Standard Disclaimers Apply
Chapter 1
The Prince's Proposal
Severus Snape looked out over the Great Hall. He looked over towards her finding her easily in the sea of students. "God, she's beautiful," Severus thought with a hint of nostalgia. Her almond color hair surrounded her diamond shaped face like a halo. He couldn't see her chocolate brown eyes. Anybody that knew her or was observant enough would know her eyes were the window into her moods and soul. Her eyes showed every emotion she was feeling long before her face. They were fawn brown color when she in deep concentration. When she was teasing and laughed they twinkled and danced like pools of honey. They were dark bourbon when she angry. Then when she was hurt or vulnerable there was nothing but a whiskey brown with no twinkle. They were a soft warm mocha with love and concern. And he couldn't help wondering what they would look like in the throes of passion. They would be a dark cholates in the throes of passion and desire? He really needed to stop thinking about her like that, he thought as he shifted slightly in his chair.
She was his student for Merlin's sake. I cannot touch her. I cannot touch her, I cannot show even a small amount of recognition. I cannot. I cannot. I will not. I will not. I cannot. I must...resist for her safety I will. This had started becoming his daily mantra every time he saw her. He couldn't fall in love with Hermione Granger.
****S&H****
Hermione Granger looked up at the High Table under her lashes as she pretended to read. She could feel his black obscure eyes on her. "Merlin, I wish I knew what he was thinking when he stares at me like that," she thought with a hint of longing. She couldn't help the flutter in her stomach knowing that he was looking at her. His black hair hanging down around his face shielding it from view, giving him the perfect cover to spy on students or in this case stare at her. She couldn't see those smokey black sultry eyes that she always felt she could lose herself in. They were so mysterious yet just as reveling as well if you looked closely enough or one of the few trusted confidants. They could be soft and sultry looking, and the next moment be as obsidian as a piece of coal. Thinking about his eyes always made her start thinking about his voice that could melt butter. Most girls looked forward to Potions's class just for his deep, dangerous sultry voice. It didn't matter what he said in that voice that was silky soft. And his hands, she could only imagine what they could do to her body…. She couldn't help the flow of wetness seeping from her core as she imagined how it would feel to have him lying between her thighs like he did every night in her dreams. Heaving a heavy sigh she closed her book and got up from the table, there was no point in dreaming about the impossible.
****S&H****
In the days following her return from the Battle in the department of Mysteries; Severus remained at Hermione's beside; just waiting. She was so pale that there was little difference between her complexion and the unbleached, cotton sheets she slept on. He wanted her to open her eyes and say something, anything; even if she laid full blame at his feet for what happened.
In addition to the bruises and abrasions all over her body she was cursed in a diagonal pattern from sternum to hip. It hurt him in an almost physical way to know she was in pain and he couldn't do anything more than what he was doing. He held her hand tightly as though he could somehow absorb her pain. He knew that he couldn't but if she drew any measure of comfort from her hands in his, then he'd continue to do so until she woke and told him differently.
Initially, darning the first night as she'd laid there unmoving and the sounds of only her raspy breathing could be heard, he thought she might die and so he prayed as he never prayed before. Poppy urged him to rest; she'd give the potions the same as he could when she woke. He refused knowing he wouldn't rest if he wasn't by her side; all he'd do was pace and worry about her? So Severus sat by her bedside in the hospital wing.
For several hours, she laid unmoving struggling against the narcotics in her system, but finally her chocolate brown eyes opened. She looked at him and smiled wistfully before going back to sleep.
He studied Hermione the rest of the night, trying to complete a storehouse full of memories enough to last him. He thought back to the time to where it all began….
"Severus," Albus Dumbledore said walking into the Potion's class room on the last day of term.
"Headmaster," Severus said since he still had students in the class room doing their final Potion. Severus ushered Albus to follow him into his office.
"I hope I am not interrupting anything," Albus said watching as Severus casted a one way mirror charm on the whole wall of his office so he could keep his eyes on his class.
"And if I said yes," Severus said roughly moving to where he could keep his eyes peeled for unruly students yet keep eye contact with Albus as well.
"I am afraid I would have to insist," Albus said firmly.
"Get to the point old man," Severus snarled.
"I want you to take on an apprentice," Albus said.
"You are out of your mind. I have no intentions of turning my job over to anyone," Severus bit out.
"That is not the only reason for taking on an assistant, Severus. We need to step up our game if we are going to accomplish our task. We need someone capable of brewing even the most complicated of potions...someone who can assist you and act as your back up should the need arise," Albus said pointedly.
"Well, since I learned years ago that it does no good to say no to either of my masters I really don't see as how I have a choice. I do however ask that you allow me to pick this apprentice myself since they will essentially be taking my life into their hands," Severus said.
"Yes, of course, you can choose anybody from the Order," Albus said.
With so limited choices that he could stand to work with let alone try to teach how to brew the necessary potions too, it was no contest Miss Granger was the likeliest candidate. In fact she was the only candidate to teach the more complex potions without killing them both in the process. At least he also knew she was fully capable of turning out a perfectly brewed potion.
For weeks, they diligently worked alongside each other. Granger grew quite successful at managing several potions at once. As the weeks passed they had grown closer and closer. Forming a friendship which quickly became so much more than friendship for him. He loved her, it was as complex and as simple as that. But this was one time he refused to allow the woman that he loved to slip through his fingers without so much as a fight for her.
Four days later, Hermione was well enough to go back on the train back to London with the rest of the students.
****S&H****
Severus sat at his desk at Hogwarts if only to escape Spinners End and Wormtail for a while…. "That ring carried a curse of extraordinary power, to contain it is all we can hope for; I have trapped the curse in one hand for the time being —" kept repeating in his head over and over. Of all the stupid things for Albus to do. Perhaps… pulling a piece of parchment he quickly wrote a letter to Septimius Prince requesting access to the Prince family library.
He didn't have to wait long for his reply.
Severus,
Come to Nottingham tomorrow for tea and we'll discuss negotiations.
Septimius Prince
****S&H****
Severus Snape sat in his grandfather Septimius Prince's office with a smoking glass of firewhiskey in his hand, with his grandfather and grandmother, watching his grandfather's solicitor prepare to make the necessary contracts.
"I'm ready to begin when you are Septimius," Jason Gilmore said firmly.
"Very well," Septimius stated evenly. "My terms Severus if you are to have use of the Prince family library or any other Prince family resources are as follows: you must first agree to take your rightful, not to mention dutiful, position in the Prince family. Secondly you are expected to take a wife...today, but no later than tomorrow. Thirdly you will produce an heir by your fortieth birthday and lastly but perhaps most importantly you will do whatever is necessary to bring your mother home. If you agree to these terms you shall have access to everything Prince. You have the freedom of choosing your own bride, however if you have no one particular witch in mind your grandmother has compiled a list of suitable candidates from which you may choose. As a wedding gift from your grandmother and myself you will be given your choice of estates which you will become Duke of until the event of my death at which time you will become the Severan Emperor," Septimius stated.
"Sweet Merlin," Severus burst out, jumping from his seat with enough force to topple the chair backward, dropping his whiskey, spilling it on the Oriental rug, in his inability to hold back his surprise.
"Oh dear," Victoria Prince said pulling her wand to straighten the room once again.
"Your Grace…"the solicitor started towards Severus.
"Severus," Septimius stated concerned, watching his grandson ward off the solicitor's attention by swatting at him before pulling his wand and slamming Jason into a chair with a sticking spell.
"Severus, how much do you know about the Severan royal family?" Victoria asked, watching her grandson start to pace the small confines of the study.
"I know they are the Wizarding version of the Muggle Royal family, except that the Severan Royal family is broken up into seven sovereigns," Severus stated.
"Yes, do you know where the seven sovereign are? Who the seven emperors are?" Victoria questioned.
"Europe, Asia, Septimius Severus, Caracalla, Geta, Macrinus, Elagablus, Capelianus and Alexander Severus," Severus answered.
"Severus, that was back in 193," Victoria burst out exasperated. "The seven sovereign rulers are, Cheng Lin, Elliot Marston, Hamid Ahmad, Augustus Duval, Richard Charbonneau, and Septimius Prince." Victoria cited. "Most believe that the European sovereign is dead because of the lack of heirs," Victoria said watching Severus shake his head. "Well sadly they are mistaken, there are heirs but not heirs to take the throne due to the fact that there are no sons and all but one grandson with the required magical ability," Victoria said watching her grandson sink down into a seat that Jason quickly summoned up behind him.
"Now, where were we before your grandmother decided to give you a history lesson," Septimius said looking at Severus.
"It is not my fault Eileen failed to tell him that he is the grandson two of the Severan Emperors," Victoria said seeing the shock confusion. "Oh good grief, boy do you not know how to do your research of your family tree! Richard Charbonneau is my father." Victoria said watching Severus's eyes bug out even farther. "Do not worry you will not be acquiring that throne, that throne goes to my sister Isobel's family." Victoria said.
"Minerva," Severus said.
"Minerva's son…Marcus," Victoria said. "Only a wizard can take the throne." Victoria explained.
"Severus, ignore your grandmother for a moment do you accept the terms," Septimius asked.
"Now that I've gotten over my shock, provided that I go along with any of these conditions," Severus started, looking directly at his grandfather. "Here's my counter," Severus said with a slow smirk. "I will chose an estate to do with it as I will to suite my taste," he said firmly.
"Estates, Severus meaning more than one, I suggest seven," Victoria said grabbing a piece of parchment. "Your Aunt Mary is still working as the librarian at Hogwarts is she not?"
"Irma Pince is the librarian of Hogwarts," Severus said looking at his grandmother.
"Do you know any of your relatives," Victoria demanded.
"I know Minerva, Albus, Aberforth and mother and you two," Severus said feeling like an ignorant fool.
"Minerva is your cousin from my sister Isobel but we'll get into that later. You also have aunts who are your mother's sisters. Their names are Adela Jane, Constance Edweena, Mary Irma, August Octavia, Ursula Anne, and Margaret Andrina," Victoria said.
"Victoria!" Septimius snapped out. "Stop scolding the boy, write a scathing letter to Irma, Eileen and Minerva scold them." Septimius said.
"I believe I will, I will also instruct Mary and Minerva to instruct Severus in our family lineage," Victoria said getting up and leaving the room.
"I love your grandmother but sometimes she's rather instant about certain things," Septimius said with a shake of his head. "Of course I don't want to be Irma, Minerva or Eileen when they receive the letters." Septimius said with a shudder. "Now where were we, oh yes you choosing your estates and doing what you will to suite your taste," Septimius said.
"Yes, I will also agree to get married but only to a bride of my choosing by the end of the week for I need time to gather my bride." Severus said knowing just who he wanted to be married too. "I will produce an heir by the time I'm fifty not forty." He said, with a smirk once again knowing something that Septimius Prince did not. "I will bring Mother home but for right now she is safer where she is. I will claim my rightful place to the throne but not officially until the Dark Lord is vanquished and at that time Mother will be brought back home. But until then I will have access to everything Prince." Severus stated firmly.
"You will be willing to make an Unbreakable Vow to prove yourself to be true," Septimius said.
"I would," Severus agreed.
"We should pick your estates first so we can properly address you in the vow," Septimius stated looking at the solicitor who waved his wand and a hologram of Europe floated in front of him.
"Can I get back to you on all of this I rather just pick one estate for now and choose the rest later with my wife," Severus said.
"Wise choice," Septimius said, just as Scotland floated large and proud in the air. There was an exterior picture of the estate houses showing where they were located.
"That one in Strathpeffer," Severus said.
"Good choice," Jason said making a note of it.
"Yes, it's only an hours broom ride from Castle am Meer your mother's favorite estate," Septimius said pointing to the west most estate. "And here is Safe Haven Minerva's estate," he said pointing to the east most estate. "And naturally here is Hogwarts," Septimius said pointing to school.
"Yes," Severus said just as the solicitor handed Severus a packet of papers about the property. "Hills Mansion," he said looking at the name.
"You can change it to something more suited for you, same thing goes for the rest of the estates as well." Septimius said. "Now while Jason is here let's make the Unbreakable vow then I'll take you to the estate and show you around." Septimius stated.
"First, I need to have access to those books," Severus said.
"Not until you are married," Septimius stated gripping Severus's hand in a firm grip as they were bonded into the Unbreakable vow.
****S&H****
"What do you think," Septimius Prince asked after they got done touring Hill's Mansion.
"It's nice but it needs a lot of work done to it," Severus said.
"I agree, that's why I took the liberty of contacting Hot Frog construction," Septimius said. "They do unbelievable work," Septimius said.
"Your Highness," a little man about Flitwick's size said.
"Gerald," Septimius said. "Meet my grandson Severus and heir to the throne," Septimius said watching as Gerald bowed to Severus. "We are going to need a lot of work done to this house." Septimius stated.
"What would you like done, Your Highness," Gerald asked eagerly.
"Not me, Severus," Septimius said. "I leave you two to discuss," Septimius said smiling happily.
****S&H****
Miss Granger,
Please meet me at your earliest convenience. You pick the spot, wizard or muggle no difference.
S.S
****S&H****
Professor,
Starbucks in Devon at 1
H.G
****S&H****
Severus Snape sat on the outside patio at the Starbucks in Devon, waiting for Hermione. He was a half hour early only because he was anxious. He wanted to have the conversation ahead of him over and done with. He didn't know what he'd do if she rejected his proposition. He didn't want another woman he wanted Hermione. He was so lost in his thoughts of how he could charm and woo her while they were married enough to make her want to stay married to him that he hadn't noticed Hermione walking up to him pushing a push chair with a baby inside.
Severus's heart stop for a moment. For just a moment he picture that Hermione was his wife and that the baby was their baby coming to meet him.
"Hello Professor," Hermione said smiling brightly as she tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear.
"Miss Granger," Severus said unable to take his eyes off the baby in the carriage.
"I hope I didn't keep you waiting. We did say one o'clock," Hermione asked nervously.
"Yes, we did say one. I just happened to arrive a little early is all," he said. "What do you want Miss Granger my treat," he asked.
"I'll get it," she said moving over towards the doors with Seveus following behind her. They got their coffees and started back out the door. Severus watched as Hermione struggled to manage the pushchair, her coffee and the door.
"Here, let me help you with that," he said handing her his coffee as he maneuvered the pushchair through the door and taking the coffee from her hands.
"Thank you," Hermione said managing the push chair much better now that she was through the door and with the coffee no longer in her hands.
"No problem," Severus said. "There's a park not too far from here if you want to go…" he asked unsure of himself.
"Why not," Hermione agreed leading the way towards the park.
Once they were in the park and walking around the path, Severus found the courage to ask her the question that had been burning on his tongue since he first saw her today. "May I ask who the child belongs to," Severus asked, praying to any god that would listen that it wasn't hers.
"Clarissa Middleton, a friend of my family," Hermione answered taking a sip of her coffee.
"Oh...I see," Severus said taking a sip of his coffee so she wouldn't hear his sigh of relief that the baby wasn't hers.
"Forgive me if I seem impatient but what was it you wanted to see me about, Professor," Hermione questioned finding it just a little too distracting to be walking be side Severus while pushing Janie around. It was to wistful for her liking.
"I have a sort of proposition for you," Severus said softly.
"What kind of proposition," Hermione asked.
"I want you to be my wife," Severus said softly.
"You...you...You want me to be your wife," Hermione stammered, freezing to the spot. Surely she hadn't heard him right.
"Yes," Severus said, feeling his heart breaking at once again at falling in love with a woman who couldn't ever love him.
"I'm afraid I don't understand, Professor," Hermione said staring up at him.
"It's quite simple actually, but what I'm about to tell you must stay between us," he said watching her nod her head in agreement. "Professor Dumbledore has been affective by a curse. I've been trying to find some way to stop the curse, and have been unable to do so. I believe I know where I might be able to find the answers but in order to gain access to said answers I first need to be married," Severus explained.
"Why, may I ask would you have to get married first," Hermione asked finding the whole concept utterly barbaric.
"Because the answers I seek are in the Prince family library at the home of my grandparents Septimius and Victoria Prince. Being as my mother was disowned by my grandfather before I was even born, he attached stipulations to my being allowed back into the family fold...marriage being one of them," Severus said.
"But from what I understand wizarding marriages are for life." Hermione said, trying to recall exactly what all Ginny and Molly had said about wizarding marriages.
"Yes, that is true," Severus said shifting in his seat.
"Are you out of your mind," Hermione burst out.
"Not yet," Severus said, leering at her and invading her space.
She struggled to find her voice, unsure of herself and her words. "Why me?"
"That's easy," he said as he leaned over until he was just inches from her face. Looking her directly in the eyes. "Isn't it obvious? You have tormented me for years, Hermione," he whispered against her lips. "The insufferable little know-it-all, hand waving in the air; driving me crazy," he said moving a hand to snake along her side, coming up to her chest. His thumb grazed the underside of her breast. . "Oh yes, Hermione, I will take you as my wife. A young virgin to teach you in the arts of love as I have taught you all these years at Hogwarts. Your considerable intelligence will ensure that my children will not be dunderheads."
"Children," she squeaked out.
"Of course, Hermione," Severus said wondering just how much he should tell Hermione. "I have power and wealth, Hermione, you will want for nothing," he said, for as long as he lived, she would never want for anything if it were in his power to give it to her. He'd risk death for her; if it was required of him.
"Anything you want it's yours," Severus said honestly,
"Anything," Hermione asked arching a brow incredulously.
"Look, Hermione I won't lie to you, there is a little more to it than what I've told you," Severus started softly. "But a busy park and with a baby isn't the best place to discuss this," Severus said.
"Fine," Hermione said, starting to pack things up. When she had most of it packed up she picked little Janie up off the blanket and put her back in the pushchair while Severus stood and folded the blanket it putting it in the little cargo carrier underneath the pushchair. "Do you have time to go home with me and then you can tell me the full story," Hermione asked.
"Yes," Severus said.
****S&H****
They walked in silence, not a tense silence but a comfortable silence each lost in their own thoughts as they headed towards Hermione's house.
"Here we are," Hermione said pushing the pushchair up to the front door stoop and managing to unlock the door and maneuver the pushchair into the front hall.
"You want help," Severus asked following her into the clean but homey looking house.
"No, I got it," Hermione said taking a sleeping Janie out of the push chair and laying her down in the play pen. "Ok, so how about you start at the beginning and tell me what is going on," Hermione said softly sitting down on the couch.
"As I said before Professor Dumbledore has been cursed," Severus said just as softly sitting down beside her.
"Cursed how," Hermione questioned wondering how somebody could even get close to Dumbledore to curse him.
"By putting on a ring which had a curse attached," Severus said with a shake of his head as he told Hermione what Dumbledore had told him. Foolish old man believing in bedtime stories.
"I see," Hermione said, not really understanding.
"I'm glad you do because even I'm afraid don't understand how somebody as great and powerful as Albus Dumbledore couldn't tell the dark magic was surrounding the ring." Severus said.
"Isn't it obvious, seeing is believing and believing is seeing. It makes people do stupid things," Hermione said thoughtfully.
"I suppose so, but surely the ramifications of said curse should have been enough to deter him. So far I have only been able to contain it to one hand but he is slowly dying and unless I am allowed access to the Prince family library which is the only place I know of that I may be able to locate the counter curse Dumbledore will be dead inside a year," Severus said.
"How awful," Hermione grimaced.
"Yes, and as I stated before my grandfather has attached certain stipulations to my being allowed access to anything Prince. I had to make an Unbreakable Vow," he stated looking at her to see if she knew what an unbreakable vow was. Seeing the understanding in her eyes he continued. "Stating that I would take my rightful place as heir to the Prince fortune as the only magical male heir he has and also I had to agree to marry by the end of the week and to produce more heirs by the time I reach my fiftieth birthday," Severus said.
"Did you mean what you said earlier about wanting to teach me about what happens between a man and a woman in matters of the flesh," She questioned.
"Yes," he answered looking straight at her.
"But why not choose someone closer to your own age," Hermione questioned.
"Because I do not desire someone closer to my own age. I desire you, Miss Granger," Severus answered simply causing her to blush.
"I may regret telling you this later but I dream about you every night. I dream that you come to me and do the most wonderful things to me...kissing me...touching me...making love to me," Hermione purred out seductively as she leaned closer towards him.
"I promise to make those dreams a reality," Severus swore looking into her dark chocolate eyes as he leaned closer towards her.
"Will you promise never to go outside our marriage to fulfill your needs and desires," Hermione whispered against his lips effectively.
"You have my word on it," Severus said snaking a hand around her waist, pulling her even closer to him as he kissed her. He snaked a hand behind her and wrapped his hand around the back of her neck. As he leaned over, he thought maybe he heard a shocked gasp from her, but he didn't care. He pressed his lips to Hermione's kissing her firmly for a fraction of a second before he relaxed into her, his lips molding to hers. Hermione's eyes widened and then closed as his lips softened against hers; moving across them slowly and lingering for a moment before he pulled back.
She moved closer, lifting her hand as he quickly asked, "What are you doing?"
"Will you just hold still?" she asked softly as she raised that hand to his face and held him there as she went back for a second taste.
His arms wound around her, one hand buried in her hair, holding her neck, and the other arm wrapped so tightly that his fingers caressed her ribcage. He pressed his lips to hers, pouring his pent up fears and desires into the kiss as his lips moved against hers.
His tongue teased and tasted her full lower lip, draw it into his mouth and sucking gently. Each kiss grew more heated as he kissed her hard and hot as Hermione clung to his shoulders.
Their tongues dueled for supremacy as his hands rushed to claim as much of her as he could. Severus smoothed one hand over the snug denim that covered her ass and pulled her roughly against him, pressing the evidence of his arousal into her as he pushed her gently back onto the couch.
Hermione grabbed two fistfuls of his shirt and pulled him down with her, moaning loudly as she lay back and he covered her body with his. Severus kissed his way along her jaw and down her throat, murmuring nonsensically against her skin as Hermione cupped his ass in both hands and pull him into her as she arched up off of the couch. "What?" she whispered.
Severus slipped one hand under the hem of her baby blue sweater and found the warm soft flesh he craved. "You're making me crazy," he growled into her ear.
Hermione shivered and whispered, "Same here."
He kissed her hungrily as he shifted aside slightly, his hand circling slowly higher and higher, driving them both wild with each stroke. When he grazed the lace of her bra, Hermione felt his breath hitch in his chest. She broke the kiss panting, "Touch me, please touch me."
"Oh Hermione," Severus murmured as he pressed his open mouth to the spot where her pulse throbbed in her throat. His hand closed over the lace clad mound and he groaned against her as her taut nipple pressed into his palm.
"Oh yes, touch me," she said with a sigh of pleasure. Severus released her breast and his hand slid down to her side to burrow beneath heron a desperate quest for the clasp of her bra.
Severus's tongue traced lazy circles on her neck. His breath was hot, but cooled her damp skin as it washed over her. She made a soft mewing sound in the back of her throat which turned to a low purr as he deftly released the catch on her bra, smoothing the fabric from her breast as he sought to take possession of her once more. As he captured her nipple, rolling it gently between his thumb and forefinger, Hermione raked her hands up over his back. She pressed gently on his shoulders, urging him down, desperate to feel his mouth on her skin.
"Oh Geez," Severus groaned as he ducked his head and struggled to push himself up and away from her, straddling her legs on his knees. Hermione looked up at him, her eyes wide with shock and disappointment as he pulled his hand from her sweater and stared down at her, his chest heaving with desire. "We're like teenagers making out on the couch," he said with a rueful laugh.
"So? I am a teenager."
"I just," he said as he shook his head to clear it. "You might be young enough to bend yourself into a pretzel, I am not," he trailed off with a helpless shrug.
Hermione looked up at him and said, "Is that your way of saying your old?"
"Yes," he said as he gave her a look.
Hermione smiled as his voice broke a little on the words. "You're right."
"I am?" he asked, unable to mask the disappointment in his voice.
"No, you're right. Why should we be snogging on the couch when I have a perfectly nice bed upstairs?"
"Upstairs?"
"Yes," Hermione said as she sat up and wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him lingeringly and whispered, "I want you to make love to me," Hermione added as she pecked another kiss to his lips. Hermione wriggled back on the couch until she could slip her legs out from between his and smiled at Severus's stunned expression. She stood up, and then glanced down at him as she frowned. "At least, um, I mean, if you want to."
"If I want to?" he asked with an incredulous laugh.
Hermione's smile widened as she bent down and kissed him again.
He reached out and encircled her wrist with his fingers, "I want to Hermione, believe me I want to but before we do anything else I have to tell you something." Severus said.
"What could you possibly need to tell me that is more important than what's happening here between us right now," Hermione asked confused. I thought it was normally the woman who wanted to wait not the man. Mum always said a man wants it anytime, so why is Severus stopping?
"I can only hope that once I tell you that you will still want me as your lover and your husband," Severus said feeling his throat clog up.
"Ok, so just tell me whatever it is so we can get back to what we were doing," Hermione said, thinking it couldn't be that serious, something about a past love or how long it's been or something.
"I have a child, Miss Granger..." he said feeling foolish for calling her Miss Granger after he just necked the daylights out of her, "a daughter," he said.
"Yeah, right," Hermione said staring at him incredulously.
"I'm serious, Hermione." He said looking her straight in the eye. "Her name is Alexandria...Lexie for short and she is nearly seven years old," he said softly.
"And her mother," Hermione questioned sinking down on the couch beside him again.
"You will be her mother," Severus said failing to understand what she was asking.
"I meant her biological mother," Hermione stated.
"She has not seen Alexandria since she was seven days old nor have we heard from her in that time," Severus answered honestly. He hadn't seen Emma Burton since he drawled her the second check for twenty-five thousand pounds for Lexie.
"How could any mother abandon their own child," Hermione gasped out shocked that any mother could be that cruel.
"Emma did not want our daughter because I'm not quite sure why truthfully, but she gave me Lexie… for a price," Severus said trying to recalling why Emma had given up Lexie. "I'm too young to be a mother and raise a child. I have other ambitions in my life and I can't do either of them with a child." Emma had said that when she had came to ask for an Abortus Pueri1.
"What are you talking about," Hermione asked flabbergasted.
"I had to pay Emma fifty thousand pounds to keep my daughter." Severus said looking down at his hands as if they were the most interesting thing in the world.
"You paid her fifty thousand pounds for your daughter," Hermione gasped out surprised by this revelation. "You didn't rape her did you?" she questioned.
"Of course not I don't have to force myself on a woman Miss Granger," Severus snapped out.
"Sorry but it was the only logical conclusion I could think of why a woman wouldn't want her child."
"Not all women want children," Severus pointed out.
"The rumors...they're true aren't they? You have been bedding your female students," Hermione gasped out recalling the rumors that Snape always picked a seventh sometimes six year student to be his sex slave.
"I will admit that I have had relations with a few of my female students but never while I was their professor." Severus said firmly.
"So I'm just the next conquest?" Hermione snapped out harshly.
"I wouldn't be proposing marriage if you were just a conquest Hermione," Severus pointed out. "I've taught at Hogwarts for nearly 18 years Hermione. Most women I meet are either one of my peers or my students or my previous students or related to my students or old enough to be my mother and grandmother," Severus said simply feeling the need to explain himself.
"I'm sorry, I guess it would be hard to find a date with somebody who isn't your student," Hermione said looking remorseful for even daring to ask if he had raped a student. "What else haven't you told me," Hermione demanded.
"What do you know about the Severan Dynasty?" Severus questioned.
"That was the year of the Five Emperors in Roman history," Hermione said.
"What do you know about the Royal government?" Severus questioned.
"Enough to know we are a Monarchy society, why," Hermione said.
"How much do you know about Wizarding government?"
"It's an Aristocracy," Hermione answered.
"I used to think so too." Severus chuckled.
"What is your point Professor," Hermione demanded.
Severus grimaced at being called Professor. "Considering I just had my tongue down your throat don't you think calling me Professor is a little too late now," Severus said.
"What is your point in asking me all about our government systems," Hermione snapped.
"Before the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy law first came into play the Wizarding society needed leaders all the council members got together and decided to base our government off of the monarchy and Roman Empire government systems." Severus lectured seeing Hermione was paying avid attention to every word he said. "The Wizarding Empire was created. As our world grew and expanded with it our leaders grew, pretty soon we had a government with seven countries."
"One for each of the seven continents," Hermione said questionably.
"That's one way to look at it," Severus said. "But with seven being the most magical number since Merlin, instead of having Wizarding Empire you now have the Severan Empire. You have an Emperor of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australian, United States, and South America, and instead of having one for Antarctica you have one Emperor to rule Canada, Greenland, and Iceland," Severus said. "Everybody thinks the Severan Empire died out but truthfully they aren't. They are just trying to survive like the rest of us by laying low so they won't drawl more attention to themselves." Severus said.
"Who is the European Emperor?" Hermione questioned feelings of trepidation rolling around in her stomach.
"Septimius Prince," Severus said hoping slightly that she wouldn't connect the dots.
"Your grandfather!" Hermione shouted.
"Hermione, listen to me, the sneaky bastard tricked me into agreeing to an Unbroken Vow with the stipulations of taking my rightful place amoungst the Prince family, getting married and having an heir, but only after Voldemort is defeated will the rest of our world know." He said looking straight at her.
"How did he trick you," Hermione questioned curiously.
"Being as I'm the only male magic heir whether he disowned me or not because I'm part of the Prince lineage it would come to me through default," Severus said.
"Oh," Hermione said.
"Now do you know why I said once you learned the truth if you would still want me as your lover and husband," Severus said not looking at her.
"Yes, is there anything else I need to know," Hermione questioned.
"Not that I can think of," Severus said. "So knowing all that do you still want to marry me?" he asked questionably.
"I'm thinking," Hermione said as a thought just came to her. "With you being who you are will I still get to complete my education and continue it after Hogwarts?"
"I have no objections, since this whole marriage has to remain a secret until the Dark Lord is gone," Severus said.
"Ok, I'll do it," Hermione said. "Provided you swear to me that you won't bed another student or woman once we say I do."
"Thank you," Severus said, reaching into his pocket, he retrieved a small black box. Opening the case, he extracted a gold banded ring. A medium size marquise cut diamond shimmered brightly in the center flanked by two marquise onyxes. He grabbed her left hand, slipping the jewel onto her ring finger tenderly. He stared at her hand softly for a moment, before gently, raising it to his lips. He placed a delicate kiss on her small hand. "That ring has been in my family for generations; a Prince family heirloom, according to my grandmother. She said it was enchanted so that nobody can remove it not even yourself. It also acts like a tracking device so I'll always be able to find you, not even the Fidelius Charm will hide you. A concealment charm has been placed on it so nobody will be able to see it until I breath on it again, the same thing will go for our wedding rings," He lectured. "Hermione, I will do my best to ensure that no harm comes to you. Once the Dark Lord is gone you will be my equal. You cannot have full control, but a half of it. An equal partnership once all is said and done," he said softly. I would offer you my heart but I won't allow you to step on it and crush it underneath your heel.
"I can handle that," Hermione said starting to think of what good she could do to the wizarding world as Severus's wife, when another thought hit her. "How is this going to work being a secret if I'm in your quarters and not in Gryffindor Tower?"
"Because we're not going to consummate our marriage until you are of legal age and not my student." Severus said seeing the disappointment on her face.
"Why," Hermione asked.
"For one, we really don't know each other outside our student teacher relationship," He started pressing a finger to her lips when she started to protest. "Yes the chemistry is there on a physical level I'll agree, but I don't just want a marriage based off of sex."
"I don't either," she agreed.
"While you are still my student we can get to know each other on other levels," Severus said.
"I'd like that," Hermione said.
"Good, I'll pick you up here tomorrow morning at nine," Severus said.
"What for," Hermione questioned.
"To get married," Severus said looking at her curiously. "Unless you don't want…" Severus said.
"No I want to, it's just you want to get married tomorrow," Hermione said not even sure with magic it could be done that fast.
"Time is of the essence, Hermione," Severus said softly. "I know it's a quick wedding but I promise you once this war is over I'll give you a decent wedding." Severus swore feeling the magic surrounding them sealing him to his fate that he'd give her the biggest wedding binding the world had ever seen.
"Fine, I'll see you back here first thing tomorrow morning," Hermione said.
"Till tomorrow Miss Granger," Severus said giving her a bow.
"Good bye Professor," Hermione said with a giggle and a slight nod of her head.
Severus turned and walked quickly away from Hermione before he did something he'd regret later like professing his love to her, or kissing her breathless once again.
****S&H****
Later that night at six Isobel and Reginald Granger walked into the house to find Hermione sitting in the living room reading. That sight wasn't unusal in it's self but seeing the title 101 Tips for the Smart Mum. Along with other parenting advice books.
"Is there something you need to tell us," Isobel asked concerned.
"No, Mum," Hermione said not looking up from her book.
"You're not pregnant? You know we'd love you no matter what," Isobel spoke softly.
"I'm not pregnant, Mum," Hermione said closing her book. "And I'm not thinking about it either," Hermione said. "I had a visit today from one of my professors," she started.
"Which Professor," Reginald asked.
"Professor Snape, he's looking for someone to help out with childcare for his daughter and asked if I'd be willing to help, "
"So Professor Snape just came to you out of the blue to ask you for help," Isobel asked.
"No, actually he bumped into me and Janie at Starbucks. He just seemed totally loss and started talking and here we are," Hermione said.
"Oh," Isobel said looking at Reginald they shared a knowing look between them before Isobel turned her attention back to Hermione.
"Yes, he'll be picking me up at nine tomorrow, I'm going to help him out for a week before heading to the Burrow," Hermione said.
"That's nice of you," Isobel said concerned.
"It's not like that mum, Professor Snape doesn't want just anyone looking after his daughter, and he did say I would be paid," Hermione lied.
"its fine, pumpkin we trust you," Reginald said softly.
"Yes, we do," Isobel said.
Hermione gave them a smile. She hated lying to her parents but it had to be done in this case.
****S&H****
"I'll be coming to see you real soon," Severus said into his phone as he sat in his living room. "I have a big surprise for you too," he added as he watched Wormtail dusting off the bookshelves. "I'm not telling you, you'll see when I get there," he added with a smirk. "Alright I'll talk to you soon," Severus said hanging up the phone. "Wormtail you missed a spot," Severus sneered out getting up from his chair.
****S&H****
Hermione laid in her bed staring up at the ceiling. She hated lying to her parents but it wasn't like she could tell them she was marrying her professor to save the Headmaster from a curse, she would be step mom to a seven year old daughter. Hopefully though when her parents learned the truth they would be able to understand why she had to do things this way. Hopefully they would understand that lives were on the line and that protecting that innocent little girl...her stepdaughter from people who could do her serious harm even kill her was the most important job she would have from now on. The thought of being a stepmother brought to the forefront all the fears Hermione had allowed herself to pretend earlier didn't exist. How could she be any kind of mother when she was still just a child herself? What did she know about taking care of a child? Being a parent wasn't like babysitting where you got to give the kid back to its parents at the end of the day. It wasn't the same as being able to call the parents when something went wrong and decisions had to be made. Being a parent meant fulltime responsibility and being the one responsible for making the day to day decisions that needed to be made not to mention any decisions that needed to be made in case of emergencies. She only hoped that when the time came she would be able to make the decisions that were right for everyone. One thing was for sure she and Severus were going to have to sit down and have a serious talk where Lexie was concerned. They were going to have to decide what if any boundaries there were going to be as far as her role in Lexie's life and heaven forbid who would be caring for Lexie if something happened to Severus...the only parent she had ever known. They need to plan for the contingencies of their future, she got up out of her bed and sat down at her desk and began writing a list of things that had to be addressed. Feeling much better having her concerns on paper she crawled back into bed and went to sleep.
****S&H****
Severus laid in his bed staring up at the ceiling. Trying to figure out what to do. He couldn't get his mind to settle…. I have to protect my family. I will protect them no matter what. If only I hadn't been so stupid as to let my grandfather trick me into making an Unbreakable Vow stating I would get married now. Yes, it gave me the perfect opportunity to insure that Hermione would be mine and no one else would be able to steal her away from me but it put her in the position I never wanted to be responsible for putting her in...danger. Perhaps I should break things off with her now while I still can...while I can still protect her and while she is still young enough to bounce back from the heartbreak and find love again. What am I saying? There's no way I could ever live my life without her in it. Not after all the dreams and fantasies I've had of her bringing me untold pleasures. I have Lexie to think of too. She needs a mother. She needs Hermione. Yes, that is the next order of business after this wedding...teaching Hermione Occlumency so that I can take her to meet Lexie without fear of being exposed. I can't wait to see them together...for the three of us to be together as a family. I also wish it were possible for Hermione and I to have a baby of our own but that is going to have to wait. There's no way I am going to willingly bring another child into this world until the Dark Lord is gone for good. I will not allow what Albus allowed to happen to Matthew happen to a child of mine...I won't, he swore before he finally drifted off to sleep.
1 Abortus pueri- latin abortion of a child
