Durmstrang, Year 1
Writing School, Issue 3
Tropes: Marriage Law and Secret Relationship
Words: 1499
Being in a secret relationship wasn't fun or exhilarating as her roommates made it out to be, Hermione knew it for sure. In fact, it was sad and miserable and if everything was right, she'd give anything for her relationship not to be secret anymore. Lavender and Parvati had no idea how hard it was to pretend to dislike the man you love and to never be able to comfort him in public. Or to hear him speak to you in the coldest of voices.
However, she wouldn't change it for the world. He meant the world to her. Somehow, Severus Snape had stolen her heart and she wasn't complaining at all. It was all thanks to Dumbledore, he'd made them work together back at the beginning of the year and from there, somehow they'd found each other.
She glanced a look at the Head Table, he was sitting there with a scowl on his face as usual and yet, not earlier than last night, she'd seen him smile at her with the kindest of eyes. He was so different when he didn't have his armour on. And she was the only one he was letting it down with.
Hermione was having her cup of tea before classes when the uproar started. The Daily Prophet had arrived two minutes prior and it seemed that whatever it was on the first page caused agitation and anger around the Great Hall.
Grabbing the edition from a furious Harry, Hermione almost dropped the cup. Marriage Law. Her heart skipped a beat as she continued reading. All Muggleborns should marry into Pure-blood or Half-blood Families. All above 18 had to marry immediately. If not a match would be provided by the Ministry. They all had to reproduce and have at least 2 children in two years. Those in their final year were allowed to finish school before getting pregnant.
Hermione felt her head spin. All above 18. She was over 18. Thanks to her irrational use of the Time-Turner in her third year, she was above the required age. And she wasn't in her final year. What would she do? Severus… Hermione snapped her head around to look at the Head Table. He and Dumbledore were nowhere to be seen. She wanted nothing more than to go and speak with them, find a solution. She couldn't marry Severus, could she? What would the Dark Lord do? Besides, Dumbledore didn't know yet about their relationship, did he? They'd wanted to keep it a secret from everyone as long as it was possible.
"They can't do this!" Harry shouted next to her. She turned, and noticed he looked angrier than usual. Angrier for a law that didn't apply to him yet. Next to him, Ron was agreeing wholeheartedly. It wasn't as if she approved, but she was too numb to say anything. They didn't know she qualified. No one did, except Dumbledore and the Ministry now, she supposed.
"Harry, they did it already," she finally said.
"No, Hermione, you don't understand. He was happy. This is something he'd wanted."
She frowned. Next to her, Ron stilled as well.
"You've been having dreams again, mate?"
"Harry! You said you'd blocked him!"
They both said at the same time.
Their green-eyed friend smiled sheepishly. "I did. Or at least, I haven't had any dreams in a while. But this morning, I could feel his anticipation. It's like he wanted this law. And look at it. It's targeted for Muggleborns. They can be petitioned for! By anyone!"
"Don't worry, Hermione, I'll petition for you!" Ron said, patting her shoulder. He'd been more touchy since breaking off with Lavender. Hermione didn't have the heart to tell him yet, that by the time he qualified, she'd have to be long married. They only had two weeks to decide. Besides, she couldn't marry Ron, not when she loved Severus.
Instead, she just smiled at them, and stood up to pack her things. She could see that they wanted to speak more with her, but then Ginny came to her rescue.
"Who would you petition for, Harry?" she'd asked and while her friend blushed as Ron laughed at him, Hermione made her way out of the Great Hall. She had Ancient Runes to go while the boys had a window.
However, just as she reached the classroom, another student intercepted her and told her that she was to present herself in the Headmaster's office. Hermione nodded to herself. She'd expected it, but she hadn't expected it to be so soon, in broad daylight.
A sombre atmosphere awaited her when she entered the office. Dumbledore was behind the desk three letters in hand, with no twinkle in his eyes and Severus was pacing the floor, a crazed look in his eyes.
"Miss Granger, thank you for joining us so fast. Take a seat, please."
"Headmaster," she said, "what's happening? Why this law? What is the Ministry thinking?"
"They're not!" Severus snarled, and she may have been scared if she didn't know him.
"P-Professor Snape?" she asked, trying to keep the anxiety out of her voice. At least one of them had to remain calm.
"Miss Granger, I have asked both of you here because there's one solution to our problem."
"And I am telling you, your solution is crazy, old man!" Severus shouted, head slamming on the desk.
Dumbledore looked at him disapprovingly before switching to her. "Miss Granger, please sit down and I'll explain."
Hermione sat down. She wanted answers as to what could have caused Severus' erratic behaviour. She hated that she couldn't comfort him, but it seemed Dumbledore still didn't know about their relationship and Hermione was intent for it to remain that way.
"Thank you," the Headmaster said. "Now, as about the situation we find ourselves in. You know that you qualify for the Marriage Law."
Hermione nodded, and continued his words.
"The Ministry didn't know until they checked for eligible students and you came up as one of the results. It seems that the word has circulated and you've gotten quite a few petitions." He pointed to the letters in his hand.
"Already?" Hermione was in shock. How could she have petitions already?
The Headmaster nodded. "The Ministry thinks that the law was created to help unite the Pure-bloods and the Muggleborns. They hope that with children and marriage involved they won't join the Dark Lord. However, they don't know that the Dark Lord is behind the law."
"What?"
"He knew you were older than your classmates and thanks to Pettigrew, who noticed your use of Time-Turner, he knows you have the right age. He wants to separate Potter from his friends," Severus spoke and Hermione looked at him, horror in his eyes. Had he known that the law would come?
"So he wants me married with a Death Eater." She surmised. "All of those petitions are Death Eaters."
"Yes, " Dumbledore said. "But that's not all. Severus has to marry as well."
"What?"
This time, Severus answered. "He requested all of us, last night to marry Muggleborns. And possibly break them, make them the perfect little wives followers."
"Miss Granger, we cannot allow Severus to marry just anyone, considering his spy activities."
Hermione could tell where this was going and her heart skipped a beat.
"You want me and Professor Snape to marry each other. That's why he was so upset when I came in," she stated and Dumbledore nodded in agreement.
"Yes, indeed. You understand that's the only option, right? For the Greater Good?"
"Albus! You can't be serious!"
"I am. And there's no discussion. I recommend you take today to talk about it in your quarters. I have cancelled classes for the day, so both of you are free."
"Headmaster, please see sense! Miss Granger—"
"Miss Granger is right here and she happens to agree, Professor Snape. So I suggest, let's go and discuss our wedding, future husband." Hermione extended her hand, but he didn't take it, storming out of the office instead.
She sighed, and with one last look at Dumbledore, she followed him down in the dungeons.
As they closed the doors to his quarters, Hermione found herself in Severus' arms. The change in him was instantaneous. Gone was the angry man from the office.
"Hermione, I'm sorry. I came back late last night. I couldn't warn you."
"Shh, it's alright. We'll make do."
He broke away from her and cupped her face. She put her hands over his, looking in his eyes.
"Severus, I knew I'd marry you. I just didn't know how soon. I want this. I love you. I can't believe Dumbledore doesn't know yet."
He laughed. "Me neither, but I guess my acting back in the office helped. Hermione, are you sure?"
Leaning in for a kiss, she murmured, "I'd never been more certain." And Hermione meant every word. The Marriage Law was a complication, but one they'd face together. Perhaps, soon, their relationship won't be as secret after all.
