Chapter 1: The New Marriage Law and meetings with the matchmaker

Everyone in Hogwarts was gathered together in the Great Hall before suppertime. It was due to the highly important meeting which involved 7th and 6th year students, hence why all the selected year students were awaiting the news from the Headmaster. They were all wondering why it was only them and why not a single 5th year and below was present. However, what made it even more curious was the extra seat on the staff table- the rest was already filled with the all the school staff in their respectful robes.

"May I have your attention please?" Dumbledore raised his voice over the conversations his students were having. He smiled warmly at the students when they quieted and looked at him. Glad with the response, he carried on with the upcoming events that could change their lives forever.

"I'm sure all of you present know about the effects The War had caused us, innocent lives taken, death toll rose to a number unimaginable to us. This has reduced the amount of couplings and population growth." Dumbledore started. "Yes, I'm sure some of you might have heard of the new rule already- the Marriage Law. Since this affects witches and wizards from the age of 15 to 25, the Ministry has allowed us to search for a suitable mate for you," this emitted several gasps from the crowd while some people cursed loudly, "before the Ministry and Ms. Dolores Umbridge meddles with your private lives and match you with the wrong people." The Headmaster gave a stern look. "You are all required to repopulate within 2 years of your marriage. Those who don't will be sent to Azkaban for law breaking."

"Professor," Astoria Greengrass, a Slytherin whose hand was raised, asked, "why aren't we allowed to pick our own partners?"

"If you haven't been listening," her Head of House, Severus Snape, drawled, "it's ether us or the Ministry. We will choose someone rather similar to your character. The Ministry on the other hand, someone unsuitable."

"How will we be properly matched then, Professor?" Ginny asked.

"Ms Belle Lovenotes, will help us in this department." Professor McGonagall responded. There was a wave of sighs in relief as soon as the well-known matchmaker's name was mentioned. Even with that, most of the boys were protesting at the idea of marry someone who could be…unattractive or unintelligent. It was all silenced as soon as the doors flew open and the slim and tall brunette matchmaker entered the room. Ms Lovenotes smiled kindly at the students as she walked past them towards the teacher's table and took a seat next to Hagrid.

"My father will hear about this! They'll never agree to this!" Draco shouted, breaking the silence. A few head bobbed, agreeing with his statement. Why in the world will parents allow marriage at such a young age?

"We have already gained your parent's permission before inviting Ms Lovenotes. If my memory serves me correctly, your parents, Mr. Malfoy, were the first to send their approval towards this arrangement." Dumbledore answered with a bright spark in his eyes.

Draco let out frustrated groan when he heard that his parents have agreed to this infuriating arrangement.

'What were you thinking, Draco? It's not as if you had the right to pick your bride anyway. Law or not.' Draco sighed.

'Stop being bloody picky on women. Being in love with Hermione Granger was bad enough.' His inside thoughts sneered. As soon as her name popped up, he felt the sudden urge to hit himself on the head with a Bludger. 'Oh, don't worry, it's only one in a million chances that you might end up with her.' Draco thought sarcastically. He can only hope for Fate and luck to be on his side on the day the future Mrs. Malfoy is revealed.

"Professors," Hermione started with her hands in the air. Draco snapped out of his thoughts when he heard her voice. He hoped it was the same question that was plaguing his thoughts.

"Yes, Ms Granger?" Professor McGonagall smiled at her prized student.

"How will you help us with searching for our future spouse?" Hermione asked. Several heads nodded, noticeably wondering the same thing and waited for the answer.

"As this isn't our field of expertise, we have recruited Ms Lovenotes for this reason." The aged professor responded. Hermione frowned slightly as she had not received the reply she wanted and turned towards the matchmaker.

"Ms Lovenotes, how will you help us?" She asked again.

"All of you will be given a list of questions in which you will have to answer honestly and accurately. Based on it, the Professors, the sorting hat and myself will compare the answers from opposite sex and find your suitable match. However, due to some of the pureblood traditions, each male in this room will be sent a list with two witches that we think might suit you. You will then petition for the witch of your choice according to the list."

"Can't we have a say in this? We are the ones who will be married and provide an heir." Ginny fumed.

"What is your name?" Belle asked the redhead.

"Ginny Weasley." Ginny replied with a small smile.

"I understand where you're coming form, Ms Weasley. Therefore it is up to you to accept the proposal or deny it. However, since the Ministry allowed only a month to find a match, you have to answer the response on denying or accepting by the end of this week."

"Why it is that only one month is allowed?" Harry questioned.

"The Ministry allowed us to search for a suitable match for each of you, but the deadline is a month's time. That's why we are in such hurry. Those who are unmatched when the week ends, will be named in the Ministry's list. You'll most likely be matched with someone revolting whom you will not meet till your wedding date." Snape drawled.

"We don't want you to be stuck in a distasteful arrangement forever." Poppy Pomphrey voiced out. "Please keep in mind that wizarding marriages are only broke through death."

"So, is that a month to decide for us?" Pansy asked after a few moments of silence.

"No, Ms Parkinson. You have until tonight to complete your compatibility forms and hand them in tomorrow during breakfast. Then you will have till Friday to agree and decide upon whom to marry.

"Professor, are we allowed to petition for the girls in our house?" Ron asked. He could petition for Hermione-she was a better choice compared to other girls.

"Only if there is one that you think is suitable and is the same house as you are. However, we would certainly encourage inter-house relationships. There are no such thing as house rivalries outside of Hogwarts and we want to implant this as soon as possible." After hearing this, they understood the positive effects of this and nodded.

All the while, Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini were hoping they could petition for their dream witches.

"Alright, after supper, please return to the Great Hall at 8 o'clock. We will then provide you with the form and quill. The quicker we do this, the quicker we can have you all matched." Dumbledore announced. "That is for later to worry about. Now, let us indulge in the marvelous food the elves have prepared." With that, the food appeared on the tables.

Yet, everyone was dreading the time in which they returned to the Great Hall. Seeing food didn't calm Ron in any way. No one could believe that an application form would change his or her lives.

A/N: First Chapter , hope you like it!