Chapter 3

"Students, we understand that you are shocked and that some of you, or rather, most of you are quite angry," the Minister began. The Gryffindors stared at him incredulously. "However, you need to understand that the Second Wizarding War has caused a lot of bloodshed. Thousands of wizards, witches, and magical beings have died. The Wizarding population is practically withering away to nothing. If we do not start inbreeding among the Wizarding World, the Wizarding population will completely decline. This law will not be permanent." This statement of his was met a slurry of whispers. They stared at him with rapt attention, their eyes full of hope.

"You and your soulmate are required to marry before the end of this academic session and are required to produce an offspring within a year of marriage. You are required to live together until your child is at least 3 years of age. You can then opt for a divorce." Hermione looked at him with rage0filled eyes. She had admired his courage and bravery, but now, she couldn't possibly hate him more.

Her hand shot up and she waited with every ounce of patience she had to get him to notice her. He looked at her in amazement and asked her to speak. "How exactly do you plan to choose our soulmates?" she asked, her voice filled with rage. "The Goblet of Fire," replied Shacklbolt. "Wh-what?" she asked, confused. Sh distinctly heard Harry mutter something along the lines of "Oh, not again," as she stared at the Minister. "Yes, Ms. Granger. We will use the Goblet of Fire in order to find your soulmates," he stated.

"You-you're kidding me, right? The Goblet of Fire is going to decide our soulmates? It's bad enough that you're forcing us into wedlock!" Hermione shouted in an exasperated voice. She felt Harry's and Ginny's hands slipping into hers to calm her, and she gripped them tightly. "Ms. Granger, we understand your concern, but if you refuse to comply, you will be sent back to the Muggle world." declared the minister. Draco glanced at Hermione with sympathy, but, realizing that he was staring at her, quickly looked away.

Hermione shakily sat down in her seat and waited for Shacklebolt to continue. "So, we will call upon you one by one and the name of your soulmate will then shoot out of the flames written on a piece of parchment. Then you may proceed to the Entrance Hall where you will wait till all the others have been paired. From there, Headmistress McGonnagal will take you to your new dormitories, for every couple will be required to live together." he said as Filch brought in the Goblet. Hermione and Draco involuntarily shuddered at the same time as they began to imagine their possible partners. Hermione was dreading that tat the Goblet will decide to pair her with Ron.

"Hannah Abbott" called McGonnagal. The blonde Hufflepuff got up, trembling a little, and headed to the Head's table. The Goblet's flames turned red and a piece of parchment shot out. Hannah reached out and grabbed the piece. She read it, blushed profusely, and called out "Dean Thomas."

Dean's eyes shot to her and he smiled slightly. He stood up, walked to Hannah and took his hand, and walked out.

"Daphne Greengrass"

She grabbed the parchment and read aloud, "Seamus Finnigan." Seamus looked at her with an indifferent look and they walked out, trying not to look at each other.

"Padma Patil"

The Ravenclaw got up and swiftly walked up to grab the paper. With wide eyes and a shaky tone, she said, "Theodore Nott." The Slytherin's eyes widened in shock. However, he said nothing and quickly walked out of the Great Hall.

"Millicent Bulstrode", "Justin Flinch-Fletchley"

"Erie Macmillian", "Susan Bones"

"Michael Corner", "Astoria Greengrass"

"Mandy Brocklehurst", "Terry Boot"

"Lisa Turpin", "Anthony Goldstein"

"Blaize Zabini"

Draco looked at his friend encouragingly and ured him to go on. Blaise walked to the Goblet and grabbed the parchment. He read the name and swallowed noisily. "Luna Lovegood" he called out. Luna smiled dreamily and skipped out of the Hall. Blaise stared at her back in wonder and ran to catch up with her.

"Neville Longbottom"

Neville sat still for a few minutes before realizing that he had to go. Harry nudged him forward and he walked to the Goblet. He grabbed the paper and squeaked "Pansy Parkinson." Pansy shrieked in shock and ran out of the Great hall, leaving Neville to wobble out after her.

"Harry Potter"

All the eyes in the Great Hall focused onto him as he strutted towards the Goblet, confident that he will be paired with none other than Ginny. She, meanwhile, was trembling and had grabbed Hermione's hands tightly. Harry grabbed the piece of parchment, read the name, and his lips spread in a wide grin. "Ginny!" he called out and ran to grab her in his arms. Ginn squealed and jumped up, while Hermione smiled widely, seeing her best friends' joy.

"Lavender Brown"

Hermione's breath hitched in her throat and she went slightly pale. She wasn't sure if she would be able to control herself if that bloody witch got paired with Ron. Lavender grabbed the parchment and began grinning. "Won-Won!" she shrieked. She ran towards a horrified Ron and threw her arms around him. Hermione looked away and tried her best not to burst into tears.

"Draco Malfoy"

Draco slowly rose from his seat and walked to the Goblet. Grabbing the parchment, he choked on his breath as he read his soulmate's name. He swallowed multiple times and finally croaked out...

"Hermione Granger."

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