Disclaimer- As happy as I would be to say it I can't, I don't own anything.
Summary- AU. Post Hogwarts. SS/HG. If there was ever a time to reproduce in the Wizarding World the time for action was now. Can harmony be reinstalled between Purebloods, Muggleborns and Halfbloods?
Laws About Love
Chapter 1- Letters
"If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying?"
Shantideva
The student in the Great Hall were chattering away as always on a Friday morning, eagerly waiting for the day to end and the weekend to begin.
Hermione Granger sat at the Teachers table at the front of the Great Hall eating her breakfast of toast and raspberry jam, her morning coffee being momentarily neglected.
Hermione had been teaching at Hogwarts for a few years now, only coming back to her dearly beloved Hogwarts because Headmistress McGonagall needed a Transfiguration Professor and a new Head of House for Gryffindor, being unable to refuse the challenge Hermione acceptably agreed.
There was a loud screech which indicated the arrival of the owls and there packages and letters contained either to their legs or beaks. Surprisingly there were more owls then normally and when a white owl with graying streaks perched itself in front of Hermione it gave her suspicion as to whom it was from. Putting down her toast she untied the letter and began to read.
To one Hermione Granger,
A new Law has recently been past, Law C#8091 also known as the Marriage Law; this affects Wizards and Witches who are turning sixteen to one hundred and five that are unmarried. Since the recent battle between the Light and the Dark, we are unfortunate to say the birth rate in the Wizarding World has dropped drastically, which have caused drastic measures. Any Pureblood or Halfblood will be paired up with a Muggleborn to marry, to install harmony between the two worlds. You will be sorted randomly, picked by your intelligence and work wise (so you will not have to change career). You will have at a lowest one month to three months to prepare and have your wedding. By the end of the second year you will have to be pregnant thus allowing time for miscarriage/s. You are to have at a minimum two children. If you wish to refuse this marriage law you will spend the rest of your natural life in Azkaban prison. You will receive your letter either later this evening or in the next couple of days with a profile on your future husband.
We at the Ministry of Magic appreciate your co-operation.
Have a nice day,
Jennet Greenwood
President of Marriage Department
Coy Daily
President of Law Enforcements
Minster Bowman.
Minster of Magic
It didn't take long after Hermione had finished reading her letter that the cries of distress from the female population and groans from the male population of utter frustration echoed throughout the hall. Many of the seventh and sixth year girls ran out of the Great Hall crying. There was also a great deal of murmuring and whispering sometimes as loud as shouts of protest against this law.
Hermione looked on; the look of utmost shock had etched its way upon her face not knowing how to react to the newly enforced law. Never in her life did she think she could wake up one morning a teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, twenty two and single to being engaged and not even knowing who the groom to be was. And all the Ministry could say was 'Have a nice day'.
While in her state of shock Hermione hadn't notice Headmistress McGonagall stand up and address the school, bellowing for there silence. She hadn't noticed when the hall fell silence and she didn't notice that as she stalked out of the Great Hall that all eyes were upon her.
"Hermione, nothing can be done" A calm Scottish voice stated.
"What do you mean nothing can be done. Of course there has to be a way to stop this law!" Angrily Hermione paced back and forth in front of the fire in McGonagall's office that used to be occupied by the late Albus Dumbledore.
The day had been long and emotional for everyone and classes had been dismissed. For most of the day Hermione had been trying to find a way out of the law but so far she held no luck hence why she came to McGonagall's office after dinner.
"Hermione" Minerva started but was interrupted by her distressed colleague.
"There has to be something I can do" her pacing did not crease "Gah, I should be able to think of something, there has to be a loop hole of some sort if I can just find it, it'll be alright"
"Hermione" Minerva started again "there is nothing you can do. You have been told your choices and frankly I don't think you wish to spend the rest of your life in Azkaban."
"Azkaban seems better at the moment then marriage"
"Just think for a minute before you go throwing your life away. You never know this marriage may be the best thing that could ever happen to you. You'll have a family and at a least two children. You are not the only one going through this Marriage Law Hermione, I am too and I am actually looking forward to it." A small smile graced the elder witch's lips as the idea of finally settling down crossed her thoughts, seventy-nine is old and young enough to still start a family. Life seems to continue on more in the Wizarding World then in the Muggle World with a little help of magic.
After a small amount of time had passed since Minerva's last comment Hermione spoke but not before sighing.
"You are right, I should be at least grateful of this soon to be marriage. I'll be able to have a little bundle of joy for myself well two actually" Hermione offered a slight small to the other witch, in which she took warmly sending one back Hermione's way. "After all the thought of having a baby seems almost appealing" She only just hoped that her husband seemed almost appealing too.
Later that night after curfew Professor Granger graced the corridors of Hogwarts doing her nightly rounds. Tonight her round focus more on the Astronomy Tower a place known for love sick teens who aim for a make out session or even a quickie. However tonight she was mildly surprise when no one was to be found but was most likely from the events of earlier today. Seeing as there were no points to be deducted from any of the houses Hermione strode over to the edge of the Astronomy Tower, her hands gripping tightly to the railing from fear of falling.
She looked up at the star shining in all there chivalry it was a clear night and the moon was a lovely round orb. Her fascination of the stars and moon existed since a young age they always looked at peace with one and other; she used to think that the stars were soldiers of wars long ago. They shone in all there elegance for the deeds they had committed, sometimes they were lost soldiers unsure of there purpose or where to go, those were the falling stars. That's how she felt, like a falling star, unsure of her purpose and where to go.
As if in a daze she whispered softly to herself "I'm so lost and confused" Tears of frustration leaked the corner of her eyes the hot, salty substance traced her face gently. In all her wildest dreams Hermione never thought she would receive a reply.
"So am I, Professor"
Hermione jumped from being startled and turned around wiping her face. Her brown eyes widen upon meeting black orbs that bored firmly into her own, his face emotionless as always who could misplace Professor Snape's intensive stare for anyone else. He stood in the middle of the circular room now, his shoulders stiff as per usual. He looks so calm and collective but didn't he just agree he was lost and confused also?
"What may I ask brings you to the Astronomy Tower Miss Granger?"
"Professor Snape, I did not see you there and you gave me quiet a fright. I was just- well- uh I was just mulling over today's events." She felt like an idiot for stuttering over her words it was almost as if he wasn't her equal and was her snarky Potions Master once more. If an after thought she added "If you don't mind me asking Professor, what brings you here?"
"If you must know Miss Granger I come up here from the dank dungeons to clear my head and get some fresh air" his voiced seemed softer then usual and he approached her quietly "After all that has happened today I think one is entitled just that. It seems the whole castle seems it fit to discuss the new law all day and evening that it has given me quiet a headache that cannot be cured with a simple potion."
"It's not something that can be easily avoided no. I just dread the thought of being married and not knowing them, him, my husband" The tears once again threatened to fall.
"If it's any consolation I feel the same way as you do maybe not the husband bit but I can assure you the idea of marring a woman without formally greeting isn't my idea of a good marriage. However it is just something we can not help. So I suggest Miss Granger is to suck it up and confront your fears" With that the Potions Master turned on his heels and retreated back to the door robes billowing like deaths cape.
Hermione looked at the back of the withdrawing Professor "Something never change."