A/N: Pretty much one of those AU Marriage Law stories. But I guess I hope mine is different from all the others. I think it will be. This chapter is sort of a short prologue, but: All will be explained. I've got the entire darn thing written – all I have to do is edit and upload! Please review and such so my email will remind me to post! Finals are almost here! I know I say I'll finish, but I freaking love this story idea. So Merlin help me, I'm going to finish it! How can I ever be an Author if I don't get a full story written for once? Jeez.
The party downstairs in the main ballroom was in full swing, so to speak. Purebloods from all over the Wizarding community of the UK had come together to celebrate both the fall of the Dark Lord – surprising, right? - and the new Minister of Magic. Sure, the Dark Lord had fallen, leaving everyone less fearful and free to do as they pleased. But the new Minister still believed that certain people needed to be put together. Namely, Purebloods and Muggleborns. It had been two and a half years since the new Minister had come into office, but he seemed to expect people to still celebrate him. Most people thought him either wonderful or egotistical.
A new law was supposed to promote unity and whatnot – like the Balls at Hogwarts – but it really just caused resentment. The basis of the new law was this: A Muggleborn without a husband must be matched to a Pureblood whom is best suited to their lifestyle. The Purebloods had two years to complete the process of finding/courting/marrying one of these Muggleborns. These Muggleborns were basically supposed to play the proper house-wife, as the new Minister also believed that the male should be the head of the house. Thus the Muggleborns would, in effect, be left in the subordinate position. Right now, it was six months since the end of the time that these specified people had to get married.
Generally, one would expect some sort of ridiculous love story flowing from each of these couples. Especially after two, going on three, years being stuck with the other person. In some cases, that did happen. But not for everyone.
Upstairs, for example, two girls were not very happy about the situation, nonetheless the party.
"Don't be silly!" a small, pretty redhead cried, staring at her best friend like she was crazy.
"I'm not being silly. I'm being rational!" Hermione snapped in return, eyes watery, turning back to Ginny. "I can't keep this up."
"He wouldn't have chosen you if he didn't think you could handle it, Hermione." Ginny frowned patronizingly. "C'mon now. He's not a total git anymore – and this is me talking." Hermione opened her mouth but Ginny cut her off, as if reading her mind, "No, I'm entirely serious. You can't just go."
"I can't make him deal with me anymore. I'm not made for this kind of life, Ginny." Hermione sunk onto her bed with a heavy sigh. "He doesn't deserve someone who can't make him look like he ought to. He's supposed to be a member of high society. And I was just picked from the girls who were married off like house servants. This is like the Victorian era all over again!" She cried, only half-heartedly into the reference.
"Look at me." Ginny snapped her fingers in front of Hermione's face. "He saved you. Because he knew you could do it. And he cares for you."
"Who's being silly, now, Ginevra?"
"Hey, now. No need for the full name, Granger." Ginny frowned darkly.
"So not important right now. I'm leaving." Hermione shook her head at Ginny's furthered attempts.
It was the middle of the party. He wouldn't even notice she was gone. He probably didn't care. She had said she was going to check in on the kitchen – as the law stated was part of her job. What a stupid law..
And with a loud crack, Hermione Malfoy left Ginny standing in the bedroom alone, fuming and a bit scared of Mr. Malfoy's reaction.
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A/N: Next chapter up ASAP! :D I'm super excited about this! Review and let me know what you think will happen/what you hope will happen!