The media was brutal. This was the biggest scandal since Voldemort's return in the minds of those at the Daily Prophet. Rita Skeeter, no longer bound by Hermione's long ago threat, ripped Hermione to pieces, calling her a home wrecker with Ginny playing the role of the innocent victim.

Home Wrecker Hermione Strikes Again

By Rita Skeeter

Ladies, guard your men. Home wrecker Hermione has struck again. Hermione Jean Granger, most remembered for the love triangle between herself, Harry Potter (a.k.a. the Boy-Who-Lived, the Chosen One), and Viktor Krum, the Bulgarian Seeker, during the Triwizard Tournament at Hogwarts, has stolen yet another man.

The world was shocked three years ago when the youngest Wealsey and only girl, Ginevra, commonly known as Ginny, began to date the notorious bad boy, Draco Malfoy. Six months ago, the two became engaged. However, the engagement has been called off because Draco has left Ginny for Hermione!

This came as quite a shock to Ginny. Hermione was her best friend. They lived together. Hermione was supposed to be the maid of honor. But, that didn't stop her from stealing her best friend's man!

The two were seen together having a late dinner Friday night, mere hours after Draco and Ginny called off their engagement. Also, neither party seemed to show any signs of remorse. While no word yet how Ginny is fairing, I hope she knows that our sympathy lies with her.

Draco scoffed when he saw the article that appeared in the Daily Prophet two days later. "Well, seems everyone knows now," he announced, putting down the paper in favor of the breakfast Hermione was serving him.

"Let me see," she said, trying to grab the paper from him.

"Honestly, you don't want to see it. That Skeeter woman wrote it and got all the facts wrong, portrayed Ginny as the victim and you as a home wrecker."

Hermione sighed. "I expected as much. Rita Skeeter hates me."

"Why is that? I've always wondered that."

Hermione laughed. "During 4th year, I discovered her secret of being an unregistered Animagus. I know you knew. That's how she kept getting your interviews."

"Ok, so you knew but so did I. Hell, half of the Slytherins knew. What's the problem?"

"Well, none of the Slytherins blackmailed her, now did they?" she answered smirking.

Draco smiled. "I knew there was a reason I loved you."

"Only one?" Hermione asked teasingly.

Draco was about to respond when he heard a tapping on the window. He turned to see a dark gray owl with a letter attached to its leg. "Whose –?"

Hermione cut him off. "Oh, that's Mrs. Weasley's owl! I guess she's read the Daily Prophet."

Draco nodded and rose to let the owl in and take the letter from his offered leg. He handed the letter to a nervous Hermione. As soon as she had the letter in her hands, she ripped it open. Quickly, she skimmed the letter.

"Well?" Draco asked.

"She doesn't hate me!" Hermione put the letter down beaming. "Ginny told her family the truth about Harry and the baby. They can't believe she would do that to you. She also reluctantly explained that I didn't really try to steal you." Hermione paused. "I'm so happy everything worked out in my favor."

Hermione's enthusiasm was infectious, and Draco couldn't help but grin as well. "Me, too, Hermione. Me, too."