The Multiverse Marriage Law

Chapter Two

The Ministry Of Magic looked altogether strange the next day. There were long lines of witches and wizards sorted into gender and age groups filling the halls awaiting to complete various tests. In one line, stood huddled together, Hermione, Ginny, Luna and Angelina Johnson holding each other's hands in support.

The tests were as follows: a contraception review, medical history, a cervical screening, urine and blood tests, weight checks and genetic testing. Luckily the most intrusive test was the blood test. Still, there was a nervous energy but not for the tests, for what was about to come in their futures. Groups of females stood united by comforting one another as best they could and a good majority of the male population were glancing over in sympathy, recognising that the females were on the worse end of the law.

In another line were Harry, Ron, Neville, Fred and George, awaiting compatibility tests. Harry, now at the front of their line, glanced to another where Sirius was stood with Lucius Malfoy of all people. Sirius caught Harry's eye and gave an encouraging nod.

The compatibility test included a variety of questions about the psychological as well as the practical aspects of a compatible relationship. The test consisted of thirty questions on a five point scale ranging from 'strongly agree' to 'strongly disagree'.

The tests carried on long into the night as interruptions came in waves from protests, attacks and arrests. Although most of the population had seemed resigned to their fates. The ministry officials carrying out the tests for their part seemed to treat everyone with a great deal of care and sympathy.

It was agreed at Grimwald Place that they would all meet back there the following week to support each other when the letters arrived to determine their betrotheds. Remus had managed to tip them off on the timetables for when these events were happening. They all vowed that they would all be there for each other no matter where they were placed. Although, luckily, Kingsley had managed to get the new homes intended for Hermione, Ginny, Luna and Angelina close together. He has said it was the least that he could do considering that he had failed to stop the law from being passed, which earned a snort from Sirius.

Similarly in the Ministry for Werewolves, Remus stood in line for his health test. Glancing around at the others, he worried for his friends in the magical world. Although many changes had been made for the better, many werewolves were still volatile and unpredictable.

Remus had managed to make a friend or two in the community. He was currently stood with Kofi Kingston, a friendly, soft spoken man who was currently staring forlornly at his now ex-wife across the room. Remus felt a pang of guilt. Many marriages had been dissolved due to this law.

Across the nations, vampires and sirens were also going through the same motions. Next week they would receive the news that would change their lives forever.