Chapter Thirteen: Pardon?

And while Hermione was innocently sleeping the night away, two very tense men were discussing a horrible subject in the Headmasters office.

"Do...Do you have any idea what this means?" Dumbledore said softly after a moment's intake of breath. "We could be fi-"

"We won't be." Snape answered darkly, "When Fudge learns of the circumstances surely he'll see the light. He's so petrified of the Dark Lord I doubt he'd get on the bad side of any of his ex-followers." Snape chuckled at the thought of a shaky Fudge hiding in a cave somewhere in Albania, frightened of Snape.

"That's not only it Severus." Albus said twitching still, "When the students learn of your 'engagement' to an underage student not only will thousands of letters be owled in demanding your dismissal, but they may permanently shut down the School. I don't think you're understanding how serious this is."

"She's almost of age sir." Snape said shrugging, trying to appear less nervous than he actually was. "If we are to be married, we will do so when she reached the age of eighteen, in five months time. And I am positive we will find a solution. In case you yourself haven't noticed, you are quite possibly the most brilliant wizard of the age Headmaster, sir."

Albus shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose and muttering something that sounded vaguely like 'time turner'. Finally his bleary eyes met those of the dark man before him. "This is the worst thing-."

"What would you have had me do Albus?" Snape hissed malevolently, his dark eyes blazing as Albus glared back at him. "Hand her over to the Dark Lord? Let her become a Death Eater's plaything? I apologize but I doubted my conscience or yours could have rested knowing that I had handed over one of my own students into their repulsive clutches."

Albus seemed taken aback at the outburst, but reason finally won over his frantic panic. What Snape had made sense...Out of all the alternatives what was he to do? But what he didn't want to admit to Severus was that he had been trying to think of a plan, and each one seemed as unlikely as the next.

"But a student..." Albus said dimly, "Of all people, the one we were considering for Head Girl next year."

"Well don't let this stop it." Snape said dryly, bending over to pick up a fallen book, placing it on his side table as he spoke. "I doubt her vigorous appetite for studying will decline under this sham of a marriage."

"We still can't give her the position." Albus admitted bitterly.

It was then as Snape straightened and looked over to the old wizard that he noticed Albus' infamous twinkle in those eyes half hidden by half moon spectacles was back with a vengeance..
Just what was he getting at?

Snape started to shake unknowingly again, and Albus took notice.

"We still cant give her the position." Albus repeated.

"And why is that Headmaster?" Snape questioned.

Dumbledore was now displaying a glaze of fear over his eyes.

"We cant give her the position because..." he started. "Because she'll be living with you."

Snape's jaw dropped.

"Living with me?"

The sound of Snape's voice was slightly above a whisper as his normally relaxed and surly face turned into that of a worried child who'd been caught stealing. His stomach was flipping as he surveyed that the old codger was more than serious.

"Surely you jest." he spat, looking at Albus in disbelief. "She can't. This is outlandish." he offered as he began pacing about the room. "She just can't. No woman has ever been in my chambers."

Albus looked to Severus solemnly before speaking. When he did Snape was sure he'd have a brilliant idea, he'd save him from this spectacle of idiocy and humiliation. Instead he did just the opposite.
"Miss Granger really should be present for this."
Albus walked to the door, opening it a bit as he spoke in hushed tones to the appearing McGonagall. She looked utterly broken as Albus in hushed tones gave her a small order as she nodded and grimly walked off.
"No, Miss Granger should most certainly not be present for this." Snape hissed, his whole frame seeming more sinister, and his dark eyes blazing like nothing Albus had ever seen before. In truth, it was a little unsettling.
"I think she should Severus." Albus said softly as Snape sneered at him, "She's got every right to know what's going on."
Snape rolled his eyes emphatically at the explanation and hunched his shoulder's while crossing his arms over his chest. It had grown stuffy in the office, but he didn't care. Right now, all that Snape could feel or try to express was furious anger. If that stupid little girl hadn't been off cavorting with those two she never would have been caught, he never would have had to go and save her and he they wouldn't have to be married.
"I think that little know-it-all shou-" Snape started but stopped as a voice from the door interrupted.

"Headmaster?"
Albus gave a small smile at Hermione who had just arrived at the door with McGonagall, looking ashen and disturbed. She was shaking a bit, whether that was from Snape's presence or merely from worried fatigue was beyond any of them. When she went to bed, she wasn't worried, but now that she had been summoned in the middle of the night, she was becoming very worried. Unless, it was Dumbledore who had thought of plan that quick! Probably not, though. The tense feeling dropped into her stomach one again as she glanced at her Headmaster. Albus' eyes were crinkly at the sides and he gave a small smile of reassurance.
"Come in m'dear, come in."
She didn't dare look in the way of the sullen Professor at her left, instead focusing all rapt attention to the aged wizard before her, the one with a merry twinkle in his light eyes, a wizard she had come to trust as almost her own father.
"Hermione." he said softly, "I think you should sit down."

Hermione had a lump in her throat that wouldn't leave no matter how many times she swalloed. Looking around to the small assembly; Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape. (of course) He was scowling as usual, his arms crossed as he stood at the front of the room, looking her over once before turning his attention back to Albus. Hermione nodded curtly, and smoothing her skirt down sat primly upon the sofa, making sure to keep her eyes away from Snape in fear that they may burn out her soul.

"Of course, we have all heard what is to conspire in five month's time." Albus said dimly, his watery eyes solemn as Hermione nodded, her eyes fell to the floor as he continued.
"If worst comes to worst." Snape cut in, giving a severe glance at Albus who continued, still looking sympathetically in Hermione's direction.

"And I want you to know it wasn't your fault at all Hermione. You were very brave in such a treacherous condition and that shows true Gryffindor courage."

Or Gryffindor stupidity... Snape thought sourly, looking out the window in boredom. Why he had to be present at such an petty meeting was beyond him. Hermione's fingers were digging into the cushion of the seat she was on as her crossed legs swung nervously a bit back and forth. She was clenching her jaw so tightly it was beginning to pain her, and hear head pounded.
"Thank you sir." Hermione said softly, her dark eyes suddenly glazed. "But now because of it...Professor Snape and I..." she trailed off with a small shaky sigh, and Snape fixed her with a glare that she didn't see.
"We still have five month's time to think of something better Hermione." Albus said lightly, "You needn't worry."
Yet, that was impossible. Hermione's face was flushed with emotion, "But what can we do? Can you think of anything that could replace it? We've already told Voldemort that we're to be married. If we don't, he'll kill me for sure." At the given name of his old Master, Snape shuddered a bit. Hermione shot him a confused look and then gazed back at Albus who was thoughtfully scratching his chin. Hermione was now picturing Voldemort holding his wand up to her and a flash of green light before her. She was breaking out in a cold sweat, and she looked like she was going to pass out.

"Miss Granger..." McGonagall said while approaching her chair offering her assistance.

"I'm fine...I'm fine..." she said over and over again until Dumbledore continued. He couldn't bear to see his student in this state, so he wanted to get it over with as soon as possible.
"We'll think of something, Hermione, we always do." Albus was saying, having taken a seat next to Hermione who looked utterly dejected. "But for what conspired this evening, you mustn't blame Professor Snape."

Snape's bored attention was suddenly directed at Albus. Was that old fossil actually coming to his defense? About bloody time. He nodded respectfully before frowning at the top of Hermione's head.

"I don't blame him." came her soft voice, and yet she still met none of their eyes. She was instead, staring at her suddenly interesting shoelaces. "Not at all. I know he was only doing this to save us both."

Snape offered an eyebrow raise; her answer surprised him, though by all accounts it shouldn't have. She was known for her maturity and intellect, and he then knew her ranting before had just been fleeting panic.

"Well then." Albus said a bit lighter, "I think we have some small details to resolve. One:" Albus said, counting on his chalky fingers, "There will be no word of this to anyone. "

Hermione ducked her head in shame a moment, "I already told Harry and Ron." she breathed solemnly. She saw Snape's shoes twitch as the words were spoken, and accompanied with a breath of exasperation.
"I know dear, that's fine." Dumbledore assured her, although he wasn't sure it was such a good thing that they knew.
"You already told those two twits?" he growled, angrier at the fact that she wasn't making any effort to look at him in terror. "Do you realize the news will be over the school in less than an hour?"

"I didn't know." Hermione offered, small tears welling up within her eyes as she looked to her twisted hands in her lap. How was she to know? She had just gotten devastating news and she had confided in those she trusted.

Albus shot Snape a withering look before looking back to Hermione; "It's all right Hermione." he looked to Minerva, "Could you have a word with the boys?"

"Already have Sir. They know not to tell anyone..." McGonagall notified. Dumbledore nodded and turned back to Snape a moment, "Won't you sit down and relax Severus?"
Snape didn't look over. "I'd prefer to stand."
"Very well." Albus leaned forward, a tea tray having just arrived via house elf. "Care for some tea?" He offered Hermione, who looked past ill. She shook her head lightly, not up to anything more.

Albus stirred the sugar into his tea three times before sipping it, placing it with a clatter upon his saucer and then speaking again. In that time Snape had glanced over at Hermione, sneered at her and turned back to look out the window.

"Two: As you already know, we shall make sure to meet here every Friday if new developments arise." at this Snape rolled his eyes and Albus continued undeterred, "We shall discuss new thoughts to be rid of this inconvenience..." Hermione grimaced a bit as he referred to the marriage as such, she didn't know why.
"And by the end of five months time, you both shall be as free as you ever were."

Hermione's face became a bit relaxed as she put full stock in what he was saying. She wanted to believe it so badly; she wanted her life to go back to normal. Snape seemed to be yearning for the same, as he made no sarcastic comments or made any ugly faces.

"And Three:" Albus said lightly, "In the meantime, I don't want either of you butting heads. And by that I mean, no point deduction for no reason and no being a smart mouth to your Professor."

"I'm never a smart mouth." Hermione said offended, when had she ever talked back to Snape...well maybe she had, but only because he deserved it. Albus was smirking a bit, a merry twinkle back in those eyes of his.
"Give it time Hermione." he said grinning, "You may just get frustrated with him."
"And just what is that supposed to mean?" Snape said, stalking over to the two who shared a private smile. Hermione's disappeared right as soon as the git himself had come within a foot from her, and he glared at the mere courage she had to mock him when he was right there.
Hermione, in a desperate attempt to change the subject, did just that. "That all sounds fair sir."
"But...there is one more thing, Hermione." Albus said dimly, "If all goes through and the marriage does happen...you will not receive the position of Head Girl next year."

Albus had been putting this detail off for a good time, as his heart began to pound just a little harder. He hadn't wanted to break any of this to Hermione, the poor girl had nothing but splendid marks, she had dedicated her life to books and here he was taking away everything that mattered to her.

Being awkwardly interested, Snape had turned his gaze from the window over to Hermione who sat with her mouth agape. All at once her head had flipped up, sending her hair haphazardly about the place as her dark eyes widened in disbelief. He smirked as he saw her eyes widening in shock, and the way she had instantly paled. For some reason she bothered him like none other, especially tonight and now he couldn't explain why, but he was glad to see her having the wind taken out of her sails.

"Pardon?" Hermione said breathily.
"I know you're disappointed." Dumbledore grimaced, "But when married to Professor Snape, to keep things believable, you'll have to move in with him, and in turn married students cannot apply for Head positions. "
"And why not?" She asked persistently.
Hermione was sitting straight up now, her face intense as her hands balled into fists.
"The Head girl and boy positions are offered to students who have high academic careers, are positive members of the school and have what we consider to be a bright future ahead." Albus rattled this off softly, then grew a bit embarrassed. "But, these positions have been around far longer than I, and they decreed that married student's couldn't have the position, because the wizards of the day claimed that any student married obviously wouldn't have a very bright future."
"But why?"
"I suppose the fact that they're married before they've even left school might have something to do with it." Albus shrugged, "I'm not really sure myself."

Hermione's face fell, and her eyes began to fill with tears. She would have openly sobbed if Snape hadn't been in the room; she refused to have him think she was a crybaby as well as a know-it-all.

"But Hermione, I want you to know that if it were within my power, I would give you the position in a heartbeat." Albus was speaking softly, kind and soothing. "You're a brilliant witch, a splendid student and you have the highest marks we've seen at this school in a long time." he leaned forward a bit, lowering his voice to a hush. "You're marks are even better than our coveted Potions Master's were."

Hermione raised her dark eyes somberly, but offered a weak smile at his attempt. As if one cue Snape turned to them and boomed, "What?"

Hermione giggled as she and Albus leaned back, and the Headmaster claimed it was nothing to worry himself about. Hermione was about to ask Albus if she could indeed have some tea when she stopped. Her chest grew tight and to breathe became increasingly difficult.

It was if suddenly a light went on in her mind, Hermione grew solemn and rather frightened looking. Hermione's dark eyes whirled over to the still standing Professor who offered a dark sneer before dragging his eyes away from her and out the windowsill. She looked back to the Headmaster and spoke in a shaky, strangled voice.

"Did you say...I'll be living...with...Professor...Snape?"
"Yes. To cover any suspicion...spies are everywhere." Albus explained to the shaky girl. "We can't trust anyone but ourselves, so you see why I wish you to speak of this to no one. So, you see another reason why Head Girl wouldn't be the best idea."

Hermione was trembling, and this time not from anxiety, but pure untainted defeat. She had dedicated her life to her studies, she had missed out on fun events, adventures, and Hogsmeade visits all to study, and now because of one little mistake she was going to pay for it forever?

She suddenly turned her head slightly to the oblivious Snape whose eyes were still on the window. All rational reasoning left her as she openly glared at the man who had ruined her life. Hatred she had never known welled within her as she looked to him. He was so untouched by all of this. His life wasn't as ruined as hers was. Selfish, greasy git...

As if feeling her gaze on him he rounded his gaze over to her own, and noticing it's loathing capacity raised an eyebrow of surprise that faintly reminded her of one he'd shot at Harry. Surprise at her impertinence.

Fine. She was furious, fuming as she looked from one man to the next. What could she do to pay the slime ball back? She couldn't do anything to get her expelled could she? No. Perhaps the marriage didn't happen, and she was elected Head Girl? No...She couldn't afford to bugger that up.

"Well then." she said patronizingly, glancing at Snape for a moment before her eyes became level with Dumbledore's. "I suppose I should see Professor Snape's flat, then."

Both the men gaped at her a moment, Albus looking remarkably like a fish as Snape sputtered and blinked a bit. She would have smiled if it weren't for the pit in her stomach.
"Pardon?" they both said in chorus.
"Well if I'm to pretend to be Professor Snape's fiancée to fool spies that obviously loom everywhere, it would seem prudent I knew my way around his flat. What fiancée doesn't?" Hermione said confidently.
"I-I think not you-" Snape was sputtering as he fixed a foreboding glare at her, "That's the stupidest idea I-"
"Brilliant plan Hermione." Albus said nodding, "You two can go now, before the castle begins hustling and bustling with students."

Hermione gulped in shock, she had really been sort of hoping that they'd say no. But in suggesting what she had, she'd be showing Snape that he didn't intimidate her. Now she was going to be stuck with him alone, at night in his chambers. She was beginning to feel sick already.
"Are you sure?" she asked, hoping they would tell her no.

These three small, tiny words suddenly caused Snape to get a horribly twisted grin on his face. So...the little chit wasn't as ready as she thought she was...splendid. As if seeing her worry Snape moved to the door, glaring at her and with a look of utter disgust he growled over his shoulder,
"Come then you silly little girl. I haven't all night."