OMG HEY GUYS! I'M BACK!

So, I'm sorry I left you for a bit. It was the middle of finals, and I had a lot on my hands. But, I'm back! I'm not going to make any promises, but I will try to update at least every other week, if not every week. Probably Wednesdays, Fridays, or Saturdays. Thanks for being so patient!

Read description/summary. THX!

Chapter 1: Announcements

Hermione stepped of the Hogwarts Express. The cool fall breeze swished her hair into her face as she smiled at Ginny.

"Isn't it great to be back?" she asked her scarlet haired friend. "It's so perfect here."

"Yes, but knowing you Hermione, you'll go straight to the library after the sorting." Ginny teased.

Hermione laughed. She was so lucky. The seventh years had been invited to make up their last year, as the war had upset so much in everyone's lives. McGonnagall had also decided to have everyone make up their previous year, so there would be an even larger class of first years. Ginny was head girl, as she would have gotten it if she had been a seventh year. Hermione didn't mind. Ginny deserved that role as much as anyone. She and Ginny were beginning to talk about what they though the classes would be like since everyone was repeating a year as they walked into the great hall.

"Hey Hermione!"

She turned around just as Harry and Ron came up to her. "Kingsley's up there with McGonnagall," Harry said as he sat down next to his girlfriend. He and Ginny had been dating since he defeated Voldemort. She had helped him deal with the aftermath of the war. "Do you have any idea why?" he asked her. "I mean, I know you're not head girl, but you know everything that's happening in the castle."

Suddenly, hall grew quiet as McGonnagall stood up. "Thank you. Now, since we're all finished eating, our minister has a special announcement to make. This will only involve the sixth and seventh years, so if you are not in this group, please make your way to the dormitories." Slowly, the hall began to empty. When the last few stragglers made their way out the door, Kingsley stood up.

"The wizarding war has had a great effect on the wizarding population. A large amount of magical blood was spilled, and I would like to take a moment to remember those lost." Everyone grew quiet. One could hear a pin drop in the hall. After a minute, Kingsley continued. "As many of you know firsthand, there was a great deal of stress placed on everyone. This has been affecting the women who were pregnant during the war. Many of the babies that have been born in the past year are squibs." Gasps filled the hall. People began to whisper, wondering how this concerned them.

"Now, I know you are all wondering how this concerns you at all. The Ministry has put a great deal of thought into this matter, and the only solution we could come up with was a Marriage Law."

Silence. And then the hall broke out into a protest of yelling and argument.

"Rubbish! That's Rubbish!" Ron shouted from his place at the Gryffindor table.

"How is this even legal? I mean, are we not supposed to have any freedom?! Ginny screeched.

"Maybe the nargles were in the office. You know, when they made this decision?" Luna said wistfully. "Many of them want to cause trouble."

"Now I know all of you do not agree with this decision." Kingsley said above the chatter. A chorus of shouts answered him. "But I would like to ask you all to take a seat. I must explain the rules of this to you." Everyone sat. "Thank you. First of all, for those of you already in a relationship, you may ask for that person to be the one you are paired with. But keep in mind, trying to fake a relationship will not work, as you will be asked to testify with Veritaserum. Secondly, if you are not in a relationship, you must fill out a questionnaire. These will have questions so the Ministry can better choose someone who will be best fit as your match."

A small booklet and quill appeared in front of each student." If you are already in a relationship, please go to page five, and fill out the questions there. Your name goes on the front of the book." Said Kingsley. "You may begin."

Hermione opened her booklet and began to answer the questions. Is this really the easiest way to replenish magical blood? They never asked for our opinions on this topic. And what would out parents say if they knew? She thought as she filled in a question about her favorite pastimes. Mine would probably freak a bit, but they'd be cool with it. She was on the last question in the book.

Describe your ideal partner.

That's easy. she thought. She had made a list in her head a long time ago, with qualities for her perfect man.

My ideal partner would be smart. I want someone who would be able to keep up with me, intelligent wise, not give in to my ideas because he wants to please me. That person would also have to be willing to put up with my love for knowledge. He would have to accept my choices, even if he doesn't like them, accept my friends, and be willing to protect me. Not that I think you could ever find someone like this in Hogwarts for me. she put as a last thought.

By the end of next year, she would be married.