My Dearest Severus,
You pass by me everyday, yet you take no notice of my presence. I admire you a lot, and my heart aches when I see you scowl - a daily reminder of the unfortunate role you played in the war. I know that deep inside you there is a happy and carefree person, and I would very much like to know that hidden side of you. I wish for nothing but to spend my life with you forever, if fate will allow it.
All my love.
Severus Snape read the letter again, and sighed as he leaned back into a chair. He had received love letters before, but this one was different. It was sincere and full of meaning. He wasn't sure if he liked it or not, but it sent shivers down his spine. It was not signed, but it was sealed by a roaring Gryffindor lion. It was possible that a student in the castle was the one who sent the letter, and a Gryffindor, no doubt. But, why? Minerva would go ballistic once she'll know of this. Humph. Bloody interfering Gryffindor. Rising from his chair, he strode to the fireplace, and pocketed the letter before yelling, "Headmaster's Office!"
"Ah, Severus. What brings you here today?"
Albus Dumbledore smiled at the scowling young man before him. Taking a seat in front of Dumbledore, Severus handed him the piece of parchment that contained words of love.
"This, Headmaster."
Dumbledore read the letter and burst into gales of laughter, and Severus blushed a couple shades of red.
"Oh, Severus, my boy." Albus sputtered between laughs.
"What did you find amusing in that blasted letter, Albus?"
Dumbledore looked at him with his twinkling blue eyes shadowed behind his half-moon spectacles.
"Severus, dear boy. I am just happy that even with your grumpy facade, there is still someone out there who loves you for who you are. I presume you've received several love letters in the past?"
Severus raised an eyebrow at him and smirked.
"Albus, you meddling old coot. Yes, I have received several love letters in the past. Though that one is different."
"You are right. This letter shows sincerity, love and understanding. Well, that isn't anything new, since a Gryffindor wrote it. What a strange thing, love sure is."
"Strange indeed. Who in their right state of mind would fall for me?"
"Severus... Love works in different ways."
OoOoO
At the other side of the castle, Hermione, Ginny, Ron and Harry sat in a circle in the Gryffindor common room. Ron was fidgeting, and he looked uncertainly at his three housemates. After the war, the four of them had chosen to continue their last year of studies at Hogwarts. But then, a month after the defeat of Voldemort, Fudge had declared the Marriage Law. Witches or wizards who were of age were forced to marry. Purebloods and Half-bloods could only marry Muggleborns.
"Are you sure about this, Hermione?"
"I am, Ron. It's the only way to know who we should marry."
"Anyway, if you and Hermione are truly meant for each other, it would make no difference."
"Ginny's right, Ron. But let's come to an agreement. There is a 90% chance that we'll have different soulmates, but let's not over-react, okay. Bestfriends forever?"
Ron puffed out his lower lip, and Hermione and Ginny nodded.
"All right, mate. But only cause you asked so nicely."
Ginny pulled out her wand, and the other three followed suite.
"Gin, this isn't illegal, right?"
"Harry. Where were you when Fudge talked about this spell? I'm 19, and the three of you are 20. We're of age! And this is better than receiving suitors the 'Ministry' way."
"How can you be so sure we'll each get the right one, anyway?"
Hermione threw a pillow at Ron's head.
"Ronald! This spell is specifically for the Marriage Law. If you're a Muggleborn, your mate will be either a Half-blood or a Pureblood. Don't you ever listen?"
"Okay, I'm sorry! Now can we just continue?"
Hermione sighed and nodded. They pointed their wands at four separate blank parchments, and said the spell together.
"Anima Compagno!"
Four names appeared on the parchments, and Hermione gasped in surprise.
"My, my, my. Still getting in trouble, my precious Gryffindors?"
Professor McGonagall fixed them with a blatant glare.
"Would you care to explain yourselves? And do close your mouths. It isn't befitting for Gryffindors your age to gape."
Hermione was the first to speak.
"We just performed the Anima Compagno spell, Professor."
"Well, Miss Granger. Aren't you going to show me the name of your husband-to-be?"
"I-I-I... Very well, Professor."
She handed her parchment to Professor McGonagall, and waited for the storm to come. McGonagall read the two words on the parchment, and grew deathly pale.
"P-Professor?" Harry asked timidly.
"Miss Granger, I will talk to Albus about this. Expect to be called in about 15 minutes."
"Yes, Professor."
Professor McGonagall fixed them with another glare before stepping into the fireplace. A moment later, she vanished in a whirl of green flames.
OoOoO
Another owl swooped inside Severus' study. He eyed the letter it carried, and detached it from the owl's outstretched leg.
Dear Professor Severus Tobias Snape,
The Anima Compagno spell has been cast in the last 15 minutes, and we are pleased to inform you that you have been chosen. Headmaster Albus Dumbledore has already been informed of this arrangement. He will wed you and Miss Hermione Jane Granger next week along with three other couples. We extend our sincerest congratulations to you and your fiancee.
Yours truly,
Rowena Celestine Fregati
HEAD OF MARRIAGE
LAW DEPARTMENT
Severus dropped the letter on his table. Hermione Granger? This was impossible. Surely the spell had gone wrong. But knowing Hermione, it was false hope. He felt something for the bushy haired Know-it-all, but she'd obviously be disgusted at the prospect of being his wife! His thoughts were interrupted, as a third owl dropped a note onto his table. The barn owl perched patiently on his desk, waiting for his reply.
Severus,
I presume the Ministry has sent you an owl already?
Well then, meet me at my office in 10 minutes, and bring Miss Granger along with you.
Do not be late.
Yours,
Albus
He summoned his quill and hastily wrote a reply.
Albus,
Yes. The bloody Ministry has sent me an owl. I'll be there.
Always,
SS
OoOoOo
Hermione paced the common room with her head on her hands. Ron and Harry had retreated to their rooms shortly after McGonagall left. They said they needed some 'boy' time. Ginny was left with Hermione, and for the past 5 minutes, she had watched Hermione pace the room.
"Hermione! Stop it."
"Gin, I just can't. What if he doesn't want to marry me? What will my parents say?"
"'Mione. You sent a letter to him, remember? Your parents will understand. And as for Professor Snape, he's-"
"What exactly am I, Miss Weasley?"
Severus strode into the common room and glanced at the two women.
"Uh, nothing, Professor. I was just calming down Hermione, you see."
"You have a very long explanation for 'nothing', Miss Weasley."
He turned to the wide-eyed Hermione, and offered his arm.
"Our presence is required at the Headmaster's Office, Miss Granger."
Hermione looked at him and nodded.
"Don't wait up, Gin."
The two walked out of the tower, and Severus led the way to Albus' office. Muttering the password, the gargoyle leapt aside, and they ascended the spiral staircase. He was about to knock, but as soon as he raised his hand, the door swung open, and they were greeted by Dumbledore and McGonagall.
"Severus, Miss Granger! Come, have a seat."
The two sat on the chairs in front of the Headmaster, facing each other.
"Miss Granger, you do know that you are fully engaged to Professor Snape now, are you?"
"Yes, Headmaster."
"Well, the Ministry has strict rules regarding this arrangement. And seeing as you performed the Anima Compagno spell, you and Severus have to be married next week."
Hermione gasped, and Severus stiffened in his seat.
"I understand, Headmaster."
"Albus, where will Miss Granger stay after our wedding? Will she remain in the Gryffindor Tower, or will she... will she share my quarters in the dungeons?"
"Severus, you do realize that we cannot allow both of you to stay in different chambers. Therefore, she will live in the dungeons with you before or after the wedding. Whichever you might like."
He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. He quickly closed it, and directed his gaze back at the Headmaster.
"Severus, Miss Granger. You may leave now. You can start preparing for the wedding as soon as you like. Minerva, please call Miss Weasley and Mr. Thomas."
Severus and Hermione made their way out of the office in silence.
"Professor?"
"Yes, Miss Granger?"
"I'm so sorry about this." she said, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Don't worry, Miss Granger." Bloody Merlin, don't tell me she's crying!
"Hermione."
"What?"
"Please call me Hermione."
"It's okay, Miss-I mean, Hermione."
She managed a tiny smile, before fainting into the arms of the Potions Master.
"Hermione? Miss Granger?"
Scooping her into his arms, he ran towards the infirmary.
"Poppy, Miss Granger fainted!"
The matron bustled about, and ordered him to put Hermione on one of the beds. After running some exams, she faced Severus.
"She's just emotionally stressed, Severus. She just needs to spend the night."
Nodding, Severus transfigured a chair next to Hermione, and Madam Pomfrey drew the covers around them.
"P-Professor?"
Hermione tried to sit up, but Severus' firm hands pushed her back on the bed.
"Rest... Hermione."
Sighing, she turned to face him.
"So, you were the one who sent the letter?" he chided, a grin tugging on the edges of his mouth.
"P-Professor... I-I..."
"Hermione, I'm just kidding. And please call me Severus. After all, we are indeed engaged."
"Severus. Yes, I was the one who sent the letter."
She blushed as she said this, and Severus cupped her face in his hands.
"There's really nothing to be ashamed of, Hermione."
"But what if you don't feel the same way for me?"
"I'll just have to prove it otherwise, then."
He pressed his lips to hers, and she kissed him back just as passionately as he did. He grazed his tongue on her lips, and she opened them without hesitation. She moaned at the intensity of their kiss, and entwined her hands on his unbelievably silky hair. They pulled back rather hesitantly, and she could see the passion in his eyes.
"Have I convinced you enough, my love?"
"You have, Severus. And it was a rather pleasant experience."
Severus smiled, and she caressed his lips with her thumb.
"See, I told you. You look absolutely handsome when you smile, my darling Severus."
"This smile is reserved for you, love. Because you are the only one who has ever made me this happy."
"Oh, Severus!"
"I love you, Hermione. Always have, always will."
"I love you too, Severus. Now and forever."
He leaned in for another kiss, and she threw her arms around his neck, bringing him closer, as she inhaled his sweet scent of musk and cinnamon.
You're mine, Hermione.
You're mine, Severus.
I LOVE YOU...