Y'all continue to overwhelm me with your love for this story and I only hope that I can continue making you guys squeal in excitement when you read it!

I know you've been waiting quite a while for an update and I do apologize for that, it'll be slow going for a bit here as I've got a lot of stuff going on in my life at the moment, but the fic is not and will not be abandoned! This is a fairly short chapter, but I promise to make it up to you in the next one, which will be at least double the length and juicy as heck.

Enjoy :)

Daily Prophet
August 20, 2002
Special Tuesday Morning Edition

Controversial Marriage Law Matches Announced!
Citizens to be Summoned!

Padma Patil, Journalist

At an exclusive interview with Kingsley Shacklebolt, Minister of Magic, this Daily Prophet reporter was the first to hear of a handful of matches in place under the new controversial Marriage Law implemented by the Wizengamot. Minister Shacklebolt discussed the law, including the development of the matching spell, the need for citizens of Wizarding Britain to comply, and the safety measure implemented to protect citizens.

Minister Shakebolt is one of the many volunteers to cast the magical matching spell, and he tells us that every person who played a part in the development, research, and implementation of the spell and law guidelines have cast as well, a symbol of unity and support for what is bound to cause strife and heartache within our community.

"The Ministry understands that it can be very upsetting, stressful, and frustrating to be told that you'll have to marry a partner, or partners, not of your own choosing." Shacklebolt said, "The matches that have already been cast have been seeing great success in developing their own friendships and romantic relationships. We have had no complaints or issues with any of the matches already cast."

Minister Shaklebolt briefly discussed his own match, with Muggleborn Captain of the Holyhead Harpies, Gwenog Jones. "We have developed a close friendship, and I thoroughly enjoy her company. She understands what it's like to be in the spotlight, away from home, working long hours, and I appreciate her acceptance of that in our partnership. She has an additional match, most Muggleborns do, but I am not at liberty to speak of that relationship, I apologize." Shaklebolt told us. "We've purchased a home in Muggle London, and plan to fully cooperate with every aspect of the marriage law immediately."

Matches that have been already completed have been filed with the Department of Magical Records. These are sealed records, and only matches that have been voluntarily disclosed will be shared with the public. Matches were completed in the month of June, leaving these couples with only 4 months to finalize their marriages.

The Daily Prophet has secured interviews with several of the new couples, and we will be bringing you their stories and opinions on the matter over the coming days (see below for matches and interview dates).

Minister of Magic Kingsley Shaklebolt & Holyhead Harpies Captain Gwenog Jones (interview August 21)

Auror Harry Potter, Narcissa Malfoy, and Ella Wright (interview August 22)

Hermione Granger, Potion Master Severus Snape, Lord Sirius Black and Lord Draco Malfoy (interview August 23)

Hogwarts Headmistress Minerva McGonagall and Healer Augustus Pye (interview August 24)

Herbologist Neville Longbottom and Hannah Abbott (interview August 25).

Minister Shacklebolt stressed the need to allow disclosed matches the right to their privacy, especially in their homes. According to the Minister, nearly 20 other individuals are already matched, but not willing to come forward for interviews at this time.

Should any citizen of magical Britain wish to volunteer to cast for a match, without receiving a summons, they are encouraged to write to Isabella Malone in the Department of Records to schedule a casting time. The Ministry of Magic plans to begin summoning witches and wizards to cast the second week of September, and the Minister wishes to remind citizens of the strict penalties for those who refuse to cast.

For couples wishing to test their current relationship using the magical matching provisions, please contact Head Healer Augustus Pye to schedule testing.

Hermione folded her copy of the Daily Prophet in front of her, the evening edition delivered to the household before going to press and out to the Wizarding World. A small sigh escaped her lips as she rubbed her temples with her fingertips. She sat quietly at the large oak table that took up the dining room in the new house now occupied by her and her soon-to-be husbands.

The tension was palpable, and Draco, Sirius, and Severus were not feeling particularly patient in waiting to hear what the paper had to say.

"Well?" Draco asked.

"It is very well written," Hermione responded. "Padma really only talked about Kings and his interview. It's a short article, no fluff really. But they've listed five of the magical matches, with the dates the interviews will be published."

"We should tighten up the wards tonight before this goes out. I presume we'll have about an hour. We'll need mail monitoring wards, repelling wards for unwanted visitors, alarm wards, the works," Severus said, "Sirius and I can work on that now."

"Right," Hermione whispered, head resting in her hands morosely.

"Hermione," Draco said gently, rising to stand behind her, his large hand rubbing the knots from her shoulders. "We knew this was coming."

"I know," she responded, lifting her eyes to look at the three men in turn, "I just... this past two months with you three have been better than I could have ever imagined. I know it's important to have our names out there as supporters of the legislation and creators of the spell but is it so bad to just want to keep living this nice and quiet life with you all?"

"This will pass, kitten," Sirius reassured her, "And we're all here together. The MInistry has given us all the next two months of work and I propose we spend that time right here in our new home, continuing to get to know each other, planning one hell of a wedding, and you know, all of you falling madly in love with me!"

"Ha!" Severus barked out a laugh, "Keep dreaming, Black. Lucky for you, you only have to win over Hermione. I assure you I don't like shedding mutts."

The joking brought a smile to Hermione's face, a small blush creeping up her cheeks as she thought to herself about how she knew she'd have absolutely no problem at all loving each of these men, and although only Draco and Severus were matched to each other, she knew the three of them would be very close.

"What should Hermione and I do while you're working on the wards?" Draco asked.

"Padma will be here tomorrow for our interview," Hermione said, "I think we should prepare some notes on the things we want to say in regards to our matching, our relationships, how our friendships and romances are developing..."

"Ah kitten, I knew you wanted to romance me!" Sirius exclaimed.

"Shut it, Sirius!" Hermione scolded him, "You all must already know I absolutely adore each one of you as friends and romantic partners anyway."

The three men immediately fell silent, joking set aside for the seriousness of this moment.

"Hermione," Draco said softly, squeezing her shoulder, "We know. And I think I can speak for all of us when I say we are completely enthralled with you, as well."

Hermione smiled, tears glistening in her eyes as she stood and wrapped her arms tightly around Draco's waist. "Thank you," she whispered softly, before turning to place herself in Sirius' firm hold, his goatee tickling her forehead as he rested his chin against her. "You've all made me so happy."

Leaving Sirius' arms for the strong comfort of Severus, Hermione closed her eyes, her head pressed against his chest, listening to his heartbeat thrumming. He squeezed her gently, before prying her out of his arms and placing a kiss on her forehead.

"We'll do the wards. You do the know-it-all thing," he said with a smile, "And figure out what parts of the house we should tour with her, as well."