Chapter Three:
The morning when the Order of the Phoenix meeting was to be held found Hermione Granger on the couch at Grimmauld Place, reading the Daily Prophet as she sipped her tea, a light frown forming on her forehead.
Potions Professor: Problems in Paradise?
-Rita Skeeter
Yesterday, our brilliant news reporters spotted Severus Snape, ex-Potions master at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, leaving the Ministry of Magic after his final hearing before the Wizengamot. Closely following him was the Chosen One, who tried to sidestep our reporter, but obviously in vain. We caught up with the war hero for a little chat and his words left us itching for more. It sounded like although the charges against the ex-Death Eater were dismissed, Severus Snape does have a lot on his mind. We don't have all the details of the courtroom hearing yet, but it is believed that the Golden Boy had a big part to play in the trial.
As the accused left the ministry in a whirl of black robes, we caught sight of a rather disturbing wound on his neck, which was partially hidden by a bottle green scarf (earning a disgusted look or two from our fashion columnists). When questioned about it, Harry Potter choked back tears and simply stated that "Professor Snape had been gravely wounded and we are all very happy that he is alright." The Potions professor did not seem too pleased with Harry Potter's support though. An insider told us that he snarled rather viciously when the Gryffindor presented his memories as evidence before the Wizengamot. Word has it that the young boy is yet to receive a 'thank you' from the surly man, but we highly doubt the likelihood of said gratitude.
Harry Potter, however, seems content, as he told us, "I did not do this because I wanted a big show of appreciation, I just did it because he's an innocent and brave man who doesn't deserve to go to Azkaban." We still have our suspicions, though. Has the boy grown to care for the renowned potions brewer, or is there more than meets the eye? Keep your omnioculars trained on this spot for updates on the lives of Severus Snape and Harry Potter.
"The entire article could have simply been cut down to - 'all charges against Severus Snape dismissed' - and what's with the 'choked back tears'? Harry crying for Snape?" Hermione scoffed mentally. Her musings were cut short as Molly Weasley called from the drawing room, "In here, everybody. The meeting's about to start."
Hermione hurried in, pausing at the door to take stock of the members present. It looked as though the entire order had assembled; the room was rather crammed and Hermione took one of the few remaining chairs before it could be taken. She easily recognised Professors McGonagall and Snape, the Weasleys, Harry, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Hagrid, Aberforth Dumbledore, Sturgis Podmore and a few other faces she could not place immediately.
George Weasley popped in through the Floo, a wide smile across his freckled face and announced, "I'm engaged! She said yes, she said yes." His brothers rushed to congratulate him as Ginny and Hermione shared knowing smiles. He had bought the ring a week ago and it had taken him several sleepless nights of "practise" before he got around to asking Angelina. Merlin knew, that girl had done him a truckload of good over the years and it was about time they took it further.
"Alright, everybody settle down. Now, we have a few important matters to be discussed," Professor McGonagall began. "Firstly, congratulations are in order, Kingsley." A few members raised their glasses as George spoke up, "All hail our new Minister for Magic! That was a bloody good speech, Kingsley." Professor McGonagall gave George a wry look and ploughed on, undeterred, "Yes, very well. Unfortunately, his new position does not afford him many perks. Kingsley?"
"Yes, Minerva," the Minister cleared his throat and continued. "There has been a sudden rise in the number of attacks against muggle-born families and we suspect that the remaining Death Eaters are behind this. While the Ministry is still apprehensive about revealing this information, I strongly suggest tipping off all your muggle-born friends discreetly. All order members must take extra care, of course. If it is the Death Eaters, they would not give up an opportunity to attack one of us. Stay together as much as you can, till this is resolved. Make sure someone always knows where you are, wands at hand, eyes peeled open, you know the drill. Especially the muggle-borns." He gave a pointed glance at Hermione.
"Oh don't worry about Hermione, here. She's staying with us at the Burrow," Mrs Weasley said. Kingsley shook his head, "Not for long, Molly." At Hermione's raised eyebrow, he went on, "The Ministry has passed a new law this morning. The Wizengamot acknowledged that the population of the wizarding world is dwindling at an alarming rate and hence approved and revived the Marriage Law. Indefinitely."
"E-excuse me?" Ginny said, her voice shaking slightly.
"Yes. This matter needs to be discussed before the law is made public. All unmarried witches and wizards between the ages of 17 and 40, please stay back. The rest of you are dismissed. Molly, Arthur, you may, of course, remain." Professor McGonagall said, her lips stretched into a thin line. The room emptied significantly, but the tension in the air thickened.
Kingsley spoke up, "Before I begin, know that my hands are tied. I may be Minister, but I have no say once the Wizengamot passes a law. Moving on, this applies to unmarried witches and wizards aged 17 through 40, currently residing in England. It requires that everybody falling in this category must be married to someone of a different…. err, blood status. So no two muggle-borns can get married, and the same applies to purebloods and half-bloods. George, if you get married before the Ministry assigns a date, I suppose you would be out of this mess, as would any other couples who do the same. Fleeing the country would not be an option; the Ministry is strictly looking into those cases and forbidding any attempts to escape. Disobeying would also have some dreadful consequences, I suppose, though I don't know what exactly they may be. The Wizengamot is still debating on whether to send unlawful citizens to Azkaban or break their wands and wipe their magical world memories. I suggest you identify your potential partners soon. I am unaware as to how the Ministry plans to put the law into effect, but waiting to find out may end up being a bad idea. Now, I really must get going, but Minerva, feel free to Floo me if there is anything I can do." And with that, the dark skinned man strode out of the room.
"Ginny would you-" Harry began.
"Of course!" The redhead replied, flinging herself into the surprised boy's arms.
"Um, actually Ginny, I was about to ask if we could go upstairs and talk about this, but now I suppose there's no need to."
Ginny blushed and grinned sheepishly. Mrs Weasley looked relieved as the last of her children seemed to have beaten the law already. Suddenly sounding panicky, she said, "What about Hermione? Dear, pardon me for asking, but would you possibly have anyone in mind?" Hermione shook her head silently.
"Promise me, please. Don't give up."
Professor McGonagall, looking slightly nervous, said, "Kingsley and I are of the opinion that you should…. marry someone from within the Order." Hermione flinched. "In the light of these attacks, it would be the best course of action. Not only are you a muggle-born, but also Harry Potter's best friend, and the Death Eaters, assuming it is their handiwork, would stop at nothing to get their hands on you."
"I promise, Ron, I love you too."
Looking at Hermione's slightly nauseous expression, she hurried on, "You needn't decide right now, child. Think about it, but we don't have much time. Would it suit you to meet me here tomorrow?" In response to Hermione's nod, Professor McGonagall said, "Alright then. You kids can leave now." The Weasleys left with Harry and Hermione, leaving a few Order members behind.
Minerva McGonagall sighed deeply as she spoke to each of the remaining members about their plans. After consoling and dismissing a rather agitated Sturgis, she turned to the dark corner where Severus Snape lingered. "We spoke about this, Severus." The man bowed his head. "You know there's nothing we can do. If she does choose him, you'll probably be in a worse situation. Can you come up with any suitable candidates who wouldn't take you to your deathbed by interfering in your work or pestering you to go shopping? Think about it, we're meeting tomorrow anyway. It's in your best interests too, you know." Severus scowled, but said nothing as he walked past the exhausted woman into the dark night.
Author's Note: Whom do you think McGonagall meant when she said "if she does choose him"? I did a lot of research to narrow down the potential Order members Hermione could marry. Has McGonagall missed out on someone? Will Hermione choose "him" over Snape? Let me know what you think.
This one was a slightly longer chapter, so I hope you enjoyed it.
Also, I know I said I won't post again until after 25th, but what can I say. Your response continues to overwhelm me, lovely readers. I decided to post this one as well (since I already had it written and edited), but you'll have to be patient for the next one, because I haven't written anything concrete after this. I've written down some thoughts and a rather interesting letter (which you will find way, way ahead in the story teehee), but nothing much of chapter 4, so kindly bear with me.