The Baby Project

Ministry Interference

Hermione:

I can't believe what I'm hearing, the ministry is interfering with matters here at Hogwarts, adding a Parenting Class as a mandatory class for all fifth through seventh years was beyond me. I don't understand why we need it. To top it off they put this horrible, vile, woman in charge of the class, Professor Umbridge; I doubt the cows ever even had children. Currently, she's welcoming us to her class and promising us all that we would surly love her class because it teaches us skills more valuable than DADA. That's right, they took away Defense and replaced it with Parenting. "Does anyone have any questions?" She asks the class her eyes roaming over us expectantly. I raise my hand, but not in the way I usually do, this time, my hand goes up slow; A sneer etched upon my face. "Yes, Miss. Granger?" She responds, her eyes taking me in distastefully. "I'm already practically a parent to Harry and Ron, I know how to keep children alive, I've proven that many times in the past. Why must I take this class?" My question is not respectful, or even remotely kind; I'm out for blood due to this bloody program.

"The ministry sees it fit that all young witches and wizards know how to care for an infant, seeing as teen witch pregnancy's are at an all time high in Britain." She sweetly smiles at me, not about to cut me a break. "Seeing as today is your first day of classes, I will be assigning you partners for our year long project, then sending you to you alternate housing units." She continues, her eyes racking the room, pairing people up in her head. "Let's start with the Slytherin. Malfoy and Parkinson, Goyle And Bulstrode, Pucey And Greengrass, And Goyle And Flint. I apologize to Mr. Goyle And Mr.Flint, but we don't have enough young Slytherin Ladies in this class to give you a proper pair." She continues her pairing, working her way through Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, before finally coming to the Gryffindor students in the room. "For Gryffindor, It'll be: Potter and Patil, R.Weasley and Johnson, Thomas And Bell, G. Weasley and Spinnett, And finally F.Weasley and Granger." The entire room sucks in a breath as she pairs Fred and I, everyone with half a brain will know that the two of us will end up killing each other before the day's over.

"Can I trade F. Weasley for Thomas? Or perhaps, even, Potter?" I ask, Fred's hand raised to request a trade as well. "No, no trades will be made. I have paired you up with the help of your head of houses based on who will challenge the other the most." As she's talking, It occurs to me that McGonagall probably had a hand in keeping the houses separated, and keeping people like me with family members of the order, it's a good way to watch out for me I must admit. "Whatever you think, Professor." I sneer, still not allowing myself to be kind to the woman. "Now, I need everyone to move and sit beside their partner so I can tell you the terms of your project." Fred climbs over the table behind me and slips into the seat next to me, shooting his twin unreadable looks.

"Now, I suppose I should be telling you what exactly this little project of ours is. Welcome to the Baby Project. For the next year you and your partner will live in a predetermined home inside what the ministry likes to call Hogsfeet; The two of you will be given magically created children based on the lifestyles each of you have lead. The children will be made from a strand of each of your hair placed in a potion in a cauldron, currently sitting in the kitchen of your homes.  Once the year is over you and your partner may choose to keep the children, or give them to barren witches." The entire time she's talking I find myself looking from Fred to George, the two of them seem to be having a silent conversation.

"A slip of paper will appear in front of of you and your partner, which will have the address of your home written on it. Looking at each of your family's financial records will determine what kind of home you have and what street you are placed on. Any final questions?" Umbridge asks, taking a final look around the room before telling us to go find our homes and have a look around our village. Two by two, people begin to flock out of the room, until only Fred and I are left. "Well, Let's go get this over with. We're at Number 10, Scamander Street." I inform him as I get to my feet, leading the both of us out of the room and into the corridor. "I wonder how this is even going to work? They didn't think the pairings through well enough, You're likely to kill me as to deal with me." Fred laughs as he opens a door to a secret passage and leads me inside.