Monday morning found Hermione at the Burrow pacing around anxiously anticipating her letter. Hermione had spoken with her boss on Friday and had asked for the morning off, hoping that her letter would come earlier in the day. Her boss, Mr. Finley, was a quiet man. He made his staff nervous because they could never gauge what he was feeling, but Hermione had always found him to be kind. Mr. Finley had simply nodded his head, granting her request, and waved her out of his office.

She glanced at her watch, ten-thirty. Her stomach quenched with nerves, she had to be back in the office no later than eleven-thirty. Hermione stopped her pacing to sit down at the kitchen table. Harry and Ron were playing wizard's chess with Ginny attempting to help Harry. Fred and George were sitting on the kitchen counter conversing in hushed tones. They saw her looking at them and gave her identical cheeky grins. "I know we're handsome Hermione, but-"

"We are soon to be taken men." George finished his twin's statement, throwing her a wink. Hermione only shook her head in amusement. An owl flew into the kitchen and everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at the creature. George moved to the bird, giving it a treat and taking the letters that it was carrying.

"Well," Mrs. Weasley began as she walked into the kitchen, "Pass them out love, let's not take all day." George did as his mother said and passed the letters out. Once the letters were passed out, no one moved. "Go on then, open them." Mrs. Weasley encouraged, but despite this, everyone stood still. Mrs. Weasley sighed, "Ginny, you open yours first." Ginny nodded and slowly began to open hers, everyone watched with bated breath.

Ginny looked up at Harry and burst into a huge grin, "We're matched, Harry. We're matched." Harry began to tear into his letter, just to make sure. Once he found that they were indeed had been matched and that there was no mistake, he embraced Ginny with tears streaming down his face.

Mrs. Weasley took out a handkerchief and was dabbing her eyes, a small smile on her face. "Congratulations you two. Harry, welcome to the family!" Harry sent her a grateful smile as he slowly let go of his now fiancé. Mrs. Weasley turned to the twins, "Well, George, do you want to go next?"

George shrugged and opened his letter. "Isn't this a surprise, I got Angelina." He wore an almost smug smile and slapped his twin's shoulder giving him encouragement to open his. Fred began opening his letter when they heard a cry.

"Impossible." Ron looked almost appalled and glanced at Hermione. "Padma. I got Padma Patil. How the bloody hell did I get Padma Patil? Who did you get Hermione?"

Confused, Hermione opened her letter and began to read:

Miss. Hermione Jean Granger,

We would like to extend our congratulations to you. After taking our fool-proof comprehensive exam, we matched you with someone who you are most compatible with. Before we reveal who your assigned partner is, we would like to remind you of a few details:

After being placed with a compatible partner, you will be expected to marry within six months of learning the name of your future spouse. You and your spouse will be expected to conceive at least one child within three years of your union.

Failure to adhere to the Marriage Law is not advisable. All those who do not participate will no longer be accepted in the wizarding community; your wand will be snapped and you will spend a minimum of 5 years in Azkaban.

If there is a legitimate health concern that would result in not being able to conceive children, we ask that you please make an appointment with one of our appointed Mediwitch or Mediwizard at St. Mungo's.

Now, without further ado, we would to congratulate you and Mr. Frederick Gideon Weasley on being matched as compatible partners. We look forward to the bright future the two of you hold.

We would like to extend our gratitude for your help, best wishes!

Hoping that you are well,

Theodore Bennett

Head Marriage Consultant

Ministry of Magic

Hermione looked up at Fred who was staring straight at her. She noticed that his lips were tight and that he looked more pale than usual. "Well," Ron demanded, "Who were you matched with?"

Barely breathing she heard Fred answer Ron's question, "Me. She's matched with me."