Hope died in May

by HelpTheyFoundMyWritings

Summary:

He lost everything. She learned never to want anything. They are meant for each other, the Unspeakables said.
Another go at the marriage law, corrupt goverments and political agendas

Eighteen months after the war, the wizarding world had barely begun to breathe again, when Minister Batterspy enacted a marriage decree. A quiet law that reached into every home and rearranged lives without warning.

Bill couldn't care less. His world ended when Fleur died giving birth to their daughter. The future he dreamed of had been buried with them both. What did another decree matter to a man who had lost everything?
Besides, he was a widower, not a bachelor. That law couldn't apply to him.
The Ministry disagreed.

Bill would like to ignore the person assigned to him for the rest of his short life. But between his constantly interfering family and his soon-to-be-wife furthering her own plans, evading any kind of idea Bill has of her, that's not an option.

Though not even they can answer the one question that remains: who really decided they were perfect for each other, and why?

Notes:

This story contains surprisingly little smut or violence, for the genre its in, That's not none. I will give warning before chapters, to the best of my abilities. If you need specific warnings, or one is missing, please reach out.
I'd rather over than under tag. There is no rape or non con ever shown or explicitly described. However coercion and non cone or rape are hinted at. Please take care of yourself.

This Work has no beta reader yet. if you are willing to beta read i am very happy to have you.

Most of this story is already plotted. But I am writing and drafting as I go. When i am completely done, there will be one final edit for clarifications and writing style cohesion. If you spot something, please let me know.

Chapter 1: Ministry Notice

01.11.1999

Notice from the British Ministry of Magic, to be published immediately.

To whomever it may concern:

The population of the wizarding world has been on a steady decline, since before Grindlewald. Not only in Great Britain, but in the world at large. However, due to the unrest of recent years, halting the family planning for a many witches and wizards, as well as several devastating battles, which led to the death of too many from within our community, the Ministry of Magic is unfortunately forced to intervene. Sadly, there is no other option, than to reach into the most private life, of all British witches and wizards under 35 and enact a marriage decree.

On the seventh of November 1999 (six days from the publicizing of this notice) all witches and wizards, who are not yet married, or can prove mother- or fatherhood outside of marriage, will be informed of their future spouse, chosen based on compatibility by the Unspeakables.

Afterwards, a period of up to four months is given, to plan the nuptials. Depending on status, a non magical marriage may be counted as acceptable. Every citizen is asked to inform themself, what kind of legal and non legal rituals will be needed.

In cooperation with St. Mungo's Hospital, the Ministry was able to set up mandatory six-monthly appointments with a healer, for all new couples.
Non healer approved marriage annulment can be sought out after ten years without a child.

The ministry wants to remind all couples, especially those who, for various reasons can not become parents themself, that many wizarding Children have become orphaned and are in search of a loving home.

The specific legal text, to which this announcement refers is attached.

Yours sincerely,

Mathilda Rugsworth

Ministry of Magic
Public Relations