The Law

Just Breathing

Rating: PG13
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 14/07/2004
Last Updated: 30/07/2004
Status: paused

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. PAUSED DUE TO REAL LIFE STRESS!

Chapters

1. Passed

2. The sorting ceremony... with a difference

3. Pairings

4. Meetings

5. Wedding

6. Explanations

1. Passed

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

2. The sorting ceremony... with a difference

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.

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.

Chapter 2

The sorting hat was placed on the on the same, old three-legged stool used during the sorting ceremonies for the first year students, and looked even more battered than it usually did.
Harry glanced around at the purebloods and muggle-borns, aware of the looks of pure fear gracing their features.
He closed his eyes as the thought that plagued him earlier returned.
Hermione would be married to some unknown pureblood, somewhere that he couldn’t help her if she needed him. He was determined not to loose touch with her, she was one of his best friends after all, but he couldn’t be with her 24 hours a day to protect her when she would need him the most.
He knew that Hermione was a more than capable witch and could easily defend herself from an attacker, but he also knew Voldemort, he wouldn’t just send one Death Eater, he would send 3 or 4, just to be sure that the job was done, and even Hermione couldn’t defend herself from that many assailants.
A sudden image forced it’s way into Harry’s mind:

Hermione was lying on the ground. She was irreversibly dead. Her wand was in her loosened hand and a trickle of blood escaped the side of her mouth. Harry tried to run to her; he wanted to reach her, make her come back...but the more he tried getting to her, the more the image faded...until...

"Granger, Hermione!" Harry was shaken out of his reverie when Hermione's name was called.
He felt her take a deep breath and stand up beside him, he didn’t know why, but he couldn’t tear his eyes from her as she walked slowly and shakily towards the stool.
She sat and placed the hat nervously on her head and waited.
Harry held his breath while the sorting hat was trying to decide who to pair her with. It looked like Hermione was having an argument with the hat however and he severely hoped that hat wasn’t trying to put her with Malfoy, he knew for a fact that she would refuse point blank to marry Malfoy.
Hermione however was having a much harder time with the stubborn hat.
“Ah...long time no see dear Hermione.”
“Please forgive me if I’m not that thrilled to see you, but you’re on my head to ruin my life, so could you please hurry it up?” Hermione snapped back
“I remember the way you had asked for Gryffindor, and not Ravenclaw, where I should have put you. ” The hat continued to drawl, as though it hadn’t heard a word she had said.
“That’s lovely. HURRY UP!” Hermione said again, getting irritated very quickly.
“Very well. I see the Gryffindor temper has shone through with you.”
Hermione merely let out a deep sigh of exasperation while seriously considering summoning a large pair of scissors to customize the hat, or a needle and thread to knit the hats mouth shut.
“OK, OK, no need to go there Miss. Granger. Well, to the matter in hand; I would put you with either young Malfoy or the last male Weasley at the moment, but you are definitely better off with... HARRY POTTER!"
“What?!?” Hermione, Harry, Ron, Malfoy and Snape shouted at the same time, all completely shocked at the result.
“Harry’s a half-blood. That is not within the law.” Snape said as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“Yes, Severus, you are correct, it would be against the law, but as Harry is The-boy-who-lived, the ministry thought it was best to have him married to Miss Granger, she is after all on one of the main targets. Harry will be able to protect her.”
“Excuse me. But I think I can protect myself.” Hermione said angrily.
“We are aware if that Miss. Granger, however, we feel that it is a necessary precaution to prevent any harm befalling you.” Dumbledore said diplomatically.
Hermione shook her head, but remained silent. ‘At least I’m not stuck with Malfoy’ She thought while walking back to her seat next to her…fiancé.
“I’m so sorry Hermione.” Harry said as she sat.
“No, don’t be. I’m glad I got you and not…someone else.” She answered without looking directly at him, she didn’t think she could just yet.
“Yeah. I suppose.” He agreed quietly, while secretly being overjoyed at the fact that his vision couldn’t possibly come true if he was there to protect her 24 hours a day, but she was now a bigger target to Voldemort than ever before.
She would be his wife, and so was marked forever.

***

Chapter 2, done.

Chapter 3 next.

Please review, and please be nice… I have to admit this isn’t the greatest fic I’ve ever done. * Hangs head *

~Just breathing

3. Pairings

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.

“Yeah. I suppose.” He agreed quietly, while secretly being overjoyed at the fact that his vision couldn’t possibly come true if he was there to protect her 24 hours a day, but she was now a bigger target to Voldemort than ever before.
She would be his wife, and so was marked forever.

Chapter 3

Harry however didn’t have time to mull over the prospect of Hermione being his wife for long, as he heard Ron’s name being called.
Both Harry and Hermione looked at Ron, who looked as though he was about to collapse, he had just been paired up with; Kristen Baker, A Ravenclaw who was always the heart and soul of the party as it were, she would always be seen laughing and joking with her friends around the lake, and
A thought that Ron found he liked.
As Ali Jacobs walked up to the stool, Ron managed to mutter a shaky “I don’t bloody believe it.” To which Harry could only shrug weakly in response to. He had no idea what to say to his best friend.
“DRACO MALFOY!” The hat shouted, taking all in the hall by surprise.
“You’re kidding me?!?” Malfoy said angrily. “I’m not marrying any Mudblood! I refuse!”
“You will do as you are told Mr. Malfoy.” McGonagall said glaring at Malfoy, who, while looking like he could kill with a single look, backed down, and crossed his arms in protest, while muttering something that Harry couldn’t quiet catch.
Justin Finch Fletchley was next; he cast a wary look over at the Slytherin table, where most of the Pureblood females were seated, and a hopeful glance at Lavender.
He placed the hat on his head, and sat waiting anxiously for a name to be yelled.
A minute later and the hat announced the woman he was to marry; Lavender Brown.
This pairing was one of the few that the subjects seemed to approve of, as they both smiled widely at one another as Justin walked back to his seat confidently.
The next muggle-born to be called up to the stool, was a charming and very popular male by the name of Antonio Carey. Being as popular and self-assured as he was, most of the witches in the hall were drooling after him, as he walked up to the stool, many smoothing their hair as he passed.
He put the hat on his head and sat silently for the answer, which came a second later. “PANSY PARKINSON!”
Pansy tried to hold in a squeal of joy, but failed as he walked back to the Ravenclaw table, throwing her a cheeky grin.
Martyn Howards was next, as he walked up to the raised platform a swift whistle behind Harry was issued, he turned to see Parvati Patil grinning widely, Harry could tell she was hoping beyond hope that she would be paired with him. A hope that was in fact reality.
The last muggle-born to be paired up was another member of the Ravenclaw group that the witches often fantasised about called Han Bin Stuart.
He walked up to the stool and placed the over-used hat carefully on his head, immediately Padma Patils name was yelled, finishing the improper pairings.
“Thank you all for co-operating,” Dumbledore said looking around at the many distraught faces “All I can do is apologise for this. I do not have the power to prevent this from occurring.”
No one in the hall even moved, all in shock about what had just happened, none of them able to take in the full effect of what this would have on their lives.
That was, all except Harry.
He knew how much danger Hermione was in, and he knew it was all his fault.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chapter 3, done.

Chapter 4, next.

OK, I think that chapter was the worst chapter ever written in the history of writing! Like… EVER!!!

I think it sucks.

Please review.

~Just Breathing

4. Meetings

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

5. Wedding

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 best!

Chapter 5

Thursday rolled around and the students were nervous wrecks. The ceremonies would start at nine and the Great Hall had been cut into twenty cubicles with aisles winding around to the entrance, much like a maze. Everyone in the castle had been up since the crack of dawn; the teachers getting the Great Hall set up and readying for the arrival of the Ministry Officials and the kids had been rushing around and waiting on pins and needles to meet their parents at the station at eight o’ clock sharp.

Harry and Hermione were sitting on one of the benches at the station at 7:45 that morning. A strong breeze swept through and they hunkered down deeper into their cloaks, scarves wrapped tightly around their necks and burying their faces in the wool to keep their noses warm. Out of the corner of his eye Harry saw Hermione still shivering and furrowed his brow. [I]‘Should I?’[/I] He asked himself, still looking at her. Well, she was going to be his . . . wife . . . he might as well get used to it, right?

Pulling his hand from his pocket Harry reached over and wrapped his arm around Hermione, pulling her close to his side. She glanced up at him, surprised, and a light blush spread over his cheeks as he smiled gently down at her. “I don’t want you to be cold.”

“Thanks, Harry,” Hermione whispered, snuggling deeper into his embrace and sighing softly.

A few minutes later a train whistle blew in the distance and the couples milling around the station stood up and waited for the scarlet steam engine to pull into the station and for their parents to get off. The train pulled to a stop and after a puff of smoke the doors slid open, adults streaming off the train and looking around the station for their children.

Harry stood slowly and gripping Hermione’s hand helped her to stand for her parents and Remus. After a few moments of looking, Harry heard his name being called and turned to see Remus waving at him over the heads of the many people and they started towards him.

“Oh Hermione!” Mrs. Granger cried as she rushed towards her daughter, throwing her arms around the young woman and holding her tightly against her chest. Harry’s fiancé wrapped her arms around her mother tightly, clutching her almost desperately as she sobbed into her shoulder.

“Harry, how are you?” Remus Lupin asked, stepping forward with his hand outstretched. Harry gripped his hand tightly and shook before being pulled into a brief but tight hug and then being released. Harry smiled briefly and then looked over at Hermione who’s father was gripping her tightly, face buried in her bushy, curly locks.

“I’m doing better than Hermione,” Harry admitted softly. Remus nodded and patted his shoulder.

“Don’t worry, Harry,” said Remus. “Everything will turn out alright.”

*~~*

Mrs. Granger sighed heavily as she gazed at her daughter. She was dressed in a pale blue dress with black floral embroidery and black piping trim along the top. The satin dress was complimented by black strappy heels and the outfit was completed with princess cut diamond stud earrings.

Her daughter was fiddling with her hair in the mirror, tilting her head one way and then another. Mr. Granger was staring at her, resting on her four – poster bed with an intense look on his face. Mrs. Granger stood slowly and grabbed a pin from the desk as she walked over to her daughter, gathering the curls that had been tamed with sleek – easy’s hair serum and quickly twisting the locks around, pushing the pin into her hair so that the lily glinted in the light. A few girls tumbled down and caressed her cheeks softly as she gazed at her mother.

“You look lovely, dear,” Mrs. Granger said, resting her hands on her daughter’s shoulders.

“Thank you, mum,” Hermione said softly. Mrs. Granger nodded, gave her soft shoulders a tight squeeze just as a knock sounded on the door.

“Come in,” Mr. Granger said. The door opened and Remus stepped in, dressed nicely in robes of emerald green. He smiled warmly as he saw Hermione and she smiled nervously at him.

“Hermione,” he said. “You look beautiful.” A crimson blushed bloomed over Hermione’s cheeks and she smiled wider.

“Thank you, Remus.” He nodded and then glanced at her parents.

“We should head down to the Hall; the ceremony is supposed to start soon.”

*~~*

Harry smiled tenderly at Hermione as she met him in the common room. He was dressed in black slacks with a perfect crease down the center, a white dress shirt with black robes over them, his cuffs peeking out beneath the soft fabric and his gold cuff links visible. His glasses had slid low on his nose and he annoyingly pushed them back up before running a hand through his impossibly messy hair.

“Hermione, you look . . . erm . . . pretty,” he stuttered, smiling sheepishly as a blush graced his cheeks. She smiled happily at him and when she reached him gave him a tight hug.

“Thank you,” she whispered in his ear before kissing his cheek. As she did so Harry tensed; kiss! Was he going to have to kiss Hermione?! What was he going to do?!

“The rings please,” the official said, looking nervous that he was officiating the wedding of Harry Potter. Remus stepped forward and placed Hermione’s ring in Harry’s hand; it was a gold band in a V channel with eleven round diamonds. He smiled and slid it slowly onto her slender finger.

“Repeat after me,” the official said. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“With this ring,” Harry said softly. “I thee wed.”

“Miss Granger, the ring please.” Mr. Granger handed Hermione Harry’s ring; it was a gold band with four round diamonds set in a diagonal line. “Repeat after me,” the official said again. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“With this ring, I thee wed,” Hermione said as she pushed the ring onto his finger.

“Very good,” the official said. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Harry’s emerald green eyes shifted nervously towards Remus and then to the Grangers. They smiled slightly at him, as did Remus and then he looked back at Hermione. One corner of her mouth lifted and she shook her head. “Harry, you don’t have to -,” she was cut off by Harry pressing his lips lightly to hers, giving her hand a tight squeeze and then pulling away just as quickly as it happened.

“Witnesses, please sign these papers and have a nice lunch,” the official said. The adults signed the papers, picked up the picnic basket that had appeared by the entrance of the cubicle, and then ushered the couple out onto the grounds.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chapter 5, done.

Chapter 6, next.

Please review!

~Just breathing.

6. Explanations

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: I now have my amazing writing partner in crime writing this with me, so I these chapters are better than the first few.

Chapter 6

Remus led the group to a secluded willow away from the other couples, the basket clutched tightly in his hand. Mr. and Mrs. Granger followed behind him, glancing over their shoulders every once in a while to look at Harry and Hermione, who brought up the rear of their group. Harry nervously glanced every few moments at Hermione’s hand, wondering if he should… if he even could grasp it.

Gathering his courage Harry reached his hand out slowly towards Hermione, brushing the back of her hand with his fingertips. Her hand twitched and slowly uncurled from the fist she had made, letting his fingers slide through hers and entwine their hands tightly together. She gave his hand a quick squeeze, which he returned tightly.

“Here we are,” Remus said. He placed the basket at his feet, grabbed the chequered blanket covering it and with a snap of his wrist had it spread out on the plush grass they were standing on.

He crouched down and pulled out the golden plates that were used Great Hall, setting them out on the blanket while motioning for the others to sit down. Harry stood until Hermione was seated, her legs curled around her body, before sitting himself. Instantly her hand covered his and the gentle pressure made him sigh silently as he watched his parents – in – law sit across of them.

Remus set out an array of different foods between them as their goblets filled with the drinkers’ favourite beverage. Harry watched as Hermione sipped her sparkling cider nervously before Mr. Granger broke the tense silence.

“Well,” he said, clearing his throat. “That was quick.” He motioned to Hermione and Harry. “Wham, bam, thank you ma’am.”

“Daddy!” Hermione gasped, horrified. Harry could hear Remus trying to stifle a snicker, bending lower as he placed the rest of the food out on the blanket to hide his amused grin. Harry’s cheeks turned crimson while Mrs. Granger glared at her husband.

“Richard,” she said a warning evident in her tone. Mr. Granger instantly became quiet, but not before squeaking out a ‘sorry love’; he did not want to face the wrath of his wife.

“Well… how are you feeling?” Remus asked quietly as he watched Harry glance sideways at his new bride before looking away quickly as Hermione turned her attention from her Father.

"OK, I guess." Harry answered, keeping his gaze fixed firmly on the grass in front of him.

"So, I suppose, you're going to want to know why you were forced to marry," Remus stated.

"You can tell us?" Harry asked, barely allowing himself to believe it.

"Yes,” he said nodding, eyes fixed on the two Gryffindors. “Would you like to know?"

"Yes!" Hermione answered at once. Finally she would be able to receive the answers that she had been craving. The three days that she had before going to see Professor Dumbledore were spent in the library, devouring any information she could find that would help her in fighting against this law. Sadly, she had found none.

She didn't believe the protection excuse. There was any way that the muggle –born’s in the ministry would have agreed to this unless there was a very good reason, and she was sure that the Purebloods wouldn't have been very keen on the idea of their family lines being "dirtied" by a muggle-born being married into the family.

She wanted to know WHY.

"The primary reason for this law being passed was for protection-"

"Protection from what?" Harry interrupted. He didn't care about being polite at that moment; he wanted answers.

"You should know better than anyone Harry,” Remus said, his toffee colored eyes boring into Harry’s emeralds. “Protection from Voldemort"

"We can look after ourselves Professor." Hermione said defiantly. "And I seriously doubt that anyone in the ministry would approve this law. Although I was not able to find any information in getting this law repealed I know that the muggle-borns wouldn't be so easily won over by the idea and the Purebloods definitely wouldn't want muggle-borns in their families to protect them. They would rather see them get killed."

"You're right as usual, Hermione,” Remus said with a sad smile. “There was a lot of opposition to begin with. The muggle-borns were adamant that they didn't need protecting and the purebloods were dead set against having muggle-borns in their families. It looked as though the law would be thrown out."

"Well why wasn't it then?" Richard asked.

"Fudge,” Remus began and then paused, turning to Hermione’s parents to explain. “Cornelius Fudge is the Minister of Magic which is our form of government.” The Grangers nodded in understanding so he continued. “He thought it was vital that the muggle-borns were protected at all costs-,”

"Why?" Richard interrupted.

"We don't know exactly,” the werewolf said with a tired sigh. “He was as set against it as the others the first day, and the next he thought that it was a great way to protect the muggle - borns. We don't know what happened."

Harry could see that Hermione was taking in all of the information and thinking it over in her mind. She had the light in her eyes that she had when she was working on a particularly difficult homework problem; only this time it was strangely subdued.

"Maybe someone spoke to him that night. Someone might have done or said something to him so he would make sure the law was passed," Harry pondered aloud.

"That is a possibility," Remus agreed, nodding slowly.

"But who would want the law passed? Everyone was opposed, weren't they?" Hermione asked, her mind still sorting through all the information and gathering more facts.

"Not everyone. A few supported the idea... mainly the half-bloods that wouldn't be affected."

"So a half-blood might have done something to make Fudge support the idea, but what about the vote?" Hermione asked.

"It was close. One vote made the decision; 11 to 10." Remus said taking a sip of the Butterbeer from his goblet. "I spoke to at least 14 of the people who voted and they all said that they were against it."

"14 people?" Harry asked. It simply didn't add up.

"Yes. I think it was fixed so that it would be passed whatever the vote was."

"So no one actually supported idea... well not enough to get it passed anyway?" Richard clarified.

"No," Remus agreed.

"So, explain to me again,” Richard said. “ Why did Hermione have to marry Harry?"

"To protect her from Voldemort," Remus said

"How?" Hermione asked.

"When you're married, a bond is formed. The bond protects the other from being hurt."

Harry, Hermione, Richard, and Caroline all looked at Remus with dubious expressions.

"I don't believe it either," Remus said.

"But I'm not a pureblood. Why did we have to marry?" Harry asked, desperately trying to understand just why he was now married to his best female friend.

"Because you are the ‘boy-who-lived'. You can protect Hermione better than anyone. Plus she's the most at risk as she's the closest to you."

"Is there anyway we can get out of this?" Hermione almost begged

Remus shook his head mutely. He couldn't bring himself to say it.

There was no way out it; they were to be married for the rest of their lives with no more than friendship in their minds.

*~*~*~*

Several hours later Remus had shown Harry and Hermione their new sleeping quarters, which was tucked into the corner of a large tower, hidden far from the other married couples. The two were left alone to take in everything that they had heard while Hermione’s parents left with Remus, who had offered to show them Hogsmeade.

It was a rather spacious circular room with a comfortable looking double bed in the centre of a plush crimson rug over a dark wood floor. On each side of the bed were two side tables, the same colour as the dark wood that made the floor. A second bed that was obviously only there temporarily, was tucked in the corner near the bottom right of the bed. A wooden door was flung open that they could make out the bathroom, a hamper next to the door. A crimson couch stood against the wall under a small window dressed in blood red curtains over-looking the lake. A large fireplace was placed in the wall at the foot of the bed, the mantle above decorated with pictures.

Harry, Hermione and the Grangers would be very comfortable while they were there and once the Grangers left, there would be a good chance that they would be able to keep the second bed, something that both Harry and Hermione were very pleased about at that moment.

"It's... erm.... nice?" Hermione commented weakly, glancing at the large bed quickly.

"Yeah." Harry agreed awkwardly. "Look, Hermione, you can have the bed, I’ll take the couch.”

“Harry -,” Hermione started but Harry cut her off.

“Trust me, Hermione I’ve had worse. Remember, I lived with the Dursley’s for eleven years.”

“Which is exactly why you should get the bed! Harry, I don’t mind the couch,” Hermione insisted, pushing him gently until he was sitting on the edge of the large four – poster that they were currently arguing over.

“Hermione -,” Harry began.

“No Harry,” Hermione snapped.

“Hermione -,” Harry started again.

“I said no! You are going to take the bed and that’s final!”

“Hermione -,”

“WHAT?!” Hermione roared.

“I was going to say that you could take one side of the bed and I could take the other,” Harry said, smiling softly. A crimson blush dusted Hermione’s cheeks.

“Oh. Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Harry replied. Hermione nodded her thanks, swept over to the trunk that had been brought from her dormitory to their new quarters; pulled out her pyjamas; and swept into the bathroom.

Harry sighed and began to change into his own pyjamas himself, which consisted of a black T – shirt and a pair of black and red flannel pyjama bottoms that Remus had given him for his birthday.

After placing his clothes that he had worn to the ceremony into the hamper in the corner of the room he walked over to the bed, turned down the covers on one side and then swiftly crawled under them on the other. He snuggled deeply down into the comforting warmth, his emerald eyes drifting shut behind his glasses as he relaxed deeply into the pillow his head was resting on.

The door to the bathroom opened silently and Hermione stepped out the torch light dying as she stepped from the room. Glancing around the room she saw Harry lying in the bed, eyes closed, and for the first time that day looking completely relaxed. She smiled softly and set her dress on the hamper before tiptoeing over to the right side of the bed and sliding under the covers that he had turned down for her.

She reached to the side table next to her and picked up her wand, waving it around lightly. “Nox,” she breathed and the torchlight faded from existence, leaving only the small fire burning in the hearth. Placing her wand back on the side table she shifted her body so that she was nearly hovering over Harry on her elbows.

“Harry,” she whispered softly to him, placing a hand tenderly on his shoulder.

“Hmm,” Harry murmured, eyes fluttering before the long eyelashes parted slowly. “Hermione?”

“Lift your head,” Hermione said gently. Harry did as she said and Hermione took the spectacles from his face, leaning over him and placing them on his side of the bed.

“Thanks,” he said as she settled back into her original hovering position.

“You’re welcome.” She smiled at him and was about to speak when he beat her to it.

“Hermione? C – Can I . . .” he stuttered quietly. “Can I . . . k – kiss you?”

“What?” Hermione breathed, shocked.

“Please, Hermione,” Harry begged almost silently. “I just . . . I guess I want to . . . well I dunno . . . if you’re my wife . . . and if what Remus said was true that there is no way out of this . . .”

“Alright,” Hermione said quietly. Harry blinked owlishly at her before reaching and hesitantly cupping her cheek in his hand.

Leaning towards her slowly he bumped his nose against hers gently, causing a blush to blossom across his cheekbones before pressing his lips to hers and then wrenching his head back as if she had burned him.

He tilted his head on his pillow to the right curiously, his eyes narrowing in thought. He blinked twice and then tilted her head a bit more; lifting and pressing his lips back to hers. This one lasted a moment longer before he pulled away, slower this time but still quickly.

Blinking again he pulled her down and touched his lips gently to hers, his eyes fluttering closed. He let his lips linger against her plump ones, taking in the mint taste from her toothpaste in quick short kisses before pulling away on a sigh and resting his head back on his pillow, eyes still closed and a flush in his face.

Wrapping his arms around her slim body he gave her a brief hug before releasing her. Hermione tilted her head curiously before crawling to her side of the bed and resting her head against the pillow. “Goodnight Hermione,” Harry murmured and she knew that in a few moments he would be asleep.

“Goodnight Harry.”

*~*~*~*

“So, Remus,” Caroline Granger said as she walked with her husband and her daughter’s former Professor down the peaceful streets of Hogsmeade. “How did you become Harry’s guardian?”

“Harry was my friend’s son,” Remus began quietly. Caroline could see that the memory was painful for him so waited silently until he was ready to continue speaking. “His father, my friend James, and his mother Lily were killed when he was one.”

“Yes,” Caroline said quietly, clutching her husband’s hand tightly. “Hermione has told us that story many times. She also mentioned his godfather. What happened to him?”

“Sirius was killed two years ago when Harry and Hermione were fifteen,” Remus said coldly. “We don’t really talk about it.”

“I’m sorry,” Mrs. Granger said. Remus shrugged, brushing away her apology.

“It’s fine.” Richard sighed and glanced at his wife, knowing what she was trying to do; she wanted to make small talk with the man before she went in for the kill. She wanted to know what he had been hiding from them when he had told them about the law.

“Remus, can we stop for a moment? We’d like to talk to you.”

“Of course,” Remus said, leading them toward the Three Broomsticks. “We can sit in here and have a Butterbeer.”

Minutes later they were sipping at the warm drink that Madam Rosmerta had brought to them. “What is it you wanted to talk to me about?” Remus broke the silence.

“The law,” Caroline said simply. “You were hiding something from us when you were telling us about it. We want to know what it is.” Remus chuckled softly, swirling a finger around the rim of his mug.

“I see where Hermione gets brilliance.” He sighed heavily, the wrinkles around his eyes seeming to deepen in the bright light of the pub. “I was hiding something, yes.”

“What is it?” Richard asked, taking a long pull from his mug and smacking his lips as he set it back down. Caroline shot him a disapproving look before turning her eyes back to Remus.

“There is another part to the law that we are keeping hidden from the students. The students were married for their children.”

“WHAT?!” Richard roared. The other patrons in the pub turned to look at him and a lush spread across his cheeks and he waved sheepishly. He settled back down and glared at Remus. “What do you mean their children?!”

“Minister Fudge thinks that if purebloods and muggle – born’s were to wed and bear children that they’d be the most powerful bunch of wizards and witches the world has seen since Professor Dumbledore. The main reason for the marriage is still protection though, since the combination of a pureblood and muggle – born child might protect the mother from danger.”

“You said might,” Caroline said. “Is this an experiment?”

“More or less,” Remus said agreeing. “The reason that Hermione was married to Harry is because those two may be the most powerful wizards in the school. Fudge demanded that these two be placed together because an heir from them would be one of the most powerful children in history.”

“That means they have to . . .” Caroline trailed off, a blush in her cheeks. Remus shifted uncomfortably but nodded.

“Yes, they will have to.”

“Won’t we have to tell them though?” Richard asked. “Harry and Hermione seem to think that they only have to marry and that’s it. They won’t willingly hop into the sack -,”

“Richard!” Caroline gasped but Richard ignored her.

“Together so how are we going to get them to have this heir?” Remus sighed heavily and buried his face in his hands for a moment before looking back up at them.

“The contract that we signed had a hidden clause.”

“What did it say?” Caroline asked fearfully.

“Hermione must willingly bear an heir by nineteen of she will be taken away from Harry and kept in St. Mungos where they will artificially inseminate her and keep her there for a year then send her back to Harry with the baby.”

“What?” Caroline breathed. “That can’t be possible. It can’t be LEGAL!”

“What Fudge says is legal,” Remus said. “We tried to protest but Fudge wouldn’t hear it. The Order and I -,”

“The Order?” Richard asked. Remus nodded and signalled Rosmerta, who brought new mugs of Butterbeer and took their empty ones away.

“The Order,” Remus said once she had disappeared. “Is a group that is trying to stop Voldemort and his Death Eaters.” They nodded and Remus continued on his previous thought.

“The Order and I fear that Voldemort has something to do with this and we’re looking into it but we have found nothing.” He glanced at his watch and stood. “We should be heading back. The wards around Harry and Hermione’s quarters activate at midnight.”

“Wards?” Caroline questioned as she stood with Richard. Remus threw down a few galleons, nodded to Rosmerta, and held the door open for the two nervous parents before following them out into the village.

*~*~*

A few minutes later the Grangers arrived back at the room to see their daughter tucked up in bed with her new husband. Hermione was turned towards them on the bed, Harry’s body curled around her back and one of his hands resting on her hip of top of the covers, the other entwined with one of hers on the pillows, his head resting on his arm.

A small smile appeared on Mrs. Granger’s face as she surveyed the sleeping pair. They both looked completely at peace in each other’s arms and for the first time that day they looked like a real, happy couple. The smile dropped from her face as she remembered what Remus told her. These poor children; her poor daughter . . . they had their lives altered dramatically because of a stupid law and a Minister that didn’t seemed to know which way was up.

Sighing, Richard and Caroline tiptoed silently to the bed in the corner. They would be leaving the next day and so they needed their rest. Caroline took one last look at her daughter and son-in-law before snuggling up close to her husband, who encircled his arms around her waist before they fell into a light sleep.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chapter 6, done.

Chapter 7, next!

Please review!

Thanks.

~Just Breathing