I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow,

And each road leads you where you wanna go,

And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,

I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.

And if one door opens to another door closed,

I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,

If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile.

But more than anything, more than anything

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to

My Wish by Rascal Flatts

(Last time...)

"I need to know." I said resolutely. What was going on? Was this real? And if it was, what do I do? My thoughts were scrambled, and I couldn't really figure out right from left. I needed confirmation first. But most importantly, I needed my parents.

[Jane Meniscus- Hermione's mom- ruler or wolves]

Alice and I were in the thrown room deciding on what to do about the growing Luna Nova problem when a feeling comes over us. The kind of feeling that can be felt in the air around us and you instantly know something unpleasant was about to happen.

"Alice."

"I know, love." We braced our selves for whatever was to happen when the doors to the thrown room are opened.

"Hermione?"

"Hey Mom, Mother." Her voice was quiet and subdued. She was never like this, something was wrong. I took my eyes off my daughter for a second to observe the people with her. Magnus and Tali were with her, her Mate Minerva as well, a young girl, and a tiny elf.

I took a hard-long look at her. I noticed the black under her eyes indicating a lack of sleep, the redness of her eyes that told me of long nights and tears. The last thing I noticed was the way she held herself. she was slightly slouching and seemed barely able to stand on her own two feet.

"From the beginning."

"Yes, Ma'am." She said before going into her story.

(A week prior) [Hermione]

"What can this Goblin help you with Ms. Meniscus?" Our Clan had many dealings with the Goblins. Goblins were trustworthy folk. Trust is built with exchanges of items and favors and you will never have a more reliable ally.

"I would like to speak with Ms. Fleur Delacour." I said as strong as I could.

"Ah, I am sorry Ms. Meniscus. Ms. Delacour and Mr. Weasley are out on a job. I cannot disclose their location as only they and the client know. Trust and secrecy between clients are a part of a Curse-Breaker's job. Curse-Breakers deal with many dangerous items and very valuable ones. Clients want absolute privacy in these matters. I only know that they will be back in time for their upcoming matrimonies. Can I help you in any other way?" I flinched a little at the reminder of the close approaching marriage.

"Thank you very much Gunguk for your help."

"Of course, Miss. Have a prosperous day."

"You as well Gunguk." I say as I turn to the exit. The others were waiting for me outside.

"Time for plan B guys." I say as I cough a little. My chest was getting tighter as time went by. I needed to try my hardest to find answers.

I grip Minerva's arm as Magnus hangs on to me. We were off.

(Beauxbatons School of Magic)

Time to find my last resort for answers, Gabrielle Delacour. Minerva was hesitant to leave my side but needed to let the Headmistress know that we were visiting. She left in a hurry as Magnus, Tali on Magnus' shoulder, and I, head off to find our target. I recognized some of the women from the Tri-Wizard Tournament as I passed by. Whispers floated in the air as I breezed past everyone. I had no time to stop and say hi, I was on a mission. I finally spot a familiar head of hair that reminded me so much of her sister. My chest ached as I stalked closer.

A few of the girls facing my way started to gasp and whisper to each other excitedly. They seem to know who I am, no matter.

"What is it?" I hear Gabby ask in confusion. She turns around just as I make it to their little group.

Gabby looks incredibly surprised, who can blame her?

"Hermione?" She gasps out.

"Hello Gabby." I say as I manage a pained smile. "Can I talk to you?"

"Of course. Come with me. I have my own room now that Fleur isn't here at the school anymore." We follow Gabby through the school and come upon a hallway with brightly decorated doors. She stops at one and spins a few of the décor on the door, it makes a pleasant noise as it swings open.

"Now what can I help with?" Gabby asks as the door closes behind Magnus. By the look in her eyes, she must know.

"What is going on Gabby?" I ask as I let my barely concealing mask fall. My face goes from neutral to greatly pained. Tears start to form in her Sapphire eyes as she finally sees the pain I was hiding.

"I truly don't know. She just stopped writing to me one day after saying that she had met an older brother of one of your friends at work. Said he was her only friend among all the other serious Curse-Breakers. She talked about him and how he had been changed while on a trip to Egypt. She said that she was going to help him get through it because he was her best friend at work. It seemed fine and I believed it was just a close friendship, but her letters just stopped coming and then we got a Wedding invitation. Hermione, I tried to send letter and ask what the bloody hell was going on, but I didn't get an answer." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"I see." I open my eyes and stare at the wall. "She's found a Mate."

"WHAT?!" Minerva had just gotten to the door it seemed and had heard what I said. Gabby hurried to open the door and let her in.

"I don't understand. You, we, are her Mates."

"That is true Minerva. But it is far more complicated then that. I only have Soul Mates while other magical creatures have Soul Mates and Mates. Even you Minerva, could find a Mate even though I was your Soul Mate and decide that you would be happier with them."

"I would never!" She yells.

"I'm not saying you would Minerva, But you could. You could decide that you would rather be with them instead of me. Soul Mates are those you connect the most with spiritually, but the Goddess also made Mates, so that if something happened to the Soul Mates or something else happened where the Soul Mates couldn't be together, the Mates could be the one to help them, so they wouldn't be alone. Finding your Mate is a lot more common then to find your Soul Mate. Sometimes these things happen Minerva. Even humans can meet their Mates or Soul Mates. Though Werewolves seem to always stick with their Soul Mates because of the spiritual connect with their wolves, but it can be different with other species. The books in my family's library has many books on the subject. We should go there next. You might understand better. But I have a feeling Bill is Fleurs Mate and she has picked him. I mean, mated to the next Queen of the Werewolves must be hard to wrap your head around." I turn around toward the door before anyone can say anything.

"Let's go see my parents. Minerva, please let the Headmaster know that something important has come up with family and that I'll need to return home. I'll get a port key ready for the area just outside of Meniscus Castle. The Wards won't let anyone but me apparate into the Castle directly. In my state right now, I don't want to risk side-along apparating everyone."

"Can- can I go as well?" I turn back around to look at Gabby. Gabby was still crying softly but seemed determined to go, want answers just as much as each of us.

"Very well. Min, please let the Headmistress know." I say as I go off to get some fresh air outside. "I'll wait outside. When everything is set here, lets return to Hogwarts."

(Meniscus Castle- Present) [Jane Meniscus]

I was shaking. There were so many emotions battling inside me for dominance and I couldn't tell which one was winning. I was reeling and unable to do anything at the moment. But it seemed my Wife was a lot quicker to sort herself out.

"WHAT?! She hurt my BABY!" I was quick to react now. Wouldn't want anyone to lose all their limbs. I grabbed Alice and wrapped her into my arm.

"I know babe, I know. I'm mad too. I have so many emotions right now, but our baby needs us right now." I whisper into her ear. She stopped struggling to get free, but she was tense, and she was never tense. This was affecting us greatly.

"Hermione let us go to the Library I'm sure there is some- "I stop suddenly as something I remember my mother teaching me about this exact situation pop into my head. I whined loudly in pain.

"Honey?" "Mum?" I hear.

This is bad. This is horrible. This can't be happening. Artemis why?

I waved to the guards to leave the room. As soon as it was only us and Hermione's friends I grabbed my wand and warded the room with the strongest silencing and privacy wards that I could muster in my state of mind.

"Mum?" Hermione was worried of course, she hadn't seen me this way since her Great-Grandfather died.

I grabbed my wife's hand firmly into mine.

"I haven't told even you this honey because even I forgot it until just now. My Mother, Grandma Kiha to you Hermione, told me this story about a curse that was placed on the Meniscus Clan, the Royal Family. It was a powerful sorcerer that was aligned with the Luna Nova Clan long ago. It was around the time when Artemis chose us in the Great Wolf War to lead, to be royalty. The Nova were angry and employed the help of a sorcerer to curse us. The curse made it so that we would only ever have Soul Mates, no Mates, just Soul Mates. These Soul Bonds are already very hard to come by, but the curse also made it so that if our Soul Mate were to die or to leave us for another... we wouldn't be able to live."

"But, but, what about your Grandma honey? Your Grandpa died, and your Grandmother is still alive today."

"That is true Alice. But it was because they were not Soul Mates. They just fell in love and married. Soul Mates are hard to find love. We, and Hermione, were lucky to find each other." I explained.

It was silent for too long. I had no idea how long the silence stretched on for, but Hermione was the first to break it.

"I see. That must be why I seem to be coughing for no reason and getting weaker. My body is tied." Hermione seemed to take this matter-a-factly. She seemed resigned to her fate.

"Hermione, dear- "

"Mother. Fleur has made her choice and seems to be happy. I can't fault her for wanting to be happy. Her choice has been made and I will not force anything. I love Fleur and Minerva, but I will not make her change her mind. She would resent me, and I would grow to hate myself if I forced her to stay with me." Minerva came up behind Hermione and wrapped her into her arms. I closed my eyes. Hermione was always this way, always thinking of others rather then herself. I was biased toward making Fleur stay but I also understood Hermione's point.

"I understand."

"Dear?!"

"Alice. This is her choice. I understand, I'm sure you understand too." I said as I grasped her hand harder. Alice seemed to curl into herself and cried.

The Thrown room was somber and moist with tears. Once it calmed slightly, I unwarded the room and told Hermione that she could stay here for as long as she wanted. I sent some maids and butlers to get some rooms ready for the rest of our visitors.

(Meniscus Library) [Hermione]

Over the past few days, very few words were spoken. I spent most of the time silently lying on the bed with Minerva or spending the hours in my safe space. The Library could almost distract me from what was happening, what was going to happen.

My Grandparents and my Great-Grandma came to spend time with me. They understood but were very adamant about going to see Fleur or to come to the wedding so that they could have some words. I made everyone promise. I made my parents, grandparents, and my great-grandmother to promise to not come. They would not do anything to compromise Fleurs day.

"Hermione." I heard a voice say my name from the entrance.

"I know." I said. It was time.

Minerva walked over to me with my parents and helped me to stand. The last few days leading to the wedding had been hard. I was deteriorating. I couldn't walk on my own anymore. They placed me on my wheelchair. The wheelchair could move on its own, but Minerva insisted on pushing me herself. I let her.

Minerva led me to the entrance of the Castle where everyone was waiting. Gabby was in a beautiful dress, Magnus a dashing suit, Kreacher in his best, and all the servants, were at the door waiting.

Gabby, Magnus, and Kreacher were at my side as I was rolled through the rows of servants that bowed as I passed. I smiled at them. Many of them had been with me since birth. I looked one last time at my parents, grandparents, and great-grandmother, before we left in a pop.

(The Burrow)

The Weasleys had planned everything. The wedding wasn't very extravagant, but it was intimate and small for family and close friends. The giant shade was lined with chairs, so I told Minerva to set us in the back, so we wouldn't be in the way.

The wedding went on and I zoned out. I didn't listen to anything that was being said or being done. I snapped to attention when Minerva placed her hand gently on my shoulder. I looked up and saw flowers being thrown and Bill and Fleur smiling. I smiled as well through the pain in my chest. I watched as the chairs were magically rearranged and tables appeared. The chairs and tables were floating around and finding their home when Fleur's eyes met with mine. Fleur's eyes went from startled to sad to confused in the matter of a few seconds. Understandable. Who would expect an ex at a wedding? Or in a wheel chair no less.

The tables and chairs found their places and a dance floor appeared in the middle of it all. My eyes were glued to the new couple, mostly Fleur, as they danced. She seemed tense now that she saw me. Of course, it must be uncomfortable to know that I was watching. Bill had been stolen by Molly and they danced a song while Fleur danced with her father. The band that was hired was very good. Very multi-dimensional. A slow song came up and I looked up to the sky and thanked Artemis. This song was perfect at the moment. I swallowed a pepper up potion and a potion for strengthening the muscles before I stood shakily. I grabbed Minerva's hand to steady myself before I walked over to Fleur.

"May I have this dance?" I ask her as I hold my hand up. Fleur hesitated before grabbing my offered hand.

(One Last Cry- Kim Jo Han- original by Brian McKnight)

My shattered dreams, and broken heart

Are mending on a shelf

I saw you holding hands, standing close to someone else

Now I sit all alone wishing all my feeling was gone

I held Fleur close as we danced.

I give my best to you

Nothing for me to do

I was here, you were there

Guess we never could agree

While the sun shines on you, I need some love to rain on me

Still I sit all alone, wishing all my feeling was gone

Fleur was starting to cry, and I wiped the tears away. I smiled. I hope Fleur knows that I love her and that I don't resent her or hate her.

Gotta get over you

Nothing for me to do

But have one last cry, one last cry

Before I leave it all behind

The song came to an end and I touched my forehead to Fleur's.

"I love you, Fleur. Be happy for me." I let go of Fleur and walked away before I did something I would regret. I had only made it a foot before Fleur grabbed me by my hand and led me away from everyone else.

We stopped at the side of the Weasleys' Burrow. Fleur was crying and grasped my hand harder.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." I smiled at her down cast form.

"It's alright Fleur."

"Its not. Why are you in a wheel chair? Why are you so calm about this? I've done something horrible to you!"

"Because I love you." Fleur was about to speak but s figure came between us and pushed be back with so much force that I stumbled.

"Who the fuck do you think you are?!" Bill's voice was different from normal, deeper, raspier. "This is my wife! MINE!" I looked into Bill's eyes. They were dark and enraged.

"Hermione! This isn't Bill please help him!" I heard Fleur scream from behind Bill's large form.

"You wretch! How dare you?! I told you that I would- "I was in action before he could even finish. In a flash I was behind Bill and grabbing the back of his neck. I forced him to the ground and put my knee into his back. I knew what to do. If what Fleur was saying was true I needed to use a special spell developed by my family to deal with such things. I lifted my free hand and placed it on Bill's head. Once my hand started to glow, Bill stopped struggling.

"I'm sorry1 Please forgive me my Princess! I can't control it. I didn't know Fleur was your Mate I just I couldn't help it!" Bill seemed to be back to his senses, just in time too. Molly, fleurs parents, and all my friends and Minerva came over to find out why we had gone missing.

"Why are you holding my son down on the floor!?" Molly was the first to speak. I released Bill and he stood up to face his Mother.

"Mum. It's my fault, everything is my fault. I'm too weak. I knew what was happening was wrong, but I wasn't strong enough to stop it."

"What are you talking about Bill, sweetie?"

"I'll explain." Fleur said wiping tears from her eyes. "It all started when I first started working at Gringotts as a Curse-Breaker."