Alright, this is for Morgan, because it was her birthday a few days ago. Happy Birthday.

This chapter might seem to have a different voice, but I'm feeling weird in the funny way. The funny ha-ha way. So that's why that's like that.

What else… … … … ………….

Ummm, it shall also be short because I didn't like the first draft so I deleted it, and now I'm running out of ideas.

And, oh yeah!

Disclaimer: See previous chapter.

ENJOY!


Hermione placed a hand on George's arm. "Don't provoke him, George, please? We don't need any trouble."

Softly, he laid his hand on hers. "Don't worry Hermione." He stood up and faced the brown haired man. "As a matter of fact, I am. I was telling Hermione how you and I first met. On the train, with the sun shinning, you kicking me… 'Twas a glorious day it was…" He trailed off, sighing.

"Y'know Weasley," Manning hissed, "You are really starting to get on my nerves. You are so lucky Dumbledore-"

The old man with long white hair himself stood up. "Students, teachers and all others present. I have a special announcement. Since the Ministry of Magic is invoking a new curriculum this year, Defence Against the Dark Arts will be split into two and will be replacing History of Magic."

The students cheered. It was common knowledge that nobody, except perhaps Hermione, liked History of Magic.

"What?" Hermione asked of George. "I'm perfectly capable of teaching Defence. And why are they replacing History of Magic? Don't you think learning about Goblin Wars and Wizarding traditions are important? Moreover, what is Professor Binns supposed to do?" She turned to him fully, her eyes searching his, as if he held all the answers behind his blue irises.

Scratching the back of his head, George smartly replied, "Um…." He glanced at Dumbledore who was still talking ("This man is a Hogwarts alumni and has exceeded in Defence Against the Dark Arts."), and patted Hermione's arm. "Listen love, Albus is just about to announce the new teacher."

Dumbledore raised his hands and gestured to the doors. "Allow me to introduce one of your new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher: Draco Malfoy."

"What!" Hermione cried.

Everyone in the Great Hall turned to look at her and she blushed. "That was a bit loud," George commented.

"Yes, I suppose it was… Sorry!" she called to the hall.

Meanwhile, Draco Malfoy was walking up to the Head Table. He nodded to each of the teachers and gracefully sat down in the chair beside Hermione as was proper because they were partners. Hermione instinctively moved closer to George who wrapped an arm around her.

"Come now Granger," Malfoy drawled. "It's not like I'm going to curse you. We are partners after all."

"What?" Hermione snapped bitterly. "No stupid 'Mudblood' comments?"

He cocked an eyebrow. "Now why would I say that? It's not like we are not equals."

Hermione's eyes narrowed but she decided to take his own advice and ignore him. She turned to George and whispered, "Can we get out of here? There's something I need to say."

"Sure," he replied, surprised. George rose and pulled out Hermione's chair.

They walked silently to their living quarters, hand-in-hand. Once inside, Hermione sat on the loveseat while George sat on the couch across from her. "George," she whispered. "George, I've been doing some thinking. I've been going over the past six years and I've realized…" she trailed off and bowed her head, leaving George worried that something bad was about to happen. "I've realized that I love you so much; more than enough to spend the rest of my life with you."

George's eyes widened. In a flash, he was on his knees before her.

"So," she continued, still not looking at him, "I was wondering-"

"Hermione, will you marry me?" George asked breathlessly. "Please?" He placed his arms on either side of her and she fell into his arms, nodding.

"Yes."


Hermione walked to the Great Hall the next morning with a certain spring in her step. Anyone who passed her could see she was deliriously happy. She was grinning and kept glancing at her left hand where a gold band with a single diamond sat on her ring finger.

"Hello Granger," a certain blond person drawled. "Happy today, aren't you?"

Hermione glanced at him. "Not even you can ruin my mood today Malfoy. Do you know why? Because I'm ENGAGED!" Her grin became wider and she rubbed her ring. "Oh my goodness," she whispered to herself, "I'm engaged." She promptly turned and ran back the way she came.

"Stupid Mudblood," Draco muttered to himself while walking to the Great Hall. "Always gets what she wants and when she does, her chocolate eyes shine, her creamy face glows and her perfect smile lights up. Stupid Granger."

He flounced through the doors and strutted up to the Head Table. Sitting down carefully, he turned to Dumbledore. "Albus," he said, "What exactly am I to do here?"

Dumbledore smiled at him, the twinkle in his eyes quite persistant. "Well, Draco, we have news that a new Dark Lord is rising. We would like you to teach the children Defence with out telling them exactly why."

"Oh wow. A new Dark Lord? That's not very good. That's very bad."

"Very bad indeed."


Fog swirled in his head.

You are doing wonderful Draco. Do you remember the plan?

'Yes Sir. Lure the Mudblood to the Chamber of Secrets then to the sacrificial table. I have to kill her in the name of the new Dark Lord.'

Wonderful Draco, Wonderful. I assume you have a strategy?

'I was thinking of telling her something she cares deeply about is trapped in the Chamber. She'll have to choice but to jump in to save it.'

Perfect, the voice purred in satisfaction. You are an excellent servant Draco. Almost my equal. Your Lord thanks you. Your help shall be remembered quite well and you shall be rewarded.

'Thank you, My Lord.'

It is of no matter. Your Lord is generous and merciful. And have no worries. I shall not brand you like my predessecor did. I wish to believe that you will not stray, hmm Draco?

'No My Lord, I shall stay true to your path."

Excellent. With your help Draco, I shall finally get rid of that insufferable man.

'Who, My Lord? Harry Potter.'

The voice scoffed. Of course not. I was talking about that blood-traitor: George Weasley.

The fog stopped all of a sudden and the blond collapsed with the stress and pain of it all.


I told you it would be short!

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, REVIEW! You'll make my heart happy. Just push the mauve button… is it mauve? Whatever… just review, please.

Mandy