Hermione was run ragged by her and Ron's mother. It took a lot to find a compromise between muggle and wizard rituals but they found it. By the end of those two weeks Hermione was damn near sick and tired of all things matrimonial.
Hermione stood in front of the mirror. She really liked her dress. It was a strapless corset top dress that had a medium length train behind it. She had, had shoes but at last minute she decided to ditch them in the closet. No one could tell because of the dress, she had never been a fan of high heels.
"Ready?" Her mom asked as she poked her head in the door. They had decided to hold the wedding in a park near the Weasley's home. Hermione was currently in a gazebo that was make-shifted into a bride's room.
"Yes!" Hermione said, taking a deep breath. She turned to her mother just as a loud explosion sounded through the air.
"What was that?" Hermione asked, running to the door. Another explosion shook the ground and Hermione grabbed one of the supports to the gazebo. Hermione grabbed her wand from her bag by the door and went outside.
"Death eaters!" She said when she saw black cloaked people attacking the wedding guests.
"Mom, Dad Run!" She told her parents.
"What abo-" Her father started.
"Don't worry about me! Find somewhere safe!" Hermione said. The Order was fighting them off the best they could. A gorgeous afternoon was turned into a war zone.
"Mione!" A voice called her. She turned to see Tonks in her purple bridesmaids dress.
"Come on, they're after you!" She said. Hermione took her hand and the girls ran for the apparations boundary
Lucius heard the two of them and came up behind them wand brandished. He stunned Tonks and she fell to the ground. Hermione turned around with a gasp. Lucius got a hard grasp on her arm and jerked her close to him. Hermione went to raise her wand but Lucius grabbed it, pulled it from her hand, and threw it away. Lucius then began to pull Hermione from the battle that had erupted around them.
Severus bound another death eater on the ground. He hadn't even expected this attack and that pissed him off. He had been invited to the wedding as some extra security.
"Severus!" He heard Albus call. Severus turned to him and looked in the direction Albus was pointing. Severus turned to see Lucius dragging a fighting Hermione towards the tree line. The death eaters had come on foot, that was how they surprised the Order. Severus ran towards Lucius and Hermione.
Hermione didn't give Lucius a moment of ease. Lucius growled as she twisted her wrists.
"Stop struggling you filthy little mudblood!" He spoke. Hermione would recognize that voice anywhere.
"If I'm so filthy then why did you purpose? Malfoy!" Hermione said and twisted her wrists. She got one free but the other got painfully wrenched and was still in his hand. She elbowed him in the ribs and when he leaned forward she flung her head backwards.
"Ow!" Hermione cried when she felt pain on the back of her head. She reached a hand up to rub the sore spot and looked over her shoulder. Lucius was doubled over and Hermione tried to run but Lucius sent a curse at her, rendering her unconscious. Hermione collapsed and Lucius picked her up. He threw her over his shoulder. He got into the trees when Severus gained on them.
Severus pushed Lucius from behind, causing him to fall forward and drop Hermione.
"Why wasn't I told about today?" Severus growled. Lucius looked up to him and got to his feet.
"To further secure your place with Dumbledore that's why," Lucius said. Severus nodded.
"Now, why are you here?" Severus asked. Lucius held his bleeding nose, glaring at Severus.
"To send a message to Granger. The dark lord won't let her marry anyone outside his circle," Lucius said. Severus looked down to Hermione. Lucius went to pick Hermione up.
"Leave her, I will take care of it," Severus said.
"B-" Lucius began to protest.
"Message received Lucius, leave!" Severus growled. Lucius glared at him before running the rest of the way to the apparations boundary.
Severus looked down to Hermione's unconscious form. He knelt down next to her and whispered a spell.
"Ennervate," Severus said. Hermione groaned as she opened her eyes. She cried out when she felt the pain in her head.
"Ow," She said and sat up. Hermione got to her feet and looked to Severus.
"We must get back," Severus told her. Hermione followed him. They returned to a half demolished park. The death eaters were either gone or bound.
"Hermione!" Hermione turned to see Harry running towards them. He hugged her so desperately.
"Harry what's wrong?" Hermione asked.
"I thought they got you too," Harry said. Hermione soon found herself surrounded by the Weasley children.
"Harry where's Ron?" Hermione asked.
"They killed him, one of the death eaters, walked right up to him and used the killing curse." Harry told her. Hermione felt tears sting her eyes and before she knew it she had her face buried in his shoulder crying.
At the Funeral the entire Order was there. Percy came back and asked his families forgiveness. They welcomed him back with open arms. Mrs. Weasley had yet to stop crying and the twins yet to start talking. Hermione and Harry stayed at the site long after Ron had been buried. Albus and Severus stood at the cemetery gates waiting for them.
"Miss Granger?" A voice asked. Hermione turned around to find a man dressed in ministry robes.
"Can I help you?" She asked.
"Yes, I need your choice of proposal. Your deadline is tomorrow," He said. Hermione glared at him.
"You could have at least waited until morning you bastard!" Hermione said and tried to walk around him. He grabbed her arm violently.
"You should show some respect and besides I need to put it in today so it will be signed and approved by tomorrow," He growled at her. Hermione jerked her arm back from him and glared at the man. She didn't know what to do. She looked to Albus whom was pointing at Severus. Severus was looking at Albus with a raised eyebrow. Albus looked back at Severus, whom shrugged and nodded to her.
"Snape!" Hermione declared to the official.
"Hermione, No!" Harry said. Hermione looked back at Harry.
"There's no one else Harry," Hermione told him quietly.
"I cou-" Harry said but was cut off.
"Your magical lineage has to go back for at least five generations on both sides, Snape it is. He however is not on your list of proposals. I assume he did it in person?" The official asked. Hermione nodded.
"Very well then, I will see you in six months" He told her. Hermione gave him a concerned look.
"Pardon?" Hermione asked.
"For your pregnancy test, You are at the top of the list to keep an eye on," He told her.
"To keep an eye on?" Hermione questioned.
"Yes, that you are just getting married to comply with the law and save yourself. Your marriage needs to conceive a child in 6 months, see you then, have a good day," He said and walked from the cemetery. Hermione was in pure shock.
"Why? What is wrong with the ministry?" She asked and fresh tears rolled down her face. Harry hugged her as Albus and Severus came to stand near them.
"Voldemort has full control of the ministry, that's why there is so much focus on you," Albus told her.
"He's trying to get under Harry's skin, to unnerve him," He added.
"Well it's working," Harry growled as he held Hermione.
"Let's get back to headquarters," Albus said, apparating them all away. They got to number 12 Grimwauld. Severus apparated away on his own and Hermione went inside. Harry and Albus lingered on the street.
"Is there something you wish to say Harry?" Albus asked. Harry turned to him.
"It feels wrong for Hermione to marry anyone other than Ron. It's like she's betraying him. Then to marry Snape to boot," Harry replied.
"Would you rather never see her again?" Albus asked. Harry looked at Albus.
"That's not what I meant, I couldn't lose her too," Harry said. A silence lingered between them.
"You don't think she's thinking the same thing?" Albus asked.
"I'm sure she is, but I'm not saying anything about it to her." Harry replied.
"There is no other way Harry, I've been trying since I got wind of this law. I'm sorry," Albus said. Harry was about to say something before Albus jumped ahead of him.
"Well, I'll see you tomorrow for dinner," He said and began to walk away. Harry turned to speak again but Albus had already apparated away. Harry sighed and walked into his house.
Hermione sat at the table at number twelve Grimwauld place, again, the next day.
"Oy, any one here!" A voice asked. Headquarters was pretty much empty. The Weasleys were at Diagon Alley, Harry with them. They left before she woke up. The rest of the Order was off doing their missions.
"In here!" Hermione called back. Hermione knew who it was when she heard the umbrella holder hit the floor.
"Oh, Wotcher Hermione! What are you doin' here all by yourself?" Tonks asked when she came in the door.
"The quiet is nice," Hermione answered, taking a drink from her glass.
"So, what's happened since I last saw you?" Tonks asked, taking a seat across from Hermione.
"I am the future Mrs. Snape," Hermione replied. Tonks laughed.
"Really?" She asked. Hermione nodded.
"A Ministry official showed up after the funeral and demanded me to choose a husband. The only option I had was Snape," Hermione answered. Tonks nodded.
"Assuming he's really on our side," Tonks replied. Hermione gave a halfhearted laugh.
"A little late now to be pondering that one, don't you think?" Hermione replied. They sat silently for a moment before Tonks couldn't help herself anymore and began to laugh.
"What?" Hermione asked.
"Snape! Hermione Snape! That's going to be fun getting used to!" Tonks said. Hermione raised an eyebrow at her.
"Pardon?" She asked.
"Well think of it! Now when Snape gets smart with you, you can get smart with him and he can't do anything about it! I can't wait to see the arguments you get into" Tonks explained and began to laugh again. Hermione shook her head.
"Snape's going to have his work cut out for him," Tonks said, still grinning.
"What if he's abusive? I'm his wife nothing holding him back from that either," Hermione replied.
"And there's nothing stopping you from cursing his arse, is there?" Tonk said, trying her hardest to not laugh.
"What about the sex?" Hermione asked. Tonks choked and sat forward in her chair as she spoke.
"What? You have to shag him too!?" Tonks asked. Hermione nodded absent mindedly rolled her glass between her hands as she wanted and didn't want to think about all this.
"Who says?" Tonks asked, still in shock.
"The ministry, I have to be pregnant within six months," Hermione answered her and took another drink.
"Well then!" Tonks stated and thought for a minute. She leaned back against her chair and lounged an arm over the back of it as she thought things over.
"I say get lost in the moment and don't forget to tell me every detail. I've been curious about him for a while," Tonks replied with a mischievous smirk. Hermione gave her a shocked look.
"Tonks!" Hermione cried out.
"What? Can't a girl be curious?" Tonks shrugged and sat up again. Hermione rolled her eyes and finished off her drink.
"And how am I supposed to get caught up in the moment? He's my teacher, and he's...Snape for Merlin's sake!" Hermione said. Tonks laughed again and looked down the table as she came up with an answer.
"Got it! Think of it as a kinky sex game...or that you're shagging Dracula," Tonks replied. Hermione laughed this time, shaking her head.
"Ton-" Hermione started but was cut off by the front door creaking open. They both sat as quietly as they could and Tonks pulled her wand from her coat. Hermione did the same and they both stood wands at the door.
The door opened and in stepped the man of the moment. He saw the wands and jumped back against the door brandishing his own.
"Merlin's Pants Snape! Must you really to slink around like that!?" Tonks replied. Severus glared at the two and put his wand away.
"Must you be in this house alone?" He retorted. Tonks put her wand away, ignoring him. Severus pulled out a piece of paper and placed it on the table. He slid it over to Hermione.
"What's this?" She asked, putting her wand away as well.
"Marriage license, sign it. You as well, I suppose, since you're here," Severus replied to Tonks. Tonks walked around the table to Hermione. Hermione searched her pockets and found a pen. She opened the paper and signed it. Tonks signed as a witness and Severus took the paper back. Severus walked right back out the door. Hermione looked to Tonks and they both looked at the door.
"Aye, this is going to be a lot of fun," Hermione replied sarcastically. Tonks shook her head.
"You've got a lot of work ahead of you," Tonks replied. Hermione shook her head.
"I don't know if I can handle this," Hermione said, she began to tear up.
"Hermione," Tonks said and got on the floor in front of her. Tonks held her hands.
"You can do this. You are a Gryfindor for Merlin's sake, You're the strongest girl I know. If you need anything, trust me I will be there for you. I know you have Harry but let's face it he's a boy," Tonks replied. Hermione laughed and nodded.
"Thank you so much, Tonks," Hermione said. Tonks hugged her.
"Come on, Molly is with the kids in Diagon Alley for school supplies. She's putting on a brave face through all of this too," Tonks said. Hermione nodded and they got to their feet.
"As bad off as I am, I couldn't imagine being in her shoes right now. Watching my son get killed like that," Hermione said and wiped her eyes as they headed for the door.
"Hello!" They heard. Hermione and Tonks looked to each other.
"Mrs. Weasley?" Hermione asked, walking towards the open door.
"Oh Yes Dear, we picked up your supplies. We left early so we could make it back for Lunch. Oh and we are having a lot of people over for dinner tonight," Molly said as she, Ginny, Harry, George, Fred, and Percy walked in.
"Wotcher, Tonks. You staying for lunch?" Molly asked. Molly's eyes were still puffy and she was clutching a tissue in one hand.
"Why not," Tonks said. Harry sat down next to Hermione and held her hand. Hermione smiled at Harry and sat down next to him.
"So Hermione, has Severus spoken to you?" Molly asked, the desperation to keep a conversation going was apparent in her voice. Hermione looked up at her.
"Two words, Sign here," Hermione said. Molly gave her an odd look.
"He came by and had the two of us sign the marriage license," Hermione told her and motioned to Tonks.
"He's not giving you a wedding?" Molly asked, making lunch in a speed only she could accomplish.
"I don't think I could go through all that again, I think I'd cry through the whole ceremony. I might even say the wrong name," Hermione replied. Molly nodded.
"I guess Severus was right then, he said he thought it would hurt too much," Molly said, trying not to cry.
"Do you really have to be pregnant?" Ginny asked from across the table, her eyes were red too and she was wearing black robes. Molly turned around and gave Hermione a shocked look.
"Yes, I have six months," Hermione told her.
"Oh the ministry really is heartless! They've gone mad!" Molly exclaimed, dabbing her eyes before passing out plates.
"Though, I wouldn't worry about it too much. They will surely come to their senses by the end of six months," Molly added. Hermione nodded but wasn't completely convinced.
Molly just about had the entire kitchen charmed to begin cooking dinner when Arthur came in and gave her a hug.
"How are you feeling?" He asked with a smile. Molly let out a sob and clung to her husband.
"How am I supposed to feel!? Our boy, our baby boy, is dead and the girl he loved is…," She trailed off. He nodded and just held her. Molly bawled into his chest and Arthur tried to blink back his own tears. He wanted so much to be strong for his family.
"Arthur, I'm scared," Molly said.
"About what?" He asked.
"Hermione and Severus being together. I mean how much do we really, truly, know about Severus? I've never seen him with a woman. I 'ave no idea how he treats them," Molly said, dabbing her eyes with her sleeve. Arthur gave her the handkerchief from his back pocket.
"What if she says the wrong thing and he turns on her?" Molly asked. Arthur laughed at her.
"Molly, Hermione can handle herself. I'd be more worried about what she'd do to him if he hit the wrong nerve," Arthur replied with laughter in his voice.
"Besides Dumbledore trusts him, Trusts him with his life he says. Hermione will be fine," Arthur said. Molly nodded as Arthur wrapped his arms around her again.
"I still worry," Molly said.
"I feel like she's- no she is, she's one of my own. Watched her grow over the past few years with Harry and Ron. That girl's family, I can worry about her all I want. She's one of my daughters and He's a scary man," Molly said. Arthur just smiled at her.
"I love you Mol," Arthur said. Molly smiled up at him
"I love you too," Molly said and stayed in her husband's arms. They held each other silently for a few moments before Molly took a deep breath and composed herself.
"Alright, now get out of me kitchen! I've got supper to get ready," Molly said. Arthur laughed and kissed her.
"Yes, dear," He said and vacated the area or risk getting cursed.
Everyone was gathered down stairs around five o'clock that afternoon. Albus, Remus, Tonks, Mad Eye, Kingsley, all the Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione all squeezed into the small dining room and began dinner. There was still one chair left empty.
"How much longer for Severus?" Molly asked, setting a plate in front of the empty chair.
"Shouldn't be too much longer," Albus told her.
Severus didn't arrive until about half way through the dinner and took his seat next to Albus. Hermione kept looking down the table at him. Her mind raced about what a retched man he had been ever since day one, snapping at her for raising her hand in class. Her thought began to really dig at her and her anger began to silently grow inside her.
After the dinner, Albus, Severus, Remus, Tonks, and Aurthur began a card game. Aurthur had a tall glass of something strong. He would have to wait until things got quiet to work through his own emotions, until then fire whiskey was his only comfort he had as he tried to forget the fact that his youngest son wasn't playing cards with him.
Kingsley politely excused himself and left. Molly shooed Ginny off to bed when she started passing out wine and other various liquors. Molly gave Hermione a glass of wine and without thinking Hermione took a drink and cringed.
"Ugh, tastes like bad grape juice," She said.
"How Ironic, it is made from grapes," Severus replied snidely, taking a drink from his glass of scotch. Hermione glared at him and rose to her feet.
"OH JUST SHUT IT YOU-," She yelled but was cut off. Molly grabbed her shoulder and pulled her back down to her seat.
"Just let it go dear," She said desperately. The second she grabbed Hermione's shoulder, Severus got to his feet.
"Let her go, she wants to say something, let her say it!" Severus replied. Everyone's attention was gathered on them. He looked at Hermione.
"What's wrong?" He asked her.
"Nothing," Hermione forced herself to say.
"Right because people randomly scream at others, its good manner after all," Severus said and sat back down.
"Go shag ye-self!" Hermione said. Tonks covered mouth, laughter again trying to escape her.
"And so it begins," Tonks whispered to Remus.
"You are a bad influence," Remus whispered back to her. Severus had gotten back to his feet.
"You out this hand then Severus?" Arthur asked. Severus didn't answer and Arthur skipped him as he passed out cards.
"What was that?" Severus asked. Hermione looked at him.
"I said 'Go shag, yourself!'. I'm not taking your shit anymore!" Hermione told him boldly.
"Hermione," Harry tried. Hermione was ignoring him.
"It's about damn time, would you like something stronger than your grape juice? All you have to do is ask," Severus replied. Hermione glared at him again. Hermione got up, walked down the table and took his glass of scotch.
"Thief," He said.
"Overgrown Bat," Hermione answered and began to drink. He turned to her with a glare.
"Anything else you want to snap at me?" Severus asked. Hermione looked up at him and said nothing. Severus sat back down to wait for the next hand.
Hermione looked down in her drink and up at him. She couldn't stop herself as tears began to seep from her eyes. Tonks looked over at her, concerned and drew Severus' attention back on her.
"Tears now?" Severus asked. Hermione glared at him then took the glass and slung the amber liquid at him. It drenched Severus and he got to his feet and came at her. Hermione got to her feet too. In the next moment the only thing between them was a table and their faces were inches apart.
"What the bloody hell is your problem?" Severus growled. Hermione looked away and ten right back at him.
"To be honest…" Hermione started, her voice beginning to crack.
"Everything," Hermione said and sank back down into her chair.
"You know the only thing I should be worrying about right now is whether or not I have everything ready for school. Now, I have so much more bullshit to put up with. Some sick twisted bastard has the ministry of magic in the palm of his hand and is bent on ruining my life! I'm supposed to graduation, get a job, and then start worrying about getting married and having babies. And I never dreamed of marrying you, my teacher, a man that has cruelly teased me for six years! You know that when this kid is 11 I will still be in my twenties!" Hermione said.
"They may change the law by tim-" Molly tried.
"Voldemort's got the ministry by the balls and is sicking them on me, it won't be gone by then, He won't let it!" Hermione said to Molly before turning back to Severus.
"And to top it all off, they killed my best friend. You know I always thought he would end up proposing to me after we graduated…It just makes me so MAD!" Hermione screamed, slamming her fists on the table. Severus said nothing, he just poured her another glass of scotch.
"Let this be a lesson to you Miss Granger, Don't hold in rage, because when it does find a way out it's not pretty," Severus told her. Hermione looked up at him and then at the glass he placed before her.
"Now if you're done throwing a tantrum," He said and sat back down to the card game.
"Mrs. Snape," Hermione said. Severus looked back at her.
"Pardon?" He asked.
"You said Miss Granger, It's Mrs. Snape," She said. Severus took his hand of cards and began looking through them
"Insufferable know-it-all," Severus said as he laid down a card.
"Greasy Git," Hermione said taking another drink of scotch and cringing at that taste as well.
"Ahh the beginnings of a beautiful relationship," Tonks replied sarcastically. Severus looked up at her and she stuck her tongue out at him.
