(July 30th 1998) Hermione's POV

I'm so surprised they were able to repair Hogwarts in two months. Then again, we do have magic. So I guess it's not so surprising. Yesterday I got a letter asking if I wished to return to complete my seventh year. Of course, I agreed too. So had Harry, even though he had been offered a position of an auror. He wanted to do it the right way and earn the position. By completing school and passing the tests like everyone else.

Anyway, I got my parents back last week. Needless to say, they were furious that I had used magic on them. So they've confiscated my wand for the rest of the summer. Which I am fine with. Also I have a new little brother, Henry John Granger. He is turning one over the Christmas break. Which I'll be spending at home with my family. Also Crookshanks was happy to be home, but is wary around Henry. Who loves to pull on his tail.

So tomorrow is Harry's 18th  birthday. So we're at the Burrow to celebrate. I'd be returning home on Monday morning after shopping for school supplies. Honestly though, it's weird being at the Burrow without Ron. I still can't believe he's dead. Anyway it's Thursday afternoon and Harry is reading the afternoon Daily Prophet. The twins pouring over a contract to build a second shop in Hogsmeade. Molly and Ginny are doing the dishes from lunch, Teddy is napping upstairs, Percy is on a date with his new girl friend Audrey & Arthur is at work.

"Marriage law?" Harry mutters.

"What did you say Harry?" I ask him curious as I look up from my book list.

"The ministry has put in place a marriage law" he states as everyone gathers around. He hands me the paper. I look at the cover and frown in confusion. I open it to the article and clear my throat before reading it out loud.

Due to the last three wars, the wizarding community has had a massive decrease in the wizarding population. So it is because of this that the Ministry of Magic along with the other magical governments around the world have been trying to find a way to increase the population. After weeks on deliberation, they have come up with and installed the Marriage Law.

Witches and Wizard aged from seventeen to thirty will be paired off. Unless they are already in a relationship with someone they wish to marry. Once your fiance has been chosen, you must marry and be expecting a child by this time next year. However, once the child is born. It's up to the couples if they wish to remain together or get a divorce and co-parent.

You all have two weeks to inform your respected governments if you wish to marry your current spouse. As in four weeks letters will be sent out to every single witch and wizard aged between 17 - 30 in the wizarding community. With the name and contact details of their fiances.

We understand this must be a huge shock for everyone. Rest assured we will think very carefully before pairing people together. Not only based on their grades, age, appearance, and blood status. But also based on their personalities, likes, dislikes and so on. We'll also try to pair people that have met before, so you aren't with complete strangers.

Now I'm sure you're all wondering, what if you refuse? You'll have your wand snapped and be exiled from the magical community. You won't be allowed to have any contact with any other witches or wizards. If you attempt to, you'll be sent to Azkaban. I know this seems extreme, but it's what's best to help the magical community grow.

I'm sorry for springing this all on you so suddenly. Hope you all have a pleasant day. Acting Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt.

"They can't do this right, mum?" Ginny asks shocked.

"I'm afraid they can and it's been done" Arthur states as he enters the room. "I just found out" he adds and kisses Molly on the cheek. Before taking his seat at the head of the table.

"Fred, you had best go talk to Angelina" George tells him.

"Yeah" Fred says and left. He and Angelina got together after the war. Harry and Ginny left to go talk in private.

"Hermione dear, how do you feel about this?" Molly asks me.

"I'm about to complete my final year at Hogwarts and now this. My parents are not going to be happy about this" I grumble.

"But you won't give up your wand?" George asks.

"Of course I won't, there's so much I want to change in this world. I can't do that if I leave it" I tell him. "I just hope my future husband will support me in my goals" I state.

"If he doesn't, then it's his lose" Molly tells me.

"At least it won't effect future generations" Arthur states.

"What do you mean dad?" George asks confused.

"This law only effects those who are turning seventeen and stay thirty in the next month. One all the couples are married and have had a baby. It'll be destroyed" Arthur explains.

"Seriously?" Molly asks.

"Yes, but they won't announce it until this time next year" he states.

"Well that's something good I guess" Molly says. "Five gran-babies within the next eighteen months. Five weddings, there'll be so much to do and plan" she states.

"Five?" I ask.

"She's talking about Charlie" George tells me. "This will affect him too" he states. I nod my head in understanding. "Anyway, I'm gonna go check on Lee at the store. See you at dinner" he tells us before leaving.

"Hermione dear, can you help me finish the dishes?" Molly asks me. I nod my head and go with her to the kitchen. While Arthur went to get changed out of his work clothes. While I helped Molly with the dishes I thought about how I was going to tell my parents about this marriage law. Also wondering who my future husband could be. Praying it's not a slytherin.

A/N

Picture above of Hermione with George and picture in chapter of baby Henry.