a/n: story inspired by a fic created by the ever-talented Catri Howlman!

How did he end up with Harry bloody Potter?!

How did he end up with Draco frickin' Malfoy?

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

All the current seventh years and those who returned, which was everyone, stumbled into the Great Hall one morning at the start of the year to it being almost empty except for Prof. McGonagall and Hagrid, who was beaming.

"Good Morning seniors, today you will be starting your task for this year. As you can see, surrounding you are different miniature homes that suit you and your 'spouse' for the year. Don't worry they have an enlargement charm inside. For your entire grade this year, and for your chance to complete N.E.W.T.S., you will 'marry' someone, randomly generated by the sorting hat, who generously let us use him to pick names out of a hat. You will be given a house to share with your partner, and you will live in it for the majority of the year. You will not leave your house for the year unless I or Prof. Hagrid ask you to. Your meals will be made by yourselves, and ingredients will be restocked magically weekly. You will be given one scenario every day to overcome, and you will be assessed on how you handle it. If you get less than 50% on your final grade, you will be banned from taking the N.E.W.T.S. Due to the ratio of girls and boys, some couples are same-sex, and you will just have to deal with it. You will no longer attend proper class in person, and your classwork will be delivered to your mailbox daily. I expect 100% effort in this task. You will be checked upon weekly and will be required to write a half and full yearly report for the project. these are the only other reasons to leave your home: weekly quidditch games, training if you're a quidditch player, and drastic injuries. I will now read out your last name, your partner's last name and your house number. Each house is personalized to each couple. Immediately go to your home once I have called you out."

McGonagall began to read the list, "Granger, Parkinson, House 1. Mr Weasley, Zabini, House 2, Ms Weasley, Lovegood, House 3, Finnigan, Thomas, House 4..." McGonagall read out about 20 more couples before she reached Harry's. "Potter, Malfoy, House 24."

Harry and Draco stood agape. This couldn't possibly be happening. The two boys groaned. "No arguments boys, the decision is final" McGonagall intervened. The two boys reluctantly made their way to their huge mansion looking home. Harry looked around. Ginny and Luna owned a hippie-looking home, not surprising. Hermione and Pansy lay claim to a small countryside cottage, with many flowers. Ron looked around blankly at his London-style townhome, that he was to share with Blaise, and Dean and Seamus owned an American-style frat house, much to their joy.

McGonagall finished reading the list and said her starting words, "The task begins now. Please step inside your homes."

This was going to be a long year.

A/N: So what did you think. I hoped you liked it, and as always, constructive criticism is welcomed openly. This will be a chapter story.