The Fame Game

A wedding this weekend? Possibly. Probably... yeah, it was going to happen, and as Hermione Granger stared at her body in the long bathroom mirror she was again glad she'd discovered those spells. Old wives tales, age old magics... The consummation of marriage was hardly on the top of her list of things she wanted to do anytime soon. Hell the most sexual experience she had where a few fevered kisses with 'The Bulgarian bonbon' Victor Krum where his hand had gotten a bit to eager with her top! She chuckled at the thought of the name though, for all the irritation cause by Skeeter, she'd certainly had a way with words and colorful descriptions.

Two years ago Hermione had been made out to be some wily seductress, and now part of her wished it where true. If she was, she wouldn't be so intimidated by the prospect of a wedding, of a man touching her arms, kissing her lips. Not a boy, Not a sport player pretending, a man. She sighed touching her forehead to the glass eyes closing as the steam of her hot bath settled around the room. Her skin was pink and a little raw from scrubbing but she didn't feel clean. No soaps, no amount of scrubbing would wash it off, and a quick look at her shoulder made it clear she'd gone to far over the line to step back now, the dirt wouldn't wash away. She'd be ok though, no matter the cost of her decisions she would be ok. She'd handled everything else so she'd handle this, she'd handle the wedding she was capable, she could do this.

"I'm not a weepy first year. I'm not just a brain, I'm not a victim." she said pushing back from the mirror and staring hard. She didn't see a woman on the cusp of adult hood, all she saw was the little girl taunting her, cruel smirks and idle titters, she knew the words so well she didn't need a voice to say them as the mouth moved voicing every comment, every criticism... no, criticism was constructive could be built on, with... no these words where simply cruelty. Angered Hermione scowled throwing her towel at the glass, turning away she stepping back into the hot water to wash again, and again, and again.

In less then 24 hours, she'd be a married woman.

In less then 12 hours, she needed to make sure her husband wouldn't know the extent of her studies.

"This is stupid." Hermione said blushing as Ginny transfigured the last edging of a pretty white sundress so that it glittered with sequins. "No it isn't! This whole thing sucks but if you have to go through with it you deserve to wear white! it's a brides dream mom said so." Ginny said stubbornly Luna nodded quietly looking Hermione over soft eyes assessing. Hermione should have known Ginny would insist on a dress, but how could she keep this a secret from her only female friends?

"Of course you could go with something different... a bright green is always nice." Luna murmured softly, her wispy voice faint and soothing. Hermione found the contrast between Ginny and Luna so startling and yet they seemed to compliment each other perfectly. They had become such fast friends, they had just, clicked and with them Hermione didn't feel as frightened.

"No white is fine..." Hermione said blushing faintly, at least white wouldn't draw the eyes as much as... bright green? It was the weekend everyone would be dressed casually anyway no one would pay much mind, especially since the dress was still fairly casual. Hermione had shot down all of Ginnys suggestions for transfiguring a really nice wedding dress, a proper gown. In fact Hermione had only given in to the sun dress idea to appease the broken hearted look on her friends face.

It wasn't so bad really. If she was marrying someone for real, someone she loved and had a connection and friendship with, she could see herself like this, casual and fun, she didn't need fancy, just a partner... a friend... a lover...

"We should go I just want to get this done." She said suddenly afraid she might cry. She'd resigned herself to this inevitability the professor was her safest valid option! She knew all of this, rationality and logic told her everything would be fine, still, she wanted to curl up and cry.

She headed for the door Ginny following after chattering animatedly about... well Hermione wasn't sure. the words where like a tinny echo in her head. Behind them Luna rifted satisfied just to be included, as Hermione guessed no one noticed, in fact there wasn't anyone even in the halls. A beautiful sunny Sunday? a Hogsmead weekend. Probably one of the last nice days before winter really hit? No ones going to be inside on such a lovely day! They made their way to the headmasters office as they approached Hermione was surprised to find Harry and Ron outside waiting.

"I told you guys not to..." she mumbled weakly flushed and embarrassed. Ginny and Luna weren't even going in they just walked with her for support. Harry smiled moving to hug her tightly "I know, but you're the closest thing to a sister I've ever had, you are my family as much as Ron." he said gently Ron nodded in agreement touching Hermiones shoulder gripping firmly before letting go

"Once this is over we can fix it, for now, just... just remember we're all here for you if you need it!" the red head said firmly. Ron had never been good with emotion, so his sentiment mattered, Hermione hugged him tightly as well before taking a steeling breath offering a smile she gave the password and stepped onto the stairs into the next stage, alone.

The stairs halted outside the door, she knocked lightly, then stepped inside. Standing inside was Professor McGonagall, Dumbledore, Snape, and another man she didn't know. She blushed faintly and stepped forward "U-um... I-I'm sorry for being late I was.. well..." she trailed, no stop this babbling, strength. She took a deep breath pulling herself up She would not make a fool of herself!

"I apologize for being tardy, my friends wanted to give me their best wishes." she said formally Dumbledore raised a hand, "quiet alright dear, it's your day after all, a bride's entitled!" he said there was his usual cheerful exuberance but his eyes where softer, understanding. He knew she was scared maybe they all did. She felt wrong in the room like the child allowed to sit with adults at a family dinner woefully under qualified.

She stepped forward greeting her teachers before the last man stepped forward. "Miss Granger, I'm Horatio Needle, of the Ministry, I'm here as a witness and for ministry validation, congratulations." he said formally, there was a tired edge to his voice, he didn't care, this was just work for him. It angered her. Her life was in this mess because of... She swallowed it back and smiled taking the offered hand

"Thank you for coming I imagine you must have a busy schedule." she said easily moving to stand beside Professor Snape looking up at him a moment she nodded to him in greeting unsure what to say before turning her gaze to Dumbledore unsure what would happen next. Seemingly satisfied by something Dumbledore lifted his wand

"As officiate and Friend of these two, I am proud to offer these blessings of marriage." he said formally, his tone warm but strong much like his speeches Hermione found herself watching his wand as he gave a complex incantation a ribbon of light spilled fourth soon joined by a second, then a third, one from McGonagall the last from the ministry official. It was amazing, as the streams of white light spilled down between them Hermione turned looking up to find her potions professor watching her she blushed faintly. The expression he wore was calm, and when he spoke his voice was just as calm and easy, it wouldn't be untill later that Hermione realized, it wasn't how he usually spoke when addressing a class.

"I, Severus Snape, accept Hermione Granger into my house, as husband and partner my life is pledged. In our union all will be shared." he said easily. She knew the words, had studied, had practiced but now as her turn came the words stuck in her throat choking her with the weight.

"I, ah... I, Hermione Granger, join the house of Snape, as wife and partner my life is pledged, in our union all shall be shared." she said reaching for the hand held out to her. Pale fingers closed over hers at the lights spilled over them it was warm sinking into flesh she could feel it, running through her body, a comforting feeling. Just for the briefest flash she suddenly felt something. A tug? No, no, like a click, like something had connected, something she hadn't known was missing until now that it was there.

She looked up at Snape quickly eyes confused, surprised, but his expression remained impassive. Perhaps it was her mind playing tricks on her what ever she thought she felt, perhaps it was just the moment. The light faded and the feeling with it, the warmth slipping away so all she felt it was in her hand, the one he held. Sliding across Dumbledores desk was a little velvet pillow sitting on it where two rings, one a plain platinum band the faintest Celtic knot etched into it, she'd picked it, it had jumped out, simple, but it seemed to suit him, and the platinum wouldn't interact with potion ingredients he used.

The other she assumed was his for her, and that was confirmed when he plucked up the ring nd shifted his hold on her hand. heat rose fast as he slipped the ring on her finger. it was heavy, and beautiful, Platinum as well set with a back stone. She moved grabbing the ring she'd picked hands shaking at the more she fumbled almost dropping it. mortified she kept her head down as she placed her ring on his finger, it fit him, how strange, she'd guessed the size Had no idea where to begin with it... but it fit him.

"With this ring, as wife I bind thee."

"With this ring, in home I mind thee."

"With this ring, In love I Care for thee."

"With this ring, The children... ah... The children I will bear for thee..."

Again she'd stumbled. stress made her feel sick, she wanted to run and hide, she felt embarrassed, she felt wrong, an ill equipped actor in a play with savants. There was one last thing... one last tie hands gently gripped her shoulders and she felt the heat rise again, but not from the spell, this heat was wholly her own. as he moved thin lips brushed her a quick impersonal touch that sent a shock wave of awareness shooting through her in a way she couldn't begin to describe, if she even wanted to.

"And so with the power bestowed, I declare this couple man and wife, a union of two becoming a single presence partners in life and beyond." With the headmasters final words the warmth and light faded leading only the office and silence, save the tick tick tick of his whirling little oddities.

"Well Then Mrs. Severus Snape, Professor Snape, Congratulations on your wedding, I will record this union and submit Mrs. Snapes Status for ministry records." the official said turning to speak with Dumbledore not even giving Hermione much acknowledgement. it was over, it was done, a wedding in less then ten minuets, and everything she thought she had planned for her future shifted dramatically.

"Miss... ah..." McGonagall stalled glancing at Dumbledore who then looked to Snape curiously.

"Do as you will I have potions to attend to." he said simply, the first words he'd said and they weren't even for her. he swept to the fireplace and with out a further word was gone in a flash of green. Hermione let out a long breath her knees shaking felt weak but she stayed standing.

"Um, sir... what do I do? I mean..." she hesitated looking to Dumbledore who smiled gently "You'll have to ask him what he thinks, your partners now after all. naturally your marital status doesn't effect you schooling, you'll still be a student, but your situation and who knows about it, is up to you, Speak with Severus and see what he thinks you should do." he said easily. Part of Hermione questioned if those where just an old mans cop out, but she knew that wasn't it, He was trying to give her advice perhaps that would ease the strain between them.

"Yes sir. Professor?" she said turning to her head of house and smiling "Thank you for being here for me, I appreciate it." she said before heading to the fireplace, she had a fairly good idea where he had gone, but she didn't want to intrude so rather then calling for his rooms, rather Hermiones went to his office and sat, She would wait. She was already largely intruding on his life, she could at least wait till he wanted her in his private quarters. if he even wanted her there at all.

The quiet room gave her time to think, to assess, glancing over the ring she studied it closer, it was lovely, old and heavy, probably an antique, looking closer she could see something in the black stone, a shape?

"The Prince Family crest." the voice was curt and made her jump. whipping around in the chair he stood at the door looking over her, he'd pulled off his top cloak in a plain black shirts and trousers he looked very different in such informal clothing. "A... ah prince family crest?" she asked once she found her voice Snape nodded moving to sit at his desk looking at her, thoughtfully his face as blank as ever.

"It's the Snape family crest, but, I'll always see it as Prince." he said simply his curt tone indicating the end of the topic. Hermione fumbled "W-well... um... i-it's lovely..." she said weakly at a complete loss, this man was her husband. "Um... the Head Master said we should.. uh talk about how we wanted to handle this." she said softly. Almost flinching when sharp black eyes fixed back on her where before they had drifted to papers on his desk.

"There are certain stipulations to our position now. You'll be required to live with me, in the same building isn't satisfactory, I have arranged for a room in my quarters for you." he said standing to step around the desk Feeling awkward Hermione stood almost jolting from her chair Snape arched a brow but said nothing leading her from the office, through the classroom and through a door behind a bookcase behind his desk. the door led up the stairs to another door, here he stopped her.

"Your wand." he said simply, Hermione nodded producing it for him he pulled out his own, touching his wand to the door then to the tip of her wand a glowing strand of blue connected them, pulsing while the professor mumbled something, with a snap like static the string broke and he handed her wand back before opening the door. Inside Hermione was surprised by the warm and spacious room. it wasn't very different from the griffindor common room really except it wasn't full of students and noise. in fact the only sound came from the fire crackling in a grand hearth.

Severus stood a moment letting her look around, using her personal tour to reflect on what had happened. Certainly marrying a student wasn't ever on his to do list, hell getting married at all was a hazy after thought of the 'probably not ever going to happen' variety. She'd held up surprisingly well. for a girl forced into marrying a man almost twice her age, she'd approached t with dignity he hadn't expected, she stumbled a time or two, but well that was to be expected.

He was stern but in this circumstance couldn't draw his usual cold snark. He'd seen the look in her eyes before she'd greeted the Ministry official. had been surprised the man hadn't simply dropped dead from her glare. it had almost made him want to laugh, certainly she'd grown a strong spine in her years here. she hadn't whimpered, but she hadn't bowed either.

Something had happened during the ceremony, having never been married before he had no idea if it was usual or not. something had clicked as the light had washed over them. She'd felt it to he was sure, the shock and confused look on her face, as expressive as his wasn't. he'd stayed carefully schooled. he had no idea what it was, but, as with everything else he didn't wish to deal with, he compartmentalized it for further examination at another time. for now...

"Your room is this way." he said shortly walking to the door next to his own. magic had expanded what had been an unused closet into a room suitable for a young woman Hermione was surprised to see her trunk already at the foot of the bed. "I-it's very nice, thank you..." she said stepping inside. it wasn't very different from her head girls rooms to be honest. Crookshankes was already curled up in his cat bed in one corer watching them with passive eyes before almost seeming to shrug and curling back up.

"there will be, other requirements for our marriage." Snape said. it needed to be addressed, the elephant in the room.

"You don't have to sleep with me." Hermione said her back to him, her voice flat and matter of fact. "In fact you don't even need to think about me if you don't want to." she said moving she opening her trunk and dug through, producing a very old tattered book, with with a chain hook.

"That's from-"

"The restricted section, I know... I asked professor McGonagll for permission to barrow books for research and extra assignments, The headmaster told her I could." she said opening the book and flicking through. "Here. it was an accidental find in fifth year but when my rank was elevated I knew this situation would come up, not with you but, a marriage." she explained, there was something almost mechanical about the way she spoke. he stepped over, he vaguely recognized the slim volume certainly enough to know he'd never given it any thought during his own studies in the restricted section.

"Here. There have been instances of Having to marry for law before. it's outdated archaic to us now, but the law was never actually removed, which is why they can put it into play now, back then some husbands had no desire to touch their bride all they wanted was power, or wealth or family name." she said fingers running slowly across the page.

"There's a spell here, we each use it, at the same time and then... well we..." she blushed brightly, she was trying to be clinical about this but oh god it was so embarrassing! How was she supposed to explain to her teacher that they had to essentially masturbate at the same time!

"We'll each have to pleasure ourselves until we reach Climax." Snape finished reading the text for himself, well, trust a little know it all to find something like this. he almost dismissed it, but lifting the volume and looking it over it seemed more and more plausible. it wouldn't have just been for money, Inter marriage would have been expected for pure blood families to continue, so if you had no real desire to sleep with your cousin, or you where gay... this spell saved you from the law. Doubtless the spell had been forgotten by time much like the law itself.

"It might work." he mused thoughtfully looking at the young woman next to him. He kept trying to call her a girl, if he saw her that way, a girl a student, he wouldn't have any trouble. He slipped occasionally, like any other student, she was growing, maturing. She wasn't a chattery little know it all now but then, she wasn't out to desperately prove herself either. She still had her back to him one rm rubbing the other, scared of him? Who knew, but the way her shoulders trembled like she was fighting back tears, brought to mind another girl, a pretty redhead who had strived to be strong, who faced each knock with more determination then the last, until he'd delivered his own blow.

"There's no rush!" he snapped suddenly seeing her flinch "We have three days before the seal will signal that we haven't consummated." he said stepping towards her door "Regardless of our situation however, I am still your professor. for now unless there is no other choice you are still Miss Granger. Respect that." he said simply closing her door with a snap Hermione whirled around shocked by his sudden outburst, not so much his rage but how for a moment he had seemed relaxed and then he'd flipped. the weight of the day and her action fell on her and she collapsed over the bed finally giving into the hot ball of tears that had crawled up her throat.

Annoyance rushed through him, and he wasn't sure why. He could hear her sobs coming through the door. He shouldn't have yelled, this was no more her fault then that cat of hers! No two old wizards playing chess with lives where responsible for this mess and damn if he wasn't a key piece to both games. Annoyed he stalked towards his lab he had potions to tend to, and he couldn't do that comforting a girl who'd stuck her head out to far on the chopping block for a bloody Potter!