Hermione Granger had never been one to measure her life in days or years. She was more prone to measure her life in inches of parchment, or cups of boomslang skin that she was forever stealing to aide Harry in one of his quests to save their world… but never had she had the inclination to sit back and think about her days on the earth. However, on January 27, 2008, Hermione Granger was definitely counting her years.

Hermione Granger

Dear Mrs. Granger,

The Ministry of Magic is pleased to inform you that due to recent multiple uses of a time turner, you are currently of age to participate in our newly instated marriage law. The rising number of squibs born into the wizarding community has put our world into a precarious position, and immediate action is required if we are to preserve the magic we hold dear. We require your hasty marriage to a purebred or a half-blood wizard of your choice, to help us in this endeavor. Within the week you should begin to receive petitions for your hand from suitable bachelors. A decision must be made within the month, or the choice will regrettably be taken out of your hands. The Ministry will be waiting for your decision.

Cornelius Fudge

Yes, the Ministry had given her a choice. And just as quickly, the Order had taken it away.

"I'll do it. I'll marry her. She can live here at Grimmauld Place with me and…" Albus Dumbledore cut off Sirius Black with a wave of his hand. "And nothing… seeing as you are supposed to be dead".

Remus Lupin ran his hands worriedly through his graying hair. "I would marry her in a heartbeat but I think she would probably be safer with someone who didn't turn into an animal every month."

"A heartbeat, Remus? A heartbeat? You won't propose to me, but you would marry that LITTLE GIRL in a heartbeat?" Tonks voice rose until it cracked. Remus visibly winced.

"A figure of speech, Nymphadora." Dumbledore's voice stilled Tonks before she had time to continue her tirade against her erring lover. "Thank you, Remus, for your concern but you changing once a month would leave her vulnerable to attacks and that would be against the point. Now we have come together tonight to find a solution to Mrs. Granger's problem and we cannot leave until we have found one. She has received owls already from Lucius Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe, and numerous other known death eaters. To marry any of these men would be suicide. She must find a husband that can protect her and protect himself, for death eaters will murder to get to Harry Potters best friend. I have no doubt that Voldemort is somehow responsible for this insane law… this is undoubtedly proof that he has infiltrated the Ministry of Magic. The end is near. We need to band together now more than ever. That includes taking care of our students affected by this law. Now… any more suggestions?"

Molly Weasley was quick to throw in her son's names into the mix, but the suggestion was not met with enthusiasm.

Dumbledore attempted to soothe her bruised ego. "Molly, I'm sure that any one of your boys would be a wonderful husband to Hermione, but she needs someone who can protect her against dark wizards and can hold their own against types like Lucius Malfoy. I cannot forfeit the safety of your sons, Molly. And if you stop to think about it, neither can you."

Molly contemplated this for a moment and turned to Hermione. "I wish I could help you, love, but…."

Hermione cut her off with a small smile." I completely understand. And I would have loved to have been your daughter. But you are right. None of your sons can give me what I need. I'm beginning to wonder if there is anyone who can."

"You are quite right, Miss Granger." Severus Snape, who had been a silent observer during the entire meeting, finally spoke up. "It would be a noble gesture for one of those young men to marry you, and it would be an even nobler thing when they martyred themselves trying to fight for you. Might I suggest, Headmaster, looking into someone with a little more power but a little less brains… the younger Malfoy, perhaps? Malfoy might be on his way to becoming a junior death eater but he does not hold enough power or enough cunning to use Miss Granger against Potter. And, contrary to popular belief, the Malfoy women are expected to act like royalty so they are treated like queens. She may not like what he stands for but he would never actually hurt her."

Sirius practically shook with rage. "We will NOT hand her over to a junior death eater so that those other fuckers can do whatever they want with her. You know how it works… when one gets a bride they all take a turn at her. I've heard the stories. Severus, I know you have not been a death eater for many years now, but I'm SURE you remember how it was. How dare you suggest we throw Hermione to the wolves?"

Severus sighed. "I merely suggested that there are other options besides Order members. Options that won't get anyone maimed or killed. And, yes, dog, I do remember how it was. Don't ever imply that I have forgotten."

"And with that being said, I think I have come up with the perfect solution." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled madly, and Hermione thought for a wild moment that he was going to propose to her himself. This, she admitted, would be a sight better than Draco Malfoy. "Hermione shall marry one of our members. She needs someone who is familiar with the dark arts, and who knows a bit about how Voldemort works. And who knows this better than Severus Snape?"

Protests rang from every corner of the room. Hermione screwed her face up in disgust, and was slightly offended, but not surprised, when she saw that her potions professor's face mirrored her own.

"Silence!" Dumbledore commanded, and Hermione was slightly reminded of her first year. She wondered at how a hush fell over the entire room. "This is my final decision. Severus, you shall marry Miss Granger. Tomorrow!"

And with a pop, Dumbledore disapperated from the room.