Disclaimer: I own none of the characters you recognize, I'm only playing with them for my own enjoyment.
A/N: This is my answer to Chelleybean's Marriage Law Challenge on WIKKT. All the rules can be found there and I'll probably put them at the end of my fic when it's done.
Hermione glanced upwards into the eyes of the man she was about to marry. Since their relationship had begun barely a month ago she had almost learned how to discover what he was thinking from their expression alone. However, his eyes had reverted back to stony silence and Hermione turned her gaze towards the floor.
"Please repeat after me, 'I, Severus Snape…" Dumbledore said. Hermione was pleased he had agreed to do this on what was reasonably short notice, although he had been approving of their relationship from the start and had practically jumped at the chance.
Severus breathed in deeply – not a good sign as far as Hermione was concerned. "I, Severus Snape…" Hermione tuned out as Severus continued.
* * * * *
Hermione woke to find her body was sore in places she didn't even know existed. She smiled what she was 99% certain was a goofy smile while indulging in the memory of last night's events, which had almost certainly led to the feelings in her body. The rest of her brain was encouraging her to turn over and thoroughly thank the man who had made her feel this way.
A kiss on the back of her neck almost made her jump but as Severus' arm was currently moving around her midsection sending waves of pleasure and anticipation through her body, she was unable to think of much else. A voice near her ear whispered, "Good morning." In response Hermione mumbled something ineligible and turned to meet his lips with her own. One kiss led to another and soon Hermione found herself wanting never to stop. His tongue was exploring her mouth as fiercely as her own his. It felt wonderful. She was certain a moan escaped her, reverberating through their still joined mouths. His hands were moving up and down her body. What a way to wake up in the morning! He finally broke their kiss, only to commence an attack on her neck. From there on – as far as both parties were concerned – things could only get better.
A while later when both parties had their desires satisfied – at least for now – they lay back, content in each other's company.
Severus planted a kiss on Hermione's head, "I guess what they say is true."
"What Slytherins make the best lovers?" Hermione asked with a puzzled face.
He only smirked, "Everyone knows that's true. What I actually meant was that sex makes you hungry."
Before he had mentioned it Hermione had not been thinking about anything so mundane but now he mentioned it, she was starving. "Yeah, but it might have something to do with the fact I've had nothing to eat for over 16 hours."
"Well then I propose I do something about it."
"Like what?" Hermione asked.
"Like going downstairs and fixing the pair of us some breakfast before bringing it back up here."
"Breakfast in bed? Sounds very appealing but I think it will involve you being out of my sight for far too long." Hermione said in what she hoped was a teasing voice.
"Well if you insist. Though you might as well slip into something a little less… naked." Severus replied accompanied by a hungry kiss.
"Don't you like what you see?" Hermione asked, only half jokingly. She may have the appearance of immense confidence but certain things could shake it easily.
"You're beautiful, every inch of you. It's just that I don't think that Mr Wittenwick next door will appreciate the finer things in life, of which you are most definitely one. Besides I wouldn't want to share you with anyone." Severus replied. His voice alone could have calmed her fears but the words added to the effect.
He kissed her again, more of a final kiss this time. Hermione just watched as she got out of the bed. His back muscles rippled in a way which she found unbelievably sexy. She barely fought off the urge to begin their kisses anew.
As he left the room (after following his own advice and pulling on a robe) Hermione lay back and just thought. Although she had only been seeing Severus for a fortnight, and last night had been the first time they had… been intimate – it just seemed right. He was exactly what she would have looked for in a man – only she hadn't been looking. And still – despite that – she had found someone who made her feel like no-one ever had before. What should she do? Her stomach reminded her of the food sure to be waiting for her downstairs as an immediate answer and her heart agreed with the plan by fluttering pleasantly at the thought of Severus.
When Hermione made it downstairs dressed, as per instructed, in a simple nightgown with a dressing gown over the top.
She saw Severus sat at the oak table in her kitchen. Every so often he would shake his head in what looked like disbelief. At that moment Hermione wanted to run back up to her room and… no, his mind could not have changed so quickly.
She walked boldly over to where he sat and only hesitated slightly before placing her hand on his shoulder. Encouraged by the fact he leaned into the touch she asked gently, "What's wrong?"
It was then Hermione noticed the copy of the daily Prophet which lay open in front of him, "Read it."
New law cause controversy throughout Britain
Minister says "It's necessary."
The Daily Prophet can exclusively reveal that section 371 of wizarding law has been passed in Ministry chambers early this morning. Shrouded within secrecy charms during development to avoid public demonstrations the terms of the law have become public at last. All wizards and witches of magical descent are required to be betrothed to a wizard or witch of non-magical descent to prevent the further dwindling of the magical community in Britain. Couples will required to produce children according to ministry guidelines to be announced towards the end of this month.
(Exemptions to the rule along with definitions of magical and non-magical descent can be found over the page)
As Hermione began to turn the page Severus put out his hand to stop her, "Neither of us are exempt. I've checked and checked again."
A tear rolled gently down Hermione's cheek. "How could they… I mean can they do this?"
"Obviously." Severus replied.
* * * * *
"… 'til death do us part." Severus finished. Hermione thought he sounded sincere enough but … did he really mean it?
For what was far from the first time Hermione cursed that stupid law.
* * * * *
"What else does it say?" Hermione asked, the note of panic in her voice was becoming increasingly noticeable.
"It's up to the head of the family to pick who their family members are to be betrothed to." Severus replied dryly.
"That's practically medieval. It's the 21st century for God's sake – people should be allowed to marry whoever they want." Severus stood and slipped his arms around Hermione. She leaned into his chest and began sobbing openly. He kissed the top of her head gently.
It was at that moment that a rather large owl decided to make its presence known outside the kitchen window. "Talk about bad timing," Hermione said through sobs. She looked up at Severus, worried a he had gone rigid since the moment the owl had first appeared.
"Malfoy," he said. That one word was all it took to turn Hermione's face from one of curiosity to one of horror.
"You don't mean…?" Hermione didn't want to say the rest.
"I sincerely hope not, for you deserve much better."
Hermione opened the window to the kitchen; the owl dropped his letter and flew away before Hermione even had the chance to open it. It lay on the kitchen worktop menacingly until Hermione picked it up. "Oh no. Malfoy has petitioned for my hand in marriage, for Draco. Have you got a pen?"
"What on Earth would you need a pen for?" Severus asked.
"To sign the damn thing. Well I have to don't I? It's the law." Hermione responded angrily.
"Don't sign anything. Leave it there and come with me." Severus ordered.
"Where are we going?" Hermione asked.
"The Ministry of Magic, Malfoy Manor or to see my father. It's up to you."
"Are you saying you're going to marry me?" Hermione asked.
"To keep you away from Malfoy, if that is indeed what you wish." Severus replied.
Hermione picked up the contract from Malfoy and waved in front of Severus' face. "This isn't what I want, I know that. However, I don't want to be marched off to your father to have this," she brandished the paper once more, "sent from somewhere else. I want… I want to marry someone I love. Who hasn't been forced into it. Who wants me for who I am." Although Hermione had started off angrily her words were now coming with barely held back sobs. "Severus, last night… it was wonderful, but that doesn't give you a right to… lay claim to me as it were."
"I would not presume to believe me. If you wish me to let you sign that, which in effect will allow Malfoy to do what he will with you. And if he is as much like his father as I fear then you will be locked away for the rest of your life. Your talents will be wasted and you will be reduced to breeding stock. An utter tragedy if I ever knew one." Severus said slowly and deliberately allowing every word to reach Hermione.
After a minute which seemed to stretch forever, Hermione announced her decision. "We'd better go see your father."
* * * * *
As Severus finished his part in the ceremony he risked a glance at Hermione. While she had decided a big white wedding was out of the question she still looked amazing, a simple light blue dress showing off her body. Her hair pinned up to expose the back of the neck, which Severus thought appeared wholly kissable. Aside from the way she looked, like a confident young woman should on her wedding day, Hermione appeared to be holding everything together. Then again nothing less could be expected of her, despite how hard it must be for her to stand and do this. Then again as Albus turned to her she even managed a smile, however forced it was. It was at that moment Severus realised exactly how much he hated himself for this. It could easily be said that he loved her, but in circumstances such as these could that be enough?
* * * * *
"Master Severus, we is not expectings to see you here," the house elf that answered the door said.
"I realise that Hattie, but it is urgent that I speak with my father." Severus replied.
"Master is in the drawing room, sir. Do you need any other thing?"
"No thank you." Severus replied. He then touched Hermione's shoulder, effectively halting her appraisal of the architecture, "Are you coming?" She nodded and allowed herself to be led away by Severus.
When he reached his destination Severus knocked once on the door in front of him before entering, "Father?"
"Ah Severus, how wonderful to see you again." The man in the chair replied, "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I trust you've read this morning's Prophet."
"Of course, and before you ask there is nothing I can do to get the damn law repealed, besides it'll do you good to settle down." He said taking a sip of coffee. The he looked up to meet his son's eyes and saw not one but two people. "Well, well, what do we have here?"
"Forgive me, father. I'd like you to meet Hermione Granger, Hermione, my father, Aurelius Snape." Severus introduced the pair. Hermione held out her hand and Severus' father took it in a firm shake.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Granger." Turning his attention back to his son, "What does this have to do with anything?"
"Honestly, father, you can be so slow at times." Hermione smiled at the reminder of the Severus of potions class. "I want you to petition for the legal rights to Hermione's hand in marriage."
"I wasn't going to petition for anyone's hand in marriage for you, to be honest, despite a couple of offers already, only because I disagree with the idea of witches being reduced to mere possessions, as so many pure blooded families are wont to do. Now you come in her and demand this of me? Have you even considered this?" the elder Snape asked.
"Yes, we both have, it' also a matter of some urgency." Severus pressed.
"What in Merlin's name do you mean by that?" as he said it Snape looked towards Hermione's midriff.
"No father. Malfoy."
"You mean Lucius has decided upon her for his own little brat?" he asked, when Severus nodded he continued, "So you mean to take her as your own wife?"
"Father, you know full well that is what I am asking, now will you do it or not." The air inside the drawing room became tense. Both Severus and Hermione were watching the figure of Aurelius Snape, now standing in front of the window behind his desk.
"Why not just elope?" Aurelius asked.
"Lucius' contract is on Hermione's dining table as we speak, and I believe that it is better to go along with this new law than fight it. At least for now."
"That's all well and good. I have one more question. Is this what you want, Miss Granger?"
Hermione appeared shocked to be asked this; Severus supposed it was due to the fact that the prior argument had been clearly between him and his father.
When Hermione spoke it was clear that she had put a great deal of thought into her words, Severus was sure his father would be impressed – a Gryffindor who thought before speaking. "Honestly, I'd rather wait to marry, but as that is not an option it would be infinitely preferable to marry Severus than Draco Malfoy. Especially since… since he's willing to do this for me." Severus himself was impressed, he had been sure that she was about to speak of last night. Nice save Granger.
Aurelius nodded, he then reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a contract, at his son's look of sheer disgust, "It arrived this morning. I had no forward warning, something I don't expect to be true in Lucius' case." After Aurelius had written a few things, names and the like on the contract he presented it to Hermione. He offered her the quill which he had signed it with.
"Are you really sure about this Severus?" Hermione asked. He took her in his arms and kissed her gently. She fitted perfectly next to his body. He couldn't believe that she was affecting her like this. Hermione too was reminded exactly why last night had been so perfect, it couldn't be that bad to marry the man and considering the alternatives she should count herself lucky. She signed the contract with no further hesitation.
The contract disappeared with a customary pop.
* * * * *
"I pronounce you husband and wife." Albus said. He smiled at them both. "You may now kiss the bride."
Severus nodded his thanks to Albus, he was obviously feeling as grateful as Hermione, and turned to face his bride. She smiled at him as he bent towards her. He kissed her gently but with love. Hermione wondered how he could be so sure of his feelings towards her, not when she didn't have a clue. It had only been a month since they first kissed for God's sake.
The few witnesses to the event – Harry (but not Ron who was currently half way around the world with Gillian Weasley nee Davies, his Ravenclaw bride of 3 days), Ginny, Remus, McGonagall and Severus' parents – clapped. Hermione draped her arm in Severus' as they walked out of Hogwarts' makeshift wedding pavilion. Something which had seen far too much use of late – due to a desire for trendy castle weddings.
* * * * *
Severus and Hermione apparated back to Hermione's flat. Neither said anything as neither really knew what should be said. A knock at the door diffused some of the tension as Hermione left the room to answer it. Severus heard a faint gasp as she opened the door. It became obvious why when Lucius Malfoy followed her back into her sitting room.
Lucius pointed at Severus and said a single word, "You."
* * * * *
When the newlyweds arrived at Severus' chambers within Hogwarts Hermione asked, "So what now?"
"Whatever you want," Severus answered simply. He had decided that the best thing to do was to let her come to him.
"Time to think," Hermione said apologetically. Severus gestured for her to go. Go she did – to the bedroom… their bedroom…? And the tears began to fall.