I would like to say Teh Kris Eh wake up a monster in me. And here we are, having this dark, angsty story to fulfill Wheel of Death.

Enjoy.

Prompts:
Weasley: Fred
Trope: Marriage Law
Location: Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes
Extra Character: Pansy Parkinson

Beta: Ann

MAKE BELIEVE

Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes was already closed and half of the lights were turned off. Fred was standing next to the shelves and he was arranging the goods. His eyes slipped from their latest Self-Writing Quills to his left hand.

Wedding band.

That was so odd, but well… He didn't have a choice. He heard a grunt and the only sentence he said was, "Pansy, please stop."

"How do you know it's me," Pansy replied and he sighed.

"Pansy." His voice was tired and he didn't feel like verbal skirmishes were necessary. "What do you want?"

"Tsk-tsk, I see you are still not in the mood." Fred's fingers tightened on the shelf, when he heard her words. She pouted, but finally, she added, "I need your help. Charlie has a birthday tomorrow."

"Ask Luna." He said before he thought. It sounded tough.

"Fred." Pansy's voice was softer. "I know you are angry at this stupid law. I know that, everyone is." She stepped closer to him. "But it's not her fault she was chosen for you."

Fred gulped, Pansy was right and this was the reason her words hurt him.

"I know." His voice was almost silent. "I just can't…"

No one had a choice in the new normal. He was forced to marry Luna, Pansy was forced to marry Charlie. No one was asked before.

"It's just unfair." Pansy said and Fred nodded. He finished his work and looked at Pansy.

"Why are you here?" He asked and she sighed.

"It was just an excuse to be alone for a moment." Pansy was living in the Burrow and she hated this situation.

"But you aren't," he raised a brow and she agreed.

"But I am not." She bit her lip. "Where is George?"

"Most likely with Ron, maybe already at the Burrow. No idea." Fred's answer worried Pansy. They were always inseparable. "Where's Charlie?"

"I'm here, Fred." Charlie's melodious voice was heard from the end of the store and Pansy shivered. "I'm here for Pansy, to get her home."

He emerged from the darkness and looked at them carefully.

"I'm an adult, Charlie. I can manage on my own," she snapped at him, but he completely ignored the meaning of her words.

"You are my wife." Charlie's voice was hoarse. "I need to take care of you and ensure you are safe."

"I'm fine, I'm not in danger." She replied and Fred noticed her voice was tense. Charlie didn't answer and took a step closer to grab her hand. She wanted to protest, but he shook his head.

"No more disobedience, Pansy."

Pansy cast a quick look at Fred and mouthed, "I'm sorry", before Charlie made her move to the doors.

Fred was looking at their backs with a million thoughts pounding in his head.

Last year was a nightmare and this year didn't seem to be better at any point.

War ended, but it was a bloody war. The light side won, but this victory was paid for with suffering. And in Fred's opinion it wasn't exactly a full win.

Molly and Arthur were dead, Harry barely survived. Tonks and Remus were gone as well, leaving Teddy alone. The Order of Phoenix was broken and left almost non-existing.

Which made everyone suffer once again, as the Ministry for Magic was weak, weaker than anybody could expect. Wizengamont was still in hands of people who were close to Voldemort. And no one could do anything about this.

Kingsley Shackelbot turned out to be only a puppet and without objection passed every law ex-Death Eaters wanted. Pureblood Wizards were still in charge, pursuing their supremacy.

Marriage Law was exactly the way to ensure blood was not tainted. As a result Hermione was forced to marry Harry and Ginny… Ginny was forced to marry Draco Malfoy, a revelation that shook the whole family.

Fred didn't see Ginny for two months already - from the moment she was taken to the Malfoy Manor. He had no idea if she was fine.

Everything was so complicated and his personal life was also a mess. He was betrothed with Luna Lovegood, the last person on the Earth he would think romantically about.

They got married two weeks ago, the same time George married Angelina and Ron married Lavender.

"Fred?" A dreamy voice appeared in the dark part of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.

"I'm here," he responded and put on some more light. Luna was standing in front of his face with gleaming eyes. "What are you doing here, Luna? You should stay at the Burrow." He said reproachfully, but she didn't care. Luna shrugged and replied,

"I was bored. Pansy was gone and I was alone. I don't like Burrow, it's quiet. Lifeless." Her honest remark slapped Fred.

"You have no choice, Luna." His harsh words made her flinch. "You need to be obedient, otherwise I will pay for your behaviour."

She ducked her head and sighed.

Fred felt bad about his words, but it was the truth. Wizengamot passed a new law and a new set of rules. And one of the rules was "A woman should be obedient to her man."