AN: I decided to write a crappy fic to curb the boredom caused by social-distancing restrictions. This is the result.
Disclaimer: As much as I would love to an imagination to match that of the wonderful JKR, it is one of my lifelong sorrows that I do not. All original characters and plotlines belong to her and her only.
From the top of her elegant updo to the tips of her fashionable black heels, Hermione Granger was every inch the successful Department Head she aspired to be.
Within four years of graduating from Hogwarts, Hermione had risen up the ranks of the British Ministry of Magic to become the youngest ever female Department Head of International Magic Cooperation.
She had started Auror training with Harry and Ron after she and Harry had successfully completed their N.E.W.T.S with Ginny and Luna's year, Hermione taking 7 and Harry the standard 4. Much to everybody's surprise, Hermione hadn't aimed for 12 passing grades; instead choosing to focus less on her schoolwork and more on her social life, attending Quidditch games and spending more time with her Gryffindor housemates. Ron had declined the offer to complete his schooling and had instead spent the year travelling.
It was only after their first field assessment six months into training that Hermione realised becoming an Auror wasn't the most intellectually stimulating occupation the wizarding world had to offer. She wanted more from her life than running around capturing death eaters and Voldemort copycats. Instead she used her war hero status to secure a high-ranking position within Wizengamot Administrative Services. Six months later she was transferred into International Magic Cooperation and promoted assistant Head of Department 10 months after that. She assumed the Head position two years later upon the retirement of her superior. Harry had also made short work of the Ministry hierarchy and was promoted to Head Auror after three years in the unit.
As one of the Minister's most valued workers, it was no surprise to Hermione when Kingsley's silver lynx patronus stalked gracefully into her spacious office just as she was about to leave. In the months after the war Kingsley had been appointed Minister for Magic by all remaining Wizengamot members in a unanimous vote.
The lynx flicked its sophisticated tufted ears and spoke in Kingsley's low gravelly tone "Miss Granger, a meeting of utmost importance. Arrange to meet tomorrow, 9:30 in my office. Goodnight." Mentally noting this recent development; Hermione frowned at the spot where the lynx had vanished, evaporating into fine silver cloud of magic. There had been no uprisings since the conclusion of the second wizarding war and Britain had sustained a fairly peaceful, if not severely depleted population of magical peoples. Hermione failed to find a logical reason Kingsley needed her so urgently and on such short notice, she pondered for a few minutes before deciding to leave the thought for the evening. Grasping her bundle of papers and slim vinewood wand, Hermione concentrated on her cosy London flat before apparating straight into her kitchen.
She was immediately greeted by Crookshanks, who greatly resembled an orange fireball as he streaked from the living room to appear at her feet, meowing and winding his body between her ankles. Giving him a scratch behind the ears she placed the files down on the kitchen bench and summoned the day's mail from the front table. Noticing a letter from Luna, she smiled at the familiar handwriting and the quirky, unusual personality of its author; In her last letter Luna had been exploring China, following the trail of an exotic tribe of glittering bindersnaps. Setting the letter down on top of her work papers, she leaned against the kitchen bench and unfurled her copy of The Daily prophet, rolling her eyes at the cover shot.
Splashed across the front of the Prophet was a racy photo of Astoria Greengrass, pureblood heiress extraordinaire, clad in a tiny swimsuit reclining on a beach in the Bahamas. "Youngest Greengrass Voted Britain's Most Attractive Modelwitch by Playwizard Magazine Third Year Running" screamed the article below the image. Photo-Astoria rolled onto her side and lowered her sunglasses seductively, blowing Hermione a kiss from the page. Scowling, Hermione flicked through the paper to the International Affairs section, where she was pleased to note her own article had been published outlining the recent update on the trade guidelines and monitoring expectations of the British Ministry. After a quick skim of the remaining articles, Hermione reached for her Ministry documents and stepped into her study to finish the day's work.
A couple of hours later, Hermione sorted the last couple of files into their appropriate cabinets with a flick of her wand. Crookshanks, who had settled himself on her lap, purred contentedly as she stroked his silky ginger fur. Glancing at the clock on her desk she found herself running ahead of schedule. Smiling, she was about to settle into her desk chair with a cup of tea and Luna's letter when she was disturbed by a tapping at her study window. Pushing Crookshanks from her knees, she rose from her plush, bottle-green armchair and grumbled as she walked over to the window, wondering who could possibly lack the manners to send letters so late. Sure enough, it was Harry's great grey owl Regulus, who landed in a rather ungraceful fashion on Hermione's desk. Huffing in a disgruntled manner, the bird lifted his leg to Hermione obligingly untied the roll of parchment and pulled a tray of owl treats from her drawer for Regulus while she read.
Hermione!
Kingsley expressly told me not to tell you this, because he knew you'd be against it, but I wanted to warn you before he speaks to you tomorrow.
Hermione raised an eyebrow. Did Harry know something about her impromptu meeting with Kingsley tomorrow morning? That was peculiar, if Harry knew what was happening, Kingsley would have told all the Heads of Department at once. Or if it had to do with their war efforts, she would have though Kingsley would share the information with both of them.
While you were having lunch with the French Ambassador today, Kingsley called a Head's meeting.
Hermione's other eyebrow joined the first. A Head's meeting? Without her? Kingsley would have known about lunch with the ambassador, why didn't he reschedule it?
He said that a couple of days ago the department of mysteries discovered an ancient rune sequence emitting waves of magical energy. Turns out that a long way back, some powerful British wizard wanted to make sure that the wizarding population would never die out in England.
Hermione frowned, she didn't like where this was going, and did Harry really have to sound so uneducated? Some powerful British wizard? Honestly, he could have at least given her a name.
So to make sure that never happened, he put this rune sequence together so that whenever the population hit a certain low point, this thing called "Acton's Law" would be triggered.
Hermione froze, Acton's law? She had only come across that term once, when she was researching the effects of reproductive spells in wizarding history.
You've probably heard of it somewhere before, but in case you need reminding, if these runes are triggered nobody will be able to control who they erm, desire. Sexually. And the runes don't just affect adults, they include teenagers and younger people. Anybody the runes deem sexually mature won't be able to control their … needs. So to avoid that sort of situation Kingsley has decided to introduce a… how do I put this? Kingsley wants to introduce a compulsory marriage law.
Hermione felt like she'd been slapped in the face. A marriage law? There was no way Kingsley held that sort of power over Britain. How was he going to implement it anyway? She couldn't imagine the public taking kindly to such a radical phenomenon.
The new laws are meant to be enforced next week and will affect all unmarried witches and wizards under the age of 35. The ministry has started to pair up its employees first; they're using the sorting hat to make the couples. After you're paired up with your "fiancé" you have three months to marry and 5 years to produce at least two children unless you can prove yourself infertile.
Hermione frowned at the paper. Three months was hardly enough time to get to know a person, let alone the somebody you were tying yourself to for the rest of your life.
All Heads of department received their pairings this morning, although we've been sworn to secrecy and can only tell our fiancé, I got Ginny, and I guess you'll get yours tomorrow.
Hermione's frown softened slightly. She was happy for Harry and Ginny, after watching Gin's schoolgirl crush on Harry mature into a deep and meaningful love and once Harry finished pining for Cho and realised how much he cared for Ginny, the two made a sweet and strong couple. Perhaps the sorting hat knew what it was doing?
There must be something strange about your partner Hermione because Kinglsey was adamant that nobody "inform her of the situation"
Anyway, love you lots Mione, and Molly wants you over for breakfast on Sunday. Also, when did you last come over to Grimmauld place? Ginny wants to hold an engagement party once the news about the law is released next week.
See you at the ministry - Harry
Hermione stared at the paper for another couple of minutes. So tomorrow she was going to be assigned her supposed "soul mate", who was seemingly classified information. Given three months to forge a relationship, get married and start a family before she was even 30 years old. Sighing she tucked Harry's letter into the rack on her desk, and shooed Regulus away from the treats. "I won't be sending Harry anything tonight Reg" she addressed the large owl. "But go and give him a peck on the ear from me instead". Regulus hooted with a triumphant tone before launching himself from the windowsill. The now smiling Hermione closed the window and turned to take her tea into her bedroom where she would retire for the night.
The next morning Hermione woke early. As usual, she reached for her wand and cast a glamour charm on her left forearm. Stumbling into the shower, she fumbled for the shampoo and conditioner, a matching set Luna sent for her birthday. Luna had brewed the soaps herself, and they exuded a delightful vanilla and lemongrass scent. After her shower Hermione selected a white curve-hugging pencil skirt that ended just above the knees, a dark green form-fitting blouse and a white blazer. Casting dirt repellent charms on the skirt and blazer she sifted through her shoe collection to find the strappy white heels she had bought on a whim the previous week. The heels were open toed, so she charmed her nail polish to match her blouse. Sitting down at her vanity, she glowered at the mass of curls atop her head and began the daily battle of taming her wild hair into an elegant French twist. Quickly applying a swipe of neutral lip gloss and two flicks of mascara, she decided to forgo any heavy makeup and thanked her parents for the genes that gave her clear, tanned skin. Fastening her simple, thin gold hoop earrings, and securing the thin gold chain around her neck, Hermione giving Crookshanks a final rub on the head, summoned her files from the previous night and apparated onto the streets of Diagon Alley, strolling into her favourite café.
The Lisping Lily was a small, comfortable, tea and cake shop with delectable breakfast pastries baked fresh each morning. The café was run by Parvati Patil, a fellow Gryffindor from Hermione's year. After her close friend Lavender was killed in the battle of Hogwarts, Parvati didn't have the heart to finish her wizarding education. Instead she found herself spending more and more time in the kitchen baking cakes and pastries to send to her sister Padma, who had returned for her final year. The sweets were such a hit with all the "eighth-years" that Parvati opened the business (with help from Padma and, surprisingly Ron) in Diagon Alley. The café quickly flourished and became a regular stop for many witches and wizards spending the day shopping. Hermione popped over to the display of pastries and waved hello to Parvati, who was serving a customer in the back corner of the shop. It had become a weekly routine that Hermione would purchase a pastry for breakfast every morning, and a takeaway box on Fridays to last the weekend.
After selecting a warm apple turnover, Hermione walked into the atrium of the Ministry, heading towards the lifts to reach her fourth-floor office. Casting a quick spell to check the time, she realised with alarm that she only had 20 minutes until Kingsley's appointment. Rushing out of the lift, she hurried into her office, plonking her files down and notifying her secretary of her arrival. She hung her blazer on the back of her desk chair and smoothed the creases in her skirt. Taking a moment to prepare herself, she slowly walked down the corridor toward the lift to the Minister's office.
Kingsley Shacklebolt was an exceptional Auror and respected member of the Order, but Hermione could never see him as Minister for Magic. In her mind he would always be the deceivingly stern-faced witty joker who was an avid supporter of the Weasley twins pranks and never failed to make people smile, even during the darkest moments of the War. So after knocking once on his office door, Hermione wasn't fazed to see the Minister sporting a gold moustache and burgundy eyebrows with a box of Weasley Wizards Wheezes chocolates open in front of him.
"I see you've caught onto George's new sweet collection" she remarked "And by the look of your particular colour scheme, you've been snacking on Gryffindor Guilties from the Hogwarts range. "
"Full marks as usual Miss Granger, 10 points to aforementioned House, although really, I should be supporting my own with these… Slytherin Suckers?" Kingsley frowned at the green and white sweets before popping one in his mouth turning his eyebrows a shocking silver, his moustache fading and a deep green beard sprouting on his chin.
Hermione grinned at Kingsley's antics and wondered how on earth such a well-meaning man could possibly have been sorted into the snake-pit. "I must say Minister, that beard looks rather becoming on you."
Kingsley smirked, "Perhaps I should invest in some hair-growth potion then; I could certainly come to appreciate a beard to rival Dumbledore's." Hermione snickered as Kingsley waved his wand, the chocolates flying into a cabinet and facial hair disappearing and or restored to natural shades.
Motioning for Hermione to take a seat, he stood to retrieve a thick folder before seating himself behind his desk. Opening the folder, his cheerful expression sobered as glanced upwards; "If I didn't know any better Hermione, somebody has already informed you of our situation." Raising a brow, he pulled a sealed Ministry envelope out of the folder.
Hermione felt her cheeks redden. "What was it that gave it away?" she asked, admitting defeat.
Kingsley chuckled, "My snakey- senses were tingling"
Hermione eyes narrowed and glittered with mock-triumph "So that's what they teach you in Slytherin. I've pondered that for years, no wonder you're all so secretive" her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Come on Kingsley how could you tell?"
Kingsley shot her a knowing glance, "You have that look of quiet acceptance about you, I take it you've done your research?"
Hermione sighed and nodded "Acton's law is an ancient runic sequence developed in the late 14th century when the British wizarding community became dangerously reduced, the runes were designed in such a way that once triggered, they are unable to be controlled and the effects are both unpredictable and irrepressible. "
"Correct, and you understand the measures the Ministry is putting in place as of next week?"
"Yes Minister, although I'm unsure as to how the Ministry plans to implement such a law, surely the current wizarding community won't be so friendly towards such a-" Hermione stopped when Kingsley raised his hand,
"Hermione I didn't expect you to know this as a muggleborn, but marriage laws have been introduced in the past several times for various reasons. The wizarding community has been very open to it, a lot of young, unmarried witches and wizards see it as their chance to find their soulmate, and welcome the idea with open arms. I believe the last time the marriage law was brought into effect was around 97 years ago" Kingsley shut his eyes before continuing, "But that isn't why I called for a private meeting. As you know, all the Department Heads have been assigned their partners; we expect you to comply with the new laws and set an example for the wider community. However, when we gave the sorting hat your name, it spent a full day deciding on your spouse."
Confusion bloomed across Hermione's features, "Is that such a problem? How long did it take for the other couples?"
Kingsley sighed, "About 2 to 3 minutes, perhaps 10 although that was only one other."
"Oh." Hermione murmured, struggling to absorb the odd piece of information. Scrambling for a logical explanation; She blurted, "Do I not have an assigned partner? Is that the problem?"
"No, no actually the problem isn't your lack of fiancé; rather it's his identity. He was in your year at Hogwarts, I understand you two had a somewhat strained relationship." Kingsley slid the envelope over the desk in front of Hermione.
Reaching for the standard Ministry-grade stationery, Hermione fingered the green wax seal before sliding her finger under the fold of the envelope, extracting the slip of parchment within:
Hermione Jean Granger (Miss),
In accordance with recent changes regarding marriage law in Britain, the Ministry of Magic is pleased to inform you of your assigned spouse.
The Ministry selecting process operated as follows:
The Department of Magical Law Enforcement were responsible for entering the names of the current wizarding population eligible for marriage (within the preferred age bracket) into the Sorting Hat of Hogwarts. The Sorting Hat was called upon make the final decision for each pairing.
The Ministry would like to note that the following two points were considered whilst assigning spouses:
Blood Status: The Ministry sought to discourage pureblooded matches, and supported matches between muggle-born, halfblood and pureblood witches and wizards. The Ministry aims to eradicate the concept of "pureblood" from wizarding Britain to prevent future conflicts stemming from blood purity within British wizarding society.
Magical compatibility: The magical temperament of both individuals were noted and accounted for throughout the selective process. It is of utmost importance that the magical aura of each individual able to coexist with that of their spouse. Although it is highly unlikely, please alert the Ministry of any complications concerning magical compatibility immediately.
In order to properly enforce the marriage law as quickly as possible, the Ministry has enforced a strict time frame applicable to every couple.
The required time frame for marriage is three months. Couples may choose to carry out the official ceremony at the Ministry free of charge, or hold private celebrations. All wedding records must be forwarded to the Ministry before the three months conclude.
All marriages will be sealed with a fidelity oath, and couples shall remain exclusive for the entirety of a five-year contract.
Following the three months of "wedding period", couples are extended the five-year contract, within which they are expected to produce a minimum of two children. If couples choose to produce more than the minimum two children, the third child onwards will receive Ministry-funded financial support at the commencement of their Hogwarts magical education.
After the designated five-year contract expires, couples are permitted to divorce, but must divide the custody of their shared children in a fair and equal manner.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW WILL RESULT IN:
Option A:
The wand of the defiant witch/wizard to be broken
The memories of the defiant witch/wizard to be altered to contain no traces of magic
The defiant witch/wizard will be granted a muggle identity and sent to live in a muggle neighbourhood with no recollection of the magical world
The defiant witch/wizard is monitored by the governing British Ministry of Magic Magical Law Enforcement Department to ensure their safety and stability in the muggle world
Option B:
The defiant witch/wizard receives the dementor's kiss as a result of their insubordination to the governing Ministry of Magic.
Therefore, the assigned spouse of Hermione Jean Granger is Draco Lucius Malfoy.
The Ministry strongly recommends that you contact your assigned spouse and begin a preliminary relationship before deciding on a wedding date, and wishes all couples best of luck with their spouses.
Approved by acting Minister of Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt.
Hermione's body tensed and she looked up at Kingsley who wore an expression of guilt mixed with apprehension. "Strained relationship?" she questioned; voice dangerously quiet.
Looking down she murmured the incantation that would disable the glamour charm she placed on her arm each morning. Wordlessly she extended her arm onto Kingsley's desk and boldly displayed the twisted letters engraving her blood status into her flesh.
"She cursed that knife you know." Hermione spoke tonelessly, although her eyes pierced Kingsley's with an animal sharpness. "These scars will never fade or heal; so that every day I can be reminded of exactly what she believed and upheld and could never accept."
Her eyes flashed, and her previously expressionless voice regained both pitch and volume with forceful intensity "And you and I know full well, that he stood for the same ideals, same values and will never accept me for my blood, surely the Ministry has made a-"
"No. I assure you that your match is no mistake Hermione, despite your rather accurate description of both Draco Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange. However before we discuss anything I must ask what you know of Draco Malfoy after the war" Kingsley cut in. "Experiencing war can change many aspects of a person's character. Even somebody like young Malfoy."
"Minister Shacklebolt, must I remind you of Malfoy's actions during the war?" Hermione asked impatiently. When she received no response she continued ruthlessly. "He allowed Death Eaters into Hogwarts. Death. Eaters. Into Hogwarts; While I have accepted the fact that the Malfoys defected before the final battle I fail to understand how you can so easily overlook his past decisions."
Hermione glared first at Kingsley then at the desk in her frustration. "How can you be so at ease with this Kingsley? The Ministry has matched Draco Malfoy, a pureblood wizard who believes in pureblood ideals and strove to uphold them throughout the majority of the war with me. Hermione Granger. A muggleborn witch, best friends with Harry Potter who fought for the Order of the Phoenix."
Kingsley remained silent throughout her display of exasperation, sensing a gap between arguments, he interceded, "Hermione, the question; what have you heard of Draco Malfoy after the war?"
Hermione frowned, shifting her gaze to her hands she let her eyes wander up her wrist to the stinging inscription on her forearm; combing her mind for memories of Malfoy. He had returned to Hogwarts to complete their final year and the two had managed to refrain from exchanging insults whenever they met. Instead they'd been reduced to ignoring each other save for semi-polite nods of recognition and the occasional "yes" or "no" answer if they were ever partnered together in class. He'd farewelled her at graduation with a nod and brusque "Granger" which she'd returned with a curt "Malfoy". Then he had disappeared, and she hadn't seen him since. Sighing, she e re-cast the glamour and lifted her head. "Nothing. Haven't heard or seen him since graduation."
Kingsley nodded. "I thought as much, he did an excellent job of removing himself from British society. He's had very little involvement or interaction with the English wizarding community for a couple of years."
Hermione's bitter expression quickly transformed into one of repressed curiosity. Kingsley chuckled. "To put you out of your misery Hermione, Draco travelled to France immediately after graduation and trained as an Auror with the French Ministry. He returned to England a couple of months ago although- now don't say anything yet " he cautioned, causing Hermione's half-open mouth to shut and pucker into an impatient pout as she leaned back in her seat. "Although that fact is still largely unknown. He was on probation for 11 months, as ruled by the Wizangamot in a private trial during his eighth year at Hogwarts and was monitored for the entirety of that period. He's been residing in France until now."
"An Auror?" repeated Hermione disbelievingly. Not once did Hermione envision Draco Malfoy becoming an Auror, British or French. Although she'd been pleasantly surprised when he'd proven himself to be a cultured and intelligent individual as well as a hardworking student whenever they were partnered in class; She'd assumed that he would simply take over his family's corporation rather than pursuing a career with the Ministry.
"Indeed" Kingsley replied. "He's a changed man Hermione, one that you should at least try to understand, from what I've heard he still has his demons, but I gather that he is not alone in that respect."
Hermione nodded sympathetically. She too, faced monsters from her involvement in the war, and could recognised the lasting trauma inflicted upon those who experienced it. "How do I contact him? I imagine he wishes to remain as low-profile as possible."
Kingsley bobbed his head as he reached for a slip of parchment. "Yes, he has also been informed of the changes to the law; The Ministry thought it would be beneficial for the two of you to take time to become accustomed to the fact that you will have to maintain a healthy relationship with each other given your extensive history."
Hermione snorted. "You make it sound like we argued once or twice, we have a mountain of history and none of it is in any way healthy."
Kingsley sent her a mocking glare "Hermione, where is your Gryffindor courage? Marrying your childhood tormentor is likely the bravest thing you'll ever do. Besides, " he jotted down what Hermione assumed was an address on the parchment; "If you both make an effort, perhaps something will work out. I'm sure that behind Malfoy's "Evil Death Eater" act is a much more mature man than the boy you knew in Hogwarts."
Hermione, who'd been reminiscing insulting Malfoy, was brought back to the present by Kingsley's words. "You really believe he's changed?" she inquired doubtfully, failing to imagine herself and Malfoy holding a civilised conversation; let alone thriving in a romantic relationship.
Kingsley tucked the parchment into the Ministry file that lay in front of him. "I do Hermione; He may seem the same at first, but I assure you, much has changed beneath the surface. Something you will be able to recognise yourself if you give him enough time to show you."
"You're beginning to sound like Dumbledore Minister." Hermione said taking the file from Kingsley's outstretched hand.
"Is that such a bad thing?" asked Kingsley.
"I'm not so sure" replied Hermione, "he certainly had his moments."
Kingsley smiled "That he did." His expression became serious "But Hermione, you must realise that your pairing will be put on a pedestal for the wizarding community; As a pureblood and a muggleborn, war heroine and death eater, even Gryffindor and Slytherin, as soon as your match is made public the papers will be watching your every move."
Hermione's expression turned sour, "Rita Skeeter still writes for the Prophet doesn't she?" Kingsley nodded. Hermione groaned in frustration "She'll have a field day; it'll be Christmas come early when she hears about this." she exhaled noisily "When will the changes be announced? I'd like to know how many days of privacy I have left."
"The announcement is scheduled for Thursday next week" answered Kingsley, double-checking the calendar hanging behind his desk.
Hermione counted the days in her head, Today was Tuesday so she had a little less than a week and a half until her social life would be exploited for the world to see. Hermione's eyebrows drew together in annoyance, it had taken her years to get the papers off her back. Being labelled as the "Gryffindor Golden girl" and being the only female member of the Golden trio had resulted in a flurry of articles conspiring over her love-life, reporting on her work drama and critiquing her outfits.
She'd been especially annoyed when the newspapers tried to force her and Ron into a relationship. The papers were adamant that the pair's close friendship was built upon harboured romantic feelings that neither of them really possessed. It had strained their friendship and Harry eventually had to make a statement to the Prophet to shut the rumours down.
Hermione grimaced at the memory while Kingsley continued "But of course, the Ministry expects you to take advantage of the media attention to set a positive example for the wizarding community"
Snapping out of her trance, Hermione gasped in anger and shock; "You're using me as a poster image?"
"Not only you Hermione, Malfoy will also be re-introduced to the press" Kingsley replied, attempting to appease Hermione's temper.
"You're trying to use our relationship to convince the public to support the Ministry!" Hermione could just see the headlines now: "Golden Girl and Death Eater Speak Out Regarding Their Loving Relationship That Defied all Odds" How dare Kingsley expose her personal life for the Ministry's gain? Hadn't she already contributed to the wizarding community enough during the War?
"Hermione, you would have received the attention anyway, we're just asking you to help us reassure the public that they're in good hands." Kingsley tried to explain "The Ministry would even extend a financial offer for your-"
"No, I refuse to take money in exchange for faking a happy-marriage. This relationship I am being forced into is a personal matter, not something you can fabricate into a Ministry success story" Hermione continued angrily. "This union between myself and Malfoy will be at best a mediocre affair, neither of us are able to accept the other, something we've proven well enough over the years. And I can most certainly assure you that neither of us will be coerced into producing Ministry propaganda!"
"Enough Hermione!" Kingsley cut in sternly "You will comply with the terms the Ministry has set for you or the same penalties for those who fail to observe the new laws will apply"
Hermione laughed scornfully, "Don't try and threaten me Kingsley, I am a muggleborn, I see nothing amiss with returning to live in a muggle community."
"With no recollection of magic or the magical world?" Kingsley shot back.
Hermione stiffened; Could she give up her magic? Her friendships? Could she forgo Harry and Ron? Ginny and Luna? Neville and Seamus? What about everything she had worked for? Her war efforts, her job? Reluctantly she realised that no, even if she was perfectly capable of living as a muggle, she wouldn't ever be ready to forget that she was a witch.
Looking back at Kingsley, Hermione scowled "That boy called me a racial slur for 7 years, but it seems I'm left with no choice but to marry him, and be happy about it. We'll just be one big forgiving family shall we?"
Kingsley sighed. "If you both put in enough effort your image will come easily; the most important thing is that it works in public. You can hate him all you like in your own time."
This appeared to be the final straw for Hermione. Rising furiously from her seat she retorted bitterly, "Thank-you Minister, I'll be sure to maintain a good public image for the Ministry, wouldn't it be absolutely catastrophic if anybody thought that I was unhappy in my expertly arranged Ministry marriage" sending Kingsley a final vicious glare she stormed out of his office.
On her way to the lift she walked straight into an Auror, dropping her file. After muttering an apology she reached down to gather her papers. Standing up she spotted the slip of parchment with Malfoy's address had fluttered away under a chair, bending over to pick it up, she recognised the Cokeworth address as Professor Snape's former residence. Wondering why Malfoy would choose to live in a muggle area as run-down as Spinners End was beyond Hermione, especially as he took great pride in boasting of his family's wealth at school. But perhaps it was his way of "lying-low".
Making her way back to her office, Hermione plonked herself down and huffed crossly. She was still seething after Kingsley had managed to effectively blackmail her into playing happily married with Malfoy, the last person she could ever see herself content with. Hell, she'd even marry Cormac McLaggen before appearing in the same room as Malfoy, but no; "the Ministry expects you to set an example" Kingsley's words rang through her mind, and she glowered at the file in front of her hoping that if she glared hard enough it would disappear.
Realising that she should probably contact Malfoy, Hermione searched her desk drawer for her stationery box, something her parents had found for her whilst shopping in Diagon Alley in her 7th year. They had wrapped it as a Christmas present that Hermione had felt too guilty to open until she had restored their memories 3 years later. Once they had regained their memories, her parents had decided to remain in Australia although they visited Hermione twice a year at Christmas and Easter.
Opening her box of stationery, Hermione selected an eagle feather quill, smooth cream parchment and dark green ink. Green had always been her favourite colour and she enjoyed the freedom of embracing her preferred shade now that she was a no longer a member of Gryffindor. Her quill hovered over the page, what did one write to their assigned spouse? She decided on a blunt, straightforward message.
Malfoy,
Its Granger. Kingsley gave me your address. We need to meet and discuss our upcoming nuptials. It's been years since we last spoke and we should figure out our current situation. Kingsley's also decided to use our match as a publicity show so we need to come up with some ground rules regarding our "public" relationship.
Regulus is Harry's owl and I've asked him to stay until you decide to reply. Harry needs him tomorrow though so don't take forever writing back.
Granger
Giving the letter a once over, she nodded with satisfaction before sealing the envelope. Standing up she let out a long low whistle, summoning Regulus who cooed in greeting. Once he'd settled on the edge of her desk, Hermione leant down to tie the letter to his outstretched claw; "Okay Reg, I need you to take this to Professor Snape's old residence in Spinner's end," Regulus gave a hoot of disgust and disdainfully flicked his wingtips. Hermione gave him a patronising look, "Stop being ridiculous Reg, it's the same as anywhere else you pompous bird. I need you to stay there until Malfoy writes back okay? If he takes more than a day you need to come back though, Harry will need you back tomorrow" Regulus gave her a final condescending glare before quickly launching himself towards the window leaving Hermione with a flurry of downy feathers falling around her desk.
After murmuring a quick vanishing spell to remove the feathers, Hermione leafed through the papers, wrinkling her nose at contact details for wedding planners and dressmakers and an application for a ministry-based ceremony. With a snort of disgust she tossed it into the fireplace and muttered a quick incendio before watching the useless form go up in flames. Reaching for her files, Hermione resigned herself to a day of paperwork as she waited for Malfoy to pen his reply, cursing Kingsley under her breath.