A/N: Harry Potter and his world belongs to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.
-oOo-
Chapter 4
-oOo-
August 22, 1996
London, England
Minister Amelia Bones sat at the center of a long table. Gathered around her were four major department heads, eight Wizengamot members representing the three major factions that were left, two Hogwarts representatives and four Unspeakables. The last two months, since the mass death of more than three hundred people, mostly men and mostly known supports of You-Know-Who, had been a beehive of shite.
The long faces and tired eyes showed that.
"Madam Parkinson, I am telling you that we will not draw in any deadlines. I would rather extend them," Madam Longbottom said, rather annoyed with the woman.
"I am worried with the backlash and the stories of people leaving, that extending the matches until Christmas is going to be too long to wait," the woman imperiously stated.
"We understand the backlash," a disgruntled Lord Doyle stated.
"You have been a vocal opponent, but I don't see any suggestions to change things," Parkinson snapped.
"That is enough," Amelia spoke over the next person who was opening their mouth. "We all recognize this is a disaster that is pushing people to do rash things, but we have all agreed the alternative is far worse." She stared down everyone at the table. "What I need is solutions. What if we extend the selection until the end of March? Give people more time to come to terms with this and maybe find a match. I really don't want to force this down anyone's throats more than we already are."
"We are already pushing the covenant as far as we can, Minister Bones," a person in a grey cloak said. "The original covenant said a year from activation. It activated the night of June twenty-third. We have been able to manipulate it to a year from the selection or when the eldest in the pair comes of age."
Amelia frowned. That was the night Voldemort was killed and all those he marked dropped dead.
"But that is only if the people are compatible and fertile," Parkinson said bitterly. "My daughter's contract has been deemed invalid."
"Whatever personal stuff we have is to remain outside of this room," Amelia told the woman for the fifth time today. She was upset enough that her own Susan was caught up in this and that she had to have the Healers confirm again she was infertile due to an injury in the last Blood War.
"Given the influx of galleons from estates that had no heir, I propose we use some of that for incentives for couples to marry early. The sooner we meet the cap for new births, the sooner the covenant will go back into hibernation," a balding man said from down the table.
"Here, here," a few echoed.
"From our estimates, it will take about four generations to achieve a tripling of our current population," another Unspeakable put in.
"Can it be extended to other half-bloods, or even Muggleborn," a thin woman from the Light alliance asked.
"We have already discussed this. The Covenant will only allow that if it is a second wife and she is not to carry on a magically significant line," a third Unspeakable answered.
"We also have the issue of those that carry more than one significant magical line," the last Unspeakable put in.
"You told us that this only had to be one witch to one wizard," Longbottom spoke up. "I will not stag out my grandson for some covenant we are all too afraid to break."
Amelia pinched her nose. "We are not asking you to do as such, Madam Longbottom. We have already figured out that a man only needs to carry on one line, and anyone married, regardless if they are viable to sire or carry a child, will only do so with their current spouses. There will not be any forced marriages for a second spouse."
"There is the option for them to take a second wife, or a wife to take a consort," Parkinson put in.
"Yes, there is that, but I do not want to advertise that. The mob in the Wizengamot last week was only appeased when we were able to change the fact that this did not affect already married couples like that," Amelia reminded the woman.
"But we do have the issue with the disparity between the sexes. There is almost six percent more woman than men," the second Unspeakable stated.
"I thought you said that once the drawing occurred, if the woman were not paired, then they would be released?" the thin woman asked.
"Lady Exeter, that is not exactly what we said. I think our exact words were they were free to marry outside the restrictions, but still needed to marry by next Christmas, unless they were less than seventeen. Those women do not fall into the requirements until they are," the first Unspeakable elaborated.
This is all a disaster, Amelia thought to herself. "Headmistress McGonagall and Healer Pomfrey, you have both been silent in this whole thing. How are things at Hogwarts."
Minerva sat a little straighter. "You know my opinion on this whole mess, but right now my main concern is my students. We are working to convert some of the abandoned hallways and classrooms to small suites for anyone that will be married, and for long term accommodations. I have put in my request to the Department of Magical Education for an additional three hundred thousand galleons to help with the cost of renovations and to hire more staff. Eventually, we will have to finalize plans to enlarge the castle."
"Why would you need to make the castle bigger? Can't you just use extension charms? It is already the largest magical building in Great Britain," Head Benson of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement put to her. He had not been Amelia's first pick, but her top two had been killed the night You-Know-Who had been defeated. Benson was a little narrow minded for her liking.
Minerva looked down on the man. "If you read the report the Wizengamot requested, you would know that we are expected to house up to forty new couples by mid-next year. There are currently only six apartments with at least two bedrooms available, and another eight with a single bedroom. Hogwarts has never hosted more than ten married couples at a time in the last two-hundred years. We will be able to convert three halls by Christmas into two-bedroom suites, giving us forty total, meaning we will have enough for the next five to ten years. That will include extension charms, but I have been informed the wards will only allow a thirty-percent expansion. If you are talking about an increase in population over the next eighty to a hundred years for this to play out, then Hogwarts will not be able to convert enough space to accommodate all the couples, and probably young children, and the classrooms required. We need a new wing with at least forty rooms and to triple or quadruple our staff over that time. This is including converting some of the upper dungeons around Hufflepuff to have more suites."
"Merlin, are you serious?!" a man with steely grey eyes and a dark head of hair exclaimed.
"Very, Lord Chang," Minerva stated.
"Before we offer any incentives, Head Williams, how much does the Ministry have from estate taxes or extra in our budget," Amelia asked already knowing the answer. Williams was Head of Finance in the DMLE.
"We have recently collected two-point-eight million in estate taxes. We are expecting another fifteen million in the next two years if the auctions and other accounts are released to the Ministry. In the last four years, it has been found the Ministry has been running a deficit of almost two-hundred thousand a year. With the reduction in taxes expected over the next decade, that will grow to three hundred and fifty thousand a year at current staffing and program levels," Williams said.
"You mean to tell me the Ministry is broke!" Longbottom yelled.
Amelia knew Fudge had been a lackey and corrupt, she just had no idea how much. It explained why the Aurors, and other departments had slowly been down sized. "So, this is our problem, and I don't want this getting out to the media or general populous yet. My proposal is to take the current proceeds to shore up our finances for the next two years, give Hogwarts what it needs, then the funds for an eventual expansion, and in that time, we work out what functions are essential and which ones are not at the Ministry. We are going to have to make some hard cuts and find ways to get our economy going."
"Minister Bones, most of the decrease in taxes over the last twenty years has been from less wizards and witches. More than twenty percent of graduates from Hogwarts leave Great Britain or go into the muggle world, year-over-year," Head Benson told her.
"If they were already disposed to go back to the Muggles, then good riddance," Parkinson said with disdain.
"That is the exact sentiment that has caused so many issues," Longbottom snapped at the woman.
"That is enough," Amelia put her foot down again. "Benson isn't wrong. The Unspeakables gave us the same conclusions in a report on Monday. We need to convince more to remain in Great Britain and not go back to the Muggles. The outcome of the covenant only looks at total magical residents."
"Then why does it require only those of third generation magic and above to wed?" Longbottom demanded.
"Because some of the original founders didn't think anyone else mattered," the fourth Unspeakable remarked.
"That is enough for now. Williamson, once you have the final report done next week, we can decide if we will offer some type of monetary incentive to people. In that time, get the changes out to everyone affected," she said to Parkinson.
"Minister Bones?" Minerva spoke up.
"Yes, Headmistress?"
"The sooner you can get me those funds, the sooner the goblins can get more crews and complete the work before the end of October. Right now, they are scheduled to complete the renovations just before Christmas, and we are expecting the first marriages to occur around that time. I would like to have space if the teens involved act a little rash and we have to house couples earlier."
"We will call a Wizengamot meet tomorrow," Longbottom promised.
"Thank you," Minerva said.
"Unless there are any other points that need to be addressed right now, I say we focus on releasing the new rules, get Hogwarts the funds it needs and give any support the Unspeakables need. After that, I want a full review of all laws that affect Muggleborn, half-bloods, creatures and half-bloods of lesser standing. We need to make a change if this is going to work and to end it as soon as possible," she told them all.
When everyone got up to leave, she motioned towards Minerva to stay. It was a few minutes before they were alone, and she got up and sat next to the woman. "How are you and your staff? Are you ready for this? The students all go back in a week from now."
Minerva sat back in her chair a little and rubbed her face. "We aren't. Hogwarts has not hosted this many couples and potential newborn children in more than two-hundred years, and the last time it did, it was only forty-two at the peak. All those old rooms were converted to classes or are in poor condition. We aren't trained or staffed to handle all this, Amelia. Poppy wants two more full time Healers by next Christmas, sooner if any of the couples start having children. One of them should be a Mind healer and councilor. I have been able to fill the three vacancies I have, but if we start having pregnant students, I need to higher at least some part-time staff for potions, charms and transfiguration. Those girls and young woman can't be exposed to stray magic or ingredients. Not to mention possible childcare or allow family house elves to come inside the wards."
Amelia sighed. She hadn't thought about all that. She was more concerned that Susan and half her friends were going to be forced into this. "You tell me what you need, and I will make sure you get it," she told her old professor.
"It's all in the report," Minerva told her.
Amelia nodded. "I'll go through it tonight and see what I can do in the next few days."
"Thank you. Unless you have anything else, I really need to get back to Hogwarts."
"Of course. I'll come to visit you Monday?"
"I am working everyday right now. Maybe once all the students come back I can have some quiet time," the woman said with a snort. She looked tired, just like most others that had just been in the room.
"How about a drink at the Three Broomsticks tomorrow night?"
The old Scotswoman smiled. "You buying?"
"I'll buy the first one or two."
Minerva got up. "I'll be there around seven and get a private room. Maybe we can go over some of this."
"Sounds good. Saturday Susan is going out with some friends to a Muggle park. I don't understand the importance of it, but she is excited. She said the youngest Weasley boy will be there. I think she likes him. Sunday I was hoping to spend some time with her. I have hardly seen her all summer," Amelia told her.
"Do it now. Once they leave the nest, it's not as easy to get their attention."
Amelia frowned. She had missed so much of Susan growing up the last few years.
-oOo-
August 24, 1996
Whitewater Valley, Ripon, England
Ron was nervous to see Susan again. Somehow Harry and Lavender had gotten Hannah, Parvati, Padma, Susan, Neville and Ernie to all go to a Muggle amusement park. Even though the Patils and Macmillan were not part of the new law, the rest of them were. Lavender and Harry were supposed to be free agents today, but Ron could tell they were looking at this more as a date. It was the fourth time they had gone out now.
Hannah was flirting heavily with Neville, who was far calmer and more collected than he had been in years past. The D.A. and everything last year had really changed him.
Ron... Ron was enjoying himself, using a Muggle watergoon... no watergun... to race some horses across the length of the game stall. "No!" Susan screamed besides him.
"I won," Ernie yelled out.
"You cheat!" Susan accused.
"I did not," Ernie said back indignantly.
Ron laughed at her. "You beat me."
She sat up tall and preened. "Well, there is that."
"How about another game?" Ernie asked, Padma and Parvati yelling their agreement. He was thankful that Harry had gotten them all some Muggle money for this. He was going to pay Harry back, but it was nice anyways.
"I want to try that balloon one," Susan said, grabbing his arm and pulling him to the next stall. Harry and Lavender took their spots. Hannah and Neville were sitting at a table talking.
Ron walked over and put the pound coin on the counter. "What do I do?" he asked the teen behind the counter.
"You get three darts and if you pop a balloon, you win the prize in it."
"Oh, I want that huge tiger," Susan told him.
Ron got a goofy smile to feel her press against his arm before backing away. "Which one?"
"The purple one," she said with a smile.
Ron, like most teen boys when a pretty girl asks for something, felt a little braver and cockier than normal. His first dart missed wide. He made some comment about getting used to it. His second brushed a large red balloon. "I can do this," he told her.
She was looking at him with big eyes. Merlin, how did girls know that was one of a guy's weaknesses? "I can do this," he repeated, pumping the dart a few times. When he let it fly, he held his breath and cringed when it popped a small white balloon. He wanted the big one for the big prize. The boy took up the slip and said, "You get a medium sized one."
Susan beamed at him as he picked out a purple tiger that was maybe two feet long. Not the one that was half the size of her. "I can try again," he offered.
She took the tiger and hugged it to her. "This one will do. You think the others will want to go on the log flume again?" she asked.
"OI! Harry!" he called out.
Harry looked over and Lavender used the distraction to push his water gun away. "HEY!" his best mate cried out as Lavender laughed and won against the others. "I was winning!"
"Well, you lost," Lavender said and squealed as Harry turned and tickled her. He raised an eyebrow. He had never seen Harry act that way before.
Susan giggled next to him. "They are getting along well," she said.
"Yeah," he replied.
"What do you want, Ron?" Harry called back, Lavender having jumped up and out of reach.
"Susan and I are going over to the flume. Anyone want to come?"
"I think we are all set," he called back after a shake of the head from Lavender.
Ernie got up and Padma pulled him back down. "One more game," she told him.
Ron shrugged his shoulders, missing the look Susan had given the other girl. "Ron, meet at the park entrance at four," Harry called back.
He turned to give Harry a thumbs up. He figured he could find his way there... he hoped.
Ron turned back to Susan. "So, I can try to get you the bigger one later," he told her.
Susan hugged the purple tiger to her. "I like this one."
Ron just smirked. "Alright."
As they walked through the crowd towards the ride, Susan looked around. "Could you imagine Diagon Alley being this busy?"
Ron looked around too. "Not really. You almost can't move around in some of these places."
"I know. Auntie said when she was real little, Diagon Alley would be packed around Christmas time or just after the Hogwarts letters would come. She also said there were a lot more students at Hogwarts," she commented.
Ron looked at her. "There are already a few hundred and the dorms are mostly full."
Susan shrugged. "Auntie was saying there are a little over three hundred students. When she went, there were nearly seven hundred."
"Really?" Ron asked.
"So, she says. She also said there were two other smaller schools with about a hundred each. They've both closed."
"Blimey, I never realized that."
Susan nodded and moved closer as they walked past a crowd of people outside a food stall. "I'm not sure I like being around such big crowds," she told him.
Ron, out of instinct or something else he didn't understand, reached out his arm and put it over her shoulders. She didn't protest, actually moving in closer to mold her body against his. "It's nothing big to worry about. Here's the line," he led her into the line for the flume.
Once in line, he dropped his arm, but she didn't move away. "So, did you drop your siblings today?"
Ron chuckled. "Ginny was not happy to be left out, but she wasn't invited, and mum didn't want her to go. Something about fifteen not being old enough."
"I bet. How many times have Harry and Lavender gone out?"
"This will be their fourth date," Ron said.
"I thought we were all just here as friends?"
Ron felt his neck heat and he rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, well, it's not like me, Neville or Harry can really date Parvati or Padma... or others," Ron said. He was still thinking of Hermione, but he hadn't missed the looks she gave Harry, or the ones he gave her, since that day. Ginny had been pressing Harry for another date, but he didn't seem that into her.
Susan cast her eyes down. "Who do you like?"
He let out a sigh. "No one really. Well, I've had fun so far with you today."
She smirked. "I have too."
They got to the front of the line. Ron had Susan sit in front of him on the narrow boat that was shaped like a log. She scooted back and he was 'forced' to put an arm around her waist to keep her from bouncing around too much. About halfway through, she put a hand over the one holding her.
Her scream as the boat dropped down the big hill and then they were doused with water turned into laughs as she tried to get her wet hair out of his face. When done, she collected her tiger from the staff, and they walked back. The sun had dipped behind some clouds, and she shivered in the t-shirt and shorts she was wearing.
"You cold?"
"A little," she responded.
He wrapped his arm around her shoulder again. He liked having her pressing against him. "Should we go find the others?"
"How about that haunted house thing first?" she asked him.
They made it into the line and heard some screams from inside. They sounded more like girls goofing off than being scared. Susan took his hand to keep his arm around her. He smiled as they talked about Quidditch again as they waited.
Half-way through the ride, they were both laughing at the ridiculousness of Muggle views on vampires, werewolves and ghosts. Ron was finding Susan was a really fun person to hang out with. They found the rest of their group a little later, and when they all piled onto the Knight Bus, laughing and joking, Susan held his arm tightly around her waist as the bus moved around.
The bus stopped in an alley on the far side of London. "Well, this is my stop," she told him.
"I'll walk you to your door," Ron offered.
Harry was getting off with Lavender. "Thanks, Stan. Thanks, Ernie. I'll see you in a little while," said Harry as they got off. The boy was far more outgoing than he was just a few months ago. Maybe the fact Harry didn't have an insane wanker after him anymore had Harry feeling better?
Susan took his hand as they got off. "You sure your mum won't mind?"
"I actually didn't give her a time I would be home tonight," Ron said.
"You two interested in some pizza?" Lavender asked.
Susan looked at her. "What is pizza?"
Ron grinned. That was something Harry had introduced him to about two weeks ago. "It's wicked. You should come."
"Uhm, alright. Is this alright, what I am wearing?"
"It's fine," Lavender said, taking Harry's hand. Susan hadn't let go of his and they followed Lavender and Harry as they talked and laughed about something.
"So, what is pizza?"
"It's a round doe with some sauce, cheese and a bunch of toppings. It's really good," Ron enthused.
She laughed. "You know, so many told me you were a bottomless pit, but you haven't acted that way today."
He looked at her. "You've asked about me?"
Her face flushed a little. "Well, you know, not really. Not until Dumbledore's Army last year. You, Hermione and Harry just seemed so confident in what you were teaching us. I... you know, asked a few people what you were like."
His grin was rather lopsided. "I always thought everyone just liked Harry?"
Her blush deepened a little. "You mean everyone liked the Boy-Who-Lived. I did, but after getting to know him some, I'm not really sure he's the type of guy I like."
"Oh?" He said curiously. "What type of guy do you like?"
Her face was red, and he felt his own neck heating. "I like them tall. I don't like them fat. Red hair is nice. A little muscle isn't bad," she said, moving in and putting her other hand on his arm. "You also have a good sense of humour and don't take things so seriously."
Ron couldn't keep the happy-confused expression off his face. Harry wasn't bad for height, but he was the shortest in their dorm. Ron stood a whole head over him. A large part of him couldn't believe this drop-dead gorgeous girl was saying this to him. He had put on some muscle in the last year, playing Quidditch and the exercises Harry made them do. "Are you saying you like me?"
She gave a nervous giggle. "Hannah's been hounding me for months to ask you into Hogsmeade before that hag canceled the trips. I always thought you liked someone else."
Ron looked down into the brown eyes. "Well, I sort of did."
"Until the new laws came up?"
Ron rubbed the back of his neck. "Uhm... I think more because I didn't think anyone else would like me."
"Well, I can tell you a few girls have noticed you."
"Really," he asked a little smugly.
Susan didn't look as impressed. "Really."
He caught her tone, and sobered. "Can I say that I think you are really beautiful, and I've had a lot of fun today?"
Her face turned to a smile now. "Thank you."
"So," he started.
"So?" she answered.
"Where does that put us?"
She tightened her grip on his hand. "I hope that means we might go on another date?"
His smile split his face. "Like you're my girlfriend?"
"If you want," she said a little shyly.
Merlin! Did a girl know what that did to a guy when they acted like that?
"Susan," he said, his voice cracking. His face heated. Was he a Gryffindor or what? "Susan, would you be my girlfriend?"
Her smile could have lit the night sky. "Yes," she said, pulling him down. Ron was shocked when her lips met his. It was the first kiss he ever had, and he was soon really getting into it. They were interrupted by Harry.
"You want me just go off with Lav and leave you two here?"
They pulled apart. Ron gave Harry a two-finger salute, which he laughed at, and Lavender hit him for bothering them. When they started walking again, Susan was smiling like him. "Are you busy tomorrow?"
"Auntie and I are doing something. I'm free Monday."
"I'm working at my brothers' shop, but I can meet you for a lunch or after I get off," he suggested hopefully.
"How about you come by about five? Maybe meet Auntie, or just have a nice night playing cards or something."
"I can do that," he told her, leaning down and smiling as she gave him a little peck.
-oOo-
August 24, 1996
Ottery St. Catchpole, England
Ginny was not happy.
She had had that one perfect date with Harry, and now he didn't seem interested in her.
Looking at him talking with Hermione and Ron, she felt a pang of jealousy. That bitch, Lavender Brown, had somehow sunk her claws into her boy and she had to figure out how to reverse the witch's spell on him. Ginny had overheard Harry telling Ron that Lavender and him had kissed at the end of their last date. She had just under four months now to get him back.
Damned this stupid old covenant! She had her plan for this year. A plan that had seemed to be working, until now. It was too soon and too fast. She knew Harry didn't see her as girlfriend material yet. But she had her plan.
Ginny was talking to Harry like a normal person now.
He was looking at her, and up until a week or so ago, she had caught him stealing glances. She knew she wasn't as large in the chest as Lavender, but she was athletic and had loved Harry Potter since she could remember.
Ginny was also doing what Hermione had suggested. Date some other guys to get some confidence and experience. She understood that Hermione meant make Harry jealous. She was hoping when they went back this year she could organize Harry to find her and Dean snogging somewhere, then gage his reaction.
Instead, he had plans to see Lavender one more time before the Hogwarts Express and to maybe date other girls this year at school.
Glaring down at the three as they talked and kicked around something in the grass, she tried to figure out where everything had gone wrong.
All Ginny knew was that she would make Harry fall in love with her, like she was with him, and they would be married and have all the kids he wanted... she wasn't thinking that the marriage covenants required a child or pregnancy within eighteen months of marriage, and a second within the next two years. That would mean she would have at least one child before she was eighteen. It never occurred to her that she would probably not be able to try for a professional Quidditch career...
-oOo-
September 1, 1996
London, England
The train was rampant with rumors as she walked down the length of it to the Prefects compartment.
"Did you hear so and so signed a betrothal?"
"I heard what's his name from Ravenclaw got his girlfriend pregnant and now they can't get married."
"Harry Potter is dating Cho Chang again."
Hermione ground her teeth. "They are all simpering nannies," Hermione griped as they walked between cars.
Ron chuckled behind her. "This is just mental," he replied.
As simple as Ron's observation was, she couldn't disagree with him. "It is."
By the time they walked through the seventh-year lounge to the Prefect Compartment, she felt ready to burst. Cho Chang, from Ravenclaw, was wearing the Head Girl's badge. Terrance Higgs, a Slytherin, had on the Head Boy's badge.
She sat next to Katie Bell, the seventh year Gryffindor girls' prefect.
"Hey, Hermione. Ron. What's got your knickers into a bunch?" the girl asked.
"The inane rumors on the train," she said irritably.
Katie snorted. "It's worse than when everyone was calling Harry a cheater two years ago. Just be thankful you don't have to deal with all this."
Her face softened. "I'm sorry, Katie. I didn't mean to upset you."
Katie just gave her a smile. "Don't. It is what it is, and I think I have a prospect or two."
"Really? Who?"
Katie grinned. "Well, I've been seeing George and this other seventh year. You know, a few dates. Nothing serious yet."
Ron blinked. "I thought George was seeing Alicia?"
"Angelina. Alicia is into Fred. It's all fun for now. We'll see what happens over the next few months," Katie shrugged.
"How are you so calm about this?" Alex Tresses asked. He was the seventh-year Hufflepuff prefect.
Katie shrugged again. "Either you can rage and get depressed or make the best out of it. How are you two holding up?"
Ron had a goofy smile. "I'm dating Susan Bones," he told her.
Katie whistled in appreciation.
"Well, damn. I was hoping to ask her into Hogsmeade this year," Alex retorted, eyeing Ron.
Ron's smile faded. "Susan and I talked, and we don't plan on dating around."
Alex didn't look as pleased.
"Well, a bunch of us sent a letter to Professor McGonagall giving her a bunch of ideas," Hermione put in, trying to keep a fight from starting that looked to be brewing between the two boys.
Katie looked at her surprised. "I didn't think you were affected by this."
"I'm not. Most of my friends are," she replied.
Katie nodded in acknowledgement. When Cho and Terrance stood up, everyone quieted. "Welcome. I know most of us know each other, but we have our eight new fifth years. Let's go around for introductions, and then we will tackle the big news for this year," Terrence just about ordered.
It was ten minutes for everyone to introduce themselves. Another ten to go over the base rules and patrols, then Cho stepped forward. "So, I am trusting everyone has been reading the Daily Prophet or got your letters from the Ministry?"
There was a murmur, some agreeing, others grumbling.
"I know. There are already rumors all up and down the train and Professor McGonagall is going to ask everyone that is affected by the Proliferation Laws to stay behind in the Great Hall after the feast tonight. From what we have been told, the Express is going to be running faster this year and we should make it to Hogwarts about five, not six, like we usually do," Cho said in her soft Scottish accent.
"Do you know what Hogwarts is going to do about all this? I really don't want to get married yet," Ben Carson, the seventh-year Ravenclaw prefect spoke up.
"Hogwarts has nothing to do with this. This is all the Ministry. We have been told that Hogwarts will be changing to accommodate anyone that is getting married or is married. Headmistress McGonagall is also changing the rules for some of us involved in this. We don't know all the details yet," Terrence said.
It was twenty minutes later that she was walking back to the compartment that Ron, Ginny, Harry, Susan, Neville, Hannah and her had taken. When she walked in, she found an angry Lavender and Hannah with Harry trying to figure out what happened.
"Where's Ginny," Ron asked.
Susan huffed as Hermione and Ron sat next to her. "She got into a fight with Lavender," Susan stated.
Harry let out an annoyed sound. "I told her the other night I didn't want to date her," Harry said irritated.
"Oh," Hermione said. "She didn't go off on Lavender, did she?"
"She called me a slut just looking for money and accused me of only liking Harry because he is the Boy-Who-Lived when we went to the bathroom," Lavender huffed.
"Bloody hell," said Harry.
"I told you not to hurt her," Ron said, acting the big brother towards Harry.
Hermione shut her eyes. "Ron, not now. Which way did she go?"
Harry pursed his lips. "I wasn't trying to hurt her, but she can't be mean to people like that," Harry demanded.
"She's just hurt, Harry. Lavender, I'm sure she didn't mean anything by it," Hermione said, not sure she wanted to defend Ginny, but she understood the way the girl might be feeling.
Leaving the compartment, she was pretty sure Ginny had just driven Harry closer to Lavender. He was not one to back down from a fight and he defended anyone he felt close with.
It took her almost twenty minutes to find Ginny in a cabin with Demelza Robbins, Colin Creevey and George Carson. All fifth-years. Ginny looked at her, the pain clear in her eyes. With a small shake of her head, Hermione knew now was not the time. Thus, she continued forward half a car to find the girls lavatory. When she locked the door, she couldn't keep her tears in.
-oOo-
After the feast...
Hogwarts, Scotland
Lavender had her hand in his. There must have been seventy of them left in the hall. Hermione had mentioned that Hogwarts was only hosting about three hundred students or so now, meaning this was about half of the upper years.
Looking around, he found it hard to believe that Hogwarts had once hosted almost eleven hundred a year around the turn of the century. Considering that, the new law made some sense.
McGonagall cleared her throat and the small amount of murmuring stopped. When the Headmistress was sure everyone was looking at her, she started whatever speech she had prepared.
"First, let me start by saying Hogwarts, and even the Ministry, does not support the covenant that you are all bound too," she said in a solemn tone. "Be that as it may, myself, the staff and the Governors are supporting you and will work to make the best of the mess we all find ourselves in."
She looked around the room. "Each of you have received a letter and been registered. Anyone that will be fifteen by December twentieth is affected, and anyone that will be seventeen by Christmas next year will be involved in the Ministry pairing this year."
"This is ludicrous," a seventh-year commented from across the table.
"Professor, if we are already betrothed, do we need to be here?" a seventh-year Slytherin asked.
"Please stay. The rules and events I am going to be talking with you about will affect all of you, Mr. Greeves," McGonagall stated.
Lavender looked around again. Most of the older students looked resigned or even pleased. The younger students mostly looked scared. At fourteen or fifteen that was to be expected. Even the older ones were probably feeling that way, but they were more mature and hiding it better.
"The governors and I have agreed to some rule changes. For anyone that will be fifteen by Christmas, you will be allowed to go into Hogsmeade any school day after four, as long as you keep an acceptable or higher in all your classes. You will be required to be back into the castle by nine. The gates close at nine-fifteen, and you will receive a detention if a professor needs to let you in."
"Oh, that will be nice," Lavender said.
"You want to go to dinner later this week?" Harry asked her.
If they were given the opportunity, mind as well abuse it. "How about Friday?"
"Sounds good," he replied as McGonagall got everyone's attention back.
"There will not be any lessening of the rules around inappropriate behavior, but for those of you that do get married, accommodations shall be provided. What you do behind your own door is your own business."
A few of the older students looked a little surprised.
"There will be a solicitor on sight Thursdays to Sunday if you wish to pen a betrothal or marriage contract. It does not matter if you are an adult or not. Those of you underage, your parents have signed waivers allowing you to talk to the solicitor and to see Madam Pomfrey or the other Healer that will be joining us in October whenever you need. Between them, it will be possible to determine if whomever wants to enter into a betrothal is considered a good match under the law. Permission will be granted to anyone that wishes to talk with their guardians or parents about possible betrothals," McGonagall stated.
"I would like to add, if you decide to become betrothed or marry and the Ministry approves, you do not need your parents' signature or approval."
There were a few sounds of shock and people started to talk. Lavender squeezed his hand and Neville looked a little pale. Katie just nodded, as did the other girl she was sitting with.
"Personally, please do not rush into anything you are not ready for. You have a little over three months and, like I said, Hogwarts is going to help you. Hogsmeade visits are just one thing. Friday evening there will be a social, headed by Professor Slughorn, for anyone interested in meeting those affected by the law. There will be several other events over the coming weeks. You can ask any Head-of-House for a schedule, and it will be posted on your house notice boards. I am sure many of you are overwhelmed by this and your professors and I are trying to make this whole mess as easy as possible," said McGonagall.
"There will also be some all-school events. Plans have been made for a masquerade on Halloween and a Ball December fifth. The spring will be light on events, but a Valentine's Day dance has been mentioned."
Lavender started to tap her foot. "I didn't bring many dresses," she said worriedly.
"We can go into Hogsmeade anytime," Harry tried to soothe her.
Neville leaned over. "Should I ask Hannah?"
"You better," Lavender ordered.
Harry chuckled. "You two seem to be getting along."
Neville gave a small smile. "She is cute."
Lavender giggled. "I can't wait to tell Parvati."
Harry knew this was how it would be, but she hadn't really spread any rumors around him. He was starting to think that Parvati and her weren't nearly as bad as everyone made out. Much like the rumors about him...
"Quiet down. I will only hold you for a few more minutes." McGonagall tried to catch all their attention. "You should not be afraid to seek out any of your professors or the other staff that will be working here if you have any questions, concerns or just need to talk. I will leave my office door open for anyone, at any time. Any of us will," said McGonagall, motioning to the table full of Professors.
"Are there any questions right now?"
"Professor, are we eligible for the special accommodations before we are married?" the same Slytherin boy asked.
"You are not. Until you are married, you shall follow the same rules as everyone else," McGonagall replied.
"What happens if our parents don't like someone we may like?" Tracey Davis asked, also from the Slytherin table.
"Ms. Davis, you have the backing of the law and the Ministry. There is some literature up front you can take, but I have been assured that if anyone chooses to be with each other and the Ministry approves, the magic of the covenant will protect you. None of you will have to fear being disowned or having your Head-of-House exert their will on you."
A few girls at the Slytherin table looked a little shocked. Actually, a few boys and girls, mostly at the Slytherin and Ravenclaw tables looked shocked.
"Yes, Mr. McLaggen, you look like you have something to say?"
The cocky boy looked a little disgruntled. "My da said we can only marry someone that is eligible. What if we want to date around still and like someone else?"
McGonagall pursed her lips. "The Ministry has no say in who you date, or even if you don't want to enter into a betrothal. They will match you with someone in December if you don't settle, and the bindings of the Covenant do not count bastard children towards your obligation."
McLaggen made a face.
Lavender raised her hand. When McGonagall nodded to her, she asked, "How do we find out if we are magically compatible with someone?"
"Madam Pomfrey, or a Healer from St. Mungo's, can perform the tests and use the information you gave the Proliferation Board. You do not need to have any type of agreement or contract to do so, and I have been asked to encourage you to see them first," McGonagall said.
Lavender gave him a look. Harry shrugged before nodding his agreement. It would probably be better to know now than three months from now if they were to keep dating.
"Headmistress, I only turn fifteen December nineteenth. Does that mean I will have to be matched?" a small girl from Hufflepuff asked.
"No, Ms. Rivers. You will only be included this year if you will be seventeen by December twentieth, nineteen-ninety-seven. You are eligible, though, to enter into a betrothal because of your birthday."
The girl let out a breath and leaned into an older girl. Harry thought it was most likely her sister.
The hall was quiet for a moment. "If there are no more questions for now, get to your common rooms. I am sure you will want to see your friends and we will be starting classes at eight-thirty tomorrow like normal."
They got up. Neville, Katie and two of her dormmates walked with Lavender and him. Ron went off with Susan, while Neville looked after Hannah and the group she was with. Harry liked that Lavender was holding his hand.
They were a mostly quiet group until they got to the portrait. Before they went in, Katie's friend caught their attention. "I don't know about any of you, but this is bloody stupid," Rosemary said angrily.
Harry let out a huff. "It's just like the rest of my life. Someone else is trying to control it and I'll be damned if I let them."
"We don't have a choice. It's either this, be forced by the Ministry to comply or leave. I am choosing to stay and fight this once I can. Gran said she will start taking me to all the Wizengamot meets and teaching me more to take over my seat once I am out of Hogwarts," Neville stated.
"What do you mean force us? I thought it was just a stay in Azkaban?" Rosemary asked.
Harry and Neville both made a face. "Gran said if you don't comply, the covenant requires you to. She isn't sure if it means the Ministry will potion you or if the covenant will impose its own compulsions. It's so old, not even the Unspeakables know everything put into the Covenant."
"Bloody hell," Katie muttered.
Lavender tightened her hold on his hand.
Rosemary looked close to tears. "So, if we want any say, we either find someone by December, or we will just be brood mares?"
Harry nodded. "That is about what Mr. Weasley said."
"Gran said some wanted to force those of us with more than one blood line to either take second wives, or consorts. She said she wouldn't stag me out that way," said Neville.
"I am not going to be some plaything of someone just so I can give them children," Katie said with venom.
Lavender moved close to him. "I am not either."
Harry was thinking he was recognized as the Regent of the Potters and Blacks. He did not want two wives. One woman was going to be enough to figure out. "Bloody hell. They better not," Harry agreed with Neville.
"You know some are going to get jealous we are getting special privileges?" Katie put in.
Her morose looking dormmate said, "I've had to break up with Carl."
This got the girls all looking at the girl sadly. "Come on, Rose. You can hang out with us for the night," Katie said, wrapping an arm around her friend. "We'll see you all tomorrow."
"Sure," said Harry.
"Night," Neville replied. "I think I am going to head up to bed. Maybe catch up with Hannah in the morning."
"Night, Nev," Harry said, staying behind as Lavender held him there.
"Are you two coming in soon or can I go? There is so much to tell everyone," the Fat Lady in the picture asked.
"Just a moment," Lavender said. "Harry, I know we said we would date others when we got to Hogwarts, but I'm not sure I want to. You are a really nice person and I have enjoyed our dates the last two weeks."
Harry nodded his head. "I really don't like the idea of dating around either, but are you sure you wouldn't like to see if anyone else might catch your eye?"
They were both Gryffindors, and Lavender didn't seem to lack the courage they were known for. She moved in and captured his lips. They had done this at the end of their last date, but this soon descended into a tongue wrestling match. He found he liked this type of kissing. His body liked it too, and he was very aware of her larger breasts pressing against him. They kissed for a few before she pulled back.
"Would you go see Madam Pomfrey with me tomorrow? I like you. Like, really like you, but I don't want to keep doing this if we aren't a match," she told him.
Harry perfectly understood and it echoed his thoughts from earlier. "Sure. Let's see what we have for schedules and go when we can."
Lavender smiled and slung her arms over his neck before crashing her lips into his again. They didn't break apart until the Fat Lady cleared her throat. "Are you done dears? If not, I'll be back in a while."
"We are done for now," Harry said, a goofy smile on his face. Lavender was breathing as heavily as he was.
"I'm not done yet," she told him before giggling. The heat in her voice made the painfully obvious attraction he was having towards her right now tighten even more.
Harry fought against his hormones for a moment. "How about I tell everyone you are my girlfriend tomorrow if the test show we are a match?"
Lavender gave him a huge smile. "I can tell everyone you are my boyfriend!"
He chuckled, unsure what he might fully be getting into. "I think that would be implied."
She pecked him on the lips, and then dragged him into the common room. It took all of sixty seconds for Parvati to find them and then both girls started to squeal before she pecked him, and they ran off to their dorm.
-oOo-
A/N: To answer one of my reviewers, I promise things get better for Hermione… it's still only a few weeks since things happened, so everyone is still in flux with their feelings.