Don't take that sinner from me

Chapter 3: Wedding preparations

A/N: I own nothing except my mistakes. Also, thank you all so much for the sweet reviews! You have no idea how much that means to me. Especially since this pairing is often a sensitive subject for most people. I would also like to briefly reply to two reviews I've received:

To hendo2207: The reason why Snape hasn't been affected by it at all throughout his life, is because the enchantment randomly generates two people who seem fitted enough for each other. That means that not everyone in the Wizarding world will get chosen. Neither did he get paired up with Hermione ten years ago because she wasn't off age at the time. And as for the talk in the news or anything: the reason why there hasn't been any, is because the talking only occurs when there is a new pairing. Eventually people's excitement will wear off and it won't be brought up again until there is a new pairing. And seeing as Hermione was nearing the age of 7 at the time the last enchantment was cast, she did not know about the magical world yet and therefore simply couldn't have known.

I hope that cleared up some of your questions!

To Clematis: First of all, thank you so much for this really sweet review! About the lion/tiger thing, I agree that it is indeed a bit cliché. But I needed it in order for future chapters when involving the enchantment once more.

Hermione felt rather uncomfortable as she was walking with Molly by her side through Diagon Alley where they were allowed to do their shoppings. Ginny, Tonks and Professor McGonagall were happily conversing over something Hermione couldn't quite make out as they were taking the lead, and so Hermione was forced to be paired up with Molly.

Normally she wouldn't have mind at all, but she felt there was some kind of boundary between them as Hermione remembered what Ginny was told by her mother as she grew up.

Feeling like she should discuss it nonetheless, in sake to not make the day more uncomfortable than it needed to be, she uncertainly addressed her. "Um, Mrs Weasley?"

The woman looked up at Hermione with a worried expression on her face. "Yes?" She wondered and after looking at Hermione a bit longer she fired her questions first: "Are you alright, Hermione? You look really tired, did you get some sleep?" Hermione smiled weakly at her motherly concern. "Truth to be told, no, I didn't sleep very well. But I was wondering if I could ask you a question."

"Of course, my dear, ask away!" Molly urged her on and Hermione decided to just get it out before she'd lose her courage. "Ginny mentioned what you said about the aut cor aut mors enchantment when they were younger, and I was wondering, if perhaps you could tell me some more about it." Molly's expression fell and sighed, "I'm sorry, Hermione, but I'm afraid I can't. I ought not to speak about it to anyone outside of the family, even not to the ones who undergo it themselves." Hermione nodded with a defeated sigh, having expected that answer but still hoping that perhaps she could enlighten her nonetheless.

The three chatting women in front of them had suddenly stopped at one of the shops, and Hermione dared to throw a quick glance inside the shop. Hermione groaned loudly as she saw all the wedding dresses put out for display. "Suck it up, 'Mione, it's your wedding!" Ginny encouraged but Hermione flapped her arms around in distress. "Yes, that's my point! My wedding I shouldn't even be having at this age. I should be at a book store instead of a wedding dress shop." Hermione helplessly cried and let out another sigh.

The women smiled apologetically at her, but pushed her inside nonetheless. They mainly handled everything with the seller, taking away that burden from Hermione. Each of the women took pairs in selecting dresses for Hermione, and she tried each one of them on. But she couldn't seem to enjoy it at all, and so she felt like none of the dresses were good enough - even though they were all absolutely stunning.

Hermione blinked at her own reflection in the over-sized mirror, watching the silky dress shape into a respectable V-line at the front, the dress sleeveless as the back of the dress was a bit more low cut at her shoulder blades. A set of black linings were printed on the back of the dress near her bottom, and the dress widened around the hips. All in all, it gave it an appearance of an elegant angelic swan. Yet, she could not seem to appreciate the beauty of it all. A hand fell on her right, bare shoulder and Hermione looked at Professor McGonagall through the mirror.

"I know this isn't how you imagined your life to go, Hermione." Professor McGonagall began, dropping the formalities for the first time around her. "But it will be a once in a lifetime event - if you need a gentle reminder of the Unbreakable Vow. As much as I wished for you to marry someone you truly loved, no one can change the current situation. I know he might not seem like your best option, but I can assure you that you're lucky you were paired up with Professor Snape out of all other possible men. I'm sure you'll see that someday as well. And I hope that when that day comes, you'll be able to look back on this day and know you made the best of it - know that even though the situation wasn't ideal, you still have a memory worth remembering for a lifetime. I wish that for you, Hermione." The encouraging and caring words had made Hermione tear up and she couldn't keep them back. The grey haired woman smiled and pulled her into an embrace.

The seller came rushing forward with a handkerchief, "It's not easy getting married, is it? So much to arrange and way too much stress. I'm glad to see you have people who help you out, dear." The elderly woman from the shop spoke and handed her the handkerchief. Hermione gratefully took it and wiped away her tears. She then observed herself once more in the mirror - the way her silky white dress fell gently around her and traced behind her just a bit. Hermione smiled as she spoke: "I think I found the dress."

A happy cry and a horrible clanging sound came from behind Hermione and she let out a laugh as she saw who had caused the little mayhem. Tonks had knocked some of the mannequins down with her clumsiness as she had let her excitement take over. "I take that you selected this dress?" Hermione asked amused and Tonks nodded. "My mom always told me I had a terrible fashion taste, but look at me now! I seem to have an undiscovered talent for wedding dresses." Tonks joked and Hermione chuckled as she shook her head.

As they paid for the dress, which Hermione admitted were rather depressing for her mood as she noticed the price, she got thinking back to what the woman in the shop had said: "I'm glad to see you have people who help you out, dear." And the woman was right, Hermione was lucky indeed. Because of all the hectic of the situation, she hadn't had the time to appreciate what they had all been doing for her so far – but she did now, and she couldn't have felt more loved.

Hermione had let herself being dragged to another few shops by the women: first they entered a shop requested by Ginny to buy some shoes and accessories to go along with the dress for Hermione. Then, she was taken by Molly to a bakery shop where they chose her wedding cake. And finally, Professor McGonagall had forced Hermione to sit alone at some café where she were to eat and wait until the other women returned from a shop that they had promised would complete the entire wedding.

So, here she was, enjoying the quietness of solitude. Happy to step out of her chaotic life for just a little while whilst sipping on her tea.

She allowed herself to review the events of today - tried to remember it as best as she could. From the things they discussed and practiced, to the shopping in Diagon Alley. It sure had been two very weird days.

The rustling of footsteps caught her attention and Hermione got rid of her thoughts as she watched the four women approach her table with excited faces. Hermione watched them carefully, looking to see what they bought but she couldn't find anything. "Don't bother looking for it. You'll get it soon enough." Tonks smirked and Hermione bit her lip, wondering what in the hell they had gotten her.

The women ordered their cups of tea as well, and soon after they found themselves heading back to Hogwarts again. Arriving at the place by floo powder, they had said their goodbyes to Tonks and Molly and the three women that were left, were now making their way to the Great Hall since it had long passed 6 o'clock in the afternoon, and dinner was now being served.

With a smile, they parted from their professor and took a seat at the Gryffindor benches. "Took you long enough!" Ron complained as Hermione got hold of some mashed potatoes. "It's not easy getting-" Ginny realized that they were surrounded with other students and instead of voicing it, she decided to mouth the last word: "-married."

The boys cringed and Hermione snickered at their discomfort with the idea, for she could totally relate to that.

Finishing her dinner, she now set off to the Headmaster's Office with a less burdened heart. Today had somehow calmed her a bit, and she felt like she had renewed strength to handle whatever would come her way. Having passed the Gargoyle's, she knocked on the office door and waited for the cheery invitation of her headmaster.

Opening the door once she had been granted permission, she was confused to see one of the two chairs in front of Dumbledore's desk occupied by none other than Professor Snape. "Ah, Miss Granger, I take the shopping went well." Dumbledore smiled and Hermione didn't really know how to answer that. Saving her from having to, Dumbledore pointed at the empty seat on the left of Snape, "Please, do sit down."

Hermione cautiously walked over to the empty chair, careful not to make a fool out of herself as two teachers were eyeing her as she approached. "I have asked Professor Snape here tonight to discuss some important requirements that are expected of you two once you're married." Hermione said nothing, but didn't shown any protest either.

"I will once again rely on this book to convey utmost important information to you both." Hermione nodded in approval and watched as Dumbledore flipped the book to the right page and started reading:

"The lovers have been set out a couple of expectations they must live up to once they've agreed their hand in marriage. This book contains an updated version of these requirements, and have listed it for easy use:

1. The appointed couple is required to show public affection as to hold their reputation in tact.

appointed couple is required to stand up for and/or help their partner if needed.

appointed couple ought not to talk about their relationship except to direct family.

4. The appointed couple is required to stay faithful. Any double-crossing shall be punished."

Hermione glanced at the book once Dumbledore stopped talking and noticed that nearly the entire page was missing. "Unfortunately, through generations this book has suffered some damage and these are the only points I can give to you both. However, I'm quite certain that you will be unknowingly guided through it all."

"May I also inform you that since this is considered a – legal by law – teacher/student relationship, professor Snape is not allowed to give or take points from you, Miss Granger. Neither is he allowed to give you detentions." Professor Snape gave a curt, reluctant nod.

"When will the school know, professor?" Hermione asked, finally being able to voice the question that had been on her mind for a while now. "I have contacted the Ministry of Magic, and persuaded them to wait with the article until Monday. This allows you two to enjoy your last weekend alone without people assuming you might be.. up to something." Dumbledore said and peeked over his half-moon spectacles at them with a mischievous, joking smile.

"How very considerate of you." Snape snarled and Hermione rolled her eyes, not agreeing with the sarcasm in his voice. "Thank you, sir. I would indeed enjoy some quietness whilst it's still possible." Hermione gratefully said and the headmaster nodded with a smile.

Hermione's smile slowly fell as she started to fidget with her robes, nibbling gently on her lip as she was uncertain of how to voice her question. "Anything troubling your mind, Miss Granger?" Dumbledore asked and Hermione noticed from the corner of her eyes that Snape's head turned to her – yet, his expression was blank and unreadable as always.

"I.. do have a question, yes." Hermione said, looking up uncertainly at Dumbledore who gave her an encouraging smile. Her head then slowly turned to the right to look at Professor Snape. "I've been told to receive Occlumency classes from you, professor, as well as that You-Know-Who wouldn't ask for me for at least a week after our..." Hermione drifted off and muttered the last word unintelligible. "However," She went on, picking her voice up once more. "I was wondering if a week is enough time. Harry took ages, and is still failing to master the skill."

"I do admit to hold powerful memories relating Harry, and we can't possibly risk leaking those to You-Know-Who, can we?" Hermione finished, feeling a little out of breath as her speech had sped up to express her concerns as she tried to maintain eye contact with Professor Snape.

Hermione watched her Potions Master as his black hair fell gently around his face, his expression blank – his features resting. The corners of his lips twitched partly up, making his face seem a little more open and relaxed as he seemed to consider her words. "Mr Potter's efforts were less determined than yours will be, of that I am sure." Hermione's eyebrows shot up in surprise at the underlying compliment.

"However," he went on, and Hermione dropped her eyebrows again. "I doubt that the Dark Lord will do some prodding in your mind at the first meeting. For he will merely.. welcome you." Hermione nodded in understanding and was glad she could turn her head to the headmaster when he spoke. "However, if you don't feel confident enough, you always can start sooner, Miss Granger." Hermione shook her head a little too quickly, and added a mumbled: "That's not needed, sir."

"Very well, then. I'll leave you to your rest now. Tomorrow we shall be practicing your Patronus some more, Miss Granger. For it is utmost important that you get this right." Hermione nodded in agreement and stood up. "May I leave, sir?" The headmaster nodded with a warm smile, "You may. Good night, Miss Granger."

Hermione shot a quick smile in return and hastened to say a: "Good night, sir." As she hurriedly left the room, breathing in relief as she escaped the uncomfortable tension that hung between the Potions Master and herself.

The door suddenly swung open once more behind her, and Hermione yelped in shock, grabbing the wall for support as she jumped a little in the air. The Headmaster was looking at her in amusement form his desk and lowered his wand with a chuckle. "My apologies for scaring you. But I forgot to ask you one last question."

Regaining her breath as her heart rate slowed down again, she let go of the wall and straightened up. "Yes, sir?"

"It's about your parents." The slowed heart rate was speeding up again for she had dreaded this question. "Would you like me to invite them to your wedding?" Hermione noticed Professor Snape watching her curiously and Hermione shook her head and swallowed uncomfortably as her throat had gotten dry. "No, I think it's best if they won't be there."

"Are you sure, Miss Granger? It will be a once in a life time experience – for both you and your parents." Dumbledore asked seriously, obviously wanting her to consider it once more. But Hermione had made her choice and nodded her head. "Yes, I am. I can only deal with so much at the time. Having to make my family understand why I'm marrying my teacher, is crossing my limits at the moment." She could hear her own voice wavering as she tried not to imagine the hurtful and disappointed expression's on their faces as they'd find out that she didn't only get married, but she also married her own teacher.

Dumbledore nodded, "Very well. Then we shall keep this from your parents until you're ready for them to know." Hermione nodded, and blinked away the tears that had started to form in her eyes once more. "Good night, professor." She said and closed the office door once more, wandering through the corridors as she slowly felt the joy from today leaving her body.