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Chapter Text

Draco and Hermione followed Greta in silence, walking side by side not daring to glance at each other, until she came to a set of large black double doors and ushered them both in.  

“Minister, it seems your appointment will now include Mr. Malfoy,” Greta said clearly irritated, while motioning to Malfoy.

“It’s quite alright Greta,” the minister replied smiling and nodding, a dismissal to the old woman.

“Minister,” Hermione greeted cooly as she took one of the two seats.

“Hermione, it’s good to see you,” Kingsley offered her a smile, “Mr. Malfoy it’s a pleasure to see you here with Hermione.   Even if I was not expecting to see you today.  I was however expecting that I would get a visit from Hermione.”

“We are not here together they both said hastily.”  The minister suppressed a smile, “How may I assist you?”

Hermione wasted no time, “I am here because of a ministry letter I received today regarding the marriage mandate,” Hermione spat the words at Kingsley. 

“I would like to know how this is possible Kings,” Hermione said not addressing the minister by his official title.

“How can we,” she pointed between her and Malfoy, “be a match, let alone one as high as 97%.  I demand to know what kind of spell was used to make this determination.  There is no way that I am compatible with Malfoy.”

Hermione spoke as if the prat wasn’t next to her, and of course said prat bristled quietly beside her.

Kingsley looked at the pair, before sliding a parchment over toward her. He hadn’t been lying when he said he had expected Hermione to show up.  He also knew Hermione Granger very well and had prepared the necessary proof she would undoubtedly demand.

“Hermione, you know that after the war, the magical community sustained many losses.  Many lives were lost, there have been no magical births in the last year and very few in the years prior, and that in itself is alarming.  While the mandate is not ideal, it is necessary, our community needs to be healed and replenished.  Sadly, that burden now falls on your generation.  This mandate may seem barbaric, but I can assure it has only been enacted after careful consideration, and not on a whim.  And to answer your other question, the spell that was used to configure the match is solid.”

Hermione could barely contain her anger, “I WAS THERE TOO KINGS! I FOUGHT IN THE WAR JUST LIKE YOU.”

Kingsley unfazed by her outburst, simply pushed the parchment slightly forward, “Hermione this was not an easy decision to make, what was proposed before I stepped in was much harsher,  but as the Minister for Magic, it is my job to ensure that the magical community heals and moves forward, so I negotiated to what we have now.  This mandate is a way to help our community heal and rebuild.”

Hermione willed herself not to cry especially not in front of Draco Malfoy, “I have given too much already, why must I continue to do so,” she asked with tears that threatening to spill from her eyes, her voice laced with resentment.  

Kingsley stared at her sadly.  “I know Hermione, and I’m sorry but it’s already done.  But let me assure you that names were not drawn at random, in fact many factors were considered.  The team that developed the spell accounted for things like, the propensity for kindness, compassion, strong moral compass, honesty, empathy, accountability, selflessness, forgiveness, generosity, and humility.  It is about real compatibly, who people are at their core, so that the couples have a real chance to bring forth the best in each other.”

Hermione deflated some, on some level she knew that Kinglsey would not do this on purpose, working at St. Mungo’s had given her a front row seat to just how bad things were, and then even worse for those who still suffered from dark curses, and afflictions like lycanthropy. 

“Hermione”, Kingsley said a tad softer, “the magic used for this mandate is equivalent to that of finding a soulmate.   You see, the Department of Mysteries has been working on this for many years, especially after the first war,” he continued, “It considers the overall person, who they are at their magical core.  It considers all the good and bad to find the person who will balance and complete you.” 

Hermione scanned the document in front of her, still holding out hope that she could stop this, but the only thing that she could think of at that moment was, how could it have been Malfoy. 

Yet still defiance rolled through her, “I demand that the spell or magic cast be conducted again,” she huffed, “there must be a flaw if it thinks that I am compatible with him,” she glared over at the man in question not caring if she offended him with her words.

Kingsley sighed, “Hermione, the spell was cast three times to ensure its accuracy.  I can assure you that the magic is sound.” Kingsley said. 

Fuck!!!!  This can’t be Hermione thought.  Magic the thing she loved, the thing that made her a witch, the part that she had always felt was missing from her life until the day she discovered it was real, was now the same thing that was telling her that her soulmate was Draco Malfoy. 

Why?  It didn’t make sense, why would HER magic do this?

Draco had who had remained silent as Granger yelled at the minister, was reeling from the minister revelation. 

HIS magic had chosen HER….as a soulmate.  He didn’t understand how this could happen.

“Minister,” Draco said tentatively, “while I am sure that you think the magic is sound, I must point out that this match will not work as Granger is already in a relationship with Ronald Weasley,” Draco shot a look over at Hermione, “you cannot expect her to leave her boyfriend because magic said so.”

Hermione shrunk at Malfoy’s words and the look he gave her.  She was embarrassed, and not because she loved Ron romantically, Godric she wasn’t even with him, but because she knew that they weren’t together, they had never really been, ever since that ill-fated kiss during battle, they had agreed mutually to just be friends.  No, it was because she didn’t want to admit to Kingsley, let alone Malfoy, that she and Ron didn’t work out, admitting failure was not a strong suit of Hermione’s. 

Kinglsey raised a brow looking toward Hermione then back, “Mr. Malfoy when the spell was cast, it only ensured that eligible witches and wizards were factored in.  For example, those who are in a serious relationship or engaged would not be included.  As I mentioned before, the magic used is very specific, as we are trying to rebuild our community not tear what we already have apart.  And as fate would have it, there were only a few matches that presented early. Your's and Hermione’s was one of them, naturally with such a high compatibility.”

Draco turned to look at her, shocked by this revelation, “you’re not with Weasley?” he asked incredulously.

Hermione could not answer, could not look at Malfoy directly.   Hermione focused on Kingsley and shook her head.  

Draco trying to compose himself, although he was reeling inside asked, “Minister what happens in the case that both parties do not agree with the results?”  Thinking about how Granger was not only too good to end up with him let alone Weasley.

“Mr. Malfoy, magic itself saw fit to match you together, because it sees the potential for happiness, love, and the ability to produce great magical offspring.  But to answer your question,” Kingsley level his gaze on Draco, “should either party reject the match the Wizengoment has allowed for a one timevrematch to the next highest compatible person. If even after the rematch either party continues to with their rejection, well, then there is no choice but to expel you from the magical community.” Kingsley paused to let the words sink in, “those who are unwilling to match, will be given one week after declining their matches, to sort out their affairs, before being forced to leave the magical community. I know it is extreme, but this is an extreme situation.” The minister said firmly.

“WHAT!” They both exclaimed in unison. 

“As I’ve stated,” the minister continued, “What was initially proposed before I helped settle some matters was much worse, and please know that the goal is to help rebuild our community and this is the best solution. The war may be over, but the damage it has left behind is severe, and now we move forward and heal.” 

They both stared blanky at the minister, as if trying to still process what he had just disclosed. It was all too much, too fast.

“I can see that this is a lot to process, so please take the remainder of the week assigned through your match, to discuss your options moving forward.  When your decision has been made, please return to the Department of Marriage to submit your official response.  Further information will be provided once a decision has been made.” And just like that the conversation was over and were clearly dismissed.

Hermione stood preparing to leave, then looked at Kingsley still dazed not sure of what to say without yelling, her emotions and thoughts were in overdrive.  She indeed wanted to keep yelling at Kingsley, but also cry because she would have to continue sacrificing, and then finally laugh hysterically at the absurdity that Draco Malfoy, the Sacred 28 Scion, former Slytherin Prince, and once her childhood bully, was her supposed soulmate. (yeah right!)

Instead she decided it was just not worth it, it was a lot to process and she needed space, so she just turned and walked out, leaving the minister and Malfoy behind.

Draco gulped, this was happening, him and Granger, it was a very real possibility.

He wanted to rage at the absurdity of it all but he didn't fancy heading back to Azkaban, so instead he settled for, “I would say thank you for your time minister, but I feel like that would be a lie.  It is abundantly clear that we have no choice in the matter.  Good day Minster,” Draco finished cooly, then followed behind Granger. 

=^.^=

Hermione walked in a trance toward where she didn't know, still reeling from Kinglsey's revelation when she heard his voice call out to her, “Granger…...Granger please stop!”  Malfoy called out to her and damn it was like a balm to her fury. 

Hermione halted and stood, with her back to him, she still didn’t trust her traitorous tears not to fall.

“It would seem that this is in fact a serious matter that we must now discuss,” Draco said his hands balling into fists at his side.  “Can we please go somewhere to grab tea or perhaps something a bit stronger and talk?”

She sighed, “Malfoy I can’t, I need to think,” her voice broke.  “This is a lot to unpack please give me some space.” Hermione couldn’t face him; she definitely was on the verge of tears now, and she would be damned is she let Malfoy see her cry she chastised herself.

Draco stood unmoving and unwilling to relent.

“You can’t possibly be ready to entertain this ...this mandate.” Hermione spoke in barely a whisper, but it was enough that he heard.

“Well Granger unlike you, I have limited experience in the muggle world.  This life is all I know, and I am not ready to give it up, not when I just got it back," Draco said irritated. "It may be easy for you, but I can’t leave, so yes Granger, I want I discuss the mandate with you.” 

Hermione’s ire rose once more as she spun to face him tears threatening to spill, “easy for me, EASY FOR ME! How dare you Malfoy, you know nothing about me. I may just be a mudblood to the likes of you, but this,” she waved her arms around, “is as much as my world as it is yours, and no matter what you think, I am not ready to give it up.  I fought for my place here, and I damn well intend to keep it.” 

She couldn’t help it, her tears finally spilled.

Draco flinched at her use of the word mudlblood; he remembered how it had once slipped so easily from his mouth at first because he believed it, and once again to feed a lie, but now…he didn’t believe it.  He had seen her blood, and it was just like his, red.

“Granger, I do not care about your blood status,” he began to explain but stopped watching uncomfortably as her tears fell.  The ache in his chest prevalent, as was the need to reach out and comfort her.  “Look we need to discuss this.  I will owl you and we can meet to discuss how this will affect us.”  Draco said cautiously the need to get away driving him, his carefully constructed occlumency walls were cracking at the sight of her tears. 

With out another word he stepped around Granger and left.

=^.^=

Hermione stood in the ministry hallway with tears falling down her face, trying to figure out what had just happened.  Was she really going to have to marry Malfoy?  Was she ready to give up and leave the magical world? It could be easy, but no, what about Harry, Ron, Ginny, and all her other friends.  Could she just give it all up, she knew the answer, she had yelled as much at Malfoy.  She had fought for her place and she damn well intended to keep it.

Hermione had walked almost in a trance to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.  Instinctually she knew she needed to see her best friends, but now that she had made it, she suddenly wanted to leave.  How could she possibly explain this whole crazy situation.

Hermione was so caught up in her own demise that she failed to think of how this would affect her friends. She knew they were also going to be affected by this mandate.

Harry and Ginny had split for good after the battle, and since Ron and her had never really had a relationship, they had both focused on their Auror training.  Each had been out on a few dates, but nothing seemed to click for them.

“Mione?”  She looked up to see a worried Harry looking back at her.  Without a second thought she launched herself into his chest, and he held her in a tight embrace.

“Hermione what’s wrong, why are you crying, did something happen?”  Harry asked while she just continued to cry harder, her tears staining his auror robes.

Hermione felt herself be guided to a small unoccupied office.

“Hermione, please tell me what’s going on?  I did not expect to see you until later today.  I was just on my way to speak to Kings." Harry said concern lacing his words.

“Harry,” she cried, “I ...I” she stuttered her words.  “The mandate” she sputtered again, “did you know?”

Harry took off his glasses and pinched the bridge his nose.  “Well, it’s been in the papers, that’s why Ron and I wanted to meet with you.  We know you don’t subscribe to the Prophet, and we wanted to be the ones to tell you, but it seems that someone beat is to it.”

“Some nurses had the paper at work this morning.”  She said in-between sniffles.

“Hermione I will go talk to Kingsley now, I will figure out what this means and how we can fix it.  I don’t mind using the Chosen One card.” 

She looked at her friend, feeling gratitude and gave him a sad smile, “Harry it won’t work,” she whispered.

“What do you mean it won’t work?” harry asked confused, his Chosen One bit nearly almost always worked, not that he's pulled it much.

“After I found out about the mandate, I came to speak to Kingsley.  That is why I am here at the ministry.”

She couldn’t tell him that she had already received her match, not yet, if she did it would make this all real.

“I had a meeting with him just a few moments ago demanding answers and he explained about the magic that was used.” She finished defeated.

“This can’t be right,” Harry said, “after all we have done, no Hermione, I am going to have words with the minister.”

“Harry,”she pleaded, “the outcome won’t change.  It’s either you accept your match, or you give up your magical life.”

“No,” Harry gasped, “that’s terrible. Why would Kingsley allow this?”

“The war Harry, you know as well as I do... all the losses and no magical births,” she recalled her lost loved ones. …Fred, Tonks, Remus, and many more.

“The only consolation is that spell that was used to find your best match, is particular.” Hermione said nervously. 

Harry raised a brow in question.

“It’s a soulmate spell Harry.”  She could see her best friend struggle like she had with the idea of having to give up more than he already had.  He had died to save the wizarding world, and now this. 

Hoping it would ease the growing stress, she decided to tell Harry about her match. She could see his determination, knowing Harry would move forward with his plan to speak or threaten Kingsley, she decided to just tell him she'd been match and proceeded to blurt out, “I got my match.” 

Harry looked at her stunned, “You did.”

“I did earlier today.”

“Well, who is it?” he asked eager to know.

She wiled her wildly beating heart to steady and said…... “Draco Malfoy”

Harry froze unable to form words.  Did she just say Malfoy?

She twisted her fingers, not daring to look into her best friend’s eyes.

Merlin, now it’s real she thought. 

=^.^=

Draco had walked past Granger and headed straight to the floo.  He needed to get home, he needed to leave this place, he needed, fuck he didn’t know what he needed aside from not seeing her cry.

He was fucked.  His choices were losing his magic or marry Granger.  

This didn’t make sense. He had just somewhat gained his freedom only to be told once again that his life hangs by a thread.

During his trial he resigned himself to his fate, Draco knew that he would be joining his father in Azkaban. 

Although he had switched sides at the last hour, he had still committed crimes, he had allowed death eaters into Hogwarts and had made several attempts to assassinate the former headmaster.  Granted this had all been done under duress, fearing for his mother’s safety, but still he had started on the wrong side.

It wasn’t until the chosen one and his bushy haired best friend showed up testify at his trial, that the possibility of having a shot at a real life beyond the war, was even remotely possible. He never understood why they had chosen to testify on his behalf, and once he was sentenced and sent back to the manor, he could not bring himself dwell too much on it, so instead he had penned two letters but in the end could not mail them, he figured one day maybe. 

Shaking his train of thought, he realized suddenly that the thought of returning to the manor right now was suffocating.  Draco could not return just yet he needed to think.  Approaching the nearest available floo, he called out for Nott Manor, letting the green flames engulf him, taking him away from thoughts of Granger and the tears in her eyes.  

Stepping into a palatial room, he found himself greeted by a tiny elf in a pink dress. 

“Welcome young master Malfoy,” the tiny elf greeted, “how’s I be able to help you.”

“Hello Mimsy, where is Theo?”  He was sure that Theo had felt his arrival through his wards.

Nott Manor like many pureblood estates were awarded by ancient magic…. blood magic.  He watched the little elf in her pink dress and smiled, Mimsy had always let Theo and Draco get away with anything, even before she had been freed.  After the war, all elves were ordered to be freed, to be offered fair wages, and time off.  Some elves like Mimsy had accepted and stayed to work for their former owners.  Mimsy had been with the Nott family for many years, even helped raise Theo.

“Here I am darling,” Theo said as he sauntered in.

Mimsy at seeing her charge, smiled at them both and popped away.

“Nott, I have told you repeatedly to no call me darling.” Draco grumbled still vexed by the events of the day.

“I cannot help it Draco,” Theo smirked, “you are my closest friend, and studies have shown that showing affection is positive for the growth of relationships.”

Draco rolled his eyes.  “Don’t just stand there pour me a drink,” he said.

Theo had not been branded with the dark mark as he had during the war, but being the child of a prominent death eater did not earn him any good will.  He was mostly quiet and kept to himself, he had been placed in the dungeons along with the other Slytherins during the battle, escaping the brunt of the backlash.  Since the death of his father during the battle, Theo had now become the Head of House Nott.  His friend had plenty of galleons in his vaults, so he didn’t work, instead he just tinkered around his manor ridding the house of his father’s influence.

“Draco you look peaky, is everything okay?  You seem moodier, even more than normal, which is saying something.” Theo smirked, “would this have anything to do with the news in today’s Daily Prophet?”

Of course, fucking Theo knew already.

Draco didn’t answer immediately, instead he watched as Theo walked over to the small cart and poured two glasses of fire whiskey.  Draco sank into the nearest wing back chair, remaining silent.  Theo smiled again then handed him a glass taking the chair opposite of him.

“I gather it’s a yes.” The said gleefully. 

“Yes Theo, it is about that bloody marriage mandate.”

Theo smiled smugly.

“It could be fun you know," Theo said casually his eyes full of mirth.   “I think it’s interesting, and soon we’ll get to find out who we’ll be matched with.”   

“FUN… FUN? I was matched with HERMIONE bloody GRANGER!” Draco yelled.

Theo threw his head back and laughed as if Draco had said the funniest thing he had ever heard.  He supposed he just had. But Theo just kept laughing, a really deep cathartic laugh, shaking his whole body while trying not to spill the drink in his hand.

“Nott, I fail to see what is so funny about this situation.  I have been paired with the bloody Chosen One’s best friend.  And in case you have forgotten, she hates me, I bullied her in school, and she was tortured by my sadistic Aunt in my own family’s home, this is not funny, it’s bloody mental.” 

Theo wiped a tear from his eye, “mate I hate to tell you this, but it could be worse.  I recall you going on and on about that bloody punch to your face in third year, and then something about her dress at the Yule Ball.”

Granger did look pretty…Draco thought…no… stop!

“Theo stop.  I was awful to her, even after I stopped believing that blood purity bullshit.  Trust me I saw her blood spill on the floor of my drawing room; it was just like mine.” Draco sighed.

Draco decided he might as well tell him the rest of what had happened today.

“I went to the ministry to speak to the minister himself, and Granger was there.”  He left out the part about being denied a meeting, and that he was only able to see the minister because of Granger. 

“We met with the minister, and he showed us how the matches were configured.  The spell they used is one with the equivalence of finding a soulmate, and if I don’t accept this match, I lose my magic.”

Theo laughed again, and Draco felt the urge to throttle him. 

“Draco you realize that the ministry has essentially found your soulmate for you.”  Theo said in between his laughter.  “This is just poetic honestly.  If you don’t marry the great Hermione Granger, the most famous muggle born, then you essentially get turned into a muggle, and honestly, I’m a bit jealous.  I had hoped that I would be paired with Granger, she’s quite intriguing.”

At Theos confession of wishing to be paired with Granger, he felt a spark of jealously burn within him.  It was too late he thought, she’s mine, and then another pesky insecure thought about how anyone in their right mind could think that Granger was his soulmate swirled ……apparently his magic he thought.

“Mate, are you worried because your children will be halfbloods?  That the great House of Malfoy and The Most Ancient and Noble House of Black lines will be sullied?”  Theo asked innocently.

Draco shot his friend a glare, “No Theo, I don’t care about that, you know this,” Draco scoffed.  “I care that I am going to have to marry a witch that hates me and my family and then be expected to produce children with her.  I won’t…...I can’t do that… to her. If I’m being honest, it’s about time my houses are infused with something better.”

Theo looked at his friend, watching him struggle to keep his emotions in check.  “Well, it’s either you marry Granger, or you lose magic, is that even really a tough choice?”

Draco knew that it wasn’t a tough choice at all, he’d marry a hippogriff if it meant that he keeps his magic.  No, it wasn’t because it would mean binding himself to Granger …surprisingly.   It was more so the thought of having a constant reminder of all he had done before and during the war that gave him pause, he needed to apologize even if she didn’t accept it, he owed her that much.  The fact was that Draco was already hard on himself, but forcing Granger to be his wife would taint her and the blame would be his, he couldn’t stomach bringing her down.

Draco took a deep drink of his firewhiskey letting it burn the memory of his recent interactions with Granger away and letting the sting fortify his mind. 

Theo looked at his friend, really looked at his friend, suddenly realizing…. “You actually want to marry Granger! And you’re afraid she’ll reject you!” Theo concluded, "This is fucking priceless, alert the masses, my arsehole of a best friend is actually scared of feeling something."  The said laughing once again.

Draco’s avoided Theo’s gaze.  “Your mad, Granger is the last person who wants to marry me.”

Still laughing Theo corrected, “I said YOU wouldn’t mind marrying her, not that she wouldn’t want to marry you.”

Fucking Theo.  

Draco remained silent realizing he hadn’t disagreed with Theo…...shit was he really considering marrying Granger?

Not that he had much of a choice.

Draco thought about her, really thought about who she was, or at least the version he could remember…...she was always top of the class, and Draco was always second except for potions, she was great at charms, she fought for the downtrodden, which he supposed included himself at the moment.  Hermione Granger was fearless and loyal, and Merlin their children would be stubborn, smart, magical prodigies he’s wager, and good looking.  Draco took a moment to think back to their years at Hogwarts to fourth year specifically, he recalled her entering the Yule Ball on Victor Krums arm and he had been stunned.  She had looked …beautiful. Pansy had scowled at him the whole night because he kept staring at Granger.

When did Granger become pretty? Probably after that punch in the face during third year.

Theo interrupted Draco’s thoughts.  “You know that Granger is smart, you were second to her, and once you toss all those Gryffindor qualities aside, it’s not surprising to see why you two were matched, she would complement you, she wouldn’t put up with your bullshit, and your offspring would be a menace …in a good way.” Theo smiled and prattled on as if he had been reading his thoughts.

Draco remembered the feeling of her hands on his chest, the warmth that spread under her touch, how her scent had calmed him.  Jasmine, lavender, honey.  It couldn’t be the worst thing to marry Granger, but would she be willing to marry him or would she walk away.  It wouldn’t surprise him if she decided to refuse the mandate, she was stubborn. Unlike him who had always had to fall in line.

Draco was no stranger to his life being planned out. His father had been a death eater, and inadvertently ensured his son was a death eater when he failed, and to top it off Lucius Malfoy had negotiated a betrothal contract with the Greengrass’s, to secure his pureblood lineage would continue.  Draco was to marry Astoria Greengrass thus merging their pureblood families, but only once the Dark Lord had defeated Potter.  His contract and that of Theodore Nott to Daphne Greengrass, would help usher in a better wizarding world, one where families like his remained elite….pure.  

In the end the Dark Lord was defeated, and Lucius Malfoy went to Azkaban, Theodore Nott Sr. was dead, and Draco had been spared, now he inadvertently owed Potter for that.  Not even the millions of galleons in his family’s vaults were enough to convince the Greengrass’s to honor the contract.  They wanted to distance themselves from anyone that had anything to do with the Dark Lord, and he couldn’t have been more grateful for that small mercy.

Draco was honestly relieved when his mother informed him of the broken betrothal contract, he did not want to marry Astoria.  The few times he did interact with her as a part of courting, she seemed reserved, not interesting to him.  Draco ever the proper pureblood heir, had smiled and was polite, but he knew it would be just going through the motions, a marriage to satisfy his families responsibilities.  She agreed with everything Draco said, seemingly playing the part, she was born and bred for, to always be the perfect pureblood wife.

Granger though…. she was not shy, he thought.  Draco knew firsthand that she was feisty, having been on the receiving end of a broken nose from a punch in third year. She was the champion of all manner of lost and helpless causes, a bossy insufferable know-it-all witch, who did not like to be wrong.  She was interesting.

And Draco…...he had been a cowardly bully, because he was just trying to survive.  Even now he knew he would not give up his magic.  He knew that he didn’t deserve the Golden Girl, but he couldn’t give up his magic and he didn’t want her to lose hers either.  He wouldn’t, she couldn’t not after fighting so hard for her place in this world, he would have to convince her to agree to the match. 

Letting go of those past thoughts and refusing to acknowledge Theo’s comment, Draco rose, straightening out his suit, “Theo thanks for the drink,” he said calmly apparently talking things with this prat actually helped him sort some of his shit feeling out, “I must speak to my mother about this unexpected turn of events.” 

Draco nodded and left deciding that he had no choice but to make the best out of this situation.

Theo smirked knowingly, and refrained from any further comments, he simply gave his friend a two-finger salute watching him depart.