chapter 4 The Law:
That fall morning I awake with a glimpse of hope from the event that unfolded. The chilly wind outside swept away fallen leaves, the sun peaked around every now and then. My necklace that I had worn since that morning forward,would glitter whenever the sun would shine light onto it, The classes went on and on and Professor Slughorn wanted me to join the Slug Club, Harry was invited as well. but as the first meeting drew near Ron's feeling became obvious, he was jealous of Harry getting in the club with me and not him too. So to act out he started dating Lavender Brown, I didn't like her one bit because she gave the feeling that she was turning Ron away from us even more.
Harry had also been taking private lessons with Dumbledore lately, so with Harry gone or ranting on about what Malfoy was planning to go and Ron busy snogging his girlfriend I only had Ginny by my side, but even Ginny was having problems with her relationships so mostly I was alone in the library most of the time reading Snape and I didn't talk much after that night where Professor Snape had given me my necklace. He was back to his insufferable self again, but would occasionally say 'hello or good day ' to me in the halls in passing periods when it was almost empty.
My life was reaching an almost normal as the weeks passed by, with the homework loads increasing and fighting with Ron I felt almost like myself again. That was until I got a note from Dumbledore asking me to come by his office at eight. I waved good bye to Harry since Ron was busy with Lavender and headed towards Dumbledore's office unaware of what he could want from me. When I reached the gargoyles I tried to recall his password he had written in his letter, "Acid pops," I said and the gargoyles parted out of the way and came the spiralling steps. As I made my way to the office I was being to get nervous, Dumbledore never had me come to his office like this and even with Harry, Dumbledore would only call him if there were important matters to discuss.
"But Headmaster she's too young, I can not do this it's ridiculous," Severus voice said just on the other side of the door as I approached it. Dumbledore cleared his throat rather loudly. I knocked and Dumbledore spoke "Come in ." I opened the door and went inside. The office was filled with photos of the previous Headmasters of Hogwarts and selves aligned with books that seemed to encase the whole room. Dumbledore sat in the middle in his chair with his desk clear and he's phoenix Fawkes as Professor Snape stood on his right looking rather in a foul mood. "Come sit down ," He said kindly and I took the seat across from him. Snape's face was filled with rage but he avoided my eyes when I looked at him, "You called me down here Professor?" I asked, my chest felt like it was caving in from the mix of nervousness and anxiety of what he was going to say.
"Well as you know that the war has began and Voldemort seeks support to make his side stronger," Dumbledore said in business tone. " He plans to use anyone useful that he can get his hands on and after what happened last summer he has for some reason developed an immense amount of interest in having you on his side," He paused momentary looking waiting for my reaction, he didn't get any so he continued. "Voldemort plans to use you as a spy for Harry for he has caught on to what Harry and I have been doing." I looked at him trying to process it all. "He therefore has decided that Professor Snape is not enough and that he must have someone very close to Harry keep watch at what we do, He has made a plan to get you to his side." Dumbledore got up and pulled his chair next to mine and spoke genitally.
"You're in danger and we do not have many options, He has assigned Professor Snape to carry on the plan to make you come to his side by force if he has to. He has assigned Professor Snape to somehow make you fall in love with him and marry you or Professor Snape will have to put you under the Imperious curse to join Voldemort's side." He looked at me, taking my hand in a comforting way. My mind raced to process this, Why would he choose me? and Why can't Professor Snape just say no to him, I thought.
"Professor why can't Professor Snape refuse?" I asked Dumbledore. "Ah, good question well it seems that Professor Snape does not have a choice you see, if he fails not only will he have fallen from Voldemorts trusted Death Eater rank but this mission will be passed down to the Malfoys. Then Draco would be in full pursuit of you," He said. "But I'm only sixteen he can't force me to marry, I'm not of age and who forces marriage onto people!" My temper was rising. "The ministry has been tricked into thinking that the Wizard population is falling in numbers so in order to continue our kinds existence they have been debating a marriage law, it's being passed as I speak," Dumbledore said looking defeated.
"Why can't you do anything Sir, you have power over the ministry and the people," I spoke the truth, Dumbledore could indeed change peoples minds. "I have been trying , but you see my dear friend Rufus Does not like people questioning the way he's running his ministry and has brought up enough valid points to make everyone believe that we indeed need this useless law to go into affect." He said. "The law goes as follows; Anyone the age of seventeen to forty five will be given three months to find someone suitable for themselves, in the fourth month a Wedding must take place in front of the Marriage Inquisitors presence." He explained "But we know Voldemort will not give you a choice and by all means make you marry a Deatheater in his closest ranks, this law will be in the Daily Prophets tomorrow and I must tell you not to speak of this matter with anyone not even to Harry or Ron," He looked at me with concern. "Why can't I tell Ron or Harry?" I asked, "Because it will only hurt them to see you go thru with this and it will help us keep our cover," Dumbledore simply said.
"But I don't understand I'm still sixteen, I can not marry a teacher and this all seems ridiculous!" I said as I got impatience and angrier. "That time turner has aged you as you are in the Ministries eyes to be seventeen, therefore making you perfectly legal for this law." He said. "Now you may also know you'll be taking lessons from Professor Snape to help you cope with this and of course teach Occlumency for you will be facing Voldemort by the years end." He said looking around to Snape. I had forgotten Snape was still in the room until I caught his eyes and he looked away quick. "But I haven't agreed to this!" I spoke softly. " I'm afraid you do not have a choice he will hunt you down regardless but it's up to you to decide that you want to side with the order and learn to face it or hide like a coward," It was Snape who spoke he's voice merely sounded like he was stating a fact.
I sat there thinking, 'What choice do I have? But why Snape?' I thought but it seemed like I really had no choice. I could either stay here and probably get dragged to him or I could learn skills to help us win this war against Voldemort. It occurred to me that my parents did not know what was happening in the wizarding world so what would become of them if Voldemort seeks me to be on his side. I knew that Voldemort has never played fair or shown any remorse of any kind to anyone. "Professor, what about my parents?" I asked Dumbledore. "They will be placed under the Orders surveillance and moved to a much safer location, you do not need to worry about anything for I have already had a meeting with them about this subject." Dumbledore sighed.
"I guess I don't have a choice seeing that my foot is already halfway in the door," I said sighing deeply. "Very well I knew you wouldn't say no for it'll be for a good cause." He said getting to his feet "It is very late, I think it's best for Professor Snape to escort you to your Common Room." Dumbledore said as he looked at his book turning his back to me.
Professor Snape shot Dumbledore a glance before walking past me and out of the office. By the time I caught up to him he was already at the end of the hall, his black cloak fluttering behind him. I ran after but once I caught up I slowed down. 'So this is the man I'll be marrying?' But of course it did not matter to me for marriage was just a physical contract that binded me to him for I knew already that my heart would be forever bounded by Remus. I was so lost in thinking that I did not notice him stop and ran into him. Professor Snape look slightly annoyed but spoke with a plain tone. "Tomorrow after lessons you will be in my office for there are more things you need to know, My office has now been moved to the Defense Against The Dark Arts class" He said leaving me behind, his cloak fluttered out of sight as I realized that I was in front of the Fat Lady portrait, I climbed inside and went into my Dormitory to call it a night.
Climbing into my warm bed was the highlight of the whole day, just as my life was getting a bit better it went back to the worst possible place. As sleep stood over me and genitally rocked me to sleep I forgot my troubles till I would face them when I would wake for tomorrow will bring forth a band new day with my hand laying over my necklace letting me hold onto Remus's last gift.
Note: I am really happy that you guys are enjoying the story and I hope that these turn of events will make this better, I've been reading lots of those marriage law fanfics that I thought perhaps I should try it myself. I really hope you guys review it because I've been working hard to write this all the way thru.