Marriage Vows
Marriage Vows
xmlns=\"http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40\">
Marriage Vows
Disclaimer: This
story was inspired by the Marriage Law Challenge on WIKTT.
Rowling and those with whom she has agreed contracts.yes\"> This story was written for practice not profit.
Prologue A New
Law
It was the first full day of the new school year at
Hogwarts. Hermione, Harry and Ron had
surprisingly managed to make it down to breakfast after the previous night’s
reunion. Emotions were running high in
all houses for varying reasons. Some students
and staff had fallen in the attack on Hogwarts the previous June and many
children had lost family members to death or prison.
“Hermione my dear, Professor Dumbledore needs to see you
right away.” Hermione looked up from
her conversation to see Professor McGonagall standing behind her with a worried
look on her face. “Come child, leave
your food. We can order some later if
you need it.” Hermione pushed away the
almost untouched breakfast and proceeded out of the Great Hall in the direction
of the Headmaster’s Office, her Head of House keeping match with her pace.
“What’s this about Professor?” She asked.
“Let’s just wait until we’re inside,”
They arrived at the entrance to the Headmaster’s
Office. The gargoyle at basebase of the
stairs was already standing to one side and Dumbledore appeared to usher them
in. Professor Snape sat glowering in an
armchair and unsurprisingly failed to greet them.
“Please sit down Hermione,” said Dumbledore, “I have just
received confirmation of a new emergency law which will affect you
personally.” Hermione nodded; puzzled
as to what law she may be in danger of breaking during breakfast.
falling numbers in the Wizarding community.”
“Yes sir. The
Prophet has been publishing articles about it all summer.”
“Well, in short the Ministry has decided that Muggle-born
witches are of particular value in breeding healthy magical progeny.
may only take Muggle-born wives and…”
“Yes but I’m not getting married.yes\"> I won’t for years and years,” interrupted Hermione.
“Ah well this is the thing.
I’m afraid the law says that any Muggle-born witch over the age of
eighteen has three weeks in which to choose a husband from her suitors.
licensed time-turner user you are already technically eighteen even though your
birthday is not until later in the month.
Your name is published on this list that Professor Snape received this
morning. It is a list of eligible
women. We feel that you are fairly certain to receive offers.
reject outright.”
“But I can’t be. Who
would want to marry me?”
“Hermione you have always beebrilbrilliant student.
than healthy magically proficient offspring would be bound to consider
you. However some of us are concerned
about the lack of opposition coming from the purebloods.
comply with the new law in order to carry out some kind of oppression over
Muggle-born members of our community.
If this is the case then you would be a prime target after your role in
the defeat of Voldemort last term,” said Professor McGonagall.
Snape stood up abruptly.
“Miss Granger, I have seen the list.
It is not a long one. If you
consider that Hogwarts only rece thr three or four Muggle born witches each
year and many older ones are already married.
I know this must come as a shock but you need to show some typically
Gryffindor strength of character and make the best of this intolerable
situation.”
Hermione regarded him with disbelief.
enquired dangerously.
“ I would have thought it obvious Miss Granger.
persuade him to make an offer.”
“But how can I? I
can’t just go up to anyone and propose.
It’s an insane law.”
“It is certainly ill-conceived Miss Granger.
is incalculable. Few Wizards with
honest intentions would attempt to gain a wife like this in this day and
age. This means that your suitors will
be men who have no objection to obtaining a wife this way.
you are in. I know many unpleasant
dangerous Wizards. I have seen first
hand what they can do. You and I are
not close friends but the thought of what a freed Death Eater would do to a
friend of Harry Potter is not something I would care to dwell on.
have survived so much. It would be the
end of you child. Take control
now! Be strong!
Rail against your fate if you must, but act quickly, take control and
save yourself!
Snape suddenly realised he was doing all the talking and
slumped into his chair again trying to assume a look of indifference.
Dumbledore smiled benevolently in his direction.
“Severus speaks for
all of us Miss Granger. You are the
only student currently affected by this law.
The next Muggle born witch to turn eighteen does not do so until
February and with any luck we will have managed to repeal the law before
then. I am going to an emergency
meeting in London to look at bringing an appeal in.yes\"> Professor McGonagall will be in charge in my absence and will
keep me informed of any developments.
Professor Snape will help you find a suitable candidate to approach.”
Professor Snape looked startled at this but nodded his
acquiescence. “Well Severus I suggest you get started as soon as possible.
Snape stood up.
“Miss Granger and I will go to my quarters to discuss the matter.
not be disturbed there. Perhaps we
might even manage to eat our breakfast at some point.”
Hermione followed him.