Haha! So the HGSS finally comes across my mind! evil cackle

Disclaimer: Nope, Harry ain't mine. Don't sue me!

Potions class started out normally, with Snape yelling at Neville for adding the wrong ingredient at the wrong time, thus ruining his 5th potion of the day. What was not normal was that Snape had not told Hermione she was an insufferable know it all. Not for a month.

"Excuse me, Hermione, would you come up to my desk, please?"

Ron looked at her weird. "Since when has Snape called you by your first name?"

"None of your business, Ron." Then she got up out of her seat and approached the poorly lit desk at the front of the class. "Yes, Professor?"

"Do you have time after class to talk?"

"Of course, professor."

Snape used a hushed tone and whispered, "Call me Severus. I don't care if it's in front of the class."

"Alright, Severus," she replied in an equally quiet whisper.

"You may return to your seat."

"Thank you, Severus."

His ears perked up at her saying his first name aloud.

From the journal of Severus Snape: I told Hermione to call me by my first name. For some reason she feels compelled to call me 'professor'. I hope the Ministry repeals that idiotic Marriage Law. Not that there's anything wrong with the girl. But why do I have to marry her? It's not that bad, I guess. But the law states that we have to try for kids! Definitely not! I still have that to talk to her about. Anyways, she's coming to bed now so I must close out for the night.

"Sevvie, what're you doing?"

"Sevvie? Could you have possibly come up with a more gruesome nickname?"

"It's the best I can do. After all, if we're magically bonded, you're stuck with me all your life."

"So I guess you're going to need an engagement ring."

"I suppose so."

And they went to sleep. The next morning, they got up and got dressed to go find the perfect ring. When they got to the jewelers', a man came from behind the counter.

"Ah, Severus, I was wondering when I'd see you here again. And who is this lovely young lady?"

"This is my fiancé, Hermione." He pulled her close to his side. Then she put her arms around his waist.

"I think I have the perfect ring for your young missy. I'll be back out."

"Remember, Hermione, darling," he put emphasis on the last word, "money is not an object."

"Oh goody."

Severus kissed the top of her head. Severus, what are you thinking! You can't be falling for her!

But I just might be.

That last thought haunted him even more. What if he really was falling for her? What if he really did want to start a family with her? Did she feel the same way? After all, he couldn't force childbearing on her.

Three minutes later, the man came back with a ring box and handed it to Hermione. She placed it on her finger and watched it glitter in the light. Seeing the delighted look on her face, he said, "We'll take it."

Once they were out of the store (the ring had cost him 600 Galleons), Snape whispered to Hermione, "I've been thinking, Herm."

"Yes, Sevvie?"

"Do you really want to start a family?"

"I do, actually. Do you really want to go through with this?"

"Surprisingly, I do. It may sound weird, but over the last few weeks that we've been engaged, I've started to fall for you." Hermione was shocked and touched. At least this won't be a loveless marriage, even if it is arranged. Was I actually hearing him confess feelings for me?

She looked into his eyes. So cold, but she could change that when they had children. She didn't know if she had the heart to tell him they weren't as far away from a family as they thought.

"Sevv, when we get back, I have to talk to you."

"Anything wrong?"

"No…but I just have something to tell you."

"Ok."

"Alright. Let's find a place to Apparate."

"You haven't passed your test."

"Side-Along Apparition, Sevv. I haven't finished training for the test."

"Yes."

"Ok then."

"I – I love you, Herm."

"I love you too, Sevv."

"We have class to get to."

And with a pop, they Apparated to the gates of the school.

Xx In Potions Class xX

"Herm, what was all that between you and Snape yesterday?"

Figuring she could no longer keep the secret, she told Harry quite frankly, "The Marriage Act. They've chosen Severus and I to be married."

"Eew so now he has you calling him Severus? Don't tell me you have to have kids with him."

"I think I have to, Ron. And I think I am."

Harry and Ron shuddered. "Oh my god. That's disturbing."

Hermione sighed and said, "He's not all that bad." She watched Snape as he bent over the papers, scribbling away with his quill. She sighed again and smiled at him and she was almost sure she saw him smile back.

This is going to be a long marriage.

Ok I admit it I stole the idea for the Marriage Act from another story! I couldn't help it! Would the writer of that story forgive me? (running away) I hope so…. (ducks a flying book) nope. DAMN. Oops hehe had another little moment.