For the length of dinner, Hermione had been relieved to learn that she really did genuinely enjoy Blaise and his company; there was something about the way he talked that fascinated her the most. His voice was a melodic tenor, and Hermione briefly wondered if he ever considered singing. A part of her worried she overestimated her interest in him because their arrangement forced them together. He talked almost nonstop about a wide array of topics, usually Wizarding politics she'd never begin to fully understand.

"Did I ever tell you why I adjusted so quickly to the Muggle world?" Blaise had asked.

"You've been pretty excited about being a part of it, and that's all I really know. I figured you'd tell me when you were ready," Hermione explained, and she kept her mouth shut about how badly she wanted to interrogate him until she learned more. The topic at hand of Wizarding politics was intriguing, in a way that politics were fascinating: a little convoluted, with lots of details.

"I was excommunicated because I fought in the War against Voldemort…on the side of the light. Everyone thought I was a traitor and so, I was thoroughly cut off. I had to make it or I'd probably die," Blaise started, and Hermione was captivated as he went on about the story of his adjustment.

The rest of the night was full of their snarky, rapid-fire banter; talking to him made sense and was definitely the chemistry Hermione looked for in a relationship; it was fascinating to hear him talk passionately about what he cared about, without having to worry about Hermione's judgment of him. It was a breath of fresh air to listen without worry. It was mostly about Constance and how their relationship would change.

"I worry about her," Blaise had explained, "because she doesn't really like a lot of people and she really hates authority."

"That sounds really difficult. I want to give more advice but all I can offer now is my emotional support," Hermione offered, and she hoped that was enough. She found being unhelpful in stressful situations, ironically, pretty stressful: all she wanted was to contribute and at least be a part of the dynamic. She had high expectations for this relationship and she wanted to make sure she put enough effort in succeeding at being a good wife, even if she was going to be a nontraditional one.

Even though dinner had ended, Hermione buzzed with newfound energy; she was vibrating and it was difficult to sleep even though Blaise had fallen asleep with more significant ease. She was still what she'd call over-stimulated: too hyped up to relax, but with a strange dash of anxiety of which she couldn't place.

In order to compose herself, she started writing to release every anxious thought she had buried itself in the recesses of her mind. It was in the form of a letter to Harry. Might as well hit two birds with one stone: write her anxiety and make sure to connect with Harry. She missed him: it was lonely being married without her friends. She'd also have to connect with Ron soon too. Hermione missed Ron's humor and warmth. His presence would be a welcome respite to the prickly and confusing nature Blaise's unpredictable moods. She liked Blaise well enough but she doubted her intuition, and herself, at times.

Dear Harry,

I offer many apologies for not getting in contact with you. I can't believe how much time has passed since I've seen you. How are you coping being married? I don't even know who you married. I married Blaise Zabini. And I know what you're thinking: But Hermione! He's a Slytherin pureblood. How do you even manage? Surprisingly well, thank you very much. He's a lot more nuanced than you'd expect. Although he's not perfect-he's moody and aloof, making him hard to read and connect with-I can't imagine anyone else I'd rather marry. Maybe you or Ron, to make the whole marriage law situation easier.

I wish I had the energy to care more about being married. It's not as exciting or as thrilling as I wished it was. I wanted more from it. Maybe something fulfilling, from a person I immediately found a spark with. There's definitely a connection with Blaise but I wish it wasn't such hard work getting to know him. What do we even have in common? We co-existed at Hogwarts, barely even interacting. And he hated "my kind"-Muggleborn witches. He was friends with the worst of the worst when we were at school...but he seems reformed now. Is everything as it seems? I can't know for certain. I can't know anything for certain, and it's pretty depressing. You know how much I like routine. I don't mind it being shaken up some of the time, but to never know how to prepare is the antithesis of who I am as a person.

Maybe your marriage is going better. For my sake and yours I hope so. I wish to hear from you soon. My address is on the return stamp of the letter. Please keep in touch.

Your friend,

Hermione

She was content with the contents of the letter, and she did intend to send it eventually. It was late now-almost one am, and she rarely stayed up this late unless absolutely necessary, which it wasn't at this moment-and Hermione figured she'd go get some rest now. The morning would hopefully have more to offer than anxiety.