Well, the first chapter seemed to go over well. I am pleased. I will try to make the chapters longer, and I apologize if the first few chapters, like Life in the Fast Lane, go a bit fast. I will try to throw time differences in so watch out for them. Otherwise it might appear that this takes place in 2 days, not almost 2 months. Hermione and Draco's arranged marriage will not take place this chapter, because I don't want to move too fast. But yes, please continue reading and reviewing. If you can do that simple task for me, I will do the not-so-simple task of writing a damn good story for you all!

Chapter Two

The Engagement Ring

Hermione sat in the warm, inviting kitchen of the Weasley home. She was staying with them in preparation for Ron's marriage to Lavender and Harry's marriage to Danica Moore. Harry had been writing letters to Danica, getting to know her before they were married off at the end of the week. It was the second week in July and they were wasting no time. They seemed to have a certain chemistry with each other. Hermione was glad that at least one of them had a chance at a truly happy marriage.

Ron was still felt a little awkward at having to marry Lavender. They really didn't have too much in common, yet he did admit it could have been a lot worse. There was nothing worse than what Hermione was forced to do.

Draco had sent her one letter since school ended, informing her they would be married the first week of August, at Malfoy Manor. She would be allowed to invite her parents and three other guests. He wanted it to be small and quiet. He was not proud of being married off to a muggle-born. His family would not be present as his father was in Azkaban and his mother had not been heard from since Christmas of his seventh year.

The Burrow was a hive of activity in preparation for the weddings of the two boys. Harry was to be married first, Ron following suit a week later. Hermione was in denial about her imminent marriage to her arch enemy. She pretended like Harry had met the love of his life and was anxiously awaiting marriage. Harry was anxious, but for different reasons than Hermione wanted to accept.

Hermione had a hard time denying her fate when a package arrived for her the day before Harry's wedding. It was delivered by a dark, regal owl and the letter attached bore the Malfoy seal. Hermione opened the letter first and was surprised by the contents.

Enclosed is an engagement ring. Do not read into it. It is tradition in my family to pass on this ring despite who the wife is.

I would appreciate it if you would start wearing it.

As I said before, it is tradition. Nothing more.

- Draco Malfoy.

Hermione opened the small package with shaking fingers. She did not know what kind of ring to expect. She let out an audible gasp as her eyes landed on the most exquisite diamond ring she had ever laid eyes on. It was a large round diamond set in a silver band. Two small diamonds rested on either side of the large one. It was cold, yet breathtakingly beautiful, much like the giver. She slid the elegant ring onto her most sacred finger. She was surprised at how perfectly it fit.

She stared at the ring on her finger. The sunlight streaking in through the window caused the ring to sparkle and shine in the dim glow of the setting sun. Harry walked into the living room where Hermione was sitting on the sofa staring at the ring.

"What are you staring at, Hermione?" He asked noticing her gaze. She jumped slightly, not having heard him come in. Harry walked over to her and she held her hand out slightly.

"Malfoy sent me this, along with this note." She replied, handing him the note. He glanced over it briefly and then took her hand in his. He pulled her hand up to his eye level and stared at the diamond ring.

"It is beautiful. It looks magnificent on you." Harry said softly. "I just wish it hadn't come from him."

"I know. I wish that, too." Hermione agreed. Harry wrapped an arm around her as she laid her head on his shoulder.

"Can you believe I'm getting married in the morning?" Harry asked, smiling slightly.

"I can believe it about as much as I can believe I'm marrying Malfoy. Fortunately for you, I have less distaste for your future spouse than I have for mine." Hermione replied. Harry laughed lightly and placed a chaste kiss on her temple.

"It'll be okay, 'Mione. I promise it will be okay. We won't let anything bad happen to you. I swear to you."

The next morning, the Burrow was bustling with anticipation for the Boy-Who-Lived's marriage to the unknown Ravenclaw. Danica Moore arrived with her parents early that morning. She was whisked off by Mrs. Weasley before Harry could see her, thus keeping with tradition of the groom not seeing his bride before the wedding.

The ceremony was beautiful. Ron served as Harry's best man and one of Danica's friends served as the maid of honor. Hermione sat next to Molly Weasley, who was constantly dabbing her eyes with her handkerchief. Hermione could not keep her mind on the wedding, for her own was looming on the horizon.

In less than a month, she was going to become Hermione Malfoy. Malfoy. She would hardly let herself think that dreadful name. She silently cursed the heavens for her wretched luck as she saw Harry and Danica exchange their vows, shy smiles gracing both of their faces. They looked…happy. She clinched her teeth slightly. She wanted to be happy for her friend, but she wasn't. She was terribly jealous that he was going to have a happy marriage and she would be marrying the spawn of Satan!

She watched in bittersweet envy as Harry kissed his new bride and walked down the aisle to the awaiting reception.

She skipped out on the reception and sat in her room, crying herself to sleep.

Sorry it's so short. But I really wanted to hurry up and get it out. Sorry it took so long. School started back and it's been really hectic for me. And…yeah. Review please!