Hermione Granger sat at her breakfast table eating her toast with butter. She hated jam on her toast; she would only have her toast with butter. She finished her toast and sent her plate to the sink where it was washed and dried then stacked in the drawer where it belonged. At 23 years old Hermione had a good life. She returned after the war to complete her 7th year at Hogwarts. Went on to Wizard University and became a healer. She was so talented she finished the course a little earlier than the other students. (2 years to be precise). She was currently single; it never worked out with Ron; she was too much like a brother for her. Hermione lived in a very nice flat which was quite big; but she could afford these things now. When you are one third of the Golden Trio you tend to get a lot of money to advertise and what not; but the ministry also gave them a pretty big reward for saving the wizarding world. Hermione was really happy with life; she had a great job a wonderful flat and enough money to allow her to buy prized novels. She was happy; little did she now that her happiness would be short lived.
Sat at the table reading the Daily Prophet an owl suddenly appeared at her window. She walked over and took the letter and gave the owl a treat. She opened the letter and it read :
Dear Miss Granger
Due to the decline in the wizarding population the ministry has had no choice but implement a new law. This new marriage new means that you will be married to your betrothed within 6 months. With careful calculations your super match has been calculated. Your other half will match you intellectually and physically in the hope that you will produce a magical child within one year of marriage. This new law is compulsory for everyone, failure to comply with this law and you can either receive a sentence in Azkaban or be banished from the wizarding world; stripped of your magic.
We therefore ask you to attend the Ministry Marriage Ball which will be held on the 13th of May. This is a formal occasion; questions will be answered that night. Your future husband will also be announced at the ball.
Sincerely
Minister Shacklebolt
'What in the name of Merlin's pants is this about?' Hermione was seething. She couldn't believe that the ministry was going to force people to get married. Hermione was about to tear the stupid letter in pieces when she heard her fireplace roar. Out stepped a few people; Harry, Ron and Ginny. They all looked absolutely livid.
'Have you got your letter as well?' Ginny screeched. 'Yes! I can't believe that the ministry would do something like this. I mean forcing people into marriage; it's a complete loss of free will.' Hermione was practically shouting at the end of her sentence; but it felt good to get it off her chest. Harry decided to speak next ' Well today's Friday and the ball's on Sunday, I suppose in two days we're going to find out who our supermatch was.' Harry's last part was dripping with sarcasm. 'Harry can't you do something about this, I mean I know you don't like to use your whole I'm-the-boy-who-lived status; but couldn't you at least try?' Ron was practically pleading his best friend to step in. 'I tried mate, didn't like doing it but they wouldn't listen. They want us to set an example. They think that if we comply then so will other people.' Ron scowled. 'Yeah and what if my supermatch happens to be lavender; or someone worse. What will I do then; I won't be able to survive if I have to live with that bitch for the rest of my life.' Ron was by far the angriest out of all of them. The four of them sat in Hermione's living room abusing the new law. Around lunch time the boys left having to get back to work. Ginny and Hermione decided that at least with the ministry ball coming so soon they had a legitimate reason to go and shop for new dresses. And they did just that. They came back in the evening have spent a lot of money on dresses and accessories; getting facials and bikini waxes. They both felt that they should look good at the ministry ball, I mean they were going to meet their betrothed's there. Hermione silently prayed to whichever deity that existed that her match was someone nice; someone who would love her. Someone who she could love.