The Marriage Law

The Strange Visitor

First, disclaimer. I don't own Harry Potter, Hogwarts, or any of J.K. Rowling's work.

Hermione was in the Great Hall.

She was sitting with Harry, Ron, and Ginny.

As usual.

They would usually be eating by now. That means that Dumbledore probably has an announcement. The trio hopes he makes it quick.

Hermione is drifting away, just thinking of fruit tarts and pudding, when Dumbledore clears his throat. It's a quiet sound but everybody hears. A couple hundred heads turn toward him.

"Attention... we have an announcement from a visitor. Madam Gumpop is from the Ministry, marriage district." Dumbledore steps back.

A woman with long, curly black hair steps up to the platform. She is wearing a white top, a gray pencil skirt, and a black sweater.

"I am Madam Cherry Gumpop and I have an announcement to make to some of the students here." At this, students start to whisper. She doesn't stop. "Let me start by saying: Let's have a moment of silence for everyone that died at the Battle of Hogwarts." Students bow their heads. After a few seconds, she continues. "As we all know, many people died at the Battle of Hogwarts. Many people lost people that were very important to them. Brothers, sisters.

I am here to tell all of you about a new law that has been passed at the Ministry. But first, I am to tell you that first through sixth year students are excused and may go back to their dormitories."

More whispers as most of the student population leaves the Hall.

After the last few first years leave, Madam Gumpop continues her speech. "You, the seventh year students, should understand death. It happens to all of us, and has never been completely reversed. Over 80% of our magical population died at the Battle, and you, the seventh years, have been chosen by the Ministry to help cultivate new wizarding minds."
 
This sounded nice to Hermione. "Ron, do you think this is tutoring?" After all, she could be good at tutoring, and she would be able to help a small child gain her immense knowledge. Then a thought occurred to her.

Why would they have made the younger students leave?

"We will be introducing a marriage law. Just for seventh year students." Many students groaned, but some laughed thinking they would be able to choose. "The Ministry has assigned pairs of you based on who is most compatible with who. You will get your partner once you go back to your dormitory, and it will be an envelope in your house colors addressed to your name. You will still be attending school, but you shall take different classes relating to parenting. You and your spouse shall move in together in an apartment in a house dormitory of your choosing. If you cannot agree, we will assign one for you. That is all I have to say. Enjoy your feast." Madam Gumpop steps away. Dumbledore seems a bit shaken, but raises his arms to signal the feast, which appears on the tables.

Hardly anyone even touches their food. Hermione has no appetite, but knows she must eat, and has about 3 servings of avocado. Not her favorite, but fatty and filling.

At the end of the feast, she stood up. Her legs were shaking. She slowly made her way to the Gryffindor dormitories.