I own nothing. Thank you to Tanyaa who is an amazing Beta! :)
Chapter 15
As George walked down the stairs to get a glass of water before turning in for the night, he saw his twin sitting at the kitchen table with a big grin plastered across his face. His owl was sitting on the table, eating a bowl of owl food, while Fred read a piece of parchment.
"What's that?" George asked, startling his brother.
"Bloody hell, George. When did you get so quiet?" Fred wondered.
"Quiet? Fred, every single step creeks, they have since we were kids. You were just so engrossed in what you were reading," his brother observed, pulling a pitcher of water out of the refrigerator.
"I guess I was," he admitted, grinning down at the thing he was reading.
"Is it from Hermione?" George asked, knowing that the only thing that would make him grin the way his brother was right then was the brown haired girl.
"Yeah, it is," Fred said, looking up to judge how his twin would feel about it. George filled a glass full of water an placed the pitcher back where it belonged.
"Is she doing all right?"
"She said that she's worried that you would be upset with her," Fred replied.
"What?" George exclaimed, shocked that Hermione would ever think that. "Why would I be upset with her?"
"I don't know. Maybe because she agreed to exchange letters with me," his twin shrugged.
"Why would I be upset with her for that? If I should be upset with anyone, it should be with you for going after the girl I love," George said, trying his best not to raise his voice, so he wouldn't wake up their parents.
"I know that, George, but this is Hermione we are talking about. She's constantly worried that she's upsetting people with the things she does. Especially if its people that she cares about," Fred replied, folding the parchment and putting it in his pocket.
"That's true," he agreed, sighing. "Have you talked to her since she left?"
"No. They just left yesterday," George stated.
"That's true, but a lot of things have happened since then. Malfoy and Charlie are there with her. She gets to see them every day. I've been writing her letters. You've not talked to her at all," his twin said, letting his owl out into the night air.
"You're right," George replied, his brain turning, trying to think of ways to talk with Hermione more, to remind her that he was still here.
"I usually am," Fred teased heading toward the stairs.
"Fred? Why are you helping me? I mean, it's clear that you have some type of feelings for her. Why would you help me if it meant hurting your own chances?" George wondered.
"Because, my dear brother, if I don't get the girl, I'm pulling for you," he replied, before turning around and walking up the stairs.
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"Good afternoon class. My name is Professor Chaffin and I'll be teaching you about relationships this year," the young blonde witch greeted her class as they took their seats. It was the last class of the day and Hermione really didn't want to be in this class. What could the Ministry appointed class really teach them? If they were so concerned that there would be issues in their relationships then maybe they shouldn't have passed the stupid bill.
"I'm sure most of you really do not want to be taking this class. You are probably thinking how stupid this law is and how if you do have problems in you future marriage, its the Ministry's fault," Professor Chaffin started, startling Hermione. Can she use legilimency?
"I would have to agree with you on thinking that this is the most idiotic law the Ministry has ever passed and I've personally told the Minister so, right to his face," she added, earning several applause and some chuckles from the students.
"However, no matter how much we moan and complain, they aren't changing their minds, so we might as well make the best of it and start this new adventure we are on with as much help as we can, don't you think?" she saw a hand raise in the back of the room. "Yes, do you have a question, Mr...?"
"Zabini. Blaise Zabini," the Slytherin replied in what could only be his most flirtatious voice.
"Yes, Mr. Zabini. What's your question?" Professor Chaffin asked, unphased by the known womaniser.
"Are you married? And if not, doesn't that mean that you should be taking this class instead of teaching it?"
"It's really none of your business if I'm married or not, Mr. Zabini," she started, causing several of the students to laugh as their new professor put him in his place.
"But since I want complete honesty in this classroom, I need to be honest with you as well. I got married right after I left Hogwarts to the man I fell in love with back in fourth year. He was the love of my life and we were so incredible happy. We both began working at the Ministry he as an auror and I worked as a counsellor for muggleborn wizards and witches that were having issues adjusting after school," Professor Chaffin walked in front of her desk smiling slightly at the memories. "Then about two years ago, my husband got called into his office and was advised that something evil was coming, something that would effect all wizards and witches, but
especially muggleborns. The evil bastards wanted to be rid of all of the muggleborns. My husband was beside himself with fear for my safety, so he made me move to the United States, where my parents teach at a University in Ohio. He knew that things would be getting dangerous and difficult and he said that he wouldn't be able to concentrate on doing his job. He
kissed me goodbye and promised he would be back. He wrote me everyday up until this past April, when he said it was too dangerous. he believed the end of the whole thing was about to be decided and he would be to get me soon.
"At the end of May, there was a knock one Saturday afternoon at my door. I opened it and saw my husbands best friend from school, Bill Weasley, standing at my door. He told me that Jared had fought in the battle here at Hogwarts and had died."
All of the girls in the room had tears streaming down their faces, hearts broken by the loss this young woman had been through. Loss that most of them could relate to in one way or another after the same war that had taken away Professor Chaffin's true love.
"You're Jared Chaffin's wife?" Ron asked from his seat next to Luna, who had tears falling down her face at the thought of losing Ron. He had known Jared pretty well from the young man's visit to the Burrow when he was in Hogwarts.
"Yes, Mr. Weasley, I am," she smiled at the young man who had the same vibrant red hair as his big brother. Hermione raised her hand, having a question.
"Yes, Ms. Granger," the professor called, knowing who the young women was because of her relationship with the Weasley's and the Boy Who Lived.
"Is the Ministry making you accept petitions?" Professor Chaffin nodded solemnly, glad that Hermione had asked the question instead of having to tell that story. She was not expecting the explosion of out rage that irrupted from her female student and some of the males as well.
"You have got to be kidding me!" Hermione exclaimed, shaking her head.
"The stupid gits!" Ginny cried, ready to storm the Ministry, her wand already pulled out. Harry pulled her back down into her seat, rubbing her back, trying to calm her down.
"Sounds like something, they would do," Draco replied, running his hand through his hair as he often did now days, to try and calm himself down.
"Calm down. Calm down," the professor called out. "I know. It's ridiculous, but it is what it is. I didn't plan on telling you this for a while but I'm glad I did. Now, even when you hate this class and you hate the fact that you have to get married so young, you know that there is someone who understands what you are going through."
She looked at the wall clock and saw she only had a few more minutes of class left.
"Before I dismiss you for the day, I want to give you a small assignment that we will use for the next class. I know some of you are already engaged, some of you have petitions or have sent petitions, but haven't decided. And there are a few of you who have not gotten a petition yet or
haven't sent them yet. My assignment for all of you, is to write down a list of all the things that you would want in a husband or wife. If you could create your ideal person. Be truthful and don't just talk about their physical attributes. One day those will be gone and you'll need
something other then lust to keep you together." The bell rang, indicating the end of classes for the day.
"I'll see you on Thursday."
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As Draco and Hermione sat down at her favourite table in the library, Hermione couldn't help but think of the class she had just come out of. Professor Chaffin had more reason then any of them to hate the Marriage Law, and yet, there she was, trying to help them with their relationships.
"That was intense, wasn't it?" Draco asked, bringing her out of her thoughts.
"It was. I knew Jared, just a small bit from his help with the Order, but I never knew he was married," she replied, shaking her head once again at the fact that the ministry was making the professor remarry so soon after the death of her husband.
"I hope she finds someone who treats her like her first husband did," he said as he pulled out a leather bound notebook.
"Me too. He was a good man," she pulled out her quill and ink and sat them in front of her.
"So, on a much, much lighter note, have you thought of any ideas for the balls?" Draco asked, smiling across the table at her.
"Actually, I do have a few ideas," Hermione admitted. "Its obvious that the dates have already been decided for us and its going to be difficult to not use the holiday as part of the theme."
"That's true," he agreed, taking small notes in his notebook.
"But I, for one, do not want to whole thing to be all about Halloween, Christmas or Valentines Day. I think we should pick a theme that coincides with the holiday. Like for Halloween, we could do a costume ball or a masquerade type thing."
"Those are great ideas. I'm not sure about a masquerade though, seeing that our faces would be covered up and the purpose of the balls is for us to get to know people," Draco replied.
"That's very true. So maybe a theme costume ball," she suggested, writing down the idea.
"That would be interesting. We could do something about different countries or cultures," Draco brainstormed.
"Yes. Or even something about fairy-tales, muggle and wizarding alike," Hermione added.
"Oh, I like that one better. I think it would be hysterical to see what people would come up with," he replied smiling at the thought of Blaise dressed up like the Big Bad Wolf.
"So, we both agree on a fairy tale themed, costume ball?" she asked.
"Most definitely," Draco agreed, grinning. "Who says that Gryffindor and Slytherins can't work together?" he asked. Hermione laughed and wrote down their idea.
"We should come up with a name for the ball. Something catchier then 'fairytale themes costume ball." They both sat there, thought running through both of their heads.
"A lot of muggle fairy-tales start out 'Once Upon a Time,' don't they?" Draco finally asked after a while.
"Yes, they do," Hermione answered, surprised that he knew that.
"What about something like 'Once Upon All Hallows Eve'? Bring the fairytale theme out, along with Halloween?" he suggested.
Hermione grinned and quickly wrote it at the top of her piece of parchment. "What a brilliant idea! Great job, Draco!"
"Thank you," he replied, grinning back and winking at the girl who sat across from him. "My work environment was very inspiring," he added, looking so intently into Hermione's eyes that she blushed and looked down at her hands.
"Sorry I'm late," a voice said as its owner sat down in the seat next to Hermione.
"Weasley, what are you doing here?" Draco demanded irritated with the intruder.
"I believe that would be Professor Weasley to you, now wouldn't it, Mr. Malfoy," Charlie asked, smirking at the boy who was shooting daggers at him.
"Charlie, what are you doing here?" Hermione wondered,watching the two guys and not liking the instant hostility that was thick in the air.
"Professor McGonagall has appointed me as the faculty advisor for the balls," he answered, looking over at Hermione and smiling.
"Why didn't she tell us about you yesterday?" Draco asked sceptically, crossing his arms.
"She was still looking for the right person," Charlie replied, smirking back at Malfoy.
"And you are the right person? Have you helped plan a lot of balls in your day, Professor Weasley?" the blonde wondered.
"Enough, Draco," Hermione said, holding her hand up for him to stop. She turned and looked at the man who sat beside her, looking extremely smug.
"Charlie, how are you the right person? Why did she choose you?"
"I'm young and I have more time then some of the other professors. Plus, I have brute strength that can help you move anything you need help with," he added, teasingly.
"I don't know what we would do without you," Draco replied sarcastically. "Oh, yeah. There's something called magic that we all have the ability to use." He stood up and gathered his things. "We were almost through, weren't we, Hermione?"
She smiled up at Draco, knowing that he was leaving before he said or did something that he would end up regretting. "I think we're good for today."
"I'll see you later," he promised, leaning down and kissing Hermione on the forehead, causing her to blush furiously. He smiled down at her before turning to Charlie.
"See you later, Prof," he smirked before walking out of the library. Hermione started to gather her own things, planning on going to put them away in her dorm before dinner.
"Where are you going?" Charlie asked.
"Back to my dorm," she replied, standing and walking toward the door of the library.
"But why? I thought maybe you could come down to the hut and I could cook you some dinner," he suggested,grinning as he followed her up the moving stairs.
"I have some homework that I need to work on this evening," Hermione answered, becoming rather annoyed.
"You can do your homework later on. It will still be here after you eat," he said, gently grabbing her arm to turn her around. Hermione instinctively pulled out her wand and pulled her arm out of his grasp.
"Charlie, I've had a emotionally stressful day and all I want is to do my homework and relax. I understand that we need to spend time together, to get to know one another better, but you aren't the only one I need to do that with. And if you don't understand that, them maybe you should take back you petition."
"Hermione, I-" he started.
"Charlie, don't say anything right now. I'm irritated and I could easily say something I would regret later. I'll see you tomorrow," she said, before saying the password and walking into Gryffindor Tower.
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"Why does Hermione look like she could kill a pack of hypogriffs?" Ron asked later at dinner as he took as seat across from the girl.
"I would keep my mouth shut if I were you," Ginny advised, smirking as Ron looked terrified at the look Hermione was giving him.
"I'm sorry, 'Mione. I was just teasing you," Ron apologised as he placed a roll on his plate.
"Yeah, well," was the response he got from the girl who usually had a whole plethora of words to hurl at him when she was angry.
"Bloody hell, Hermione what's wrong?" Ron asked, worried about his best friend.
"She's just had a rough day," Ginny answered for the girl who say beside her.
"What happen? Did Malfoy do something to you? I'll kill him!" the red head boy exclaimed standing from his seat, ready to go avenge her.
"Oh for the love of Merlin! Why do you Weasley boys always think you're better then Draco?" Hermione exploded, standing up from her seat. "Think your better then everyone else. You talk about how they say bad things about muggleborns, about how they thought they were better then everyone else. Maybe you should look in the mirror next time you want to talk like
that!" Hermione stomped out of the Great Hall, all eyes watching as she did so.
"What did I do?" Ron asked, shocked.
"I told you to just keep your mouth shut," Ginny scolded her brother before running after Hermione. Ron looked at Harry and raised an eyebrow, silently asking him what happened.
"Charlie pissed her off earlier when she was trying to work on the balls with Malfoy. He came in and said that he was the faculty advisor for the balls. Then, apparently, he was rude to Malfoy and it rubbed Hermione the wrong way," Harry explained.
Ron laughed. "How the bloody hell did he become advisor for a BALL?"
"He said McGonagall appointed him," his friend answered.
Ron snorted, taking a bite of his food. "I doubt that. He had better hope that I'm wrong and Hermione never finds out."
"Wrong about what?" Harry asked, confused.
"You'll see if I'm right."
Hermione sat at the desk later on that evening, glad that the day was finally over. Ginny had finally calmed her down. She knew she would need to apologise to both Charlie and Ron but that could wait until the morning.
"Hermione!" Ginny exclaimed as she came through the door.
"What, Ginny?" the brown haired girl asked, her back sill turned from the door.
"Will you turn around and you'll see what," he best girl friend said, annoyed. Hermione stood and did what she was asked. Hermione gasped at what she saw. Floating in front of Ginny was five vases full of Gerber Daisy's of every shade and colour
"Where did those come from?" she asked, rushing over and picking one of the vases out of its hold and placing it on her desk.
"There was a knock at the portrait door and Harry answered it. Sitting there in front of the door were these flowers with this envelope on top of on of the vases," Ginny answered, helping Hermione arrange the beautiful flowers so they would all fit. Hermione took the envelope and grinned at the familiar writing that said, "Hermione Jean Granger."
"Do you know who its from?" Ginny asked taking a seat next to Hermione on her bed.
"Yes, I believe I do," she replied opening the envelope.
Dear Hermione,
I hope that you like these flowers. I figured that the bright colours would brighten up your room. I hope that you know that I couldn't ever be upset with you for trying to find your true love. You are doing exactly what you should be doing. I miss you so much and I wish I could see you.
But know that even though we might not see each other everyday, that I am still here, always thinking about you, dreaming about you.
Love always,
George
Hermione grinned through a few tears that escaped.
"I believe that at least one Weasley boy doesn't think he's better then Malfoy," Ginny observed, reading the letter over her shoulder.
"I believe you're right," Hermione agreed, hugging the letter tightly against her chest.
So, what did you think? Do you like Professor Chaffin? Please tell me what you think. Otherwise I don't know if you want me to keep writing it or not. I'll try to update again soon. This is Spring Break here and I'm off of work Monday-Wednesday, so I should have time to do some writing. SHOULD being the word. LOL. Happy Reading.