Harry Potter and The Marriage Law

The Minister's Downfall - Part 2

Hermione and Draco sat in their chairs just across from the Minister, all three were staring at each other in uncomfortable silence. None of them knew what was truly going to come from this meeting but it would be interesting nonetheless. Hermione was taking her time to gather her thoughts, trying to understand the thought process that the Minister had to go through in order to make the decision without thinking of the consequences. 

"Why did you do it Minister?" 

Kingsley sighed and leaned against his chair, "I'm sure Miss Granger you can understand why I had to do it. After the War the numbers in our Wizarding community were declining rapidly. I had to take action" 

Hermione frowned, "But a Marriage Law? Did you really think that would be the best option. I'm sorry Minister but forcing people to get married to people they may or may not be compatible with is barbaric"

"I had no choice" Kingsley's voice was firm, he knew Hermione was stubborn but he hoped that he could bring her around some to understand his point of view. "Can you tell me that you're not happy in your pairing?" 

Hermione knew what game he was trying to play, he was trying to prove that her happy marriage with Charlie would be the same for everyone else. "I'm not going to lie to you. I am extremely happy in my marriage with Charlie, he makes a wonderful husband and best friend. I was lucky. But for many other people that is not the case, take Draco for example. His marriage is not one of love or happiness, it's a sham. His Wife is, in muggle terms a gold digger. After nothing more than his name and money. What kind of marriage is that?" 

Draco nodded in agreement, he was truly unhappy in his marriage and it sickened him that there was nothing he could do about it. His free choice was removed from him and he was being forced to remain in a marriage that he did not want to be in. "It's true, sir. Your so called matchmakers clearly did not make the right pairing in my case. And it's not right that we have to stay in a marriage for a certain amount of time and bear so many children before we can choose to leave if we want. What about the people who could be getting abused? It's all well and good that you stated in the law that if anyone was caught abusing their spouse then they would be exiled but that's only if they're caught. What if no one wants to come forward? What if they're too scared to try and get away from their life. That to me, is not a life. It's a fate worse than being in Azkaban" 

Kingsley pursed his lips and watched Draco in interest, he knew the young Malfoy heir had never been one to bare his feelings so openly. Maybe after the War it had changed him, just like it had changed everyone. "I'm sorry Mr Malfoy, but this had to be done"

"No" Hermione shook her head, her tone heavy with annoyance. "It did not need to be done. Especially considering that you didn't make the Wizengomt aware of your so called law. As far as I'm aware Minister, any laws or decrees must first be approved by the council, to ensure that it's just and fair. The fact that you went behind a lot of people's backs sounds like this was your own agenda"

Now it was Kingsley who was annoyed, he was basically being accused of treason against the Wizarding community. "Now, listen here Miss Granger. I don't know what you've heard but..." 

Hermione cut him off, eyes blazing with anger. "Forgive me for being so blunt, Kingsley. But I believe you are going against human rights with this Marriage Law. Now, I'm not saying that you have to reverse every single Marriage but at least give the people an option for if their not happy. Allow people to annul or divorce their partners. Why should you force someone to stay in a relationship with someone they don't love"

"Because it's for the good of the Wizarding World!" Kingsley bellowed much to the surprise of Hermione and Draco. "I was under immense pressure from the people to make some changes, I was elected to be Minister of Magic because they thought I was best for the job. Change doesn't just happen overnight. People just think as soon as your in power you can start making changes straight away but you can't. It takes time, there's processes and meetings. I certainly did not go behind anyone's back to pass this law."