The Baby Project

The next morning when everyone got up, most people were nervous. Today was the day that they would find out who they would have to spend the rest of their life with. Not only that, but they had to start having children soon, though no one knew how soon that would be yet. As the students made their way down to the great hall for breakfast, there were many mixed emotions coming from the older students. Most people didn't see the slight excitement on Draco's face, however. No one had really spoken to him since he arrived. The only person that noticed the difference in his behavior was Blaise. 

"Man, what is going on with you?" Blaise asked as Draco took a seat next to him.

"What?" Draco looked at Blaise, confused.

"You are acting like you actually want this law to happen," Blaise said like it was obvious.

"Well, it is happening, Blaise, and I don't plan on losing my magic, especially after what we both went through already," Draco said as he put jelly onto his toast.

"Well, that is true, but how could you like this?' Blaise questioned. 

"This is my chance, Blaise. My chance to not marry who my mother tells me." Draco said. It was true; she wasn't going to try and get him out of the law. She was lucky not to be in a cell at Azkaban, and if he didn't comply, he would lose his magic, and she would not allow that at all. He was a wizard. It is what defined him and his mother, and they were going to make it in this new world. And that meant embracing this new law. 

After breakfast, everyone in their 7th or 8th year stayed behind to find out their fate. Hermione and Ginny were holding hands. Ginny had told Harry if she had been matched with someone else, she wouldn't be able to let go, and she would have to be ripped from his arms. So they had both decided that Hermione would be in charge of keeping her as calm as possible and Neville would be in charge of Harry. 

"Neville, I didn't know I could do magic before, and I could easily go back to being a muggle now. Ginny is my future, and if I am not paired with her, I don't want to be a part of this world." Harry told him, and McGonagall started to speak.

"Now, according to the new law that has just been put into place, all new couples must be engaged formally with a wedding date submitted to the council by December 31st. Married by March 31st and pregnant by August. If there is trouble conceiving a child, you will be given help from Healers. This is to be determined by the end of July. 

As of this morning, the ministry declared that each couple will have to have a minimum of two children and that the second child must be conceived by the second birthday of the first child. They will be in constant contact with you even after you graduate until you have had two children. I strongly encourage that you discuss the best way to execute these plans as soon as you find out your partners. 

New sleeping arrangements have been made available. You will be getting small apartments that have recently been built. This shall help you adjust in a safe environment to living with another person. 

You are more than welcome to sleep in your house dormitories, but be aware that it is going to be noted how often you are there. 

I must stress to you all this is not to be taken lightly, and the new council that has been appointed for this will be keeping close tabs on all of the couples." With that, McGonagall stepped out of the way, and an older woman came to the podium.

"The last time a new lady was at Hogwarts, terrible things happened, Harry." Ron chimed in under his breath. Harry only nodded, having been thinking the same thing. They were just going to wait and see what happened. 

"I am going to start calling off the lists of couples. Each couple will then head over to one of the smaller tables that have been set up for you, and you may start to get to know one another. I want you all to know this has been taken seriously, and we have made sure you will be with someone who challenges you and makes you a better person, someone we hope you will grow to love, even if it is hard right now.