Chapter eight- Compatibility numbers and YOU!

The remainder of the meeting was a blur of informational packets with inane names like "Compatibility numbers and YOU! – How to make predilection statistics work in your favor" and "Arranging for love – a history of wizerding marriage". All three of them got a laugh out of the ridiculous pamphlets. Hermione's favorite was "Dating by the numbers – how to make your match count". Draco preferred "What's love got to do with it - fostering a platonic relationship".

Moody refused to divulge which he found the most among deeming it "unprofessional". Still, neither of the others could help but notice the way he smiled while quoting "Statistically efficient dating procedures".

The levity of mocking the pamphlet names and subjects helped the newly assigned "life partners" avoid the reality that the pamphlets spelled out. The truth was overwhelmingly depressing.

It appeared that the ever well intended ministry had decided that the poor youth that had been unable to align themselves in the given time period must be somehow socially inept. As such the ministry had decided to impose sanctions that would help the poor youth struggle through the ever difficult world of other people. The pamphlets offered advice on everything from posture to primping.

Worse yet the ministry had planned out a month of dates for the pair. The schedule was not like the other pamphlets printed on plain white parchment in plain black ink. The only roughly fancy thing about it was the title which had been in a script that Hermione thought roughly resembled MS Vivaldi.

The schedule for the courting of Miss Granger and Mr. Malfloy

September the third – initial meeting and explanation of the expectations for the couple

September the fifth – 6pm the first date including dinner, dress: Semi-formal

September the tenth – 11am the second date including a light lunch, dress: Casual

September the seventeenth – 6pm the third date including dinner, dress: formal

September the eighteenth – 11am meeting with the reproductive liaison to assess the couple's progress and prescribe a subsequent course of action

All events will commence at the bureau of the Ministry of Reproductive Affairs. Repetitive tardiness or failure to present oneself will result in punishment as determined by the reproductive liaison. Ignorance of the law is not justifiable reason to disobey it.

"I suppose you are our…" Hermione paused, "Our reproductive liaison?"

"Apparently I was… eh… volunteered for that task, Miss Granger," Moody replied.

"Well I guess I'll see you at six on the fifth then Granger," Draco said while getting up.

"Call me Hermione, Malfloy," responded Hermione.

"Only if you call me Draco, Hermione," said Draco.

"Agreed," said Hermione.

They both left.

The face in the fire finally chimed in, "You didn't tell them. After all that fighting, you didn't tell them. What changed your mind?"

Moody sighed, "It's unfair enough as it is I couldn't bring myself to tell them that… Wait a minute that's why you picked me isn't it?"

The face in the fire looked guilty. Moody was furious.

"You bloody… I ought to… ARGH!" Moody wiped his hands forcibly down his face, possibly leaving bruises. He sat down again and contained his anger. His eyes darted around the room as if trying to compose his thoughts.

He finally broke his silence with a slow, planned sequence of words, "You chose me because you knew I wouldn't be able to tell them. You knew I couldn't stand to hurt them like that. You 'effing knew… You're sick."

Moody picked up his coat and left. The fire extinguished itself.

A/N: That's all for now Gryffindor Princess would do well to pay attention to the next chappy which will have more meat on why things happened the way they did.