Dumbledore was, at that very moment, stepping into the Minister's office.
Millicent Bagnold, by most standards, was not an especially gorgeous woman, but the instant she stepped into a room she knew. Several of her opponents had accused her of charming her way into office. While it was true that she was a gifted witch, and could have easily done so, it was her powerful authority that carried her to the top. In any crisis, no matter how chaotic, people listened when she gave orders. Minister Bagnold was, of course, backed by innumerable sage, politically minded witches and wizards who made sure the orders she gave were in the best interest of their country. But in the end, it was her strong opinions, and independent spirit that had pulled them through countless crisis, including, what the Muggles quaintly referred to as World War II but was actually, Grindelwald's regime. Her gray hair was severely chopped off just below her chin, emphasizing her firm jaw line. Far from being young, yet Millicent's hazel eyes still sparked with the fiery drive of youth rounded with the determination of an accomplished lifetime. As she stood to her unremarkable height, barely reaching the Headmaster's shoulder, and threaded her way purposefully around the exceptionally neat desk, her determination was clear.
Albus Dumbledore was slightly less confident of reaching an agreement, at least, not as speedily as he'd hoped. Nonetheless, he took the proffered chair (a hard, leather covered affair that left him longing for his nice comfy napping-chair by his study fire) and determined to do his best, not only for Minerva, then for the entire wizarding populace.
"I believe I know why you're here, Dumbledore," Millicent began, she was notorious for dumping social pleasantries to the side, "You've come to see me about the new marriage law."
"Ah, very perceptive, Minister," Dumbledore smiled, hoping to ease the stone straight line from her mouth, "Actually, That is precisely why I'm here. You see,"
"Yes, I see, Dumbledore," the Minister interrupted, "I see the results of the last census. Did you know that the wizarding population has decreased eight percent since the last census? Eight percent! That's unheard of!! In the past seventy-five years, the wizarding populace has receded to two thirds its previous size!"
"I know there are growth problems, Miss Bagnold. But I believe they are a result of the dark wizards that have plagued the past generations," Albus inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. This was his out! Surely Millicent would agree with him. "Look at the crisis we face with Voldemort. No one is willing to settle down and have a family because they are afraid of him! Voldemort's attacks have become more and more violent lately. I think the ministry needs to pursue peace, and let the people handle the population."
"I can't do that, Dumbledore!" Bagnold stood, frustrated, "Another war means more deaths, more bloodshed! There will be no wizarding community left! We can't afford to wait anymore, we must act now. If the people won't handle this, it becomes the Ministry's problem. I wish it didn't have to come to this, but it has. Besides, I'm not convinced Voldemort's as big a threat as you make him out to be. All he's done so far is create a few pure-blood rallies, instilled wizarding pride. That's healthy for a people."
"Is murder healthy, Millicent?" Dumbledore cast a questioning eyebrow her way.
"Don't tell me you're going to start with that whole "mysterious disappearances" kick again? We have no evidence that they are related to Voldemort in anyway. Now, unless you can give me proof that he is as terrible as you say, I see know reason for your fears that the wizarding community is simply afraid. As far as I'm concerned, things are quite peaceful."
"Believe what you wish, Millicent, the truth remains," Albus sighed before turning the conversation, "If I may continue in a more personal vein. I also stopped by this afternoon to inquire as to whether I might be exempt from you latest decree."
"Now, Professor, why would such a talented, insightful, compassionate man as yourself be afraid of getting married?" The Minister gave him a teasing grin.
"It's hardly a question of fear, I merely feel that, with running Hogwarts, serving in my various capacities here at the Ministry, and fighting Voldemort, I have little time to devote to a family."
"I hardly think lack of time is a valid reason, Dumbledore! After all, it's your civic duty at this point, if not a legal mandate. And a powerful wizard such as yourself, don't try and be humble now, we both know its true," Bagnold waved off his blushing attempts at humility, "But a powerful wizard like you ought to be the first to settle down! Potent magical blood like that ought to be passed on!"
Albus hurried the conversation into a more comfortable direction, "Be that as it may, there are several difficulties to my situation that cannot be revealed at this time. I must simply ask for you patience, and a reprieve from the law."
"I can't, Dumbledore. Unless you give a valid reason," The Minister sighed, "Now, if it is a personal secret, I promise it will be guarded under the tightest security. Otherwise, you are tied to the mandate just like everyone else."
"If I could offer you proof that I was all ready married… possibly a marriage certificate, would that suffice?" Albus tested, tentatively.
"What are hinting?" Bagnold leaned over her enormous desk as if trying to read the secret in his eyes.
"I merely would like an answer to my question. If I were to show you a marriage license, proof that I am married, would you promise to keep it secret?" Dumbledore was showing slight signs of apprehension, but they slipped right past Bagnold's peering glance.
"Well, if you were married, you would still have to have the two children, in order to fulfill the law." The Minister looked nonplussed.
"I see. But the law gives four years to fulfill that clause, correct?" Dumbledore had started to form a plan.
"Yes… Dumbledore, what aren't you telling me?" In frustration, the petite woman leapt from her chair, and stood to her full height.
"I have to talk to someone about something… I'll be back soon." Dumbledore threw out, departing, then just he reached the door, he threw in common courtesy, "As always, it has been a pleasure, Minister." With that he closed the door behind him.
"Wait! Dumbledore! You can't just…" But by the time she flung open the office door, Millicent was calling to nothing but thin air. Dumbledore had gone.