Hermione Jean Granger knew what her interests were. Books? Of course. Education? Most definitely. Ensuring that rights and freedoms were given to every person and creature? Without a doubt. Dress shopping? No. She could not say that was one of them. In fact, she would even go as far as to say that she even disliked the tedious task.

This, however, did not stop Molly and Ginny Weasley from dragging her along with them on their…adventure.

"You know this really means a lot to us – mum and I – right?" Hermione stiffly nodded as she watched her friend flip through pages of a bridal magazine. "Besides," Ginny continued looking out of the corner of her eye, "You have your own wedding to plan for too."

Hermione let out a puff of air before grabbing one of the many bridal magazines lying on the table between the two witches. "I just think a nice Ministry wedding will be sufficient."

Ginny laughed, "Oh please, get that thought out of your head and do it quick. Mum would have a right fit if she heard you say that."

Hermione looked towards the woman in question, she was currently talking with Madam Malkin about the current wedding fashion styles. "Surely she wouldn't take it too badly?" Hermione asked unsure.

Ginny scoffed, "Badly? She would take it as a personal offence. You're going to have a wedding, Hermione, face it. One with dresses and flowers and music – oh my!"

Hermione groaned and placed the magazine back on the table. "I just find the whole ordeal to be completely archaic."

"Old-fashioned or not, you're still having one." Ginny closed her magazine, too, placing it on the table. "Is there something else the matter? Or is the wedding really what's bothering you?"

Hermione sighed, "Both if I am to be honest."

Ginny looked at her friend, reaching for her hand, "Go on, you can tell me."

"It's just, well, a lot of different problems I suppose. For one, I still haven't found the time to look for my parents and I want them to be there. I'm also still a little miffed at the Ministry for establishing this barbaric law and for all the unwarranted stress that it has brought with it. And while I am grateful that I was paired with someone as kind as Fred, I'm terrified that we are moving along too fast."

Ginny raised a questioning brow at this last bit of information. Hermione saw this and looked around to make sure no one was listening in on their conversation. She cast a muffliato charm, just to be safe. "Fred and I have gotten rather close these last few weeks. So close, that we almost had sex the other day. Actually, I'm pretty sure we would have if George hadn't walked in on us."

Ginny bit her lip, trying not to laugh at this scenario. It didn't work. Ginny doubled over laughing while Hermione stared at her friend in indignation. "I'm – I'm sorry Hermione, I just…" She held up a finger as she tried to regain some control, "I can just imagine George's reaction. And it's hilarious!"

Hermione seethed, "Well, I am certainly glad you think so because I, for one, did not."

Ginny righted herself after hearing the bitterness in Hermione's voice and faced her once more. "You're right, I'm sorry. Getting back to the situation at hand. How many days of vacation will you have for the holidays?"

"Just a couple of weeks. Why?"

"Use some of that time to go search for your parents. Maybe you can find them, return their memories, and have them there for your wedding."

Hermione nodded, "I don't really know where to start though. They could be anywhere in Australia."

"Lucky for you, I have a fiancé who has connections everywhere in the world because they think he's some hero or something. I'll speak with Harry and see if he can't have someone look into this situation. With any luck, they'll be able to find your parents for you."

Hermione smiled, "Thank you."

Ginny rolled her eyes, "Oh please, it's not like we're friends or anything. Hell, it's not like you're friends with Harry either. Now, as for the Ministry I have nothing for you other than my greatest sympathies. The problems that arise with it? Just take those one day at a time."

Hermione only nodded, understanding that there wasn't much advice to give for that.

"Now, as for Fred. Have you ever thought that the two of you may just be fated?"

Hermione scoffed, "I never cared for divination Professor Trelawney."

"Honestly Hermione, I think the two of you work really well together. I just think that you're scared because you've never felt this strongly towards anyone before. Your relationship with Krum was just a bit of flirting, snogging, and corresponding. There may have been a bit of passion, but there wasn't a true connection. And with Ron, well, everyone expected that the two of you would be together and I think that after a while, you both believed so too. There was a connection – friendship – but there wasn't any passion."

"And with Fred I have the best of both worlds?" Hermione asked incredulously.

Ginny nodded, "Yes, yes I believe that you do. I believe that there is both a connection and an obvious passion."

Hermione thought this over. "Why is everything moving along so fast?"

"Let me introduce you to the wonderful concept of hormones."

Hermione laughed, "Forget I asked."

By the end of their three hour stay at Madam Malkin's, Hermione left with two dresses: A bridesmaid dress for Ginny's wedding and her own wedding gown.

No, dress shopping is by no means on of Hermione's favorite pastimes. But maybe, it could be tolerated.