The Marriage Law - A Slytherpuff Story ✓

In the aftermath of a devastating war, Hogwarts students return for a 7th year shadowed by loss. But a shocking new Ministry law shatters their fragile peace: every 7th year must be engaged and married by year's end. Katherine Bright, a compassionate Hufflepuff, navigates this bewildering decree, holding onto hope for a peaceful solution and a second chance for everyone, even those with platinum blonde hair and grey eyes. Will she find happiness, or will the law tear lives apart?

The Marriage Law - A Slytherpuff Story ✓

In the aftermath of a devastating war, Hogwarts students return for a 7th year shadowed by loss. But a shocking new Ministry law shatters their fragile peace: every 7th year must be engaged and married by year's end. Katherine Bright, a compassionate Hufflepuff, navigates this bewildering decree, holding onto hope for a peaceful solution and a second chance for everyone, even those with platinum blonde hair and grey eyes. Will she find happiness, or will the law tear lives apart?

The chill of early morning at King's Cross still clung to the air, but Katherine Bright, a Hufflepuff with eyes that held both the weariness of war and the spark of enduring hope, stood amidst the growing crowd, her heart thrumming with a nervous excitement for her seventh year.

The past year had carved deep scars, memories of loss still haunting her nights, yet she clung to the belief that brighter days lay ahead. She scanned the sea of faces, a familiar longing for her friends pulling at her.

Her gaze snagged on a flash of red hair, then the unmistakable figures of the Golden Trio – Harry, Ron, and Hermione – now back at Hogwarts. A faint frown creased her brow; their presence was a stark reminder of the war's lingering shadow, but also, perhaps, a sign of new beginnings.

Just as thought deepened, a sudden, warm embrace enveloped her. "Annie!" she exclaimed, her own arms wrapping tightly around her best friend. Annie's concern was palpable, her question about how Katherine was holding up echoing the unspoken anxieties of many.

"I'm doing my best," Katherine offered, a light smile gracing her lips. "What about you?"

"I'll be fine," Annie replied, her gaze sweeping the station before landing back on Katherine, excitement bubbling in her eyes. "Oh, my! Kat, have you heard? Last year's 7th years have been called back to Hogwarts to repeat their last year. Isn't that awesome?"

The revelation clicked, explaining the familiar faces. As they boarded the Hogwarts Express, settling into a compartment with two other Hufflepuffs, the easy banter and shared, terrible jokes momentarily chased away the gloom. The journey was a gentle balm, a fleeting return to normalcy before the unknown awaited them at the castle.