Title: The Law
Summary: A law has been passed. Harry and Hermione must marry. What will the outcome be? -Response to a challenge set by lordanhur in the Forum part of PK.
Genre: Romance/None
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Never said I did… you can't sue me! Ha ha! :p
Ship: Harry/Hermione.
Spoilers: Books 1-5.
Chapter 1
"That's 11 for and 10 against. The law is passed" Cornelius Fudge announced to the panel of Witches and
Wizards present.
Albus Dumbledore, who was currently residing at the back of the room sighed in defeat, while those who supported the
idea celebrated.
"This is going to make things exceedingly difficult" A wizard, who was sitting next to him stated
"That it is my friend, that it is."
***
As Harry took a seat in between Ron and Hermione, the Great Hall silenced as their old Headmaster gave a clap of
hands.
"I'm afraid that I have some rather bad news for you today." Dumbledore announced.
"It must be something important" Ron whispered.
Some students sitting in the row in front of theirs turned to glare at the redhead, who didn't seem to notice.
"This is the first time he has taken us out of class for an announcement," Ron continued carelessly,
"But I wonder why it's just our year."
Harry shrugged silently, his attention fully focused on the wise man standing in front of him.
"There have been many discussions over the last few days about a new law concerning the whole Wizarding world, but
it mainly involves Muggle-Borns." Harry felt Hermione tense next to him at these words, but still remained
mute.
"There is no simple way to say this that will soften the blow, or anger that I am sure you will all feel..."
Harry felt that Dumbledore was stalling for time at this point, and was getting more and more concerned by the
second.
"Every muggle-born witch or wizard must marry into a pure-blood family by the age of 18." Dumbledore said
slowly, judging the reactions of the students. As he had predicted, they weren't very pleased about the new
law.
"They can marry half-bloods or muggle-borns if they want to though right professor?" Lavender Brown asked,
her voice shaking.
Dumbledore sighed and shook his head.
"No, they cannot. Muggle-borns can only marry Purebloods and no others."
Hermione was now shaking with anger and Harry knew that she would blow at any moment, so he slowly and discretely
shifted over to towards Ron, away from the newly formed Volcano Hermione.
"So what you're basically saying is Muggle-borns have to marry into Pure-blood families, even if they
don't love the person?!"Justin Flinch Feltchey asked, obviously just as angry as Hermione was.
"Yes, however, that is not all I have to say. There is another part to the law I must mention." Dumbledore
said attempting to break the tension that had fallen over the students and teachers present.
"And that is professor?" Harry asked, although scared of the answer.
"The Muggle-borns will not have a choice in who they are married to at this moment in time."
At this point Hermione blew. She stood up and was positively fuming.
"There is no way I'll follow this law. Take me to Azkaban for all I care. I mean, I could end up with..."
She screwed her face at the thought "Someone like Draco Malfoy for Merlin's sake!!"
"Shut up, Granger! I would never bring my Pureblood self down to the level of a filthy Mudblood." Malfoy
replied icily
"Weren't you listening Malfoy?" Harry asked "You won't have a choice on the matter."
"Like hell I wouldn't. I am not marrying a Muggle-born. No bloody way" He answered crossing his arms in
protest.
"How do the students know who they are going to be forced to marry Albus?" McGonagall spoke up for the first
time since they had come into the Hall, cutting Malfoy's and Harry's argument short.
"The sorting hat will decide. It has been briefed on the new law, and will now decide who will marry who"
Dumbledore explained.
"Now? As in…now" Ron asked, his voice unusually high.
"Yes Mr.Weasley."
Harry could feel the fear radiating from Ron, this only increased the fear that Harry himself felt, even though he was
a half-blood, and so wouldn't be married off to someone.
He was scared he would get Hermione. He had never wanted to put someone in danger, except for Malfoy maybe, but
Hermione... he couldn't risk marrying Hermione.
If she became his wife, she would be signed forever. 'But she won't...she'll be married off to someone
else. A pureblood. Not you. You won't be able to protect her if Voldemort comes for her.' A voice in his
head whispered. 'And you know he will'
Every student in the hall paled as the sorting hat was
bought into the hall. Whatever the hat said, was going to change their lives forever, and none of them were ready for
it.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rightio, chapter one, done.
Chapter two, next.
Please review.
Truth be told, I don't think this is the best fic I've ever done, so please, be nice…
~Just Breathing