Disclaimer: The usual - Rowling owns all; we're just having some fun.

A/n: My first attempt at writing, so you'll understand if it ain't up to par. It did help me realize one thing though, the effort that writers put in to produce a piece, effort I have, until now, taken pretty much for granted.

I apologize for the brevity of chapters, but as a beginner, I'm finding it easier to write short chapters. By the way, does anyone know how I can attain a beta?

Prologue

"What?! You cannot be serious! Albus you must be completely out of your twisted mind!! I refuse to marry that Gryffindor brat!"

"Severus..." Albus began.

"No, Albus, NO!"

"Professor Snape, I demand that you immediately settle down and listen to what I have to say." came the Headmaster's voice of steel, as he gazed sternly, but sorrowfully, at his irate Head of Slytherin.

"I find no pleasure in forcing anyone into such a sacred union, but you must understand, my boy, we have no choice."

There was not a hint of a twinkle behind the half moon glasses upon that rather crooked nose. The table was amazingly bereft of candy or calming tea; Fawkes was eerily still. Not a portrait made a sound.