She met Blaise at the Leaky Cauldron and they had lunch.
"You seem distracted?" He asked as she picked up her fork.
"I'm sorry Blaise." She smiled at him.
"You and Draco seemed very happy together."
"We were." Hermione sighed and then met his eyes, "I do want to be here Blaise. I had such good time getting to know you and I… I" She blushed.
"You already know where you belong though." He smiled at her, "Its ok. I know where I do to and because of you I had the confidence to know my mother was wrong."
"Oh Blaise that's wonderful!" Hermione cried jumping up to hug him. Blaise laughed and hugged her back, "Who is she, tell me everything."
They sat back down and Blaise told her all about Molly, the muggle born witch he'd met through the Orphanage he'd founded, he was trying to adopt a young orphan named Toby and he'd met her over the holidays while brining the three-year old presents. Hermione told him about her time with Draco and with Kiril and about how confused she was.
"As a Slytherin and his best mate I have to push you to Drake so I'm not the best person to give advice except to say, choose who will make you happiest in the long run."
"I get the best friend part but why is it about you being Slytherin?"
Blaise winked at her, "Having you married to my best mate will keep you as one of my closest friends."
Hermione laughed and wacked his arm playfully, "You're stuck with me regardless Blaise Zabini."
He hugged her with a laugh, "Will you come meet Molly and Toby? I'd like to tell her I made my choice."
"Yes!" Hermione bounced taking his arm, together they flooed to Italy and went to the Orphanage to find the pretty Asian-Irish muggle born.
Molly looked surprised to see them, but gave Hermione a weak smile and nod. "You must be here to see the Orphanage. Blaise has made it so much like a home for them instead of an institution." She praised with a blush.
Hermione nodded and turned to the boy with her. "You must be Toby."
"Toby." The three year old pointed to his chest with a nod.
"I'll just, let you, look around." Molly licked her lips and Hermione could tell the witch was trying not to cry.
"Molly." Blaise stopped her.
She looked back at him and gasped when he got on one knee, "Marry me?"
Molly looked from him to Hermione, who smiled encouragingly at her.
"Yes!" Molly shouted before bringing a hand to her mouth and blushing, "Yes." She repeated softly dropping into his arms crying.
Hermione quietly led Toby from the room to give them a little space. "Can you show me around?"
Toby nodded and took her hand leading her around the mansion and pointing out things like, "Baise fly wiff me dere" or Blaise and Molly played games with him over there. He was adorable and obviously adored Blaise.
Toby was put to bed and the three went out for dinner, Hermione tried to insist the couple spend time alone but Molly wouldn't take no as an answer and they went back to Blaise's home where he cooked for the witches as they sat talking. Hermione thought the girl was an interesting mix of Ginny and Luna, immediately they were fast friends, much to Blaise's delight and amusement.
When she returned home Hermione went to bed and dreamt of the couple dancing she'd seen on her first date with Blaise, they had been so much in love even after a century and she could see that Molly and Blaise would be that happy together, just like Harry and Ginny would be and Arthur and Molly were but who would she be happiest with in a hundred years?
A week passed and Hermione sat down at her desk and pulled out two pieces of parchment.
Being married toboth of you was more than I ever dreamt it would be. Honestly I could never have imagined what life would be like if we were together but my time with each of you was so perfect that I never wanted to leave, hated that I had to and would have happily sworn then I knew my choice. I didn't and would have likely spent my life wondering so I am grateful to have had this time. As you know by now Blaise has proposed to another witch he was courting. I saw in them what I wish for myself but I could not decide which of you I would have that with. This week I watched a muggle movie and in it the character had to choose between two men, friends that she cared about. A friend of hers in the movie said something that really struck something in me. She said, don't choose the better man, choose the man that makes you a better woman. I had been trying so hard to figure out which of you I'd be happier with or love more, who was the better man but you are both amazing men and I would be truly happy with either of you because I care deeply for you both. In the end though I have made the decision I know is right for me now and will be right for me in a hundred years because whatever good and bad comes we'll be stronger together and because we fit together our weaknesses and strengths not the same but complimenting, our wants and beliefs for the future in line. I am so sorry for hurting you and want nothing but the best for both of you. When the time comes to talk to you both and reveal my choice I hope you both know, I love you, I wish always to be a part of your life, a good friend and I want nothing but happiness for you. I am writing this even as you are both with other witches and I hope the meetings go well and if I am not your choice in the end I want to let you know that it's ok, I want nothing but your happiness. When you've received these upon the ending of your time with her, from the family member or friend I have sent it to, please send me an owl so that we can arrange to meet and end the contract.
Hermione quickly copied the note onto the second parchment sending one to Blaise and the other to Iliyra. In her heart she knew she was making the right choice but for now she'd grieve the love she could have shared with the other.
