Post War Marriage Law - Hermione

chapter 3

After engaging in conversations with various Ministry officials and exchanging polite nods with familiar faces, Hermione found herself seated at a long, elegantly decorated table for the dinner portion of the ceremony. The air was thick with anticipation, the somber atmosphere punctuated by the clinking of glasses and the low murmur of conversations. The food was a comforting mix of traditional wizarding dishes, and she savored each bite, grateful for the familiar flavors as she shared the meal with Ginny and Luna.

Once the last course was cleared away, the room settled into a respectful silence, the lights dimming slightly to set a more serious tone. As the head of the Ministry, Prime Minister Shacklebold stood to address the gathered crowd, his demeanor solemn yet authoritative.

“Esteemed guests, friends, and family,” Shacklebold began, his voice echoing through the hall. “Tonight, we gather not only to honor those we have lost but also to commit to ensuring that the sacrifices made during the war were not in vain. It is our duty to ensure that such dark times never come again.”

Hermione listened intently, her heart swelling with pride for her community, but a knot of anxiety twisted in her stomach. As Shacklebold continued, she noticed others shifting uncomfortably in their seats.

“With that in mind,” he continued, “we are unveiling a memorial to commemorate the fallen and to serve as a reminder of our shared past. We must remember the pain, the love, and the resilience that brought us here.”

The atmosphere grew more solemn as an ornate statue was unveiled at the front of the hall. It depicted a great tree, its branches reaching skyward, symbolizing growth, strength, and the enduring nature of life despite loss. The statue was intricately carved, with leaves that seemed to shimmer under the soft light, a reminder of the lives that had intertwined beneath its branches. As applause rippled through the crowd, Hermione felt a bittersweet pang; it was a beautiful tribute, yet it represented so much loss.

But then, the Prime Minister's tone shifted, and the room grew eerily still.

“However,” Shacklebold said, his voice becoming grave, “the harsh reality we face is that our population of wizards continues to decline. Our community is dwindling, and if we are to protect our way of life, we must take action.”

A shockwave of murmurs and whispers spread through the hall, tension crackling in the air. Hermione exchanged concerned glances with Ginny and Luna, her heart racing as she sensed something troubling was coming.

“To address this issue,” Shacklebold continued, “it has been decided to introduce a new law—a Marriage Law. This initiative aims to encourage the union of wizards and witches to ensure the growth of our population. More information regarding this law will be provided in July.”

Gasps erupted around the room, and Hermione could feel the collective disbelief wash over the gathering like a wave. Conversations erupted, voices rising in protest and confusion.

“What? A Marriage Law?” Ginny exclaimed, her eyes wide. “This can’t be happening.”

“It's not exactly what I expected to hear tonight,” Hermione said, her mind racing with the implications. “What does that even mean for us?”

Luna, ever the voice of reason, added softly, “It could lead to all sorts of complications. Imagine how people will react. There are so many choices to consider. It doesn’t seem fair to impose such a law.”

As whispers grew louder, Hermione felt a mixture of outrage and fear. The idea of being forced into marriage—or seeing her friends subjected to such a decree—felt like a betrayal of everything they had fought for. She glanced around, noting the mix of anger, confusion, and despair on the faces of her fellow attendees.