Home for the Holidays
In answer to the Christmas and Marriage Law Challenges on WIKTT
Hermione looked over the white covered school grounds with tears in her eyes. This was the year before her final winter at Hogwarts, and the first holidays she faced alone. That October 1st Death Eaters killed her parents. She had no other family left in the world, so she became one of the now many wards that Hogwarts had taken in.
She had enough with N.E.W.T.s coming up, trying to decide what school she wanted to go to for her degree in education, along with that damn Marriage Law that came into effect that September. Adding on all the teachers babying her, it was too much!
Yes, Hermione could understand the need to protect the Wizarding World. But what was wrong with falling in love? Instead a witch is listed as marriageable and then has to months to marry or be forced into a marriage of the Wizengamot's choice.
All of her year was excluded from the list, except her. Because of the time turner she had used in her third year, Hermione was biologically a year older. She was on the list because of this – while the rest of her year was exempt.
Her parents had fought it, but lost. All of September the couple was bitter and angry. But then her father came to visit her the night before his death. It was a visit she still hadn't forgotten.
***********************************
"Hi daddy. No good?" Hermione knew that look all to well.
Rodger Granger shook his head. "You know me too well baby. Listen, I think there is possibly a way to at least keep you safe and give you all your dreams too. But there is no way to exempt you from this insane Marriage Law.
"I have a meeting with a with a wizarding family tomorrow. If I can show the father why you are so wonderful, he will send a request for your hand in. So, keep on hoping – okay?"
Hermione's eye lit up. "Someone who will let me go to the University? Someone who will let me become a teacher? Who?"
Rodger waved his hand and shook his head. "Let's not jinx it. Just believe me that he cares very much for you, and I think he truly loves you. So, just give him a chance if I can talk his father into it."
Hermione hugged her father with a chuckle in her throat for the first time in far too long. "I will daddy. I love you so much!"
"And I love you baby girl. You'll always be my baby, even after you're a married woman."
Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and Harry had celebrated into late in the night. Because her two first wizard friends were not yet of age, they hadn't been able to help her by proposing. But, now it looked like that no longer mattered.
And when she got up the next morning she was day dreaming that maybe it was her secret crush she would soon be married to. The smile on her face was a nice change. She and the others giggled and worked on their homework, all itching to know whom she was going to be married to.
Ron, Harry, and Ginny all knew who Hermione was in love with. And at first it was hard to accept, but if that rescued their friend and made her happy at the same time – they could live with him as a part of their lives.
After lunch, she was called to the Head Master's office. Hermione felt her heart race. It was time to find out if she would spend the rest of her life with her love or not.
She had three other requests – and none of them she would even give a first thought, much less a second. The worse was from Lucius Malfoy on behalf of his son Draco. Since then the Slytherin seeker had sweetened his behavior towards her. He went so far as to defend her from another Slytherin who had called her a mudblood. That was scary, but not as scary as her other two potential fiancés – Crabbe and Goyle!
She walked up to the statue with hope in her heart and butterflies in her stomach. What if her love didn't want her? Would he at the least rescue her from the fate she was facing? She had to be strong and find out for herself, and there was only one way to do that – go the Head Master's office.
Taking a deep breath she said the password, "Twizzlers."
The gargoyle eagle recognized the word and activated the revolving staircase. She rode it up to the hallway. The looks on the various portraits scared her. Had her love refused and they all knew it? She rushed down to the door and knocked.
"Come in Miss. Granger."
There was something in Professor Dumbledore's voice. Something was VERY wrong.
"What's wrong Professor Dumbledore?" She asked as she walked in. And then she saw the tears in his eyes. She heard Professor McGonagall's sniffling before she saw the woman. And then there was Professor Snape, looking at her with a look of sympathy – he never gave anything but a sneer … ever! "What has happened? Daddy didn't get that father to agree to take me?"
At that Professor McGonagall sniffled louder and Snape sighed! Dumbledore looked as if the war had been lost as he spoke. "My dear there was an attack last night. I am sorry to tell you this, but …"
That was all that Hermione remembered. She fainted as the truth dawned on her – she was an orphan.
***********************************
Now the deadline was dawning. Christmas eve – by nine that night she would be forced into marrying one of her three suitors. Hermione sighed hard. Her final night, well at least she had no more exams to worry about.
The rest had left to their homes for the holidays. She had wanted it this way, because this way none of them would be in trouble. If she had gone through with her plans anywhere but Gryffindor Tower, her friends would be blamed. Hermione could escape knowing that her friends would be put in danger by helping her evade marriage to one of her three suitors.
She sighed as she tried hard to enjoy the beautiful scene outside the window, but it was hard knowing what would come to pass in only a few hours. Then Nearly Headless Nick floated over to her. "Hermione? Um, you have two guests wishing to speak with you."
Hermione's heart clenched, she didn't want anyone near the Tower when it came time to put her plan into action. She fought of the sob in her throat as she looked at the sympathetic ghost of her house. "Who is it, Sir Nicholas?"
"Professor Snape's parents. I can tell them that …"
Hermione sighed and smiled as best as she could. She could pretend and have a wonderful dream to slip into as the darkness wrapped around her mind. "No, it's okay. I'd like some company right now. Please ask the Fat Lady to let them in."
A few moments later came in a strong man and a proud looking woman. They both reminded the young woman of her Potions Professor, as they looked her over as if judging her – maybe for marriage too ... Hermione couldn't help but smile at that thought, another dream to live in later on. She stood and extended her hand to Snape's father. "It is a pleasure to meet you both."
Raising an eyebrow at her hand, the man truly reminded her of Professor Snape. Still Hermione didn't back down, she would live this night with all the Gryffindor pride she held in her heart.
A smirk later, he gently took her hand and kissed her knuckles. "I am Lord Serenus Snape and this is my wife, Lady Adorabelle. A pleasure to at last meet you at last, Miss. Granger."
"Please call me Hermione. It is a pleasure to meet the both of you Lord and Lady Snape." Hermione smiled and bowed her head courtly.
Lady Snape smiled with a twinkle in her eyes. "Child, please use our given names. You are as beautiful as our son said you are."
Hermione blushed softly. Snape called her beautiful? She thought that she would always be the silly little girl and know-it-all to him. But those dreams would end all too soon. "Thank you, Adorabelle. Please call me Hermione, I'm more used to my teachers using my surname."
Lord Snape again raised his eyebrow. "Very well Hermione. You are a very proud young woman."
"Normally yes. Please sit down. Can I order you something to drink?" Hermione was grateful for the company.
Both of them politely refused, and then went into a long discussion with the young Gryffindor. Adorabelle sat in the chair beside the couch end Hermione sat on, while Serenus sat in the chair opposing her. They each grew somewhat more relaxed in the girl's presence as the time and discussion drew on. Hermione kept up with the talk and even added many of her own views that turn the talk into new avenues. She acted so at ease with the parents of Professor Snape, much more mature for her years. True she was legally seventeen because of her using the time turner in her third year and all of the adventures she had faced with Harry Potter and Ron Weasley – of which both parents listened and questioned about her intently.
Hermione loved the company for the most part. They made her feel like an adult as the couple talked with her. And they didn't treat her poorly because of her bloodline. Plus she had been lonely without her friends during the holidays, so the company was a welcomed parting gift from fate.
But when Lord Snape began disrespecting his son for Severus' past mistakes, Hermione put her foot down hard. She told Lord Snape all about the things that had drawn her attentions, and later her heart, towards the man's son – but never told them how she felt for Severus Snape. How he had spied for the Order of the Phoenix, how he had guarded Harry's life despite Severus' hate for the boy's dead father, how the man never simply gave her compliments – only when she had unquestionably earned them. She ended her tirade by saying loud and clear that she was very honored to have known and learned from Severus Snape.
She didn't have to say that she adored Severus, because her eyes told them both. The young woman was deeply in love with their son. This Granger girl was indeed more powerful than she herself dared to suspect. She was brilliant and articulate, and had beauty as well. There was also that fire in her soul, the fire both Lord and Lady Snape knew she could easily keep their son with. Even Lord Snape enjoyed it when her temper struck as she defended his son. Obviously this young woman was not the normal Muggle born, and she was very much in love with his boy. But, Lord Snape wondered if she would fit in as Lady of Snape Manor?
Then into the room came Professor Severus Snape. It was only then did they realize how long they had been talking – over two hours. "I hope that you have not bothered my parents too much, Miss. Granger."
"She is delightful, Severus. Now come here and visit with us ladies while your father goes to his meeting with Albus." Adorabelle indicated the space on the couch that Hermione was sitting on as she set him in his place.
The look on her face and the sternness in her voice bode no argument. This brought a smile onto Hermione's face. After a moment's shift in his stance, Severus Snape bowed to his mother's will and sat near Hermione on the couch. Lord Snape stood as his son sat down, giving Hermione the moment's distraction needed to slip closer to her Professor. With a grin on his face he took and first kissed his wife's hand and then Hermione's. "Until dinner ladies. Severus behave yourself. Miss. Granger is a unique young lady and has kept your mother and I highly entertained."
Hermione chuckled as the elder Snape left. Severus shook his head, leaned forward to rest his body on his legs, and stared into the fire. "It has been a long time since you have laughed so heartily, Miss. Granger."
"I haven't been this happy in a long time, Professor." She sighed as she was taking in all of him.
His hair wasn't greasy, but fine and so long and dark. His pale skin seemed paler, and there were dark circles under his eyes. Gods if she could only see that mischievous sparkle they got when he had a plan or was about to take house points. His kissable lips were frowning more than ever. Hermione knew he was worried about something – if only it was about her. No, not silly know-it-all Gryffindor her.
This close to her, Hermione could finally see what he hid beneath his robes somewhat. He was not too thin, but nicely built. Yet, it seemed that he was thinner for some reason. His long, thick fingers were interlaced and hanging in the small space between his knees. Before she knew what she was doing, Hermione's fingers threaded in between his hands.
They were warm, large, thin, and rough in places from years of potions work. The fingers were thick, but long. His nails were neatly trimmed.
For a brief moment her held her hand and rubbed it with his thumb, and then he sighed hard and stood. "Miss. Granger, we cannot! Without a miracle we will forever be held apart."
Hermione finally dared to hope. Could he feel anything for her? "This is a season for miracles Professor. All we have to do is hope."
He looked at her with his sneering mask in place, but with eyes that were full of grief and longing. "I lost my ability to hope a long time ago."
"Then let me help you remember how to hope." Hermione gathered up all of her Gryffindor courage, stood, and wrapped her arms around her teacher's chest. This was the chance she had to take, would he shove her away?
She felt his warm hands encircle her waist and hold her closer. Her heart race and she couldn't hide the smile his touch brought out of her. At last she saw that glimmer in his eyes, and was that a smile? Yes! She slowly pushed her hands up his chest and locked them around his neck. This was better than her sweetest dream.
Hermione couldn't help the purr in her throat as he pulled her tighter to his chest. With the chuckle in his chest she pushed things further by standing on her toes and kissed him deeply. When he returned and deepened that kiss Hermione was sure that she was dreaming and would soon wake up. He tasted so warm and spicy, a taste she couldn't get enough of.
When she broke their kiss, his lips trailed down her cheek and down her neck. She sighed and groaned in pleasure. "Severus! Mm, that feels so good!"
"I only want you to feel good, Hermione. My sweet Hermione." He growled in her ear.
Looking in his darker eyes, she found the missing part of her soul. He did indeed love her! She licked her lips for his aftertaste. Then it clicked in her mind – that taste! "You kissed me that day I was told about my parents deaths. You were the one who held me while I was out of it and made me feel so safe! My love, my only!"
His eyes revealed his shock, then his hope, and finally his adoration. "My Hermione!"
Severus held her tight against his chest as she embraced him again. Until a chuckle interrupted them and made both blush. They had forgotten they had an audience – Lady Adorabelle. "Well I can see that I will get some grandchildren at last with you two."
"Mother." Severus' voice held a tone of warning, but his heart was again hoping while his mind was dreaming of how beautiful those children would be, along with how beautiful Hermione would become as her belly time and again swelled with those children.
Then two owls came to the window. One had a huge envelope, while the other carried a single letter. Hermione's smile faded as she clutched her true love close. "Why are there more notes coming now?"
"Last minute calls seem to be the norm since this law was enacted. We'll help you sort through them my dear." Adorabelle sighed and shook her head as she opened the window.
Both owls swooped in as Hermione and Severus came to his mother's side, but the one with the envelope pushed the other away from Hermione's hand. With a sigh, Hermione opened and dumped the contents of the envelope onto the table by the window. Dozens of offer letters!
They all three sorted through the letters.
Mostly they were from Slytherins that Severus assured both women were nearly as bad, if not worse, than Malfoy. All saying they might as well pick the crème of the filthy lot they were force to choose from.
Two graduated Ravenclaws had also drawn up bid papers. One was only out to save her since she was always there to protect his little Hufflepuff sister who was three years behind Hermione. His letter swore she could secretly be with whomever she wanted, because the marriage would only be on paper. It was sweet, but not something she was ready to consider – seeing as when the truth got out she would be sentenced to life in Azkaban or even the Dementor's kiss for adultery.
The other was as nasty, although much more cruder than Malfoy. Telling her sexual fantasies she would have to comply with, how she would have to voluntarily suffer through at least two of the unforgiveables – even sent a paper for her to sign that made such legal! Hermione threw that one in the fire.
Then she found one that said 'Weasley' on the envelope. "Ron can't have put a bid in for me! He's not old enough yet. We all talked about it, and decided that even if he were it would have only been a last minute thing. He and Harry are too much like brothers to me."
Opening the bid she was shocked speechless, but soon became enraged. "How dare that scumbag!"
"Hermione dear, what's wrong?" Adorabelle worried for the young woman she prayed would soon be her daughter.
"It isn't from Ron, but his disowned elder brother Percy! How dare he?" Hermione cried out as she threw the letter to the floor and stormed over to the fire. Her shoulders shook with silent sobs.
Severus picked it up and both he and his mother read the paper over.
Well Miss. Granger,
It would seem that you are on the list for marriage due to an illegal time turner. I must say that I expected better behavior of you. Then again you are still an out spoken friend to Harry Potter, so perhaps you are not as bright as so many have claimed?
To the point, unless you prefer the touch of one of the many Slytherin bids sent you, you have no honorable choice but to accept this bid from myself. After all, Gryffindors should marry their own.
I know that you will be appropriately grateful to me for rescuing you, but I must now tell you the rules of our marriage.
There will be NO further contact with the following people Any members of my birth family. Harry Potter Any of the staff of Hogwarts Any further people I indicate as time goes on You will be removed from Hogwarts the moment we are married. You will be responsible for our home and all meals – via our five house elves. S.P.E.W. will NEVER be mentioned or discussed again. You will accompany me to all functions where it is appropriate that you attend. You will NEVER ask me about my work, my days, or my private contacts. You will be responsible with not only keeping yourself visibly attractive, but fit enough to carry and deliver proper magical children. I am the only one who will have any say whatsoever in the raising of said children. Any added rules will be followed without question, discussion, looks, or other disrespect. You are my property and shall be treated as such.
Now that you understand what you are required to do, the paper I have sent along with this letter only needs your signature. If you do not, I assure you that I will be the husband the Wizengamot will choose for you.
Waiting for your reply,
Percy Weasley
Adorabelle shook her head. "It gets worse. Lucius Malfoy is petitioning you for himself as well. He claims that he will gain you either way it goes. What about this single letter?"
"I don't care! Looks like the plan is still on after all!" Hermione sobbed out. She had fought back her tears and tried to be positive for Severus, but her hope had died.
Severus pulled her into his arms. "What plan?"
Looking up into his eyes, she longed with all her heart that he would be her husband. But now it looked like that was not in their future. "I'm going to kill myself. I'd rather be dead than with any of those whose letters I have read! Why can't I be with you, Severus? What is so wrong with me that I'm punished with those jerks rather than being with the man I love with all my heart? What did I do so wrong?"
"NO YOU DON'T! Even if I have to hide you in the Chamber of Secrets forever, I will not let them take you. And I will not let you end your life. We will find a way, Hermione. Didn't you just tell me that we have to hope because this is a season of miracles?" Severus pulled her close. He couldn't lose her.
"But Severus …" Hermione choked out. Her heart was broken as he held her close. She breathed in his scent deeply, memorized the feeling of him pressed against her, the beating of his heart in her ear, and knowing that he wanted her as much as she wanted him.
Adorabelle gasped. "Looks like there's hope after all! Hermione, open this letter!"
Hermione looked at the envelope to find the sweetest name she ever thought that she would ever see – S. Snape. She tore it open and giggled as her happy tears fell.
Dear Miss. Granger,
I am writing to you on behalf of my son, your Potions Master, Severus. Looking over your records, especially what my son has written about you in particular, I see why Severus adores you as he does. You are brilliant, and have matched, and in some cases beaten, his own records of achievement at Hogwarts – which is no easy task to say the least. You are also a very powerful and talented witch. Severus spoke of you creating a successful Polyjuice Potion without supervision in your second year. That young lady is an achievement that not even I have done.
When we spoke in the Gryffindor Common Room this evening, you were quite strong willed and outspoken, which are two qualities I know that any wife of Severus' would need. You were also able to not only keep up with the conversation, but took it into territories not usually taken. That takes wits and confidence, young lady.
You know of my son's past and his current situation, yet you spoke up for him and defended him against me. I received the distinct impression that you would have taken our verbal battle to blows if need be. My dear, that is an act none have done or by any means insinuated being willing to do for Severus in his entire life. He too was taken aback by your actions and words when I told him of it with my mind link to him.
It also seems that before your father and mother were murdered, your father was intending to ask me to consider you as a possible wife for my son. I have been told that you were hoping for this to happen. With the all the good things about you I have read, heard, and have witnessed for myself – how could I refuse so perfect a match for my son? Especially when he so obviously would not only benefit from this match, but would be very pleased with it as well?
Though you may have many proposals promising you many things, I must be blunt. Our family has suffered greatly for Severus' past mistakes. We are in no way poor, but I cannot promise you the world. We do not have a good reputation, and you would be marrying into that. People will speak ill of you, you will be given ill looks, and there is the distinct possibility that people you now see as friends will turn their back on you if you marry my son.
Yet, I can promise that you would be marrying a good man if you choose to sign the form I have sent with this letter. He cares deeply for you, both by his own words and from my own observations of his reactions to you. He would willingly give his life for yours. He also holds you in the highest of regards and always has.
Yet, my dear, the choice is yours.
Yours Faithfully,
Lord Serenus Austen Phoebus Snape
Hermione excitedly looked at the form that was with the letter. It was a marriage license! The first step in the marriage process! And all she had to do was sign it, and Severus would be her fiancé! It read:
This Ministry of Magic Document legally binds
Severus Snape
And
Miss. Hermione Anne Marie Granger
In marriage
Effective
____________________
according to the Interbreed Marriage Act
Requested By
Groom's Father:
Lord Serenus Austen Phoebus Snape
And
Bride's Father:
Rodger Michael Granger
Witnessed by
Albus Dumbledore
And
Minerva McGonagall
Signed:
Severus Calleo Giles Snape
And
_______________
Ceremony Performed by:
________________
All that Hermione had to do was sign it! That was why there was that look of pleading in Severus' eyes all through breakfast and lunch! He was praying that his father would agree to the match and that she would sign the paper! Severus had already signed it himself, as had her father before his death!
Hermione fought back her tears as she signed the paper. It lit up as her signature became a dark watermark in the weave of the paper just as all the others were, and the date was magically filled in. They would only have twenty-four hours to wed since she was in her last hours of having the right to choose her husband. The date read as the wedding being set for the next day – December 24th, what a wonderful day to be married on!
She smiled beamingly up at her husband-to-be. Her sweetest dream had come true. And her father had somehow taken care of her from beyond the grave. Without a word the pair kissed deeply.
Then a deep voice broke into the moment. "I see that you have finally accepted an offer for your hand, Miss. Granger. And according to my watch, you did so just in time."
Severus pulled out his watch, and Hermione looked at its face with him. She had one minute left! After hugging her fiancé tight a moment, Hermione went over to his father. "Thank you, sir."
"Child I thought you were asked to use both mine and my wife's given names? After all, soon we will be family." Serenus smiled as he embraced her.
Hermione chuckled as she hugged him tight. She had parents again. "Yes father. Thank you so much."
Albus entered the room with Minerva, both of them beaming. The school's Head Master chuckled as he saw the smile on his Potions Master's face. "I say that Miss. Granger is going to make life here at Hogwarts much brighter to say the least."
"Albus …" Severus had to fight his happiness to force the sour face all were used to onto his face.
Minerva didn't buy it for a moment. "Oh Severus, you know that he is teasing and that we on the staff are all so happy for you both. So, when will be the day?"
"The day that Miss. Granger becomes Mrs. Malfoy in one form or another, Professor McGonagall?" Came the cold voice of Lucius Malfoy, who had Draco haunting the area right behind him.
Fighting the urge to shutter, Hermione held her head high. Glancing at her glaring love, Hermione smiled brightly. "That is where you are wrong, Mr. Malfoy."
"Where do you get off speaking when you are not spoken to, you filthy little mudblood?" Draco spat at her back as Hermione crossed over to Severus.
The smile on her face was nearly impossible for him to not mimic. Severus knew at that moment that he only wanted to see this young woman smile. Her smile lit up not only her face, but the room, the situation, and his far too long cold and lonely heart as well. When she curled against his side, Severus possessively wrapped his arm around her shoulders. The glare of jealousy that he received from both Malfoys was worth all the pain of the past.
"I suggest that you give more respect to my fiancée, Mr. Malfoy. After all, you still have my class the rest of this school year. I doubt that you will have high enough grades to justify your continuing in my class next year."
"She's mine!" Draco spat.
Hermione took her turn to glare at him. "Wrong Draco! I signed Severus' bid for my hand just a few moments ago – plenty enough time to keep me out of your two's reach for good!"
"Your father has to approve it you stupid mudblood!" Draco spat back.
"And he did the day before his death, Mr. Malfoy." Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling.
But Malfoy Sr. was not about to give up that easily. "Then I will exercise my right to challenge the match in a duel."
That frightened Hermione. She looked up at her love. "Severus?"
"He has the right to Hermione. Yet, that does not mean that he will take your hand from me."
Lucius had a smirk that spoke otherwise. "We shall soon see, Severus."
"I don't understand." Adorabelle looked to her husband to stop this, knowing full well that her son could be seriously injured.
Serenus glared hotly at the father and son blocking his own son's happiness. "Any who sent a request to Hermione may challenge her choice by court or duel."
"And all challenges must be dealt with before the wedding will be allowed to take place – the winner takes all." Lucius explained with a false sweetness in his throat and in his false smile. "So, how long were the two of you going to wait?"
"You and I will deal with this duel now, Lucius. And then I am going to marry my fiancée." Severus glared hard.
***********************************
While Severus and Lucius climbed the platform and walked to its center, Hermione's heart raced. She didn't trust any Malfoy. And the way Draco was undressing her with his eyes didn't help any.
A wand salute, a bow, and then the pair turned and walked several paces out. When they turned to face one another, Hermione felt like fainting. She felt her love's father holding her up from behind. This was too hard on her.
"The one to be disarmed will have no claim to Hermione Granger." Dumbledore's voice was tight and there was no twinkle in his eyes. Hermione was more terrified by that concept, the idea that she would have to live without her only love. But the duel could not be stopped. "One, two, three!"
Spells flew fast and furious, both men took hits, but neither lost his wand. With each hit Severus took, Hermione felt her body take the hit as well. Tears were in her eyes and she was terrified.
Suddenly Severus took a hard hit and had his shoulder torn out of place. Hermione had to fight the urge to scream out for him. That would break his concentration, and possibly get him killed.
Before he could completely stand and get ready to continue the battle, Lucius sent a simple spell! "Mimble Wimble!"
That would make Severus be not able to cast his next spell clearly! Thankfully he heard the spell and put up a defense wall fast.
They both continued to call that spell's course by each in turn creating a wall before them that succeeded in bouncing the muttering spell and sending it back to the other man. With each hit and redirection of the muttering spell, it sped up and intensified. Each block and switch made Hermione's heart race faster and faster!
Then, as the spell was returning to Severus, Malfoy sent a new spell! It was muttered and because of the first spell's intensity she couldn't see the new spell's color. Hermione had no idea what was heading for her love or if he knew it was coming! But, Severus too noticed the second spell! Thank the Great Wizards too! But defending from two separate spells was difficult.
Somehow Severus sent his own Mimble Wimble out! Three spells were just too much for Malfoy Sr.! Severus' spell went unnoticed by Malfoy until it hit him. Lucius' next attempt to block his intensely powerful similar spell failed and he was hit again! Then the third spell had no barrier to throw it off! It hit, Lucius' wand dropped, and Draco's father fell as well. It had been the Death Curse he had sent! Now he was dead by his own curse.
Severus left the platform and instantly pulled Hermione into an embrace with his good arm. They had their future ahead of them at last. Until that is Draco got his voice back.
"I challenge the engagement as well! By duel old man!"
Poppy glared at the young man. "Let me heal him first, then have your silly duel!"
"Fine. Two hours old man! But you will never be able to defeat me!" Draco spat as he sat down and smirked.
Hermione was terrified. Now that his father was dead over her, if Draco won – she didn't want to imagine her future as Mrs. Draco Malfoy!
She helped her love to the Hospital Wing. It was an hour later that Poppy came out to report. "He's fine, but he needs a few more hours to heal properly."
"The challenge must be met within the time frame Draco set." Dumbledore shook his head.
Hermione felt cold. She didn't need to be told the rest of it. "And if he doesn't, Draco gets me. Excuse me everyone, I want to be with Severus."
She didn't want their pity. She just needed to see that her love was safe, and then spend what little time she had left with him. He was on the bed with his eyes closed, yet his body was tense and on alert. Hermione sighed and shook her head. "It's me, love."
"Hermione? Come here love." Severus reached out his good arm as he opened his eyes to look at her.
Smiling she laid on the bed beside him. For the first time she was in the same bed as him. Hermione felt so safe and loved and warm in that sweet moment. Yet, there was that resignation in the air. Hope was dwindling fast between the two of them.
Severus sighed, closed his eyes, reveled in the feel of her lying beside him, and kissed her forehead. "We have little time now, my Hermione."
"Shush, we got our miracle of becoming a couple, of sharing our loves for one another, of getting to become engaged. I'm not ready to give up. I love you, and I'm going to keep on believe that another miracle is just waiting to walk up on us." Hermione felt the tears prickling her eyes.
For a heartbeat, it looked like she would indeed be committing suicide that night. In that heartbeat she gave in to her fears. I that heartbeat she begged her parents, his parents, and Severus to forgive her weakness in taking her life rather than living to annoy the hell out of Malfoy.
Then her heart beat again, and hope was reborn.
"Well one miracle front, center, and ready to kick Malfoy butt!" Came a familiar voice.
Hermione twisted to find Harry Potter, along with Ron and Ginny Weasley! Ron winked, "We find the two of you in bed before the wedding? Miss. Rulebook Granger, having fun before getting a ring? So, what did he slip in your juice this morning 'Mione?"
"Probably some love potion or another that he refused to teach us so he'd have the first shot at 'Mione." Harry teased.
"Ron! Harry!" Hermione groaned and rolled her eyes. The pair just refused to completely grow up. Still she was so happy to see them and Ginny at that moment.
"We're just teasing you two. We all came to celebrate the second Dumbledore's letter arrived telling us about you and Snape getting hitched. Good thing too, Percy has showed up demanding a duel as well." Ron reported while Harry's eyes showed he was deeply happy for the couple but angry at what they were going through.
"Nonetheless, mom and dad are livid – and really that is an understatement" Ginny shook her head.
Hermione hid her face on Severus' chest. But she had friends who wouldn't let her down.
Harry walked over to the end of the bed. "Professor Snape, Hermione is one of my best friends. And you have done so much to keep me safe – despite what my dad did to you. Please, let me pay you back. Let me stand in for you during the duel against Malfoy."
Ron sighed as he joined Harry. "You protected us all for years. Taught us how to not kill ourselves when making potions – well at least tried in some cases. And if it weren't for Hermione, I wouldn't be as far as I am today. Let me duel Percy. Besides, he needs to be taught the lesson that family isn't to be put down to join what one finds is the richer deal."
Severus shut his eyes. He couldn't face two duels more in his condition – that fact he had to face. This was stabbing his pride harshly. But to not face the challenges mean that he would lose Hermione to one of the monsters demanding to face him. What could he do?
He sighed hard as he gave the sneer he gave his class when giving them an assignment. "I expect you both to defend Hermione with your absolute Gryffindor best. But I also bind you to never discuss this with anyone – ever."
"Agreed." Both young men said in unison.
Hermione's eyes were full of tears because of the devotion her friends were showing. Severus kissed her cheek. "You have to be at the duels if they are to be official love."
"But!"
He silenced her by laying his fingers on her lips. "I will be fine. I want this over so when I am standing later we can be wed and no more scum will try to take you from me. Now go on my know-it-all. Trust me this time."
Hermione smiled gently as she softly kissed his lips. The look in her eyes told him full well the passion she held in her heart for him alone. "I have trusted you since the end of my first year, and I will never stop trusting you. It's just trusting the world with you I have a problem with."
Severus smirked a grin and kissed her lips before letting go of his future wife.
***********************************
A few minutes later, the Golden Trio walked into the Great Hall. Immediately they noticed that the dueling platform was different. It was wider, with a magical rope in the center.
Harry and Ron kept Hermione behind them as Malfoy approached with a triumphant smirk on his face. "Old man couldn't get it together Granger? Now you see why you need a young man to keep you. Get over here so we can go home, and I show you where you have always belonged."
"Not in this or any other life Malfoy!" Hermione snapped hard.
Ron glared as Harry spat out. "Hermione will not be going with you anywhere, Malfoy. Ron and I are Professor Snape's seconds. The rites allow for that. Since Professor Snape is too harmed to duel in the time allotment you gave, I will duel you in his place."
"And you're dueling me, Percy." Ron scowled at his one time elder brother.
Percy smirked with a glint in his eye. "Then get ready to lose little brother …"
"YOU ARE NO BROTHER OF MINE!" Ron growled dangerously.
That only served to deepen Percy's smirk – in his mind the battle was already won, so long as he kept the younger Weasley brat angry. "Fine. But she will be mine Ron. Harry is whining glory-hog, but I know how to beat him. Once he defeats Malfoy, I will end his lying ways."
"Percy, you sound as if all you have to do is wait for your turn to battle Harry. You have to get past me to get anywhere near Hermione. And, before you bring up our last duel, I was twelve years old. I have one or two tricks up my sleeve you will never see coming." Ron glared as his ears turned red as his hair.
Hermione didn't feel all that confident when Percy snorted. "Same old Ronald. Your mouth is bigger than your brain as usual. Hermione dear, I hope you have reviewed the rules of our marriage and are already packed to leave, as you will not be returning to Hogwarts after the holidays. Oh, and we have a party to go to in the morning. Be ready by no later than seven forty-five."
"That time of the morning I will be with my current fiancé, if not my husband, Severus Snape." Hermione spat out.
Draco glared harshly. "Wrong mudblood. You'll be in my bed on your back, with your mouth shut for once."
"You have never beaten me, Malfoy. And I don't plan on letting Hermione and the Professor down by starting to lose to scum like you now." Harry growled, his green eyes darkening to a hunter green color with hate and rage.
Minutes later the duels were begun. Rather than risk either man interfering to increase his chance of winning, Dumbledore had set the platform to allow two duels simultaneously. All of the guests, along with a worried Hermione, watched from a dais raised above the platform. This way both matches would be witnessed and legal.
Ron was having trouble from the start, while Harry's duel happened very much like the dueling club their second year – only with much stronger spells. Yet none of the four competitors had lost their wand. In fact both duels carried on for nearly an hour.
Then came a breakthrough! Ron smirked! "Think you have me figured out Percy? I learned from the best Wizard Duelist there is – Harry, not you – and I have you beat."
Percy roared with laughter. Hermione was shaken to the core. Ron had burns, cuts, and bruises everywhere – while Percy was relatively mark free. Ron was bent over and hobbling, while Percy stood tall and didn't seem to have broken a sweat. Ron was panting, while Percy was standing there smiling.
"Look Ron, do yourself a favor and give up on the girl. She needs to be with someone who can take care of her, is a Gryffindor, and can keep her in her proper place. All that I learned from mother rather than girly father."
That made a change come over Ron in a heartbeat. He went from near broken to standing tall and firm in the blink of an eye. Percy acted like it didn't phase him, but both Hermione and Ron had seen that second of fear and shock on the other man's face. "Father has never been girly, but you had your nose up another's arse too high for too long to see that. And, as you can see Percy, you have much to learn about me."
One spell was all it took and the duel was back on. It had turned after that however. Ron was now on the offensive, and Percy was barely holding his own. Until Ron hit him with an unexpected leg-locker curse, and Percy fell to the mat. His wand hand hit first, causing pain, which made him open the hand. His wand flew out of his hand. PERCY HAD LOST THE MATCH!
Hermione smiled down on her friend, who smiled back at her. Not only had Hermione been saved from a marriage to Percy, but Ron and his family had been vindicated as well.
Ron didn't say a word as he left the platform and went to stand next to his friend. Hermione smiled and hugged him close. "Thanks Ron."
"After all we've been through together? Could let him break up the Golden Trio, could I? Plus, call it pay back for that Halloween I hurt you our first year." Ron blushed a little.
He had felt bad from the moment Neville had told them all about her crying in the bathroom all day, until he finally called her a friend on the way back to their common room. Now he had shown all how dear this woman was to him, a sister he might have never known.
Hermione smiled brighter with tears fighting to be free of her eyes. "You made up for that a long time ago."
The pair the focused on the remaining duel that had went on without pause. The situation was heating up and becoming more and more deadly. Harry was fighting off four separate spells and talking to a snake at the same time in Parseltongue. He had become quite the wizard and man in the trio's years at Hogwarts. His grace, focus, and control had Malfoy angry.
After a beat or two, the snake Malfoy had spelled into the room (as the Serpensortia spell only transports snakes to an area rather than creates them) began to slither towards the blonde mincingly. It caught Malfoy's attention for a split second – which was far too long. All four spells hit him and spun his body further down the platform. The last did the needed job of jarring loose the wand from Draco's hand. Hermione was free!
Tears came to her eyes as she sobbed in joy. Ron cheered loudly, while Hermione relaxed into her future father-in-law's arm. Harry smiled. After all that Hermione and Snape had done for him, he was able to give back to them specifically – rather than as he had to the Wizarding world as a whole by destroying the Dark Lord for good and all.
Draco grabbed his wand and exploded out of the Great Hall. It left Harry with a cold chill in his body. "This isn't good."
Hermione panicked and ran out of the room, followed by her dearest friends and family.
By the time they made it to the infirmary, Malfoy was already there and had Severus under the Cruciatus Curse. Ending it at Hermione's scream he smirked and moved to end Hermione's future happiness. "Avada …"
"Stupefy!" Harry, Ron, Ginny, along with all of the adults all roared – aiming their wands at Malfoy. The force of all the spells hitting him at once slammed him into the far wall.
"Severus!" Hermione screamed as Harry and Ron both held her back while Madame Pomfrey worked hard and relentlessly. After a short time they were able to half drag-half carry her into the hall to wait for the news.
Hours passed without word. Hermione would rock in her chair or pace the hall. By this time all of those who were her friends in the past (or respected Professor Snape and were not Death Eaters) had arrived and settled in the hall and near by to wait with her. Even the castle ghosts were haunting the hall in hopes that the Professor would not be joining them, Peeves included!
Near eleven o'clock Albus came outside and there was no twinkle in his eyes. Hermione knew without him saying a word. Closing her eyes, she accepted that her love was gone – and that she would soon join him. "Is he gone?"
Albus nodded. The hall filled with sobs and many passed on the news to the rest. Hermione swallowed, "can I …"
"Of course, dear. Come in." Albus took her elbow gently as Hermione fought to hold herself together.
Yes, her only love was gone. But, it was only temporary. In a few short minutes she would be with him.
She, Minerva, Albus and Poppy (as they all insisted she address them during the holiday) were the only ones in the room. Poppy went over it all.
Severus' mind had seized at the wrong time and it had opened up an aneurysm in the center of his brain. She had easily treated it and two other that might have killed him, and then another seizure (an effect of the curse in cases of prolonged exposure) stopped his heart. Try as she might, Poppy hadn't been able to get it going again. His muscles were no longer rigid since his death had ended the spell, and so too had ended the other after effects.
Hermione was still numb from it all. Here she was free to marry Severus, but he was gone. Taking a breath to keep her tears inside, she swallowed. "Can I have time alone with him … please?"
"Of course dear. We will find a way to keep you save from any further engagements while you mourn, and find a way to safe guard your future. Just as he would have wanted." Minerva said amiably.
Hermione only nodded and walked over to his bedside. Once the door shut and she felt the wards and silencing charm rise into place, she broke down.
The tears just wouldn't stop. She pulled away the sheet from his face. Merlin, he was so young and beautiful to her. For the first time since she signed the marriage certificate, his face was relaxed. She crawled into the bed and cuddled next to his still warm body. This was where she felt safe and at peace – this was her only home and only love.
It wasn't until near midnight that she realized nothing was going to change her fate. She was not going to be Mrs. Snape, no matter how much she cried. But being the wife of any other man was just wrong. So, she would join her love on the other side.
Hermione sat up and wiped away her tears. Looking on his face for the last time, she sighed and kissed his cooling lips. "I'll be with you soon, Severus. I love you so much. I could never marry anyone but you."
She got up, straightened the sheet, and covered his face after one last longing gaze. Then she left. Everyone in the hall had left to give her privacy. Luckily those of her house were all in the Great Hall mourning. She went into her room and looked into the bathroom to the bath already set – the plan was on.
Quickly she set out her goodbye notes on her desk. Picked out the outfit she wanted to be set on the funeral pyre in. Then it hit her … she wanted to have her rites with her love. Quickly she wrote out one last note to Albus. Now her affairs were in order.
She slid out of her clothes, pinned up her hair, sighed and went into the bathroom.
The water was scented with green tea, lavender, and chamomile and was covered in a nice foam. Just the temperature she liked Hermione found as she tested the water with her hand. Her bath pillow was in place, as was the black box.
After her parents' deaths, she had kept a few of their items. One was the long 'cut throat' razor her father once used to shave with (before she came along). Until this night the box was in her vault in Gringotts. Hermione had collected the box a few days before, but had left it in the larger box of mementos until just before she had went to take a last look at the scene outside the common room window … before …
Sighing again with a heavy heart, she slid into the water. Hermione then went into her happiest memories and created what she wished this day had been like.
Her parents would still be alive. Her mother would have been busy all day with Adorabelle and Minerva in getting Hermione, Ginny, Lavender, and Parvati ready for the wedding.
Hermione smiled as she saw her wedding unfold without a single hitch – chuckling at the pun in her own thoughts. Her father walking her up the aisle to a dark but dashing Severus Snape. Their vows, the kiss, and the announcement – "I now present to you Severus and Hermione Snape."
Hermione could imagine what it would have felt like dancing with her new husband. The traditions would have been fun. She saw in her mind Ginny catching her bouquet, and Harry blushing hotly as he caught the garter. Oh the looks in the Weaselys' eyes!
Fred and George would tease Harry. Ron would probably add in now and again. Molly would shoo the three away, but smile all the same – probably already planning the next wedding. Severus would smirk at how uncomfortable poor Harry would be, but say nothing (instead of ending up on the couch for a month as Hermione would whisper as a warning).
The pictures obviously would be taken by Colin Creevey. There would have been a huge ball that Albus and Minerva would have pulled together in hours, but would seem as if they had worked on it since Hermione's first year at the school – if not since her birth.
Then she and Severus would slip away to the dungeons, to consummate their vows. It would have been a night she would have never forgotten. Maybe she would have caught with a pregnancy for the first time this night. It would have been nice.
A little boy or even a little girl – maybe twins. Even if he wouldn't like it at first, she was sure she could have talked Severus into accepting Harry and Ron as godfathers for the babies, along with Ginny and … well she wasn't sure who would be the babies' other godmother would have been.
Feeling the tiny angels growing in her belly, bringing them into the world. Hermione calculated in her mind that should have given birth about September. Oh man, having to call Severus out of his class because the kids decide it's time to make their grand entrance into the world. But it would have been worth it.