Disclaimer – Don't own the characters, or some of the plot; it all belongs to the wonderful J.K. Rowling. What would we have done without her?

Early chapter because I am so amazed with the number of people who have put this story on their alert list Enjoy.

The One with the Seven Suitors

Ron

"This is silly." Hermione said, laughing at Ron as he handed her a bouquet of flowers.

"I'm simply trying to be a gentleman. Wouldn't want you to pass me over for one of the lesser looking brothers." Ron smiled jokingly, watching as she smiled back uncomfortably.

"We both know I will probably end up picking you...but after they all offered so kindly, it is only fair I give them a chance to woo me." Hermione shrugged, "Besides, you and I had agreed months ago that we should just be friends."

"Regardless, I have to be the best choice. Anyway, I get you until 3 o'clock right? Then you have to go gallivanting off with Neville." Ron jousted, opening the door to Grimmauld Place, and apparating the two of them to Diagon Alley.

"I'm not looking forward to that, after last night," Hermione sighed, "But I can't marry him Ron – I just can't."

"That doesn't make sense to me but sure. Let's go get some ice cream, and then I will allow you to drag me around Flourish and Blotts for the rest of the afternoon." Ron nudged her gently and led her down the small, crowded streets of Diagon Alley.

Hours later, they were standing on the front stoop of Grimmauld Place, pockets full of shrunken books Hermione has purchased while they were out. She had snuck a few more adult titles in while Ron wasn't looking, hoping they would help settle her nerves about consummating a marriage in a month's time. She was distractedly looking around the empty street as she tried to avoid going back inside to meet Neville for their date.

"We should probably head in." Ron reminded gently, placing a hand comfortingly on her shoulder, "I probably shouldn't ask this...but why not Neville? Other than me, he is closest to your age and he has always been nice."

"Ron, I... It's hard to... I just don't..." Hermione shrugged not feeling up to voicing her thoughts at the moment.

"It's okay 'Mione. Don't worry about it." Ron pulled her into a hug, planting a kiss on top of her head.

"Ron?" Hermione asked suddenly.

"Yeah 'Mione?"

"Kiss me."

Ron looked into her eyes searching for signs of discomfort before he slowly lowered his lips to hers. It was a short, sweet kiss and it made them both feel slightly uncomfortable. They pulled apart and looked at each other before laughing loudly.

"I guess I'll end up with one of the less handsome brothers after all." Hermione smiled jokingly as Ron ruffled her hair affectionately.

"I'm so sorry 'Mione. I would do anything for you...but that was kind of like what I would imagine kissing Ginny would be like...god forbid we had to do anything else." Rob shuddered at the thought alone.

"I was just thinking how good of a brother you are Ron. Don't be sorry. Let's go inside, I need to get this over with." Hermione braced herself, before pulling open the door to Number 12 with a sigh.

Neville

Hermione stood outside the drawing room for what felt like ages. Trying to gather the courage to explain to Neville why this just couldn't work. She had told Ginny and Tonks last night, and broke down over how good of a friend Neville was and how upset this was bound to make him. Taking a deep breath and gathering all of her Gryffindor courage, she opened the door and walked in. Neville stood and made his way over to her, attempting to wrap his arms around her in a comforting hug but found himself facing the dangerous end of Hermione's wand.

"Whoa!" He exclaimed, stepping back until he hit the couch, "It's just me."

"Oh I'm sorry," Hermione ran a hand through her hair, "I'm just such a wreck lately Neville...I really need to explain some things to you."

"Sure Hermione. I just want you to know I could be a great husband, and I wouldn't mind being married to you – but if you have your reasons I understand. Don't be worried about me, I can petition someone else." Neville said all of this in one breath, sighing heavily when he was finished and looking to her for a reaction.

"God I wish it could be you," Hermione gave him a small smile, "Ron's too much like a brother and its going to be so awkward with everyone else but I just can't." She shook her head sadly, trying to gain more strength before continuing.

"How about some tea?" Neville offered, conjuring a small tea service on the table before them.

"Thanks," Hermione absent-mindedly stirred sugar into her tea before speaking softly, unsure if Neville could even hear her, "I can barely stand to be touched by a man...a simple gesture makes me so very uncomfortable...this is going to make the whole marriage thing almost unbearable to begin with but you...you just...youlooklikehimsomuch." She rushed the last bit of her impromptu speech, hoping he would miss it. It appeared he hadn't.

"Oh. Well I guess that would make things difficult then..." Neville trailed off uncertainly.

"I'm so sorry Neville, I know it isn't your fault and I wish I could do something about it but I can't simply make these feelings go away in a month...I just can't." Hermione began to cry quietly, her shoulders shaking and causing her to almost drug her cup of tea.

"It's not your fault anymore than it is mine Hermione. Don't be sorry...let me go get someone for you. See you at the next meeting." Neville hurried from the room, trying to remember where Ginny's room was when he bumped into Tonks on the stairs, "Hermione is in the drawing room, you may want to see to her," He shrugged before hurrying from Headquarters altogether.

Kingsley

Hermione was to meet Kingsley for breakfast early this morning. Her sleep last night had been fitful at best, but she supposed it could have been worse. Tonks had spent much of the evening comforting her, and rescheduling her date with Sirius until tomorrow night. This meant Hermione had to fit three dates in today and tomorrow. She had decided on breakfast with Kingsley because it was decidedly less date-like. Stepping carefully onto the front step of Grimmauld Place, Hermione apparated to the Leaky Cauldron, and told Tom she was there to meet Kingsley Shacklebolt. Tom led Hermione to a private dining room, and told her to head on in, Kingsley was expecting her.

"Hello Kingsley." Hermione smiled weakly as she made her way into the room. Noticing that there were flowers on the table, and breakfast was set out for two, "This looks nice."

"Hermione." Kingsley acknowledged. She knew at once, it wasn't going to be him...it was too strange. The auror was nice enough but had a gruff personality and never seemed to offer friendship to anybody but Remus.

"I hope your trip was safe." He continued, as Hermione sat down at the table, smelling the sunflowers and daisies he had arranged for her. He knew that this was a formality; Miss Granger would most likely be more comfortable marrying a Weasley or even Sirius. Someone closer to the family but he had felt a responsibility to offer, just as Remus had.

"It was. Ever since the wards were extended around Grimmauld Place, apparating has been a mighty convenient way to travel." Their conversation was stilted and awkward. Hermione sighed heavily before beginning to put some food on her plate...causing Kingsley to follow suit and begin to eat as well.

"Hermione I want you to know, if you choose me you will be safe. I would stop at nothing to protect you...and I have a family ring for you. It isn't much but I want you to feel comfortable in your decision and every bride deserves a ring." He had spoken so suddenly and after such a long silence that Hermione had jumped. For the first time in days, she had a genuine smile on her face.

"You don't know what that means to me Kingsley...I appreciate it so much, and I'm truly considering every option." Hermione struggled to voice her thoughts, not sure how to properly convey what she had on her mind.

"Won't it be Ron?"

"I don't think so," Hermione shrugged, "too much like a brother I believe."

"Ahhh..." No more words were spoken throughout breakfast, the two preferred to enjoy a comfortable companionship instead of attempting to make small talk that neither of them was interested in.

As they finished and stood, moving towards the door, Hermione found the need to gather her Gryffindor courage once more. Not believing what she was about to ask the auror for, she turned to him suddenly and looked him in the eye.

"I'm sort of...trying this with everyone...you don't mind do you?" Hermione said this all as quickly as she could between stutters before standing on her tip toes and planting a small kiss on his lips. Kingsley brought a hand to her cheek and held her in place for moment, deepening the kiss slightly before drawing back and kissing her on the forehead.

"Did it help you decide?" He asked patiently as she stood there slightly bewildered.

"Actually, I'm pretty sure that made it worse." With an odd little smile she gave him a brief hug, thanked him for a wonderful breakfast and left, her step a little lighter than it had been on her way into the Leaky Cauldron.

Fred/George

Hermione made her way into the alley behind the Leaky Cauldron, counting bricks and making her way into the magical world of Diagon Alley. It felt strange to be here again, after yesterday, since she didn't normally make such frequent trips but the twins had requested they meet her at their shop, and so that is what she was doing. She had tried to make the twins meet her separately, it's not like she could marry both of them. Of course, the twins spoke in circles until Hermione was so confused she agreed to meet them together. As she walked, Hermione reflected on her visit with Kingsley, surprised to note that if she initiated a kiss, she felt slightly more comfortable with the idea. Touching a guy in general still made her nervous, but at this point she wasn't sure if it was trauma or simply the situation they were all in. Minutes later Hermione arrived; it was quite a surprise to see the store, alive and bustling despite the hard times of the world. She supposed to twins had been right all along, despite what the Weasley matriarch said – people needed the laughter in this time of darkness.

"Hello Hermione." Fred greeted her cheerfully as she walked into the store, making his way towards her through the crowds.

"Fred." She smiled congenially, walking with him towards the back of the store, where George stood talking to two women in orange aprons.

"Our dearest date has arrived I see." George was smiling as he took in the sight of Hermione.

"Yes she has arrived..."

"Seems a bit brighter than..."

"When we saw her last!" The twins spoke in their usual manner, getting a small laugh from Hermione.

Hermione was introduced to the two salespeople Fred and George had hired, informed that they would be looking after the shop while the twins and her went out...and then ushered along into the depths of Diagon Alley to begin their date.

"We would like to..."

"Escort you to a picnic..."

"For lunch you see...as being..."

"Married to one of us..."

"You'll have to see the other lots." The twins explained their reasoning for the group date as they walked back towards the Leaky Cauldron to head into muggle London.

"That makes sense I suppose, but I would like to spend time with each of you alone as well." Hermione asked, trying not to make it seem like she was going to be comparing notes between the two of them.

"Or course, I shall escort you for a few hours after the picnic." Fred smiled.

"And then he shall drop you back here at our apartment, and I shall entertain you from there." George also smiled.

Hermione could tell they were trying hard to make her more comfortable with the situation. She believed the last thing they wanted was for her to be a wreck like she was last time they saw her. Thinking of that night, she twisted her band and jumped when it shocked her painfully. The twins tried their best to ignore this, simply leading the way to a quiet park in muggle London. The trio spent the hours before lunch laughing and enjoying each other's company. Hermione realized that each of her...suitors (the word sounded strange to even think)...offered her different things. Kingsley offered her unfailing protection and apparently a wee bit of chemistry whereas the twins offered her a smile and companionship she would be hard pressed to pass up.

After lunch, George took his leave, going back to work at the shop while he waited her his turn to escort the lovely lady around town. His words, not hers. Fred was taking her to see a film at the cinema and then for ice cream so they could talk. When they arrived at the cinema and Hermione saw the movie that was playing, she looked questioningly at Fred, a huge smile on her face.

"Harry said it was your favourite." Fred rubbed at the back of his neck uncomfortably, nodding his head at the poster for Casablanca.

"It is," Hermione smiled, giving Fred a brief one-armed hug before making her way to the counter, "Two for Casablanca please." But Fred beat her to the punch, handing the clerk the right amount of pounds before Hermione had finished opening her wallet.

"My treat Hermione." Fred smiled, leading the way into the theatre. When the movie was finished and Hermione sat eating mint chip ice cream with Fred, she knew already that if she were to pick a twin – it would be him. He provided a fun friendship, making her laugh but not being too rambunctious and he seemed quick to pick up on her subtle mood changes. George was fun to be around, something she would get to experience during the day, but doubted she could keep up with him all the time.

"I'll be good to you Hermione. That's all I'm gunna say on the subject. So you keep that in mind." Fred said this quietly as they stopped out front of the twin's apartment.

"I know Fred, I know." Hermione seemed to consider this statement very carefully before she licked her lips carefully and leaned forward to kiss Fred quickly on the lips. It was brief but Hermione felt a small spark as she pulled away slowly. Smiling a small smile at Fred, Hermione turned to go into the apartment, "Thank you for everything."

That was a loaded thank you, both Fred and Hermione knew it but the latter didn't have too much time to dwell on that as she entered the apartment and saw a sight she almost wished she hadn't. She may have to re-evaluate her choice between the twins. George had clearly not been expecting her; he had just walked out of the bathroom, in nothing but a towel. He was gorgeous, abs like you wouldn't believe and his arms looked like they could certainly keep her warm on a long winter's night. Hermione blushed as she thought this, clearing her throat to alert George to her presence.

"Oh hello Hermione. Just give me a quick moment and I will be right with you." George slipped into his room, smiling brightly. He didn't seem to care that she had seen him almost completely starkers. When he emerged from his room, she made her way straight over to him and kissed him soundly on the mouth – not at all surprised when he made a squeak of shock before bringing his hand to the back of her neck and pulling her in closely. Things were growing great and they seemed to have amazing chemistry until George made one wrong move. He slid one hand down to grip Hermione's hip and she flinched. Jumping away from him so quickly, he barely realized she was gone until he saw her huddled against a wall shivering.

"Oh shite. Now I've done it, I'm so sorry Hermione." George made his way to sit next to her and placed a hand on her shoulder but that only seemed to make it worse. So he sat there, telling stories about his Hogwarts pranks and jokes, and tales of their new products until she calmed down some and began sharing her own stories. They joked and talked until late into the evening, but Hermione knew George would not be her choice. Her hip still tingled – and not in a good way from where he had touched her. But it wasn't just that, she had been right about him. He was all play and no work and to Hermione that was worse than the other way around. He had apparated with her to Grimmauld Place and walked her inside before saying goodnight. She had smiled at him but he could tell it was forced. Her choice was now between five.

Bill

Bill Weasley was dreading the date he had to go on this morning. Not because his date was anything other than lovely but simply because she was not the girl he was hoping to marry. Offering to help had never really been a choice, simply something he had to do...but now he wasn't so sure. She had plenty of others willing to be her husband until the law was revoked, why did Bill have to give up Fleur? It didn't seem fair.

"Hi Bill." Hermione sat next to him on the couch, pulling her feet up to tuck underneath her. She was smiling; it was nice to see that after all she had been through.

"Hi." Bill smiled sweetly at her, nodding before beginning to stand.

"No don't!" Hermione said, holding her hand out as if to stop him from leaving, "let's just stay here and talk, I have something to say."

"Alright," Bill said agreeably, sitting back down, very curious about what Hermione could possibly have to say to him right now.

"I had a long chat with Ginny last night. And I don't want you to be angry with her, I appreciate very much that she came to me. Your other brothers, Sirius and Kingsley are quite enough Bill, I'm actually feeling quite spoiled with considering the circumstances," she smiled wryly before continuing, "you don't need to give up your happiness for me."

"Hermione, I..."

"Nonsense. I won't have you arguing with me Bill Weasley. I'm sure I've seemed a bit cowardly and weak running around here crying for the past few days but I'm quite the opposite – you don't want to fight me."

"You're right I don't. No one thinks your weak Hermione, least of all us Weasleys. You went through something terrible; if you weren't so skittish we would think something was wrong." Bill reached out as if to touch her shoulder but changed his mind, running his hand through his hair instead.

"Thank you Bill. Now, run on back to Fleur and tell her I'm sorry you even had to offer. I expect the two of you will be married next, hmm?" She raised her eyebrows as if daring him to question her. He didn't. The eldest Weasley brother simply stood and made his way to the fireplace. Smiling kindly at her before flooing, the name he called was not one she recognized and Hermione assumed he was heading to see Fleur just like she'd asked him too. It was nice to hear what Bill thought, even though she couldn't be assured everyone agreed with him. It was comforting all the same. Standing slowly, Hermione made her way upstairs to fix herself up before her next 'date'.

Charlie

This was the date Hermione was the most unsure of. In her mind she had already made pro and con lists for all of her potential husbands and Charlie had a few glaring pros in his favour that made Hermione hope it went well. He lived on the dragon reserve in Romania, somewhere hidden and well-protected and she knew that could only be a good thing. He was a Weasley, and Hermione would love to be a part of the Weasley family. He was also very good looking – rugged and handsome, absolutely drool-worthy. Unfortunately, he was the Weasley she knew the least about. They had never had the opportunity to spend much time together, and Hermione was unsure as to why he had offered so resolutely to be her husband. After all, he had offered first.

Charlie Weasley walked up the street towards Grimmauld Place with a small smile on his face. His plan for their date was to simply take her to his flat where they could be alone and talk. He wanted to get to know her better and was sure she would appreciate getting to know him. They had never spent an inordinate amount of time together, but she was a gorgeous young witch and Charlie would be happy to spend the rest of his life married to a spitfire like her. As he approached Grimmauld Place and let himself in to the entry way, he couldn't help wondering if Hermione would pick him, or someone she knew better like Ron, or one of the twins.

"Hello Charlie." Sitting at the bottom of the stairs was Hermione, looking resigned but not altogether miserable at the prospect of spending time with him.

"Hermione," Charlie nodded, "I thought we could floo over to my place in Romania if that's alright with you. I'd like to show you around the reserve."

"That actually sounds quite nice...but I do need to be back here tonight, I have another...date...with Sirius." She sounded quite uncomfortable as she mentioned this and shrugged awkwardly.

"No worries, we shouldn't be gone too long." Charlie led her towards the fire place and informed her that his flat was called 'The Hovel' and they took turns flooing to his place.

"That's a nice homage to your parent's place Charlie." Hermione said as she looked around his flat curiously.

"You...but...I guess I shouldn't be surprised, they do call you the brightest witch of your age." Charlie laughed. Hovel was another word for Burrow, and Hermione had taken all of a minute to realize why he'd called his flat that.

"Come on, there is nothing too interesting to see in here, let me show you outside."

And so, the two walked around the reserve for hours, visiting dragons, stopping to meet some people Charlie worked with. As they walked, they talked about everything and anything that came to their minds. Their favourite colours, his is red and hers is purple; their birthdays, hers is September 19th and his is December 12th; favourite Hogwarts memory, hers being when Harry and Ron rescued her from that ruddy troll and his being the day he made Quidditch captain. They spoke of many things and had quite a nice time just getting to each other. They had made their way back to his place, as it was almost time for Hermione to leave and get back to London when suddenly she turned to him and began to speak very quickly.

"I want to try something and I understand if you don't want to but I really think it will help and if you could please just let me do this I would really appreciate it."

"Try what?" Charlie was puzzled to say the least; they had just walked in the door.

"Just stand still, ok?" Hermione said this as she walked and stopped very close to him. She put her hands on his shoulders and backed them up until he was against the wall. Slowly, she grabbed each of his hands in one of hers and held them firmly but not painfully against the wall and then she kissed him. It was wonderful and sweet and he tasted like peppermint and hot cocoa. After a minute, Hermione felt his tongue against her lips seeking permission and shockingly, she granted it. What felt like ages later when neither of them could breathe and Charlie was beginning to fight to have control of his arms back, Hermione pulled away and stepped a few paces away from him.

"Wow. That was just...wow." Charlie said shocked at what had just happened. He understood why she had taken control of the kiss and wasn't at all bothered by it, just shocked.

"Sorry." Hermione squeaked, nothing like the rather confident girl that had been snogging him just moments ago.

"Don't be. That was ruddy brilliant." Charlie smiled and with that much of the awkwardness passed. Hermione smiled and shook her head.

"I kinda thought so too." She giggled, brining a hand to touch her lips, "why did you offer?" She suddenly needed to know before she made any further decisions.

Charlie wasn't entirely sure how to answer that...but he had to try, "I wanted to. You need someone, and I've always thought you were cute, and as you got older you became sort of gorgeous and you're a right spitfire...and I just thought, why not?"

"Me? Gorgeous?" Hermione scoffed at this notion, but seemed to accept his answer. She nodded, and moved towards the floo, heading back to London to meet with her last suitor.

Sirius

Hermione stepped out of the floo at Number 12, marched straight up the stairs to Sirius' room and knocked on the door. Hearing a gruff 'come in', she opened the door and began to speak.

"Sirius, I really appreciate your offer to marry a silly teenager, and I have always had a little schoolgirl crush on you but I'm afraid I've already chosen and I think of you as more of an uncle. I hope you aren't too upset." Hermione said this all in one breath before daring to look up at him. Shockingly he began to laugh.

"Oh Hermione, I'm ruddy glad you said all of that, I've been trying to think of a chivalrous way to back out of this for days now." Sirius approached her as if to give her a hug but thought better of it and stopped about a foot away from her.

"It's ok. I think I can take it." Hermione smiled and opened her arms, seeing a smile of relief on Sirius' face before he pulled her into a sweet hug. Keeping his hands on her shoulders where they could be deemed as nothing more than platonic, he squeezed tight and released her.

"I'm so glad we're on the same page. Now who did you choose?" Sirius winked at her playfully.

"I haven't even told him yet, so you will just have to wait." Hermione shook her head, and they made their way downstairs to join everyone in the kitchen for dinner.

A/N

AWWWWW. Slightly drama filled, but I thought each of the guys did a nice job with her lol.

Thanks for reading. Review and let me know if you think Hermione should be a dragon keeper or healer at the reserve. Or if you have a completely better suggestion, I'd consider it too. Way ahead in chapters, so the sooner the better, I need a career for her fast!

Next Thursday: The One with the Big Reveal

Chapter Four: The One Where They Tie the Knot

A/N