As Severus approached the gates of Hogwarts, he shook off the weariness of the last day and curiosity of the last hour, squared his shoulders and became Professor Snape once again. It was late in the evening; he was not expecting to encounter any stray students, but Albus should still be up.

"Jelly slugs," he intoned seconds before sweeping past the gargoyle in front of the headmaster's office.

"Ah Severus, I have discovered a new flavor of muggle soda from the United States, cheerwine, which contrary to the name is not wine. Although I suppose it does cheer you up when you-"

"Enough prattle Albus! To the matter at hand."

"Why Severus, I did not know you had a sense of humor. Must be that cheerwine." Albus' eyes lost their maddening twinkle as the subject of fizzy drinks was dropped. "You have done a fine job containing the curse to my hand, my boy. I thank you for acting so swiftly in my aid." Albus did however pocket his hand in his robes as Severus made to grab hold to examine it further. It would not do to simply take Albus at his word. Albus cottoned on to Severus's thinking and quickly changed the subject to something more pressing.

"We do have something that requires immediate attention. During my convalescence, I have been remiss in my duties in Wizengamot and they took the opportunity to pass the resolution we were worried about prior. It is being ratified as we speak."

"The marriage law?"

"Unfortunately so. And before you ask, I cannot and will not waste my political sway on a matter this trivial to the greater good. I will start looking for someone to match you with that will fit your -ah- unique position"

In his growing irritation, Severus had to mentally scowl at that extreme understatement. "Albus, surely there is a way around this law. I simply do not have the time, nor the means for a wife myself. Last I heard, professions that require one to travel away from home are excused for now because they could not support a proper home for the expected children."

"Severus, I know what you are thinking, the answer is no. You must adhere to the law through marriage, not loopholes. You know as well as I do that Hogwarts is your home and not Spinners End."

"I believe I will adhere to the law in all aspects including loopholes while the esteemed members of Wizengamot gather their collective three brain cells and repeal this ridiculous farce," Severus sneered. He felt himself lose his grip on his calm façade as his internal rage grew. Damn Albus! Surely, he knew how impossible the task would be to take on a wife while maintaining his duties as a triple spy, a head of house, and a bastard professor. No, Albus would continue adding to his burden without in turn lightening the load. Hell, he still performed rounds as often as Sybil and Merlin knew she had nothing better to do. If anyone had reason to be in their cups as much as she, it was him. Taking a grounding breath, Severus continued.

"I cannot take on another burden, Albus. You of all people must be aware of this."

That twinkle returned to Albus's eyes, even as it was a little sad. "My dear boy, you have to remember your duty. Shirking the law will call into question your loyalties." At Severus's deepening scowl, Albus added a little harder, "Loyalties on both sides."

Severus flexed his hand at the tightening in his forearm: a reminder of his vow to the Leader of the Light. Greater good indeed. Severus was the only member of the order for whom a new marriage would be a burden. Those like Minerva were too old for the law to apply, those like Molly and Arthur were already married. The only unwed people young enough to spawn, as the law was made for, were himself, Jones, Tonks, and Lupin. Jones was serious about someone back home, while Tonks and Lupin would be halfway to marriage if they would both remove their heads from their arses. No, this law only really inconvenienced him, and therefore, to Albus, it was no inconvenience. Knowing him, it was probably a convenient way of assuring his hold on Severus as well.

"As you wish… Headmaster." He turned on his heel and swept out of the room.

--

Severus indeed decided to take after Sybil that evening. Not with such rubbish like sherry though. He had a stash of poor-quality bourbon given as snub gifts by spiteful pureblood students. Still, it suited tonight's purposes in getting blindingly drunk. Somewhere around his fourth snifter, the pain in his forearm returned. This was not Albus's ropes, but the Dark Lord's barbed wire. Sighing, Severus hauled himself up from his armchair in a decidedly less graceful manner than how he sat down, quaffed a sober-up vial on his way to his wardrobe, and donned his second uniform.

As his head cleared and he made his way off the grounds to apparate, Severus contemplated the Dark Lord's reaction to the new law. This was obviously his handiwork. Dolohov had bragged weeks prior about suggesting the idea. It strengthened the pureblood future by jump starting the next generation, while registering and keeping track of adult muggleborns at the same time. Not the most nuanced way to go about it, but it did the job. Unfortunately, it did the job well enough that Severus would have to participate.

Severus felt the wards around him drop, signaling his departure from Hogwarts and endeavors on being drunk enough to make Goyle look smart. He spun on the spot to apparate to an even less pleasant endeavor. The second he landed, he was met with the familiar, fiery, consuming pain of the cruciatus. Thankfully, it lasted just a moment, but it was enough for Severus to be reminded of his place.

"Ah Severus. So glad you could join. I was beginning to think that you did not value my time" greeted Voldemort, wand hanging limply between his fingers. Severus knew better than to trust such a casual display. It was still in his hand, and more importantly right now, pointed at him. Severus steeled for a mental attack, but one never came.

"Of course I do, My Lord. It only took time to cross through the wards of Hogwarts to get here. I will endeavor to make my journey quicker."

Another jolt of fire ran through his body, but it was over before he registered it began.

"And there is the crux of my issue. It takes you too long to cross the wards. I do have a solution for you though. This new marriage law I have implemented will see great reward for you. I am getting you out of the castle." Voldemort smiled at this and Severus took it to be his cue even as his heart did its best impression of a rabbit on caffeine.

"My lord, I cannot express my joy at having the opportunity to interact less with the old coot," he said while pushing his more recent emotions about the headmaster forward. "I would be remiss to not consider your needs though. I must enquire how you wish I gather information on him, to serve you, if I am distanced from the castle."

"Always putting my plan before yourself. I believe you will find that all your useful tidbits have been collected when summoned by him or teaching those ungrateful brats. I find it unnecessary for you to spend every hour there, especially when it in turn also inconveniences me. You will continue your work as my little spy but switch your address to Hogsmeade instead. I have just finished speaking to your partner this evening and have found a fascinating option for you. He noticed your attention was divided to the lovely Madame Cylar."

Severus doubted Goyle would have noticed if there was a pile of sparkly pink hippogriff dung on the table. Of course, Voldemort had reviewed Goyle's memories by now and obviously turned them over himself. Severus could only thank Merlin that the Dark Lord thought his attention to be infatuation.

"Be merry Severus! She is of your standing and clearly thinks well of the cause to cater to our whims; yes, she is the best fit for you. You will marry her post haste."

"I am most grateful for the gift you have bestowed, My Lord. You are most generous," Severus said as he dropped to his knees and prostrated before his master, lest he think that he was not grateful.

Voldemort flicked his hand in dismissal and Severus turned to take his leave. Just as he crossed through the door's archway Voldemort called to him.

"Severus. Do not think I have forgotten your failure tonight." This was the last thing he heard before the world went black with pain.