A/N: Yay! I wrote this much faster than I thought I would.
Thanks again to everyone who's reading, and especially to those who reviewed :)
"My world was changing, and I was not ready for it."
-Juliet Marillier, Daughter of the Forest
Chapter 3: A Changing World
Hermione slept fitfully. At times, she could hardly tell the difference between moments of sleep and consciousness, and her dreams seemed to twist in endless and repetitive circles of confusion. In the morning, she woke five minutes before the enchanted alarm sounded. This instantly put her in an sour mood, as she couldn't fall back asleep in the small amount of time and she couldn't make herself get out of bed just yet.
The day was gloomy and overcast, making it hard for her to lift her spirits. Dutifully, she went to breakfast with Harry and Ron, interacting just enough to keep them from asking if anything was wrong. Thankfully, no Ministry owls interrupted her meal, and she went to class acting as if nothing had changed.
History of Magic seemed even more tedious than usual, but she copied notes as furiously as ever. She had perfected the skill of taking detailed notes while hardly paying attention at all, so she let her mind wander as she scribbled. Her thoughts turned to the meeting she hoped to have with the Headmaster that afternoon. Hopefully he could answer some of the questions plaguing her at night.
After classes, she made excuses to Harry and Ron before hurrying to the Headmaster's office.
The Headmaster wore robes of resplendent burgundy that day, and he welcomed her with a warm smile. He looked more tired than usual, she noted, and his face looked slightly drawn. His usual twinkle seemed slightly forced, as if he had to work hard to be cheerful.
Seated once again across from him, she delved into her questions. "Sir, if I may be blunt—why does this law even exist? I mean, it's incredibly archaic. Why hasn't the Ministry repealed it yet? Hasn't anyone ever brought forward complaints?"
Dumbledore interlaced his fingers on the desk in front of him, and Hermione noticed with alarm one hand was withered, the fingers blackened. She wondered why she had not noticed it before. She almost asked about it, but did not want to pry.
The Headmaster was already answering her question, and Hermione quickly turned her attention back to him. "I admit, Miss Granger, it is rather archaic. But, as it affects so few witches and wizards, it rarely causes too much distress. In most cases, those affected simply marry a dear friend or a lover whom they may have married even without the law. If a student is chosen, as I mentioned, the law allows them to delay marriage until after graduation, unless there are petitions. In the past, potential suitors have always withheld any petitions to allow students to continue. Your… special circumstances make this slightly different, Miss Granger. And for that, I am deeply sorry." His clear blue gaze shone with sympathy.
She tucked a wispy curl behind her ear before continuing. "Professor, I haven't told Harry or Ron yet. I'm sure that when I do, one of them will want to petition for me. They would never let me marry a Death Eater, sir."
He smiled kindly. "I'm sure they would do anything to help you, Miss Granger. I regret to say, though, that they are both still sixteen and therefore have not come of age. They cannot legally file a petition or get married." He paused, looking out the window. When he resumed, his voice seemed infused with a greater strength and purpose. "No, Miss Granger, your husband cannot be Harry or Ron. But, I agree you cannot accept the petitions of Messrs. Carrow, Rowle, Yaxley, Dolohov, or Pettigrew. Your new husband must be a member of the Order, capable of protecting you and allowing you to continue your education."
The fireplace roared to life, and they both turned in surprise at the sudden interruption. Madame Pomfrey's head appeared in the green flames. "Albus, if you have a moment, I need you in the infirmary. Mr. and Mrs. Tallow have arrived to see Ulma, and they're demanding to speak to you."
"Thank you, Poppy. I'll be there momentarily." Dumbledore turned to Hermione and apologized. "Excuse me, Miss Granger. I'll be with you as soon as I tend to the Tallows."
His departure allowed Hermione a moment to collect her thoughts as she mulled over Professor Dumbledore's words. In her mind, she ran over the male members of the Order, making a quick mental list.
Moody. Ugh. She gave a mental shudder as she tried to imagine being Mrs. Moody. No. Please, no.
Dedalus Diggle. The man must be over a hundred! Dumbledore couldn't possibly expect her to marry him.
Aberforth. Dumbledore's brother? Surely not. He was also over a hundred, and seemed such an unlikely choice that Hermione put him out of her mind.
Kingsley. She was fairly certain he had a wife.
Elphias Doge. Hermione was almost certain he was married. He, too, was well over a hundred.
Charlie. Well, Charlie was at least younger. But he lived in Romania, so it would be rather difficult for him to return in time for a wedding.
Bill. Also younger than most Order members. However, he was engaged to Fleur Delacour.
Mundungus. No. No way. Please, no.
Arthur. Married. No.
Lupin. Wasn't he dating Tonks?
Hagrid. No matter how much Hermione loved her friend, there was no way. No way.
Fred or George. Possible, but not probable. Though they were undeniably good at charms and jokes, Hermione couldn't see either twin as the "protector" that Dumbledore wanted.
That left… Snape. Surely not. Her professor? But Hermione did not rule him out.
She reviewed her options. Not many were very appealing or likely. The most probable choices were Moody, Charlie (if word could reach him), Fred, George, or Snape.
The fireplace burned green once more, and Dumbledore stepped into the room. "I apologize again for the interruption, Miss Granger."
He sat once again behind the desk and adjusted his half-moon glasses. His expression became serious.
"As I was saying, your husband must be able to protect you, and this narrows the potential pool significantly. I can tell by your expression that you've been busy thinking. Once again, Hermione, I must apologize. This situation is regrettable in every way, and it grieves me to know that you must bear such a burden just by virtue of your friends and your heritage."
Hermione noted that he had shifted from addressing her as "Miss Granger" to using her given name. She was glad that he had dropped the formality, though she supposed it was an indication of just how personal the discussion had become.
He continued, "Indeed, there is really only one clear option for your husband. It seems that Voldemort's followers have infiltrated the Ministry's system and would block any petitions that are not of their own. So the only viable choice would be a man who works is an agent of Voldemort, whose loyalty is to the Order."
In that instant, she knew exactly who he was going to name, even before he said it. The realization must have shown in her eyes, as Dumbledore nodded to acknowledge it.
"Yes, Hermione. I truly believe you must marry Severus Snape. Of course, the decision is still yours. It is possible that we could relocate you and your family to somewhere safe, but it would effectively mean your disappearance from the wizarding world."
The silence following Dumbledore's statement was broken only by the whirring of some of the many complicated gadgets on his desk.
Marry Snape? Her professor? He was twice her age, cruel, cold, and clearly detested the very sight of her. Well, perhaps not cruel, exactly, she amended in her head. But he was certainly not a warm person, and he had made it perfectly clear that he found her incredibly annoying. These were not exactly traits Hermione would have desired in a husband.
But she understood Dumbledore's reasoning. Her options were slim, and she knew that she could never run away from the situation and go into hiding. Leave Harry and Ron? Abandon her role in the struggle ahead? She could not. Would not.
She looked up to meet the eyes of the Headmaster. He seemed to be waiting, expecting a reply from her. Hermione found her voice. "Of course I'll marry him. Please convey that I will accept his petition."
Dumbledore smiled slightly. "A wise choice, Miss Granger. And if it's all right by you, I've invited the Professor to meet in person."
Her mouth opened slightly in surprise. She had hoped that she would not have to deal with the awkwardness of facing him in person. Caught in the moment, though, she simply said, "Of course. That's fine."
Dumbledore nodded. "Very well, then. I'll fetch Professor Snape at once."
Alone in the office, Hermione reflected. Perhaps marrying Snape wouldn't be so terrible. After all, he was at least intelligent, and he would allow her to continue her education. He was fighting against Voldemort, loyal to Dumbledore, so that counted for something. He was certainly better than the alternatives!
Her thoughts gave Hermione a small sense of comfort and hope.
Severus Snape could not recall a time when he'd mounted the staircase to the Headmaster's office with more trepidation.
Perhaps that was an exaggeration. He supposed that he'd been filled with much more apprehension the time he'd come to beg mercy for his actions, after the death of Lily.
But now, following closely behind the Headmaster, he had a whole new feeling of grim helplessness. He had no desire to be there and no desire to actually see Hermione Granger. He had a feeling that Dumbledore had some sort of ridiculous notion that the two would actually grow to care for each other, and that this meeting would be the first step to bridging the gap between them.
It was more than a gap, though: it was a chasm. Severus could hardly hope for mutual respect or even toleration, much less affection.
Granger was seated with her back to the door when they entered, and she immediately leapt from the chair and turned toward the door. Severus was relieved to see no traces of tears on her face. He'd been dreading finding a sobbing student, but she seemed to be handling the situation with some level of grace.
She greeted him levelly. "Professor Snape."
"Miss Granger," he returned coolly.
"Please, Miss Granger, Professor Snape—make yourselves comfortable." Dumbledore conjured a second chair and took a seat in his own chair, facing the two.
Severus sat in the offered chair, uncomfortable with his close proximity to Granger. There was a brief moment of silence, until she spoke softly.
"I want to thank you for offering your petition, Professor. I appreciate your…" she struggled to find the right word. "…sacrifice," she finished.
He said nothing, but acknowledged her with a nod.
"You are both aware, I'm sure, of the Hogwarts rules on marriage between a professor and a student?" asked Dumbledore.
"Yes, sir," she answered. Severus felt certain she knew every Hogwarts rule in the book.
He, of course, knew the rules as well. A professor was permitted to marry a student, with the permission of the headmaster and the student's Head of House if the student was of age and consented freely to the marriage.
"Professor McGonagall will have to give her permission," Granger observed.
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, Professor McGonagall will have to be informed, as your Head of House. I'm sure that once she understands, she'll give her consent. In addition, after you are married, Professor Snape will no longer be able to evaluate or grade your work."
"How am I to study Defense Against the Dark Arts?" she wondered.
Severus had asked himself the same question, and he was relieved that she mentioned it.
Dumbledore answered, "You will continue to take your lessons with your housemates, but I will evaluate all of your assignments. Which brings me to another point. It would be better if no one were to know you're to be married to Professor Snape. It would be damaging for both of your reputations."
Granger looked troubled. "Even Harry and Ron? And Ginny?" she asked.
Severus' lips tightened in disdain. He could only imagine the brats' reactions.
Dumbledore's eyes caught Severus' gaze for a moment before returning to the girl's questioning face. "You may tell your friends, but we will not make a public announcement."
Severus knew he would catch plenty of grief from Harry Bloody Potter over this. He did not look forward to it.
"Severus, you've been very quiet. Is there anything you'd like to add?" asked Dumbledore.
"I think you've covered most everything. My petition will be sent tomorrow. We should perhaps meet soon to discuss… other arrangements." His voice sounded stiff and wooden to his ears.
"Yes, sir. Thank you, Professor Snape, Professor Dumbledore…" her voice trailed off, and she awkwardly smoothed the folds of her skirt.
Dumbledore seemed to sense the conversation was at an end. "I'm sure you have much to do, Miss Granger. Feel free to enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding."
She fled. Severus understood her reaction.
He wanted to flee, too.
Alone in her room, Hermione collapsed onto the bed. It was still early, so none of her roommates had retired to the room. Hermione's strength failed her, and she dissolved into tears. Never had she felt so powerless.
What had she been thinking, to just blithely accept a marriage to her surly professor? How could she have just agreed like that?
The whole situation was just so wrong. No one should be forced into marriage! And she was only seventeen! In the muggle world, she wasn't even a legal adult!
Righteous anger filled her. Why should she have to deal with this? Harry and Ron were so incredibly free. Even if Harry had the greatest responsibility of all, he hardly seemed to notice it at times, he was so busy being a teenager. It was Hermione that always had to be the level-headed stick-in-the-mud. And now she would be even more trapped, this time in a loveless marriage.
Things like this didn't happen in the muggle world.
For the first time, Hermione actually considered her other option: to flee everything. She could go with her parents and start a new life somewhere far away, and forget that this idiotic law ever existed.
Her thoughts followed that path for about a minute, until quite suddenly she realized just what a foolish coward she was being. She rolled over and sat up, glancing to her left.
There, on the bedside table lay a framed photograph of herself, Harry, and Ron as third-years in Hogsmeade. It was snowing, and they were trying to catch the snow on their tongues. As she watched, they bumped into each other, and all three had a group hug, their figures laughing silently within the frame.
Shame flooded her. What was she thinking? She belonged with her friends. The magic she had found in her friendships at Hogwarts was the most important thing in her life. This was her world. "I belong here," she whispered to the photo.
The normally-reasonable Hermione was suddenly aware of how childish she'd acted. Merlin. What was she thinking? She had no right to judge her friends for their happiness. They all bore monstrous burdens, at an age when they all should be carefree.
She felt guilt for her thoughts about Professor Snape, too. After all, he could hardly want to marry someone he found so detestable. Somehow, though, he had found it within him to care enough about her fate to intercede on her behalf. The least she could do was to try to make the situation less uncomfortable.
On the whole, she felt much better after her tantrum, though she was ashamed it had even happened. At least now she felt more able to deal with the situation. She could deal with these changes to her life. She was, after all, a bloody Gryffindor. She could be brave.
Perhaps with a strong cup of tea, she could even start to get some studying done.
A/N: It's not canon that Kingsley or Doge are married, I just added that. The books never specify marital status.
Also, one of my reviewers mentioned that it was strange that Pettigrew could petition to marry Hermione, as the Ministry thinks he is dead. I didn't think about that… but for the purposes of this story, let's say that after the fight at the Ministry in OotP, the Ministry finally cleared Sirius' name and accepted that Wormtail survived. Since the Death Eaters have an inside man controlling the department in charge of the petitions, he was able to clear Wormtail through that process. Thanks for pointing that out- I wouldn't have thought of it.
One more thing… I'd also forgotten that Lucius was arrested after the botched Department of Mysteries attack, and I mentioned him as being behind the plan. Just to be clear: Lucius planned this before he went to jail… it's just being executed now because Hermione's turned 17 and the Law now affects her. As for Dolohov- since it was never stated that he was arrested, I'm just assuming for this story that he escaped after the Department of Mysteries.
I hope that cleared up everything.
Please review!