CHAPTER 1
MINISTRY OF MAGIC
"This is exactly the reason why we should use only magical artifacts in the Ministry," the minister was getting frustrated by the minute.
"But sir, Miss. Granger is in charge and more over it has got magical binding on it," said the goblin.
"Whatever, make sure no one tries to use the mug-mag machine," and he left the premises.
The goblin was left alone to guard the malfunctioning magical machine which looked very much like a muggle ATM machine. Four hours later, "I need to use the bathroom. There has hardly been anyone who came by and it was already 11pm. Who could come now?" He left just as a young brown eyed witch decided to enter the premise.
The screen read
Welcome to the Ministry – Department of Magical Wedding.
Please choose a language
"English"
Enter your personal ID
Welcome Hermione Granger
DoB: 19/09/90
Age: 24
Status: Single
Occupation: Magical Law Enforcement Officer
Choose an option
Betrothal/Marriage
She hesitated. She nervously considered her options. Betrothal would be just fine, but marriage would be a better surprise. It was Ron's birthday tomorrow and he had already proposed twice to which she hadn't given a clear answer. With excitement she clicked, "Marriage".
Enter initials of spouse-to-be
That's where everything went wrong. She pressed 'R'. Nothing was displayed. She pressed it again. And that's when Hermione came to realize the universe just contradicted her title of being "the most brightest witch of all ages". She watched as the machine read,
Only one option available and confirmed.
Congratulations on your marriage!
Marriage Certificate to be owled within two working days.
What on Merlin's name did that mean?
"Ma'm, are you here to repair the machine?" the goblin asked as he re-entered.
No. No. This couldn't be happening.
"What do you mean repair? This machine is not working?"
"Yes ma'm."
"Can't you freaking put an out of order sign?" losing her temper.
This was definitely wrong. Did that mean that she was currently married to some jerk with the initials R.R. She was a magical law enforcement officer and she very well knew she couldn't revoke what she had just done. She didn't even have an option of divorce like the muggles. Why on Merlin's name were magical marriages binding for life?
THREE DAYS BACK
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT & WIZARDRY– DUNGEONS
"Here Professor Dumbledore, here is my ID. Please return it before sunset. I could have gone to Gringotts myself if not for this stupid potion I have to brew for Madam Pomfrey in 's."
"No problem, Professor Snape. Always a pleasure." He apparated to Hogsmeade. He went to Gringotts and used the ID for the required purpose. Just as he was about to sign-out, a message on the screen caught his attention.
You can know sign up for Magical Betrothal & Wedding from all mug-mag machine across the nation.
"My. My. Well. This is interesting."
He quickly entered the required details. When he chose Automatic Confirmation for requests, he didn't expect his Potion Master to be wed in three days to follow.
MINISTRY OF MAGIC – LOUNGE
She was getting anxious with each passing minute. The supposed surprise was turning a nightmare. She literally jumped when Kingsley Shacklebolt, the minister entered the lounge.
"Miss. Granger, or should I say Mrs?"
"Not funny, minister."
"It is to me. Your mug-mag machine was out of order. The alphabets recorded on the machine are one letter after the letter actually pressed."
"You mean I'm married to someone with the initials …"
"S.S." finishing what she dreaded to finish.
Hermione paled as the details registered. She only knew one person with those initials, there was no way he would have signed up for this madness or would he have?
Kingsley cut into her thoughts, "Hermione, you very well know the registration gets finalized after 2 days when the Certificates are delivered to both of you and you are entitled for 1 month marriage leave from that day."
"And there is no way to …"
"No. No way to revoke what you did."
"Who is this S.S exactly?"
"I'm not allowed to disclose it. I'm sorry, Hermione."
"Oh come on! I deserve to know."
"You will. In two days time. On the brighter side, you have two days to get used to the idea."
"Congratulations Hermione!"
(TO BE CONTINUED)
