IM BACK! this is just a short chapter to get the plot going where i am planning but worry not, i am writing the next few chapters right now! read and reviews! thanks!

CHAPTER 7

Hermione ran across the Great Hall to her table and reached to the center of the table only to realize all the serving plates were now empty.

"Herimone, you missed breakfast again!" Harry explained as Hermione wrestled a disappointed look off her face.

"Darn it! I can't help it! I leave my room in plenty of time but then I have to walk through the library and I just get so distracted..."

"What book was it this time?" said Ron, who had apologized a few days earlier but still trying to guard his friend from her 'finace'

"An Advanced Guide to Spell Damange and Healing" Hermione replied as she followed her friends to her first class, stomach rumbling.

She was about to walk into Transfiguration when she saw a mop of blonde hair peeking around the corner at the end of the Hall followed by a finger summoning her. She quickly excused herself from Harry and Ron with the classic washroom excuse and walked towards the end of the hall.

"Yes?"she inquired as she rounded the corner and saw Draco standing there.

"Here" Draco said thrusting a napkin full of toast in her hands "I figured you missed breakfast...again"

"Oh...thanks" Hermione replied, a mixture of gratitude and confusion running through her. She eyed the toasted warily before her hunger won out and she grabbed it and started chewing. Her eyes closed in pleasure as her hunger started to subside.

"Aw, she looks cute when she is happy" Draco thought as she smiled around her toast.

Hermione's eyes shot open as she heard that thought slip through her the past few days her and Draco had started to master thethought reading aspect of their marriage contract. They were able to shield their regular thoughts from the other and project the thoughts they wanted to share. However on certain occasions, such as this one, thoughts managed to slip through their barrier.

"well um, thanks again" Hermione mumbled as she finished her toast and headed towards class.

She couldn't help but wonder at how their truce had changed their relationship from enemies to...whatever they were...in only a few days. He was starting to act like a friend which was something she thought would have been impossible for the "badboy" Draco Malfoy...

Draco hung back for a moment, a slow smile creeping across his face. He saw the mix of confusion and embarassment that crossed Hermiones face as he "accidently" let that thought slip.

This is going so well... he thought as he walked after his fiance towards class.

"Miss Granger and Mister Malfoy, they headmaster would like to see you in his office now. Your teachers for your next classes have been notified" Proffessor McGonagall announced at the end of class.

"Good luck Mione" Harry whispered as he gathered his books.

"Let us know what he had to say" Ron added as he got up to follow his friend.

"I will guys" Hermione replied as she walked over to join her fiance.

The pair of them walked in amicable silence to Dumbledore's office and spoke the password that McGonagall had revealed to them.

"Ah, my Head boy and girl, come on in" Dumbledore said as they opened the door to his office.

"Hello sir" Hermione said as she walked in and sat down.

Draco simply nodded to the wise man and took the seat next to Hermione.

"Well, as you two know, you are required to marry on Miss Granger's birthday," Dumbledore started, as Hermione paled.

"But sir, my birthday is in a few weeks!" the Head Girl wailed, not ready to get married!

"It is true that Miss Granger's birthday is September 19th but Miss Hermione Tate's birthday is not. Your true date of birth was November 3rd. I simply called you here today to inform you two that you will be given permission to leave the castle grounds with adult accompaniment on some up coming weekends to prepare for your wedding."

"Prepare? What do you mean?" Hermione asked.

"Is it not common for a bride to wear a white dress? Also a wedding for the Malfoy family is always a big occasion so I am sure you have food, decor, rings and more to pick out!" Dumbledore said, with more enthusiasm than any man should have for a wedding. "Mrs. Malfoy has already offered to help out and will be here Saturday to pick you up, Miss Granger, for some shopping. Anyways, that is all I had to tell you. Back to class!" he finished smiling.

Hermione stood up in a daze. She had spent the last few days ignoring the fact that she was actually going to have to marry Draco, no matter how nice he was being.

Draco however hung back and looked at the headmaster.

"Yes, Mister Malfoy?"

"Sir you mentioned wedding rings and that got me thinking. Is there any way I can get an engagement ring for Hermione?"

A surprised look crossed Dumblefore's facebefore being replaced with a proud one. "I will arrange for Hogsmede's jeweler to come tothe castle during your free period after lunch."

Draco expressed his thanks, smiling internally at how easy it was to fool everyone that he had changed so quickly. He was about to walk out of the Headmaster's office when Dumbledore spoke aloud.

"You know Draco, you always have a choice"

Confused Draco turned around.

"With all due respect, I am being forced to marry against my wishes for money." he said, wondering fearfully if the Headmaster knew of his father's plans.

"Indeed you are Mister Malfoy. But know this, there is always a choice, even in the most bleak looking situation. And you always have a friend here at Hogwarts. Good day."