A.N. NOTHING NEW. Just forgot to add the disclaimer in the initial posting (stupid me).

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. Ms. Rowling's is the brainchild behind them. I just have the honor of playing in that world.

8 Mar. Thurs. 1830 (6:30 p.m.) GMT

Hermione folded her arms over her chest. Why had Mr. Weasley ushered her to Malfoy Manor? She sat looking at shelves full of books behind the grand desk in Mr. Malfoy's den. Mr. Weasley looked through a stack of papers, cursing under his breath.

"Mr. Weasley, Sir," Hermione began as she turned to the haggard looking older wizard. "What was so important for which I postponed the end of my sabbatical from teaching?"

Mr. Weasley stopped looking through the papers before taking a big breath, "We are in changing times, Hermione. The war has ended."

"Yes," she nodded her head as she continued to look at him.

"The Wizarding World is trying to mend itself."

"I understand, Mr. Weasley," Hermione said slowly, "but, what does that have to do with me being called to Malfoy Manor?"

"The Malfoy Family is one of the most traditional families in the Wizarding World. You saw first hand the familial pressure Draco faced during your time at Hogwarts," Mr. Weasley said. Hermione rolled her eyes at the last sentence.

Mr. Weasley continued, "Mr. Malfoy received his inheritance after he married Mrs. Malfoy before his twenty-eighth birthday. Lucius's father went through the same thing.

"Hermione, Draco is going to be wed," Mr. Weasley said, looking sadly into her face.

"Please tell me the reason that I'm here is because he wants me to cater his wedding," Hermione said wide-eyed; not wanting to hear the far more bleak and realistic reason that Mr. Weasley was going to share with her.

"I'm . . . sorry, Hermione," he said looking forlorn. "With the institution of the new Muggle Marriage Laws, there isn't actually anything we can do differently."

Hermione blinked back tears. She stood up and paced in front of the desk. The whole room seemed to be spinning. "Why me?" she said aloud.

"My sentiments exactly," a cold voice sounded.

She turned towards the door. She narrowed her eyes at the younger, blonde haired wizard that entered. Draco Malfoy entered with his father, Lucius, and mother, Narcissa. The older witch gave Hermione a gentle smile, which Hermione felt compelled to return. Hermione took in a deep breath to hear what she was getting into.

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