Summary: Voldemort is at it again when he has the corrupt MoM pass a new marriage law which forces every muggle born witch or wizard to marry in hopes of 'breeding out the filth'. When Hermione is forced to marry Snape in secret, per Albus' suggestion and lack of options, will it be an unbearable marriage or one full of surprises?

AN: So I have finished chapter 15 now, which was the hardest chapter to write yet... but I don't have a chapter 16 yet, so I probably won't post for the rest of the week afterwards in order to write a large chunk of story. I have also decided to change a scenario in the later chapters I have written; I now have to rewrite those too, so bear with me as I try to make the story interesting and something you want to read! As always thank you for reviewing, especially those who review on almost every chapter; you know who you are! Oh, just a heads up, chapter 15 is over twice as long as this one, so I hope it some what makes up for this short chapter!

Chapter 14

Severus woke to Hermione kissing his chest. Her leg was thrown over his as he lay on his back. She looked up at him and her smile was quickly returned by his. Something had changed in their bond last night. It had grown stronger, quicker than it had previously. Last night had been the first time they had sex in their marriage without the requirement of the Vinculum Contineo or of law. There had always been what he nicknamed a 'light show' during the throws of passion, but last night was the most pronounced one yet. Severus was a little apprehensive to admit it, but he was beginning to fall in love with his wife.

Hermione sighed as she watched the sun peak through the window, "I guess I should start getting ready for the day." Severus smiled in surprise as he watched the curve of Hermione's body sans clothes, walk to the bathroom to shower. Apparently Hermione was becoming more comfortable around him.

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Hermione arrived at the Great Hall and sat next to Ron, "Good Morning Ron, where's Harry?"

"I don't think I honestly want to know" he said stabbing a bite of potato and shoving it in his mouth.

Hermione realized that Ginny was not present either. She started dishing up breakfast from the different platters when she noticed Ron staring at her.

"Why are you staring at me?"

Ron spoke before his mouth was completely empty, "Something's different about you today 'Mione. You look really… happy." He said pointing his fork at her.

"Ron, please do the world a favor and finish chewing before you speak, and is it a bad thing if I look happy?"

"No, it's just… I don't know; you look happy in a different way." He said shrugging and continuing to eat.

"What does that even mean?" Hermione said looking at him confused.

"I can't explain, but" Ron sighed, "I'm glad you're happy, Hermione. Honestly."

Hermione thought she would be used to odd conversations with Ron, but it still amazed her how he could say absolutely nothing, and still make her glad he was her friend. Hermione just shook her head in baffled amazement, "Well thank you Ronald."

Ron nodded and continued eating.

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Transfiguration had already begun when Harry came dashing through the door. His tie was not fully done, and his shirt was half-way un-tucked. Hermione raised an eyebrow as he hastily sat down next to Ron. She noticed a rather large hickey on his neck.

"Mr. Potter, you will return at seven this evening to serve the detention you have earned for your… tardiness." Professor McGonagall said as she eyed his appearance.

Harry smiled bashfully, "Of course professor."

Harry noticed Ron staring at him, "What?"

Ron whispered, "You have some lipstick on your collar there."

Harry tried to look at where he was pointing, but could not see it. Hermione rolled her eyes and sighed. She pointed her wand at Harry and said "Vestis Mundiarus".

Harry smiled in appreciation as his clothes became less wrinkled and the evidence of Ginny's lip-gloss disappeared. "Thanks"

Hermione nodded and returned her attention back to Professor McGonagall.

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As Hermione entered potions behind Ron and Harry, she received a menacing glare from Severus when she accidentally smiled at him. Her smile quickly disappeared as she scurried to her seat.

"Today you will be brewing Praevenius Vitium." He said as the word magically appeared on the board, "Does anyone know what it does?"

Hermione raised her hand.

Severus groaned and rolled his eyes as if he would rather choose anyone else, "Of course, Miss Granger."

It's just an act. It is just an act. She kept reminding herself. "It is a contraceptive potion; a potion to prevent pregnancies."

"Yes that is the point of a contraceptive Miss Granger." He drawled as a few Slytherins snickered.

"Here are your instructions. I am sure most of you will be requiring this potion soon, so it is important that you learn it! I will be walking around to ensure you are working diligently." Hermione retrieved the ingredients she would require with the rest of the students. However as she was walking back, Hermione felt the bond calling. She dropped all of her ingredients to the ground as Severus struggled not to draw attention as he braced himself on the desk.

Faint she heard Severus command her in her mind.

She fell to the floor and he walked over to her. "Everyone stay in your seats as I take Miss Granger to the hospital wing. If one person leaves this room before I return they will receive Saturday detentions for the rest of the school year!" Severus was fighting with every muscle in his body for control as he picked her up and walked out of the classroom.

Each step Severus carried Hermione, his desire to take Hermione then and there increased. He felt like a man possessed, however he could do nothing but walk as Harry and Ron ran out of the room, "Professor! Is she alright?" Severus felt Hermione shaking as she struggled to not move, "What did you not hear about every student was to stay in the classroom?"

Ron and Harry kept walking, "We are going with you; she's our best friend."

Suddenly Severus spun and looked at them, "You will return to that classroom immediately or I will give you detentions for the rest of the year and send you to the headmaster immediately!" Ron looked frightened and Harry just glared at him.

"Back into the classroom, NOW!"

Finally the two boys went to leave, "We're going to see her though, right after class."

He didn't acknowledge as he turned around and walked down the nearest corridor that turned.

He whispered, "portkey" as soon as they were out of sight and Hermione held her necklace as she counted to three. The two of them quickly arrived in their bedroom both shaking uncontrollably.

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Severus could not return to teach his class as both he and Hermione were so sickly feeling after being forced to resist the Vinculum Contineo for so many minutes. He was forced to floo call the Headmaster and request that he teach the rest of the class and that he make an excuse for Hermione's absence to Potter and Weasley.

The couple lay in bed sweaty and weak. Not even pepper-up potion had worked. They both felt as if they had the flu without the stuffy nose. The only time they felt slightly better was when they were in each other's embrace with their bond connected through their joined left hands.

They fell in and out of a light sleep for a few hours before Hermione called upon Misty to bring some hearty Soup and tea for them. Misty happily obliged and the two used some of their energy to actually sit at the table to eat.

Both were feeling much better after their meal. They curled up together on the couch when suddenly Severus grabbed this left forearm. He was being summoned by You-Know-Who again. He ran in the room and changed and grabbed his death eater robe and mask before kissing Hermione on the head as he rushed out their front door.