The subject of Marriage
Hey ok I'm not from America so I don't know if it's only in books they marry the students together for a project. I'm sorry if I get some of the details wrong but I'm putting my own interpretation on the idea because I don't really know much about it. I do not mean to offend anyone if parts are inaccurate.
Enjoy!
The Explanation
'And so' continued Dumbledore 'I come to my final message of the night.
During the summer I was fortunate enough to visit Juniplough. For those of you who haven't heard of Juniplough, it is the largest magic school in America. It is infamous for producing some of the most outstanding and confident graduates in the entire world. Naturally when offered a chance to see the mechanisms of such an establishment I accepted instantly. While out there I learnt that there is one the project that every student participates in during their time at school. The idea was originally founded in the non-muggle schools but the Headmistress at Juniplough in the 1980's thought that it would be a good idea to transfer it also to the magical community. The students refer to it as 'the experiment'.'
'For a period of time, students are paired off by the teachers into 'marriages'. Through the 'marriage' they learn basic yet essential life skills. These include sharing, compromising, discussing, deliberating and much more. In recent times, the couples have also been given a jewel to care for. The jewels are to represent responsibility, or as the students say- children. These jewels must never be left alone.' Dumbledore took as sip from his goblet and continued
'Due to the success of this project I have decided to give it a try in Hogwarts this year. It will be given a place in the timetable as a subject and you will be given a mark at the end of the school year. However due to the large amount of commitment that will be required to the project, only those students in the 5th, 6th and 7th years are going to participate.
'After consulting with my fellow members of staff I have decided that the students will not be required to look after a jewel- it is far to small and it could prove difficult in monitoring the students care for it. Instead, each couple will be given a second year student to care for. As well as this, every couple will be monitored by a house-elf. For the entirety of the project, each house-elf has been asked to watch its two masters. Each elf will keep a record of how masters act for the staff to view as they wish.
'The students involved are asked to attend a meeting tomorrow at 9 0'clock in here, Great Hall where they will all be 'married'. All the marriages will last precisely one school year. Any questions can be asked tomorrow at the ceremony. Right I have kept you all long enough so off you pop to bed. Good night to one and all.'
As Dumbledore sat down a vast babble of noise rose from the students. Everyone had been completely taken aback by Dumbledore's speech. Never, in anyone's memory had an experiment this radical ever taken place before.
'Well, well looks like Dumbledore is embracing the muggle world even more than he used to' said Ron as he and Harry left the Great Hall, shepherding the new first years as they went. Hermione had already gone on ahead to open the portrait hole. 'Could be cool though' he continued 'being married and all. Wouldn't it be great if she was fit!'
'Ron why do you have to be so insensitive' groaned a voice behind him. Ginny had popped out of nowhere and was rolling her eyes. 'Looks do not guarantee a soul mate.'
'Bet they sure help though' muttered Ron as Ginny carried on past. 'I wonder how they choose our partners.'
'If Snape has anything to do with it then we're stuffed' replied Harry as they reached the open portrait hole. Hermione was just inside directing the first years up the two sets of stairs. Hearing the final part of the conversation she turned towards them.
'I just hope you realise how important this extra activity is going to be. If it's counted as a subject it could make the difference between passing and failing our 6th Year.'
'Ah come on Hermione lighten up. Being married. It's not going to be nearly as challenging as any of your other N.E.W.T subjects. Pair me up with the right guy and it could be a real laugh' grinned Ginny. 'You've got to do as mum did. Let him know you make the rules from the start. No excuses and no exceptions. Get the power at the start and you're sorted.
'Marriage is meant to be about compromise Gin' replied Hermione. 'It involves give and take. But' she considered 'you've got a point. We women must ensure we make a stand. Prove we do have a part to play in the partnership.' The two of them bade goodnight to Harry and Ron and departed for the girls dormitories. Harry and Ron began climbing their own set of stairs. Ron turned to Harry
'Who do you want to get put with?'
'Dunno. I just hope it's not Parkinson. You got a preference?'
'Well'- Ron stopped talking. He had gone bright red. Harry saw and smiled.
'You want Hermione don't you?' Ron's now crimson face nodded. 'Hey that's sweet, and you're bound to pass. Hermione wouldn't accept anything less.' As Harry extinguished the lamp in the room he thought about who he wanted. There was someone he wanted badly. It would be perfect if he did. How he would love to be married for the year to Ginny Weasley.