I opened my eyes and took in my surroundings. I realized straight away where I was. I was in the Hospital Wing. I also remembered how I had got there. That evil Parkinson had used an Unforgiveable Curse on me and was about to kill me when I was saved by someone. I didn't know who. I tried to remember what the booming voice had sounded like but it was so far away. I tried to sit up but collapsed back down on to the bed I was lying on. Madam Pomfrey noticed I was awake and hurried over to see me. She was clutching a bottle which I guessed was some awful potion for me to drink. I was right.

"Mis Granger, you are awake at last. Here drink this quickly before the pain hits you!" she said hurriedly, thrusting the bottle into my hand. I scrunched my nose and gulped it down. It was awful. It smelt like rotten cabbage. I thought I was going to be sick. Once I had overcame the stench and taste I found it in myself to talk.

"How long have I been out of it? Who saved me? Where's Parkinson? Where's my friends?" I asked in a rush.

"Now, now, calm yourself my dear. You have been unconcious for only 2 hours. The Hogwarts express arrived here only 15 minutes ago. I think the Sorting is taking place in 10 minutes. As for who saved you, I believe that was Mr. Malfoy. He levitated you here. He is now in the Great Hall though. Miss Parkinson has been suspended for only two weeks. I thought she should have been expelled and your friends wanted to see you but I refused. They also are in the Great Hall !"

I was stunned. Malfoy had actually saved me. Why? I couldn't believe it! I wanted to go and watch the Sorting. I decided to try my luck with Madam Pomfrey.

"Can I go now please. I feel much better." I said. I had to admit that potion had boosted my strength.

"I suppose. You kids these days. You're in here for a minute then you're wanting to leave again. Off you go then and take it easy."

I sat up feeling a lot stronger. I got out of the bed and left the infirmiry. When I reached the Great Hall everyone turned to stare at me. The Sorting was just about to begin. I kept my head down and walked over to the Gryffindor table. I sat at the seventh year end next to Ron and Harry. Before anyone could ask me questions or give me sympathy Miss McGonnagal started the sorting to my relief.

"Anderson, Tim."

A small boy walked up to the three legged stool looking terrified. He put on the hat timidly and it boomed -

"RAVENCLAW!"

The Ravenclaw table burst with applause. Miss McGonnagal continued.

"Drew, Janet."

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

It was 5 minutes before I heard what I'd been waiting for except it wasn't Charmaine. It was the little boy I had seen at the dinner party.

"Malfoy, Alexander."

Everyone gasped. The boy strutted up to the stool. I got the feeling he was similar to Draco.To no-ones surprise the hat shouted -

"SLYTHERIN!"

The Slytherins roared.

"Malfoy, Charmaine."

Another dramatic gasp filled the room. Charmaine walked up to the stool also but she looked rather scared. It's as if she predicted something.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Silence. No-one clapped or cheered. The poor girl was close to tears. She walked up the side of the Gryffindor table. Malfoy banged his head off the table. He looked really annoyed. Charmaine was still walking. No-one was budging up for her to make room. They were just staring daggers at her. Eventually when she reached our end of the table I budged up and hissed at Harry and Ron to do the same. They looked really angry but did as I asked. Charmaine smiled at me looking very grateful. The rest of the Gryffindor table however looked furious. No in fact they looked murderous. McGonnagal cleared her throat and carried on with the Sorting. The atmosphere was not the sme though. When she had finished Dumbledore made his usual speech and then we got on with the feast.

"I knew I was gonna be a Gryffindor." Charmaine told me sadly. "I'm not like my family. I despise evillness. I wish everyone knew that."

I felt so sorry for her. Harry and Ron had heard her say it and also felt some pity towards her.

"It's ok um...Charmaine is it? People will eventually except you." Harry said soothingly. Ron however remained silent. I guessed he was battling himself on wether he should speak to a Malfoy or not.

"Thank You!" she replied to Harry. "I like you all. Even if my cousin doesn't."

I smiled at her. All my guests for the wedding started crowding around me. They were all thanking me and Lavender and Parvati were ecstatic. They couldn't wait to be bridesmaid. It was Lavender who noticed my ring. She started pointing and squeeling. Everyone else started pointing too.

"Who's it your engaged to Hermione and why is it so soon?" Dean asked.

I nearly choked on my pumpkin juice.

"You mean it didn't say on the invite?" I asked.

They all shook their heads. I looked at Charmaine, Harry, Ron and Ginny. They looked horrified. None of them knew that I was betrothed to Malfoy. How was I gonna tell them?

"Ok guys," I said looking at all of them. "This wasn't my choice. It was a betrothal..."

I was interrupted by Dumbledore clearing his throat. We all turned to look at him.

"It has been requested by someones parents in the school that I announce this. It happens that we have a couple in the school due to marry on the 10th of September." he announced. All of my guests looked at me excitedly except for Charmaine, Ron, Harry and Ginny. My stomach churned. I was going to be sick.

"It of course was a betrothal I might add. Please put your hands together for Miss Hermione Granger and Mr Draco Malfoy." He said smiling. There was a polite applause but I buried my head in my arms. When I sat back up all of the Gryffindors looked horrified aswell as the Slytherins. The Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs however were quite amused. The whole hall started gossiping. I could see my guests in deep talk. When finished Lavender approached my carefully and spoke.

"Hermione, you understand how much we hate Malfoy and we understand that you didn't choose this. We will still of course be there at your wedding. We also give you all of our sympathy."

She walked away. I left the Great Hall and headed for my common room. I couldn't believe it. The whole school knew I was the future i Mrs Hermione Malfoy /i

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