Disclaimer- No matter how many times I say 'I do, I do, I do' in reality 'I don't, I don't, I don't' own anything remotely from the Harry Potter Universe.

Summary- AU. Post Hogwarts. SS/HG. If there was ever a time to reproduce in the Wizarding World the time for action was now. Can harmony be reinstalled between Purebloods, Muggleborns and Halfbloods?


Chapter 2- Acceptance

"A weak man has doubts before a decision, a strong man has doubts afterwards"
Karl Kraus

Hermione woke up late the next morning seeing as it was a Saturday and getting out of bed she then proceeding into the shower to rid the feeling of despair. Dressing in simple black robes lined with red silk she left her quarters and headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast, heaven forbid it wasn't as dramatic as it was yesterday.

When arriving at her destination, scatted amounts of students sat at their appointed House table due to the fact it was almost ten and a fine sunny day for playing about in the grounds or getting up to mischief, or a good old practice on the Qudditch pitch.

Taking her usual seat at the Teachers Table Hermione poured herself a cup of strong coffee and put a few slabs of bacon onto her plate. Looking down the long table there was only but a few selective teachers still eating breakfast or gossiping to one and other. Professor Sprout and Professor Flitwick seemed engaged in a deep conversation on the pros and cons of the Marriage Law while Professor Kilby; the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher deducted points from the House of Hufflepuff for inappropriate behavior.

About to engorge in her meal a lone grey owl flew into the Great Hall perching it's self elegantly in front of Hermione. Dropping the knife and fork on the golden plate with a echoing 'clatter'. Hermione shakily reached for the letter fumbling with the string to untie it from the owl. Once succeeding with the would be simple task and giving some toast to the owl which speedily flew off she opened the seal that had 'MoM' on it. Taking the letter out it read as following

Dear Miss Granger,

It is our greatest pleasure to announce your future husband, Professor Severus Tobias Snape. As you are aware you have three months in order to have your wedding and in that time we strongly suggest to have preparation sorted out as soon as possible. We at the ministry wish you the most luck and look forward to the best results from this law.

Congratulations on your engagement,

Jennet Greenwood

President of Marriage Department

Minster Bowman

Minster of Magic.

Hermione couldn't believe it. She sat stunned in her chair and at a lost for words for the second time in forty eight hours. Her mouth opened and closed and resembled a fish remarkably until she managed to make sense "Oh god". Standing up in a trance and pocketing the letters Hermione fled the Great Hall in desperate need of mulling over these many thoughts.

Sure Snape wasn't that bad once you got to know the man and he was classed as a hero to the Order for the years of spying for us. Dumbledore trusted that man with his life the one he lost in the Final Battle. Respect for Snape she had but is he family material? She'll have to have a word with him later but for now a drink was in need.

Heading towards the stairs for the long trek to Gryffindor Tower where her quarters laid she was stopped when a voice hissed out "Miss Granger" swearing under her breath for her lack of luck.

"Yes Professor Snape?" Hermione turned around forcing a smile to face the man who engaged her thoughts.

"I believe" drawled Snape "that a little chat is in order" there was no room for reconsideration for Snape continued to speak while turning around in the opposite direction "We'll continue at the lake".

Hermione struggled to keep up with the long strides of the wizard in front of her. He didn't necessarily seem angry and was surprisingly calm although Snape being cool and cooperative seemed more alarming. As they approached the lake Hermione decided to sit down on a large rock while Snape on the other hand walked over to the edge of the water just staring out at it. The silence hadn't been broken and after five minutes or so since arrival Hermione went to speak when Snape spoke first.

"I'll take it you've received your letter from the Ministry then?" His voice was quiet and far off.

"Yes, not long before I left the Hall" her voice equally quiet hoping it didn't quiver.

"Then we have much to discuss but first I would like to ask for a favor you could say" Snape turned around and his cold black eyes softened if that is possible.

Hermione looked at him and turned her head to the side in curiosity. 'Tred carefully' flashed swiftly through her mind but just as quickly went out the imaginary window.

"If the favor is within reason" Not knowing what she has gotten herself into.

"Miss Granger I'm a man of tradition and by being so I must ask for your hand of marriage even if we are already engaged."

Hermione gasped as Snape knelt down on one knee and held out a blue velvet box revealing the flawless ring from within.

"Miss Granger, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife and mother of my children?"

Hermione was shocked that Snape, evil Potions Master, fellow colleague would propose to her when they where already promised together by magic itself. Although he did say he was a man of traditions. Realizing she had not said anything dew to the small clearing of a throat. A quick "yes" was said and the gold band having a beautiful pattern engraved with a medium size diamond was placed on her finger claiming her as his.

Noticing her examine the ring a smirk crossed his pale face. "I see you like the ring. It has been past down in my family for generation and will continue to be past down for generations to come. A valuable heirloom it is" The proudness in his voice stood out strong.

"It's beautiful" was breathlessly let out from being overwhelmed.

"Yes." His voice changing from proudness to teacher like "Now that that is sorted we still have to discuss living arrangements, wedding arrangements and children" the last part coming out as a sneer.

"I suppose you are right. Where will we live? You have your Slytherin's to look after as I have my Gryffindor's. Both are in two entirely different places in the castle. If a student wishes to call upon us they would either have the long trek to Gryffindor Tower or vise visa for the Gryffindor's only to the dungeons"

"You are a witch are you not?" When she didn't answer him he continued "And you are aware of the purpose of floo powder? We have wands for a reason do we not? You can simple put up a charm with a wave of your wand so you will know when a student is in need. They claim you to be the smartest witch of her age I'm sure Potter and Weasley could have figured that out." A smug smirk lifting the edge of his mouth

Keeping as calm as one can be whilst being insulted Hermione spoke with an edge "Still ruthlessly insulting Ron and Harry after they have graduated, help contribute in saving the Wizarding World and have nothing to do with them that you feel that you need to protect your repretation of being a bastard?"

A short nod was given to inform Hermione that he had heard her.

Looking thoughtful for a moment she continued "The wedding can be small and simple inviting a few friends and family."

"Yes I think that should be best and if I may say so we should have it as soon as necessary, before the rush."

Quickly doing calculations on the things she will need and that will have to be done in her head Hermione nodded saying "Give me three weeks. All I need to do is get my dress, a location, flowers and my family and friends. And you need your robes and your guest."

"That sounds fine however I would like to have the wedding here at Hogwarts. It has been my home for many years as it has been your own."

"That should be fine I could talk to Minerva later on if you like." Snape gave another curt nod.

The rest of the day was spent by the lake planning and discussing and a short trip to Hogsmeade for Hermione to get a dress and other odds and ends. By the time she returned to the castle it was the last rays of sunlight tingeing the sky a vibrant pink. Dinner would be vast approaching and not wanting to carry her purchases to Gryffindor Tower a quick shrinking charm later they were placed in the inside pocket of her robes.

When entering the Great Hall Hermione made a mental note to talk to Minerva later tonight but for now a nice warm meal of roast beef and vegetables was calling her.

Severus sat in his chambers Miss Granger his fiancé he reminded himself still had an impeccable way of being the same insufferable little Gryffindor she had always been when teaching. It was bad enough to put up with her for seven year going for one hour a day to two hours when she decided upon taking Advance Potions. And somehow slowly she went from student to colleague to wife was all too much to last a lifetime which he will have to endure.

Admitting a low groan Severus muttered to no one in particular "A brandy or two should do the trick."


A/N- Please read and review. I hope you have enjoyed the story thus far. Thank you Tupz for being the first to review )