Forced Hands {LB}

[James Potter]

Dear Miss Granger,

As you are likely fully aware, the latest Wizarding War has decimated our numbers greatly; in addition to the news you are about to receive, we at the Ministry are terribly sorry for those you may have lost. We assure you that the war has left no life unscathed.

The battle has indeed taken its toll on the Wizard population in England. As a result, we regret to inform you that you fall under the age range of those affected by the recently-passed marriage law, which went into effect a mere two days ago. All those aged between 17 and 35 are hereby expected to wed within the next six months, and a child must be produced within the year following.

The ministry is, of course, willing to assist you in finding a suitable partner. We ask that you complete the following form to further aid us in determining a match. Attached, you will also find a date and time of your appointment with the ministry, where you will receive the profiles of those you may prove compatible with.

The choice is, of course, ultimately up to you. You may choose from our list, or decide on your own partner. However, if you fail to obtain a husband within the six months, the ministry will be forced to intervene, and a husband will be chosen for you.

We urge you to take your time, as such a decision will alter your life greatly; as you know, Wizarding divorces are nearly impossible to come by. Please arrive promptly to your assigned appointment with your fully completed survey in hand. We hope you are doing well in these terrible times.

Regards,
Patricia Willows, Head of Personal Compatibility
Ministry of Magic employee

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Hermione wasn't aware of tossing the letter, but in the next moment, the paper had fallen to the floor, followed quickly by her body. A marriage? She was eighteen; she was young and vibrant, just out of Hogwarts, a war hero, well on her way to becoming a Healer. Yes, she loved Ron, but half the time she didn't even like him, and how would living with him turn out? She wasn't ready to be married. Her life as she knew it was officially over.

With blank eyes, she turned and strode immediately out of her flat, mind racing, but thinking of nothing at all.

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All is fair in love and war, and this is a bit of both.
And suddenly, your lives are being controlled by

Forced Hands.