Hi all! I wrote this story a while ago and decided to completely re-edit it! Call me crazy, I know lmao. Anyway, this will consist of approximately 6-7k words— so a very short story. Characters are a little OOC due to the length, so if this is not your cup of tea I fully understand 3 Hope you all enjoy! :))

—

This would be the letter that would change Hermione's life forever. She was never satisfied with her life after Hogwarts ended. Her dream job at the ministry wasn't all it was cracked up to be, she didn't feel challenged, so when Headmistress McGonagall requested her to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts at her old school, she marvelled at the opportunity. She was apprehensive about the whole 'cursed-to-leave-after-one-year' malarkey, but ten years down the line, Hermione supposed that the defeat of Voldemort must have sorted that out. Despite all this, her love life seemed to take the back seat. Her career was most important, and she supposed that the rest of her life would just fall into place, and to be completely honest with you, Hermione had just assumed she would marry Ron, have a few children with him, and all would be dandy. That was until she found him in bed with one of his adoring fans, who just happened to also be astonishingly beautiful, and ten years younger than her. It was this moment she vowed to herself that should would not go out looking for love, she would wait for her opportunity to arise, and when it does, she'll grasp it with both hands.

However, she did not think that the thing that she would grasp with both hands, deciding her future, was a letter from the Ministry.

Dear sir/Madam,

This letter is to inform you of a new legislation that was instated on the 1st of January, 2008. The 'Enlargement of Magical Population Act' is to ensure that the magical population is increased due to the decline of magical infants, caused by the war of 1998.

This act applies to witches and wizards aged between 18 and 50. Pre-existing couples must still abide by this legislation, wherein, they must marry within one year and must produce at least one child within 5 years. Those who are not already paired, must find a spouse within a month, and married within a year. At least one child should be produced within 5 years. Those without a pair that cannot find a potential spouse within a month will be given a pair by the ministry. These pairs do not need to marry if they do not wish, however, they must conceive a child within 5 weeks.

All eligible couples must visit their local mediwitch, for fertility check-ups. If, after five years, any couples wish to terminate the marriage, they may so, providing at least one child has been produced.

Yours faithfully,

Ms Cynthia Blackwood, Head of magical population growth

—

There were very few things that made Severus Snape wish he were born only a few years earlier, however, the letter in his hand only ignited this desire. Two years. Only two years older, then he could've avoided this nonsense. He is way too old now to be a father, he's already got a somewhat comfortable life. With Voldemort defeated, and Dumbledore's death, he could teach at Hogwarts with absolutely no masters to obey to, and no unbreakable vows to try and avoid.

He's definitely too old to marry someone. He could just wait it out for a month, the ministry can choose him a suitable partner, he can knock her up, and then get on with the rest of his life. Simple... Hopefully.

—

Hermione definitely didn't envision this in her future! Bred like a brood mare? How ridiculous.

She definitely doesn't want to marry someone, that's for sure. She could just wait it out for a month, the ministry can choose her a suitable partner, she can get pregnant, albeit begrudgingly and then get on with the rest of her life. Simple... Hopefully.

A child though! She had to be responsible for a whole, vulnerable life. If she doesn't get married, she might have to look after the baby on her own. No, she'll have to write some rules for her partner to abide to, something like:

1: He must assist with parental duties such as changing nappies, and feeding.

2: Preferably have a job to support the baby.

3: Or could he be filthy rich— maybe not, maybe remove this one later..

Okay, so the waiting game it is, a month isn't that bad, compared to having to marry someone for 5 years.