Post War Marriage Law - Hermione

chapter 9

The weeks rolled by smoothly, with Hogwarts settling into a quieter routine. Any tensions or disagreements seemed to come, surprisingly, not from the Slytherins but from members of Dumbledore's Army. The DA students, with their deep personal investment in the events of the war, often voiced frustrations—whether about curriculum changes, differing perspectives on the past, or even the new laws from the Ministry. Many felt strongly about the legacy they’d fought to protect and struggled to accept some of the compromises being made within wizarding society.

While the Slytherins were often quiet and seemed to prefer keeping to themselves, their reserved demeanor was less about defiance and more about maintaining distance from past conflicts. Hermione noticed that Draco, especially, seemed intent on avoiding confrontation and was clearly making an effort to steer clear of unnecessary arguments. It was strange at first, but she appreciated the shift and the newfound calm within their classes.

Despite the underlying currents of tension, there was an unspoken understanding among most of the students. Many had endured loss, fear, and hardship, and while their methods differed, they all longed for stability. Hermione found herself caught between her DA friends’ passionate ideals and the quieter, more pragmatic acceptance of others, constantly reflecting on her own beliefs about the future. It was a time of learning—both in and outside the classroom—as they all adjusted to a new reality.

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By mid-October, the fragile peace that had settled over Hogwarts was abruptly broken. A formal-looking letter was delivered to every student over the age of eighteen, bearing the Ministry’s seal. Hermione’s stomach tightened as she opened it, the weight of the parchment feeling heavier than it should. Inside, the letter confirmed what she had been dreading: the first step of the Marriage Law was officially in motion.

The letter read:

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Dear Miss Granger,

In accordance with the recently enacted Marriage Law, all eligible wizards and witches aged eighteen to forty are required to participate in the Compatibility and Partner Selection process. The purpose of this process is to support the revitalization of our wizarding population and ensure suitable pairings among magical individuals.

Your appointment for a psychological evaluation and compatibility assessment will take place on October 20th in the Hogwarts library. The assessment consists of a standardized test and a discussion with a licensed magical psychologist, designed to facilitate an accurate matching process.

Please note that your participation is mandatory, and your cooperation is appreciated in ensuring the success of this important initiative.

Yours sincerely,
Department of Magical Law Enforcement

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A cold silence filled the Great Hall as the students processed their letters, exchanging uneasy glances. Hermione could see the flicker of dread on many faces, particularly her friends from Dumbledore's Army. After everything they'd been through, the idea of being assigned a life partner by law felt surreal, as though they were still trapped in a system they had no power to change.

Gathering herself, Hermione leaned over to Ginny, who sat staring at her own letter with a mix of horror and resignation. “I suppose this is it,” Hermione murmured, trying to keep her voice steady.

Ginny only nodded, her face pale. "It feels like... like all of our choices are being stripped away."

Over the next few days, the atmosphere in the castle shifted, marked by tension and whispered conversations. Some students bristled at the imposition, while others reluctantly accepted it, knowing resistance was futile.