Hey - I'm back! Nice and quick update because I've been having loadsa' ideas lately. Got a few more ideas to come int the near future *signature Draco smirk*. Don't forget to review or PM... blah blah blah - I'm sure you've heard it before but please do leave your thoughts and suggestions.
Onto the reviews:
.Love: Thanks for the review and I'm glad you like it! I know things kinda suck for George at the moment but in the next few chapters things will start to look up ;)
Guest: Thanks for reviewing and once again I'm glad you've enjoyed my writing. All I can say is that I'm excited to write about their developing relationship. I've taken onboard some suggestions and I had a few ideas today so I cant wait to write some more! Just keep on reading to see what happens!
TheAngelOnYourRight: You're welcome and considering how you're my most loyal reviewer - consider part of the story just for you - I'm glad I made you feel extra special! Fred is one of my favourite characters so even though he's gone I wanted him to play a part in this story and I think it's the perfect chance to develop Angelina and George's relationship and add depth to their characters. As the story progresses you'll see a few tricks I have up my sleeve ;) Draco and Hermione won't know what hit them! Glad you liked it and keep on reviewing!
Without further adue...
When Forces Collide
-After the wizarding war ended the magical population hit an all time low and all of the students have returned to a rebuilt Hogwarts to finish their school year. As a result the Ministry of Magic have issued a new law. A marriage law. Now every wizard aged 16 to 35 is paired up – no exceptions. So what happens when soul mates are split, enemies are matched and friends are torn apart?
Weeks had gone past since The Evening It Happened – as it was being referred to. Hermione hadn't mentioned the ripped paper although the missing corner still played on her mind. Draco and Hermione lived in an agreed silence. Not unwelcomed yet not comfortable. The bedroom would go to the person who got there first, which of course was always Hermione meaning Draco barely even tried anymore as he knew he would ALWAYS be sleeping on the couch.
Angelina moved into Hogwarts as she couldn't bare to face George after their rather one sided fight. She shared a room with Harry and Harry being the gentleman he was; voluntarily slept on the couch until Angelina demanded he stopped being silly and got into bed. She argued that they were both adult enough to share a bed considering how nothing was going to happen and Harry didn't want to be the source of any more stress. That was the last thing Angeline needed: another problem. Since the fight Angelina had made herself physically sick from worry. Almost every morning Harry would find the witch clinging onto the toilet, shaking. He didn't say anything as he didn't feel it was his place however he kept an eye on her. She wasn't eating and was becoming worryingly thin. Ginny had said that he should say something however he still remained the silent roommate.
After discovering that Bill and Fleur weren't going to be split considering as they were already married with a child on the way; the more shocking news was that Percy and Penelope remained together. The seemingly random formula which calculated their partners seemed to have magically left two ministry workers, one who worked closely to the wizards who enforced the law, together. This didn't go unnoticed by friends and family however when questioned about their luck; both Percy and Penelope always needed to leave urgently.
Luna and Ron had perhaps struggled the most with the new arrangements. She tuned in and out frequently which was starting to irritate Ron. Ron's lack of understanding caused him to randomly scream at Luna to 'be more normal' or to 'stop talking to imaginary friends'. These outbursts went unnoticed by Luna as she continued to unknowingly annoy Ron. In turn, Ron would irritate Ginny by complaining about his future wife and how unfair it was that he wasn't paired with Hermione.
Ginny took her frustrations out on poor Lee. He wasn't the same after the war. He still likes a laugh and rarely took things seriously however when Ginny would yell and scream about Ron the shouting only reminded him of the war and lost friends. It put out the spark in his eyes.
George was MIA. After the fight he cut contact with everyone excluding his mother for even though he was an adults; he feared Molly's wrath. None of his friends had heard from him, including Angelina which was part of the reason she was worrying, Harry thought.
In Draco's circle – things weren't much better. He didn't know why he ripped the paper where he did however considering she didn't bring it up; he didn't either. Blaise despised Lavender and frequently visited his and Hermione's room. So much so that he had claimed one of the seats as his own and regularly fell asleep there instead of returning to his whiney, needy partner. Lastly, Pansy had been left alone in the apartment considering how George wouldn't be in the same postcode as Angelina; let alone the same building. Draco and Blaise began visiting less and less as they had there own problems. Pansy didn't like to be seen as the needy, lonely girl however she couldn't deny how much she missed her boy's company.
Exactly 3 weeks and 2 days since The Evening It Happened; after Angelina had thrown up as usual; did it finally dawn on her how she could get George back. There was one loophole in the marriage arrangement that suited her perfectly. She wondered how she could be so blind. It was obvious. After scribbling down furiously a letter to the Minister, who she knew personally, she left the room with a smile on her face for the first time since the law.
Hermione however, didn't have a grin on her face. She rarely did anymore. Today, like most others, the source of her frustration was none other than the Slytherin Prince himself: Malfoy. It was precisely one month into the new law and by law; all participants who were still in education were required to attend a Life Class – with their soon to be spouse. By way of note; which is how they'd taken to communicating; it was agreed that they'd meet outside the Grand Hall twelve minutes before class was set to start. However, Hermione was shivering outside the main hall – ALONE – with only three minutes until the start of their new class. All the other partners had gone in and settled however Draco was yet to appear…
~~~ GEORGE AND ANGELINA ~~~
Meanwhile, Molly had finally persuaded George to come home for a meal and fearing his life, he reluctantly accepted. He had arrived at the Burrow at twelve for lunch with the family excluding Ron and Ginny. As they all settled down idle small talk was exchanged before George snapped.
"I KNOW YOU'RE ALL THINKING IT SO SOMEONE—JUST SAY IT!" George shouted, rising from his seat simultaneously. Bill, Percy and Arthur all stood too –trying to diffuse the tension. Bill spoke calmly first:
"We're just worried about you mate. We want to help."
Georges eyes wandered around the family home, looking anywhere but Bill and Fleur. Deep down he knew it wasn't their fault however he couldn't stop wondering: If they wanted to split up couples – why not Bill and Fleur instead. Was that too selfish to ask? For once – couldn't things go his way?
Before he had a chance to respond a familiar 'pop' echoed through the house and a frantic looking Angelina came tumbling down the stairs.
"I'm leaving.." George stated but before he could apparate away Angelina said something that stopped him dead in his tracks…
~~~ LIFE CLASSES ~~~
As classes started the was still no sign of Draco so Hermione was forced to walk in alone. She took a seat next to Ginny ready for the lesson to begin. Professor McGonagall stood at the front of the classroom and began to speak.
"Students. After giving you time to adjust to the changes; the ministry has made it mandatory for all those taking part to attend these classes I…" The witches eyes drifted towards the back of the room.
Hermione didn't even have to turn around, she'd recognize that voice anywhere.
"Sorry I'm late – I was escorting a ministry worker here – apparently she'll be taking this class from now on." Without looking his way; Hermione could hear the smirk in his voice. What she didn't expect to hear only seconds after was an insufferably high pitched giggle. Everyone in the class instantly knew who owned that laugh. She was back...
DISCLAIMER: I (unfortunately) don't own Harry Potter *sigh* however if JKR wants to hand over the rights - I'm up for it ;)
I know I know... Two cliffhangers! I'm too horrible! Love it or hate it?! Leave me a review or PM to let me know.
Now just for you guy I'll leave you another cheeky little preview:
"You completely humiliated me Draco! In front of everyone!" Hermione yelled - arms flailing. "I can't forgive you for this - not yet at least. Being civil clearly isn't working as you don't seem to understand the BLOODY definition of kind so how about this: I'll pretend you're dead and you treat me like a Princess for the next twenty years or so help me Merlin..." She snarled, "You'll WISH you were dead..."
So what do you think Draco did? And what will he do to fix it?! Have a guess in the form of a review!
Until next time, love you guys
-ScarsAndStars
