Dramione | 7th year Marriage Law

chapter 2

After the feast had finished and the other years had gone back to their dorms, Professor McGonagall stood up again tapping on her glass to get the attention of the seventh years.

"Now students, over the war, lots of magical blood was spilled, so the Ministry has come up with a plan to re-populate the wizarding world. Minister Shaklebolt will be here any second to explain it to you."

The students start whispering to each other, others placing bets on what was so important that the Minister of Magic had to come, and amongst the chatter, the familiar sound of someone apparating was heard, and Kingsley Shaklebolt appeared, silencing everyone in the process.

"Hello students." he said with a smile whilst walking up to the podium.

The students replied nervously, watching his smile fade into a straight face.

"Now I believe that Professor McGonagall has already told you that I would be coming. Before I say the news, you must know that we did everything in our power to get the jury not to go forward with it. Unfortunately, they didn't listen." 

"Tell us already!" exclaimed Blaise Zabini, a Slytherin and Draco Malfoy's best friend.

Pansy, another Slytherin and close friend of Draco's suddenly yelled.

"Yeah, the wait is killing us!", to which everyone nodded in agreement.

"No need to shout Mr. Zabini and Miss. Parkinson." said Kingsley sternly, shocking the two students at the fact that he knew their names.

"A new law has been passed. All witches and wizards from 17 to 20 have to be married to their soulmate and be pregnant with children before the end of the school year."

"What?! That's not fair!!" shouted Hermione, outraged that her future was now being planned for her, without her control or consent.

Ginny climbed over to where Harry was sitting and stood up.

"Yeah, and what if we're already with someone?!" she protested, worried about the outcome this new law would have on her relationship.

Kingsley's face suddenly fell.

"I'm very sorry Miss Weasley, but even if you are already in a couple, if you are not soulmates, you will be matched with someone else. Anyone who doesn't go along with the new law will have their wands snapped and their magic taken away from them."

He watched as couples looked at each other with worried expressions and with a guilt-ridden gulp, he continued on.

"Could every girl stand over by the Gryffindor table, and the boys by the Hufflepuff table. Now, as soon as the girl touches this goblet, a name will be produced. That is your soulmate for life. If you are not engaged by Easter, there will be severe punishments. If you have fertility problems, you have to ask our permission to see a Healer. If you are pregnant and will have the baby after the school year finishes, you will take your N.E.W.T.S in the early stages of your pregnancy. The boys will design the rings themselves and a wedding date must be picked and sent to the Ministry by June. Now would the first girl please step up and touch the goblet. "