Soulmark Year

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story. That all belongs to J.K. Rowling.

'So did you get one?' Ron asked Harry as they sat down for breakfast.

'Get what?' Harry asked.

'A soulmate mark.' Ron huffed as Harry looked confused.

'Most wizards get one on their birthday their final year of school so they can get to know them better and court them during the year, then marry 6 months after graduating.' Molly explained. 'Normally the older one gets a dot until the younger one comes of age. Then both will get the mark. So you should get a dot and then in August you will get Ginny's horse patronus and she will carry your stag.' Molly smiled at the thought of Harry joining the family officially.

'So did you have a pins and needles feeling last night?' Ron looked hopeful.

'Um, yea on my…' as he pulled his sleep pants down to show his hip.

'That's not my patronus.' Ginny yelled. 'You're supposed to have a dot. Mum what happened?' Ginny whined.

'You've been cheating on her?' Ron bellowed.

'Ronald, you know he hasn't. When has he had time? During the hunt? During the last six months while we have been doing interviews?' Hermione huffed. 'Do you know who it might be?' Hermione whispered into his ear. Harry shrugged, but she thought she might know.

~o~

'Harry, you know who it is. We ran the DA and we saw all of the patronuses we casted.' Hermione put her arm around his shoulder. 'I think it will be a good choice for you, caring, quiet, and not out for your money or fame. Owl them.' Hermione kissed Harry's cheek and left the room.

~o~

'Ugg. I have a peacock on my wrist.' Ginny groaned. 'Mioine do you remember who has a peacock?' Hermione nodded. Just as there was a knock at the door. Molly came bustling into the kitchen with Cormac McLaggen behind her.

'Um, Ginny you have a visitor.' Molly spoke.

'Happy Birthday Ginevra.' As he handed her a bouquet of roses and a box of chocolates.

'You are my match?' her voice getting higher with every word. 'How did you find out so fast?'

'I went to the ministry first thing this morning after your horse appeared on my wrist.'

'I can't do this.' As she ran from the room, to be followed by Hermione. Ginny sat in the chair with her head between her knees.

'Just breathe,' as Hermione rubbed circles on her back. 'Just think he loves to play quidditch and partying.' Hermione grinned. 'Fates matched you for a reason.'

'Fine.' As Ginny heaved herself out of the chair and stormed into the kitchen. Her wand in hand and pointing at his face. 'Argh, you do know I will not put up with your flirting with other girls. I will hex you worse that Marietta Edgcomb and.' Moving the wand to his bits. 'I will bat bogie you so bad you will not be able to have sex for six months.' She screeched. Cormac paled as the thought.

~o~

'Ok, who has a bloody otter for a patronus?' Draco yelled as he came strutting into the great hall. Hermione's head hit the table. 'Are you serious, Granger? You're my soulmate.'

'Really Mione you got the ferret tattooed on you? How could you?' Ron growled. 'Show me.' She stood and showed a dragon dancing on her hip.

'Ronald, we have already told you fate decided. Happy birthday to me.' She growled to the table.

'What about me?' Ron whined.

'You have a tattoo for someone else. And don't forget you broke up with me for not putting out, and you ran to Lavender so maybe you should be hoping for her patronus.'

'Well, I guess I could do worse.' Draco grinned as he sat next to Hermione.

'Like who?' Hermione asked.

'His sister, I would be expected to go over and spend time with that.' Pointing to Ron, Hemione giggled. 'You can hold a decent conversation. Your hair is not…' as his hands waved around his head. 'As wild, and you're sexy as hell in a ball gown.' Hemione blushed. '

'Students.' Headmistress Minerva McGonagall stood up to address the great hall. 'By the sounds of it not all of you know about the tradition of soulmark year.' She continued to explain. 'So instead of yelling across the hall, please come to me or your head of house and ask for the birthday list, please.' She looked to Draco.

'I'm ok with it.' Harry whispered in her ear. 'You didn't say a word about my match, you accepted mine with no problems so I will accept yours. Draco, welcome.' As he up his hand out for a shake.

'Thanks, I hope we can get along.' Draco smiled.

'As long as you accept my partner.' Harry shot his eyes to his right.

'Hey, you are the one that has to wake up to it every morning and if your happy I'm fine with it.' Draco nodded as he leaned over to Hermione and whispered into her ear. 'Has he not told anybody yet?'

'No, not sure how they will take it.' As she whispered back and nodded to the Weasleys across the table.

'Oh, that's stupid.' He said as Hermione nodded.

'So, Harry, did you ever figure out who your match is?' Ron said as he shoveled food into his mouth.

'Yea, I did and I'm happy.' Harry said as he finished his breakfast.

'Well, who is the retched bint.' Ginny snarled.

'Oi, that is not nice to say, someone might call you a harping hag so be nice to Harry's partner.' Draco snarled as Cormac sniggered beside her.

'Hey that's my sister you're talking to. Harry's pick is probably some money grabbing bint.' Ron snarled.

'Hey, don't start something you won't like the answer to.' Hermione snarled. 'Ginny it's not you and you should be happy for that.'

'How can I be happy to lose the love of my life?' Ginny whimpered.

'All you want to do is play quidditch and party. Harry wants to stay at home, enjoy the quite life. So are you going to stay home every weekend?' Hermione asked. 'And you already have a partner.' As Hermione motioned to Cormac.

'No.' she grizzled.' Yea, lucky me.' She sneered, she was still pouting about losing Harry.

'Well, his partner is very happy to stay home and watch the telly and not go out partying every week. So, get over him and move on.' Hermione huffed as she got up. 'Want to go talk?' Looking to Draco. As he nodded.

'Harry, you two joining us?' Draco asked as he looked to Hermione, she smiled at the acceptance of the pairing.

'Yea, we will.' As he and Neville stood up.

'You're matched to him.' Ron bellowed. 'You're a poofer?'

'Ronald Weasley, you will not use that word in this school.' Minerva yelled as she joined the group at the table.

'Harry's partner was picked for him to be the best choice for him. And anybody who does not like same sex matches, please see me and we will see where we can send you for further schooling. I will not hear of any trouble towards them. Do you hear me?' as all of the tables nodded. 'So, I will ask again do you have a problem with their match?' Ron shrugged.

'Do I have to share a room with….' He stopped short of saying what he was thinking.

'No, they will be moved to a new room. Just remember that you will most likely be on your own from now on. Hermione will most likely be doing homework with Draco, Harry and Neville. So you better hope your match is willing to help you pass your newts. You four need to follow me.' As Minerva turned and left the great hall. She walked down a few different halls to stop in front of the painting of horses in a pasture. 'This will be your new rooms.' As the painting swung open. To a large living room. 'You have a small kitchen, the door over there and there are the bedrooms. I'm giving you four the only two room suite all of the others are four rooms. Unless you want to room with….'

'No this will be fine.' All four said in unison, as they all nodded.

'Have a good day. Harry I'm sorry for the way Ron….' Harry interrupted her.

'It's all right I knew he would blow up when he found out. At first, I was … but after spending time with Neville … I felt … happier that I have in a long time.' Harry smiled as Hermione rubbed his back.

'Good to hear, well I will let you all talk. Beesy.' As a house elf popped into the room. 'Can you move all of their belongings over to their new rooms please. And you will be in charge of this room.'

'Yes headmistress, I'z takes good care of them.' As she popped out of the room.

'Thank you, Minnie.' As Harry hugged her.

'Just remember that is only to be used in private, or you will be scrubbing the bathroom for the rest of the year.' Minerva tried to look cross. As all four students looked chastised but giggled.

'Wow, what a morning.' Hermione flopped onto the nearest sofa, pulling Draco with her.

'How are you so… accepting of this?' pointing between them.

'I figured it would be you from the start. Ron and I would never work. How is your mom going to take this?'

'Fine, she's known I've had a crush on you since the yule ball. I better go owl her.' As he got up 'Which room is ours?' Hermione looked to Harry and Neville as they shrugged.

'Fine that one is ours.' Pointing to the one on the right.

'Oh, number one rule… sex in your own room. I don't want to come out here to see your hairy arse between my sister's legs.' Harry snarked.

'Good because I don't want to see you sucking him off either.' Draco snarled back but with a smile on his face.

'Well, we will be making rules up as we go but yes rule number one is a great one.' Hermione giggled at the thought of harry and Neville doing ….

'Oh, yea rule number two no weasels, I don't want them in here disrespecting us.' Draco growled.

'I agree to that one.' Neville spoke up.

~o~

'Happy birthday Ron.' Millicent Bulstrode said as she sat down at the table.

'Yea, thanks, what do you want?' Ron sputtered between mouthfuls.

'Ronald.' Hermione hissed, she had sat near them knowing it was Ron's birthday and would find his match 'That was rude.' As she kicked him under the table.

'Ron did you not get a hedgehog soulmark last night? This is your dog right? as she pulled up her shirt to show her hip and a small jack Russell ran across it. He spat his food across the table. As he rushed to pull up his shirt to see a small hedgehog skittering around.

'Crap. Ow, you don't need to kick me, Mione.'

'Yes, I did, you need to learn manners.' Hermione frowned. 'Welcome to the table Millie.'

'Good luck.' Harry grinned.

'Oi, shut it, you…' Ron growled.

'Mr. Weasley I wouldn't finish that sentence if I were you.' Minerva had been watching the table. 'Miss Bulstrode you and Mr. Weasley will be in suite number 110 with the Notts, Zabini and McLaggens.'

'A bunch of snakes… great.' Ron snarled.

'Um, your sister is in with us you prat.' Millie swatted him across the head.

'Oi, did you see that? She is battering me.' Ron whined.

'I don't see any marks.' Minerva said without skipping a beat. All nearby grinned. 'Find them for the password.'

'Hey Millie just a hint … Ron is kind of lazy and will let you do his work so you will need to harp on about getting his homework done.' Draco grinned as he told on Ron.

'Great so I have to mine and his… nope he will do his own work.' Millie slumped in her seat.

'And he wants lots of children.' Harry added.

'Well then, he will need to get a job then. My father will not support a lazy no-good git.' Millie snarled. 'So, if I was you, you better start studying so you can get a good paying job.'

'I'm going to get picked up by a team and I will be playing professionally.' Ron spoke with a knowing grin.

'Ron, do you want to bet on that?' Draco asked.

'Yea I will.' Ron grinned.

'So, what do you want to bet?' Draco grinned.

'Draco, don't he has nothing to bet.' Harry said.

'Yes, he does, he can publicly apologize to you three for all of the stupid things he has done over the past 7 years.' Ron's eyebrows went up. 'Using Hermione's beautiful brain, running out on the during the Horcrux hunt.' Seeing Ron looking confused. 'Yes, I know about that. And for the way you have been treating them since we all learned about the soulmark matches. And Harry gets a personal apology he loves who he loves.' He looked over to him and Neville. 'And I will bet 1,000 galleons that you make the cut for a professional team.' Draco grinned. 'If I get a few scouts in here next week and have him rate all of the team members and see who they would pick for the professional teams. Are ok with that?'

'Yea I am, get him in here so I can get my money.' Ron grinned. 'When I get picked for teams.'

~o~

'Oi, Weasley the scouts will be here in two weeks, that should give you extra time to practice.' Draco yelled across the hallway, as he posted the notice for the scout's arrival in two weeks for any and all that wanted to be evaluated could come.

All four house teams came out for the scouts, plus a hand full of students that had not tried out for the house teams. 50 students in total played. They started early and kept swapping players. Finally, about six o'clock the scouts stood to thank everybody for coming out to play and they would have the list done in a few minutes. The list was posted, and they even had comments beside the names. There was a red line for the top twenty. They were all told anyone above the line made the cut, the ones above the blue line looked promising. And to take the comments to heart. Harry, Draco and Ginny made the top three. Ron was way down the list, behind the fourth years and their comments said to keep practicing and try again in their sixth year. Ron had only beat the ones that came out for the fun of it.

'This can't be right.' Ron yelled. 'Did you pay them off Malfoy?'

'Um sir. We were asked to come out and grade the players. I do not know anyone here so, your claim of a payoff is unfounded. Your name sir?' the scout asked.

'Ron Weasley, Keeper.'

'Ah yes, here you are.' As he flipped thru his papers. 'Number 23 Weasley, Ron- Lacks concentration, speed and coordination. If you were a fourth year you might improve with practice but as you are almost of age we don't feel you can do too much to improve.

'I can do better.' Ron whined.

'Sir you had…' as the scout looked at his papers. 'You had four different tries. I'm sorry sir we cannot even recommend you for the reserve teams. Thank you all for coming out and hope to see you all next year at the team draft.' As he turned and walked off.

'I still think…' Ron started but was interrupted.

'Ron just pay your bet, get this over with.' Draco snarled.

'Fine I'm sorry.' As he turned to leave.

'Oh no you don't. You apologize to each and every one of them.' Draco growled.

'Draco, that's fine it was more than I was expecting.' Hermione said.

'No, he agreed to the bet. I had my coins ready just in case he surprised us.' Draco pulled out a bag of coins and shook it. 'So does he want to be known for squelching on a bet?' Draco asked.

'Ok, I'll do it.' Ron grumbled. 'Hermione, Harry I'm sorry, I shouldn't have been such a bad friend. Harry I'm sorry for not supporting you and Neville.' He stopped to look at Draco for acceptance, as soon as he nodded, he turned grabbed Millie's hand and left the area.

'So, are you two going to play professionally?' Neville asked.

'I don't know if I want to mess with it.' Harry spoke.

'What I don't get to shag the…' as Neville stretched to see the list. 'Second best seeker?'

'Oi, he said we tied, they just put us down alphabetically.' Harry grinned.

'Well, am I going to be playing against you next year?' Draco asked. 'Yea I think I might play a year or two while Hermione gets her masters.' As he looked over to Hermione.

'Really? I get time to …'

'Yes, you will get your masters.' Draco smiled. 'And then we will open that apothecary you have always dreamed about.'

'Oh, Draco.' Hermione hugged and kissed him.

'And you might as well play too, and I can get my masters in herbology.' Neville added.

'So, I guess we will be playing against each other again, Potter.' Draco slapped his back. 'Do we send Weasley our team jerseys?'

'That's mean… but yea that would be funny. I'm in.' Harry started to laugh.

~o~

'Hey, Millie, how's it going?' Hermione asked one afternoon in the library.

'He is … there really is no one word for him. lazy, no motivation. He said something about we would be fine his brothers would hire him. Should I hope that is true?' Millie asked.

'I don't know, they have two full time workers now and they might need help during the summer just before we go back to school and during the holidays? I can owl them and ask for you if you want?'

'Oh, would you? I need to know weather I need to push him in another direction if that is a no go.'

~o~

'Hey Hermione, want to read this?' as Millie tossed a letter down on the table.

Dear Millie,

We are so sorry you got stuck with our brother. Hermione wrote us and told us of your concerns, as of right now the only spot, we have open is a part-time holiday position. And we will not hire Ron, but we would consider hiring you and we would make it a full-time spot for you and you only since you are family.

So Sorry,

Fred and George.

'Oh, what are you going to do?' Hermion asked.

'I've talked to Prof McGonagall and there is a slight chance I can get out of this, due to his lack of….'

'I'm so sorry.'

'Hey, you tried to warn me. My dad is furious with him after we went to visit last week. Ron made a few comments about how we are going to live with them and still play quidditch.'

'Wow, lost the bet and won't acknowledge the truth.' Hermione shook her head. 'Well, if you need anything from us just let us know.'

'What are you two doing conspiring Ron's death?' Draco said jokingly, as he, Harry and Neville sat down at the table.

'I wish it was that easy.' Millie told the boys the story of the past weekend. 'Dad is going to the ministry this week to see if I can rematch to someone else.'

~o~

'It happened.' Millie came running into the great hall as she rushed to sit with them. 'I got rematched. I got Greg, he is way better than Ron. The house elves are packing up his stuff now while he is out on the quidditch pitch and moving Greg in.' she squealed.

'What are you so happy for? And why can't I get into our rooms?' Ron snarled.

'Oh, there you are Mr. Weasley.' As Minerva joined the group. 'I have just been notified that you will be rehoused into Gryffindor tower, the password is unity.'

'What? Why are we being moved?' Ron sputtered.

'No Mr. Weasley you are being moved as your suite is needed for a new couple. You have been released from your soulmate. As your mate made claim she would rather die than marry you.'

'You what?' Ron growled as he spun to look at Millie.

'Ronald Weasley, don't you dare yell at her now. She had tried her best to help you get your grades up so you can pass your newts and get a good job.' Hermione stood up to block Ron from Millie.

'I'm gonna play quidditch.'

'Ron, you didn't make the cut remember?' Hermione spoke to the floor.

'Fine I will work for Fred and George.' He whined.

'No Ron they have already said they wouldn't hire you. I need someone to at least try to be a good husband.' Millie growled.

'Fine, so what are you moving back to Slytherin dungeons?'

'No, I have already been paired with someone.' Millie grinned.

'Who.'

'Greg Goyle.'

'That fat slob?' Ron yelped as six hexes hit him.

'Mr. Weasley what have I said about insulting other students? Minerva sneered. 'You will have detentions for the next… three months. Be in my room after classes.' She turned and left the group.

'Ron at least I will try to be a good husband.' Greg said with a grin.