Chapter 1

Alone and ruminating, Hermione Granger sat in front of the fire place, eyes glued to the parchment she held within both hands. She'd been staring at it for quite some time now and barely read its contents. The title itself was enough of an explanation.

Contract of Marriage.

The sound of the door opening and closing within the teacher's lounge alerted her of someone else's presence. Hermione didn't move, nor did she tear her gaze away. She'd recognize that approaching gait anywhere. "Dumbledore wants us to be married."

"I know," Severus Snape affirmed, holding out a glass to her.

Wordlessly, Hermione accepted the drink. Firewhiskey. An excellent choice. She finally set aside the papers on the table next to her. "And you're willing?"

With a sigh, Snape sunk into the opposite wing chair. "I'm not opposed to it."

"Why?" She eyed the stoic professor with confusion.

"Given our current circumstance, I'm starting to see the logic behind the Headmaster's insistence." Snape lazily swirled the contents of his drink. "With Voldemort biding his time, it won't be long before he returns again, more crueler than the last, I fear."

He took a long sip of his drink, relishing the strong taste, and tsked. "As his most trusted spy, I can better protect you, the Order's most prized member, within the confines of holy matrimony."

She couldn't believe what she was hearing, least of all from the Potions Master's own mouth. "But...," she swallowed. "Surely there must be someone else that you're interested in."

He smiled darkly. "There hasn't been anyone else, not for a long time now. Plus, I'm not much of a prospect for a spouse, being a former Death Eater and all. No woman in their right mind would come ten feet of me. Besides," he sighed. "You are far from the annoying little chit I've had the displeasure of teaching. You are strong, resourceful, and will do whatever it takes to protect those you hold dear." His dark eyes softened. "You saved my life."

Hermione remembered that day all too well. It was during the Battle of Hogwarts, not long after Harry had learned from Dumbledore, who was very much alive, about where Snape's true loyalties lied. Distraught and ashamed, Harry and company rushed to find and confront the Potions Master himself. They spotted him lurking witin the dark corridors of the castle, and after much demanding, convinced him to admit the truth. Unbeknownst to them, one of the Death Eaters had been eavesdropping during Snape's confession. Enraged, he had attacked the Potions Master, fatally wounding him. He would bring the traitor in to the Dark Lord himself. Hermione had been quick to act, enchanting the same anti-curse upon him that had saved Draco Malfoy while Harry and Ron disarmed and killed Snape's attacker.

And now here he was, eight years later, offering her his hand in marriage.

Hermione tried not to blush under the scrutiny of his gaze, directing her attention to the roaring fireplace. "So that's it then."

Snape nodded. "I've already made my decision." He drained every last drop of his glass and stood. "Dumbledore will want yours by the end of the week. The sooner we wed, the better."

And with that said he headed for the door.

"Doesn't it bother you though?" Hermione suddenly asked, her voice quiet. "That I'm not a virgin?"

It was no secret that the witch once harbored amorous feelings for a certain auburn-haired wizard. The Potions Master having been one of the very few unlucky individuals well aware of the former couple's relationship, physical and otherwise.

Snape halted in his tracks, his chest heaving slowly. "No," he replied, and the smile he flashed her did not reach his eyes. "So long as it doesn't bother you that... I am."

Without another word he exited the room.

Hermione picked up the contract, and gripping her drink, swallowed the remaining contents of her glass in one gulp.

If Dumbledore expected an answer from her soon she was not about to disappoint.

~xXx~

The door to the Headmaster's study flew open, and Hermione had not counted on Snape being present when she confronted their boss. Yet here he was... sharing a bottle of Firewhiskey at the Headmaster's desk, looking just as shocked as she was.

Dumbledore on the other hand, looked more pleased than perturbed by her sudden unannounced visit. "Ah, Miss Granger!" he greeted. "Made your decision, have you?"

She avoided his question. "I have conditions."

Snape raised an eyebrow, but Dumbledore only smiled. "I'm listening."

Hermione stood in front of his desk, ignoring her potential husband who stood not three feet from her. "I wish to be married in a church, officiated by Father Chapman, an old family friend."

"That can be arranged," Dumbledore nodded. "What else?"

"I've never fancied a large wedding, but I...we," she corrected, glancing at Snape, "get to decide who makes the guest list." She held up the contract. "Those are my terms."

"Of course," Dumbledore sipped his drink. Snape, on the other hand, couldn't seem to take his eyes off of the witch.

She handed him the papers, signed with her signature, and the Headmaster shuffled them, eyes twinkling. "I trust congratulations are in order?"

"Thank you," Hermione said, rather tersely. She looked up at Snape, who continued to stare at her in disbelief. "I need to speak with you. Privately."

Nodding, the Potions Master followed the young witch out of the Headmaster's study. The silence between them was tense, and it wasn't until they reached the safety of the dungeons did Hermione finally speak to him. "You seem shocked."

"I..." Snape cleared his throat. "I wasn't expecting such a quick decision."

"The sooner we wed, the better. You said so yourself." She massaged her temples. God, what a terrible headache.

"Truly though?" He stood in front of her. "You will marry me?"

Hermione peeked up at him from between her fingers. "Does that surprise you?"

"You could have said no."

"You convinced me otherwise." She reached out a hand, as if to touch him, then decided against it. "I still think this is madness, yet a part of me cannot help but be flattered that you're willing to do this for the sake of our worlds."

Without warning, he took up her hands in his own larger ones. "I need to ask you something," he suddenly said.

"It's a little too late to propose now, don't you think?" Hermione teased.

Snape chuckled, then became serious once again. "Could you ever...," he struggled to say the words. "Love me?"

Rather than pull away from him, Hermione pushed herself closer. "I don't know." she admitted. "I've never been in love before, Severus. I thought I once was, until I realized that it was nothing more than juvenile infatuation. I'd have to know you first, the real you."

He nodded, his eyes roaming away from her.

Now I have something to ask of you."

"I'm listening."

He caressed her knuckles with the pad of his thumbs, and taking a deep breath, Hermione said, "When the time comes... will you promise to be gentle with me? I know I'm not a virgin, but..." She blushed.

Snape inhaled sharply, and for a second, Hermione was afraid that she was being too forward with him. That is, until he started snickering. She titled her head. "What's so funny?"

"That fact that you are even willing to lay with me," he shook his head. "It says a lot."

Hermione smiled. "My level of resentment concerning this marriage is not even close enough to make me abstinent."

"Hermione Granger," he squeezed her hands gently. "I give you my solemn vow, that should you so desire, I will be more than happy to pleasure, as well as fulfill you, all the days of my life."

Hermione blushed. Never would she imagine the feared Potions Master of Hogwarts to be so passionate, let alone, dare she say, romantic.

"Well, then." She pulled away from him. "Shall we begin planning?"

~xXx~

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