Sorry this took so long but I went out of town and then I was busy with Christ Mass. I had so many problems trying to get this chapter just right. I wrote it and re wrote it. Any way I think I got it how I wanted it. Thanks for the reviews. I treasure them like Gold. The only think that comes to mind is, "stay Gold Pony boy". Don't know why. I think I've had too much sauce. I would like to thank the input from Candy Cane, she gave me tons of ideas.

Lastly, I would like to say that Harry Potter and Co. belong to Rowling.

Chapter 8.

Part one. INTRODUCTIONS.

Snape apparated in his home to find the girls gone. Unsurprised he sat in the library and waited for them. They arrived ten minutes later and served tea. He said nothing and watched them. They had spied on him, had gone against his explicit wishes.

They sipped their tea and tried to chat with him but he didn't reply. They had drunk three cups of tea and were about to leave when he put his cup in front of them to be refilled. So, they sat and drank, and drank, and drank, and drank…... he was making his tea disappear with wandless magic; the girls were not. He looked at them pitying their bladders. It was one in the morning and Snape stretched his legs out before him and got more comfortable, they were good he had to admit but he was better.

Alessandra and Anastassia knew that somehow he knew about their little adventure.The evening wore on and Alessandra, finally nodded and allowed Anastassia to begin their confession and apology. They had screwed up, now it was time to try to weasel out of it.

"Papa?"

"Yes, Anastassia."

"We went to see our future step mother."

"We apologize Sir, you told us not to." Alessandra said.

"We were worried." Anastassia explained.

Did all twins do that, finish each other's sentences wondered Snape sipping his tea for real this time.

"If you are going to sit there and lie to me then you can save your breath. At least admit you did it because you felt like it and accept the consequences of your actions."

CONSEQUENCES! The Twins panicked.They had heard of her father's reputation.They had laughed at his ingenuity for extracting payback from those who crossed him.The Twins looked at each other nervously.

"You are right Papa. We went there to spy." Said Alessandra praying to any deity within earshot to help out.

"We were curious about this Hermoine." Added Anastassia.

"We have heard things about her and we wanted to see her for ourselves." Finished the other.

Snape smirked he could almost hear the hurt in her voice. Ok so he wouldn't turn them into crows maybe not completely.

"You would not let us go with you and we were hurt so we decided to go in secret." Whispered Alessandra.

"But I found out. You really need to be less obvious. Listen closely. You will treat Hermoine as a stepmother is treated and the mother of your brothers and sisters. I will not have a family feud because of you two."

"Very well father, you are of course right." said Anastassia not wanting to argue any longer.

"I will go to bed now. Good evening."

He walked to the door leaving the girls in shock; their father had done nothing to them. They waited until he was out the door before Alessandra opened her mouth to point it out and found her beautiful voice turned into the screechy sound of a crow. Anastassia's eyes opened wide and heard the same thing coming out of her own mouth. They tried to rise to run after their father but they found themselves unable to do so. They were stuck to their chairs. The girls tried to remain calm but it all went out the window when they felt the pressure on their bladders, their tea had finally kicked in. Oh Merlin! Oh Merlin! The girls squawked! The deities turned a deaf ear.

Walking upstairs Snape smiled and then laughed as he heard the squawking and the chairs moving. He really was cruel. He toyed with the idea of setting them loose but decided against it, for every action there is a reaction.

Half an hour later after hearing the equivalent of whimpers he charmed the chairs to release them and heard what could only be described as the girls stampeding to the bathroom down the main hall. He wondered who would make it to the bathroom first. his money was on Alessandra she was physically the strongest. He was right Anastassia suffered the most embarrissing situation running upstairs to the second bathroom. She would not forgive Alessandra for a while.

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The evening would undoubtedly prove to be a long one thought Snape. Tiffy had announced that the first guests had arrived. He looked himself over once more and then proceeded to his daughters' sitting room to escort them downstairs.

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When word had got around of their existence the Twins had received invitations to the old houses of the Wizarding World, the girls liked nothing better then to socialize be it in the Muggle or the Wizarding Wolrd, so they had quickly accepted some of the most important invitations. However, since their father had not seen fit to lift the first hex from them they had had to send notes canceling their social engagements for that day.

As a result, they were furious at each other, that was oh so bad! Alessandra blamed Anastassia, since it had been her idea to spy, while Anastassia blamed her sibling for having been spotted. Their minds raced, evil plans were forming on how to get each other. Anastassia was furious at Alessandra for taking her time in the bathroom last night so, she took all of her sister's combs and brushes and hid them. Alessandra had retaliated by taking Anastassia's favorite silver comb and had only given it back or better yet flung it at her after her sister had whined or better yet squawked for an hour. Anastassia escaped injury only because she ducked in time. The silver comb had smashed into one of the charmed paintings. The portrait had taken itself off the hook and walked out. Snape had bumped into the portrait as it hurried by in a huff. When Snape walked into their bedroom he was surprised to see the girls' elves standing by their mistresses handing them items to use in their personal missile war. Snape had furiously threatened to turn them into crows. They had calmed down fast enough but they still shot him hurtful looks while their elves repaired the room.

Half an hour later, the girls sat eyeing each other critically. Alessandra and Anastasia had both decided to wear the same dress and same hairstyle they looked eerily identical. Dangerous things happened whenever they decided to do this.

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Snape entered the sitting room and found the Twins looking at each other. They rose when he entered and curtseyed. Snape drew his wand and he waved it saying "parlitus humanus". The girls opened their mouths to thank their father. He took them in his arms and held them briefly before holding an arm out to each and they walked out of the room.

It seemed that the Twins had decided a long time ago to love and forgive one person anything and had chosen their Father as that person. Anyone else, watch out!

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Remus and Harry had decided to arrive together something about strength in numbers came to mind. Remus had almost not attended and had only agreed after he found out that Harry and Hermoine would both be there. Dressed in black, they both waited in a sitting room, an enormous one.

"It's big that's all I can say." Said Harry looking at the ceiling painted with frescos.

Remus looked up and then at the objects in the room nervously. Wealth was all he could think of and it made him ill. Sirius had been kind enough in the name of friendship to leave him an inheritance. He had planned to use the money to buy a modest house. He had figured if he managed it well, budgeted, and got a job teaching he could live comfortably. However, how do you budget with a wife used to this? He looked around in despair.

Harry walked around, with a slight limp all the cold marble, was all he could think. He looked at himself in the mirror. He looked young, too young he thought angrily, for the millionth time he wondered why there was no potion that could make him taller. He was five four and prayed that his future bride would be short or at least his same height. Everyone was taller than he, hell even Hermione was five was five! He was seventeen and looked fourteen! He swore under his breath and ran his hand through his hair the damn thing would not keep still. He tugged at his collar, it was too tight. What was wrong with him I mean he had been ok with the marriage thing yesterday. Now all of a sudden he was freaking out. He looked over at Remus, his friend looked just as uncomfortable as he did.

"Maybe it won't be so bad!"

"Yeah right." Whispered Remus edgily,"I think the Ministry is possessed. This is madness! I mean, don't they know what I am?"

"You are a margined brother remember."

"Well, I have never wanted to remain more margined than now. I mean I've always known that Snape was well off but this is another world."

Harry nodded understanding his adopted God father's feelings and was about to point out the strange carvings on the chimney mantle when the doors were thrown open by the snobbiest looking elf they had ever seen.

There at the doorway stood Snape with his daughters.

"Am I seeing double?" asked Harry under his breath.

"Nope they are twins, I think. They are beautiful."

Groaning Harry noticed their height. "They are tall… don't I ever get a break?"

"Mr. Potter, Professor Lupin let me introduce you to my daughters." Offered Snape walking his daughters to them. "This is Alessandra, Mr. Lupin. Alessandra let me introduce you to your fiancée Mr. Remus Lupin." Lupin walked over and kissed her hand.

Alessandra had never been so disappointed in her life. The man was not only poor but old. He looked practically worn out. He looked ill and it was two weeks after the full moon. Poor, old, a werewolf to boot, and sick. Oh why her? Wait a minute that was good maybe he was dying or something. Ok she might be a widow soon and then she could go back home and live at her father's house. With the independence of a widow and her father's money things might not be so bad. She could only hope, she thought smiling. The effect on her face was scary.

"Anastassia this is Mr. Potter, Mr. Potter my daughter Anastassia." Anastassia held out her hand and curtseyed. Her eyes could not believe it, there was no way he was old enough to marry. Oh my God! people would think she was cradle robbing, he looked twelve. He was shorter than her, at least three inches. The difference in height would simply be obscene if she ever dared to wear heels. His hair was a mess and he was so thin. Didn't he eat? He definitely looked ill maybe he was dying. Wow a wealthy widow, She could only hope she thought smiling down at him.

Potter took the offered hand and kissed it. He sneaked a glance over to the other sister; it was obvious they had not met the Twins expectations.

Lupin was not against getting married to help the population problem but he would have preferred to marry someone more within his economic means.

Harry had done plenty already and was willing to do this one last thing but if the girl had been shorter and not Snape's daughter all would have been so much easier. Disappointment on Harry and Lupin's behalf turned to caution as both girls smiled at their fiancées. Lupin a werewolf actually felt like growling. Harry shifted uneasily.

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Severus knew that his daughters would be disappointed but then so was he. The only thing a Snape could do was was make the best of it. The Snapes' were notorious for turning situations around. Potter was wealthy and a hero. Lupin well he had better make himself useful somehow. Severus was about to ask Lupin about his plans for the wedding when Tiffy announced the arrival of his other guest.

"I must leave for some minutes to speak to Hermoine, I leave you ladies to better acquaint yourselves with your fiancées." Announced Snape as he apparated elsewhere.

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The four looked at each other and it was Lupin who managed to say something before the silence became too much.

"You are twins."

"Not identical." replied Alessandra.

"I see. You look amazingly alike." Added Harry.

"How old are you?" asked Alessandra bluntly.

Harry was thrown back by her bluntness and was about to answer when his fiancée spoke.

"Now, now, sister you have enough to worry about with your fiancée don't worry about mine." Intervened Anastassia.

"Really sister it's just a question. You don't want to break any underage laws." Countered Alessandra.

"Well at least I won't be worried about rabies!" shot her Twin, Lupin actually yelped.

"Rabies!...Well you always wanted children. Now you've got one and without the nine month waiting period" smiled Alessandra sweetly ignoring the angry gasp from Harry…..it would be a long night

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He was amazed to see Hermoine dressed in an elegant blue gown. She looked almost pretty but young, too young for his liking. She would need to start wearing her hair up he decided.

"The gown is becoming," he complimented, "though you should wear your hair up from now on."

"I like my hair the way it is. I don't intend to change it."

"But you will. I will be busy with my daughters' weddings tomorrow so I will not have a chance to speak to you until the day of ours. I wish to inform you of some things before then."

"Will what?" asked Hermoine coldly.

"Change your hair! You are not ignorant so don't act as if this is a surprise to you." Snape shouted. He really was in no mood. The girl had better be careful.

"Don't scream at me! How dare you!"

"Listen you stupid girl I have no patience for this-" Hermoine gasped STUPID! She 'd show him stupid and before she could stop herself she slapped him soundly across his face.

The little tart had slapped him. Oh, he'd make her pay he moved quickly and grabbing her hair he twisted it around his fist "You will marry me in two days, after the ceremony you will reside in the manor; you will not have a job. Snape women do not work. You can however assist me in my Potions." Hermoine struggled to free herself from the painful grasp but Snape only tightened his hold making her whimper and continued. "You will have entertaining responsibilities. My daughters will assit you with such if you want. I will expect children, boys to be exact to carry on the Snape name. If you have girls, you will continue to have children until a boy is finally born. I will not have Potters or Lupins in charge of the Snape fortune.One last thing marriage in families such as mine are bonded meaning unfaithfulness will not be an option... ever. Do you undertand?" Hermoine managed a yes and Snape let her go. She breathed hard trying to recover. Rubbing her hands gingerly through her hair. The only thing that came to her mindwas how much she actually wanted to remain a witch. She knew she could not live without her magic she had acted without thinking and now she'd pay for it. She would not cower before him but she had to be smarter than him. She was not going to give up; she wanted to be happy a happy witch to be exact. Her love for her magic would make her stronger. She had chosen her world. She'd have to do better, be smarter. Grudgingly she awarded round one to Snape.

Snape walked with Hermoine wondering what had gotten into the stupid girl. He swore and walked faster wanting the night to end quickly he was getting a headache, the after effects of his drinking expedition were kicking in again he should have taken a second dose of the hang over potion. He was entertaining his Twins, the Potter Prat, a werewolf, and this stupid girl. Still it was custom to have a formal dinner to make formal introductions. The end of the night could not come fast enough.

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Snape walked to the sitting room and found both of his girls pointing their wands at each other. Their bickering had developed into hexing. Harry and Remus had simply stepped aside; you never got in the middle of two women fighting let alone two witches fighting.

"What is going on here?" He thundered grabbing both wands from the Twins. Hermoine jumped back.

"She insulted my fiancée." Alessandra said.

"Only cause she did mine." Explained the other.

"Potter, Lupin can you not keep your fiancées in hand?" asked Snape disgusted with everyone in the room. His girls were marrying wuzzes. Well at least Hermione would have boys to carry on the name he would be damned if Lupin's and Potter's wuzzy genes would come anywhere near the Snape fortune. How had the boy destroyed Voldermort and the other one was a freaking werewolf, damn it act like one.

"Our fiancées? They are your daughters first." Answered Harry offended.

"Only until tomorrow then they are your responsibility and I expect them to be treated well but firmly."

"You are not common witches to be fighting out in the open!" said Snape coldly looking at the Twins.

"You are right! I will have a name to live up to it is not becoming to be fighting like a common witch!" Said Anastassia backing away emphasizing the word common for all it was worth.

"You fiend!" Screamed Alessandra taking a step forward.

"Now sister, it's not my fault not all of us can go up in the world." Added Anastassia smugly.

"Take care you don't get a nosebleed looking down then!" Answered Alessandra looking down at Harry.

Anastassia clenched her jaws. "You really should speak to your betters with more respect after tomorrow you won't have- "

"That is enough!" Hermoine had had it. They were horrible. She looked at poor Harry and Prof. Lupin and her heart ached for them. They had fought for this, no way!

The Twins stopped. Well the whole room stopped and every one turned to look at her.

"We should try to get along. I mean we'll all be family in some way or another, won't we?" Said Hermoine uncomfortably but not willing to back down. Everyone would be happy in her family if it killed her or if Snape didn't kill her first. She had been so stupid to slap him. You didn't get Snape with frontal attacks, next time she'd know better. If there was a next time, she added to herself.

"Hermoine is right. Ms Snape I am aware that there are differences in our heritages my family is not known much in the circles you are familiar with, Lupins have always been scholars with modest means." Explained Remus looking at Anaastassia.

Anastassia had enough sense to look a little guilty, it had gotten away from her but she didn't have it easy I mean how could anyone enjoy entertaining and hosting when your husband looked like he should be sitting in a high chair and not at the head of the table.

"As for me Ms. Snape I realize that you may not think much of me, but take care not to judge people by their appearance. I have a name and wealth but I value loyalty, respect and friendship more."

Yeah right! Loyalty, respect and friendship were all fine but if you did not have the influence that came with the right name and wealth those things meant nothing. He was in for a rude awakening. Alessandra thought but said nothing and looked down.

"Well, that went well." Growled Snape sarcastically andproceeded tointroduce them to Hermoine. "Alessandra, Anastassia this is your future stepmother. I expect you to treat her as befits her new station."

Hermoine looked at the Twins and nodded in greeting. The girls both stepped forward and pecked her on the cheek.

"It's nice to make your acquaintance Ms. Granger"," they said in unison. Well they had been right the first time she was not much to look at, they thought critically but said nothing outloud. It was one thing to insult their fiancées another to insult their father's new bride. They were angry not mad.

Hermoine nodded her head. "You can call me Hermoine"

"That would not be appropriate you will be our Step Mama in two days." Replied Alessandra.

"It is not our way to call the wife of the Patriarch by her first name." explained Anastassia looking at Hermoine like a dumb child.

"Oh that's ridiculous!" Exclaimed Harry looking at Hermoine. Harry had had it. Really what was up with these people?

"Liberties in forms of address amongst certain families are unheard of." Lupin explained to Harry. Lupin sensed Harry's anxiety and exasperation with the whole thing and felt for him. He'd have to talk to him about it or he would explode.

"Well what am I supposed to call her we went to school together for Pete's sake!"

"Oh nonsense! Of course, you can call me Hermoine." Said Hermoine impatiently.

The Twins looked at Hermoine as you would a three-headed snake. Their step Mother was naïve. Hermoine only swallowed annoyed with herself, why was this happening. She didn't want this situation but she didn't want to lose her magic, or her friends.

"You will be called what you are Lady Snape and that's all. The Twins may call you the less formal Step Mama anything other than that would not be suitable.

Hermoine could only stare speechless. What was wrong with the world! Lady Snape! Step Mama! SHE WAS 17!

Harry was about to snap at Snape when he saw Remus shake his head slightly. He and Remus would have plenty to talk about later for now Harry bit his tongue.

"Well now that that, is out of the way maybe we can proceed with dinner." Announced Snape escorting a mute Hermoine from the room. Snape actually felt sorry for her but only for a second. He was stuck with her after all. Hermoine was trying to recover and had opted to remain silent. Her mind working over time trying to assimilate everything. The gerbil was running double time there was an answer to all of this, something to make it all better and she'd find it. She had graduated top in her class after all.

Harry offered his arm to Anastassia. She sighed but none too quietly which caused him to bring those emerald eyes to bare down on her. Harry clenched his jaw said nothing but withdrew his arm. There was no way he could get out of this but he'd be damned if Snape's daughter got the best of him. Anastassia looked straight ahead and said nothing.

At the same time….

Remus walked over to Alessandra and offered her his arm. Alessandra raised her hand to walk with him but her fingers barely touched his sleeve. Remus took notice and pulled his arm away silently. He'd be damned if this little brat would look down her nose at him. He had battled worst monsters than her. His life had been just fine without her, well may be not but he wouldn't take her bitchiness. Alessandra looked straight ahead angrily and said nothing.

The three couples walked out in silence, barriers had been drawn. Everyone knew where everyone stood. If they could actually survive dinner, they might actually stand a chance.