Prologue MARRIAGE ACT PASSED!
In an attempt to ensure greater stability in the Wizarding world following the defeat of Lord Vol-...He-Who-Still-Can't-Be-Named-Without-Giving-Shudders, the Ministry of Magic has passed the Marriage Act to encourage all wizards and witches of marriageable age to make a positive contribution for the greater good. According to Healers at St. Mungo's, the few remaining pure-blood families are so inbred that if they continue to intermarry exclusively, they will severely compromise the health of their offspring - to such a degree that, of those who are viable at birth, majority of these children will either be squibs or insane, thus unable to ever learn to properly control and use their inherent magical abilities. The Ministry intends to reward wizards and witches of those pure-blood families who are willing to marry non-pure-blood spouses: any children born of these unions will be ensured a place in the Ministry's new internship program for any career path of their choice. Those wizards and witches who are still single but interested in registering with the Ministry can contact Gertrude O'Leary and receive a list of potential candidates to interview. The Minister for Magic has stated that he is hopeful that all Ministry employees hitherto unattached will set an example for the Wizarding world by submitting their names to this list. The Ministry hopes that with this act in place...
Hermione Granger couldn't read any more of the dribble. This was outrageous! "Greater good", indeed! Pure, underhanded manipulation! Like the old Ministry, the current bureaucrats were turning a blind eye to the most glaring hole in their nice, neat plans: that a binding contract between individuals would not magically obliviate centuries and generations of prejudice. Well, I suppose it could be worse. At least they aren't choosing the couples to be bonded through some random lottery system. Or worse, pretend to hold a Charity Ball, only to have it be a Bazaar where the eligibles drop off their resumes at the booths. Putting the Daily Prophet to one side, she finished the remainder of her breakfast and headed to work.
She had no intention of abiding with this Act. And I'd like to see how well they manage if they force me to quit.
Unfortunately, The Fates, those bitches, had other plans.
