"I thank you all for joining us here today." Kingsley Shacklebolt's voice boomed over the gathered audience in the atrium at the Ministry of Magic.
"As you all know, we as a society have been tasked with rebuilding our wizarding community following the devastating war. We have already introduced many different initiatives to aid in restoring peace and prosperity, and today we are unveiling our most ambitious program yet."
"The Ministry of Magic has been reviewing the results of the census we completed last month, and the facts that are presented are reason for concern. We have cause to be alarmed about the future of our population. The first war against Voldemort significantly reduced the wizarding population, both due to casualties and decrease in births, yet it was deemed unnecessary to take corrective action at the time."
"However, our recent victory was achieved at great personal and societal expense. The census data shows us that we have reached a critical point, and intervention must occur. That is why the Law for the Security of Wizarding Future will go into effect today."
The audience stirred and inched forward imperceptibly. The public had gotten used to Minister Shacklebolt's programs and initiatives in the months since the fall of Voldemort, but they had never before been invited to the Ministry for the unveiling of one. Witches and wizards began murmuring to one another, both intrigued and worried about the Minister's newest plan.
"The Law for the Security of Wizarding Future will require that all witches and wizards between the ages of 18 and 45 find a suitable partner and marry within three months, and produce a child shortly thereafter."
The noise in the atrium increased with shouts of disapproval. The fury was palpable.
Kingsley raised his hands to ask for silence. "Please, ladies and gentlemen." The noise died down some, but barely enough to hear Minister Shacklebolt.
"To ensure the continuation of our magical society, purebloods must marry either muggle-borns or half-bloods. Muggle-borns must marry either purebloods or half-bloods. And half-bloods are free to marry whomever they choose, however all are subjected to the law. More details will be available from my office shortly. Thank you for your attendance today and thank you for helping us rebuild wizarding society."
Rita Skeeter attempted to push her way to the front but the throng was dense and unyielding. Flash bulbs were exploding in every corner of the room. She knew this would make the front page of every paper in the morning.