Disclaimer: J.K.Rowling owns everything, I don't. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 3
After a glance at her bedroom clock Hermione decided it was time to head out to the library for some extended research and study time. She put her applications back, and with one last loving caress of her home-made wand she placed it on top of her other treasures. A quick flick of her old wand made the trainers opaque. She then carefully replaced the cover and stashed the box back under her bed. She hated leaving her new source of protection, but if anyone found it she knew she would lose more than just house points. She consoled herself that -- just knowing it was there, ready when she needed it, was enough.
Running out the door she ran into Ginny. "Ooof... Where are you off to in such a hurry?"
Her roommate throughout much of the summer, she had petitioned to room with the younger student during her final year. She would have dearly loved to room by herself, but that privilege was only open to the Head Boy and Girl. After her dismal previous year and her uncertain future she knew there was no way she could have been awarded that honor. When, due to the large number of non-returning female students, extra rooms became available she was not surprised that her bunkmates suggested she look for more private accommodations. It was almost laughable the way they jumped over themselves with excuses to room elsewhere. Not that she was surprised. They had never really been friends to begin with, and prolonged association with her would make them easy targets. She was forever grateful when her young friend jumped at the chance to share a room. Ginny had waved away her safety concerns with a delicate sweep of her hand saying that she wasn't in any more danger rooming with her than she was dating Harry. Hermione had to admit that was true, and although she remained concerned she put in the rooming request.
"I'm heading out to the Library. I've been researching the properties --"
"Wait!" Ginny called while holding up her hand in mock defeat. "My classes are over for the day, and I'm on a break" she laughed. "Why don't you skive off the library just for one day and hang out in the common room for awhile." Quickly sensing that she wasn't getting through to her friend she tried a more underhanded approach. "Harry and Ron really miss you. You know that they can't get into the girls rooms and aside from class you're never around." When Hermione started to protest Ginny overrode her and spoke in her best Molly Weasley voice "forget the others! I don't care if their faces freeze with the funny looks they give you. They can all sod off! Your friends want you to join them in the common room and I think you should abide by their wishes."
Hermione chuckled softly and rolled her eyes. "Ok, I promise to be in the common room after dinner for a nice relaxing evening by the fire, but for now I do need to head to the library." As an afterthought she put her hand up and said rather dramatically "I promise." Apparently that did the trick and Ginny finally let her leave.
&&&&&
Rounding the corner to her favorite table she noticed Draco and his shadows hiding behind a row of books. Not interested in receiving another disturbing wink she ducked into a private reading alcove to wait them out. Minutes later she wasn't sure if that had been a good move. They were obviously deep in conversation with no intention of leaving, and now she was trapped. 'Well might as well hear them out' she thought. Truthfully she would have rather jumped into the restricted section for that transfiguration textbook, but when you're stuck. Well, you're stuck.
"So how are you getting her?" The voice of Goyle she surmised. 'Oh gods, she was going to have to listen to the details of yet another Slytherin conquest. Spare me from bragging boys' she thought disgustedly.
"I just told my father all I wanted for Christmas was my own mudblood. It's such a hassle heading in town to enjoy them." His sick laugh cut right through her. Now she had to listen to find out the name of the unlucky girl. Perhaps if she got word to the Order they would be able to get the poor girl out of the country. Knowing that Malfoy was on the prowl should certainly hasten their departure.
"It's a shame that those mudblood wizards aren't up for grabs," said Goyle. "Think they're going to make them available next?"
"What are you going on about? You haven't turned to the other side have you?" Draco sounded like his interest had been piqued.
"Well, they stand up so much better to hexes. It's almost pointless to practice an unforgivable on a witch, they break too easy --"
"True, but what pureblood witch would sully herself with a mudblood wizard? Her reputation would be shot and she would never get a respectable wizard after that." Draco continued knowingly "That's why the Ministry didn't include them in the first place. I could care less about them though, just as long as I get my entertainment."
"You are so lucky that you've turned 18. I have to wait until March and they'll all be gone by then." That had to be Crabbe - she would recognize his whine anywhere.
"Well, I'm not the issue as much is she is, or was. Can you imagine that she aged a good part of a year with a timeturner and nobody even knew it?" At their unintelligible grunting he snorted and continued on "father has been working on this for quite some time. He's had an awful time convincing the board that the timeturner should be added to her age. Dumbledore has been fighting him every step of the way, but as always my father has come out victorious."
Hermione wasn't sure she was breathing at this point. The pain in her chest was overwhelming and the ringing in her ears was such that she tried to convince herself she was hearing things. She tried deluding herself that they were talking about someone else, but it was too much of a stretch to think that there was any other muggle born witch that used a timeturner as much as she had in her third year.
"So, you're going to share her aren't you?" She could practically see Goyle's leer from the confines of her hiding spot.
"Well, perhaps once she's been broken in. Father said he has plans to teach me some rather interesting techniques on her. I don't really have the proper tools at school, but we have a room at home that's fully stocked." Draco started to inventory the room when Madame Pince rounded the corner and shooed them away.
A few steps farther and she came across a pale and shaking Hermione. "Child are you alright?"
"Yes, fine -- I --" Hermione stammered and then turned and fled the library. She had to see Dumbledore and fast.
&&&&&
In her haste to talk to the headmaster she bounded up the steps to his office two at a time. The Gargoyle had presented no problem as it was spelled to allow her entrance regardless of what she yelled at it. Being a ward of the school had its perks. She still remembered his soothing words of protection after the death of her parents. He was personally taking over her guardianship to make sure that her future in the wizarding world was secure. He chuckled and said that she should think of him as her security blanket. She had laughed at that, her first in a long time. The laugh had turned into a sob and she soon found herself comforted by the grandfatherly embrace of the most powerful wizard of her time.
"Security Blanket my ASS!" she screamed as she stormed into his office. Too intent in having her say uninterrupted she didn't waste time in noticing his shocked expression.
"Don't worry about this Marriage Law Hermione," she mimicked him nastily. "Everything will work out just fine. I'm looking out for your best interests." She turned to glare at him and continued shouting "and with a pat on the ass and a shove out the door you forget all about me and leave me to That-- That-- Sadistic Death Eater-in-Training!"
As much as Dumbledore expected an outburst from his young charge this was nothing like he expected. He had just heard that afternoon that his final appeal in her case had been overturned and had been busy making plans to secure her safety. He hadn't expected her to find out anything before they were set. The fact was that he didn't know how much she actually knew or how she had found out, meant he would have to tread cautiously. He should have learned by now that keeping his headstrong Gryffindors in the dark was a mistake, but he was an old man and settled in his ways. Grudgingly he admitted to himself that he had used that excuse far too many times before, and that this time he might have to own up to his mistakes.
"Child--" he started.
"Don't You Child Me Old Man" she shouted in return.
Pausing a minute to compose himself he continued. "Hermione, please sit down and we'll talk."
"Talk? Oh, now you want to talk? How many times have I come to you to talk about leaving the country? Each time you tell me I have plenty of time. Well, now it appears that time is running out -- So?" She looked at him, daring him to respond.
"So?" He responded slowly, not sure whether she was expecting a response or just pausing between tirades. This was not a Hermione he would enjoy spending time with.
"How-Much-Time-Do-I-Have-Before-They-Can-Marry-Me-Off" she said between gritted teeth.
Dumbledore signed and thought for a moment that right now he would give anything for the ability to apparate off Hogwarts grounds. He then looked her straight in the eye (actually he scanned the room for a portkey first), and said calmly "by adding your experiences with the timeturner to your age, you turned 18 years old today."
Silence.
More Silence.
After a few minutes under her hollow stare he began thinking he liked it better when she was yelling at him.
After a deep cleansing breath Hermione slowly and calmly opened her mouth and said "so, when and how do I leave?"
"You can't" he replied.
"I can't what?"
"Leave." The uneasiness, which never really left, was coming back strongly.
"Why Not?" She asked the question with a deceptive calmness, but that didn't fool him. 'Ohhh this is a trap' he thought, 'but one that I believe I actually set for myself.'
"Hermione, you have to trust--"
"TRUST?" Oh yes the shouting was back. "You speak to me of TRUST?"
He cleared his throat as much to get her attention as to stall for some time. "Hermione, I have been working on contingency plans to assure your place in the wizarding world. If you would just sit down and hear me out."
"Newsflash Mister Security Blanket -- I don't want to play the know-it-all witch anymore. I have no plans to stay in your wizarding world." With that she took out her wand and clasped it between both her hands. As she held the wand out in front of herself, he watched as her fingers turned white from the strain of bending the hard wood.
~CRACK~
.
he-he-he don'tcha just love cliffhangers?
------------------------
A/N: Thank you all for the wonderful reviews -- I'm speechless!! I'm glad you are all enjoying the twist on this story. I've loved all the other Marriage Law challenges that I've read, but it bothered me that Hermione was more or less resigned to getting married. I always pictured her as being someone that would believe the law was just plain wrong, and in front of a full media storm give the Ministry a rude hand gesture before heading off to another country (after all the Ministry only has authority in the UK or maybe Europe, but not the whole world). I wanted to write that story, but one it didn't meet the challenge rules, and two it would have been a very short story -- or not, maybe Severus would join her in protest --- hummmm insert sound of brain waves churning here..... Anyway, that's why I decided to make this more of "an offer she couldn't refuse."
To all who mentioned the timeturner... I should note that I had a really hard time figuring out Hermione's age (actually the age of all the students) for this story. I wanted the required age to be 18, but also for her to be in school (it is after all supposed to be a HG/SS pairing, and if she had already left school I couldn't see her coming back to be with him -- me? I would, but she's not that bright ;-) If her birthday was over the summer than she would be 17 for all of her final (7th) year at school. If her birthday was in the winter then she would turn 18 (and thereby be eligible anyway) half way through the school year. Since I didn't want her able to leave before her 18th birthday (although I still say she would in a heartbeat!!) I added the timeturner twist... cop out I know but it's my story and I'll play with it all I want ;-)
spaz141 - it's interesting that you brought up the exclusion of wizards in this law. The rules of the challenge actually refer to witches, but not wizards (I checked again) -- but I had already planned that the wizards wouldn't be required to participate as I wanted to add one more indignity to this already insulting law. Strange I know, but just one more reason to hate the law ;-)
Snape's Witch - Thanks for the catch!! I hate when spell check works too well.
Chapter 3
After a glance at her bedroom clock Hermione decided it was time to head out to the library for some extended research and study time. She put her applications back, and with one last loving caress of her home-made wand she placed it on top of her other treasures. A quick flick of her old wand made the trainers opaque. She then carefully replaced the cover and stashed the box back under her bed. She hated leaving her new source of protection, but if anyone found it she knew she would lose more than just house points. She consoled herself that -- just knowing it was there, ready when she needed it, was enough.
Running out the door she ran into Ginny. "Ooof... Where are you off to in such a hurry?"
Her roommate throughout much of the summer, she had petitioned to room with the younger student during her final year. She would have dearly loved to room by herself, but that privilege was only open to the Head Boy and Girl. After her dismal previous year and her uncertain future she knew there was no way she could have been awarded that honor. When, due to the large number of non-returning female students, extra rooms became available she was not surprised that her bunkmates suggested she look for more private accommodations. It was almost laughable the way they jumped over themselves with excuses to room elsewhere. Not that she was surprised. They had never really been friends to begin with, and prolonged association with her would make them easy targets. She was forever grateful when her young friend jumped at the chance to share a room. Ginny had waved away her safety concerns with a delicate sweep of her hand saying that she wasn't in any more danger rooming with her than she was dating Harry. Hermione had to admit that was true, and although she remained concerned she put in the rooming request.
"I'm heading out to the Library. I've been researching the properties --"
"Wait!" Ginny called while holding up her hand in mock defeat. "My classes are over for the day, and I'm on a break" she laughed. "Why don't you skive off the library just for one day and hang out in the common room for awhile." Quickly sensing that she wasn't getting through to her friend she tried a more underhanded approach. "Harry and Ron really miss you. You know that they can't get into the girls rooms and aside from class you're never around." When Hermione started to protest Ginny overrode her and spoke in her best Molly Weasley voice "forget the others! I don't care if their faces freeze with the funny looks they give you. They can all sod off! Your friends want you to join them in the common room and I think you should abide by their wishes."
Hermione chuckled softly and rolled her eyes. "Ok, I promise to be in the common room after dinner for a nice relaxing evening by the fire, but for now I do need to head to the library." As an afterthought she put her hand up and said rather dramatically "I promise." Apparently that did the trick and Ginny finally let her leave.
&&&&&
Rounding the corner to her favorite table she noticed Draco and his shadows hiding behind a row of books. Not interested in receiving another disturbing wink she ducked into a private reading alcove to wait them out. Minutes later she wasn't sure if that had been a good move. They were obviously deep in conversation with no intention of leaving, and now she was trapped. 'Well might as well hear them out' she thought. Truthfully she would have rather jumped into the restricted section for that transfiguration textbook, but when you're stuck. Well, you're stuck.
"So how are you getting her?" The voice of Goyle she surmised. 'Oh gods, she was going to have to listen to the details of yet another Slytherin conquest. Spare me from bragging boys' she thought disgustedly.
"I just told my father all I wanted for Christmas was my own mudblood. It's such a hassle heading in town to enjoy them." His sick laugh cut right through her. Now she had to listen to find out the name of the unlucky girl. Perhaps if she got word to the Order they would be able to get the poor girl out of the country. Knowing that Malfoy was on the prowl should certainly hasten their departure.
"It's a shame that those mudblood wizards aren't up for grabs," said Goyle. "Think they're going to make them available next?"
"What are you going on about? You haven't turned to the other side have you?" Draco sounded like his interest had been piqued.
"Well, they stand up so much better to hexes. It's almost pointless to practice an unforgivable on a witch, they break too easy --"
"True, but what pureblood witch would sully herself with a mudblood wizard? Her reputation would be shot and she would never get a respectable wizard after that." Draco continued knowingly "That's why the Ministry didn't include them in the first place. I could care less about them though, just as long as I get my entertainment."
"You are so lucky that you've turned 18. I have to wait until March and they'll all be gone by then." That had to be Crabbe - she would recognize his whine anywhere.
"Well, I'm not the issue as much is she is, or was. Can you imagine that she aged a good part of a year with a timeturner and nobody even knew it?" At their unintelligible grunting he snorted and continued on "father has been working on this for quite some time. He's had an awful time convincing the board that the timeturner should be added to her age. Dumbledore has been fighting him every step of the way, but as always my father has come out victorious."
Hermione wasn't sure she was breathing at this point. The pain in her chest was overwhelming and the ringing in her ears was such that she tried to convince herself she was hearing things. She tried deluding herself that they were talking about someone else, but it was too much of a stretch to think that there was any other muggle born witch that used a timeturner as much as she had in her third year.
"So, you're going to share her aren't you?" She could practically see Goyle's leer from the confines of her hiding spot.
"Well, perhaps once she's been broken in. Father said he has plans to teach me some rather interesting techniques on her. I don't really have the proper tools at school, but we have a room at home that's fully stocked." Draco started to inventory the room when Madame Pince rounded the corner and shooed them away.
A few steps farther and she came across a pale and shaking Hermione. "Child are you alright?"
"Yes, fine -- I --" Hermione stammered and then turned and fled the library. She had to see Dumbledore and fast.
&&&&&
In her haste to talk to the headmaster she bounded up the steps to his office two at a time. The Gargoyle had presented no problem as it was spelled to allow her entrance regardless of what she yelled at it. Being a ward of the school had its perks. She still remembered his soothing words of protection after the death of her parents. He was personally taking over her guardianship to make sure that her future in the wizarding world was secure. He chuckled and said that she should think of him as her security blanket. She had laughed at that, her first in a long time. The laugh had turned into a sob and she soon found herself comforted by the grandfatherly embrace of the most powerful wizard of her time.
"Security Blanket my ASS!" she screamed as she stormed into his office. Too intent in having her say uninterrupted she didn't waste time in noticing his shocked expression.
"Don't worry about this Marriage Law Hermione," she mimicked him nastily. "Everything will work out just fine. I'm looking out for your best interests." She turned to glare at him and continued shouting "and with a pat on the ass and a shove out the door you forget all about me and leave me to That-- That-- Sadistic Death Eater-in-Training!"
As much as Dumbledore expected an outburst from his young charge this was nothing like he expected. He had just heard that afternoon that his final appeal in her case had been overturned and had been busy making plans to secure her safety. He hadn't expected her to find out anything before they were set. The fact was that he didn't know how much she actually knew or how she had found out, meant he would have to tread cautiously. He should have learned by now that keeping his headstrong Gryffindors in the dark was a mistake, but he was an old man and settled in his ways. Grudgingly he admitted to himself that he had used that excuse far too many times before, and that this time he might have to own up to his mistakes.
"Child--" he started.
"Don't You Child Me Old Man" she shouted in return.
Pausing a minute to compose himself he continued. "Hermione, please sit down and we'll talk."
"Talk? Oh, now you want to talk? How many times have I come to you to talk about leaving the country? Each time you tell me I have plenty of time. Well, now it appears that time is running out -- So?" She looked at him, daring him to respond.
"So?" He responded slowly, not sure whether she was expecting a response or just pausing between tirades. This was not a Hermione he would enjoy spending time with.
"How-Much-Time-Do-I-Have-Before-They-Can-Marry-Me-Off" she said between gritted teeth.
Dumbledore signed and thought for a moment that right now he would give anything for the ability to apparate off Hogwarts grounds. He then looked her straight in the eye (actually he scanned the room for a portkey first), and said calmly "by adding your experiences with the timeturner to your age, you turned 18 years old today."
Silence.
More Silence.
After a few minutes under her hollow stare he began thinking he liked it better when she was yelling at him.
After a deep cleansing breath Hermione slowly and calmly opened her mouth and said "so, when and how do I leave?"
"You can't" he replied.
"I can't what?"
"Leave." The uneasiness, which never really left, was coming back strongly.
"Why Not?" She asked the question with a deceptive calmness, but that didn't fool him. 'Ohhh this is a trap' he thought, 'but one that I believe I actually set for myself.'
"Hermione, you have to trust--"
"TRUST?" Oh yes the shouting was back. "You speak to me of TRUST?"
He cleared his throat as much to get her attention as to stall for some time. "Hermione, I have been working on contingency plans to assure your place in the wizarding world. If you would just sit down and hear me out."
"Newsflash Mister Security Blanket -- I don't want to play the know-it-all witch anymore. I have no plans to stay in your wizarding world." With that she took out her wand and clasped it between both her hands. As she held the wand out in front of herself, he watched as her fingers turned white from the strain of bending the hard wood.
~CRACK~
.
he-he-he don'tcha just love cliffhangers?
------------------------
A/N: Thank you all for the wonderful reviews -- I'm speechless!! I'm glad you are all enjoying the twist on this story. I've loved all the other Marriage Law challenges that I've read, but it bothered me that Hermione was more or less resigned to getting married. I always pictured her as being someone that would believe the law was just plain wrong, and in front of a full media storm give the Ministry a rude hand gesture before heading off to another country (after all the Ministry only has authority in the UK or maybe Europe, but not the whole world). I wanted to write that story, but one it didn't meet the challenge rules, and two it would have been a very short story -- or not, maybe Severus would join her in protest --- hummmm insert sound of brain waves churning here..... Anyway, that's why I decided to make this more of "an offer she couldn't refuse."
To all who mentioned the timeturner... I should note that I had a really hard time figuring out Hermione's age (actually the age of all the students) for this story. I wanted the required age to be 18, but also for her to be in school (it is after all supposed to be a HG/SS pairing, and if she had already left school I couldn't see her coming back to be with him -- me? I would, but she's not that bright ;-) If her birthday was over the summer than she would be 17 for all of her final (7th) year at school. If her birthday was in the winter then she would turn 18 (and thereby be eligible anyway) half way through the school year. Since I didn't want her able to leave before her 18th birthday (although I still say she would in a heartbeat!!) I added the timeturner twist... cop out I know but it's my story and I'll play with it all I want ;-)
spaz141 - it's interesting that you brought up the exclusion of wizards in this law. The rules of the challenge actually refer to witches, but not wizards (I checked again) -- but I had already planned that the wizards wouldn't be required to participate as I wanted to add one more indignity to this already insulting law. Strange I know, but just one more reason to hate the law ;-)
Snape's Witch - Thanks for the catch!! I hate when spell check works too well.