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.
A/N: Thank you so much for this chapter Aly! You are the greatest! * Hugs *
Chapter 4
Dumbledore waved his wand over the tattered hat that now sat silent on the three - legged stool and the hall watched as the hat and stand disappeared silently. The students were still tense, most of them not very happy about whom they were paired up with. Draco was glaring hatefully at everyone from the Slytherin table while Pansy was giggling with the girls around her.
The aged wizard sighed and raised his hands for silence. "I know," he began as soon as the hall had quieted, "that marriage is not something that you had been thinking would be so soon . . . especially that you could not choose the person to spend the rest of your life with and I apologize for that. But with orders from the Ministry and Minister Fudge we have to advance in this law. All marriages will take place in the Great Hall one week from today." Shouts erupted throughout the room and McGonagall quickly sent out three loud bangs to quiet the students so Dumbledore could continue.
"I know that it is soon, but there is much to do. Your parents shall be transported here on the Express to act as witnesses for the marriage. Please dress in either robes or formal muggle clothing for the ceremony. Owls have been sent out explaining the situation to your family and I will call each . . . couple . . . into my office to speak with you about what will be happening. You are dismissed from the rest of your classes. Good day." With that being said he swept out of the room with the professors in tow, leaving the students alone.
"This can't be happening," Hermione whispered, curling into herself. Harry hesitantly wrapped an arm around her narrow shoulders and she collapsed against him, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. Harry's face burned brightly with a crimson flush but he pushed his own discomfort down and wrapped both arms around his fiancé.
"Don't worry, Hermione. We'll get through this."
*~~*
Three days later Harry and Hermione were sitting in the plush armchairs that were situated in front of Professor Dumbledore's desk. Hermione's delicate hand was clasped tightly in Harry's larger one, the rough calluses on his palm caressing her soft skin. Their Headmaster sat in front of them behind his large desk, parchment scattered about the shiny surface and quills and ink wells spread about sporadically.
"Thank you for coming, Miss Granger, Mr. Potter," he said slowly. He looked older than they had ever seen him, the sparkle completely gone from his blue eyes.
"You're welcome, sir," Harry said nodding. The Headmaster sighed and placed his fingertips together gently.
"I would like to talk to you about what is going to happen with your ceremony." Harry felt Hermione tense and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. The last few days had been difficult for her, trying to keep the tears that glittered in her cinnamon eyes at bay and keeping to the library during her free time.
"Of course," Hermione whimpered, squeezing Harry's hand tightly.
"I have received a reply from your parents, Hermione and Remus for you Harry. Remus of course already knew about the law being passed and agreed to be your witness and after some explanation your parents agreed as well; they will be here on the day of the ceremony."
"They weren't angry?" Hermione asked.
"After I had explained why you had to wed they said it was alright," Dumbledore explained to the curly - haired girl. She nodded back in understanding and Harry sent her a gently smile.
"What's going to happen with the ceremony itself?" Hermione whispered.
"The Great Hall shall be divided into different cubicles and an official from the Ministry will be present to conduct the ceremony. It will be rather short I regret to say; I think that if students should be forced into this that it should be a nice day. But Minister Fudge insisted that it be short and to the point, as if it was just signing a contract and not altering my students lives . . . " He trailed off. "Forgive me; the ramblings of an old man are not much interest to you, are they?"
He sighed once more. "After the ceremony you and your witnesses shall go and have a small meal on the grounds and then they shall stay the night with you in your private quarters."
"Private quarters?" Harry asked, tensing. Dumbledore nodded.
"Each couple shall get a private room to themselves in the north western wing of the castle. Minister Fudge says that this would be the best way for the married pairs to get to know each other better."
"Oh," said Harry simply. "Okay." Dumbledore nodded.
"Very well, I shall continue if there are no further questions." The two nodded. "Remus will be bringing clothes for you to wear to the ceremony and your parents wrote that they will be bringing you a dress for the occasion." He gazed at the two over his half moon spectacles. "Are there any other questions?"
"No, sir," Harry replied while Hermione shook her head. Dumbledore nodded.
"Very well. Please report to cubicle eight right at 11:00am. You are free to go back to your common room and have a pleasant rest of the day."
"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore," Harry said standing and helping Hermione up, wrapping an arm tightly around her slim waist while she leaned heavily against him and walking from the circular office.
"Oh Cornelius," Dumbledore murmured as he watched the two students. "What have you done?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 4, done.
Chapter 5, next.
Please review!
~Just breathing