Post by Alex on Sept 6, 2010 12:04:03 GMT -6
Dear Sir or Madam:
As you are likely fully aware, the 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 profile of the person you are likely to prove most compatible with.
The choice is, of course, ultimately up to you. One date is mandatory with the chosen potential partner, but anything following is your decision. You may choose from our list, or decide on your own partner. However, if you fail to obtain a wife within the six months, the ministry will be forced to intervene, and one 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
Patricia Willows, Head of Personal Compatibility
Ministry of Magic employee
Things are a little different in this life. The War is finally over-- Voldemort has fled, and is currently on the run from a small group of Aurors. No one knows where he is, or how long he'll stay away, and despite the Ministry's assurances that he will not return, everyone is still on edge. However, the fighting has stopped, which is a start.
Lily and James Potter survived, along with their son Harry, as Voldemort never got around to attacking them. Sirius Black is not in Azkaban-- quite the opposite, he's living on his own, doing quite well for himself. No one suspects poor Peter Pettigrew of anything wrongful at all. And the Death Eaters have once more blended into society-- though eagerly await their Dark Lord's return. It's only a matter of time, after all.
But for now, their attention is diverted, as the Ministry takes a step over the line and imposes the new Marriage law. Just what the Wizarding World needs-- more tension.
After all, no one wants the interference of the Ministry.
There will always be a problem with Forced Hands.
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