CHAPTER 2
The next morning Hermione decided to wake up early to get a jump-start on the day. Seeing as her preparations where cut short last night due to the "Sirius incident" as she liked to call it, and the ongoing celebration, she wanted to make the most of her day and use the undisturbed morning to her advantage.
At around eight, the inhabitants of Grimmauld place began to make their presence known, Mrs. Weasley made her way to the kitchen, delighted to see Hermione sitting on the dining table, head buried in a rather large spell book.
"Morning dear, did you sleep well?" Asked Mrs. Weasley walking to the stove.
"Quite well Mrs. Weasley, thanks." Answered Hermione not taking her head out of the book.
Mrs. Weasley hurried around the kitchen to whip up breakfast for all of the occupants of the house and set a plate just for Hermione.
"Thank you Mrs. Weasley this looks delicious, as always." Said Hermione with a smile, as she finally set her book down and dove into the amazing plate set in front of her.
Mrs. Weasley took the seat next to her and began to sip her tea. She shifted in her seat and kept a stern eye on Hermione. Hermione looked up a bit uncomfortably when she realized she was being stared at, as she chewed on her food, she looked through her peripherals with concern splashed all over her face, Hermione finally put her fork down.
"Is something wrong?" She asked Mrs. Weasley.
Mrs. Weasley set her cup down and leaned closer to Hermione "My dear, what is going on with you and Sirius? This constant fighting has got to stop! When you two are in the same room, it's most times unbearable. It needs to cease. Both of you are grown adults and you need to start behaving like such."
"With all due respect Mrs. Weasley, I beg to differ. I am the adult here, he just acts like a child and I won't allow that behavior around me. Yes, I understand he was lost in the veil and has this new found freedom but that's no excuse for him to act with such disdain over other people's privacy" said Hermione with a tone she herself found disrespectful towards the motherly witch. She sighed and picked up her cup and took a sip, she put it down and looked at Mrs. Weasley extending her an apologetic smile and said,
"I'm sorry, I suppose you're right. He's not going to change anytime soon and I should be more understandable. I'll try to behave the next time he acts like a total barbarian."
Mrs. Weasley smiled and picked up her cup as she got up from her seat "That is all I ask of you my dear." She said as she placed a kiss on Hermione's head. "Now eat up before the savages come down and eat it all."
Just a few minutes later everyone gathered downstairs to begin their day. Sirius entered the kitchen after the others looking disheveled, his hair was a mess and he was still in his nightwear.
As he made his way to the stove to get some tea, he looked around for Remus. Clearly not finding him he leaned over to Tonks and asked her of his whereabouts, just then the door burst open accompanied by angry voices.
In came Remus, Dumbledore, Kingsley, Snape and Mr. Weasley; each discussing something they were not ready to let the whole order know since they silenced their quarrel when they realized they weren't alone.
"Good morning everyone, I hope you've all slept well." Said Dumbledore breaking the silence.
"Morning Professor." Said Harry as he took his place next to Ginny.
The room fell quite again, even Ron had stopped eating, and the five gentlemen remained still, with anger visible in their faces.
"So sorry Professors, but what exactly is going on?" Inquired Harry.
Dumbledore sighed and walked towards the middle of the dining room, "I presume a meeting is in order" he said, signaling for the rest of the men to make their way to where he was.
"We've just returned from the Ministry, Kingsley sent word that a new law will be implemented. Our suspicions prove correct, the Ministry has fallen at the hands of Voldemort." Said Lupin.
"New law? What new law?" Asked Ron frantically.
"This law will affect mostly the Order, particularly targeting muggle-borns and half-bloods," explained Kingsley.
Hermione walked towards Kingsley concern written all over her face "What exactly does this law entail?" She asked.
Dumbledore cleared his throat and began reading from the parchment he was holding.
The Ministry of Magic so declares the immediate enforcement of the necessary marriage statue enforced by the Department of Law Enforcement. In such decree, the future marriage between muggle-borns and half -bloods will be abolished and unrecognized. Effective immediately, all pure-blood witches and wizards are required to engage in legal partnership with muggle-borns and half-bloods to help repopulate the magical world, limiting the number of squibs. All Witches and Wizards who are already married and have proof of a held partnership for more than two years will be pardoned from this law as long as the marry. If a witch or wizard cannot attain a suitable partner by the end of the month one will be appointed by the Ministry at their own discretion. The Ministry will need to approve the couple before the necessary marriage license can be awarded and the ceremony will consist of a binding spell, which secures the consummation of the marriage to be fulfilled within twenty-four hours. The Ministry will send representatives for surprise inspections during the first year of marriage to make sure everything is in accordance with the law. If a magical child isn't produced in the first two years, the marriage will be considered invalid and new partners will be chosen for the couple. If the law is not followed to its full accordance all violators will be sent to Azkaban where they'll be sentenced with the Dementor's kiss.
Sincerely,
Pius Thicknesse
Minister of Magic
Everyone remained quiet; no one knew what to say and all eyes landed on Hermione who sat still not removing her eyes from the floor.
"Hermione, dear?" Mrs. Weasley finally spoke.
Hermione did not move, her eyes travelled back and forth searching for something she knew couldn't find; alternatives.
"What am I going to do?" She finally chocked out, looking up at everyone with sadness written all over her eyes.
Ginny rushed to sit next to her friend, comforting her. Everyone looked desperately at Dumbledore for answers, and he looked at Sirius, the latter knowing exactly what the answer was.
"Hermione, we'll help. There has to be a way. You'll marry one of us!" Said Harry apologetically, feeling the defeat of his friend.
"I can't ask any of you to do that for me. All of you are either married or in committed relationships, I won't take anyone's husband or anyone's freedom. I rather go to Azkaban." She said through gritted teeth and got up to find recluse in the upstairs room she always preferred.
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