They all retreated to their dorms exhausted but happy the teachers seemed on board with helping those who'd returned not simply to study but also to find a match. Hermione sighed as she and Ginny sat on her bed talking late into the night, at the older witches insistence they were not talking about her possible future husband but about the younger witches upcoming wedding.
The next morning at breakfast timetables were handed out and with them the of age students also got an envelope of events and special allowances. The trio and Ginny read over Hermione's packet together.
Quidditch Match Social
Costume Dine and Gamble
Hogsmeade Meet and Greet
Hogsmeade Fair
Private Date Nights (All students willing to participate will be matched with various partners to go on private outings together they will then evaluate the dates to better comprehend the type of match for them, whether it is in one of those particular people or not)
"That'd be good for you Mione." Ginny interrupted.
"Yeah Mione, we should both try that."
"Right." Hermione nodded grimly, "I don't think we get a say in who we date there though."
"That's the point though right, to go out with someone you normally wouldn't." Harry asked.
"Yeah and you don't have to pick one its just to help you sort out who you might like." Ginny encouraged her.
"I'm in for it." Ron agreed.
"Alright."
"What's the Hogsmeade Fair?" Ginny frowned at the paper.
"I think they must have set something up special." Harry suggested.
"I think it was all set up special." Ginny agreed looking down at the list again.
"There's more." Hermione reminded them.
"Yeah but that's not right away." Ron interrupted, "We should just focus on now, you know, take it one week at a time."
"What about the classes Mione." Ginny urged her. "Let's compare schedules."
Wizarding and Muggle Traditions
Potions
Herbology
Marriage Traditions
DADA
Charms Communication and Trust Building
Transfiguration
Ancient Runes
Future Skills
"That's a really full schedule Mione." Ginny whispered.
Hermione sighed, "I'll leave Ancient Runes I suppose."
"No way." Harry shook his head, "You love that class. The others are ones we can choose to attend or not attend, I think you can do both if you want to Mione and we can help if you miss one. Trust me."
"Thanks Harry." Hermione shook her head, "But I'm here for more than studies this time."
"Some of these classes should be pretty easy for you now though Hermione, I mean, you rock at most of them, you just have to not over achieve in them you know, settle for a hundred percent and let the hundred and thirty go." Ginny suggested.
"Someone will appreciate how smart you are anyways and I know you wont be some house witch anyways Mione." Ron grinned at her, "For you it is a pretty light schedule anyways."
"Yeah." They all agreed.
"You can always drop something later too." Ginny added.
Hermione smiled at them grateful they wanted her to still be her while she was looking to find a husband.
"You look great by the way Mione." Ron told her with a blush.
"Ginny had a go at my hair this morning and I put on a bit of makeup is all Ron."
"You do look rather pretty Mione." Harry agreed.
"Thanks." She blushed.
"Come on, let's get to this new traditions class thing!" Ginny jumped up.
"You're attending these?" Ron asked her. "You already have a man Gin."
"Duh, I'm going for you and Mione. So is Harry."
"I am… I mean of course I am, let's go."
Hermione laughed and the group made their way to class.
They were surprised to see the number of Slytherins in the classroom.
"Can't be easy for that lot to find a willing match." Ron muttered under his breath.
"Hush Ron, we're meant to be building relationships and not holding to old resentments." Hermione admonished him. Despite the words she was extremely wary when Daphne Greengrass approached her.
"Hi." The pretty blond blushed.
"Hi." The four responded together.
"Um, Hermione, I uh, well, I'm engaged to Ernie McMillan and I was wondering if you'd maybe, possibly, consider, if you'd help me get ready to meet his parents, you know so I don't do or say something silly." Hermione's mouth fell open in surprise as the other witch blushed and shifted her feet, "Please."
"Sure." Hermione finally nodded. "If I can."
"Great!" Daphne beamed at her.
"I meet them this Christmas break so its lots of time but I never even took muggle studies! Dad would've freaked. Ernie and I fell in love though and now it's a miracle because we are getting married and mum is actually thrilled, thrilled! I have so much to learn though, I mean Ernie makes these comments sometimes and I have no idea what he is talking about." Daphne had taken her arm and led her to a table talking a mile a minute while the other students looked on in surprised. Theo just shook his head with a slight smile, Daphne was a force to be reckoned with, always had been. He went to sit on her other side and gave Hermione a slight but polite nod.
Ginny grinned and hurried to the table to fill it out shoving Harry towards Ron. "Go sit with someone." She hissed at them.
Class began a moment later and Daphne finally took a breath in her spiel. Theo met Hermione's eye over her head and smiled giving her a wink as Daphne whispered another point she wanted to learn about muggle parents as class began.
Ginny elbowed Hermione with a smile and flicked her eyes to Theo, Hermione rolled hers at her friend and focused on class. No Slytherin would be interested in her, certainly not one of the three best looking ones, not that she thought any of the three were that good looking but they were talked about as being and ok fine she was a witch, she could admit Theo, Blaise and yes Malfoy were attractive but they were still Slytherins and gits, especially Malfoy. She shuddered at the thought of him standing at the alter with her and focused on class. They were talking about Wizard Courting and Muggle Dating.
Daphne took hold of her directly after class and walked arm in arm with her to Potions.
"So are you and Ron Weasley engaged? Or are you looking? You know I know a lot of Wizards. Mostly purebloods so you'd be perfect for them in that regard but don't worry I wouldn't fix you up with a dud, Ernie likes you and well I never had anything against you, I wasn't part of the war, like Blaise, well my dad was a Death Eater and his never was but dad's in jail and I never believed all that, not since I fell for my Ernie fifth year. You know Theo always covered for me, we were betrothed of course but now we're both free, still the best of friends I mean being married to him would have been alright. Hey, I should set you up with Theo, he's really smart, like really smart and his dad died in the war so you know, you wouldn't have to worry about a Death Eater in Law, well if any of the fathers get out of prison you might have had to but probably not so much. Theo was never a Death Eater. Draco was of course but he turned good. Then there is Blaise, he's wonderfully charming, have you been to Italy? He has such a beautiful property there. I think Goyle would be to thick for you, he's a really nice bloke and I hope Ernie and I can find him a nice girl but definitely not for you. Duke is great, he was sort of a Death Eater but not really, its all just brain washed crap in our heads, like I've said some terrible things but Ernie forgave me because he knew it was conditioned in me and not really me. He's younger though, do you mind younger? Marcus Flint is looking too, he's fixed his teeth and is rather good looking now. Adrian Pucey too and he's really bright. I bet Ernie knows some great Hufflepuffs too. Or were you looking only at Gryffindors? I'm not versed on those boys of course Neville seems to dull for you but then I'd thought Ron to thick so maybe I just don't see them straight, you know being with the whole Slytherin and Gryffindor thing before. What about the other Weasley's? My sister is so close to me in age we've both got to get married even though she's in Ginny's year. Her names Astoria, we call her Story, do you know anyone might be good for her? Of course you don't know her but since we'll be friends now you will." Daphne had talked, without taking a breath all the way to the dungeons and sat them down at a table together. Ginny was chuckling as she sat down as well. "I'm sorry, I've been so rude, Ginny, I just assumed you were marrying Harry Potter, are you looking too?"
"No, just for Mione." Ginny grinned at her. "Harry and I are engaged."
"So you aren't marrying Ron." Daphne grinned. "Wonderful." Then she frowned, "Sorry I suppose it might not be for you, must not be of course in this situation." The girl blushed and looked at her hands.
"No its ok. Ron and I agreed we were better as friends but if we don't find a match we'll marry each other."
"Theo and I were going to be married and we don't feel that way about each other, its not terrible, not like being married to someone you wouldn't get on with. He's like my best friend, you know besides Story and Pans." Daphne lowered her voice, "She's not as bad as you'd think, a bit selfish is all, you know very self centered, she'd be off on me for talking so much." Daphne blushed. "Makes me seem so self centered too doesn't it."
"You've been on about Hermione as much as your own engagement, that's not self centered." Ginny assured her, "Just chatty."
"Sorry, I know I can talk a lot sometimes and way to fast. Mum says it's unseemly in a lady. It's just I'm really nervous. I never tried to make friends with a Gryffindor before, you know I never really tried to make friends at all before, we all just got stuck together since babies by our families."
"Well, don't try." Ginny suggested, "I already like you and I really like that necklace it's gorgeous."
"Thanks!" Daphne grinned, "I made it myself." She took it off and handed it to Ginny, "See the initials, its me and Ernie. I love making jewelry. I can make you something if you want."
"Sure." Ginny smiled and the two witches were off about jewelry until the bell rang and Slughorn started class.
Harry and Ron watched as Ginny and Daphne walked arm in arm out of class talking animatedly, this time Ginny was the one who attached Hermione to her, leading them all away.
"Blimey Harry, I think something might be in the water here."
"Eh, maybe she's not that bad."
"She suggested Mione marry a Slytherin."
"Maybe they aren't so bad. I mean, prejudice goes both ways and some of the girls are kind of cute, maybe it wouldn't hurt if you looked there too."
"Right." Ron rolled his eyes, "I'd be laughed at, did you hear her call me thick?"
"She said she was probably wrong." Harry tried.
"Only because Hermione considered dating me."
"No, because she admitted not knowing you. Come on mate, lets just get on to class and you should maybe sit with a girl."
"Fine." Ron sighed, "This is worse than finding a date for the Yule Ball."
"Yeah." Harry nodded, "I bet its way worse."
"Hi Harry."
"Cho." Harry smiled at her as they stopped in front of the class.
"How are you?"
"Well, and you?"
"Oh, I'm alright. I suppose we're all stressed about this law."
"Yeah." Harry agreed. "We're all a bit young to worry about marriage. Gin says she's ready but you know, I just don't want to take away from her opportunities you know? I mean having a baby this young will be hard for all of us but I want a family so bad I almost feel guilty for being happy."
"Right." Cho blushed looking at her hands, "So you and Ginny are getting married soon?"
"Yeah." Harry nodded, "Christmas I think. Mrs. Weasley doesn't think we should wait, you know so many weddings might detract from each other all being pushed together and she wants it special for Gin. I want it special for her."
"Good for you. I'm happy for you Harry."
"Thanks Cho. Who are you marrying?"
"Oh, um, well I haven't chosen yet. I have a couple options though."
"Well, uh, that's good."
"Yeah."
"I should, um, get in there."
"Right. Me too. Class." She nodded and turned going into the class.
Harry ran a hand through his hair and hurried over to Ginny. He whispered what had happened and Ginny glared at Cho but the girl looked so put out Ginny's heart felt for her and she just kissed Harry's cheek and told him she loved him before focusing on class.
The day, the whole week went by quickly and Hermione felt herself talked into not only the schools Private Date Nights but also to be set up by Daphne and Ginny. Each girl made her promise to go out with three dates of their choice, starting this Friday. First up was Daphne who insisted Hermione and Theo would get along like worms to a book. A statement that made Hermione laugh and like the girl more.
"She's great Theo. Really, I adore her, she's more than just bookish and prude, she's smart and fun and kind. Please, just one date."
"Hermione Granger wont go out with me Daph, she's the Gryffindor Princess, One third of the Golden Trio, Brightest Witch of our Age and I am the son of a guy who raped a dozen women, tortured hundreds and killed even more!"
"The son of… not the man himself Theo and she knows that!"
"I'm still the son of a Death Eater and a Slytherin!"
"Again the son of not one!"
"Still a Slytherin."
"So? I am too and she's become my friend!"
"Great she's not going to marry you!"
"All I'm asking is for you to go on one date with her Theo! See what you like about her or don't like let her see what she does and doesn't like in you. Help yourself narrow down what you want in a witch!"
"What I want has never mattered Daph! I didn't want to marry you but I was going to and now I am going to marry whatever muggle born witch will have me!"
"Fine then help her narrow down what she wants in a wizard!"
Theo sighed, "Why is this so important to you?"
"She's nice, I want her to be happy and more I want you to be happy, maybe she'll have a muggle born friend or hell even a muggle she'll think you're perfect for. Really Theo she's not so judgmental as you are making her out to seem."
"She'll never agree." He sighed.
"She already has."
"To go out with me?" Theo lifted a brow in disbelief. Daphne nodded and bit her lip. "Daph?" He growled.
"She agreed to let me and Ginny set her up with three wizards of our choice to help her get out there."
"No."
"I told her you were my first choice and she didn't seem unhappy with it at all. I think she was relieved even. Please Theo. Please."
Theo rolled his eyes, "She knows you're setting her up with me?"
"Yes." Daphne confirmed with a nod of her head.
"Who are the other two?" Astoria asked dropping down into a chair.
"Blaise." Daphne turned to him with a smile.
"No."
"Please."
"She's looking for marriage."
"So are you."
"I'm not marriageable."
"Those bloody bints have no idea what they are talking about!" Daphne hissed.
"My mother, godmother, the last two girls I shagged?"
"Yes." Daphne hissed. "Slags the lot of them who don't know anything."
"Yeah Blaise." Astoria agreed with a nod.
"Would you marry me?" He asked turning to Astoria.
"You can't marry me, I'm pureblood." She answered with a blush.
"If that weren't an issue?" he insisted with a lifted brow.
Astoria blushed and ducked her head. "Leave her alone Blaise, besides Granger has more backbone, she'd not be charmed into a puddle of confused goo like most girls are by you and see you for the big soft hearted git you are."
"So you date her." Blaise challenged.
"The girl who was tortured by my aunt in my house while I watched?" Draco reminded him with a lifted brow. "The witch saved my life in the final battle and I admit to still not knowing why except her bleeding heart maybe but no way in hell would she come near me with a ten foot pole besides unlike you and Theo I really was a Death Eater."
"Come on Blaise. Theo said yes and it's one date, maybe she'll help you too!"
"He'll do it." Draco told her.
"Bugger off, I will." Blaise growled. "That girl has been through enough two Slytherins would be to much, leave her alone, blokes are probably crawling over themselves for her, we'll get in the way, incur the wrath of them and her two best mates and probably just be laughed at by them and her."
"She'd never laugh at you and she's going out with three Slytherins. She agreed. Theo, you and a third that I'll pick at a later date and I'll have you know Ginny and I gave her one veto on our choices and she didn't protest about either of you!"
"Is Draco the third?" Astoria asked looking at her sisters three male friends.
Daphne blushed.
"Not a chance she'd agree."
"I'm sorry Drake, but I wouldn't even suggest it."
"Don't worry about it." Draco told her sitting down.
"The third?" Astoria pressed.
"Marcus or Adrian."
"Adrian." Astoria suggested. "Marcus got in it with Harry on the Quidditch pitch remember."
"That was so long ago though." Daphne sighed.
"Still." Draco shrugged.
"Fine. Adrian then. Theo and Blaise first though and between them will be Ginny's choices and she's doing the whole school choice thing too so she'll end up with nine dates total and hopefully find someone in one of them at least."
"I'm doing the school choice thing too." Astoria admitted.
"Me too." Draco sighed, "Might find one muggle born doesn't hate me."
"Pans is too."
"She still sulking?" Theo asked.
All of them looked at him with expressions clearing stating duh.
"You should all do it and Story, Mione and Ginny are finding you dates too."
"What!"
"Come on, they know good blokes and its so much less restricted for you."
"Right." She sighed.
"Awfully chummy with the Lions these days." Pansy hissed coming into the common room.
"Don't be like that Pans." Draco ordered.
"Like any of you would date one of them."
"I am." Theo and Blaise both told her. "Hermione." They both grinned identically at her horror.
"Stop with the speaking at the same time you two." Astoria rolled her eyes at them. "You spent like a year as brothers."
"Eighteen as best mates though." Theo grinned at her.
"What am I chopped liver?" Draco snorted.
"Our best mate!" They grinned at him.
"Shut it gits." Pansy hissed at them, "I don't know what has you all in such good moods."
"I don't have to marry you?" Draco said it as almost a question but the words bordered on cruel.
Pansy shrieked and stomped her foot, "I was meant to be Lady Malfoy!" Then she spun around and went back up to her room.
"Now she's going to go sulk for another week." Daphne glared at Draco.
He shrugged, "You know Pans, she'll get over it."
"Yeah, he's always been a git to her. I think she likes it." Theo laughed.
"Just don't try that tact with Granger, she broke my nose third year." Draco reminded them, making them all laugh.
