his worries. Without thinking, he took Hermione into his arms and rubbed her back.

Hermione didn't resist and she clutched Arian's robes and sobbed.

Arian kept holding her, leaning his chin on her head. "It's alright. Everything will be alright." He held her for a long time.

Just then, Devonald cut in once again which Bran obliged.

He smiled down at her, and Hermione smiled weakly. Surprisingly though, he only spun her once, before taking her hand and leading her off the dance floor.

She looked confusingly at him but he just chuckled.

"I just thought you might like to rest," he said leading her to a nearby table.

"Is it that obvious?" Hermione asked nervously.

"No not really," he smiled. "But you've been dancing all night with all those blokes asking you."

"Yes," Hermione said a littler bitterly remembering their comments on how beautiful she looked. "Next time I come in jeans and a t-shirt."

At this Devonald laughed. "Well you're going to have to do more than that to stop me from dancing with you. Arian is so busy, that he doesn't realize he's neglecting you. Luckily I'm here for you."

Her mind tried to grasp what was happening. This was impossible. How could this be happening to her? His reaction took her completely by surprised that, Hermione herself did not gave into it. Her hands came up to his chest in hope to push him off but she couldn't. It was now that his strength became apparent as she struggled against him. It was no use. Arian only pressed himself more against her. Hermione tried to cried out but her attempts were useless against the pressure of his lips. Once again, she tried to push him off but he didn't budge though he did retract his lips.

Arian looked down at Hermione's frightened expression. She seemed fragile and weak, pinned against the door with his hands on each side of her head. He softened but had no intention of moving. "Are you scared of me?" he whispered to her.

Hermione looked wide-eyed into his eyes. "I-I d-don't understand," she stammered.

One of his hands left the door and cupped her chin. "You don't need to," he told her.

She looked deeply into his eyes and gasped. There was passion, longing, and lust within his silvery pools. He had been aggressive but all that seem long past as her fear vanished. I'm not afraid.

As if reading her mind, Arian leaned in kissed her softly. This time, she didn't struggled or tried to push him away. Instead, her hands came up and wrapped themselves around his neck. In response, he lowered his arms to wrap possessively around her waist.

Their soft kiss deepened becoming more fierce. Arian nipped at her bottom lip, asking for entrance. Hermione slowly parted her lips.

Arian's anger had been rising and now it was becoming overwhelming. "How do you think I feel?!" he yelled without meaning too. "I'm the one who has to live with her for five years. You don't understand how difficult it is to control my emotions and remain calm and happy when all I can do is think about Eira. You don't know how difficult it is waking up every morning only to wish is was Eira sleeping in my bed beside me. Every time I look at her I am reminded of my mistake and till this day I regretted it. And it doesn't help that you keep bringing this up Grandmamma. I love Eira deeply. I always will. There's no one else I rather be married to. You must remember that it was this law that paired me with her. You have no idea the pain I go through!"

The others were silent. Eira had brought her hand to her mouth, Bran was controlling his anger, Hermione was trembling.

Something was coming over her. She couldn't stop shaking. Her gut was hurting. 'Why am I feeling this way?' she thought. She couldn't' stand there. It was unbearable just standing there. Her legs took over her as she turned around and ran but she was so tired that she sank to the floor. "AH!" she cried out as she made contact with the pavement.

Hermione held on tight to him, clutching his shirt. "Arian," she gasped. Her voice was soft, yet it seemed that she was using most of her strength to speak against the pain. "How can I trust that you won't hurt me again?"

Dazed by her question, it took him a moment to grasp what she had said.

"Tell me," she begged, as the pain seem to be overtaking her. "Please."

He noticed the urgency in her voice. "Hermione, you can't."

Hermione then looked up at him, amazed by his words.

In return, he looked down at her. "You can't trust that I won't hurt you but you can trust that I would do anything to make it right again."

Everything around her spun and for one final time, she laid among the scattered photos. She then got up, wondering how she ended up lying down.

"All these memories are real," her own voice said aloud but it didn't came from her own mouth. "What can you say about them?"

To her surprise, she didn't hesitated to answer. "They're not only memories but my feeling for both Devonald and Arian."

"So you admit you have feelings for both of them?' the voice asked.

"I do, which means Rothia was right. My feelings for Devonald were sincere the entire time but…"

"Yes?" the voice encouraged.

"I feel that I've been through so much. Many obstacles have been played out for me and Arian and with him I felt many different emotions not just love. This makes my love for him stronger than anything else." She then gasped at her own words. Had she just admitted that…?

"Nothing else matters, as long as you are certain about your feelings," the voice said at last and vanished.

The light that she had been standing on started getting brighter and overtaking her surroundings, retrieving her from the darkness.

She blinked her eyes open and abruptly sat up. Her hand was instantly on her head as she tried to comprehend what just happened. Everything then came back to her. The potion, Rothia, and her dream. "My dream…."

Looking up, she glanced out the window and noticed the sun was starting to set. Her eyes grew wide as she got up and started walking towards the window. She could see the mixture of blue, pink, orange, and yellow that filled the sky. "The colors are jumbled together, just like my emotions were before."

In that instant, she understood completely. The reason she was having trouble with the effects of the potion had to do with her own uncertainty. Deep inside, she didn't know who to choose, Arian or Devonald.

"But that's all over," she said aloud. "I've always been in love with…." She didn't finish as she knew what she had to do. She needed to tell him. Quickly, she ran towards her door and bolted the door open.

"Ah!" Hermione yelled in surprised as she was found face to face with Dot, holding out something for her.

"Dot, you startled me," she breathed.

Dot mumbled an apology as she held up what she had in her hands, closer to her.

Hermione saw that in was a letter and she took it.

"It came for you today, Mistress," Dot informed her. "It's of great importance."

"Um…thank you, Dot," Hermione said, slightly confused by it.

Dot then nodded and apparated away.

Opening the letter, she right away noticed that it wasn't signed by anyone. "What is this?" she asked aloud, reading the letter.

Dear Mrs. Belth,

Please come immediately to…….

She dropped the letter. This place…who sent this? What could have happened? Without a second thought, she apparated away.

For once, the feeling of apparation felt rather slow to her, as she was eager to reach her destination. At the exact moment her feet felt the ground, she set off into a run, ignoring the tablets of stones that got in her way. She knew she was getting closer and she quickened her pace. Just a little more and…. Her destination came into view and she instantly halted. She couldn't believe what she saw and her heart was beating like mad. It can't be him.

"A marriage law was passed in the wizarding world," Arian began, ignoring her presence. "Stating that every pureblood must marry a muggle born or half blood. Supposedly, this law would unite witches and wizards of different societies and one day destroy the hatred purebloods have for those of lower status. It would also diminished any other dark uprising.

"I was aware that the Ministry of Magic would be announcing a new law yet I didn't care. I never really liked the Ministry so I took on a quidditch assignment. I'm a famous quidditch player, you know. I play for the Caerphilly Catapults. Anyway, for two weeks I went to a…I think you can call it a seminar for quidditch. My best friends, Bran, and Eira, the love of my life, warned me against going. They told me that I should wait until after the announcement. I didn't listen and left. I also didn't receive a notice from the Ministry on account I didn't want to be bothered by them.

"Quidditch was very important to me and as a result I lost Eira. When I came back, it was already too late. The law was already passed and Eira was married to Bran. If she would have waited for me, I would've only disappoint her and would have condemned her to the possession of a complete stranger.

"I've been thinking that taking on that assignment, was my greatest mistake but now, I think otherwise. The law paired me up with a girl. A girl that I wished to have nothing to do with. That girl was Hermione Jane Granger," he hesitated and then chuckled before continuing.

"I remember the first day we met. It was at the ministry and I was passing by a water fountain when all of a sudden, a bag full coins bounced from my head and into the fountain. At first I was surprised but then this young girl started apologizing and I thought it amusing. As you may guess, this girl was Hermione. I believe she was making a wish," he chuckled again.

"I saw her again but this time I wasn't that friendly with her. It turned out that she would be my wife and we needed to decide on the preparations. Blimey! We were biting our head off. Neither of us wanted to get married with each other but we didn't have a saying on it.

"Our wedding was quiet, small, and empty. Not much to say about it. We were living together before our wedding and even then I didn't talk to her. You could say I wanted to put as much distance between us but things didn't turn out as I planned. On the contrary, even though I did yell at her and she did get on my nerves, I ended getting closer to her. I found myself worrying, wondering, and thinking about her. I wanted to take care of her and protect her but I failed. I ended saying horrible things that she overheard and I chased her away. I wanted her to return yet a part of me was giving her up completely.

"Many things happened between us. So many that I can talk about them all but I do plan on telling some other time. What I can say is that you may not forgive me for my mistakes and you might get angry but I plan on making up for them, I just need to be given another chance. You may not believe it but I want to ask for your blessings because…." at this, Arian turned around to face Hermione and he smiled at her. "I'm madly in love with your daughter."

Hermione gasped and she brought her hands to her mouth. She couldn't believe what Arian had just said. Tears then started falling down like crazy and she couldn't stop them.

Arian then came to her. "You know, you don't have to love me back," he told her.

She then smiled and threw her arms around him. "I love you too, you prat," she said, unable to contain her sobs.

Laughing, Arian lifted her chin and looked at her directly in the eyes. "I think I can make you stop crying." Leaning in, he captured her lips into an endless kiss that proclaimed the first of many more to come.

Hermione gladly smiled into the kiss and wrapped her arms around this neck, pulling him in closer to savor his taste.

Arian then pulled back slightly and made his way to the side of her face, Brushing his lips against her ear, he whispered, "You know, we never did have a proper honeymoon."

Hermione blushed and pushed him away. "Arian!" she yelled in embarrassment.

"What? I'm willing to take you here if your parents don't mind," he said cheekily.

"No way!" she opposed. "Don't you have respect for the dead." She then looked to the side and saw her parents' graves, just where Arian had been standing moments before, talking to them. A smile graced her lips as she noticed the amount of flowers that laid above them. Walking towards them, she knelt down and closed her eyes. "Mum, dad," she whispered, "I think I found someone who will take care of me. I just wish you were here."

"Then are with you," Arian told her as he knelt down as well and wrapped his arms from behind her.

Hermione nodded and leaned back into him. A peaceful silence over took them.

Braking the silence, Arian spoke, "You know about the proper honeymoon…"

Hermione then pushed him away. "Arian!"

"Hey, let me finish," he told her, wrapping his arms around her once more. "I was thinking that we can't have a proper honeymoon until we have a proper wedding."

Gasping, Hermione turned to look up at him. "What?" she asked in disbelief.

"We'll have another wedding. We'll have Eira design your dress however you like and this time we'll invite all of your family. This time, I want to vow my eternal love for my wife truthfully.

"Marry me, again?" he asked.

"Yes!" Hermione shouted as she flung her arms around him, causing them to stumble back.

He liked having Hermione on top of him that he just couldn't help himself. "Now, now. Remember that the honeymoon isn't until after the wedding, dear."

The moment was ruined and Hermione instantly let him go, blushing fiercely. "Fine. Then I guess I'll be staying in my own room until after our wedding. Prat!" With that she started storming off.

"Hermione!" Arian yelled after her. "You don't mean that do you?"

She ignored him and she apparated back into the mansion.

"SURPRISE!!! WELCOME BACK!!!"

Hermione then jumped and noticed all her friends were smiling at her and came to embrace her. Even Arian's family was there with Rothia, though they weren't smiling that much.

"What's going on?" she asked.

Just then, Arian popped in next to her. "Guess what everyone. Hermione has agreed to marry me, again!"

Everyone cheered, his family clapped, as he took hold of Hermione-to her embarrassment-and kissed her once more.

2 years later….

The whole gang was gathered at Eira's and Bran's. They were gathered outside, around a long table.

"Go on Jeremy, blow out the candles," Eira said sweetly to her son, as she held him over the cake. Unfortunately, Jeremy had trouble and Bran stepped in and blew it for him.

"HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY JEREMY!!!" Everyone shouted.

Hermione was at the end of the table, looking at everyone and thinking on how things had changed. Ginny and Harry were married and right now Harry was trying to quiet down their son, James, who would soon turn one as well. Smiling, she turned towards Luna, who was sitting down, on account of her ripe stomach. Triplets! Ron came and handed her a piece of cake before kissing her softly.

The twins were there as well in Alicia and Angelina who each had a daughter and were already expecting their second. She couldn't help but laugh as she watch both Fred and George, talking into their stomach again, telling one of their conquests.

She then turned to Dera who was holding an infant little girl, with Lain next to her, admiring their daughter. Not far off, was Unity, who was fighting for the biggest piece of cake. Her stomach was also big, she was expecting a boy. Charlie was trying to tell her to calm down while he pulled her away from the table.

Suddenly, she felt something tugging at her skirt and she quickly looked down.

"Nicholas," she said smiling down at the newest member to the Lupin family. Kneeling down, she kissed his cheek. "You want some cake?"

"Sorry, Hermione," a voice said behind her.

She turned and saw Devonald coming towards. He picked up Nicholas and helped her up.

"Babysitting?" Hermione asked, suspiciously, since Tonks and Remus were also here.

"Yes," he answered her. "Me and Claire are thinking about having children and we thought we should try babysitting."

Hermione chuckled. The marriage law, in the end, had caught up with Swancott as well and he was paired up with a Claire, a witch she didn't know much about but found her to be really nice. Claire then came with a piece of cake. "Do you want any?" she offered her.

"I'm on my way," Hermione said, making her way to where Mrs. Weasley and Eira's mother was handing out pieces of cake.

"Here you go, deary," Mrs. Weasley said, hanging her a piece. "Isn't this great. Look at all these babies and all the grandchildren I'm getting."

"Yes, it is wonderful," Mrs. Williams agreed.

"Yes," Hermione said as well, taking her piece.

"Hermione, I'm guessing it won't be long before you have your own?" Mrs. Weasley asked her, smiling warmly.

"Yes," came Rothia's voice behind them. "I'm not going to live forever and I would like to have grandchildren before I die," she told her, loudly, which cause the attention of everyone.

Arian, who had been talking to his parents, came to Hermione, noticing that his Grandmamma had embarrassed her, yet again. However, this past couple of years had really improved Hermione's and Rothia's relationship.

"Don't worry," Arian said, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. "You'll get them soon."

"Yeah right," said George.

"By the looks of it, it seems you haven't been getting any," Fred added, causing all males to laugh, and the women trying hard to resist their own laughter.

"Fred! George!" Mrs. Weasley shouted.

"The truth hurts mate," Swancott told Arian laughing.

"What do you guys mean I'm not getting any? I'll have you known that I get plenty every night," he declared.

"Arian!" Hermione exclaimed covering her face.

"You can't prove it," Ron said.

"He's got you there, Arian," Bran said laughing.

Arian then smirked. In one swift motion, he swooped up Hermione in his arms and started carrying her away. "Bran, I'm going to borrow your room for a few hours."

The guys the started howling in amusement.

"Put me down, Arian!" Hermione shouted at him ."Are you mad?! Put me down!"

Not listening, Arian then spun with Hermione still in his arms.

Hermione kept on telling her to put her down, and yelling. "Arian!!!"

Finally, giving in, Arian put her down and held her still for her to regain herself. After she felt she could walk, Hermione glared at Arian and slapped his shoulder.

"You…PRAT!" she yelled but that seem to take a toll on her and she started falling to the ground.

"Hermione!" Arian exclaimed, providing support for her. "What's wrong?"

"Prat," Hermione repeated, looking rather tired. "I wanted you to put me down because I'm already pregnant."

"WHAT!" Everyone exclaimed, Arian being the loudest.

"Are you serious?" he asked her. At her nod, he picked her up once more and lifted her up in the air.

"Arian," she complaint yet smiling.

"I'm going to be a father! I'M GOING TO BE A FATHER!!!" he kept on shouting.

Hermione laughed at his antics. Yes, this was her husband. And there was no one else that could replace him.

THE END

OMG!!! I can't believe this is the end. I want to thank all of you for reviewing and even those you didn't. Just knowing that there are people out there reading my story is enough. Though reviews are helpful. I'm glad and sad that the story ended. It seemed almost seems unreal. I can't wait to post my new stories and I hope you will all continue reading. Major thanks to Salena Snape for betaing several of my chapters for me. Thanks to Avanell who helped me out of my writers block and thanks to all of you. I love you guys! THIS STORY WAS ALL FOR YOU GUYS!!!