Matched (Dramione and Blinny Marriage Law)

Chapter 1

      Hermione's POV

I watched nervously as the terrain outside my compartment window zoomed by. Not only was it my final year at Hogwarts, but I hadn't seen the castle since the Battle of Hogwarts. I sat on the train with Ron, Harry, and Ginny; each in their own state of silent reminiscence. Normally, I would have been done at Hogwarts after my seventh year, but there were numerous post-time war exceptions. Like my eighth year. And the marriage law. 

Oh shit the marriage law. 

A law forcing Wizards 17 years of age and up to be married and produce at least 3 heirs within the next 7 years. The idea was ridiculous! Not only was the Ministry forcing me to marry someone, they were forcing me to marry someone of THEIR choosing! I have no choice in who I spend the rest of my life with.

 "Anything from the trolly dears?"

 I snapped my head up, the trolly lady dragging me from my thoughts. Ron leaned over to Harry and proceeded to whisper something in his ear. Immediately, Harry grabbed a bag of galleons from his pocket. 

"We'll take one of everything." he replied. The trolly lady nodded and they made their exchange. The trolly lady left and Ginny and I looked at the boys in confusion. Who would ever need that many sweets? 

"One of everything?" the red-headed girl asked.

 "We did it our first year so we thought it a good idea to do it our last too." Ron responded. Ginny rolled her eyes but made no further commentary. I sighed and pulled out my latest edition of Hogwarts: A History.

Draco's POV

First years stumbled into the hall, staggering in awe. Headmistress McGonagall called their attention and briefly explained how the sorting hat worked. Then, she began to call them up.

Slytherin! Hufflepuff! Ravenclaw! Hufflepuff! Gryffindor! Gryffindor! Slytherin!

The same hat, calling out the same houses, for the same characterless children. I stifled a yawn and stared aimlessly about the hall. As great as it was to be sorted yourself, watching others being sorted every year got a bit boring after a while. The feast started shortly after and the Great Hall erupted in laughter and casual talk. I glanced up at Blaise before filling my own plate and enjoying the feast. 

A bit later, the food vanished from the tables and our attention was called back to McGonagall.

"I would like to point out that no one is permitted inside the Forbidden Forest unless accompanied by our grounds keeper Rubeus Hagrid. Also no underage students are allowed into our 7th and 8th years marriage tower. As for my older students, I'm sure you are all aware of this new marriage law. I know you may not like it, but this law nay be necessary for the survival of our people. Each student has been matched at random with another student of the opposite gender. There will be no switches or swaps. All students who are not willing to follow through with this will be sent to Azkaban permanently. Therefore I highly encourage each and every one of you to get along with your spouses. All students affected by the law will be moved into separate dormitories for the remainder of their time at Hogwarts. Now, when i call your name you will come up by me, and shake hands with your spouse. The shake will initiate your engagement. Then, you will exit the hall and wait in the courtyard to await further instruction. Please remain calm throuought all of this. Younger students, you too will be affected by this law when you come of age. As such, I will have you stay and watch so you have a better idea as to what will happen to you."

McGonagall's speech left a heavy, uncomfortable silence. She cleared her throat and unraveled a long parchment.

" Terry Boot and Pavarti Patil." The first pair hesitantly shook hands and left for the courtyard.  

"Vincent Crabbe and Pansy Parkinson."

"Dean Thomas and Astoria Greengrass." My parents were actually talking to Astoria's parents about creating an arranged marriage between the two of us. She would have made an okay wife, but she's not exactly my type.

"Neville Longbottom and Lavender Brown." I scoffed. A match made in heaven.

"Colin Creevey and Padma Patil." 

"Ronald Weasley and Daphne Greengrass." Poor Daphne. I wouldn't wish Weasley on anyone.

"Theodore Nott and Hannah Abbott." Well, look at that. My best mate will be marrying a Hufflepuff. 

"Justin Flinch-Fletchley and Tracy Davis."

"Harry Potter and Millicent Bulstrode." Wow. I was not expecting that. I guess it really was picked at random.

"Blaise Zabini and Ginevra Weasley." ...good luck mate.

"Seamus Finnigan and Luna Lovegood"

"Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger." 

My breath caught in my throat. I was going to marry Hermione Granger?

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A/N:

Hope you enjoyed the first chapter!! Please comment if you see any errors, or on how we could improve our writing. This fic is written by two creators with very different writing styles. With that in mind, if you see a large difference in styles between chapters, PLEASE POINT IT OUT. We want the story to be as smooth as possible.

Thank you and take care

~ Andy and Haze~