Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter
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Chapter 1 something new and something old
Marriage Law: Version 6.9
The Ministry of Magic has declared that all wizards/witches between the ages of 16-29 are to be wed to a pureblood or a half-blood wizard or witch. This is due the falling population of the Wizarding Community, as well to repopulate our own kind since we've lost so many during the war. Failing to do so will have his or her wand snapped in half and henceforth is band from the Wizarding World. The offending witch or wizard will not even be allowed in under a different name. All witches and wizards between the said ages have exactly one year to find someone to spend the rest of their lives with. All engaged witches and wizards are to be married within six months. Please contact the Ministry if you have any questions or concerns.
Wishing the Wizarding community well,
Dolores Umbridge
Department of Local and Foreign Concerns
"Local Concerns my ass!" George screamed, slamming the front door shut. Rattling items amongst the shop and the floor above.
"Morning to you too brother."
"Have you seen this shit?"
"What?" Fred barely had one eye open before George had started screaming and yelling like a madman. He took the note from his brother, and began to read it. Secretly Fred hoped that it was nothing, that way he would be able to go back to bed and sleep a little more. But the way his brother was ranting, it was going to be a while before he knocked sense into his twin.
"So we have to get married within a year. Like every other Marriage Law, seeing as this one is almost seven point 'o', it's going to disappear and nobody's going to follow it." Fred explained calmly. "Why are you so worked up about it?" He placed the note on the counter, next to the forgotten milk and cereal. Which oddly was left on the counter in the shop. He blamed George for leaving stuff out.
"Because of who is running the whole entire thing!" George continued to shout. "That witch is out to get us!"
"Brother, just because you are missing an ear, does not give you a reason to shout. You could set off some of our more sensitive products." Fred reminded him, sticking his own finger into one of his own ear. He was trying to get his point across. "Don't you remember what happened with the Plastic Plinkies last week?"
Plastic Plinkies were part of a new line-up created by Ginny; they were pink little balls that turned into a person. The catch? They had to be held tightly by a person. There was also another way now. There had to be a burst of a person's energy, or in George's case, a temper tantrum.
George glared at his twin. "Fine."
"I see that Umbridge has a new past time. Good for her. Maybe it's because McGonagall won't hire her back Hogwarts." Fred smiled. "Lets see, between the ages of sixteen and twenty-nine." He pulled out a piece of parchment and began to write with one of their many Self-Inking Quills.
"What are you doing?"
"Thinking of possible choices. Cho has married Oliver, Katie is engaged to our dear old brother." Fred remembered. "I wonder if Angelina has anyone, or Alicia."
"Which one. Possible not Ron?"
"Charlie. Never thought that he would get married. How could—"
"Hermione's not engaged to anyone." George poked Fred's chest. "I'm sure she's got a load of people waiting for her though. Bushy's grown quite a bit."
Fred stuck is tongue out George. "You're forgettingGeorgethat Luna's not married either."
"Now you know it was an accident I kissed her!" George yelled as they made their way back up towards their shared flat. "I was drunk that night."
"Too right you are brother." Fred teased.
"At least I don't fancy our brother's best friend." George teased back.
"You know that was an accident."
"How can it be an accident?" George asked, returning to the forgotten box of cereal. "You walked in on her naked."
"I told you it was an accident. I didn't realize that she was in there. I thought it was Ginny." Fred defended himself. "Plus we were starting those stupid Confuzleds, and it was my turn to test them out."
"But you talked to her any way?" George questioned. "And what about all the other times?"
"Who knew she had breasts!"
George started to laugh at his brother's reaction. Fred's ears were starting to go red at the thought. Like every other Weasley it's how you could tell that he was embarrassed. Especially since he hated to recall the advent, but it was so much to tease him about it. "You know she was probably saving those for our little brother."
They were actually getting ready for Charlie's wedding. It was in two days, and Mrs. Weasley wanted the whole family to stay at the house. No matter how crowded it was going to be. And they were cutting sleeping room really close with everyone in close proximity. They were to give up their room for Bill and Fleur, so they were to sleep in Ron's room (they had no choice, it was that or sleep outside, no blankets, no wands, nothing). Ron and Harry had decided to set a tent outside so they wouldn't have to deal with the crying baby. Ginny had given up her room to Katie, as well as Angelina (since she was Katie's bridesmaid) and decided that it was best to sleep in the same tent as Ron and Harry. Charlie got his old room. Percy's room though, it was strictly off limits. It was only to be entered in when one was paying respect to the deceased Weasley. They knew Hermione was coming, but like Ginny, she was probably staying in the tent Ron and Harry were setting up. It was a tent, a muggle tent, which could fit at least seven people in it. The Golden Trio and the rest of the Weasleys knew that with a little magic the whole thing could be changed to fit at least thirty people.
"I know. But she was pretty calm about it." Fred said, remembering the day. "Well, as calm as calm can get when you've got a sexy red head walking in on you."
"You said she was blushing about it."
"I'm pretty good looking. If I was her I'd be blushing about it too."
"Pretty good my ass. You—"
"I rather not think about what was going through my head at that time. I really do not want to take a shower this morning. It will just make us late for the wedding."
"She's sure to—"
"Drop the subject." Fred growled. "I don't want to remember that day. What happened on that day, happened between me and her. Not me and George and her. Me and her, got it?"
It was then when George realized that Fred was in pajamas carrying his bear. "Is Mr. Cuddlekins coming to the wedding too? I don't have to shrink a pair of good clothes for him do I?" George teased, changing the subject.
"Well, maybe if someone didn't wake me up screaming about nonsense then I would still be in bed." Fred snapped.
"We have to be at Mum's in an hour." George reminded him.
"I hate you." He said, letting out a huge yawn.
"I know you do."
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"We are a pair of two good looking guys." George said, straightening his jacket, his leather jacket.
"I think you're insane brother, leather? Are you trying to get shagged? By who the bride herself?"
"It's just a wedding rehearsal. I'm sure Angelina is going to be there." George smiled. "After all, her best mate is getting married."
"A Weasley, to think that the girl you wanted to marry for so long is going to marry our brother." Fred said, brushing his hair a bit, trying to get controllable. He glanced towards the door. "Did you leave the radio on in the shop?"
"No, of course not." George looked confusedly at his twin. "Are you going crazy like Luna? I hear nothing. It's not like we could hear the radio anyway."
"Luna isn't crazy. At least you should know this. I wasn't snogging her," Fred teased.
"Would you drop that? I told you I was drunk."
There you see her, sitting there across the way. She don't got a lot to say, but there's something about her. And you don't know why but you're dying to try, you wanna kiss the girl.
Yes you want her, look at her you know you do. Possible she's wants you too, there's one way to ask her. It don't a take a word, not a single word, go on and Kiss the Girl.
"What the hell Fred. Would you quit that?" George grabbed his twin by the collar of the shirt, his fist an inch from his own brother's face.
"I'm not singing. I only sing in the shower. Remember when our showerhead wouldn't work? Yeah, I'm that horrible of a singer you know that." Fred barked. "Mental you are."
Harry Potter! You lived beneath the stairs. Harry Potter! You've got a wooly hair. Harry Potter! The giant Hagrid, he comes to call, you're not a muggle after aaaaallllll! Wizard!
Harry Potter! I think you will go far! Harry Potter! I dig your facial scar. Harry Potter! When you grow up what will you be! When will you marry Her-my-oh-nee?
"LEE!" The twins scolded together, then busted out laughing.
"Sorry, I couldn't help it. Your conversation was lacking laughter." Lee walked in followed closely by Dean. All four of them were laughing hardly after that.
Both boys had become workers in their joke shop. It was great to have familiar faces around the shop. And the music that they were singing usually played softly in the back. They were almost afraid to put in the main store for fear of scaring off some of their customers.
"Greetings Weasleys." Dean bowed a bit. It was a mock bow, but it helped the twin's egos sometimes. "Are you ready for the wedding?"
"Why are you coming Dean?"
"I'm Hermione's date. Just like Lavender is Ron's date. Harry is taking Ginny, or maybe Ginny is dragging Harry." Dean smiled. He liked working for the Weasley twins, they were fun, plus he got to deal with magic all day.
"Figures." Fred growled under his breath.
"Why the growl?" George asked, tilting his head. It was strange for his brother to do something as growling.
"Why Lee then?"
"I came for the keys to the shop. We've gotta keep it open during your "vacation"." Lee smiled, holding out his hand.
"If you can call it that." George muttered. "A wedding, that is going to be filled with crying babies, arguing parents, and in-laws that drive you insane."
"You make it sound like you two are getting married."
"Yeah, who is it Fred?" Dean questioned.
"Well," Fred shot a nasty look at George for even suggesting something like that. "George is marrying Luna."
"I told you I was drunk when that happened. I didn't mean to kiss her!"
"You better tell her that. She thinks you two have a thing going on." Dean blurted. "I've never seen Luna any more happier than when she thinks about you."
"Drunk huh?" Fred laughed.
"Drunk Fred, I was drunk. We will leave it at that." George snarled.
Fred laughed at the way George's ears began to turn a red color, one that could compete with the traditional red hair of the Weasleys. Dean laughed slightly but quieted down after a stern look from George.
"At least I'm not marrying my brother's best mate."
"You're marrying Harry?" Lee and Dean blurted out.
"No the female half."
"I told you it was an accident." Fred argued. "No, I'm a single good-looking guy. I have no time for women." Fred answered, elbowing his brother. "Unless they're twin super models."
Lee and Dean smiled. "Shall we get going? I know Mum will get mad if we don't leave for her house sometime within the next second." George said, rubbing his side. "Lee, here are the keys. Remember that the Doxies in the back are super sensitive. We don't want a repeat of what happened with Lockhart during our fourth year."
"Right, gotcha." Lee smiled and tossed the keys up and down. "I shall see you in a week then."
"Not a week, three to five days."
"Right, a week."
"Shall we make our way to this?"
"We shall brother." George replied.
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"Mum, how are you?"
"HARRY POTTER!" George yelled, flinging his arms around Harry's neck. "I THINK YOU WILL GO FAR! HARRY POTTER! I DIG YOUR FACIAL SCAR!"
"George, Fred, you two must be exhausted from such a long journey. Wash up and join us for dinner." Mrs. Weasley gave a stern look at the taller twin for even doing such a thing to Harry.
"Long journey? You make it sound like we're coming from the States, Mum." Fred said, walking in. "How long until the wedding?" He knew the answer, but it kept his mind and his mother's at ease.
"A few days. It's Saturday actually." Charlie said walking down. "So how are my best men?"
"Doing fine, minding you if Mum doesn't strangle us first." George answered, rubbing his neck.
"She didn't hug you though." Fred pointed out.
"So, I'm preparing myself." George shrugged.
"Who's taking care of the shop while you two are here?" Charlie asked, reaching the bottom of the stairs.
Fred and George smiled. "We're trusting our partner in crime—"
"Lee Jordan." They answered in unison.
Charlie nodded and held the door open for the twins. Around the table was the usual crew, the Golden Trio (Harry, Ron, Hermione) Ginny, Luna (probably a guest of Ginny's) Angelina, Katie, Charlie, Bill and Fleur, and of course Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. It was like a huge old family, there even was a chair for Victoire. Next to Hermione and Katie were two empty chairs, one for each of the twins.
"Fred!" Harry exclaimed. "It's great to see you again. How are you doing George?" This time the taller twin wasn't squishing him, so he was able to respond and ask George whatever he was able to.
"Better now that I'm away from the shop. It gets hectic around this time of the year." He took his seat next to Bill and began to make funny faces at his niece. "Something about little students wanting a little fun before they go up to Hogwarts."
Fred sat down next to Hermione and looked at the feast before him. His mother was used to cooking for many, so adding more people to the table just made her feel at ease. He didn't question her most of the time, but it was great to have other people beside the family here.
"Mum? Is everyone staying here?"
"Yeah. We'll have room assignment after dinner during dessert." Mrs. Weasley explained, setting down the dinner. It looked a lot better than what he had been eating at home, cereal.
Dinner went smoothly. Occasionally Hermione or Fred would bump each other, due to their close proximity, and it would cause both to blush. Fred mentally cursed himself, what was wrong with him. Why couldn't he have a peaceful dinner without worrying about his hormones for once?
George was speaking to Charlie and Bill about highly important things, how the shop was going, and everything that was going on during the year. Charlie was questioned a few times how he met Katie, and where they were going to live. Every person knew that Charlie loved his dragons and didn't even leave them during the Great War, well, not until Percy's death.
Fred listened in on Ron and Ginny's conversation. "There is nothing wrong with female Quidditch players," Ginny insisted. "We are just as good as the boys are."
"I don't see why it's such a big deal, you should just quit Quidditch. It's too rough of a sport." Ron argued, while shoveling more mashed potatoes in his mouth. "It's not fair that it's not a man's sport. There used—"
"Times have changed Ronald. Women are now not going to sit around in tiny little skirts doing office work. We're getting out in the world." Hermione snapped at her best friend.
Fred chuckled. This caused him to get a nasty look from Hermione.
"What are you laughing at?"
"You know, seeing you in a tiny little skirt. It's hard to imagine you in one. I don't think you would do such a thing. Though, you've got nice legs." He flirted.
She started to blush and suddenly became very interested in her food sitting before her. He was lying. She wasn't the best to look at. She wasn't even that attractive. She was more of a bookworm than anything else. She continued to stare at the table and her plate until Mrs. Weasley's voice was heard above anything else.
"Fred, George," she started. "When are you two going to get married?"
George's mouth literally fell open, causing a piece of chicken to land on his plate. Fred stared at his plate trying to burn a hole into it, he wasn't going to answer that question; well, not until his twin blew a gasket. Which should be in three, two, one…
"Bloody hell? Is everyone forcing marriage?" George yelled.
Fred smiled into his arm. George hated the fact that he would have to settle down some day. George was a floater; he loved to goof off and be free. It was just who he was, he couldn't believe that his own mother would suggest something like that.
"What do you mean?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"First that Umbridge woman suggested… well, commands that—"
"A new marriage law." Fred took out the piece of parchment and handed it to his father. "It was posted all over Diagon Alley. I haven't had a chance to pick up the Daily Prophet, but I'm sure that you've heard of it Dad."
Mr. Weasley's eyes weren't the only ones on it. Charlie, Bill, Harry, and Ron were studying it. Ron was the first to say anything. "She's a witch I tell you."
Hermione and Fred chuckled at the choice of words. "You're very observant Ron." Fred laughed.
Fred could practically see Harry jumping for joy. He knew that the last Potter wanted to marry the only female Weasley. It was on his list of things to do before he died; Fred already warned the boy if he ever hurt Fred's only sister, then he was going to mutilate Potter's breeding ability.
Mr. Weasley looked at the boys behind him. "Are you four dating anyone?" He directed the question to the twins and the male half of the Golden Trio.
George looked away. "Depends."
"What do you mean?" A chorus of voices asked.
"Fred knows about this. At Harry's last Christmas party, I kissed Luna Lovegood, we've been seeing each other off and on."
Ron started laughing. "I knew it! It shows!"
Fred started to laugh as well. "Charlie you owe me money mate."
"You were betting on my love life?" George shouted.
"Yes, I see nothing wrong with that." Fred calmly stated.
"I DO!"
Katie put her hand on George's shoulder. "George just calm down. It's alright."
"Ze girl with ze blonde hair?" Fleur asked.
"That's the one." Katie confirmed. "Fred, you were wrong. He was completely sober. You owe me money. I think what Charlie gave you should suffice." Katie held her hand.
Fred grumbled while he handed over three Knuts, six Sickles, and one Galleon. "Fine. Mum, Dad, is the marriage law serious?"
"I'm afraid it is."
Harry did this time jump for joy. "I mean, that's horrible!" He couldn't hide his smile though.
Mrs. Weasley looked at her set of twins. "My babies are growing up so fast. I have a few friends that have daughters for you Fred." She got up and hugged both of the twins.
"Mum, I'm thinking about talking to Luna, so you just have to worry about your precious Fred and Ronniekins."
Ron glared at George. Then looked over at Hermione. "Hermione! You're a girl!"
Angelina laughed at his attempt. Hermione paid no mind the Weasley. "Thank you for noticing."
"Will you marry me?"
Charlie and Bill started laughing at his younger brother's antics. Even Mr. Weasley couldn't hide his smile. The twins, Harry, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley looked out raged. He did this the last time something like this happened. Angelina, Katie, and Hermione stayed calm though, they paid no mind to any of his words.
"Ronald," Hermione stood up. She walked over to him and then hit him. "For the ninth time, I will not marry you!"
"What? Why?"
"Because I will not be used as a last resort. And for your information I have already had an offer. And guess what. I said yes."
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K15: So, I will not update until after I get five reviews. I know it's an overly used plot line, but I like the way the story is turning out. I also have up to chapter 7 done, so if I get five reviews I'll update soon. Later. K15