Hermione finds out
At 6:45 pm Molly ushered them all to the kitchen table. She made them all a cuppa and sat down herself just before 7pm.
"Everything will be alright. They are looking into the best matches possible. I know you are scared but me and your mum will be here for you all." Arthur stated after ten minutes of silence.
"Yes we will be adding seven new faces to our family, how is that a bad thing? " Molly stated but it didn't look like she believed it herself.
After another they finally heard the whoosh of owls. They all stood up taking their letters. No one was keen to dive in.
"Ladies first" said Molly ushered them all back to sitting.
With a sigh Ginny ripped her letter open and smiled.
"I've been matched with Dean Thomas, Samuel Finnagin and Harry Potter." Ginny told the room with a big smile.
Molly squeaked and gave her daughter and soon to be son in law a big hug.
"Hermione now dear, your turn, see not so bad." Molly smiled at the brunette.
She took a deep breath and opened the letter and started reading.
"I've been paired with......" She started but couldn't continue. She couldn't believe it, how could they do this? She couldn't speak, she couldn't take her eyes off the letter, she couldn't do anything.
"Hermione, dear, everything all right? " Molly inquired.
"I... I... I..." she couldn't get the words out, she could feel the tears start in her eyes.
She could feel all eyes on her but she couldn't bring herself to look at them. She started shaking.
She heard a chair move, some one was moving towards her.
"May I look, Hermione?" Arthur asked just behind her.
She nodded numbly, not sure if she could could speak.
"Oh, everyone out, expect Molly and Hermione." Arthur stated with calm.
No-one moved, they all wanted to know what was going, what was so bad that strong Hermione Granger was in shaking in shock?
"NOW! DON'T MAKE ME ASK AGAIN! OUT!" Arthur yelled. He never yelled so they knew to move or face his wrath.
"Accio letters. You'll get them back in a little bit." He said as everyone left.
"Arthur what is ...." Molly started but stopped when Arthur started doing silencing spells and protecting the kitchen from prying ears.
He handed Molly Hermione's letter. She sank on her seat as she took it in.
"They can do this?" Molly almost whispered.
Arthur sent a patronus, presumably to Kingsley to make sure there wasn't a glitch.
"Now dear, we will get to the bottom of this. If it is real they are all good men and will never hurt you." Molly assured her as she wrapped her arm around her.
Hermione cried into the older woman's shoulder.
"Shh dear, it'll be fine."
Suddenly with a flash of green , the minister for magic Kingsley Shacklebolt, flooed into the burrow.
"Evening all." In the familiar deep baritone of Kingsley.
Arthur thrust Hermione's letter into his hand.
"Is this real?"
After a quick look the minister nodded.
"It was decided it was the best for the magical community as there is so many of Weasleys, to keep them together." Kingsley said with grimace.
"What about what's best for me? Your asking, no you're telling me to marry and have kids with six brothers. Why me?" Hermione finally found her voice and stood up.
"It was agreed that you would be the only witch able to handle this, the only one who gets on with them all and can offer a relationship to them all. I am sorry , I tried to fight this but there was nothing I can do. You will marry all six Weasley brothers. As its unusual circumstances we will be giving you a large house that will have enough bedrooms for you all and your children. It has also been decided that you should have eight children. I am sorry again." The minster said as he left with a swift nod to Mr and Mrs Weasley.
"Cmon dear, sit down, can you tell us what's scaring you most?" Asked Mrs Weasley.
"They are brothers, it's going to be weird to be .... be shared by six brothers. I've known them since I was eleven. Bill and Charlie probably still look at me like I'm a child. I just cannot imagine having kids with them. The thought of living with them all is scary. Eight children, that's too many to ask for!!"
"I know dear, but the are all gentlemen, well mostly, Ron will learn from his brothers in time. You will officially be part of the family and I get many grand children." Mrs Weasley almost sing songed.
"Look at it this way Hermione, you get a new house, with plenty of room. Husbands that you know and like plus in laws that you know and hopefully like." Mr Weasley said with a smile.
"I do love you both, I like all the Weasleys, it's just a lot to take it. I'm sorry for getting so upset." Hermione said as she was beginning to calm down.
"It's okay dear, I suppose we should let those children of mine back in and tell them the news. We can keep it short tonight and once you've all had time to take it in, then tomorrow you can all sit down and chat." Mrs Weasley declared as she got up to make more tea.