Hermione returned home in a bitter mood. Speaking to neither of her parents, she went straight to her room, being sure to slam the door. Crossing her spacious room to her desk she took out parchment and a pen.

Dear Harry,
I know you must be busy, what with training and all, but i just had to write. I have terrible news. My parents just told me that i have to marry Draco. In just four months. It's just awful. Turns out im a pureblood, apparently my parents had to go covert. I saw Draco today for the first time in two years, he hasnt changed one bit. He's still the same old git he was back in school. Things are just so awful. Please write me soon.

Hermione shed a tear while writing. She had never been so upset in her life. Her future was ruined because of her parents misfortune. How could they do this to her? Taking out two more pieces of parchment she wrote.

Dearest Ron,
How is Egypt? Probably wonderful, unlike it is here. My parents just informed me that im betrothed to Draco, and we are to be married in four months. To make matters worse, we'll be living in his house. The worst news though is i have to carry his child, which means i have to.... well you know. I really miss you. Please write back, i'll give you the details later.

Hermione had river's running down her cheeks as she kissed the letter addressed to Ron. She had always hoped they would get back together, even though she was the one to call of the relationship. She knew deep down that their lives were destined to go in different directions, especially now. But she had enjoyed the comfort and companionship she had with Ron. Her next letter was to Ginny, who was coming to visit in 3 days.

Ginny-
I have terrible news. Draco and i are to wed in four months. I will tell you all about it when you get here.

The note was simple but urgent. Hermione walked over to her barn owl and gave it the three letters. She opened up her french doors and away the bird flew. Hermione stood there for what seemed like hours, just staring at nothing, but taking in everything.

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"How can you expect to have a decent marriage when you talk to her like that?" Narcissa had been reaming Draco for the past hour. He was getting tired of her bickering and all he wanted to do was go lie down.

"Rather easily mum. Look we are the worst couple you could put together. And nothings going to change she hates me." Draco rolled his eyes and laid back on the couch.

"And rightfully so. You were mean to that poor girl, just because she was smarter than you. And believe it or not youhave changed. You're not as insensitive. So stop acting like a brat and be nice to her. Invite her to lunch sometime." Narcissa sat at his head, on the couch and looked lovingly at her son. "Please, this is good for you."

"Absolutely not. I dont want to look at her until the wedding. I will enjoy every last minute of my freedom and looking at her wont be joyful." His mother smacked him but he didnt care. He meant what he said. He sat up quickly and walked out of the living room and to his room.

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Hermione got her reply's just two days later, hand delivered by Ginny.

"Ginny? Your early." Hermione was surprised to see her red headed friend standing with her suitcase, on her porch.

"When i got your letter, i came as soon as i could. Mum already knew, but Fred and George were furious. They said they would hunt Draco down and use him as a guinea pig, but mum put an end to their rubbish. Here's Ron and Harry's letter. They were at the burrow, briefly." Ginny smiled, handing over the letters she embraced her friend lovingly.

"Why were they at the burrow. Bill got married, didnt you get the owl? We all wondered why you werent there." Ginny asked curiously.

"I didnt get anything. Well i'll have to write him. I'm so glad your here. I need help planning the wedding. Ugh. It freaks me out saying that. I never dreamed i'd be getting married at such a young age. And to Draco of all people." Hermione rolled her eyes, trying to fight off the tears.

"Oh Hermione dont cry. Everything works out for a reason. Just dont worry. Everything will work out. I could come move in with you. Keep Draco in check. Mum says his mother has changed him." Ginny sounded hopeful, but it didnt convince Hermione. "Read your letters." Ginny changed the topic.

Hermione walked to the sitting room, as Ginny went to say hello to the Granger's. Hermione looked at two letters in her hand. The first was from Ron, she recognized his neat script, flipping to the next one she cringed. She identified the familiar letter to be a Howler. "Well i'll just open Ron's first." Hermione said to no one in particular.

Hermione-
When i first read your letter i thought you had written the wrong name, i could've sworn you wrote Draco. But then Mum confirmed that it was, indeed, Draco. You poor soul. I'd rescue you, but according to Mum theres absolutely nothing i can do. Egypt is great. I wish you were here, you'd probably be able to tell me everything about the pyramids. They're obviously made my wizards. Muggles couldnt possibly make these things. I miss you too, and think about you constantly.

I'll always be yours,
Ron

Hermione was sobbing uncontrollably. She knew that the love she had for Ron was simply a friendly one. But the feelings were still there for both of them. Holding the letter to her chest she wiped a tear from her eye, and prepared herself for Harrys letter.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOUR ENGAGED TO DRACO? WHAT WERE YOUR PARENTS THINKING YOU CANT POSSIBLY MARRY THAT SCUM. ARE THEY INSANE? YOU'D KILL HIM BEFORE YOU EVEN SAID YOUR I DO'S! OHHH I HAVE HALF THE MIND TO TRACK DOWN THE LITTLE WEASEL AND RIP EVERY BLONDE STRAND OFF THE GITS HEAD, AND MAKE A DAMN FUR COAT. TRAINING ENDS IN THREE WEEKS, I'LL SEE YOU THEN.

Harry's voice was loud and powerful, washing over the room. Ginny came to the doorway and smiled at the shock on Hermione's face. Hermione simply closed the letter and re read Ron's letter. Ginny grabbed her bagged and walked upstairs.

Hermione's expression turned from sadness to pure anger. She got off the couch and stormed into the kitchen.

"I hate you. You've ruined my life. How could you arrange a marriage for me? I now have to marry a man who will never love me, when all along i could be with someone who would cherish me forever. I HATE YOU."
Hermione threw the letter on the table where her parents sat, and left the room through the sliding glass doors to the garden.

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"Oh Herald what have we done?" Vilda said, exhaustedly. She was re-reading the letter Ron had written to Hermione. Herald was pouring anothe cup of coffee.

"We saved our asses at the expense of our daughters life." Herald snarled slamming down his cup, and walking out after his daughter.

Vilda sat there alone, feeling violated. Both her daughter and her husband blamed her for this dilemma. Sighing heavily she picked up her coffee mug and walked to the sink, just as Ginny entered the room.

"Mrs. G where's Hermione?" Ginny pulled at her shirt, covering up her tiny midrift, and looking around.

"The garden. Uhh, i wouldnt go out there. Her and her father are out talking." Vilda seemed distant, and Ginny seemed confused, but she turned to leave.

"Umm. Ginny. Do you think this whole thing is my fault?" Vilda turned to Ginny with tears in her blue eyes.

"No. Mrs. G.... i dont. You did what you had to do. I understand." Ginny bowed out and walked upstairs.