'Hermione!'

Hermione looked up, startled, as two burly figures dashed into her room, slamming the door so hard it practically leapt off its hinges.

'Harry! Ron! What the fuck are you doing here?' she demanded, shuffling her papers, as the two leaned against the desk, trying to catch their breath.

Ron drew a sharp intake of breath.

'WE'RE HERE COZ YOU'RE BLOODY MARRYING MALFOY AND YOU NEVER TOLD US YOU TWO EVEN HAD ANYTHING GOING ON OR THAT HE PROPOSED TO YOU AND WELL IT'S LIKE, C'MON MIONE YOU KNOW HE'S A CRAPPY PLAYER HE'LL DIVORCE YOU IN TWO DAYS ANYWAY AND-.'

He suddenly fell into silence, but continued to gape and mime swear words, swinging his arms around wildly. Hermione pocketed her wand, having placed a Silencing Charm on him.

'Right. Now listen you two! And Ron, please stop acting like a windmill you're going to knock my notes over. I don't want to marry Malfoy you prats! It's Fudge!'

'What about Fudge?' Harry asked, suspiciously.

'Voldemort.' Hermione said, succinctly. 'Fudge thinks he's recruiting new Death Eaters, and Malfoy s right up there on the suspect list. I'm getting married to him by law and am expected to spy on him.'

'S-spy on him!' Harry spluttered. 'But Hermione, that's dang dangerous!'

'I know,' Hermione said, wearily. 'But I have to if I want to keep my job, and- what was that you said, Ron?'

'maybe you should take the Silencing Charm off,' Harry suggested dryly.

Ah,' Hermione pulled her wand out and flicked it in Ron's direction

'I said-!' Ron sputtered, 'that I know that Malfoy's a Death Eater!'

Hermione's heart leapt. Ron has evidence that Malfoy's a death eater! I don't have to marry him after all!

'How,' she asked, breathlessly.

'You've just got to look at his stupid slimy face,' Ron snarled.

Hermione sighed. She had been wrong to get her hopes up.

'I don't think you can tell Fudge that Ron,' she said, sadly. 'But how come you guys got here anyway?'

'To tell you the truth, I'm missing Quidditch practice,' Harry admitted. 'and Ron's bunking his Auror session. We better get going quickly. I'll peep in and see you in a bit, huh?'

'Fine,' Hermione sighed. 'Oh- and Harry?'

'Yep?'

'How did you know I was marrying Malfoy?'

'I called your place. Lisa told me.'

'And she didn't tell you why?'

'I hung up.'

'Aah. I thought so. Well, you guys better get going. See ya!'

After they had left, Hermione sighed and leaned back against her desk.

She was confused. It was plain and simple. Though she knew she hated Malfoy, she had to admit, she had had fun with him yesterday. It had been nice, chatting with him. But she hated him, didn't she. Because of course-

'Keep your mind on your work,' she told herself, sternly. 'You have a bracelet to design before lunch.'

'Hellloooo Mrs. Malfoy!' Lisa exclaimed, when she walked in. 'No, don't give me that look! We have so much to do before the wedding, and you're just lazing around giving everyone dirty glares.'

'What do you mean so much to do?' Hermione grumbled. 'All I want to do is soak in a nice...long...bath...'

'Not happening, Lisa said, cheerfully. 'We have to go buy outfits and accessories for the two receptions, and you're wedding gown, female!'

'What two receptions?" Hermione asked, rubbing the tiredness out of her eyes.

'Oh, I got an owl from Fudge today. The first one you meet him friend's and relatives. It's in two days. A couple of days after that he meet yours. Why- what's' the matter!'

Since Hermione had frozen at the doorway, one arm extended to the doorknob of her room.

'He's meeting my parents?' she asked, incredulously.

'Course.'

'Shit Lisa! I haven't told them!'

'Easily solved,' Lisa chirped. 'Owl them tonight. And get changed- we're going shopping!'

That night, Mione observed all the purchases on her bed. They had bought two dresses- the first was pale green, and strapless. It had a low neckline, and a v-shaped waistline that dipped low. The skirts were full and yet slim. To match with it, they had bought a chunky silver necklace set with green stones, and thick silver bracelets, along with a pair of black stilettos. The second dress was crystal white, with frosty lace clipped on the edges. It was a halter style, with silk strings to tie, and had a square neckline. The skirt was slinky and sparkled with light lace. To match with it, they had bought an exquisite string of diamonds for Hermione's neck, diamond bracelets, and a tiara made of silver and studded with diamonds, something that Lisa proclaimed looked "simply exquisite" on Hermione's curls. They had also bought a truck load of make up, and Hermione had begun worrying about hitting a complete broke, but Lisa had reminded her that Fudge would be taking care of all expenses. After that, she had found a vindictive pleasure in splurging the minister's money.

What did worry her however, was how she was going to tell her parents. They would be meeting Malfoy for the first time in four days!'

She pulled a sheet of paper towards her and began writing.

Twenty minutes later, Hermione tore up the third sheet of paper she had started writing on. Why was it, that every time she started writing to her parents, she went on and on about how Malfoy wasn't that bad and that she had actually had fun with him on their "date." Was it because she felt guilty, marrying Malfoy, or because she wanted to protect him.

Why the hell would I want to protect him?

'Why the hell would I want to protect him?' she repeated aloud, trying to reassure herself.

'Protect who?' A voice asked from the doorway.

Hermione spun around.

Standing at the doorway was Draco Malfoy.