Married by Law

Chapter Two: We're supposed to...what!

"Hermione. Hermione. Hermione!" shouted someone. Hermione slowly opened her eyes, blinking at the brightness.

"Wha...?" groaned Hermione, sitting up slowly. Harry and Ginny crowded around her, while Ron was scanning a letter. Suddenly Hermione realized it was her letter. She jumped up and snatched it away. However the damage was already done, Ron had seen who she had been matched with. He knew it wasn't him.

"Draco Malfoy? Draco Malfoy." said Ron flatly. Tears pooled into Hermione's brown eyes.

"I-I... who did you get?" whispered Hermione brokenly. Ron glared at her before speaking.

"Lavender Brown." replied Ron coldly. Hermione's heart fell.

"Ron...I never...I'm..." Hermione faltered. She picked up her letter.

"Hermione, I think it's best to say we're over." said Ron, emotionlessly. Tears welled up in the brunettes eyes even though it was inevitable. She nodded despairingly.

"Excuse me? All of the people involved with the Marriage Law are to report to the Great Hall immediately." said a Gryffindor prefect, poking his head into the portrait hole.

"Won Won!" squealed a voice. Lavender Brown sprinted from the staircase and nearly threw herself in Ron's arms. Hermione huffed angrily as they strode into the Great Hall. Students were inside, many not happy. Cries of indignation were heard. Hermione herself felt the anger leave her body, replaced with a deep sadness. Draco Malfoy?

Speaking of the devil, he stood across the hall next to Blaise Zabini. His face was expressionless, while Blaise's was mixture orf surprise and joy. Blaise caught sight of Hermione and nudged Draco. The blonde looked up and saw Hermione. Her breath was caught as he stared at her. Instead of coming closer, he merely shifted his gaze. Luna soon interrupted her own gaze.

"Hello Hermione!" chirped Luna.

"Who'd you get paired with?" demanded Hermione straight away.

"A young chap named Rolf Scamander. Apparently he's from Scotland. I've never met him. He seems rather charming though." noted Luna airily. Hermione suddenly realized something, at least the person she was paired with was someone she was familiar with. While he wasn't ideal, he wasn't a stranger. Not to mention he wasn't to hard on the eyes. Hermione decided to think positively, or at the very least rationally.

"What about you?" inquired Luna curiously.

"Draco Malfoy." said Hermione quietly. Luna grinned.

"He's a hunk!" was all she said before she walked away. Hermione was left standing amidst the students, unsure of what to do. Many of which had found their future spouses, save for a small handful of those who's partners did not actually attend Hogwarts. Among those were Padma Patil, Seamus Finnigan, Zacharius Smith and Lisa Turpin. All eighth years.

Hermione began to notice happy couples. Dean and Parvati, Harry and Ginny, Millicent and Goyle, Daphne Greengrass and Blaise Zabini, and many more. Hermione decided it was best to slowly approach Draco. Standing up straighter, she began her walk. Within five feet of him Hermione's face grew tense. It was a natural reaction.

"Malfoy." greeted Hermione tersely.

"Granger." replied Draco. She sighed.

"We've been matched."

"So I've noticed." replied Draco sarcastically, with a roll of his blue eyes. Hermione responded with a roll of her own mocha colored ones.

"Alright, this is awkward enough." mumbled Hermione. The corner of his lips turned up in a hint of a smile, but quickly returned to a blank canvas.

"Look Granger, until we figure out a way to overturn this law we will need to be at the very least civil with eachother." sighed Draco.

"Civil? You really think we can overturn the law? I don't. So whether you like it or not buddy me and you are in it for the long haul." sad Hermione firmly. Draco opened his mouth, then closed it.

"But, Harry and I were planning to go to the Ministry on Sunday. Believe it or not, helping save the wizarding world does give you special perks." smirked Hermione. "So, maybe we can help overturn it."

"As long as I'm not forced to wed." replied Draco icily.

"Oh you won't be. To me, at least. I'll make sure of it." shot back Hermione irritably. She rubbed her forehead, suddenly exhausted.

"You should go to bed."said Draco randomly. Hermione looked up, giving him a weird look.

"Did Draco Malfoy just say something that was remotely close to kind?" laughed Hermione. Draco blushed.

"Can't let my future wife resort to sleep deprivation, now can I?" replied Draco. Hermione shook her head and sighed.

"Attention students! Tomorrow there will be a bonding session at Hogsmede. You and your future spouse are free to do as you please, in an effort to help ease the transition." said McGonagall.

"Not likely." murmured Hermione and Draco at the same time. They looked at each other briefly before looking away.

"I suppose it is best if we get to know each other even in the slightest." Hermione sighed in defeat.

"You're right. I'll meet you in the courtyard at noon, then? Dress warmly, seeing as I haven't a clue what we'll be doing." said Draco softly. Hermione nodded swiftly.

"Goodnight then Granger."

"Malfoy-Draco, I believe that it's best we use each others first names. After all, unless a miracle is created we will be married in one month." reasoned Hermione.

Draco nodded in agreement. "Alright then, good night...Hermione."

"Nighty Night, Draco."