Chapter 8 - Amor & Anima
Hermione Granger waited until early Saturday morning before sending a short letter with Theo's owl.
"Dear Bill,
Can I come over?
Hermione x"
She instructed the owl to wait for a response, and 30 minutes she received a rolled parchment, she unrolled it immediately,
"Dear Hermione,
Whenever you want,
Bill x"
She took a few deep breaths and got ready. She chose a burgundy sweater dress that came up to just above her knees, sheer tights and black stilettos, with a light black cloak on top. She let her long hair loose, curls running down her back, and put some gold eyeshadow on her eyelids with a burgundy lipstick she spelled not to smear.
Feeling ready, she grabbed her bag containing the research and the scroll, and flooed "Kielder Cottage".
"Hermione, hello." Bill's voice drifted towards her as she removed the soot from her clothes, he was sitting on the couch wearing light blue jeans and a dark green jumper, his hair tied back.
"Hey Bill." Hermione said with a small voice.
"Come sit down, and have a cup of tea."
Hermione took off her cloak and Bill struggled to not stare at her legs or the figure hugging dress, and offered her a cup of tea. They sipped in silence for a few minutes, until Bill cleared his throat and said, "So, what brings you by?"
"Kingsley gave me the green light to read you into the project I've been working on." Hermione said in a rush.
"Alright, why?" Bill simply inquired.
"Because it will be published in the Daily Prophet on Monday, and he agreed you could know earlier." Hermione said.
Bill nodded, and looked at her, taking in the way she dressed, the make-up, she was either trying to seduce him, impress him or on her way to somewhere else and he felt angry at the last option, he waved at her to get started.
"Right, Kings asked Draco and me to come back last year, to figure out why the birth rate got so low since the war and why there were more squibs than before as well." Hermione started to explain.
"Okay, lower birth rate, squibs, why you and Draco?" Bill cut in.
"He said between our four masteries and our general academic careers, we could probably find something. The Department of Mysteries had been working on it, but not much and their researchers lacked the right perspective." Hermione replied.
Bill nodded, so she went on, "We figured out it was mainly down to inbreeding."
"It's a Marriage Law, isn't it?" Bill cut in.
Hermione looked at him sadly and nodded.
"That's why you said you couldn't, you were working on implementing a Marriage Law. A law we would both be subject to." Bill said.
"Yes." Hermione replied simply.
"Alright, why tell me now then?" Bill inquired, feeling his heart breaks slowly.
"Because the Love Division in the DOM gave us access to a device to make the matches. It gives soulmates or close soul matches." Hermione said, and then took the scroll from her bag and handed it to him, "This is mine."
He took the scroll from her, dreading what it would say, dreading she was dressed up to go meet her match after letting him down gently. He unrolled the scroll.
"Soulmate for Hermione Jean Granger: William Arthur Weasley"
"Soulmate", he whispered in awe, staring at the scroll.
Hermione was watching him, scared he wouldn't like the results. She was biting her lip. He finally looked up, looked at her for a few seconds and pounced, kissing her will years of pent-up feelings.
After a few minutes, Hermione asked "Are you not mad at me then?"
Bill chuckled, "I thought you were coming to let me down, crush all my hopes, instead you're telling me I'm your soulmate and you have to marry me. I couldn't be happier Hermione, you're mine." and kissed her again.
28 February 2005
Ministry Announces Marriage Law!
By Padma Patil
In a move not seen for over 400 years, the British Ministry of Magic is instituting a Marriage Law.
The law is set to combat the rise of squib children, as well as the low birth rate seen since the end of the war.
Refusing to cooperate will you sent to Azkaban for a year, and refusing a second time will send you back for 2 years, until you cooperate or spend your life in the nightmarish prison.
All unmarried witches and wizard between 25 and 50 years old are under the purview of the law.
The law will officially start on 4 April 2005, the grace period beforehand is too allow couples to get married if they wish.
Anyone currently engaged or betrothed will need to have their case reviewed by the Ministry before being exempt or their engagement/betrothal annulled.
Anyone currently married, without children, can petition the Ministry for legal aid to divorce their spouse and be matched by the Ministry following the divorce.
Same-sex relationships and triads will be taken into account.
Below is a summary of the law, for further explanations see the full law as approved by the Wizengamot on pages 5 - 15.
Age range: 25 to 50 years old as of 4 April 2005
The law will remain active at least 10 years, therefore anyone turning 25 in the upcoming years will be under the law
Marriage required within a year
The couple or triad is required to live in the same residence following their wedding
First child required within 5 years from the wedding
Second child required within 8 years from the wedding
Artificial insemination possible if the couple or triad would rather not participate in intercourse
Adoption, surrogacy or sperm donation possible for same-sex couples or triads, funding and help given by the Ministry
Health follow-ups paid by the Ministry in case of troubles conceiving
Pre-existing engagement or betrothal contracts to be vetted by the Ministry to be confirmed or voided
Matches done in the Department of Mysteries by the Love Division, soulmates or soul matches given
Appeal possible on valid grounds: Abuse, Serious mental health issues, Criminal record, Financial debt, Blood feuds, Conflicting magical oaths or vows
If the match is successfully appealed, another match will be given
Mind Healer monthly sessions mandatory the first year of marriage
Divorce possible on valid grounds: see appeal + Infidelity, Mind-altering potions and charms
Financial help for couples meeting the criteria: Low income (below 160 Galleons a month)
Current married couples struggling to conceive can request help from Saint Mungo's
Starting on 4 April, anyone under the law will receive a Ministry owl requesting their presence in the Department of Mysteries to be matched. Matches will then be send to individuals a week later. From receiving the match, couples have a year to marry.
Failure to comply will be a year in Azkaban, subsequent failure will be two years, and so on.
Exempt from the law: British nationals living abroad for more than 5 years, and having acquired their host country citizenship.
Anyone deemed mentally unstable and unable to make sound decisions by a Ministry Mind Healer
Bill Weasley was at his cottage when the Daily Prophet broke the news of the law, he wasn't starting a new project until a couple of weeks so he had been sitting in his living room, waiting for the details of the law. He had meant to ask Hermione those details but had been rather distracted and had instead spent the rest of the day learning the curves of her body, repeatedly. He grinned to himself remembering the hours spent in his bed, against the bookshelves in the library, on the kitchen table and even outside against a tree once.
He thought the law was well thought out, a year before getting married gave him time to propose and do things right, especially since he had a head start. Five years was also generous for the first child, he hoped he could convince Hermione not to wait that long.
He was distracted from his musings by the Floo going off and the crack of apparition.
Suddenly, Charlie was coming through the Floo and the twins were in front of him. He raised an probing eyebrow to the trio.
"Hello, what brings you by?" he said conversationally.
Charlie didn't answer and simply went to his kitchen to pour himself a large drink of firewhiskey, he then went on to sit in the armchair next to the couch and drank the glass in one go. "It's not even 10 am Charlie."
"It was after noon in Romania so who cares." Charlie replied, eyeing his empty glass with a frown before getting up again and pouring himself another glass.
"Alright, Charlie is clearly having a mental breakdown, what about the two of you?" He asked the twins.
They had remained frozen on their spot, watching Charlie get drunk, but the question raised them from their stupor and they simultaneously pointed at the paper.
Bill nodded, "Have a seat." and the twins sat on the ground in front of the coffee table, only to put their arms on it and their heads on their arms.
"Right okay, I know it's a shock but it's well thought out." Bill said, trying to cheer them up a bit, but only received groans from the twins.
"Why aren't you freaking out?" Charlies wondered.
Bill shrugged, "They're pairing people with their soulmates or soul matches, and we have 6 years before having our first kid."
Charlie narrowed his eyes at him, "You were talking non-stop about wooing Granger last we spoke and now you're fine marrying someone else?"
"Who says it won't be Hermione?" Bill retorted.
"You seem awfully sure it will be, I wonder why." Charlie said, then continued "It doesn't have anything to do with the fast Granger came back to Britain a few months before they made the law?"
Bill said nothing, and just took a sip of his tea.
"She's working on the law, isn't she?" Charlie continued, but Bill remained silent.
"Did she rig the match to be with you then? Is that why you're so bloody calm?" He snapped.
Bill rolled his eyes, "She didn't rig anything. She did the same process we'll all do and I'm her soulmate."
"Fine." Charlie said petulantly.
Fred had raised his head from the coffee table to watch the exchange and was now glaring at Bill, "If you hurt her I swear I'll kill you."
"Why the fuck would I hurt her?" Bill replied, getting angry, "She's my fucking soulmate and I've been trying to get her for years!"
"Have you thought about mum, Ron and Ginny's reactions? Think they'll object at the wedding?" Charlie cut in.
"Mum is not going to be invited, since I finally got the full version of what she said in her howler to Hermione, and neither are Ron or Ginny. Ron keeps insulting her, even now and Ginny basically tried to kill her at school. They're not coming to my wedding." Bill replied.
"What did she say in the full version? You've been keeping your distance but you haven't reacted like that since the whole Harry thing." Fred asked.
"She called her a uppity mudblood bitch." Bill replied.
"What the fuck!" Fred exclaimed, while George looked horrified.
Charlie had frozen still upon hearing that until he realised, "That's where Ron and Ginny got it from then."
"What do you think Ginny is going to do? She hasn't given up on the whole Mrs. Potter thing despite the divorce and the counselling." George asked, changing the subject.
"I have no idea." Bill replied.
"Does the matching they're going to use actually work?" Fred asked instead.
"It does. It's a device in the Love Division, I've heard of it before and Hermione wasn't the only one to test it. You'll get your soulmate or a close match to it. It will be okay. Both the law and the device take magical twins into account so no worries on that front." Bill explained and both twins nodded.
"Aren't you exempt from the law Charlie?" Bill suddenly asked.
Charlie chuckled darkly, "I wish. I've been in Romania long enough but I never even applied for the citizenship so I'm eligible."
"What about Ron? He's been shagging any witch he could find but he's always been hung up on Hermione despite treating her like shit." George asked.
Bill shrugged, "Don't know."
"Is there a way to escape the law?" Fred wondered, curious about what his youngest siblings would do.
"Not really. I guess moving to a country that doesn't extradite with us might work but that's a short list." Bill replied.
"Do you know who worked on this beyond Hermione?" Charlie asked.
"I guess her and Malfoy worked on the research since they both came back from Bulgaria together, and I assume Nott was part of the legal team that actually drafted the law for the Wizengamot. The Department of Mysteries is involved so likely people from there too." Bill told him.
"Malfoy?" Fred asked, "He was in Bulgaria with her?"
Bill rolled his eyes, "Merlin it wasn't a secret, he published several articles for his masteries! They went to Bulgaria together after Hogwarts, they're friends, basically siblings."
"So Nott and Malfoy probably did the match thing too then?" Charlie asked.
"Probably, she didn't tell though. Why?" Bill replied.
"Just a thought I had." Charlie said with a smirk.
The conversation continued on for most of the day, the twins and Charlie feeling better about the situation overtime, but worried about Ron, Ginny and their mum.
16 March 2005
Ginevra Weasley Leaves Britain!
By Rita Skeeter
The former Mrs. Potter was seen arguing at the desk for International Portkey, requesting a one-way Portkey to Barbados, a island country with a small wizarding community shrouded in mystery and isolationism. Miss. Weasley was finally able to get her wanted Portkey and promptly left the country.
Another titbit about Barbados is their refusal to cooperate with other countries, therefore they do not have an extradition agreement with Wizarding Britain, is the divorced Miss. Weasley trying to escape the law?
I will keep an eye on that situation, and let you know if the red-head comes back on British soil before 4 April.
On 5 April, Bill woke up bright and early. He got dressed in jeans, a jumper and black formal robes and flooed to the Ministry. He went to level 9 and followed the signs to the Love Division department. Once inside he was directed to a room that held the orb.
"Please place your hands on the orb in front of you." An unspeakable instructed him.
He went up to the orb and placed his hands, it felt like seconds and hours at the same time but after a minute he was told he could leave. Instead of going home, he went to the Burrow to assess the current situation.
It felt like he had entered a warzone, his mother was yelling at anybody crossing her path, his father looked to be on the verge of snapping and Ron was sulking in a corner of the living room.
"Bill! Did you go to the Ministry?" His father asked, trying to grasp back a semblance of control.
"I did yes, I should receive the letter soon." Bill told them, knowing he would receive it earlier than most as Hermione had already done it.
Arthur Weasley nodded, "Good, that's good."
"Any news on Ginny?" He asked bravely.
"That stupid girl! I can't believe she just upped and left the country! She'll go to Azkaban if they catch her! Can't believe she would do this when this could be her opportunity to get Harry back!" His mother started ranting and that was when Arthur snapped.
"STOP! What you did to Harry was wrong and I can't condone this behaviour any longer. I tried to make things work once you came out of Azkaban, hoping it would have helped understand what you did what wrong and show some remorse, but no, you're only sorry you got caught! Harry was never meant to be with Ginny!"
As Molly was about to retort, a Ministry owl flew in the room and deposited an envelope in front of Bill. That seemed to do the trick and stun everyone into silence, anticipating the news.
Bill opened the envelope and read Hermione's name with a bright grin. He knew she would be his match but still, it was good to have it confirmed.
"So, who is it son?" Arthur asked in the tense silence.
That broke Bill from his reverie and he had no idea how to answer that without the whole descending into chaos. So he remained silent for a while. Which his younger brother didn't seem to appreciate so Ron summoned the letter to him.
"WHAT THE FUCK! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?" Ron roared.
"What is it Ron?" Molly asked, coming to stand next to her youngest son, unable to even think he could be overreacting.
Arthur shook his head and went to Bill's side, whispering "Hermione?" so only he could hear, Bill replied with a nod.
"THAT WHORE! BILL YOU CAN'T DO THIS! YOU HAVE TO APPEAL!" Molly screamed.
Arthur squeezed Bill's shoulder in silent support, "No, I won't appeal. Hermione is my soulmate. I've known her for years and we've stayed in regular contact while she was abroad, we've seen each other regularly since she came back to Britain and I've wanted to be with her before the law was announced."
Molly was furious, but tried to plead with him since yelling wasn't working, "You have to! She broke Ron's heart, you can't just marry your little brother former girlfriend! Besides she's with Harry now!"
Bill rolled his eyes, "Ron and Hermione kissed once, 7 years ago, that's it. She didn't break his heart. He's been insulting her for 7 years if not more. Also, she's not with Harry, nor was she ever, he's like a brother to her, a brother you took away from her with the loyalty charm."
"But, but, she's meant to be with Ron!" Molly said.
"Is she? Is that why you sent her a howler calling her a uppity mudblood bitch? All because she hugged Harry?" Bill said sternly, while Arthur paled.
"THAT'S IT!" Arthur finally said, "I'm leaving, I'm asking for a divorce, we're done. If Ron doesn't get his act together I'll disown him, and I'll disown Ginny in the meantime since she decided to ran away!"
Before anyone could reply, he went through the house in record speed, putting everything he owned in a trunk and ignoring Molly's pleas.
Half an hour later, Arthur had everything he owned and Bill took his arm and apparated them away to Kielder Cottage.
Theo was having a large cup of coffee at home, he had taken the week off knowing the law would be starting and he didn't feel like dealing with any of it. Hermione and Draco were having somewhat regular hours now at least, that was a relief, but he still didn't expect anyone to floo at noon when the chime alerted him.
He walked to the floo room, assuming it would be Hermione or Draco, maybe Harry, only to see Bill and who he assumed was the Weasley Patriarch. He was only wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt but they disturbed him at home so they get what they get.
"Hello Bill, Mr. Weasley, what can I do for you?" Theo politely inquired, still sipping his coffee.
"We went to your office first but Adrian said you'd taken the week off so we thought we'd try here instead. We need your help for a divorce." Bill explained.
Theo's eyes widened in comprehension, "I see. Let's go to my study then."
The father and son duo followed Theo to a large room with a massive desk, they sat on the two chairs in front of it while Theo sat down on the other side.
"Right. Divorce is often hard to obtain. The only valid reasons are infidelity, abandonment, abuse, sexual violence, mind-alerting potions and charms, and recently blood supremacy ideology was added. Do you fit any of the criteria?" Theo inquired.
"To my knowledge, she never cheated on me, but she did tell Hermione and Ginny she had used a love potion when we were back at Hogwarts. I think I'd like to be checked by a Healer before we go further. In any case, she called Hermione that word so I believe we can argue the blood supremacy criteria." Arthur said.
Theo nodded, "Very well, we could use Mia's memory of receiving the Howler if needed. In the meantime, you can go to Saint Mungo's and ask for a full mind-altering check-up, its takes a couple of hours. I'm home all day so you can go now and we can discuss next steps when you get back."
"Thank you Theo." Bill said and the duo was off to Saint Mungo's.
Three hours later, they came back through the floo, looking white, and simply handed Theo the parchment made by Saint Mungo's.
Arthur Septimus Weasley
Mind-altering full check-up
Saint Mungo's, 5 April 2005, Healer Wayne
Love potion found, small doses since 1966, small dosage administered every three months until 2004, keyed to Molly Weasley
Submission charm, cast in 1969, re-cast every year until 2004, keyed to Molly Weasley and cast by Molly Weasley
No other potions or charms detected
Love potion antidote administered on 5 April 2005
Counter-charm cast on 5 April 2005
"Right, I see. The process will be straight-forward then. I can draft the divorce request before the end of the day and submit it to the Ministry tomorrow. If she appeals, you'll have to testify in court. Both of you are over 50 years old, so once the divorce is granted you're exempt from the Marriage Law, so no need to worry about that. Are there any properties or possessions I need to include in the divorce request on your part Mr. Weasley?"
"Call me Arthur. The Burrow belongs to Molly, it's was her dowry and she can keep it. I already took everything I cared about before leaving this morning so it's fine. Although I would like to legally disown Ronald and Ginny, can you help me with that?"
"Sure, all you really need to do is a ancient magic ritual though, it will register with the Ministry automatically and both will revert to their mother's maiden name." Theo replied, trying to remain professional.
"You can do the ritual at the cottage, I have a book in my library with the full text." Bill interjected.
Arthur nodded, "Okay, I'll do that. Thank you Theo."
"You're welcome Arthur. You'll receive a Ministry owl once I've submitted the divorce request."
8 April 2005
Weasley Family Breaks Apart
By Rita Skeeter
As of yesterday, Ginevra and Ronald are no longer Weasley.
An ancient magic ritual was performed by Arthur Weasley to formally disown them, and they have reverted back to their mother's maiden name, Prewett.
What happened to cause Arthur Weasley to take such drastic measures against two of his children?
My sources tell me the Weasley patriarch visited Saint Mungo's a few days ago and requested a full mind-altering check-up, was he under the influence of charms and potions like Harry Potter?
Another source informed me a divorce request has been sent to the Ministry on Arthur Weasley's behalf, is Molly Weasley also going to go back to the Prewett name soon?
Ginevra Prewett still hasn't returned from Barbados, and is now a wanted fugitive from the Marriage Law. Is the Ministry trying to negotiate her extradition? Is Miss. Prewett thriving in the small community in Barbados? Is she living as a muggle instead?
I will keep your informed of new developments.
The following Saturday, Hermione was back at Bill's cottage, relaxing after a stressful week for both of them. They were lounging on the couch, cuddling and halfway asleep, when Bill murmured "Move in with me."
Hermione suddenly felt wide awake, "What?" she replied dumbly.
Bill chuckled, "Move in with me. We know we're meant to be, and we are getting married at some point before April next year. Just so you know, I am planning on proposing properly anyway, but in the meantime I'd like you to move into the cottage. You live in Theo's guest bedroom and you love my place. Move in."
"Okay."
