There were whispers all around the castle about the marriage law, and wild guesses about who was paired with whom. However the juicy bit of news that was catching everyone's attention was Hermione Granger refusing Ronald Weasley's marriage proposal.
It wouldn't have been such a big deal, had it been kept a private matter, but Ron went back into the Great Hall fuming about the rejection. His ego was hurt, and by Hermione yet again. He thought she was his friend! Why would she do such a thing?
Harry looked at his best friend wondering how Ron thought that asking Hermione was the answer to all their problems. The two of them had clearly spoken before and decided that they should sit down and talk to her about this before rushing into things. To be honest, he wasn't at all surprised that Hermione had rejected the offer. He just didn't know how this would actually affect their friendship.
However judging from the fact that Hermione wasn't here for lunch, and had avoided them at breakfast was a telling sign.
"Well!" Ron stated boldly, interrupting Harry's thoughts. "It's her bloody lost. My family is talking with the Brown family. Apparently, Lavender Brown wants to marry me. She's not bad, and she's not nearly as annoying as Hermione. Not to mention she is from a long line of pureblood."
Harry rolled his eyes.
"In the eyes of the Ministry, this could be a perfect match. No... it is a perfect match! Period. I consider it an upgrade." Ron finished boldly. "Upgrade?"
Harry laughed. He could feel his temper rising because he knew his best friend was not as shallow as he was appearing. He wanted to to give him the benefit of the doubt, and reason that he was just saying this because he was upset but this was a bit much!
"Upgrade!" Ron smiled with one corner lifted slightly higher that the other making him look a bit mad. The he turned and shoveled a thigh of chicken into his mouth followed by a quick drink of pumpkin juice. "Ron, are you out of you mind?" Seamus demanded slamming his fist onto the table.
"Hermione is smart, beautiful and has more character than that stick of a woman. " Everyone around the Gryffindor table heard Seamus and were staring at them all know in surprise. No one knew what to saw or if they should talk down Seamus, because they too thought the same thing for the most part. He didn't want to sound too hard on Lavender but he had heard enough of Ron's nasty comments.
"To each their own, Seamus." Ron smiled. "Why don't you go and ask her to marry you then?" "Haven't you heard?" Dean asked as Ginny sat next to him. "Hermione's been out of class all day, and missing from the halls because she is in negotiations. She's accepted an offer, and her parents are here discussing the premise of the marriage with Dumbledore as we speak. " Ginny informed them, lifting her head smugly at her brother before reaching out for some food. "What?!"
The table exclaimed, but Ron looked like he was in shock.
Who could have asked and been accepted?
Ron looked up and down the table looking for a missing person that would have asked, but for the most part everyone was accounted for. He slammed his hands on the table and pushed himself up from his seat, and stormed out of the Great Hall and right pass Lavender. She frowned, lowering her hand and smiled nervously at her friends, before walking away to sit down at the table. What the hell was honestly happening? Who was Hermione to marry?
Ron ruffled his hair as he headed down the hall and gasped almost coming into direct contact with Professor Snape. He gasped taking three steps back, but to his luck the man didn't stop he just continued on his way without a single word. Ron placed a hand on his chest, taking a deep breath and slumped against the wall. That was close… Hermione didn't talk to anyone other than those in their group... So who was it? He thought biting his lip. When Severus got to Dumbledore's office, he entered the room just in time to hear Hermione say quite loudly, and proudly. "I don't want to marry, Professor Snape. " Jason and Iris Granger looked at their daughter, as Dumbledore glanced to Severus to see how her response affected him, but he too saw that Severus had not expected this either. They had all gathered in Dumbledore's office to talk about the arrangement and to explain the law to Hermione's parents but now things were thrown back into the air.
Dumbledore had spent the majority of his morning talking to Hermione's parents and making sure they understood the law, and why he wanted one of his teachers to marry Hermione. He had been so sure that Hermione would agree to this just as Severus had, but now he was at a loss. He wondered if this had been brought on by Severus, but by the look on his face that thought flew out the window.
Why did Miss. Granger refuse? "I just…it's not right! " Hermione shook her head.
Severus sat down and looked at Hermione his mouth in a tight line as his teeth bit on the inside of his lip. What was she doing?! He thought angrily.
"I shouldn't have to marry someone who has lived their whole life on their own like some recluse. I would just be an inconvenient." She started and Severus rolled his eyes looking away from her.
"Plus our age difference could be seen as a problem. With Severus being older, preserving magic might be impossible by our pairing-"Severus stopped her abruptly. "Excuse me, Miss. Granger. But I am a healthy man, ready to save magic, you need not worry about that. " Oh yes, Severus was offended by her lack of confidence, but to express it out loud in front of others, infuriated him. When her eyes met his, he made sure she knew.
"If you'd like we can do this in a Muggle fashion. Insemination…. . " He offered sitting back in his chair, this time he offended her parents. "How dare you!" Iris snapped. "She's not even an adult and you're already wanting to spring on her?" Jason shook angrily in his seat. "Did the Headmaster not tell you that a child would have to be consummated? Why are you acting as if this is news? Either we do this the old fashion way, arrange marriage and all, or we make it look legit but make it more a partnership with less emotional baggage." Severus stated fairly. "I didn't mean to offend you, I was only expressing my concerns…" Hermione stated looking at Severus with her own eyes narrowed. There he went! Making decisions again without her input!
"I stayed up all night trying to think about the pros and cons to this marriage proposal, am I not allowed to voice my concerns?" "I would expect nothing less than that from the brightest witch of our time…" Dumbledore smiled. "On the other hand, this is a lot to take in… I would suggest Severus and yourself sit down and talk about this… Or at least discuss whether this is the path you are willing to take." He said reminding them of their alternative.
"Mr. And Mrs. Granger, I would trust Severus with my life. I would not have just suggest this to you light-heartedly. " Dumbledore said. "Might I have a word, Miss. Granger?" Severus demanded standing up and moving outside the room before she could even answer. Hermione frowned, crossing her legs and arms. However one look at Dumbledore made her get up and follow after him. She didn't want to talk to him.
She closed the door behind her and looked up at Severus feeling a battle in the making. Her only worry was that, she wouldn't have the strength to fight or defend herself now since it appeared Severus was always in fight mode.
"Impotence?" Severus whispered in a breath no less than a hiss to Hermione. "I'm pretty sure the both of us know just how potent I am." He stated.
"Oh do I?" Hermione scoffed. "Last time I checked, we haven't had sex!" She snapped back. Severus snarled angrily under his breath grabbing her hand roughly. "Oh yes… We haven't had sex, but there have been moments. Don't you dare deny it." He moved closer to her face. "I have brushed up against you while we have been in my private chambers more than once… So please enlighten me on just what made you say that. If you have something to say, say it. " He told her, then very boldly placed her hand on his crotch. "Professor…" Hermione gasped looking to the door where her parents sat behind and then tried to move her hand, but his hand kept hers firmly in place. "Professor, stop-" she warned. "Stop?" Severus said in mocked surprise. "That isn't the word we agreed to when it comes to stopping anything." He reminded her, and moved his free hand to her stomach.
"Say your words. If not… It you move this hand , I will punish you, Hermione. You have my word. " He whispered harshly into her hair, using his nose to move her hair away from the skin he wished to kiss.
The benefit of being this close to Hermione, was hearing the sigh that slipped from her lips that told him that she wasn't scared or even want him to stop. It was the sigh of lust he had heard when they were in his chambers. "Miss. Granger… Don't you ever insult my masculinity…" He whispered pressing his lips softly into her neck, feeling the excited tremor run through her body. "Is that understood? " "Yes, Sir. " She said quickly, almost out of breath and Severus smiled. Hermione couldn't help herself, her hand tightened over his crotch and she felt her knees turn into jello. She wondered just what it would be like being married to Severus just for a second. They wouldn't have to hide behind closed doors. They could do all they wanted... but would their relationship would be like this all the time? Sex, and nothing else?
She liked his mind. She liked his body… but did she really want to marry him.
"Severus… Is this the right thing to do? We don't know each other… As you said we need to become more comfortable with each other, which is why I agreed to go slowly with you. However what if it turns out I don't want it?" She asked curiously. "Should we see if it's something you want?" Severus asked. Severus grabbed her waist and turned her around, making her face the wall. Hermione gasped bracing herself in surprise. When she felt Severus' hand slip up her skirt and grab a handful of her ass, she moaned. What was she really fighting? She thought pushing her bottom more into his hand. This was what she wanted… so what was it? "Ah!" Hermione gasped, covering her mouth as Severus' delivered another smack to her taunt bottom. Severus smiled.
Hermione reacted the way any submissive would. If she truly didn't want this sort of relationship, she wouldn't have searched out for it. She reacted to being spanking, with a silent plea for more, her whole body practically begging for it. It wasn't a matter of if she wanted it…
There was something causing her to put a temporary wall up and Severus wish he knew what it was. He delivered the five swats they had talked about, light swats not at all like his usual spankings and then turned her to face him. "Hermione…" He said softly seeing the sadden look on her face.
Did he upset her? Hermione was biting her lip looking down at her feet, and barely looked up at him before saying something. "I'm scared." She whispered. "What if this is all a failure… What if-"She began but Severus placed a finger over her lips making her look up at him. Until now, he had really been up in his own head. Yes, he should have punished her, because she had crossed a line, and he had made it clear that he was going to punish her unless she said the safe word. However, he wasn't mentally in a good statee and he had just broken the cardinal rule as an dominant. He hadn't thought about her feelinds towards this situation at all. He had only thought about himself and what was going to happen to him. He took a deep breath, clearing his mind before looking at her. "Hermione…Sometimes, there are curve balls throws at us that we are not ready for, but must embark on the journey even if we don't want to." He said softly moving his hand from her mouth, instead he wiped a tear falling down her cheek. "Life isn't fair, Miss. Granger. You would do well to remember that. "However, I need you to know that my life is not easy. I do a lot of… dangerous things. I will tell you more once I know I have your vows. I may ask you to do things that are against your morals. I would like you to know as long as you are willing to be responsible of your actions, and act rationally, I will respect you and treat you fairly."
Severus waited seeing that she was processing what he had said. "Does that sound fair?" Hermione nodded. "Can we talk more about how we will handle our marriage?"
Severus nodded. "Okay… Let's seal the deal with Dumbledore and my parents." Hermione said with a nod and turned to the door. It took some convincing but in the end, Jason and Iris agreed to allow her to marry her professor. Then after a small meal, Dumbledore had Hermione and Severus take her parents to the train station to send them back to the muggle world. "There's no need to rush things…" Iris stroked her daughter's hair as they stood at the train station. "I want you to focus on your schooling." She added firmly. "After your school work is all done… We can start planning a small wedding, something simple that you'd like. " Hermione laughed softly leaning into her mother's touch.
"At the very least, you have to have the most beautiful wedding dress we can find." Iris laughed. "There will be some happiness in this vast darkness, my love. I promise… You just have to find it, hold onto it, and nurture it into something bigger…. " Hermione frowned listening to her mother's words, but she accepted it knowing that in some way she would eventually find happiness. How long would it take, she didn't know, and would Severus be willing to try to find it with her was a whole other question.
He had said he would treat her fairly, but would he treat he like a wife? She wondered. If he didn't what would she do? Could she live in a loveless marriage?
Loveless… That was her worst fear.
"I will be happy…" She smiled weakly up at her mother, before being pulled into a deep embrace by her. Even though she wasn't sure she would be happy, she could at least promise that she would and strive to be that. She knew deep down that this was going to be a challenge but she liked a good challenge. She was getting married to a man for all the morally wrong reasons, but still she had a choice and that she could live with that.
Severus was not pleased by the arrangement either, but she knew that he was going to try to be the best that he could. "We best be off…" Jason said coming up beside his wife,and pulled them into his arms.
"I love you, Hermione… My beautiful, brilliant daughter…. I love you more than you will ever know, and if this old man does anything to you that you don't like… make sure to give it to him where it hurts most. " He stated firmly.
Hermione and Iris couldn't help but laugh loudly at his suggestion and it felt good.
After that, her mother and father got onto the train and went back home. It was a bitter-sweet moment to know that all this was happening but Hermione felt better knowing her parents were behind her on all this.
You only have family at the end of the day…
Her father had once told her that, and now that she thought of it Severus was becoming a part of her family. She really didn't know him though, so maybe he wouldn't mind and share the bare essentials with her. "Your parents… they seem like nice muggles. " Severus said standing off to the side from, giving her a blank expression.
The glow of happiness on her face made him wondered if he could make her have the same warmth and security that she felt with her family. "You know… when we get married, they will be your mom and dad as well…" Hermione told him. "We should really sit down and talk more about the conditions of our marriage and if we are still going to keep out current… sexual relationship…" She felt embarassed even saying that as they walked to the carriage.
"Now that we are… engaged, we should try to be civil and comfortable with each other…" She nodded. "Isn't that what I told you in the beginning?" Severus pointed out bluntly, raising a brow as he looked at her some what unimpressed. Hermione smirked. "Yes. You're right. " Severus smiled smugly, briefly wondering how many times he could get Hermione to agree that he was right before they got back to the castle. When they got to the carriage, he opened the door for her. He helped her get into the carriage before climbing in after her to sit on the opposite side so he could look at her. Their lives were colliding at a speed that neither of them would be fully able to control, or fully understand, so neither spoke for the first part of the ride making it awkward. But now that they were forcing a face, they had a chance to really think more about what they had gotten themselves into. They weren't going to have a lot of time to prepare themselves for the school's reaction to the announcement to their marriage. It was going to come out quickly and there was no stopping that. Severus hoped Hermione was ready for an uphill battle because one was coming. He personally wasn't the type to let a battle find him, hopefully Hermione wasn't either, he thought and looked up at her. They had a lot to talk about but first he needed to speak to Dumbledore, and ask what he should or was allowed to tell her before he went ahead and told her everything. Hermione looked at him still in thought, but when he lifted his head and looked at her she smiled looking away awkwardly. "What are you thinking about?" He asked curiously and folded his hands elegantly in his lap. "You." Hermione answered honestly. "What about me? " "Everything…" Hermione looked out the window taking a deep breath in and then sighed licking her lips. "Well do you want to ask or do you just want to keep wondering?" Severus asked bluntly. Hermione looked back to him startled by his own bluntness.
Severus was so practical and straightforward. She was sure that she would have to get use to it because she didn't see that changing anytime soon. She bit her lip leaning forward. "How is this going to affect our contracted relationship?" She asked. Severus took a deep breath, "That's question for both of us, Hermione. Not just solely me. How do you want it to work?" He asked her in turn and she slouched in her seat feeling the weight of the question. "Severus... I just want to have sex with you." She sighed looking up at the ceiling of the carriage. "I mean…" She gasped sitting up and looking up at him scared. "I mean…" She laughed pushing her hair back. "I want to be intimate with you, and experience all that you have to offer. I also want to learn new things together, like couples do…" She added slowly not sure how he would take that. "However doesn't being married change that? Is there an off switch when it comes to marriage?
"How do I know that if I am reading, or cooking you won't expect me to just drop and be your slave and-"
"Miss. Granger... You have not done enough studying I think. " He stated angrily interrupting her. "The fact that you consider yourself a slave when you are a submissive partner startles me since there is a difference. A great difference.
"I don't do Slave and owner relationships. A slave gives up everything and anything without having to be asked just to please their Master. Its not something I am educated in because I don't like the basics of the relationship. In our relationship you have your will, just as I have mine. We are equals but enjoy taking control, or in your case giving control to someone else. "You are still have power. If I enter a room that you are in, reading a book, I will not disturb you. I will probably join you in reading my own and if I do want your attention I will be considerate. If you are cooking, I will pester you wondering what you could be making as well as causing you frustration with my endless pickiness. If you are in the bathroom brushing your teeth, I will not expect you to drop to your knees and please me. " He informed her, causing a dark blush to appear on Hermione's face.
Perfect... "Just like I don't go after you in my classroom… I would not go after you when you are not wanting me. There is a place for all that. We can discuss this as we grow in our relationship and change the rules as we see fix. But for the most part we will have a normal relationship. " He told her confidently. He wasn't sure what a normal relationship was, but what he did know was he wasn't an animal.
"Or as close to normal as we can." Hermione bit her lip listening to was something she actually needed to hear. She swallowed her nerves and scooted forward on her seat and looked at him, "Then... Let's be normal... " She suggested. "What do you mean?"
"Kiss me..." She requested softly, moving a hannd on top of the one resting on his lap. "Kiss you?" He said looking to the hand in his lap. "Yes... " Hermione said quietly feeling her nerves coming up. Severus moved his gaze from their hands to her lips and licked his bottom lip.
Kiss huh?
He moved his hand to her neck, gently pulled her to him, and kissed her. A real kiss. He had kissed her once already but it wasn't anything special. This time it was just a little different.
His hand tightened around the back of her neck as his lips coaxed her to kiss him in return. Hermione moved her hands to his chest, bracing herself as she followed his lead and kissed him back. This was as close to normal as they were getting, right? Severus cupped her cheek with his other hand. Would Hermione want anything to do with him or want to still be there for him when she learned truth about him. In ways he was a monster, but sometimes a man was a monster for the greater good…
He could only hope that she would see it in that way as he leaned back into his chair. When they parted, Hermione had a small smile on her face. "Are... Are we still meeting tomorrow night?" She asked curiously.
Severus shook his head.
Unbelievable, she really couldn't control herself. . . "Woman." He scolded. The carriage came to a stop at the castle forcing the two to part ways for the evening. Severus exited the carriage first and then helped her out carefully. The real battle was about to occur, and although they were united now, he wasn't sure how strong they would be apart. He would have to write to her, encourage her, as well as plan on how to make his current home... wife suitable.
He frowned watching Hermione walk up towards the castle where a black figure stood and he was sure it was McGonagall, here waiting to escort her up to Gryffindor tower. He took a deep breath as he mentally prepared himself. Ready? For the world to judge him for offering an underage witch marriage? Not really. . . Set... To be tied down and reproduce with said minor? Nope, not at all. Go.
It wouldn't have been such a big deal, had it been kept a private matter, but Ron went back into the Great Hall fuming about the rejection. His ego was hurt, and by Hermione yet again. He thought she was his friend! Why would she do such a thing?
Harry looked at his best friend wondering how Ron thought that asking Hermione was the answer to all their problems. The two of them had clearly spoken before and decided that they should sit down and talk to her about this before rushing into things. To be honest, he wasn't at all surprised that Hermione had rejected the offer. He just didn't know how this would actually affect their friendship.
However judging from the fact that Hermione wasn't here for lunch, and had avoided them at breakfast was a telling sign.
"Well!" Ron stated boldly, interrupting Harry's thoughts. "It's her bloody lost. My family is talking with the Brown family. Apparently, Lavender Brown wants to marry me. She's not bad, and she's not nearly as annoying as Hermione. Not to mention she is from a long line of pureblood."
Harry rolled his eyes.
"In the eyes of the Ministry, this could be a perfect match. No... it is a perfect match! Period. I consider it an upgrade." Ron finished boldly. "Upgrade?"
Harry laughed. He could feel his temper rising because he knew his best friend was not as shallow as he was appearing. He wanted to to give him the benefit of the doubt, and reason that he was just saying this because he was upset but this was a bit much!
"Upgrade!" Ron smiled with one corner lifted slightly higher that the other making him look a bit mad. The he turned and shoveled a thigh of chicken into his mouth followed by a quick drink of pumpkin juice. "Ron, are you out of you mind?" Seamus demanded slamming his fist onto the table.
"Hermione is smart, beautiful and has more character than that stick of a woman. " Everyone around the Gryffindor table heard Seamus and were staring at them all know in surprise. No one knew what to saw or if they should talk down Seamus, because they too thought the same thing for the most part. He didn't want to sound too hard on Lavender but he had heard enough of Ron's nasty comments.
"To each their own, Seamus." Ron smiled. "Why don't you go and ask her to marry you then?" "Haven't you heard?" Dean asked as Ginny sat next to him. "Hermione's been out of class all day, and missing from the halls because she is in negotiations. She's accepted an offer, and her parents are here discussing the premise of the marriage with Dumbledore as we speak. " Ginny informed them, lifting her head smugly at her brother before reaching out for some food. "What?!"
The table exclaimed, but Ron looked like he was in shock.
Who could have asked and been accepted?
Ron looked up and down the table looking for a missing person that would have asked, but for the most part everyone was accounted for. He slammed his hands on the table and pushed himself up from his seat, and stormed out of the Great Hall and right pass Lavender. She frowned, lowering her hand and smiled nervously at her friends, before walking away to sit down at the table. What the hell was honestly happening? Who was Hermione to marry?
Ron ruffled his hair as he headed down the hall and gasped almost coming into direct contact with Professor Snape. He gasped taking three steps back, but to his luck the man didn't stop he just continued on his way without a single word. Ron placed a hand on his chest, taking a deep breath and slumped against the wall. That was close… Hermione didn't talk to anyone other than those in their group... So who was it? He thought biting his lip. When Severus got to Dumbledore's office, he entered the room just in time to hear Hermione say quite loudly, and proudly. "I don't want to marry, Professor Snape. " Jason and Iris Granger looked at their daughter, as Dumbledore glanced to Severus to see how her response affected him, but he too saw that Severus had not expected this either. They had all gathered in Dumbledore's office to talk about the arrangement and to explain the law to Hermione's parents but now things were thrown back into the air.
Dumbledore had spent the majority of his morning talking to Hermione's parents and making sure they understood the law, and why he wanted one of his teachers to marry Hermione. He had been so sure that Hermione would agree to this just as Severus had, but now he was at a loss. He wondered if this had been brought on by Severus, but by the look on his face that thought flew out the window.
Why did Miss. Granger refuse? "I just…it's not right! " Hermione shook her head.
Severus sat down and looked at Hermione his mouth in a tight line as his teeth bit on the inside of his lip. What was she doing?! He thought angrily.
"I shouldn't have to marry someone who has lived their whole life on their own like some recluse. I would just be an inconvenient." She started and Severus rolled his eyes looking away from her.
"Plus our age difference could be seen as a problem. With Severus being older, preserving magic might be impossible by our pairing-"Severus stopped her abruptly. "Excuse me, Miss. Granger. But I am a healthy man, ready to save magic, you need not worry about that. " Oh yes, Severus was offended by her lack of confidence, but to express it out loud in front of others, infuriated him. When her eyes met his, he made sure she knew.
"If you'd like we can do this in a Muggle fashion. Insemination…. . " He offered sitting back in his chair, this time he offended her parents. "How dare you!" Iris snapped. "She's not even an adult and you're already wanting to spring on her?" Jason shook angrily in his seat. "Did the Headmaster not tell you that a child would have to be consummated? Why are you acting as if this is news? Either we do this the old fashion way, arrange marriage and all, or we make it look legit but make it more a partnership with less emotional baggage." Severus stated fairly. "I didn't mean to offend you, I was only expressing my concerns…" Hermione stated looking at Severus with her own eyes narrowed. There he went! Making decisions again without her input!
"I stayed up all night trying to think about the pros and cons to this marriage proposal, am I not allowed to voice my concerns?" "I would expect nothing less than that from the brightest witch of our time…" Dumbledore smiled. "On the other hand, this is a lot to take in… I would suggest Severus and yourself sit down and talk about this… Or at least discuss whether this is the path you are willing to take." He said reminding them of their alternative.
"Mr. And Mrs. Granger, I would trust Severus with my life. I would not have just suggest this to you light-heartedly. " Dumbledore said. "Might I have a word, Miss. Granger?" Severus demanded standing up and moving outside the room before she could even answer. Hermione frowned, crossing her legs and arms. However one look at Dumbledore made her get up and follow after him. She didn't want to talk to him.
She closed the door behind her and looked up at Severus feeling a battle in the making. Her only worry was that, she wouldn't have the strength to fight or defend herself now since it appeared Severus was always in fight mode.
"Impotence?" Severus whispered in a breath no less than a hiss to Hermione. "I'm pretty sure the both of us know just how potent I am." He stated.
"Oh do I?" Hermione scoffed. "Last time I checked, we haven't had sex!" She snapped back. Severus snarled angrily under his breath grabbing her hand roughly. "Oh yes… We haven't had sex, but there have been moments. Don't you dare deny it." He moved closer to her face. "I have brushed up against you while we have been in my private chambers more than once… So please enlighten me on just what made you say that. If you have something to say, say it. " He told her, then very boldly placed her hand on his crotch. "Professor…" Hermione gasped looking to the door where her parents sat behind and then tried to move her hand, but his hand kept hers firmly in place. "Professor, stop-" she warned. "Stop?" Severus said in mocked surprise. "That isn't the word we agreed to when it comes to stopping anything." He reminded her, and moved his free hand to her stomach.
"Say your words. If not… It you move this hand , I will punish you, Hermione. You have my word. " He whispered harshly into her hair, using his nose to move her hair away from the skin he wished to kiss.
The benefit of being this close to Hermione, was hearing the sigh that slipped from her lips that told him that she wasn't scared or even want him to stop. It was the sigh of lust he had heard when they were in his chambers. "Miss. Granger… Don't you ever insult my masculinity…" He whispered pressing his lips softly into her neck, feeling the excited tremor run through her body. "Is that understood? " "Yes, Sir. " She said quickly, almost out of breath and Severus smiled. Hermione couldn't help herself, her hand tightened over his crotch and she felt her knees turn into jello. She wondered just what it would be like being married to Severus just for a second. They wouldn't have to hide behind closed doors. They could do all they wanted... but would their relationship would be like this all the time? Sex, and nothing else?
She liked his mind. She liked his body… but did she really want to marry him.
"Severus… Is this the right thing to do? We don't know each other… As you said we need to become more comfortable with each other, which is why I agreed to go slowly with you. However what if it turns out I don't want it?" She asked curiously. "Should we see if it's something you want?" Severus asked. Severus grabbed her waist and turned her around, making her face the wall. Hermione gasped bracing herself in surprise. When she felt Severus' hand slip up her skirt and grab a handful of her ass, she moaned. What was she really fighting? She thought pushing her bottom more into his hand. This was what she wanted… so what was it? "Ah!" Hermione gasped, covering her mouth as Severus' delivered another smack to her taunt bottom. Severus smiled.
Hermione reacted the way any submissive would. If she truly didn't want this sort of relationship, she wouldn't have searched out for it. She reacted to being spanking, with a silent plea for more, her whole body practically begging for it. It wasn't a matter of if she wanted it…
There was something causing her to put a temporary wall up and Severus wish he knew what it was. He delivered the five swats they had talked about, light swats not at all like his usual spankings and then turned her to face him. "Hermione…" He said softly seeing the sadden look on her face.
Did he upset her? Hermione was biting her lip looking down at her feet, and barely looked up at him before saying something. "I'm scared." She whispered. "What if this is all a failure… What if-"She began but Severus placed a finger over her lips making her look up at him. Until now, he had really been up in his own head. Yes, he should have punished her, because she had crossed a line, and he had made it clear that he was going to punish her unless she said the safe word. However, he wasn't mentally in a good statee and he had just broken the cardinal rule as an dominant. He hadn't thought about her feelinds towards this situation at all. He had only thought about himself and what was going to happen to him. He took a deep breath, clearing his mind before looking at her. "Hermione…Sometimes, there are curve balls throws at us that we are not ready for, but must embark on the journey even if we don't want to." He said softly moving his hand from her mouth, instead he wiped a tear falling down her cheek. "Life isn't fair, Miss. Granger. You would do well to remember that. "However, I need you to know that my life is not easy. I do a lot of… dangerous things. I will tell you more once I know I have your vows. I may ask you to do things that are against your morals. I would like you to know as long as you are willing to be responsible of your actions, and act rationally, I will respect you and treat you fairly."
Severus waited seeing that she was processing what he had said. "Does that sound fair?" Hermione nodded. "Can we talk more about how we will handle our marriage?"
Severus nodded. "Okay… Let's seal the deal with Dumbledore and my parents." Hermione said with a nod and turned to the door. It took some convincing but in the end, Jason and Iris agreed to allow her to marry her professor. Then after a small meal, Dumbledore had Hermione and Severus take her parents to the train station to send them back to the muggle world. "There's no need to rush things…" Iris stroked her daughter's hair as they stood at the train station. "I want you to focus on your schooling." She added firmly. "After your school work is all done… We can start planning a small wedding, something simple that you'd like. " Hermione laughed softly leaning into her mother's touch.
"At the very least, you have to have the most beautiful wedding dress we can find." Iris laughed. "There will be some happiness in this vast darkness, my love. I promise… You just have to find it, hold onto it, and nurture it into something bigger…. " Hermione frowned listening to her mother's words, but she accepted it knowing that in some way she would eventually find happiness. How long would it take, she didn't know, and would Severus be willing to try to find it with her was a whole other question.
He had said he would treat her fairly, but would he treat he like a wife? She wondered. If he didn't what would she do? Could she live in a loveless marriage?
Loveless… That was her worst fear.
"I will be happy…" She smiled weakly up at her mother, before being pulled into a deep embrace by her. Even though she wasn't sure she would be happy, she could at least promise that she would and strive to be that. She knew deep down that this was going to be a challenge but she liked a good challenge. She was getting married to a man for all the morally wrong reasons, but still she had a choice and that she could live with that.
Severus was not pleased by the arrangement either, but she knew that he was going to try to be the best that he could. "We best be off…" Jason said coming up beside his wife,and pulled them into his arms.
"I love you, Hermione… My beautiful, brilliant daughter…. I love you more than you will ever know, and if this old man does anything to you that you don't like… make sure to give it to him where it hurts most. " He stated firmly.
Hermione and Iris couldn't help but laugh loudly at his suggestion and it felt good.
After that, her mother and father got onto the train and went back home. It was a bitter-sweet moment to know that all this was happening but Hermione felt better knowing her parents were behind her on all this.
You only have family at the end of the day…
Her father had once told her that, and now that she thought of it Severus was becoming a part of her family. She really didn't know him though, so maybe he wouldn't mind and share the bare essentials with her. "Your parents… they seem like nice muggles. " Severus said standing off to the side from, giving her a blank expression.
The glow of happiness on her face made him wondered if he could make her have the same warmth and security that she felt with her family. "You know… when we get married, they will be your mom and dad as well…" Hermione told him. "We should really sit down and talk more about the conditions of our marriage and if we are still going to keep out current… sexual relationship…" She felt embarassed even saying that as they walked to the carriage.
"Now that we are… engaged, we should try to be civil and comfortable with each other…" She nodded. "Isn't that what I told you in the beginning?" Severus pointed out bluntly, raising a brow as he looked at her some what unimpressed. Hermione smirked. "Yes. You're right. " Severus smiled smugly, briefly wondering how many times he could get Hermione to agree that he was right before they got back to the castle. When they got to the carriage, he opened the door for her. He helped her get into the carriage before climbing in after her to sit on the opposite side so he could look at her. Their lives were colliding at a speed that neither of them would be fully able to control, or fully understand, so neither spoke for the first part of the ride making it awkward. But now that they were forcing a face, they had a chance to really think more about what they had gotten themselves into. They weren't going to have a lot of time to prepare themselves for the school's reaction to the announcement to their marriage. It was going to come out quickly and there was no stopping that. Severus hoped Hermione was ready for an uphill battle because one was coming. He personally wasn't the type to let a battle find him, hopefully Hermione wasn't either, he thought and looked up at her. They had a lot to talk about but first he needed to speak to Dumbledore, and ask what he should or was allowed to tell her before he went ahead and told her everything. Hermione looked at him still in thought, but when he lifted his head and looked at her she smiled looking away awkwardly. "What are you thinking about?" He asked curiously and folded his hands elegantly in his lap. "You." Hermione answered honestly. "What about me? " "Everything…" Hermione looked out the window taking a deep breath in and then sighed licking her lips. "Well do you want to ask or do you just want to keep wondering?" Severus asked bluntly. Hermione looked back to him startled by his own bluntness.
Severus was so practical and straightforward. She was sure that she would have to get use to it because she didn't see that changing anytime soon. She bit her lip leaning forward. "How is this going to affect our contracted relationship?" She asked. Severus took a deep breath, "That's question for both of us, Hermione. Not just solely me. How do you want it to work?" He asked her in turn and she slouched in her seat feeling the weight of the question. "Severus... I just want to have sex with you." She sighed looking up at the ceiling of the carriage. "I mean…" She gasped sitting up and looking up at him scared. "I mean…" She laughed pushing her hair back. "I want to be intimate with you, and experience all that you have to offer. I also want to learn new things together, like couples do…" She added slowly not sure how he would take that. "However doesn't being married change that? Is there an off switch when it comes to marriage?
"How do I know that if I am reading, or cooking you won't expect me to just drop and be your slave and-"
"Miss. Granger... You have not done enough studying I think. " He stated angrily interrupting her. "The fact that you consider yourself a slave when you are a submissive partner startles me since there is a difference. A great difference.
"I don't do Slave and owner relationships. A slave gives up everything and anything without having to be asked just to please their Master. Its not something I am educated in because I don't like the basics of the relationship. In our relationship you have your will, just as I have mine. We are equals but enjoy taking control, or in your case giving control to someone else. "You are still have power. If I enter a room that you are in, reading a book, I will not disturb you. I will probably join you in reading my own and if I do want your attention I will be considerate. If you are cooking, I will pester you wondering what you could be making as well as causing you frustration with my endless pickiness. If you are in the bathroom brushing your teeth, I will not expect you to drop to your knees and please me. " He informed her, causing a dark blush to appear on Hermione's face.
Perfect... "Just like I don't go after you in my classroom… I would not go after you when you are not wanting me. There is a place for all that. We can discuss this as we grow in our relationship and change the rules as we see fix. But for the most part we will have a normal relationship. " He told her confidently. He wasn't sure what a normal relationship was, but what he did know was he wasn't an animal.
"Or as close to normal as we can." Hermione bit her lip listening to was something she actually needed to hear. She swallowed her nerves and scooted forward on her seat and looked at him, "Then... Let's be normal... " She suggested. "What do you mean?"
"Kiss me..." She requested softly, moving a hannd on top of the one resting on his lap. "Kiss you?" He said looking to the hand in his lap. "Yes... " Hermione said quietly feeling her nerves coming up. Severus moved his gaze from their hands to her lips and licked his bottom lip.
Kiss huh?
He moved his hand to her neck, gently pulled her to him, and kissed her. A real kiss. He had kissed her once already but it wasn't anything special. This time it was just a little different.
His hand tightened around the back of her neck as his lips coaxed her to kiss him in return. Hermione moved her hands to his chest, bracing herself as she followed his lead and kissed him back. This was as close to normal as they were getting, right? Severus cupped her cheek with his other hand. Would Hermione want anything to do with him or want to still be there for him when she learned truth about him. In ways he was a monster, but sometimes a man was a monster for the greater good…
He could only hope that she would see it in that way as he leaned back into his chair. When they parted, Hermione had a small smile on her face. "Are... Are we still meeting tomorrow night?" She asked curiously.
Severus shook his head.
Unbelievable, she really couldn't control herself. . . "Woman." He scolded. The carriage came to a stop at the castle forcing the two to part ways for the evening. Severus exited the carriage first and then helped her out carefully. The real battle was about to occur, and although they were united now, he wasn't sure how strong they would be apart. He would have to write to her, encourage her, as well as plan on how to make his current home... wife suitable.
He frowned watching Hermione walk up towards the castle where a black figure stood and he was sure it was McGonagall, here waiting to escort her up to Gryffindor tower. He took a deep breath as he mentally prepared himself. Ready? For the world to judge him for offering an underage witch marriage? Not really. . . Set... To be tied down and reproduce with said minor? Nope, not at all. Go.