Disclaimer: J.K.Rowling owns everything, I don't. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 4
~CRACK~
Hermione barely had time to register the almost silent "Expelliarmus" issued from the furious Potions Master. In a flash of light her wand had been instantly pulled from her grasp and was now tightly clasped in his shaking fist. Hermione turned to the man and matched his angry stare. 'Keep it' she thought 'I have a spare.'
"Enough" he spat out. "This despicable, and frankly childish, display has gone on long enough."
He slowly began to ease his way from the shadowy confines of the adjacent sitting room. Hermione briefly wondered if he had been there the whole time. Considering her state when she entered the room she would not have noticed if he had been seated in Dumbledore's place.
In the short time it took for him to move beside her his anger had turned to contempt. "Miss Granger, for someone who spends her days declaring that she knows everything, it amazes me how often you confirm that you in fact know nothing."
How dare he! Her life was unraveling and all he can do is throw insults? She wanted to hold him down and cause him pain, but without a wand she could do little more than rant. Appreciating that for now he had the upper hand she held her tongue and waited for him to continue.
Severus Snape looked at the child before him and noticed her pink tinged cheeks, sparkling eyes, and untamed hair. Had he not just witnessed her outburst, and discounting the firm set of her mouth, she could have passed for any one of the dunderheads returning from a romp into Hogsmeade.
"Say and do whatever you must Severus but this must be successful," the headmaster had told him just before she arrived. Although he could appreciate the need for flattery that had never been his style. An overpowering presence with a contemptuous sneer and acerbic tone -- these were his verbal tools of choice and, as he preferred to invoke fear, he worked them to great success. It had been made clear to him that this encounter should be handled differently.
He understood the request and knew the role he was expected to play, but still found it difficult to choke out his next words. "If you leave the wizarding world then they win. Everything you have worked for--" at this he paused his jaw clenching briefly before continuing, "that we have all worked for these past years will be wasted."
"I'm not adverse to helping out our cause, but I'm not going throw away my future in a worthless sacrifice" was her haughty retort.
Try as he might he couldn't keep from sneering at those two words. Our Cause indeed. It had been quite some time since he had been allowed to focus on something other than 'A Cause.' Your cause, my cause, their cause, our cause -- between Voldemort and Dumbledore he had quite enough of useless causes. What he really wanted was a way out of the nightmare he was about to embark upon.
All that academic intellect had been wasted on her. He didn't mean the pureblood versus mudblood debate, for that had ceased to be an issue for him years ago. He now placed anyone focusing on either side of that argument in the same category -- useless, lazy, sycophant looking for an easy ride. What he thought to be a waste was her lack of focus and planning. She had more intelligence than any two of his other students combined, but more often than not she spent her time on poorly planned schemes that took far too many chances and amounted to nothing. The Polyjuice potion debacle in her second year had proved that. Oh yes, she had successfully brewed a difficult potion -- one that was far beyond her years and supposed capabilities, but what did it get her? An extended trip to the infirmary for a few minutes with Draco Malfoy to find out what everyone else knew all along -- Malfoy had no idea who opened the chamber. He nastily thought that had she and her cohorts spent time looking at their own circle of friends it might never have been opened to begin with. The Polyjuice potion incident did only one thing in the potion master's eyes, it confirmed for him that his most academically brilliant mind was a liability and would never amount to anything more than Harry Potter's sidekick.
For that reason he wasn't particularly interested in assisting in this endeavor -- let the bloody Gryffindor hang for all he cared. But when one of his masters called he was required to obey. What did she know of sacrifices anyway? She sat in her ivory tower while the rest of the order scurried around making sure she was safe. He had seen enough of her over the summer, both at the school and the order headquarters, to be sickened by the way Dumbledore bowed to her every wish. There were times when he wondered if she had secretly taken over and was now calling the shots.
His bitter reverie was interrupted by the headmaster's words. He knew they were meant to comfort the child, to provide her a (in his mind false) sense of security. As much as he didn't agree with the old man it wasn't his choice to keep her around. But of course all roads led back to Harry Bloody Potter. He wouldn't be surprised if the old man was just keeping her around to be a final sacrificial lamb during the battle of the century. If that was his plan, so be it.
"I understand your desire to leave, and if you were anyone else I would be the first to assist you. However, due to your notoriety in certain circles we were afraid that allowing you to leave the school would be akin to abandonment on our part." As she opened her mouth to speak he plowed on, not giving her the chance. "You have to understand that there are many people who see you as a beacon of hope. A powerful, intelligent Muggle-born witch is a strong symbol to counter Voldemort's ignorant ramblings."
Severus Snape watched in admiration as the elderly wizard paused to allow the words to float around the young witch. 'Nothing like a good dose of flattery to dull the pain,' he thought. He loved to watch the old man work. It was a thing of pure depravity the way he twisted his charges to fit his devious plans. 'Don't worry child, you aren't the only one around here to be sucked into this' he thought wryly.
After allowing sufficient time for the flattery to ease his way the skilled politico continued "Unfortunately there are others that see you as a danger and would like to see you broken. We have it under reliable authority that any attempts to circumvent their plans will end poorly." Although his meaning was clear to all he continued anyway "surely you have seen the Imperio brides in the Daily Prophet?"
"So what are you saying, is that I have no choice but to take Draco's offer to become the Slytherin sex toy until they tire of me and end my life?" Although the words were harsh there was a slight quiver in her voice as she faced the apparent reality. Shaking her head slightly and hoping for a flippant tone she continued, "well, I guess I won't die a virgin after all."
At her carelessly thrown comment the potions master was instantly intrigued. "Miss Granger, Are you indeed a virgin or are you merely professing an undeserved chastity to deceive your guardian? I would have thought by now that your little dream team would have turned into a Ménage à trois by now."
"Severus!" Dumbledore gave him a look of reproach and continued on "It will not help the situation to throw insults. I think --"
"Headmaster, I could care less how she wishes to be portrayed to the world," he snapped. "My concern is for the physical truth to her statement. If she is indeed a virgin that could prove useful."
She wasn't sure she wanted to know about a plan in which her virginity would be helpful. In fact she wasn't sure why she even mentioned it in the first place. It was none of their business and not something she particularly wanted to share with anyone -- much less the two men now carefully examining her.
"Low morals are indicative of Slytherin sir, not Gryffindor." Snape just raised his eyebrow at her in response.
"Yes, the unicorns still love me" she threw at them. Actually, she didn't think they were all that enamored with her, but she wouldn't really know as they seldom spent time together. True, on the rare occasions that she entered the forest one or two would find their way to her side, but in front of others she made it a point to stay away from the lovely animals. It was no secret that unicorns preferred virgins (female mostly) and would run from anyone else. Knowing this, and knowing how some boys felt about conquering virgins, she preferred to keep her distance from the all-telling animals. She knew what people thought of her friendship with Harry and Ron and even encouraged it. Maybe she would have gotten more dates had it not been for her two steady 'boyfriends', but in long run she preferred to wait for someone interested in her -- rather than just bragging rights to what was between her legs.
Dumbledore, obviously embarrassed at the personal intrusion, cleared his throat and changed the subject. "Well, be that as it may, I'm sure you are interested in what we have all be doing on your behalf?" The largely rhetorical question was met with an untrusting gaze. "For some time now we had word that you were a potential victim of this law, but were unsure of how to proceed."
Hermione thought that getting her out sooner would have been the most preferable option, but as they obviously felt that was not an option she kept silent and waited to hear their brilliant plan.
"Then yesterday Severus had an inspired idea --"
"Don't you dare blame me for this catastrophe!" It was clear that the long-time spy was not in favor of the headmaster's plan of choice.
"Well, no... but you have to admit that the plan initially sprung from a comment made by you." The headmaster seemed amused by his outburst, but Hermione wasn't fooled. He had a way of twisting the words of others to suit his own needs.
"What exactly was the comment -- or the plan? Either will do at this point, I won't be picky."
Ignoring the snappish tone of her comment the headmaster plowed on. "Professor Snape mentioned that we should find you a safe Death Eater. I remember a sarcastic comment about the ministry believing there were so many of them around these days." A wry smile crossed his lips.
"And Draco Malfoy is what you would consider a safe Death Eater?" She couldn't believe her ears, were they really going to do this to her?
"No Miss Granger, the combined members of the Order of the Phoenix believe that I would be that safe Death Eater," Snape said through gritted teeth.
After the initial shock wore off she looked into the face of her dreaded, greasy git of a potions professor and said dryly, "I certainly hope that wasn't your idea of a proposal."
"Well then, that settles it!" Dumbledore, acknowledging the levity of the comment, appeared happy for the first time since she stormed into his office. "All the --"
"SOD OFF! I have no intention of marrying him."
The headmaster looked agitated and reverted to a much more formal tone "well, I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this Miss Granger, but the matter is now out of your hands. As of this afternoon you were officially added to the Ministry Marriage Registry and the petition on behalf of yourself and Professor Snape has been accepted."
After a moment she turned her head slightly and bit the inside of her cheek trying to focus away her threatening tears. If this was one time when tears would be unacceptable this was it. She tried to think of a happy time in this world, something to remind her why she was here -- why she had chosen this life. Her mind came up empty. The search for a pleasant memory had traipsed through so many of her nightmares that she reverted to her new mantra 'forget about the past and focus on the future.'
"So how does my virginity become an issue?" she asked, for nothing more than to jump-start her brain.
The headmaster stayed silent and allowed Snape to answer. "I think your virginity could be very useful to myself and to the Dark Lord."
Oh great, now she would be used as a pawn for him also? At her shocked expression he sneered "I have to intention of spoiling you for Potter and Weasley. Others however, will be anticipating your availability for regular entertaining. I expect that the headmaster wishes you to remain chaste until this ordeal is over?" The headmaster, though not meeting his gaze, nodded in acquiescence and Snape continued. "If Miss Granger is indeed a virgin," he smirked at her look of outrage, "then even after an Obliviate or two she would surely notice the discomfort of a new and rather overly enthusiastic sex life."
He ignored the furious blush in her delicate cheeks, and continued on rather forcefully. "As she would no doubt report those activities it would certainly jeopardize my position with this school -- something that the Dark Lord would not like to have happen."
Thankfully, further discussion on the topic was halted by the sound of tapping on a rather ornate stained glass window. Snape stepped over to open it and allowed in a large ministry owl. Landing easily on the desk before the headmaster, the owl quickly dropped its cargo and gave a stern squawk. After a quick but formal bow it immediately flew back from where it came. Closing the window on the rapidly fading twilight, Snape's gaze met Dumbledore's own stern expression and Hermione realized that they had been waiting for this particular missive.
Dumbledore carefully broke the wax seal of the Ministry's Marriage Registry Bureau and scanned the contents of the scroll briefly. "Well, as we expected Lucius Malfoy is contesting the acceptance of your marriage petition." Snape nodded briefly and Dumbledore continued "The hearing will be held tomorrow morning at the Ministry's London office."
"Well Miss Granger," Snape drawled, "it appears that you have a choice of husbands after all."
Hermione looked at him blandly and replied, "It's not much of a choice though, is it?"
"Miss Granger," the headmaster began softly. "This is not a life, or death, sentence for you. Professor Snape has agreed to look out for you -- at great personal risk I might add -- until this ordeal has ended. According to wizarding law as long as the marriage is not consummated then you will be able to have it annulled without question."
"That won't even be an issue, I assure you."
Snape may have spoken the words, but she gave a small start at how they mirrored her own thoughts. She never dreamed that her first marriage would be a sexless farce. Indeed she never thought that she would be talking in terms of first or second. While she understood that for the time being this was an unpleasant necessity, she couldn't help but compare it to her past romantic entanglements.
She wasn't an ugly girl by any means, and with a bit more of an effort to be stylish she could be stunning. However, her bookish nature had put her into the friend category so early in life that by the time she realized she wanted something more it seemed hopeless. Her friends had already paired up -- on more than one occasion -- and had exploits far beyond her own ambitions. Ron had offered to rectify the situation (as he saw it) on many occasions, but she knew it was only friendly banter. She suspected that he loved her, but more in that -- you're my friend, but when I'm unattached and you're looking good, maybe we can be friends with benefits? -- and she wanted more than that. She wasn't looking for the storybook romance, or even the romance novel (although rip a few pages from those books and she wouldn't complain). She wanted a real life, a real commitment, and a real man. One with staying power that was willing to work through the rigours of marriage and raising a family. One that could be witty and intelligent one minute, and understand her need for solitude and study the next. Glancing at the face of her apparent fiancé it seemed that part of her future would be put on hold.
"Hermione -- " her musings were interrupted by the headmaster. Upon observing the varied looks of the two men, she realized they had been trying to gain her attention for some time. "I believe it would be safest if you returned to your room and stayed there until the hearing. There is no need to force a display of this situation until it has been fully resolved. I'll have your meals sent to your room for you."
With some trepidation she nodded her head curtly and turned to leave.
"Severus," he continued, "Would you be so kind as to escort Miss Granger to the tower?" At the scowl on his face the headmaster tossed out "come now, you'll be surrounded by so many Gryffindors I'm sure you'll be able to deduct lots of points."
The younger wizard merely turned on his heel and walked to the chamber doors. Holding them open and then following her down the revolving staircase he quickly took up stride next to her as they continued the remainder of their walk in silence.
She was relieved that upon reaching the entrance to the common room they hadn't come across any other students. The Fat Lady said not a word as they approached, but regarded the rival professor with a caustic eye. As the portrait swung open to quickly admit its young ward Hermione paused for a moment as if willing herself to say something. Realizing that with the enormity of what was yet undiscussed there was nothing to be said, she quietly continued into the common room.
She never saw that her protector had long since turned and disappeared down the hallway, her wand rolling idly in his fingers.
--------------------------
A/N: Before anyone catches this -- I know that Expelliarmus is the disarming spell and maybe I should have used Accio Wand, but one - it sounds better, and two - I thought it would more dramatic (ie with lights and sounds!) For anyone worried that it wouldn't have ended up in his hand afterwards he could have picked it up off the floor (although I think he would have grabbed it as it flew through the air -- he's so very talented ;-)
OK, it's official -- I'm a review junkie hanging head in shame and just a few quick comments:
shiv5468 - I for one will be very sad if you don't write your marriage story. I can't wait to read your take on it!!
Deb ^..^ . - Ahhhh if you are surprised now, wait and see what I have in store for you!! (oops -- shouldn't say that -- what if I can't live up to the expectations!!)
mother - 'Ya know from the end of GOF and all of OOTP I was wondering the same thing... Nobody could be that egotistically blind -- Could they?
Sukkumbus - Please don't cry -- I have bronchitis and have run out of tissues to share!!
For anyone left still reading the author's notes -- I've been a bit worried about the pace of this story. I originally thought that all of this would be two chapters max by now, but everything seemed to take longer to flush out properly. Then the last chapter seemed rushed (I had tons of interruptions and trouble focusing). I'm hoping this chapter is back on pace -- or not, maybe it's too slow? Alas, sometimes it seems like I'm writing in a vacuum, so if anyone is interested in beta'ing... :-)
Chapter 4
~CRACK~
Hermione barely had time to register the almost silent "Expelliarmus" issued from the furious Potions Master. In a flash of light her wand had been instantly pulled from her grasp and was now tightly clasped in his shaking fist. Hermione turned to the man and matched his angry stare. 'Keep it' she thought 'I have a spare.'
"Enough" he spat out. "This despicable, and frankly childish, display has gone on long enough."
He slowly began to ease his way from the shadowy confines of the adjacent sitting room. Hermione briefly wondered if he had been there the whole time. Considering her state when she entered the room she would not have noticed if he had been seated in Dumbledore's place.
In the short time it took for him to move beside her his anger had turned to contempt. "Miss Granger, for someone who spends her days declaring that she knows everything, it amazes me how often you confirm that you in fact know nothing."
How dare he! Her life was unraveling and all he can do is throw insults? She wanted to hold him down and cause him pain, but without a wand she could do little more than rant. Appreciating that for now he had the upper hand she held her tongue and waited for him to continue.
Severus Snape looked at the child before him and noticed her pink tinged cheeks, sparkling eyes, and untamed hair. Had he not just witnessed her outburst, and discounting the firm set of her mouth, she could have passed for any one of the dunderheads returning from a romp into Hogsmeade.
"Say and do whatever you must Severus but this must be successful," the headmaster had told him just before she arrived. Although he could appreciate the need for flattery that had never been his style. An overpowering presence with a contemptuous sneer and acerbic tone -- these were his verbal tools of choice and, as he preferred to invoke fear, he worked them to great success. It had been made clear to him that this encounter should be handled differently.
He understood the request and knew the role he was expected to play, but still found it difficult to choke out his next words. "If you leave the wizarding world then they win. Everything you have worked for--" at this he paused his jaw clenching briefly before continuing, "that we have all worked for these past years will be wasted."
"I'm not adverse to helping out our cause, but I'm not going throw away my future in a worthless sacrifice" was her haughty retort.
Try as he might he couldn't keep from sneering at those two words. Our Cause indeed. It had been quite some time since he had been allowed to focus on something other than 'A Cause.' Your cause, my cause, their cause, our cause -- between Voldemort and Dumbledore he had quite enough of useless causes. What he really wanted was a way out of the nightmare he was about to embark upon.
All that academic intellect had been wasted on her. He didn't mean the pureblood versus mudblood debate, for that had ceased to be an issue for him years ago. He now placed anyone focusing on either side of that argument in the same category -- useless, lazy, sycophant looking for an easy ride. What he thought to be a waste was her lack of focus and planning. She had more intelligence than any two of his other students combined, but more often than not she spent her time on poorly planned schemes that took far too many chances and amounted to nothing. The Polyjuice potion debacle in her second year had proved that. Oh yes, she had successfully brewed a difficult potion -- one that was far beyond her years and supposed capabilities, but what did it get her? An extended trip to the infirmary for a few minutes with Draco Malfoy to find out what everyone else knew all along -- Malfoy had no idea who opened the chamber. He nastily thought that had she and her cohorts spent time looking at their own circle of friends it might never have been opened to begin with. The Polyjuice potion incident did only one thing in the potion master's eyes, it confirmed for him that his most academically brilliant mind was a liability and would never amount to anything more than Harry Potter's sidekick.
For that reason he wasn't particularly interested in assisting in this endeavor -- let the bloody Gryffindor hang for all he cared. But when one of his masters called he was required to obey. What did she know of sacrifices anyway? She sat in her ivory tower while the rest of the order scurried around making sure she was safe. He had seen enough of her over the summer, both at the school and the order headquarters, to be sickened by the way Dumbledore bowed to her every wish. There were times when he wondered if she had secretly taken over and was now calling the shots.
His bitter reverie was interrupted by the headmaster's words. He knew they were meant to comfort the child, to provide her a (in his mind false) sense of security. As much as he didn't agree with the old man it wasn't his choice to keep her around. But of course all roads led back to Harry Bloody Potter. He wouldn't be surprised if the old man was just keeping her around to be a final sacrificial lamb during the battle of the century. If that was his plan, so be it.
"I understand your desire to leave, and if you were anyone else I would be the first to assist you. However, due to your notoriety in certain circles we were afraid that allowing you to leave the school would be akin to abandonment on our part." As she opened her mouth to speak he plowed on, not giving her the chance. "You have to understand that there are many people who see you as a beacon of hope. A powerful, intelligent Muggle-born witch is a strong symbol to counter Voldemort's ignorant ramblings."
Severus Snape watched in admiration as the elderly wizard paused to allow the words to float around the young witch. 'Nothing like a good dose of flattery to dull the pain,' he thought. He loved to watch the old man work. It was a thing of pure depravity the way he twisted his charges to fit his devious plans. 'Don't worry child, you aren't the only one around here to be sucked into this' he thought wryly.
After allowing sufficient time for the flattery to ease his way the skilled politico continued "Unfortunately there are others that see you as a danger and would like to see you broken. We have it under reliable authority that any attempts to circumvent their plans will end poorly." Although his meaning was clear to all he continued anyway "surely you have seen the Imperio brides in the Daily Prophet?"
"So what are you saying, is that I have no choice but to take Draco's offer to become the Slytherin sex toy until they tire of me and end my life?" Although the words were harsh there was a slight quiver in her voice as she faced the apparent reality. Shaking her head slightly and hoping for a flippant tone she continued, "well, I guess I won't die a virgin after all."
At her carelessly thrown comment the potions master was instantly intrigued. "Miss Granger, Are you indeed a virgin or are you merely professing an undeserved chastity to deceive your guardian? I would have thought by now that your little dream team would have turned into a Ménage à trois by now."
"Severus!" Dumbledore gave him a look of reproach and continued on "It will not help the situation to throw insults. I think --"
"Headmaster, I could care less how she wishes to be portrayed to the world," he snapped. "My concern is for the physical truth to her statement. If she is indeed a virgin that could prove useful."
She wasn't sure she wanted to know about a plan in which her virginity would be helpful. In fact she wasn't sure why she even mentioned it in the first place. It was none of their business and not something she particularly wanted to share with anyone -- much less the two men now carefully examining her.
"Low morals are indicative of Slytherin sir, not Gryffindor." Snape just raised his eyebrow at her in response.
"Yes, the unicorns still love me" she threw at them. Actually, she didn't think they were all that enamored with her, but she wouldn't really know as they seldom spent time together. True, on the rare occasions that she entered the forest one or two would find their way to her side, but in front of others she made it a point to stay away from the lovely animals. It was no secret that unicorns preferred virgins (female mostly) and would run from anyone else. Knowing this, and knowing how some boys felt about conquering virgins, she preferred to keep her distance from the all-telling animals. She knew what people thought of her friendship with Harry and Ron and even encouraged it. Maybe she would have gotten more dates had it not been for her two steady 'boyfriends', but in long run she preferred to wait for someone interested in her -- rather than just bragging rights to what was between her legs.
Dumbledore, obviously embarrassed at the personal intrusion, cleared his throat and changed the subject. "Well, be that as it may, I'm sure you are interested in what we have all be doing on your behalf?" The largely rhetorical question was met with an untrusting gaze. "For some time now we had word that you were a potential victim of this law, but were unsure of how to proceed."
Hermione thought that getting her out sooner would have been the most preferable option, but as they obviously felt that was not an option she kept silent and waited to hear their brilliant plan.
"Then yesterday Severus had an inspired idea --"
"Don't you dare blame me for this catastrophe!" It was clear that the long-time spy was not in favor of the headmaster's plan of choice.
"Well, no... but you have to admit that the plan initially sprung from a comment made by you." The headmaster seemed amused by his outburst, but Hermione wasn't fooled. He had a way of twisting the words of others to suit his own needs.
"What exactly was the comment -- or the plan? Either will do at this point, I won't be picky."
Ignoring the snappish tone of her comment the headmaster plowed on. "Professor Snape mentioned that we should find you a safe Death Eater. I remember a sarcastic comment about the ministry believing there were so many of them around these days." A wry smile crossed his lips.
"And Draco Malfoy is what you would consider a safe Death Eater?" She couldn't believe her ears, were they really going to do this to her?
"No Miss Granger, the combined members of the Order of the Phoenix believe that I would be that safe Death Eater," Snape said through gritted teeth.
After the initial shock wore off she looked into the face of her dreaded, greasy git of a potions professor and said dryly, "I certainly hope that wasn't your idea of a proposal."
"Well then, that settles it!" Dumbledore, acknowledging the levity of the comment, appeared happy for the first time since she stormed into his office. "All the --"
"SOD OFF! I have no intention of marrying him."
The headmaster looked agitated and reverted to a much more formal tone "well, I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this Miss Granger, but the matter is now out of your hands. As of this afternoon you were officially added to the Ministry Marriage Registry and the petition on behalf of yourself and Professor Snape has been accepted."
After a moment she turned her head slightly and bit the inside of her cheek trying to focus away her threatening tears. If this was one time when tears would be unacceptable this was it. She tried to think of a happy time in this world, something to remind her why she was here -- why she had chosen this life. Her mind came up empty. The search for a pleasant memory had traipsed through so many of her nightmares that she reverted to her new mantra 'forget about the past and focus on the future.'
"So how does my virginity become an issue?" she asked, for nothing more than to jump-start her brain.
The headmaster stayed silent and allowed Snape to answer. "I think your virginity could be very useful to myself and to the Dark Lord."
Oh great, now she would be used as a pawn for him also? At her shocked expression he sneered "I have to intention of spoiling you for Potter and Weasley. Others however, will be anticipating your availability for regular entertaining. I expect that the headmaster wishes you to remain chaste until this ordeal is over?" The headmaster, though not meeting his gaze, nodded in acquiescence and Snape continued. "If Miss Granger is indeed a virgin," he smirked at her look of outrage, "then even after an Obliviate or two she would surely notice the discomfort of a new and rather overly enthusiastic sex life."
He ignored the furious blush in her delicate cheeks, and continued on rather forcefully. "As she would no doubt report those activities it would certainly jeopardize my position with this school -- something that the Dark Lord would not like to have happen."
Thankfully, further discussion on the topic was halted by the sound of tapping on a rather ornate stained glass window. Snape stepped over to open it and allowed in a large ministry owl. Landing easily on the desk before the headmaster, the owl quickly dropped its cargo and gave a stern squawk. After a quick but formal bow it immediately flew back from where it came. Closing the window on the rapidly fading twilight, Snape's gaze met Dumbledore's own stern expression and Hermione realized that they had been waiting for this particular missive.
Dumbledore carefully broke the wax seal of the Ministry's Marriage Registry Bureau and scanned the contents of the scroll briefly. "Well, as we expected Lucius Malfoy is contesting the acceptance of your marriage petition." Snape nodded briefly and Dumbledore continued "The hearing will be held tomorrow morning at the Ministry's London office."
"Well Miss Granger," Snape drawled, "it appears that you have a choice of husbands after all."
Hermione looked at him blandly and replied, "It's not much of a choice though, is it?"
"Miss Granger," the headmaster began softly. "This is not a life, or death, sentence for you. Professor Snape has agreed to look out for you -- at great personal risk I might add -- until this ordeal has ended. According to wizarding law as long as the marriage is not consummated then you will be able to have it annulled without question."
"That won't even be an issue, I assure you."
Snape may have spoken the words, but she gave a small start at how they mirrored her own thoughts. She never dreamed that her first marriage would be a sexless farce. Indeed she never thought that she would be talking in terms of first or second. While she understood that for the time being this was an unpleasant necessity, she couldn't help but compare it to her past romantic entanglements.
She wasn't an ugly girl by any means, and with a bit more of an effort to be stylish she could be stunning. However, her bookish nature had put her into the friend category so early in life that by the time she realized she wanted something more it seemed hopeless. Her friends had already paired up -- on more than one occasion -- and had exploits far beyond her own ambitions. Ron had offered to rectify the situation (as he saw it) on many occasions, but she knew it was only friendly banter. She suspected that he loved her, but more in that -- you're my friend, but when I'm unattached and you're looking good, maybe we can be friends with benefits? -- and she wanted more than that. She wasn't looking for the storybook romance, or even the romance novel (although rip a few pages from those books and she wouldn't complain). She wanted a real life, a real commitment, and a real man. One with staying power that was willing to work through the rigours of marriage and raising a family. One that could be witty and intelligent one minute, and understand her need for solitude and study the next. Glancing at the face of her apparent fiancé it seemed that part of her future would be put on hold.
"Hermione -- " her musings were interrupted by the headmaster. Upon observing the varied looks of the two men, she realized they had been trying to gain her attention for some time. "I believe it would be safest if you returned to your room and stayed there until the hearing. There is no need to force a display of this situation until it has been fully resolved. I'll have your meals sent to your room for you."
With some trepidation she nodded her head curtly and turned to leave.
"Severus," he continued, "Would you be so kind as to escort Miss Granger to the tower?" At the scowl on his face the headmaster tossed out "come now, you'll be surrounded by so many Gryffindors I'm sure you'll be able to deduct lots of points."
The younger wizard merely turned on his heel and walked to the chamber doors. Holding them open and then following her down the revolving staircase he quickly took up stride next to her as they continued the remainder of their walk in silence.
She was relieved that upon reaching the entrance to the common room they hadn't come across any other students. The Fat Lady said not a word as they approached, but regarded the rival professor with a caustic eye. As the portrait swung open to quickly admit its young ward Hermione paused for a moment as if willing herself to say something. Realizing that with the enormity of what was yet undiscussed there was nothing to be said, she quietly continued into the common room.
She never saw that her protector had long since turned and disappeared down the hallway, her wand rolling idly in his fingers.
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A/N: Before anyone catches this -- I know that Expelliarmus is the disarming spell and maybe I should have used Accio Wand, but one - it sounds better, and two - I thought it would more dramatic (ie with lights and sounds!) For anyone worried that it wouldn't have ended up in his hand afterwards he could have picked it up off the floor (although I think he would have grabbed it as it flew through the air -- he's so very talented ;-)
OK, it's official -- I'm a review junkie hanging head in shame and just a few quick comments:
shiv5468 - I for one will be very sad if you don't write your marriage story. I can't wait to read your take on it!!
Deb ^..^ . - Ahhhh if you are surprised now, wait and see what I have in store for you!! (oops -- shouldn't say that -- what if I can't live up to the expectations!!)
mother - 'Ya know from the end of GOF and all of OOTP I was wondering the same thing... Nobody could be that egotistically blind -- Could they?
Sukkumbus - Please don't cry -- I have bronchitis and have run out of tissues to share!!
For anyone left still reading the author's notes -- I've been a bit worried about the pace of this story. I originally thought that all of this would be two chapters max by now, but everything seemed to take longer to flush out properly. Then the last chapter seemed rushed (I had tons of interruptions and trouble focusing). I'm hoping this chapter is back on pace -- or not, maybe it's too slow? Alas, sometimes it seems like I'm writing in a vacuum, so if anyone is interested in beta'ing... :-)