Disclaimer : This story utilizes characters from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter, which I do not own. I am merely utilizing her characters for my own twisted amusement.

Note : This story follows most plot points of the book series. It is AU in that (1) I've decided to spare Remus Lupin from his fairly useless death, and (2) I am keeping Teddy Lupin out of the picture (so, Tonks was never pregnant). This story picks up shortly after the defeat of Voldiemuffin.

Regarding a posting schedule – I am writing this for my own enjoyment of the fandom and will write as I get inspired. I've no idea where I want this story to go or if there will even really be a big plot point, but I hope some of you enjoy it as much as I am.

Chapter 1 – The Law

Friday November 20, 1998
Ministry Enacts New Law In Face of Population Decline
The Wizengamot has pushed through a new law this afternoon that will, no doubt, impact all witches and wizards for years to come. Known as the Marriage Law, this legislation will require all eligible, healthy members of the magical community to marry and begin to procreate. Upon questioning, members of the governing body cite a few reasons for passing such a controversial law. One gentleman, who asks to remain anonymous, said, "Statistics show that there has been a steadily rapid decline in births over the last few decades. Staggering amounts of deaths from both wars against Voldemort have only exacerbated the problem. And to top it all, many people have relocated to other countries out of fear this last year."

One point that failed to be mentioned was the increasing amount of squib children that are being produced amongst many of the oldest pureblood lines. Anyone with knowledge of muggle genetics will understand right away when this author suggests years of inbreeding to be the cause, one which the Wizengamot also likely feels, as addressed in the stipulations of the law.

The Ministry of Magic, therefore, supplies the following for this paper to publish.
1. All unmarried persons between the ages of 17 and 60 (females) or 75 (males) must submit to a Ministry-administered health examination to determine eligibility.
2. Upon receiving a clean bill of health, restrictions are as follows:
i. Persons of "pureblood" status may not select another "pureblood" as a partner.
ii. Persons with a status less than "pureblood" are free to marry of any status.
iii. Persons enrolled in a school of magical education (not including higher education) are exempt until they are less than 8 months from graduation, as to prevent giving birth while still in school. Students who reach 17 and wish to marry before their exemption expires may do so. Upon losing exemption, students must submit to the aforementioned health examination for eligibility, and the subsequent time restrictions (see #3) apply.
iv. Eligible persons wishing to apply for marriage to someone who is not yet of age must apply for official betrothal. Upon both parties achieving the eligible age, the above (see iii) applies.
3. Eligible persons must be married by an authorized ministry official within six weeks of passing their health examination. Those who fail to do so will be assigned a marriage partner. If a person refuses to concede to this, they will be imprisoned in Azkaban for 2 weeks. Following this, they will have one more month to marry, after which the punishment will be a snapping of one's wand with excommunication, or deportation.
4. After marriage, a witch is required to become pregnant within one year, with a Ministry-approved physician overseeing her health.
i. Contraceptives will be prohibited, be they magical or muggle in fashion.
ii. Intercourse is to be conducted at least twice a week, to ensure impregnation.
5. Unless the health status of a couple changes, a second child will be mandatory within the next five years after the birth of the first child.

To see restrictions for those already married and of eligible age, how to apply for financial support, how to submit for approval of a marriage, or to learn more about Questionnaire Matching, please see page 7.

Hermione barely noticed the spoon she was holding. Her body had gone numb shortly after Ginny Weasley had begun to read the article aloud for their section of Gryffindor's table.

"What!" Neville proclaimed, reaching to take the newspaper from Ginny and subsequently reading it himself.

"This will apply to us," Dean said shakily to Seamus, "the beginning of this month marked the 8 months until we graduate.

Hermione 's mind was being uncharacteristically sluggish. She continued listening to the surmounting buzz that was arising from each of the Hogwarts tables. Looking next to her at Ginny, she felt her mind begin to kick-start.

"Well, at least you can marry Harry," she offered her pale companion.

"Yea, luckily," the redhead swallowed slowly. "I'm just glad most of you all came back; we can go through this together."

Hermione smiled nervously, clasping her friend's hand as McGonagall, now Headmistress, took a position before the teacher's tables. A few stragglers wandered in, late for supper.

"No doubt many of you have now heard, courtesy of copies of the Evening Prophet that are circulating, that our Ministry has passed a law that will require many of you upper years to marry and procreate," the woman sighed. The entire hall was eerily quiet.

"There are organizations that, to my understanding, are planning on getting this overturned, but for now, we must abide by this. To make this process more convenient for our students, some healers from St. Mungo's will be guests at our school tomorrow after breakfast to give physicals for the students who are eligible. More instructions regarding that will be issued in the morning. I ask that students finish their supper within the next 15 minutes, and those of you for whom this law applies to please stay in the Great Hall."

Hermione and Ginny didn't finish their meals, hands continuing to be clasped as they gazed solemnly at one another for several minutes.

"We're too young to be getting married," Ginny finally whispered. "I mean, sure, I'd like to marry and have children with Harry one day, but I only turned 17 a couple months ago! How are we supposed to be pregnant AND go to school? I don't even know the first thing about babies!"

"Hopefully it will be repealed before too many younger people become pregnant," Hermione consoled, though she knew such a process could take nearly a year, given how much paperwork the Ministry was still dealing with following the fall of Voldemort. "But right now, we have to abide by this law. And you know there are several people who will be more than willing to help you both adjust."

Ginny looked at Hermione and conceded, "No, you're right. Merlin knows I've got enough family to help make it work, and my Mum of course, but it will be rough."

Hermione had returned, along with a good portion of her fellow classmates, to finish her education. Those who had missed a large portion of the previous year were repeating, while others had progressed to the next year. Ginny was one of the latter. Harry and Ron, however, had chosen to forgo their 7th year and go straight into an Auror training program. Hermione couldn't help but wonder how Ginny and Harry would work out having a long-distance marriage for so long, assuming the Ministry approved.

"Do you think you and Ron - ," Ginny started, but was cut off as McGonagall once again began to speak to the remaining students. Neither had noticed the Great Hall empty while lost in their thoughts.

"Thank you all for staying. I wanted to address a few issues while you are all gathered here. For those of you who marry a witch or wizard who is not currently attending Hogwarts, the staff will be making special accommodations. Certainly, you all will understand that we cannot allow any number of non-staff and non-students to be coming to the school, so we will be allowing you to leave the school after your classes have finished for the day three times during the week, with expectation of returning in time for breakfast. You will also be allowed to leave for weekends. Those of you who have obtained your apparating licenses may apparate away from the school; others will have to use the floo network. This is meant to enable you to fulfill your… obligations … regarding the law."

McGonagall seemed to pause to regain her composure. Hermione saw most of the people remaining break out in whispers.

"For those of you who do marry another student, the staff will be arranging dormitories for couples to relocate to," she said in her no-nonsense lecturing voice.

"Can't have students fornicating all over the House dormitories, can we," Seamus said, earning reluctant chuckles from their group.

"I would, lastly, like to urge all of you to be most careful in the actions you take. Remember, the magical bindings made during a marriage ceremony are very painful to break, so most spouses remain together their entire lives. Think well while choosing your life partners. You will also have the sympathy and help from all of our staff, if ever you are in need of assistances."

Looking around, Hermione saw the worry she was feeling on the faces of her peers. Even a few of the teachers, who were likely subject to the law, looked particularly solemn. She met the tawny eyes of Remus Lupin, who'd returned as the DADA professor, and felt a bit more relaxed as he gave her an encouraging smile.

"After your medical exams are complete tomorrow morning, you may head into Hogsmeade as was previously scheduled. Good night, children."

After breakfast the following morning, after no one was left but those who would be taking the physical exams, McGonagall introduced a Ministry official.

"This is Mr. Kent Darnsby, who has some further information for you all regarding the new law," the woman said, stepping back to let a blonde, lanky man take charge. He adjusted his very large glasses a bit higher on the bridge of his nose before clearing his throat and speaking.

"Good morning, students. Before you are escorted to the Hospital Wing, where our healers will be examining you all, I would like to speak to you while your professors hand out some paperwork for you to fill out."

McGonagall flashed her wand and numerous ink wells and quills appeared along the house tables. Hermione graciously took her forms from Professor Sinistra and listened while the man continued to speak, filling out information onto the parchment.

"You might have read about it in the papers, but we will have a system called Questionnaire Matching for those of you who do not have anyone particular in mind to wed or betroth. Essentially, you would answer a series of questions meant to determine a personality type, so we might match you with a desirable person in terms of lifestyle. We expect we'll have received enough of these within a week to be able to begin matching people, and would send you a list of your top 5 matches. Each candidate would include a few details as well as the percentage of affinity for one another. And remember, if someone is on your list, you are also on their list."

He looked out over the crowd at the tables, many of the teachers sitting down to fill out forms for themselves.

"Ah yes, a few of your professors will be joining in the physicals today," he mentioned, glancing at Professor Lupin as he sat down to fill his own parchments out. "Anyhow, once we have sent your matches, you may then partake in a petition. The Ministry would send the candidate a notice of your intentions, to which they may accept or decline. In the case that your six week limit runs out for marriage, we will automatically arrange for a wedding ceremony for your top match who is not yet taken, no matter if you declined a petition of theirs beforehand."

A hand at the Hufflepuff table rose tentatively in the air.

"Yes, young man?"

"Sir," Hermione heard a boy speak up, while she continued to scratch her info onto the forms, "what happens if you are deemed unhealthy or whatever? Would you not be allowed to marry a healthy person?"

This question caused a murmur to break out amongst the students. Several people stopped writing and looked expectantly at Mr. Darnsby. He seemed to splutter, clearly unprepared for that kind of question.

"After failing to receive a bill of health, individuals will be assigned any helpful potions as well as have to resubmit to a monthly re-examination if the case isn't too bleak. The purpose of this law is to increase the population of our community. As it would follow, every healthy person would be expected to do their duty. Unfortunately, this would seem to leave unhealthy witches and wizards on their own."

Several exclamations erupted, a few students standing in their shock.

"However," he spoke more loudly, clearly unnerved, "I believe you are all old enough to comprehend that many of the marriages that result from this law will be loveless."

This statement seemed to grab their attention, for an eerie quiet fell over the young adults.

"The Matching aides in helping you marry someone you will likely get along with, similar interests and all. But it doesn't necessarily follow that all couples will fall in love. I take a liberty in saying that "unhealthy" individuals will likely have to be contented with being the 3rd wheel in a marriage."

Hermione gasped at the thought, covering her mouth.

"Those poor people," she murmured unconsciously, but loud enough for Professor Lupin, who had sat down next to her group of Gryffindors.

"It's sad, but it's the truth," Remus sighed, returning to his parchments. "We can all only pray that this will somehow be repealed."

Hermione caught his gaze as he turned to look her in the eye, his hand rising to rest in the middle of her back.

"I pray for your sake, and the sake of your generation. Being reduced to breeding material," he whispered sadly, returning to his paperwork.

Hermione grasped his forearm briefly, to convey her thanks. This earned her a small grin from her friend.

"For those of you who wish to partake in our Questionnaire Matching, please see your heads of house beginning on Monday. Now, I see you've all finished your forms. Good, good. Please hold onto them to present to your Healer. If you would all please follow Headmistress McGonagall to the Hospital Wing…"

Mr. Darnsby waved his arm, indicating for the woman to precede him to the Entrance Hall. Hermione fell into line along with Ginny and Professor Lupin near the back of the crowd. Ahead, she saw groups of younger students shuffling through the front doors, on their way to Hogsmeade.

"You're taking an exam as well, Remus?" Ginny asked their professor, before quickly catching herself. "I mean, Professor Lupin?"

He merely chuckled and nodded his head at her mistake in address.

"I am afraid so," Remus replied, a frown casting his face in sadness. It had been several months now since the death of Nymphadora Tonks during the final battle at Hogwarts, but Hermione saw her friend was still suffering deeply from her loss. She normally would have grabbed his hand as a sign of understanding and comfort, but felt it inappropriate while surrounded by peers.

"Lycanthropy isn't genetic, so I am still considered a prime candidate," he continued, his hands finding their way into the pockets of his navy cardigan.

"I'm sorry you have to go through this, Professor," Hermione said softly, "You and all the widows and widowers."

"I appreciate your sentiments," Remus replied, "I am, however, sorry for the poor individual who will be forced into a marriage with someone such as myself."

Ginny and Hermione caught one another's eye. The man had occasionally shown a tendency to self-deprecation because of his condition, especially when Tonks had been trying to get the man to date her.

"Remus," Hermione continued in her soft tone, "Surely, even if the woman might be against it at first, she will come to see what a kind, intelligent person you are."

Remus gave her a sideways look. Whether his sigh was at her use of his first name, or her earnest comment, she wasn't sure.

"You're an incredibly talented wizard, and I know it must hurt to be forced into a marriage so soon after…," Hermione paused, as Remus stopped on the staircase to turn and look at her.

"I thank you for trying to cheer me up, Hermione, but I ask that you please desist for now," he said, frustration evident in his tone. She could only nod her head mutely at the snub, watching as he turned and continued progressing after the crowd.

"You tried," Ginny said quietly, linking arms with her before they, too, continued toward the Hospital Wing. Neither realized Remus could still hear every word they spoke with his enhanced hearing, a result of his condition.

"He's my friend, and I just want to see him as happy as he can be," Hermione mumbled back, "He's had such a hard life and lost so many people, Ginny."

"It takes some people longer than others to really get over things," the redhead replied, her voice shaking. "Mum is still upset over Fred, but the rest of us are okay now. We have one another. Professor Lupin was alone for so long, and finally found real love with Tonks, it's going to be harder for him."

"I know," Hermione said, as the group rounded one of the final corners to their destination. "I don't hold it against him or think him weak for it; I just wish he wouldn't put himself down because of being a werewolf. He doesn't realize how really great of a person he is. Sometimes, it seems like he doesn't remember he has so many friends who care about him, despite his lycanthropy."

Ahead, neither of the women could see the guilty face of their professor. The crowd was lining the corridor outside of the entrance to the Hospital, with Mr. Darnsby directing small groups of students into the room. After gently rubbing a hand over his face, Remus turned to his two pupils.

"I'm sorry, Hermione," he began, his hands in his cardigan's pockets once more. "My behavior was uncalled for toward a friend who was only trying to help. I'm so frustrated at this law, and being reminded of Tonks –," the man stopped, his breath hitching a bit and expression pained for only a moment. "I wasn't expecting it. Please forgive me."

"There's no need to apologize, Professor," Hermione said, offering a small smile. Her professor looked more like a student with his body language. Head hung slightly and hands in his pockets, he looked like he was receiving detention for breaking a school rule. But then he was standing tall, head quirking to the side with a small grin.

"Do either of you have any ideas in mind of whom you would like to marry?"

"Well, I figured, perhaps Harry?" Ginny replied, blushing slightly at speaking of such things with the older man. Hermione could understand; girls their age didn't normally discuss such things with a man twenty years older than themselves. Remus, however, found some amusement at Ginny's discomfiture.

"I see," was his simply reply, before looking expectantly at Hermione. Ginny seemed to perk up as well for her answer.

"W-well," she stuttered. Hermione hadn't given it much thought about who she would marry. Her mind had been consumed with how this would conflict with her schooling, designing ways in which to make possible pregnancy and homework doable. She was slightly embarrassed, since it was rationally the first thing one would try to figure out.

"Yes?" Remus asked, taking her blush to be from the same reason as Ginny.

"I suppose Ron would be the logical choice," Hermione continued, turning to her female companion, receiving a big grin. It was at that moment that a student exited the Hospital and Mr. Darnsby ushered Ginny inside.

"I am sensing there is a 'but' in there," Remus commented quietly. Hermione looked up at him sadly, both leaning their backs against the wall. He always had been good at reading peoples' emotions. It crossed her mind that it might be another enhancement from his affliction.

"I only casually dated him for a short period before he started his heavily intensive auror training. We decided to put things on hold until I finished school and he'd settled into his work."

Hermione paused and let out a deep sigh, her head leaning back to the wall as well. She went on while staring at a point on the opposite wall of the corridor.

"You know he and I have a history of bickering. I'm not sure I wouldn't be rushing headlong into a marriage destined for the same thing. We were basically living together while on the run, but it isn't the same conditions as two people living together normally."

"It's wise of you to consider all that," Remus said, smiling down at her. She slowly looked back up at him. "No one who truly cares about you would hold it against you if you decided to do the Questionnaire instead."

She met his gaze appreciatively. He'd hit her biggest concern.

"Thank you, Remus," she whispered. "That was precisely what I needed to hear from someone I respect."

They both gazed warmly at one another, her honey eyes shining up into his pale blue ones.

"Miss, you're next," Mr. Darnsby interrupted, looking expectantly at Hermione. She shot her professor one last smile of thanks before going into the ward.

Inside, there were several partitions for the students and healers to meet behind. Hermione saw a female healer at the far end signaling for her. As Hermione made her way over, she heard one exasperated healer addressing a male student.

"I promise, you've got nothing I haven't seen on hundreds of men before!"

Hermione chuckled quietly, handing her paperwork to the healer before being ushered behind a set of partitions.

"Miss Granger?" Hermione saw the recognition light up her healer's eyes. "It's an honor to meet you! My name is Healer Mitchell."

Hermione exchanges pleasantries with the woman before being instructed to strip to her underwear. Hermione vaguely heard Remus' voice greeting a healer nearby. After performing some quick stretches, having her weight and height measured, and other routine checks, the healer then asked her to lie down on the bed. She saw several measurements appear in faint lettering above her as the healer muttered spells over different areas of her body.

"It would seem all is in good shape on the inside," the woman smiled. "Ovaries are in perfect working order, cholesterol is a bit below average, but that is fine as long as you eat well-rounded meals."

Hermione watched as the healer filled out medical parchments.

"You are also a little underweight," Healer Mitchell mentioned without glancing away from her parchment.

"Yes," Hermione replied, "I've been slowly gaining it back after my year on the run."

"Of course," the other woman said admiringly, smiling at her patient. "Like I said though, continue eating well-rounded meals, get a good amount of exercise – you know, the normal. Once you become pregnant –"

Hermione's mind whirled at this topic, not quite ready for it.

"– you'll have to be sure to put on extra weight. But, we'll talk about that more when the time comes."

"Will you be my assigned healer once I'm…?"

"Pregnant?" The woman offered her a small smile. "Yes, I'll include my card with a copy of your bill of health. Once you believe you're pregnant, you'll need to set up an appointment with me, and we'll go over everything else from there."

"Okay," she replied softly, beginning to put her clothing back on.

"Whoever healed your breastbone did a good job," the Healer commented. Hermione pause while putting on her shirt. "Normally strong curses to the chest will affect the respiratory system or the heart for a long time, but my diagnostics showed everything to be normal."

"Well, it happened nearly two and a half years ago, when there was a big battle at the ministry."

"Oh yes, I remember reading about it in the Daily Prophet. When it was verified that You-Know-Who was back," the healer said quickly. "Was it one of the Death Eaters who got you?"

"Yea… Antonin Dolohov," she murmured, unconsciously rubbing at her hoodie above the spot where she had a faint scar on her chest.

Little did she know that, nearby, Remus Lupin had frozen at hearing that name. He had been battling that very wizard when Bellatrix Lestrange had struck down his wife. He hadn't known it was Dolohov who had struck Hermione that night so long ago, when he'd lost another dear person.

Meanwhile, Hermione's healer had gone quiet, returning to her parchments. After a few moments, she turned back to Hermione.

"Okay Miss Granger, if you could please sign where I've note," the healer said, passing Hermione a quill.

"Here are your copies. I'll be turning these in for you. Remember, you have six weeks to be married. Do you have any questions for me at this time?"

Hermione glanced up, her mind working frantically to think of anything important she might need to know.

"How soon after marriage do you suppose I might become pregnant?" Hermione knew that pregnancy could technically happen after the first time, but was interested in a Healer's thoughts.

"Oh, at any time, with regular intercourse. It also depends on the male's sperm, where you are in your ovulation cycle, and even the sexual positioning has been said to affect it."

"And, how long into pregnancy before I become a balloon?" Healer Mitchell laughed heartily at this. Behind another partition, Remus was also smiling, unable to tune out the familiar voice. His healer was nearly finished filling out his parchments.

"Well, typically women start to show after about 12 weeks. Your hips are a little wider than most teenage women I see, so you should be able to carry the weight a little easier, if that is what you're worried about."

Hermione felt her face pull into a slight scowl that Severus Snape might have been proud of. After all, what woman wanted to be told, essentially, they have big hips?

"No offense meant, dear," the healer said, gently laying a hand on Hermione's knee. "We can talk more about all that once the time comes, shall we?"

Hermione nodded, knowing she needed to see more of the students. She rose, thanking the woman, before stepping around her partitions.

She saw Remus emerging from the partitions next to hers. He gave her a friendly smile, which she returned until his jest.

"Baby-making hips, huh?" This earned the man a light-hearted glare.

"Watch it," she teased back.

"Yes, I am your professor after all. I should be more professional."

"But you're also my friend, so weekends don't count," she quipped back with a smile, the two making their way out of the Hospital Wing.