CHAPTER 4

My bad luck seemed to follow me the next day. We were in the Great Hall eating our breakfast, when the post arrived. Pig landed in front of us dropping letters for both of us. I opened Ron's letter and read through. He was getting married in a week's time in Hogsmead. Along with it, the inevitable question. I was trying to decide whether I should tell him about it in a letter or wait till he was married, when a black owl swiftly landed in front of me and held up its leg so I could retrieve the letter. As soon as I was done, it flew away.

Ginny looked at the bird flying away and asked "Is it from whom I think it is?"

"Yes, it's him." I replied looking at the clean and crisp handwriting on the envelop.

I opened the letter, trying to cool my temper and stopping myself from tearing the letter to pieces even before reading it.

Granger,

As you are aware we have been paired by the Ministry and have till the month's end to wed. I would like to know your plans for the same so that I can inform the Ministry about the date and venue.

Personally, I do not wish for it to be a very big affair. My mother shall not be attending. If you want your parents' presence, I suggest doing it in Hogsmead. If not, I do not mind if it takes place at Hogwarts, as a small ceremony would do .Also, if I may, I would prefer it on 26th of this month.

I shall be awaiting your reply.

Draco Malfoy

"This boy has the nerve!" I said through gritted teeth. Of course his mother would not attend. The pureblood wife of a Death Eater would definitely not want to bear witness to their only son marrying a muggleborn.

"What does he say?" Ginny asked me after waiting for me to speak up and realizing that I wasn't saying any more.

"He wants to know what I have planned as he needs to inform the Ministry. His mother will not be attending, like I care or want them anywhere near me. I think I would be more willing to hex them into oblivion than say 'I do'. But what surprises me is that he has the nerve to ask if my parents will be attending."

"He actually asked that?" Ginny asked, surprised.

"Yes. Never mind that now. So Ron's marrying in a week here. So that means I need to decide how to tell him and make sure he does not end up in Azkaban before or after his marriage." I smiled at Ginny. I realized in all my problems she was not being able to enjoy it as much as she wants to. Moreover I had till 26th; I would at least enjoy my two best friends' wedding before going to the gallows.

That day after lunch, I went down to the library and wrote a letter to Malfoy. I had already decided that I wouldn't involve my parents even if Lucius Malfoy wouldn't be there. So a small ceremony here at Hogwarts seemed fine. Moreover the date couldn't be better. Harry and Ron would be done by then so I would be able to enjoy their wedding at least. So I wrote back saying I was okay with his decision. As I wrote the letter I wondered what the world had come to. I was agreeing to something that Malfoy had said.

The week passed pretty quickly. Throughout the day we were busy with our classes. By the time we returned to the common room we would have the burden of our home works. Since we wanted to keep our weekend free; that meant studying for late at nights. The occasional free time that we got, I made sure to actively participate in the wedding discussions with Ginny. After four days of the same behavior, she finally asked me over dinner, "Are you alright?"

"Yes." I replied looking at her as if I did not know why she would ask such a stupid question.

"So you are fine with Malfoy now?" not sure how else to say it but still apprehensive about the fact that I would be enraged again.

"No, but I don't see why I should let him spoil my mood for my friends' weddings. I still have half a month and I would prefer to utilize my time and effort in more productive things rather pent up my anger for him." Ginny seemed relieved to hear that because after that she did not bring that topic again.

Saturday morning was a complete chaos. As I stood in the girls' bathroom telling Ginny that she looked absolutely fine, I wondered what she would be like on her own wedding if she was fussing so much over Ron's. She looked absolutely gorgeous in her peach gown. Her red flaming hair pulled in an up do with a few stray hairs falling on her shoulders. I, on the other hand, was wearing a Prussian blue one that I had got from one of the shops here in Hogsmead.

Finally convincing Ginny that if we did not leave, we would miss the wedding, we headed for the venue. It was a small stone cottage with large windows. The sunrays that entered through the tinted glass made it almost perfect for the occasion.

By the time we reached, the Weasleys were already there. I had to say, Ron looked pretty good in his black dress robes.

"Hey, congrats." I said giving him a hug and smiled. "Nervous?" I asked after he had meekly smiled and refused to open his mouth. I smiled up at him. "Ron, you finished horcruxs, its only saying 'I do'."

"Well that seems a more difficult task at the moment." He replied.

"Relax. Everything will be fine. And now smile it's almost time." " Hey, Hermione." Harry had appeared beside me and gave me a small hug. We all fell into place, Harry, staying by Ron, as he was the best man. Mrs. Weasley was beaming. It was good to see all the Weasleys together. A few seconds later Susan walked in and the minimal chatter subsided.

After the ceremony, the Ministry official walked up to the newlyweds and extended his wishes. After which he informed them already known fact that Susan had a year to bear her first child, at which Ron turned beetroot red.

We all ended up in the Three Broomsticks some time after that. Mr. Weasley raised the toast to the new couple and Ron led Susan for their traditional dance. I noticed George sitting at one of the tables and made my way to him. As I approached him, he looked up and smiled. It was heartbreaking to see him like that because the smile was definitely nothing like usual. It was a sad one.

"Hey, congrats. I heard about you and Angelina. So when are you to getting married?" I asked sitting on the chair beside him.

"Tomorrow." He replied.

"Tomorrow? How come I didn't hear about it?" thinking back about the letter from Ron that had no mention of it.

"Probably because it was only decide two days back." George replied. "Mom wanted a proper ceremony but Angelina and I decided to keep it as simple as possible. We are going down to the Ministry to fulfill the formalities. I don't want anything big." He was staring at his glass. Fred had been a part of him. They had been practically inseparable and now everything had changed. I reached up and touched his hands. He looked up and tried smiling at me. Then in an attempt to change the topic he asked "So, who are you marrying and when?"

"Yeah, Ginny wouldn't say anything either. She said I should ask you." Harry had appeared by my side.

I knew this was about to happen, just how to get out of this situation, was the most important question now. I tried faking a smile and replied "Fluffy, loyal and completely adept at protecting me. Really guys, Ron just got married. Let's first enjoy the occasion." Thankfully Ron chose that moment to ask me for a dance and I was spared from the rest of the conversation. But not before Harry gave me a weird look. Of course that boy saw more into matter these days.

When it was time to leave, all the Weasleys were going back to The Burrow, Harry said he would walk me to the gates. After saying my goodbyes and wishing George, we made our way towards the castle. When we were half way there, Harry confronted me. "Hermione, who are you marrying?"

I knew I would be hard to keep it from him now. Ron had been too busy but Harry wouldn't let go until he got an answer. Nevertheless I tried one last time. "Harry, I-"

"Hermione, I know you are trying to avoid the question, I want to know why?" We had stopped walking and he was squarely looking in my eyes. Realizing that I couldn't keep it any longer, I took a deep breath and said "Malfoy."

Harry looked at me like I had just said that I was a Death Eater myself. After a few seconds, he shook his head and said, "You are joking. You can't mean Draco Malfoy."

"Of course not, I mean Lucius Malfoy." Though even saying that creeped me out. It really wasn't worth even joking about. I sighed.

"It is Draco Malfoy, Harry. And don't look at me like that." I said "There is no other way, I talked to McGonagall too. And for your knowledge, none of this would have happened if you hadn't saved them." I said even before he opened his mouth, my frustration over myself returning again.

"I had no idea something like this could ever happen. If his mother had not…." He trailed off. "I am sorry Hermione." I knew none of this was his fault. I had even supported his decision then. How were we to know I would end up being paired with Draco Malfoy for the Marriage Law and it was so typical for Harry to feel like it was his fault.

"I know Harry, it's not your fault."

"Ron doesn't know yet."

"I don't know how to tell him either."

"Has the day been finalized?" We had started walking again.

"Yes, it's 26th of this month. It will be here at school, just a ceremony. He wrote saying his mother won't be present, which I consider a saving grace. I wrote a letter to my parents, trying to keep it as convincing as possible. But I still don't know how to tell Ron."

"Don't worry, we'll find a way." We had reached the castle and after a last hug, Harry disapparated.

Ginny returned on Monday morning for the classes. George and Angelina had gone down to the Ministry the day before and got married. As the week progressed, Ginny became more hysterical. But the good thing was that in trying to calm her, I had forgotten that it was only a week to my own wedding.

Saturday morning, Mrs. Weasley arrived with Ginny's wedding gown, a pure white ensemble with a sequined work on the front. The castle was abuzz with curiosity. Professor McGonagall had to restrict the students from going near the lake saying that if she found any student even remotely close, they were sure to get a month worth of detention.

Harry looked at peace, standing there waiting for Ginny and when finally they were wedded, I realized I had never seen him so happy.

It was after all the formalities were completed, that Harry and Ginny walked up to me. I congratulated them both feeling really happy for both my best friends. "Hey. Happy birthday. From next year, we'll celebrate this day for dual reasons." Ginny said with a hug.

"Are you planning to tell Ron about Malfoy?" Harry asked. I knew both of them were worried about his reaction, so was I. I was about to tell them that I had decided to tell Ron when I heard him.

"Tell me what about Malfoy?" Ron looked at the three of us and asked, "What am I missing?" Harry and Ginny looked at me. Ron turned towards me and after staring at me for probably a minute or so, it suddenly hit him. "No. No, no, no. No! You are marrying HIM? Are you mental? And why am I the last to know or didn't you intend to tell me?" I knew he would be furious.

"Ron, please-"Harry started saying but Ron stopped him short.

"When did you come to know?" Harry looked at me once and replied, "Last Saturday."

"Last Saturday? You mean the day I married? And you didn't tell me?" Ron was looking at me. It hurt me to see him hurt like that. Hiding it was not intentional. I needed to tell him that. But before that I had to find my voice. I took a deep breath and looked up at him in the eyes and said, "I am sorry Ron. I know I should have told you before, but I really didn't know what to say. Moreover I didn't want to ruin your special day. Please Ron."

He took a step towards me. Then unable to decide what to do just shook his head and said, "I don't know what to say Hermione. Maybe I should have just-"I couldn't let him feel that. It was just a week. It wasn't fair on Susan.

"Ron, don't blame yourself. It was my decision. I need you to stand by me. We have survived so much together. As long as I have you all, I know I'll be fine." Ron just stared at me for a minute and asked, "When?"

"Next Saturday, here at Hogwarts." I knew he would be here. I thanked God that it had gone better than I had anticipated. He hugged me then and said, "Just remember I'm always there."