Severus thanked his lucky stars that he wasn't tandem apparating. It was
hard enough with one person, but with two it was nearly impossible.
Severus had been the one to convince the Dark lord that it would do no good
to kill Hermione's parents. He had pointed out that with the girl's
personality, a Death Eater attack on her parents would only decrease her
chances of helping out their cause. Even after Voldemort agreed Severus
found himself questioning whether or not Lucius would fallow directions.
So to be safe, Severus had followed the Grangers to the United States and,
with a letter from Dumbledore, convinced them to stay hidden until the
whole thing blows over. Severus had even arranged to get the Daily Prophet
sent to them so they would know what was going on in the wizarding world.
"Where are we?" Hermione asked when the two finally appeared in what looked like an empty garage. As Hermione took in her surroundings she looked out a window and noticed that it was light out. It had been dark when they had left 12 Grimmauld Place.
"We are in the United States, Vermont to be exact. I was the one that brought your parents here. I thought it would be nice for them to be placed in an area with some scenic beauty. I also thought to place them in a city that was big enough for them to get lost in, and small enough that no one would think of looking for them in." Severus still had her hand clasped in his and he gently pulled on it, indicating that she should start walking.
They exited the garage and from there walked about a block to a fairly nice looking colonial house. The house sat on a hill that overlooked the vast lake known as Lake Champlain. Hermione was struck by the sheer beauty of the place; it was nothing like the places she had seen on American television. No, it was so much more than that. Severus led her up the stairs and knocked on the door. After about a minute Holly answered the door.
"Hello Severus. Is everything alright?"
Before Severus could answer, Hermione had stepped out from behind him and answered her mother. "Why do you always jump to the conclusion that something is wrong, mum?" Holly chose to ignore her daughter's question and rushed forward to embrace her.
"Hermione! Oh, it's so good to see you and know that you are all right. Jason! Hermione is here."
"Mrs. Granger, I insist that we take this inside before we draw too much attention to ourselves." Severus said after the woman's display of emotions. He instantly prayed to the gods that Hermione would not be like that when she got older.
Jason had made his appearance and herded the group into the living room where they could sit down. He shook Severus' hand after giving his daughter a hug, and then offered Severus and Hermione some tea. "Tea would be wonderful Mister Granger."
"Now, Severus, how many times do we have to tell you to call us Holly and Jason." Holly said. Severus blushed slightly in response. It wasn't that he minded the informality, he just thought that after his impending announcement the Grangers would feel very differently. Jason came back with the tea and the conversation got underway.
"So what brings you here?" Holly asked. "You already wrote us to tell us that Hermione is fine. Does this have anything to do with what happened to the Dravens?"
"Mum, it's nothing like that. I'm fine, really, and Morgan is fine too. She was at our house when her family was attacked."
"But the paper said that there were four bodies in the house." Jason looked confused.
"There were. The Death Eaters have a habit of disguising bodies when they can't find whom they are supposed to kill. Morgana is quite fine and is now under my care. I will be providing her with whatever she may need in the future." Severus quickly offered. "The reason I have brought your daughter here has to do with the new marriage law that the Ministry has passed."
"Have you read about it mum?" Hermione asked.
"Yes we have and we think it is barbaric." Jason answered. Severus chuckled to himself when he heard Hermione's father say the same thing she had said. "Severus," Jason turned to address him, "if you think that we are going to let our daughter get married like that, then you have another thing coming. We will pull her out of that school and keep her out of the wizarding world."
"I'm sorry daddy, but I'm afraid that I have to get married." Hermione was looking at her feet. In all the years Severus has known the girl he had never seen her act this way before. Usually Hermione was full of confidence.
"Well who are you marrying, Hermione? Is it Harry or Ronald?" Holly asked. "I think that they are both charming young men."
"No mum, I'm not marrying either of them. I'm going to marry Severus."
"WHAT?" Jason screamed while bolting up and out of his seat. "I will not allow this! Hermione, you will be staying here and you," he said staring at Severus "you will be leaving this house immediately." Jason was still screaming.
"I'm afraid that I cannot leave without Hermione." Severus replied calmly.
"And why the hell not?" Jason was showing no signs of calming down anytime soon.
"Because she is my fiancé and we are to get married. I know that this must be hard for you. I am fully aware that I am old enough to be Hermione's father, but age is looked at differently in wizarding world. Wizards and witches live well into their two hundreds."
"He's right. I had many marriage offers, but due to the circumstances, Severus is the best choice. The Headmaster trusts him, and I trust him too."
"I refuse to accept that." Jason was still angry, but not as angry as a few minutes before.
"You most certainly will accept it." Holly was raising her voice at her husband. "Hermione is our only daughter and I do not want to loose her. I know that if she had to choose between us and being a witch, she would most certainly choose to be a witch." She turned to Severus. "Severus, I am sure that being married to my daughter isn't how you envisioned your life, but I really appreciate your willingness to make this sacrifice for our daughter. You will always be welcomed in our house no matter what Jason says." Holly pulled Severus into a hug.
Throughout the evening Severus did his best to but Hermione's father's mind at ease. He had wanted to explain why he was the logical choice for Hermione to marry, but then he would have to explain why Voldemort wanted to get his hand's on Hermione. That was a topic that just was not dinner material. Holly had insisted that Severus and Hermione stay for dinner, Hermione could tell that her mother was determined to get this issue solved before the night was over. Holly Granger made her move while she was cooking. She called Hermione into the kitchen, leaving Severus and Jason alone in the living room. Holly figured that, given time alone together, the two men would be able to talk everything out.
"Hermione," Holly said as her daughter entered the kitchen "why did you choose Severus?" For her part, Hermione had seen this coming and was able to prepare herself for the question.
"I'm not sure I can answer that, mum." Hermione sighed.
"Well you better. I am you mother, and if I am going to be able to allow you to get married before you even leave school, I'm going to need a reason." Holly used her most serious voice tone. Even though she hadn't heard a lot of it in her life, Hermione knew what that voice meant and how to proceed.
"I feel that under the circumstances, Severus is the best choice for me. He has already promised to respect me, treat me well, and keep me safe from harm. I know that I can trust him."
"And just what are the circumstances?" Before Hermione had to answer the timer on the oven went off. While her mother was tending to the meal, Hermione slipped out of the kitchen and went to sit at the table, stopping by the living room first to let the men know that dinner was done. She was pleased to see Severus and her father engaging in pleasant conversation. She let her father walk by her, but grabbed hold of Severus' hand before he passed her. When he looked into her eyes, Severus could tall that something was bothering his fiancé.
"What is the matter?" He asked in a gentle voice.
"My mum wants to know why I chose you over Ron, more specifically the circumstances around that decision."
"I was hoping that it wouldn't come up tonight. However, they are your parents and they do have a right to know what is going on. I will tell them the story during dinner."
"Are you sure you want to? I can always make something up."
"Hermione I refuse to allow you to lie to your parents. While telling them may make them worry for you more, it might set them at ease as well." Severus smiled at her and them placed a feather light kiss on her forehead. The couple made their way into the dining room and sat down just as Holly was coming out of the kitchen with the food.
After everyone began eating Holly wasted no time in continuing the questioning of her daughter. Hermione had protested, saying that this was not appropriate dinner table conversation, but Holly was having none of it. Her behavior only embarrassed Hermione. After a good twenty minutes, Hermione finally relented.
"How many marriage offers did you receive?" Holly asked.
"Eighty-seven." Hermione said nonchalantly.
"So why did you chose Severus? What made him the most ideal man out of all of those eighty-seven?" Holly asked. "No offence, Severus." She said turning to him quickly.
"No offence taken. I feel that I must inform you that although she had eighty-seven petitions, she didn't have eighty-seven choices."
"What do you mean?" Jason asked.
"Well some of the petitioners were in their seventies, others had made it clear in their contracts that they had no interest in Hermione as a person, just her magical abilities, and others would have brought harm to your daughter."
"How many choices did she have?" Holly asked.
"None." Hermione spoke up. "I didn't have a choice. The Death Eaters want to use me against Harry and exploit my power. They were ordered to kill anyone I chose unless that person is a Death Eater. Severus is the only one that can protect me, the Death Eaters think that he is one of them, but he is not and has not been for a long time. I know that he is old enough to be my father, and I know that he is not your ideal son-in-law, but he didn't have to petition for me, he even offered to protect whoever I chose. I chose Severus because I know I can trust him and because I think that we are compatible and a good match. I don't want to get married at this point in my life, but I don't really have a choice. I need you to be supportive of me right now." Severus was stunned at Hermione's admission. He had never really given it any thought, but supposed that they were in fact very compatible.
Holly and Jason could not believe what their daughter had just said. In that very moment they realized that their daughter was all grown up. "We always have and always will support you Hermione. You are not our little girl anymore and now we realize that. You're all grown up and now we have to let you make decisions for yourself and trust that they are the right ones." Jason said. Hermione just beamed in response. Severus sat in awe. There was never a moment like this when he was growing up. He knew that he had just witnessed and important moment in Hermione's life and he couldn't help smiling.
Dinner continued with much lighter conversation. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood. After dinner came desert and coffee. Hermione and Holly got into a very girly conversation about planning the wedding while Severus and Jason got into a very serious conversation about Hermione's future in the living room.
"Hermione is my only little girl, Severus. While I know I can trust you to take care of her as her teacher, I'm not so sure I can trust you to take care of her as her husband." Jason eased back into his recliner.
"I'm not sure what I can say to set you at ease, Jason. I have happily lived a solitary life until now, and I never imagined that I would ever be getting married. My years of solitude and my work have left me a bitter and emotionally cold man. I can't promise you that I will ever lover Hermione, but I can promise you that I will always care for her and look after her just as I do now. I will support her in pursuing higher education, if she wishes to do so, and will provide her with anything she will ever want or need. Your daughter has a brilliant mind, Jason, and I would never keep her from using it to it's full potential, unlike some of her other suitors."
"I admire and respect that. I have one last question for you. I am no fool Severus. I have read the Daily Prophet and the guidelines of this law. How can Hermione reach her full potential if she is forced to have children so soon? I'm not sure that my daughter is ready for motherhood, much less the sexual relationship that the law requires."
Severus could tell that this was the part of the law that was causing the most distress for Hermione's father. Severus took great care in forming his response. "Jason, I think I should tell you that Hermione has indicated to me that she is a virgin. It is my wish that we wait to consummate the relationship until she is ready, but I am afraid that will be impossible. Not only is there a time limit in which the first child must be conceived, but the law also states that the marriage must be consummated on the night of the wedding. There will be many spells that will be cast on each couple both at the wedding and during their wedding night. You have met Molly Weasley, I think you will agree with me that there is no way that Hermione will be content living as a housewife like that. When the time comes a nanny will be hired so that Hermione can continue with school and have a career."
"Thank you, Severus. You have put my mind at ease. I know that I can trust you with my daughter." Jason first shook Severus' hand, then pulled him into a hug. Severus smiled and silently wished that he will someday be like Hermione's father and not his own.
Severus and Jason made their way back into the kitchen where Hermione and Holly were still talking animatedly about the upcoming wedding. Hermione turned to smile at Severus when she noticed that the two men had walked in. Holly took advantage of the break in the conversation to look at the clock.
"My goodness, it's nearly ten o'clock. It's far too late for you two to head back to London, you must stay here tonight." Holly said.
"Thank you for the offer Holly, but we really must be going. Morgana is still getting used to everything and she'll be quite worried when she wakes up if Hermione isn't there." Severus said.
"You take care of that poor girl." Holly said to both Hermione and Severus.
"We will mum. Severus has already been wonderful to her. I'll send her your love." Hermione kissed her parents goodbye after promising to keep them informed about the wedding. On the walk back to the apparation point Hermione unsuccessfully tried to stifle a yawn.
"I'm sorry to keep you out so late, you must be tired." Severus said.
"Well, it has been a long day." Hermione replied.
"Tomorrow we are going to have to talk about what both the contract and the law require."
"I know Severus, but right now all I want to think about is my head hitting my pillow."
They apparated back to 12 Grimmauld Place, with their wands ready to cast the lumos charm, but when they got there, the lights in the house were on. Severus just assumed that Molly had left them on in case he and Hermione decided to return that night. When they got into the house they were greeted with a very unusual sight. Most of the Weasleys and Harry were sitting around the kitchen table in their pajamas, crying. None of them noticed that Hermione and Severus had arrived until Hermione asked them what has going on.
"Hermione." Harry started. "It's Ron."
A/N: Lots of people have asked me/ expressed their hopes that Morgan will have magic powers. You'll find out if she does, but you are going to have to wait until chapter 9 for it to be addressed.
REMEMBER: The more reviews I get the faster I write and post the chapters.
"Where are we?" Hermione asked when the two finally appeared in what looked like an empty garage. As Hermione took in her surroundings she looked out a window and noticed that it was light out. It had been dark when they had left 12 Grimmauld Place.
"We are in the United States, Vermont to be exact. I was the one that brought your parents here. I thought it would be nice for them to be placed in an area with some scenic beauty. I also thought to place them in a city that was big enough for them to get lost in, and small enough that no one would think of looking for them in." Severus still had her hand clasped in his and he gently pulled on it, indicating that she should start walking.
They exited the garage and from there walked about a block to a fairly nice looking colonial house. The house sat on a hill that overlooked the vast lake known as Lake Champlain. Hermione was struck by the sheer beauty of the place; it was nothing like the places she had seen on American television. No, it was so much more than that. Severus led her up the stairs and knocked on the door. After about a minute Holly answered the door.
"Hello Severus. Is everything alright?"
Before Severus could answer, Hermione had stepped out from behind him and answered her mother. "Why do you always jump to the conclusion that something is wrong, mum?" Holly chose to ignore her daughter's question and rushed forward to embrace her.
"Hermione! Oh, it's so good to see you and know that you are all right. Jason! Hermione is here."
"Mrs. Granger, I insist that we take this inside before we draw too much attention to ourselves." Severus said after the woman's display of emotions. He instantly prayed to the gods that Hermione would not be like that when she got older.
Jason had made his appearance and herded the group into the living room where they could sit down. He shook Severus' hand after giving his daughter a hug, and then offered Severus and Hermione some tea. "Tea would be wonderful Mister Granger."
"Now, Severus, how many times do we have to tell you to call us Holly and Jason." Holly said. Severus blushed slightly in response. It wasn't that he minded the informality, he just thought that after his impending announcement the Grangers would feel very differently. Jason came back with the tea and the conversation got underway.
"So what brings you here?" Holly asked. "You already wrote us to tell us that Hermione is fine. Does this have anything to do with what happened to the Dravens?"
"Mum, it's nothing like that. I'm fine, really, and Morgan is fine too. She was at our house when her family was attacked."
"But the paper said that there were four bodies in the house." Jason looked confused.
"There were. The Death Eaters have a habit of disguising bodies when they can't find whom they are supposed to kill. Morgana is quite fine and is now under my care. I will be providing her with whatever she may need in the future." Severus quickly offered. "The reason I have brought your daughter here has to do with the new marriage law that the Ministry has passed."
"Have you read about it mum?" Hermione asked.
"Yes we have and we think it is barbaric." Jason answered. Severus chuckled to himself when he heard Hermione's father say the same thing she had said. "Severus," Jason turned to address him, "if you think that we are going to let our daughter get married like that, then you have another thing coming. We will pull her out of that school and keep her out of the wizarding world."
"I'm sorry daddy, but I'm afraid that I have to get married." Hermione was looking at her feet. In all the years Severus has known the girl he had never seen her act this way before. Usually Hermione was full of confidence.
"Well who are you marrying, Hermione? Is it Harry or Ronald?" Holly asked. "I think that they are both charming young men."
"No mum, I'm not marrying either of them. I'm going to marry Severus."
"WHAT?" Jason screamed while bolting up and out of his seat. "I will not allow this! Hermione, you will be staying here and you," he said staring at Severus "you will be leaving this house immediately." Jason was still screaming.
"I'm afraid that I cannot leave without Hermione." Severus replied calmly.
"And why the hell not?" Jason was showing no signs of calming down anytime soon.
"Because she is my fiancé and we are to get married. I know that this must be hard for you. I am fully aware that I am old enough to be Hermione's father, but age is looked at differently in wizarding world. Wizards and witches live well into their two hundreds."
"He's right. I had many marriage offers, but due to the circumstances, Severus is the best choice. The Headmaster trusts him, and I trust him too."
"I refuse to accept that." Jason was still angry, but not as angry as a few minutes before.
"You most certainly will accept it." Holly was raising her voice at her husband. "Hermione is our only daughter and I do not want to loose her. I know that if she had to choose between us and being a witch, she would most certainly choose to be a witch." She turned to Severus. "Severus, I am sure that being married to my daughter isn't how you envisioned your life, but I really appreciate your willingness to make this sacrifice for our daughter. You will always be welcomed in our house no matter what Jason says." Holly pulled Severus into a hug.
Throughout the evening Severus did his best to but Hermione's father's mind at ease. He had wanted to explain why he was the logical choice for Hermione to marry, but then he would have to explain why Voldemort wanted to get his hand's on Hermione. That was a topic that just was not dinner material. Holly had insisted that Severus and Hermione stay for dinner, Hermione could tell that her mother was determined to get this issue solved before the night was over. Holly Granger made her move while she was cooking. She called Hermione into the kitchen, leaving Severus and Jason alone in the living room. Holly figured that, given time alone together, the two men would be able to talk everything out.
"Hermione," Holly said as her daughter entered the kitchen "why did you choose Severus?" For her part, Hermione had seen this coming and was able to prepare herself for the question.
"I'm not sure I can answer that, mum." Hermione sighed.
"Well you better. I am you mother, and if I am going to be able to allow you to get married before you even leave school, I'm going to need a reason." Holly used her most serious voice tone. Even though she hadn't heard a lot of it in her life, Hermione knew what that voice meant and how to proceed.
"I feel that under the circumstances, Severus is the best choice for me. He has already promised to respect me, treat me well, and keep me safe from harm. I know that I can trust him."
"And just what are the circumstances?" Before Hermione had to answer the timer on the oven went off. While her mother was tending to the meal, Hermione slipped out of the kitchen and went to sit at the table, stopping by the living room first to let the men know that dinner was done. She was pleased to see Severus and her father engaging in pleasant conversation. She let her father walk by her, but grabbed hold of Severus' hand before he passed her. When he looked into her eyes, Severus could tall that something was bothering his fiancé.
"What is the matter?" He asked in a gentle voice.
"My mum wants to know why I chose you over Ron, more specifically the circumstances around that decision."
"I was hoping that it wouldn't come up tonight. However, they are your parents and they do have a right to know what is going on. I will tell them the story during dinner."
"Are you sure you want to? I can always make something up."
"Hermione I refuse to allow you to lie to your parents. While telling them may make them worry for you more, it might set them at ease as well." Severus smiled at her and them placed a feather light kiss on her forehead. The couple made their way into the dining room and sat down just as Holly was coming out of the kitchen with the food.
After everyone began eating Holly wasted no time in continuing the questioning of her daughter. Hermione had protested, saying that this was not appropriate dinner table conversation, but Holly was having none of it. Her behavior only embarrassed Hermione. After a good twenty minutes, Hermione finally relented.
"How many marriage offers did you receive?" Holly asked.
"Eighty-seven." Hermione said nonchalantly.
"So why did you chose Severus? What made him the most ideal man out of all of those eighty-seven?" Holly asked. "No offence, Severus." She said turning to him quickly.
"No offence taken. I feel that I must inform you that although she had eighty-seven petitions, she didn't have eighty-seven choices."
"What do you mean?" Jason asked.
"Well some of the petitioners were in their seventies, others had made it clear in their contracts that they had no interest in Hermione as a person, just her magical abilities, and others would have brought harm to your daughter."
"How many choices did she have?" Holly asked.
"None." Hermione spoke up. "I didn't have a choice. The Death Eaters want to use me against Harry and exploit my power. They were ordered to kill anyone I chose unless that person is a Death Eater. Severus is the only one that can protect me, the Death Eaters think that he is one of them, but he is not and has not been for a long time. I know that he is old enough to be my father, and I know that he is not your ideal son-in-law, but he didn't have to petition for me, he even offered to protect whoever I chose. I chose Severus because I know I can trust him and because I think that we are compatible and a good match. I don't want to get married at this point in my life, but I don't really have a choice. I need you to be supportive of me right now." Severus was stunned at Hermione's admission. He had never really given it any thought, but supposed that they were in fact very compatible.
Holly and Jason could not believe what their daughter had just said. In that very moment they realized that their daughter was all grown up. "We always have and always will support you Hermione. You are not our little girl anymore and now we realize that. You're all grown up and now we have to let you make decisions for yourself and trust that they are the right ones." Jason said. Hermione just beamed in response. Severus sat in awe. There was never a moment like this when he was growing up. He knew that he had just witnessed and important moment in Hermione's life and he couldn't help smiling.
Dinner continued with much lighter conversation. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood. After dinner came desert and coffee. Hermione and Holly got into a very girly conversation about planning the wedding while Severus and Jason got into a very serious conversation about Hermione's future in the living room.
"Hermione is my only little girl, Severus. While I know I can trust you to take care of her as her teacher, I'm not so sure I can trust you to take care of her as her husband." Jason eased back into his recliner.
"I'm not sure what I can say to set you at ease, Jason. I have happily lived a solitary life until now, and I never imagined that I would ever be getting married. My years of solitude and my work have left me a bitter and emotionally cold man. I can't promise you that I will ever lover Hermione, but I can promise you that I will always care for her and look after her just as I do now. I will support her in pursuing higher education, if she wishes to do so, and will provide her with anything she will ever want or need. Your daughter has a brilliant mind, Jason, and I would never keep her from using it to it's full potential, unlike some of her other suitors."
"I admire and respect that. I have one last question for you. I am no fool Severus. I have read the Daily Prophet and the guidelines of this law. How can Hermione reach her full potential if she is forced to have children so soon? I'm not sure that my daughter is ready for motherhood, much less the sexual relationship that the law requires."
Severus could tell that this was the part of the law that was causing the most distress for Hermione's father. Severus took great care in forming his response. "Jason, I think I should tell you that Hermione has indicated to me that she is a virgin. It is my wish that we wait to consummate the relationship until she is ready, but I am afraid that will be impossible. Not only is there a time limit in which the first child must be conceived, but the law also states that the marriage must be consummated on the night of the wedding. There will be many spells that will be cast on each couple both at the wedding and during their wedding night. You have met Molly Weasley, I think you will agree with me that there is no way that Hermione will be content living as a housewife like that. When the time comes a nanny will be hired so that Hermione can continue with school and have a career."
"Thank you, Severus. You have put my mind at ease. I know that I can trust you with my daughter." Jason first shook Severus' hand, then pulled him into a hug. Severus smiled and silently wished that he will someday be like Hermione's father and not his own.
Severus and Jason made their way back into the kitchen where Hermione and Holly were still talking animatedly about the upcoming wedding. Hermione turned to smile at Severus when she noticed that the two men had walked in. Holly took advantage of the break in the conversation to look at the clock.
"My goodness, it's nearly ten o'clock. It's far too late for you two to head back to London, you must stay here tonight." Holly said.
"Thank you for the offer Holly, but we really must be going. Morgana is still getting used to everything and she'll be quite worried when she wakes up if Hermione isn't there." Severus said.
"You take care of that poor girl." Holly said to both Hermione and Severus.
"We will mum. Severus has already been wonderful to her. I'll send her your love." Hermione kissed her parents goodbye after promising to keep them informed about the wedding. On the walk back to the apparation point Hermione unsuccessfully tried to stifle a yawn.
"I'm sorry to keep you out so late, you must be tired." Severus said.
"Well, it has been a long day." Hermione replied.
"Tomorrow we are going to have to talk about what both the contract and the law require."
"I know Severus, but right now all I want to think about is my head hitting my pillow."
They apparated back to 12 Grimmauld Place, with their wands ready to cast the lumos charm, but when they got there, the lights in the house were on. Severus just assumed that Molly had left them on in case he and Hermione decided to return that night. When they got into the house they were greeted with a very unusual sight. Most of the Weasleys and Harry were sitting around the kitchen table in their pajamas, crying. None of them noticed that Hermione and Severus had arrived until Hermione asked them what has going on.
"Hermione." Harry started. "It's Ron."
A/N: Lots of people have asked me/ expressed their hopes that Morgan will have magic powers. You'll find out if she does, but you are going to have to wait until chapter 9 for it to be addressed.
REMEMBER: The more reviews I get the faster I write and post the chapters.