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Hermione was sitting in her room wondering how her life could get any worse. There it was on the front page of the daily prophet.
A marriage law. She couldn't believe what she was reading.
"How can the ministry get away with this", thought Hermione. "How barbaric".
Hermione folded the paper up and stuck it in her trunk.
She had received the owl while packing for her last year at Hogwarts. She thought her life would become easier after Harry finally defeated Voldemort. Oh how wrong she was.
After finishing up her packing she decided that now was a good time as any to tell her parents about the new law.
Hermione reached the kitchen where she knew her parents were.
"All set for you final year"? Asked her mum
"Yes mum, I'm all packed".
"Umm…mum, dad". "There's something I need to tell you".
"What's the matter dear"? Asked her dad
"Well, Hermione paused. "The Daily Prophet arrived earlier informing the wizarding community that they've passed a Marriage Law". "The Matchmaking Department will be sending us letters in one week to inform us of our betrothed".
"Is there anything we can do about this"? Asked her mum
"No, there's no way around it".
"No way around it"! Her father yelled, "There has to be a way around it"!
Hermione spent an hour listening to her father yell and speak profanity. She had never seen him that upset before. After finally convincing her father (or more herself) that there was truly no way around the new law. And that it was either that or Azkaban. It was already time to leave.
Hermione promised her parents that she would owl them the details of her match. And with a POP she was gone.
Hermione arrived at Platform 9 ¾ almost instantly. After stowing crookshanks and her trunk away on the train, she set off in search of her friends.
Hermione noticed the group of redheads standing together along with a brunette she assumed was Harry. She set off towards them.
As soon as Hermione set foot near her friends she heard someone yell,
"Hermione"! It was Ginny
Ginny ran straight to Hermione enveloping her in a huge hug.
"Hermione, did you read the Prophet". Asked Ginny
"Yes I did". "I think I'm still in shock".
"I think everyone's in shock", said Ron walking towards the girls.
"Yeah, no one expected this from the ministry". Hermione heard someone say from behind her. She turned and realized it was Bill Weasley.
"Bill", said Hermione. "Your engaged, this law doesn't apply to you does it"?
"Yes Hermione, it does". "The law stated that married witches and wizards didn't apply to it". "It didn't say anything about them being engaged". Continued Bill.
"Oh my goodness Bill, I had no idea". "I'm so sorry", said Hermione.
"How is Fleur", Ginny asked.
"She's crushed". "She's hoping that we will get matched together". "But we're almost certain that she will get matched with someone from France".
"This law is ruining everyone's lives". Said Bill.
Hermione, Ginny, Ron, and Bill walked over to the rest of the group that consisted of Mr. and Mr. Weasley, Harry, Fred, and George.
"Our dear Hermione", said Fred. "Wouldn't it be wonderful if they matched you with someone like…I don't know, maybe Neville"?
Hermione gave Fred a death glare. Then said,
"Oh you mean like it would be if you were paired up with Eloise Midgen"?
Fred's smile disappeared instantly and Hermione noticed a gulp.
That will shut him up, thought Hermione.
Fred looked to his twin and said, "George, I think its time for a drink". "I have this sudden urge to drink myself to oblivion".
"I'll go with you". Said Bill. "A firewhiskey would probably do me some good".
Hermione looked towards Mrs. Weasley and noticed the frown on her face and a glare shooting towards her three sons who were obviously about to get inebriated.
"You boy's bill do no such thing"! Molly said.
Hermione not wanting to hear bickering walked over to Harry.
"So what do you think about the new marriage law Harry"?
"I think it's a load of bullocks", said Harry. "This is the ministry's way of controlling everyone's lives as usual".
Everyone heard the Whistle blow from the Hogwarts Express stating its last call for people to board.
"We better go", said Hermione.
With that they all said their goodbyes.
Hermione, Harry, Ron, and Ginny found their usual compartment and sat down. Harry and Ron decided to play a game of wizard's chess, while Hermione and Ginny talked about the marriage law.
"Hermione, who do you think they will pair you up with"? Asked Ginny
"I don't know". "I just hope its someone I know and not someone like Crabbe or Goyle".
Ginny shuttered at Hermione's comment.
"I completely forgot that we could be paired with a Slytherin. Said Ginny
Hermione noticed a blush on Ginny's face.
"Although, some of them aren't that bad looking". Ginny whispered to Hermione.
Hermione playfully smacked Ginny.
"Ginny you're so bad"!
"Who do you want to be paired with"? Hermione asked Ginny.
"I'll never tell". Said Ginny playfully.
Hermione noticed Ginny's gaze was on Harry. Very interesting Hermione thought.