Got this idea from other fics I have had read, please enjoy!
After the second wizarding war, the population was severely struggling. Newly appointed Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt sat in his office looking over the figures and the documents for the draft of a new law.
"Minister, these just need your signing and the match making process can begin and the letters can be sent out" His assistant spoke. He nodded dismissing her. This was not the way he wanted to start his term as minister, and definitely not how he wanted to start this new era post Voldemort. There would be backlash of this, he knew it, but what other choice did her have?
Hastening he signed the documents and sent a memo down to the department of magical law enforcement to begin the process of enforcing the law and to begin the match making process. Taking out some fresh parchment and a magical quill, penning the letter which would control the lives of many whose lives had always been most affected by the war.
Dear (The names would be added later),
I am writing to inform you of a new law being enforced by us here at the ministry. The decision has been taken, following the depleteion of the Wizarding population, to enforce a marriage law.
All Witches and Wizards aged between 17 and 40 are to be married before the end of this year is out.
Matches will be made by the Ministry for Magic, and will be enforce by the Ministry and the Department for Magical Law Enforcement, and will be written henceforth in law, until the wizarding population reaches an acceptable level.
Those already married or in school (Hogwarts or any other European equivalent) are exempt from the law, but upon divorce (Held under usual circumstances) or completion of school, will be matched by the ministry.
Failure to comply with these terms will result in immediate exile to Azkaban Prison for 5 years, followed by expulsion from the entire Wizarding community and the resumption of all magical privileges including wands and magical artefacts.
Once Witches and Wizards are matched they will be sent a notification informing them of this match, and a profile of their respective matches, including O.W.L. and N.E.W.T results (If applicable) and records of misdemeanours.
Couples must be engaged within 6 months of being notified of their match, and married within 8 months. 6 months post marriage, females are expected to be pregnant.
The law requires each couple to produce a minimum of 2 children from the match, and these children must be skilled in the magical arts (unless medical research finds the child is redundant of magical power (known commonly as a Squib)).
Only after the completion of this, on the basis of irreconcilable differences, and having reached 40 years of age, may couples divorce, which will be granted by myself, the Minister of Magic.
Keep an eye out for the owl,
Signed,
Kingsley Shacklebolt
(Minister of Magic)
Catching wind of the huge story, the writers at the Daily Prophet were all a-buzz with the news, those of them under 40 worried for themselves also. The paper would be published after the owls were sent the following day, and be available for all the inside scoop for those wizards affected by the law, and the parents and families of those affected.
The following day the law was announce and the day after the paper read.
New Law announced! - By Daniel McGovern
Wizards under 40 years of age to be made to marry in ministry backed law.
The Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Mrs Georgina Jones, head of the Department for Magical Law Enforcement, announced today to the press and the public the implementation of a Wizarding Marriage Law.
The law implemented to help increase the rapid decrease of the magical population, following the second wizarding war, means Witches and Wizards aged 17 to 40 are to be matched by the ministry and made to marry within 8 months of a match being made. (Unless engaged or enrolled in school (Hogwarts or a European Counterpart).
Following the announcement yesterday morning, this newspaper has received an influx of owls from unhappy parents and disgruntled youths who are eligible under the new law.
One appalled mother writes: "I am appalled, my son has been forced into what will probably be a loveless sham of a marriage. He and his girlfriend have been betrothed since birth and now that match has been put in jeopardy by the ministry and this ridiculous law" - 'Sarah' - Aged 50 from Crumply Bottom Falls.
Another disappointed mailer wrote: "This is completely wrong, this is forcing Witches and Wizards against their wills, forcing them to marry someone the ministry deems fit, supposedly a perfect match, but could end up being a mortal enemy. I am appalled these terms are wrong" - 'George' - Aged 22 from Godric's Hollow.
The terms of this Marriage Law detail as this:
i) Partners must be married in 8 months following the receipt of your matches.
ii) Partners must share housing accommodations.
iii) Partners must sleep in the same bed.
iv) Partners have 24 hours to consummate the marriage after the wedding ceremony - this will be checked the following day by a healer and a special marriage official appointed by the ministry.
v) Marraige myst be consummated once a week at least, until a healer confirms pregnancy - this will be monitored by a marriage official.
vi) Pregnancy must occur within 6 months post wedding, or couple will be placed in Azkaban, unless deemed infertile by a ministry approved healer.
vii) Contraceptives, magical and muggle, are forbidden, lest the couple desires time in Azkaban prison.
viii) Infertile matches may petition the ministry for a new match. Couples may also chose to stay together and be exempt from the law (see point vi)
ix) A marriage official will have regular checkups with a couple and assess how the marriage progresses.
x) Partners cannot be rematched unless either proves infertile, or reaches the age of 40 upon which divorce may be granted by the ministry and the Minister of Magic.
The wedding arrangements of each couple are to be made with the Family Affairs Department in due course and they will oversee the procedure.
Here's hoping this law will have the desired effect.
There you have it, introduction to the story.
Let me know what you think,
Thanks,
DWMS6