Prologue
Half Blood Prince. Page 175 -176
"Excellent, excellent! Now, this one here…yes, my dear?" said Slughorn, now looking slightly bemused as Hermione's hand punched in the air again.
"It's Amortentia!"
"It is indeed. It seems foolish to ask," said Slughorn, who was looking slightly impressed, "but I assume you know what it does?"
"It's the most powerful love potion in the world!" said Hermione.
Chapter 1
Love potions are illegal. Or so I thought anyway. They're the reason I got roped into all of this. I wouldn't have put myself though it all if it hadn't been for the manipulative little ferret….
Wizarding Law - Number 909C
Part 1
Year 1960
Love Potions: Not allowed for use in manipulation of the opposite party. If it is deemed that the potion must be used please refer to the rule 909A .
The only problem was that, apparently, no-one knew of this other part of the rule - it was written in the year 1024 and had been lost in the Ministry records.
However, what I hadn't bargained for was the other half of the ruling to be found - or, to be more precise - for it to be used on me….
Wizarding Law - Number 909A
Part 1
Year 1024
Love Potions: Allowed in cases of betrothal to force the unwilling party to comply. It may also be used in cases when the Wizarding world will need repopulating and there is a lack of unwilling females/males.
Part 2
Year 1050
Love Potions: May only be used when one party is in love with the other - only to be used in cases stated in part 1.
You see, unknown to the Ministry, the Molfoy's had had a private copy of the entire set of wizarding laws. These had recently, however, been sent to the Ministry - not long after the end of the war. Their switching of sides had ultimately kept them out of prison and all three of them were looked upon by Wizarding society to actively show their change of heart.
They were helped by an article that appeared in the paper little after three months after the war had ended.
Flashback
I was sitting in my new flat. The walls were shiny and bright - painted pale yellow. Photos of Harry, Ron and myself smiled and waved at me everywhere I went. Ron…. We both knew it wasn't going to work out really. Yes we'd kissed in the fierce adrenaline rush of battle, but it wasn't ever to be - I know Molly was disappointed but I couldn't stand the constant bickering! After numerous public appearances, articles for the Daily Prophet and being presented with a very well paid job in the Ministry as an Unspeakable I had more the enough to afford a cosy flat above Florish and Blots.
My eyes scanned the kitchen surfaces around me, all so clean and new! I couldn't believe I was now and adult in my own right. I had a flat, a job….could my life get any better? Looking around me, I quickly spotted the picture of me and my parents outside their new home.
It hadn't been particularly difficult to rescue them from Australia and return their memories - which I had secretly kept stored in a pensive for the last 12 months - and I had brought and paid for a new house for them in London. As I stare at the picture, a smile on my face, I know they are busily working to finish setting up their new dental practice.
After checking my watch, I scanned the skies again. This time I saw it. The delivery owl - a paper clutched in its beak. Smiling lazily, I scratched it behind the ear as I placed the five knuts into the leather poach. It hooted in thanks before flying off into the distance, leaving the folded newspaper on my working surface. I unfolded it, not in any particular rush to find out what the Ministry - headed by Kingsley Shacklebott - was up to this beautiful Saturday morning.
That was were the perfect morning ended.
Ministry Issues Marriage Law
.Yesterday evening, at approximately half 7, the Minister announced another plan to help rebuild the Wizarding community. To repopulate the Wizarding world. The Wizarding community at large will not be affected yet as only Ministry workers are beginning the program to set an example for the rest of the country to follow.
All unmarried Ministry workers have been paired with the wizard/witch the Ministry has deemed they are most compatible to. Mr Draco Malfoy commented yesterday: "of course, I am all in favour of this new Ministry Scheme and I look forward to finding out tomorrow morning at Midday who I have been partnered with." When asked if he had any preferences he replied, "any witch around my age would be perfect for me I believe. Who ever the Ministry deems suitable." This boy, once so rebellious, is slowing transforming into an upstanding….
At this point I threw the paper down, fuming with rage. How dare they! They were forcing me into marrying someone without my consent! I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to believe it. A quick look at my watch told me it was about the time I should be watching the skies and, sure enough, at midday exactly a large tawny owl fluttered though my open kitchen window - a Ministry envelope in its beak. It didn't stay for long, just carefully placed the letter down on the paper and flew off again.
After briefly clenching my fists for a moment, I picked up the letter - using all my self control not to 'Incendio' it. Scrawling at the ministry seal, I pulled open the envelope.
Dear Ms Hermione Granger,
As you may have been informed by the Daily Prophet this morning, you are requested to participate in the new Marriage Law Act. This is mandatory and, should you refuse to cooperate, your wand will be snapped and you will be exiled to the Muggle world - you have been warned.
On the other sheet of parchment is the name and details of your future husband. However, here are the ground rules:
1. You must accept his proposal immediately.
2. You must marry him within 6 months.
3. All property you presently own must be sold within 3 months of the marriage.
4. The marriage is final as, in the wizarding world, there is no such thing as a divorce.
5. A child must be created with two years of the marriage - giving you both time to get used to this new situation.
6. Should you be interviewed about you marriage no derogatory comments about your partner of situation are acceptable - you may face a 2 month spell in Azkaban for breaking this rule.
7. As soon as a child is conceived the Ministry must be notified immediately.
Finally, I would like to wish you both the best of luck in your marriage.
All the best,
Kendra Sludge
Public Relations official.
I held my breath as I put down the letter and pulled out the other piece of parchment. I scanned the name at the top of the page and I swear to Merlin that I nearly fainted.
We are pleased to inform you that you are hereby betrothed to Mr Draco Malfoy on the word of the Ministry. All other previous betrothals and engagements are overridden by this decision. He shall be arriving at your flat in approximately thirty minutes. We hope you find this time useful for getting reacquainted.
Merlin's Bollocks…..
A/n: It's interesting what you come up with on a Sunday afternoon when you have nothing better to do… o well…
Having not written a marriage law fic before or a Hermione/ Draco pairing I decided I'd kill two birds with one stone - not literally obviously. Please review as I would love to know what you think as I get on with writing the next chapter….