AN: Voldemort has found another way to get to Harry Potter; through his friend Hermione Granger and one of her family members, by using the Ministry's new Marriage Law. Will things turn alright or end up getting people killed with this new Marriage Law?
Laws of Chains
Ch. 1
Hermione Granger has been known to be at the Weasleys' during the summers, but this summer she was in Northern Ireland with her parents visiting with her aunt and uncle and cousin. Her parents William and Lidia Granger were in the back garden with her aunt and uncle; Sheryl and Dave Granger, while Hermione was making tea with her cousin Lyra. Hermione had found that her cousin Lyra was also a witch, but ended up going to one of Ireland's small schools that they had for an all-girls school. The girls found out that they were in the same year if they had gone to Hogwarts together, since they were nearly a few months away from each other. Hermione was born September 19, 1979; while Lyra was born on March 1, 1980.
Hermione with her long wavy brown hair and golden-brown eyes, thin and stood at 5'6". While Lyra with her long reddish-brown hair and green-blue eyes, big boned and stood at 5'7". They nearly look alike but with noticeable differences as well. When the tea was whistling to state that it was hot; there was tapping at the window, Hermione went after the tea while Lyra went for the window. At the window was an owl that looked menacing; like a hunter who could pick up a rabbit without a problem, which made Lyra squirm but took the letters that it was carrying and it took off to the skies.
Lyra then made it back to the kitchen table where she and Hermione were sitting upon; with Hermione poring the tea into their cups, Lyra came Hermione her letter, while she opened her own. The letters read:
Dear Ms. Granger,
I must inform you of the new Ministry Marriage Law 1997 that has just past, which makes you eligible for marriage. You have been added to a list of possible wizards who are either pureblood or half-blood, and who are between the ages of 17-80 years of age and who are able to produce children.
The reason for this Marriage Law; is because of the records that has brought to our attention from St. Mungo's Hospital stating that our birth rate is at our all-time low. Until it is fixed; this Marriage Law will help bring those numbers back up to where they will need to be.
Once the petitions or contracts have been delivered to you; you have a total of two weeks to pick a husband, and another week to plan a wedding. Failure to do so will end you up in Azkaban, until the Ministry will assign you a husband for you.
If you have more than one petition or contract that was given to you; then you have a total of three weeks to pick your husband, if you have a problem of picking than the Ministry will pick for you.
Hope all is well,
Ms. Liza Underhill
Law of Marriage Enforcement
Both Hermione and Lyra had looked at each other once they had finished their letters, shuddered at the same time, "M-marriage, n-no." Them being shock was an understatement for the two girls, for they were not planning marriage at the age 17, for either one of them. They knew that they would have to show their parents about the letters, but not knowing how to do it. So they had gotten up from where they were sitting and made their way to the garden; where their parents were, and gave them their letters. William and Dave were not very happen at finding out that their daughters were going to end up married before finishing school.
William growled out, "They can't do this. We were told by your Professor Dumbledore that you going to Hogwarts would be the best for you to become the best witch and to control your magic better, but he never once said that they would have to force people into marriage. We don't do arrange marriages anymore, besides the royal family, but we are not even close to them."
Dave sighed, "How can we fight a world that we have no clue about brother? I mean before Lyra became a witch, I had thought that wizards and witches were nothing but stories made up for those that want to believe in the sort of thing. Until I saw her making paintings without touching the paint brushes or using her fingers."
Lidia giggled, "I remember a time that Hermione was making her books float in the air, crying because she could not reach them."
Hermione gasped, "Mother!"
"What? I am only telling the truth Hermione and that is all I am doing. But all in honesty William, Dave, and Sheryl; we really can't fight this, the girls are part of this other world and that is the only world they really know about and they have to live by their rules and laws. There is nothing we can do."
Sheryl smiled, "That is true Lidia; but I will put my foot down about not having a say so about planning the wedding, now is there?"
"You have a point there Sheryl."
Dave rolled his eyes, "I am sorry Hermione and Lyra; it looks like your mothers will be planning your weddings without your inputs."
Hermione gave a sad smile, "It's alright Uncle Dave; I really haven't thought about marriage, so I wouldn't know what I would want."
"Same here Dad."
The girls gave their parents their hugs and went back into the kitchen to drink their now warm teas. Each girl lost in their own minds. Would they marry a man that they know? Would they marry a man from the light or dark side of the war? Or would they find themselves finding love in all of this law?