Disclaimer: They Harry Potter Universe is owned solely by J.K. Rowling

Chapter 3

Hermione sat at the staff table early on Sunday morning, sipping a cup of coffee and pushing her eggs around her plate. The events of the previous evening had left her somewhat overwhelmed. First the party, it was glamorous and full of glitz, she had a hard time believing they'd been invited. Second, Lucius needing to talk to Severus privately, she'd have to remember to ask him what that was about later. Last but not least was Severus' proposal. Glancing down at her left hand she admired the ring he'd given her, it appeared to have been chosen with great care.

Minerva slipped into the great hall and took her seat next to Hermione. Reaching for the pitcher of pumpkin juice she caught sight of the sparkle on Hermione's left hand.

"Is there something you'd like to tell me Hermione?" she asked with an amused smile.

She dipped her eggs in maple syrup and took a bite, eyeing Minerva warily. "Whatever do you mean?"

Minerva snatched Hermione's left hand, holding it up to the light. "I mean where did you get this ring?"

"Kindly release my fiancée Minerva; after all we wouldn't want to cause a scene." Severus hissed as he came up behind them.

Minerva dropped Hermione's hand, and then leaned over with a whisper. "We definitely shall be having a talk later."

Hermione nodded in quiet agreement before turning her attention to Severus who had taken his place beside her. "Good morning Severus, sleep well?"

He eyed her with slight smirk on his lips. "I slept fine Hermione, though we have much to discuss today."

"Aye Sev we do. My chambers after breakfast then?" she asked calmly.

"Very well, I will need to talk to Albus at some point today as well." He replied as he served himself a large helping of potatoes and sausage.

They finished their meal in silence. Severus sipped a third cup of coffee as he watched the Slytherin table. His eyes skimmed over the other house tables, checking for mischief, seeing none, he stood up and turned to Hermione. "Are you finished?"

"Yes of course." She put down her napkin getting up as well.

They left the hall and made their way to her chambers. They passed a group of Hufflepuff students that quickly scurried out of the way when they spotted the fearsome Potions Master. He chuckled at the sight of them fleeing; even somewhat reformed he still liked instilling terror. They reached her quarters and soon were relaxing on her sofa.

"I sense there is something you wish to ask me Hermione." He voiced quietly. His facial expressions revealing nothing about how he was feeling.

"Yes actually, I've been wondering what Lucius wanted to talk to you about?"

"Oh that, well apparently he believes I owe him a favor for his referral to his image consultant." He rolled his eyes. "She was worth a hell of a lot more then I paid for her services, so apparently the other shoe has dropped."

"What do you mean?" she asked clearly curious.

"Slytherins in general don't do nice things for people without an ulterior motive; this is especially true in regard to Lucius. He desires me to use my influence to his benefit."

"Influence, what influence?" she looked confused.

"My influence with Albus for starters, if Albus supports him he stands a better chance of winning." He sighed. "He also wants me to use my influence with the nobility of our world."

"Wouldn't his influence be greater then yours?"

He threw his head back and laughed. "I assume you don't know then?"

"Don't know what?" she snapped crossly.

"The fact that you're marrying into a noble family, Hermione. The fact that I'm titled and Lucius is not." He replied with a hint of amusement in his voice.

"What do you mean you're titled?" she asked looking directly at him as if to divine the answer by staring.

"It means that the male head of my family is referred to as Lord Snape. The title has been in the family for more generations then I can recall. The title passes from generation to generation. Though my family had no money when I was born, the title remained and with it its influence." He inclined his head in her direction. "Does my having a title change your feelings about me?"

"Of course not Severus, it's just a surprise. You said had, not has in regards to not having money. Is there something else you would like to tell me?"

He muttered a curse under his breath before composing himself. "My love you are too perceptive. My family had no money, but after my parents died and I became head of the House of Snape it was brought to my attention that my grandparents on my Mothers side left me a small fortune. It seems they didn't trust my parents not to squander it." He grasped her hand in his. "I'm quite well off, though few people know of it."

She squeezed his hand encouragingly. "Thank you for telling me Severus, it means a lot to me to know."

He nodded and relaxed back into the sofa cushions. "We still need to set a date and plan for our wedding."

"Well the holidays are less then a month away why not have the wedding the Saturday after the students leave, so we have the holidays for a honeymoon." She looked at him hopefully.

"I would find that acceptable. Though I request the wedding not be done in house colors or be too large." He replied then added. "Nor have any decorating touches by Albus."

She laughed. "Yes burgundy, gold, silver, and green with floating hearts and cherubs would be a bit much. I was actually thinking a small ceremony in one of the private gardens with silver and gold touches here and there for decorations."

"That sounds fine, I assume you'll want Potter and Weasley in attendance?" he muttered with a hint of disdain.

"Severus…"

"You are aware that having the Savior of the wizarding world at our wedding is most likely going to make it another large social event?"

She shook her head and laughed. "I'd think the fact that Lord Snape is marrying would be a bigger event in certain circles."

"Perhaps, we can discuss the guest list after I discuss things with Albus, he's who I'd like to perform the ceremony."

"That works for me, I need to see Minerva anyways about a proper gown."

He helped her to her feet and kissed her forehead. "See you at dinner?"

"Of course."

"Severus my boy, what brings you to my office today?" Albus greeted him with a cheery smile, his eyes twinkling.

Severus made his way into the office and took a seat. "A few issues and some news, First of all I'm getting married."

Albus beamed and popped another lemon drop in his mouth. "That's wonderful Severus, am I to assume you wish to ask for my services to perform the ceremony?"

"Yes, the wedding will be the Saturday after the students leave on holiday; Hermione will most likely be talking to you and Minerva about which area she wants to have it at. I'm leaving the finer details in her hands." He replied with a smile.

"Well I'm happy for you, its good to see you smile these days even if they are mostly reserved for your intended." Albus winked and sucked on another lemon drop.

Severus scowled at that remark. "Then there is the matter of the election for Minister of Magic."

"Yes, I've heard that Fudge is up for re-election, But that he has some competition in the forms of Percy Weasley and Lucius Malfoy." Albus chuckled. "I don't see why this concerns you though."

"Well, apparently Lucius is hoping I can use my influence to help his campaign." Severus muttered blackly. "He's hoping I can convince you to endorse him, your name pulls a lot of weight you know."

Albus laughed. "Well out of the three candidates he'd be my choice. Percy, well much as I love his family, he's a suck up. Fudge, dear lord he nearly lost us this war. Lucius has a sharp mind and a drive that the others lack; politics would also be a good outlet for him."

"Aye it would suit him, he also now has an even better reason to want to fix the deficiencies in the wizarding world."

"What reason is that Severus?"

"Narcissa is pregnant again." Severus replied.

"Mm, yes well tell Lucius that I would like to speak with him in the next day or two. We have much to arrange."

Severus stood up and inclined his head. "Thank you sir." He started towards the door when Albus called out to him.

"Severus, have you thought of where you're going to Honeymoon at?"

Severus looked stricken as he realized he hadn't even thought about it.

"That's what I thought. Let me know if I can be of any assistance my boy." Albus chuckled as Severus quickly left the room.

Hermione was sipping tea on the comfy sofa in Minerva's office. While Minerva rattled off questions and handed out advice.

"So Hermione what's he like in bed." Minerva asked with a slight leer.

Hermione shook her head. "Minerva even if I had an answer to that, I sure as hell wouldn't answer it."

"You mean to tell me you're marrying him without first taking him for a test flight?"

"We've chosen to wait to consummate our relationship till after we're properly wed." she smiled a little. "In fact it was his suggestion and I think it's rather sweet."

"Of course dear, of course. So what did you wish to discuss with me?"

"Well I need to find proper wedding attire and then make arrangements for the ceremony." She replied.

"Mm well I know Madam Malkin can do the wedding robes" Minerva noticed Hermione didn't look exactly thrilled. "Or gown if you're so inclined." Noting the reaction to gown she continued on. "As for ceremony arrangements you'll need to decide on ancient, traditional, or modern; indoor or outdoor and then color scheme."

"That's a lot to consider, I don't exactly know the ceremony differences. Though we've decided on the indoor garden, with a gold and silver color scheme if that helps at all." She smiled a bit.

Minerva took a sip of tea and smiled. "Well let me tell you about the key differences in ceremonies and then you and Severus can make a decision."

"All right." She replied nervously as she clasped her hands and folded them neatly in her lap.

"Well first off the ancient ceremony is rarely used, being that a marriage united in its form is unbreakable. The vows are sealed with blood and magic and the bride must be chaste for the ceremony to work." Minerva paused for a moment to let that sink in before continuing. "The traditional ceremony is your standard hand fasting with the exception that the cords are bound with magic and again the marriage is unbreakable except unless there is just cause such as infidelity or the match is fruitless. Now a lot of young people choose to wed in the modern form because its simple, in reality it is more like a muggle wedding then a wizard one, and divorce is possible if it doesn't work out."

Hermione looked thoughtful for a moment. "Quite a decision."

"Yes that's true, however Hermione your choice can also show how much faith you have in your partner."

"I have a lot to think about. Can we meet for tea tomorrow?" she asked hopefully.

Minerva nodded. "Of course."

"Thanks Minerva, you've been a big help."

With that she walked out the door and headed to her quarters. She needed to make an appointment with Madam Malkin about a proper wedding gown. She also needed to seek out Severus and decide which ceremony to use, though she knew it wouldn't be modern, she wanted to make sure he knew that she was playing for keeps.