Chapter Three: Get Over It

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry, of the Potter kind; I do have my own Harry though. He sits beside me in my ENGL 324-01 class.

A/N: Some readers are confused as to who is alive and who is dead. I suggest going back and reading more carefully. As to Ron's dead mother, yes she is dead, yes he talks of her as though she is alive. It's done with purpose, and it's a little secondary plot. Sorry to confuse anyone, but I don't really put up warnings. You have to catch the weird little incidents as they come. Cheers.

"I hope you die" Hermione seethed as they exited the office escorted by aurors; separated by a mere meter. Like two snapping dogs they baited each other maliciously and spat snide remarks.

"Mudbloods first" he growled back with a sneer.

"Come on Hermione" Harry said grabbing her arm and leading her quickly out of the reception area and out of the ministry. "YES YOUR MUDBLOOD WIFE!" Hermione screamed as Harry dragged her out the door. She shook herself free of Harry's hands and began marching down the long hall towards the lift.

Harry followed behind timidly. He rubbed the bridge of his nose tiredly. He also had to attend Ron's meeting, would he be able to handle it after this? It all depended on whom Ron had to marry. "Hermione" Harry called weakly after her; she was already meters ahead of him.

But before she even made it to the lifts, Hermione stopped dead in the hall. Harry halted a good distance away and cautiously watched her. Hermione's body shook and her fists curled at her sides. Harry had seen this once before and it had not been pretty. He covered his ears and shut his eyes praying for it to be over quickly.

Hermione's mouth opened wide and she screamed in rage and frustration; shattering all of the glass on that floor.

The aurors finally let go of Draco's arms as Granger left through the door.

"Room 18, there appears to be a security issue" the little radio on the blonde aurors belt sighed tiredly. The two aurors gave Draco a reproving look "watch yourself little boy" the brunette beast said coming too close to Draco for his liking. Then they turned away and walked off to their next problem couple. Draco stuck his tongue out after them.

"Aw mate" Blaise chuckled looking at his best friend, "I'm sorry for your misfortune. After all, your mudblood wife just left through that door"

"Shut up!" Draco snapped. As soon as the words left his mouth, the glass on every door in the room shattered.

"Noooo!" Hermione cried loudly as she sat on the common room floor surrounded by Harry, Ron and Ginny. "No, no, no, nu-no!" she sang loudly banging her hands on the table before her. People began to stare, and then they started to whisper. Hermione seemed oblivious to this.

Harry rolled his eyes and looked to Ron who was utterly confused with Hermione's odd behavior. They had all been confused with her lately, and perhaps Malfoy was just the last chip on her shoulder Hermione could handle. None of them had had it easy since they came back to school, and it seemed that every horrible thing that had happened to them in the span of eight years had finally hit the ceiling. The shit was piled high. Hermione just happened to be the first to lose her wits.

"Hermione, I think it's a good idea" said the voice of reason, namely Ginny.

"Inviting him to the Burrow? Do you know how stupid that would be?" Hermione asked in an exaggerated tone. It had been a mere two days since she had found out she was required to marry Malfoy. During those two days the majority of the school had been matched with their respected others. Harry and Ginny were to be married, of course, it was hardly a surprise. Ron was to marry Eloise Midgen. It could have been worse for him, Eloise was a nice girl, and at least her acne had finally cleared up. Understandably though, Ron was less than thrilled, but he considered himself lucky. Most others got off lucky as well, at least being matched within their houses, all but Hermione.

She had yet to send any word to her parents about the whole ordeal. Hermione was terrified at the thought of telling her father about whom she had to marry. He had been less than pleased when Hermione had explained such a law was possible many months ago. He had spent days ranting and raving, throwing things about the house in the name of injustice.

But now to know it had happened, and that his only daughter had to marry the man she hated most…well, it would be a sordid affair when her fiancé and father met. Hermione's brain rattled with a sudden thought. What if her father came charging to the school in an angry fit threatening to kill Malfoy? Hermione smiled at the thought, it was a pleasant one. Wait, had Malfoy told his parents? What if Malfoy's parents came bursting into the damn school sending curses at her? Hermione groaned and placed her head on the table.

In the two days since finding Malfoy was her intended Hermione had successfully managed to avoid him at every corner. This was an amazing feat considering they had all of the same classes but one. They never looked at one another, shared not even a word, dared not even to breath the same air.

In the halls, during meals, in class, teachers and students would always keep a watchful eye on the two of them. Apparently news of the ministry fiasco had taken wind and flown directly into everybody's ears. So they toed about one another. Both were cautious about the tests that might be thrown their way. So far nothing had appeared, perhaps if they avoided one another there would be no problem between them. Not until they had to fornicate anyway, Hermione was looking forward to no such thing. In fact, she would rather die on a broom than get in bed with Malfoy. She was sure the feeling was more that mutual.

The whole school was rather confused. Hermione could see why. People had probably expected her and Malfoy to come back more violent than ever before. Hell, they disliked each other much more now. But to be cursing one another would bring no good to what was already a miserable situation. Hermione was terrified of the supposed tests that were to randomly come their way. The thought of failure was too much to tolerate, and it seemed rather…deadly.

Dear Mother,

I am writing to inform you of who has been picked as my spouse. I assure you that there was nothing I could do to fix it…It is the mudblood-

Mother Dearest!

I have been ordered by the law to marry a filthy mudblood! Granger!

Draco crumpled this one as well and threw it into his bin. He pulled out another piece of parchment, and began to write feverishly…

Dear Mother,

I have been ordered to marry Hermione Granger. Break the news to father. Love the sweater you sent, excited to see you soon!

Dracididdums

He leaned back and reread his stupid letter. It was the best he could do. How on earth was he to explain to his parents that he had to marry Hermione Granger, or sire children with her? Merlin, that would not go over well at all… but it wasn't as though they could be mad at him about it. After all, it was the ministry's decision, not his or hers. Perhaps his father would attempt to buy his way out? There was a loophole to every ministry law.

Draco grabbed the letter and stood up; he needed to go find his owl in the owlry, it was about time his parents found out.

Hermione was tying her letter to an anxious Hedwig. It was so short and terse, but Hermione was at a loss as to what to write. It wasn't as though she could do much; it wasn't her damn fault she had to marry Malfoy. Her parents would be mortified and furious. After all she was going to marry the very same boy she complained and cried about every summer.

Mom,

I have to marry Draco Malfoy. I'll see you soon and we'll talk about it. Break the news to dad gently.

Love,

Hermione

"What are you doing here?" came the cool chiding voice from behind her.

Hermione groaned outwardly, "Maybe it would be best for you to leave Malfoy, I do have my wand on me, I might accidentally decapitate you with a slip of my hand" Hermione threatened frivolously. She was still struggling to tie the letter to Hedwig. Her hands were now trembling with rage at the arrival of Malfoy. Why did he have to pop up now? She had easily shunned him since the meeting, and now he had to ruin what was left of her night? Merlin, how on earth would she manage living with him? No, best not to think of such things yet. There was still time before that, a whole two months.

A cool breeze flew in from the owlry window and Draco took a deep breath. She was just a girl, not much to fear. He turned and looked at her with disdain. Her hair was a mess, her features plain. At least she had what could be a decent body under that horrid uniform. For him it was more than just a wife. He needed a woman firstly, and secondly he needed a woman who could uphold those pureblood Malfoy standards. He didn't think Granger would be up to it. But then again, he wasn't exactly her ideal mate either. Granger probably wanted something stupid like to marrying for love. Ha!

"Whatever. I'm not scared of you. Besides, it would get you in a lot of trouble if you were to decapitate your fiancé" he said looking along the rows of owls for his own owl Hermes. To be honest, he was a little worried about being so close to Granger, and in such seclusion. But he couldn't let her see him sweat; he couldn't let her think she had him beat already.

"I wouldn't get in trouble if nobody found you. Pardon, I mean parts of you" Hermione said successfully tying her letter. Hedwig spread her wings and flew out the large window. Hermione turned and winked at Malfoy, then walked past him without another word.

Draco watched her go down the stone stairs, her shoes clicking with every step, a lump forming in his throat. Perhaps he should take every intimidation from Granger's lips seriously, she was capable, and there was no denying that.

Hermione ate breakfast the next day on the edge of her seat, anxiously looking up for Hedwig to appear. Her parents would have had to reply right away, Hedwig would have made sure of it. Hermione was worried. But luckily she couldn't receive a howler…still Malfoy might. She was certain he had been sending a letter to his own parents last night. Hermione thought that avoiding anymore public embarrassment would be prime.

Her breath caught as she saw a flash of white in a flock of brown. Harry, who was sitting beside her, followed her gaze and looked up to watch the arrival of mail. Hedwig dropped down on the table before them. Hermione quickly untied the reply from her leg. "Here" she said pushing her plate towards Hedwig as she stood from the table.

"Where are you going Hermione?" Ginny asked in exasperation.

"I'll be back in a second" Hermione said walking briskly out of the great hall, the letter clenched tightly in her hand.

"I'll be right back" Draco said standing from the table.

"Where are you going mate?" Blaise asked looking up from his plate.

"Don't worry about it" Draco said absentmindedly as he stumbled off of the bench and shuffled out of the hall, letters in hand.

Blaise sighed and watched his friend leave. "I hate this" Pansy whined from beside him. The whole school knew she was pining over Draco. Even if they had not dated in nearly three years.

"Who doesn't?" Blaise asked with a scowl, "I wanted to be a bachelor for a while longer. I haven't nearly whored myself enough. I'll be married a virgin" Blaise muttered looking down the table where Millicent sat. His beautiful fiancé. He was going to marry a large hairy man with a vagina. As far as he could see, Draco had gotten it good. While Granger was disagreeable, she was guaranteed to be better looking naked than Millicent. There was nothing to surprise him under dear old Millie's cloths, they barely covered her anyway.

"Blaise, you're hardly a virgin" Pansy said in a tittering tone as she chewed her dry toast, "You've been around most of the school. You've even had a romp with most Gryffindor's" she said bitterly.

A disgusted look came over Blaise's face. "Pansy, just call it sex" he muttered unpleasantly "Besides, I'll kill myself before I 'romp' with Millicent. I don't know how on earth I'm going to get her pregnant" he muttered.

"There are other ways" Pansy said with a shrug.

"Oh?" Blaise asked with casual interest. Inside he was ecstatic, anything to avoid touching the beast was golden.

"Yes, just tell her you're having ejaculation problems and that your little men are weak. Then convince her to take a contraceptive potion, you jack off into a cup, and whuz-pa!" she said with a flourish of a wand indicating some spell. She then smiled sweetly and took another bite of her toast.

"That easy?" Blaise asked in surprise.

"Oh sure it sounds easy. But I'm sure Millicent would love to bag you. You're going to have trouble convincing her that you won't conceive just with sex. And even after that, she might just want to screw. Looking the way she does, she's probably desperate. This for her is a miracle" Pansy said lightly dropping her half eaten piece of toast back on her plate with repugnance.

Blaise looked back down at Millicent; she turned and smiled at him. He sighed and dropped his head on the table.

Draco turned left at the door and began to tear at his first letter quickly, he noticed his fathers seal upon it. He heard a loud groan and looked up. Granger sat on the stairs reading her own letter. He would deal with her later, his eyes dropped back to his letter.

Draco!

Did you honestly think your mother would care to read the mail? Did you think you would get away with this by having your mother tell me?

It had been a risk…

Granger? Granger? The bushy headed big toothed mudblood? I am disappointed. I will immediately be heading to the ministry today to sort out this issue. It cannot go on unresolved. This is preposterous, ridiculous! My son being forced to marry someone like her? Don't tell your mother, no point in worrying her over nothing.

Father

He folded the letter back up. It could have been worse. But for now it seemed he was out of trouble, his father would surely attempt to fix the situation. But Draco was unsure of how much his father could do; after all, he was now of age, his father could no longer help him out of tough situations as easily as before. He began to open the next letter. A familiar scent floated from the paper, it was from his mother.

Draco!

Did your father honestly think I wouldn't see your letter? The idiot. Listen son, I think this marriage is a perfectly good idea. So stop the silly pouting and move along with it all. Hermione Granger is a perfectly respected woman and a wonderful match for you. If you want to move on if life and make something of yourself, it cannot be following in your father's uptight blood ideals. Make your mother proud. Do the right thing for once, and do it on your own terms.

Mum

Draco had to reread this letter twice. His mother actually thought marrying Granger was a good idea? It was conceivable to see why, but all the same Draco didn't care much for the matching. Currently though he was worried about what his mother would do to his father when she found out that he planned to go to the ministry and change the situation. Draco folded this letter back up too and placed it in his pocket.

Tiredly leaning against the wall he cast a sideways glance at Granger. She was still reading her letter, not having noticed him. He wondered what he parents thought of this. They were not likely pleased; in fact, Draco was a little scared of her father coming to strangle him with his bare hands. The Granger's seemed like a rather violent family.

"What did they say?" he asked.

Granger looked up in shock. Her eyes narrowed and lips turned seeing it was Malfoy. "What do you think? They are hardly pleased with this. My father wants to kill you. My mother hates it too, but she thinks it could turn out to be a good thing. I have no idea where she got that idea" she muttered folding her letter and stuffing it into her book bag.

"We're going to have to get along" Draco said with a sigh. He said it arbitrarily, to no one in particular, just to himself and the world. An indefinite statement.

"We'll have to do more than that" Granger said standing and straightening her skirt. Draco winced, it was true, but he'd rather not think of that matter.

She walked past him coolly, her arm gently brushing against his stomach.

"OW!" Hermione screamed jumped away from Malfoy. Her book bag slid of her shoulder and thumped to the floor, its contents clattering away.

He doubled over dropping his bag on the floor.

"You jerk! What did you do?" she cried; thinking he was bent over laughing. A moment later she realized he was bending over in pain. "Malfoy?" she asked walking back to him. She touched his shoulder gently.

"SHIT!" she cried jumping away from him again. Another violent shock ran through her body causing everything to feel like it was being pinched simultaneously. "What are you doing?" she asked tearfully cradling her hand, it was still burning.

Malfoy straightened up and leaned against the wall. Hermione could see a flush creeping along his cheeks and on his neck. "Fuck, that bloody hurt" he groaned softly "What are you playing at Granger?" he asked angrily. His eyes glinted with fury and pain, his face was set in stone, only a small wince remained on his lips. "Argh" he moaned bending over again.

Hermione moved closer to him, her shoes clicking on the floor of the empty foyer. She inspected him carefully. Indeed his wand was not on his person; Hermione noted it poking out of his bag. That meant that Malfoy couldn't possibly be causing the shocks, besides, why would he hurt himself? She reached to touch his face cautiously, her fingers hovering right by his cheek. Was it worth it? What if she caused more damage?

"Don't" he groaned again shutting his eyes. "Every time you touch me I feel like I'm under the cruciatus" he breathed loudly grabbing his sides in desperation for some unseen relief.

Her hand dropped to her side. "Don't be so dramatic" Hermione said with disdain, "It's not that bad". She still felt a light buzz, and she was dizzy, but indeed she was not doubled over in pain like him.

Draco's eyes opened and he stared at her coldly. Hermione shivered and stepped away from him, "Trust me, it hurts" he wheezed.

Hermione bit her lip and frowned at Malfoy. He appeared to be in genuine pain, but what could she do? "Do you want me to go get you someone to take you to the hospital wing?" she asked nervously. Malfoy was not looking well. His whole body was flushed now and his breathing was dangerously shallow.

"No…I'm fine" he said pushing of the wall and forcing himself to stand straight. He turned away from her and walked to the stairs. Suddenly his knees buckled and he went forward. Without thinking Hermione reached for him, her hand grabbed his jacket to slow him down. She succeeded in doing so, but in return a horrible pain shook her to her bones.

She dropped to the floor behind him holding her chest and trying to wait the pain out. It felt exactly like a crucio. Was this a cruel joke, or was this one of those little tests sent their way to ensure a prosperous marriage? How could the marriage be prosperous if they were both dead?

Hermione doubled over and laid her head on her knees. Slowly the pain ebbed away, but not by much. She looked up and saw Malfoy lying on the ground in front of her not moving. "Come on, get up. We seriously need to get to the hospital wing" she muttered trembling to her feet.

Malfoy didn't move. "Oh please" she said in annoyance, "It can't hurt you more than it hurts me". He still didn't move. Luckily he was no longer flushed; in fact…he was pale. This worried Hermione more. She couldn't even tell if he was returning to his natural colour, or if this was a dangerous shade "Get over it!" she yelled; hiding her anxiety with anger.

Hermione turned and stumbled back to the great hall gripping the walls for support, "Harry" she called weakly from the door.

Harry looked up at her breaking his intensely quiet conversation with Ron. Seeing her awkward stature and flushed face; worry and adrenaline rushed through Harry's system. His hero complex returned in full force after a year long break. He jumped off the bench and ran to her. The whole hall turned to stare; teachers began to rise out of their seats.