The Marriage Law

Chapter 9

Thanks to their latest conversation, Draco and Hermione's relationship had once again risen to new heights. They seemed to genuinely get along now instead of the previously forced cordiality. Their sharp intellects and hot tempers provided an excellent foundation for entertainingly heated debates that satisfied them both. Thy actually sat together in certain classes and chatted in the pod common room or hallways. It was on one such occasion that they found themselves walking to their latest marriage prep course together. Most of the students had grown used to this inter-house unity between the "couple," chocking it up to their impending matrimony. Several Slytherins however, were furious with their poster boy, feeling that he had betrayed his house and its beliefs. It was bad enough that he'd gotten paired with the Gryffindor princess; here he was acting kindly toward her as well. It was unclear whether or not Draco was oblivious toward their attitude or whether he was aware and simply choosing to ignore it. Both options seemed highly unlikely given his ingenuity and pride. The answer to that question was however, answered that day.

When the mish-mash of couples had arrived at the marriage prep course, Professor McGonagall was there to greet them with a strange announcement.

"The class today will be split. Boys will stay here with me and the ministry official, and girls will go into Hogsmeade to shop for wedding dresses."

There were squeals of excitement from several of the girls. A wedding dress was a wedding dress, no matter who the groom might be. Hermione was silent. A dress would make this entire ordeal even more vivid. Even if she was getting along with her fiancée, there were still some wrinkles to iron out. Though she was getting along with Draco, he was still friend zoned to her. She considered him a friend, but a spouse was a whole other can of worms. Furthermore, she could be marrying her prince charming for all she cared and she would still be facing this situation with trepidation. The fact remained that Hermione simply wasn't ready to get married yet. A wedding dress would be a tangible reminder of her arranged marriage; her first material symbol—yes, she didn't even have a ring yet.

"What will the boys be doing?" Parvati asked.

"That will remain a surprise for now," Professor McGonagall replied mysteriously. Hermione could have sworn that her eyes had twinkled as she said it.

Their excitement to go dress shopping outweighed their curiosity, and the girls filed off to Hogsmeade without complaint.

"Professor?" Theo asked in his typically abrupt way as soon as the girls were out of sight.

"Come," McGonagall said imperiously. "We have something important to discuss."

The boys entered the class quickly, their curiosity peaked.

As soon as they had taken seats, the ministry official began.

"It is now time for you all to pop the question so to speak. I know that some of you may find this exercise pointless," he continued quickly, noting several skeptical expressions, "but we want these weddings to be as authentic and traditional as possible, as well as believing this to be an excellent bonding opportunity."

Draco's palms were slick with sweat at the idea of asking anyone to marry him, let alone Hermione. Even though he was technically engaged, a ring made it seem so much more serious and final. There would be absolutely no backing out of this after he proposed. He tuned back in as the official continued.

"You must all propose by Halloween, as weddings will begin in December. There will be a dance on Halloween to celebrate the engagements. Just think boys, at least you know that you won't be rejected!" The official gave a weak laugh as though he almost felt bad for the predicament of these young people.