The Decree (But Why ME?)

It was months since the fateful battle of Hogwarts, due to repairs many students who should have graduated the year before were welcomed back to retake any courses they desired to get good enough grades to be of use in the fractured wizard society. Headmistress Mcgonagall was not biased and allowed students to return to the school no matter what their reason, be it Death Eater activity or as in the case of the Golden Trio, being too busy saving the world for school. Most years had suffered great losses of it's members due to both death and student withdrawals. Many dormitories were also still in tatters so rather then divide the students by their houses, the headmistress allowed groupings only based on academic year of study to determine sleeping arrangements, classes, and the like. Houses nearly became a thing of the past apart from the ever-present house points system meaning the different crests on the students uniforms also remained.

While many teachers expected the fierce rivalries of the past to spring up due to the different houses in close quarters, the system worked with the exception of the seventh years and those returning for their seventh year classes. They had grown so accustomed to the taunts, insults, and fights that Minerva Mcgonagall was having a hard time finding a solution that would allow the students, numbering only 16 in that year, to continue their studies undistracted by petty rivalries. The headmistress was so lost in thought that she did not notice that the floo in her office had been activated until the Minister of Magic himself strode out of the fireplace.

"What can I do for you, Minister?" The headmistress asked, hiding her surprise.

"As you know, due to the war, numbers of the magical Britain population have decreased dramatically." He began and Mcgonagall nodded solemnly.

"In order to rectify this situation... the ministry has put out a decree that should interest you and your students." The minister stated, pulling out an official looking scroll from his robes and placing it on the headmistress' desk. Mcgonagall raised a thin eyebrow and reached for the parchment, causing the Minister of Magic to say a hasty goodbye before using her floo to return to his own office. Shaking her head at his odd antics she unraveled the scroll and began to read the decree.

That night at dinner, the headmistress looked over the students in the great hall with twinkling eyes reminiscent of headmaster Dumbledore. Nearing the end of the meal, before the desserts materialized on the many serving platters Mcgonagall rose from her seat, clinking a fork to her goblet to command her students' attention. The noise of the voices in the great hall died down leaving a hushed silence.

"Attention everyone," the previous transfigurations professor began.

"I have been informed of a very important ministry of magic decree." Several students groaned in memory of Dolores Umbridge's infamous decrees and the headmistress pursed her lips.

"I have placed copies in each dormitory as well as owled them out to parents and guardians of those in seventh year." Many in the great hall including professors had a puzzled look on their face with this additional information.

"Without further ado, I shall read out the decree," the headmistress stated, pulling out the original document from the ministry.

"Each and every seventh year student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is hereby required to take a husband or wife and follow through with the specifications listed on their partner's marriage contract in order to repopulate the magical population of Britain. Furthermore, all previous engagements and betrothals outside of the country are now pronounced null and void. Failure to marry by the time of graduation results in a year of jail time and community service until said person successfully completes this decree's requirements." The silence in the hall was deafening before shouting erupted from the upper years and whispers from the younger students.

"That is what the ministry has announced and that is what we at Hogwarts shall follow. Any of you wishing a consultation with a parent, guardian, professor, or advisor may do so with an appointment or via the floo network which is open in the hospital wing and all active offices. Each seventh year must have an approved wedding contract written up before the end of the month and approved within two. You have until the end of the year to complete all requirements of both you and your partner's contracts. In addition, I will allow the sharing of rooms with one's intended which will give you much needed relief from the stress of being engaged in a dormitory. Before I dismiss you, keep in mind that this is a very important decision and it is not to be taken lightly. Furthermore, sixth years take note as this decree will likely be in place for all of you next year as well. That is all." Headmistress Mcgonagall simply smiled primly and took her seat, allowing desserts to appear for those that wanted them however most seventh years were already gone to attempt to resolve this new issue.