Chapter Text
Hermione woke with a pounding headache as she sat up from where she had passed out on her desk. Her head ached and her mouth was dry. She swallowed thickly, rubbing her burning eyes and was startled to see a Ministry owl in front of her.
Confused, she looked over her shoulder to see that the window was open. She must have left it open when she passed out the night before. Reaching out, she took the letter from the owl and it hooted before flying away. She had no idea what the letter could possibly be about but that mattered little to her at the moment. Instead, she shoved the letter in her pocket and made her way to her bathroom to take a hangover cure.
Once her teeth were brushed, she headed downstairs to make a quick breakfast. She had nowhere to be today, which is why she had let Ginny convince her into drinking as much as she had. Breakfast made, she sat down and took the letter out of her pocket while she ate.
Dear Ms. Granger,
We are pleased to have received your letter in regards to your impending nuptials. After careful consideration, we have been able to set the date of the wedding for July 15. There will be a Ministry official arriving later today to give you all the information in regards to your future spouse. A similar letter has been sent to your intended.
Best of luck
Hermione’s eyes grew wide in shock. She hadn’t sent off any information to the Ministry, had she? She blurry recalled stumbling into her office the night before. The packet of eligible candidates sitting open on her desk. She had flipped through it and in her inebriated state, she must have picked one while she was drunk.
How could she have been so stupid? What had she been thinking? She had no idea who she picked from the stack.
After the second war had ended the Ministry had passed a law requiring all women to be betrothed by their nineteenth birthday. If you passed that age, you had one year to pick a suitable candidate from a stack of potentials given to you by the Ministry. Hermione had gotten her packet not even four months prior and had not chosen a candidate.
She hadn’t wanted to pick one. Why would she? Being forced into an arranged marriage had been the last thing on her mind when the war ended. She, just like many others, had needed to heal from the death and destruction. When the law had come out, there was outrage from the younger generation but the older generation knew that the population of witches and wizards was lower since the war had ended.
In her annoyance, she had refused several offers until she had received the packet. One such offer, given to her by Ron, had effectively broken up the Golden Trio when she said no. Harry, the one who talked to both of them, had made a point to keep quiet about the other. Ron had not taken the rejection well, claiming that she would be back when she had no other options but to take his hand. In defiance, she had slapped him and stormed away.
Now, her hands trembled as she held the letter.
What had she done?
----------------------------------
Hermione was pacing her small apartment, when Harry and Ginny came tumbling through the door. Their wands drawn, eyes wide in search of whatever could be wrong. When they spotted Hermione, they lowered their wands and looked around confused.
“What’s going on?” Harry asked when he saw how distressed Hermione was.
“This!” She all but yelled as she tossed the letter towards them. Ginny easily caught it, taking a second to read it. Her eyes went huge as she read the paper before her.
“You picked someone?” Ginny questioned in shock.
“Apparently, while drunk last night, I chose someone. I have no idea who I chose! I have no idea what happened. All I know is that I woke up this morning to this.”
“Hermione, how could you be so reckless?” Harry asked confused.
“I have no idea. I can’t believe this has happened.”
“You had to pick someone soon anyway, you know time was running out,” Ginny remarked.
“I know but I don’t even know who I chose or what made me do it. I wanted to weight my options before all of this.”
“Well, in a few hours you’ll know exactly who you picked. They are sending over the packet. Then you won’t have to fret. I’m sure whoever you picked won’t be terrible.”
“I can’t believe I could make such a careless mistake.”
Harry opened his mouth but as he did a knock on the door sounded. Confused, Hermione went to answer the door.
“For Miss Granger, if you would please sign here,” the man at the door said.
Hermione took the packet, quickly signing her name. The man nodded and headed off. She brought the packet back into the living room where she sat on the couch. Harry and Ginny sitting on either side of her.
“Come on, lets see who you picked in a drunken fit,” Ginny teased her.
With shaking hands, Hermione opened the folder and pulled out the file. Opening it, all three of them gasped at the picture staring back at them.
“Hermione, did you really choose her?” Harry asked in shock.
“Apparently I did.”
“Of all people, you picked her? What were you thinking Hermione?” Ginny questioned.
“We all know what she was thinking, Ginny,” Harry said before he started laughing. “She’s always been a sucker for a pretty face and that’s one of the prettiest.”
Ginny swatted at her husband but didn’t disagree with him.
“Hermione, are you listening to us?” Ginny asked as she rubbed her back.
“No, I’m so confused.”
“Hermione, we all know how this works. She still has to accept your end of the proposal.”
“Actually, Ginny, Hermione, she already did.”
“What?” Both said together as they turned to face Harry.
“The only way to get a packet, is if both of you have already agreed to it. She either specifically requested to be put in your choices or as soon as she received the letter, agreed to it. Either way, she already accepted.”
They stared at him slack jacked.
“You mean to tell me, that the oh so wonderful and highly sought after, Fleur Delacour, has already agreed to marry Hermione?”
Harry nodded. “She sure did.”
Hermione was dumbfounded, completely thrown for a loop. This couldn’t be happening. How was this happening?
“What am I going to do?” Hermione groaned as she buried her face in her hands.
“I think the best thing you can do is go over the packet and then send her an owl. Maybe don’t tell her that you chose her one night while drunk,” Harry said to her.
“I mean, you could have picked way worse than Fleur,” Ginny told her.
“I thought you didn’t like her?”
“I didn’t like her for my brother, but I love the idea of that posh woman being taken down a few pegs after all. Hermione is the perfect person to deal with that icy exterior.”
“Why is she good for me but not your brother?” Hermione demanded.
“Because Bill isn’t like her or you for that matter. She spent most of her time reading books while she was at our house. Her attitude is all over the place and while she didn’t treat my brother bad, they just didn’t mesh well. My brother isn’t an idiot by any means but there was something about her that left a bad taste in my mouth. Like she couldn’t wait to get away from him.”
“I think you’re reading too much into it,” Harry remarked. “I spent a lot of time with her during the Tournament. She’s brilliant, if not a bit reserved. She’s got a younger sister, who she adores, and she is going to give Hermione a run for her money in the book department.”
Hermione huffed. “I doubt that.”
“She’s more than a pretty face, Hermione, you should know better than anyone not to judge a book by its cover. Give her a chance, you’d be surprised at what you might find.”
“I know, Harry, you’re right. I need to give this an actual chance.”
“That’s the spirit.” Ginny said as she flipped the page on the packet.
The three of them spent the next two hours going over the contents. Surprised by the wealth of information inside. It held more than Hermione had thought and was very well thought out.
“You mean to tell me, she’s the next leader of her clan?” Ginny said in awe. “I thought she was only quarter Veela.”
“She is,” Harry put in as he began looking for something to eat.
“Then how can she become leader?”
“Because only England breaks you down by your bloodline. In Veela culture, it doesn’t matter how diluted your blood is, you are still Veela.”
“How do you know that?”
“I have no idea.”
Harry and Ginny shared a look but decided not to comment.
“Well, now you know what to write about.”
“How so?”
“You can ask her whatever you like. Ask her about her family, about work, about anything you want. That’s the point, getting to know each other.”
“I don’t want it to sound rehearsed.”
“We can get you drunk again,” Harry teased.
“Harry!” Hermione said as she swatted at him.
“Hermione, relax, you’ll figure it out. When you’re ready, go for it.”
“Thanks, you, guys. This has been a lot.”
“We’re always going to be here for you,” Ginny told her with a smile. “Now, go woo your new wife.”
“We aren’t married yet,” Hermione grumbled.
“You will be soon. You’ve got six months until the big day.”
Dear Hermione,
I hope you don’t find me too forward in sending a letter first. I was hesitant to write this, not entirely sure what to write or how to begin. I currently live in London for work and am going to be gone for the next two weeks outside of the country for work. I am hoping, that by then, we will be able to meet in person, again.
There is so much that I am wanting to know. Your packet seemed to be lacking a lot of information. I suppose, I will start with the basics. What is your favorite holiday? How are your parents? Do you still spend a lot of time with Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley? Did you go to work for the Ministry or did you choose to take your mastery?
I know we haven’t spoken since Shell Cottage but I am hoping that we will be able to connect like we once did. It would be a pleasure to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Fleur
Dear Fleur,
I wasn’t sure how to start this letter either. I know this whole thing has been a lot to wrap my head around but I’m glad it’ll be with someone that I have met before instead of a stranger, even though we don’t know each other that well.
My parents are good, as far as I know, I was unable to restore their memories and have such been living on my own since I graduated from Hogwarts. I didn’t go back, it would have been too hard to return there. Harry is doing good, he married Ginny last year and they have been quite happy. Ron and I are no longer on speaking terms, for various reasons. I decided to work in the Ministry while completing my mastery. It has been a lot of stress. Even though I am heralded for being a savior of the Wizarding World, I still know very little about the job that I am doing. I work in the Department of Regulation of Magical Creatures. Surprising, no?
I am sorry that we haven’t spoken since Shell Cottage. I never did get a chance to thank you for everything that you did to help me. I doubt I would be standing here without the help that you gave. I am honored that I get this chance to reconnect with you. I know that we have a lot of information to learn about each other but I have always had respect for you, despite how I may have acted back at Hogwarts. I was young and as such, prone to adolescent issues just like everyone else. I hope you don’t hold it against me.
How is your family? It must be hard being away from them being here in England. Although, I am curious as to how you are still on the list. You are of age, that much I do know. How is working as a Curse Breaker? It must be difficult work.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Hermione
Dear Hermione,
I am sorry to hear about your parents. I don’t know what I would do if I lost my parents like you have. That can’t be easy to handle. Working and doing a mastery, that takes a lot of dedication. Though, knowing you, it doesn’t surprise me that you are trying to achieve more than most people would hope too.
I had heard that Harry had married Ginny and I am sorry to hear about your falling out with Mr. Weasley. I have no kept in touch with the Weasley family since the falling out that I had with Bill but that is neither here nor there.
I feel like it should say something that you are working in that department. Although, you trying to save the house elves in your fourth year was admirable, if a little too soon. Though, I hope to see what wonderful things you are going to do in that field.
I appreciate the thanks, even if it is unneeded. I would not let something happen to anyone in that position and I wish I had been able to do more than to patch you up after the fact. I also hope that you don’t hold my teenage attitude against me. We all had some growing up to do and that seems to be the way of things.
My family is doing well, my sister is in school now and causing as much trouble as she can. It is hard being away from them but with the bans lifted I am able to travel to see them more often than I did during the war. They are happy that I am doing well at work, though I am sure they are ready for me to return home and to the clan. I know that my work is temporary but the knowledge is something to pass on for the better of my clan. That was the goal in the first place.
I am on the list, again, because of the falling out I had with Bill. We had planned to marry after the war but after a few things had occurred, I left and now we are here.
Sincerely,
Fleur
Dear Fleur,
Thank you for your kind words, they are appreciated. It seems we are both at odds with some of the Weasley men, though I can’t say that I am surprised, even if I don’t know the full story. Ginny and Harry have been wonderful during this time as have my other friends. We are all transitioning into the future and learning who we want to be as people now that the threat of war no longer hangs over our head.
Work has been hectic, as new laws are trying to be passed. I have spent a lot of time with those who are fighting for better rights with the Ministry, so I have spent a lot of time traveling as well. I will, more than likely, be back in London by the time you return. If not, as soon as I return, we will get coffee.
I am curious about your clan, though I am not sure if I am allowed to ask questions about them. I know that most people don’t like to talk about things that are better left unsaid. Are the Veela like that? Keeping their secrets to themselves?
There seems to be no shortage of paperwork. Even while at home, I find myself under a mound of paperwork that doesn’t seem to end. Is this what it is like being an adult? Pouring over paper until your vision begins to blur? I had no idea that it would be this intense. There is a lot to learn and while I am grateful for the chance, I am beginning to feel like I will get burned out on this very quickly. I wonder what I will do after I have conquered the Ministry?
Knowledge is a good thing to have. Between the two of us, I believe we could have a lot to pass on. Although I am not sure that I will stop at one mastery. Maybe I will but for now I have plans to start another once I have completed the first. There is just so much to learn and so little time in the day. Did I ever tell you that in my third year I was granted the use of a time turner so that I could take double the classes? It was all fun and games until I almost got attacked by a werewolf. Though it wasn’t his fault, I sort of lured him towards me. This must sound very scary without context. I have had a lot of adventures over the years. I will have to tell you about them some time. There are too many to go over in a letter or even several letters.
I am glad you were on the list.
Sincerely,
Hermione
Dear Hermione,
I am not sure what to make of your letter or better yet where to start. Where to start? How to start this?
First, yes Veela are secretive but the perk of marrying me is that you will be privy to knowledge that not many people outside of the clan will ever know. That is a lot of information to teach you and we will begin once the bonding ceremony is complete. Oh, right, you don’t know what that is. It’s a ceremony given to the clan leader and their spouse to bond them to the clan. It is a long process but one that I think you will like. It has to happen before I am allowed to teach you our ways. That will come in its own time.
Second, you work is admirable. That you are helping shape the way for the future of others is a noble thing. I will say that the paperwork is a lot to deal with. I have a lot of it in my line of work as well. So that is something that we seem to share in regards to careers. Though I am sure you have more paperwork and less of a practical application like what I have. My job, while somewhat boring, can be dangerous as well. I must always be on my guard when it comes to what I am doing or it could spell disaster.
Third, you were attacked by a werewolf? How is that even possible? I mean was this before or during the war? Now, I have a lot of questions and so few answers. These adventures of yours sound dangerous. Though, I am not surprised that you were granted the ability to use a time turner. They must have a lot of respect for you to allow you to use something so important. It sounds like there is a lot that I have yet to hear about you and I am looking forward for the chance to hear more about these adventures that you had. My time at school was dull compared to what you’ve already told me but I think I prefer that over life-threatening things. Even if the tournament wasn’t safe to even attempt. Why they let children do that is beyond me. When I was younger, it made sense to try and participate but as and adult now, I can’t believe that they decided to do that. Although, with a war on the horizon maybe it is not so surprising now.
Fourth, already planning on a second mastery? I am not surprised that you are trying to do a lot when you are young and have the time. Though learning seems to be the forefront on your mind. I would love to see the future that you are willing to pursue, as it will not be an easy one. However, I will be there for you in whatever decision you decide to make.
Lastly, I believe that I will be returning a few days early. It would be wonderful to get coffee with you as it has been far too long since we last saw each other.
Waiting,
Fleur