Well, It took a while, but here it is! Enjoy!

Cat, you're the best! Thanks!

Chapter 33

The afternoon was extremely pleasant. Madam Pince had a cosy little corner hidden behind one of the shelves all set up for a relaxing tea break. She was surprisingly good company, with a great personality which revealed itself as Hermione got to know her better. Contrary to popular belief she had married, twice, but neither had lasted long. Both of her husbands had died and she decided not to marry again.

As they were talking students started to come into the library.

"Well dear, I have to go. You can stay here if you want and have a rest."

"No, no thank you. I think I will go."

"Date with the Devil?"

"Very funny, but yes. I have a feeling that Severus will be looking for me… Again."

"Don't worry dear. Everything will work out. You'll see."

"I hope so. I really do hope so."

Not for the first time Hermione wondered what luck was and where she could get some.

"Professor McGonagall. How are you?"

The Gryffindor Head of House, like some kind of bird of prey appeared from behind the corner on Hermione's way out of the library. The girls voice was a little high pitched as she tried not to show her irritation.

"Mrs Snape. I am fine thank you, and yourself?"

'Just peachy, you old hag'

"Never been better. Well, have a good day."

Just as Hermione turned to leave the transfiguration professor seemed to want to ask something.

"Mrs Snape? ..."

"Yes Professor?"

"Nothing…. It's nothing Mrs Snape. Have a nice day."

'That was weird…' Hermione watched the retreating back of her Head of House. The older woman wanted something from her, that much was certain.

'Something must be going on.'

"Hermione!"

The Gryffindor jumped away from the painting she was leaning against.

"Gods Ann! Don't do that! Shouldn't you be guarding the entrance to the tower?"

From the painting, smiling out at her was none other than The Pink Lady.

"They will not miss me."

"I wouldn't be so sure. But anyway. How are you? It's been a while since I've seen you. Sorry for not coming up to visit you."

"Oh, that's ok dear. Everything is the same as always. Besides Gryffindor Tower is not on your way anymore. But tell me, how are you? Is everything ok?"

"More or less. Nothing I can't handle anyway."

"Are you sure?"

Hermione sighed.

"What did you hear Ann?"

"Me? Hear? Nothing, nothing at all!"

"Ann…"

"Oh alright. Elizabeth heard from the smiling Mermaid, who heard from Bernadette the Brave that your relationship with Severus is a bit… rocky. And you looked angry today at breakfast."

"Is there anyone in this castle that isn't interested in my personal life?"

Ann looked thoughtful for a few seconds.

"No, I don't think so."

"Great."

"So. Are you ok?"

"Fine. But could you tell me what is up with McGonagall? She was almost nice to me today."

"Really? I haven't heard anything about her."

"Hmmm… Must be the weather. How is everyone lately? I haven't seen Elizabeth for a while."

"Everyone is ok. We don't just don't usual venture into the dungeons. That's Albert's favourite place. All gloomy."

"Yes, but you do get used to it after a while."

"I suppose so."

"Besides it…"

"Lady Snape!"

Hermione turned her head to see who hailed her, but there was no one on either side of the hall.

"Up here!"

The voice was coming from the ceiling. The Hufflepuff ghost was flying towards her. The monk looked worried and in a hurry.

"Lucas? What's wrong? Has something happened?"

Hermione felt worry settle in her heart. Her mind spinning with ideas. What could be so wrong? The pale transparent monk finally floated in front of her.

"I have finally found you! Professor Sprout is looking for you Mistress!"

"Sprout? But…"

"Hurry, she is waiting for you in your rooms. I don't know what happened, but it's urgent."

"Ok ok, I'm going. You fly ahead and tell her that I am on my way. Ann, it was so nice talking to you."

"The same here. Now go."

Without a second thought Hermione broke into a run, making her way to the dungeons, trying to guess what the Hufflepuff Head of House could want from her.

Most of students that saw her running through the halls had to think that she was crazy and the rest knew that she was, what other explanation could there be for her having married Snape.

'Who the fuck said that running is good for you?'

By the time she reached her rooms Hermione was out of breath and she had a painful stitch in her side.

She practically tore the door open to get inside, desperate to know what had happened, but as soon as she was inside all she could think about was where to sit down as her legs threatened to give out. So stepping in she flopped herself onto the couch exhaling deeply and trying to catch her breath. Right beside her sat Professor Sprout with a cup of tea and red eyes.

'Fuck…'

"Professor… S... S… Sprout. You… were looking for me?"

Hermione's throat was dry and it was hard to talk. Instead of answering the professor only hiccupped and started to cry. The Gryffindor opened and closed her mouth, not knowing what to do. Then she looked at Severus, who looked grim and was drinking what looked like firewhiskey.

"Severus?"

"Just give her a minute to calm herself."

Hermione turned her attention back to the Herbology Professor.

"Oh, sorry dear, I just…" Professor Sprout blew her nose and wiped her eyes with a handkerchief. "It's just horrible Mrs Snape… Horrible."

"What is it? What's happened? And do, please call me Hermione."

The distraught witch seemed not to hear her.

"I just can't believe it. Only eighteen, she's only eighteen for goodness sake."

"For God's sake Pomona! Cease your blathering, it helps no one!"

Severus was clearly irritated, he never could stand such hysterics, and from the look of things, he had spent a good proportion of his day dealing with it.

Snape's angry voice seemed to shock Sprout out of the world she was lost in, and the witch determinedly wiped her away her tears.

"You are right of course Severus. It won't help."

"What Is going on? Will someone please tell me what's happened?"

Sprout started in her seat, seeming to only just notice Hermione sitting besides her.

"Mrs Snape! Thank goodness you're here."

'Well spotted.' Severus rolled his eyes.

" Pomona, get to the point. She just got here, and would no doubt be grateful for some kind of explanation."

"Yes, Yes."

The usually cheerful and sunny faced professor was now taut with worry and red from crying. Hermione had always liked the plump witch, with her good spirit, and ready smile. A kind heart, always ready to help but now the normally vivacious woman looked drawn and somehow older, a far cry from her usual self.

"What happened?"

Professor Sprout cleared her throat.

"Miss Abbott..."

"Hannah? Is she ok? I saw her just a little while ago."

"Hermione. Let her finish."

"Sorry…"

"… You, of all people are aware of the Marriage Law."

Sprout suddenly blanched and looked between the Snape's.

"I am sorry; I didn't mean it like… I mean… oh I didn't mean to be so thoughtless. It's my mind; my head. It's just such a mess…"

" Pomona! To the point, please." Severus snapped fast losing him patience. Hermione did her best to ignore him.

"Miss Abbott received a letter from the Ministry of Magic informing her that as she turned 18 today she is now subject to the terms of the law."

"But... But that can't be! Hannah is a pureblood, and she turns 18 next month."

"That's what we all thought. But as it turns out Hannah's parents are in fact her Aunt and Uncle. Her father was a muggle, killed a month before she was even born and her mother tragically died in childbirth. To spare the poor girl the pain of growing up without parents, they decided to raise her as their own."

"Did she know about that?"

"Some of it. When she turned sixteen they sat her down and told her that he parents were dead, she didn't ask any questions."

"Merlin… Has she received any petitions yet?"

"No, but she isn't doing well Mrs Snape. I have tried talking to her, but she still isn't listening and I can't reach her family. I was thinking, maybe you could talk to her. Give her some perspective and help her calm down?"

"Of course. No problem. Where is she? In the Hufflepuff dormitory?"

Hermione was close to tears herself. She could understand what the other girl would be feeling after having received such a letter from the Ministry.

"Yes, I can escort you there."

Hermione shook her head while thinking of the shortest way there.

"No need. I know where it is. It would be better if I went alone and brought her here. She will need a change of scenery, and you could do with the rest. Severus?" Hermione turned to her husband; his name still felt a little sour on her tongue. She was still angry at him, but she wasn't about to let it cloud her common sense.

'Well at the very least he can make himself useful.'

"Can you make sure the second bedroom is prepared in the meantime? It would be better for her to stay here for the night."

"House elves…" Hermione's face turned to stone at those words, and Severus grit his teeth. "Of course, my pleasure."

"That's better. Now I will be off. I will see you later Professor Sprout."

"Thank you dear."

As Hermione closed the door she heard Sprout offer to help clear the room for Hannah.

The second bedroom was small, and never used. The house elves kept things meticulously dust free, but the air had that heavy feeling that comes from not being used at all. Hopefully, if Sprout took charge of the room she would take care of the décor; make it a little more visitor friendly. Furnished in dark woods, with dark fabrics and almost black walls, it had a small dark en suite, but rooms themselves were so dark and gloomy. Hermione didn't like it, preferring the one in the master bedroom or attached to the office.

The Gryffindor made her way towards the east wing of the castle where the Hufflepuff dormitory was located. Hermione had never been inside; she just knew where the entrance to it was.

"Aren't you walking in the wrong direction Granger? Dungeons are the other way you know."

'There is no such thing as luck in my life'

"I am well aware which way the dungeons are Malfoy, I live there after all."

"Shouldn't you be spending the afternoon with your darling husband?"

"Malfoy, I am really not in the mood for this right now, I have neither the time, nor the patience for your childish antics."

"Talking about children Mrs Snape, when are you going to bless this world with a little Snape Junior?"

Hermione just looked blankly at him, something smelled awfully fishy in his overly nice tone of voice.

"What do you care Ferret Boy? Where did the sudden interest in my marriage come from?"

Malfoy only smirked at her, clearly having something on his mind, but not telling. Hermione shifted from one foot to the other.

"What can I say? I am concerned about your well being."

The Slytherins voice was sweet as honey, if not sweeter.

"And Hell just froze over and the devil took up skating. Good joke Malfoy, now if you would kindly get out of my way…"

"Of course, have a nice day Mrs Snape."

'Now that was just… creepy!'

Hermione could feel the hair on the back of her neck stand up as she walked past the young Slytherin. Something was going on, she could feel it. Malfoy was too full of himself, and in too elated a mood for it to be anything good.

'I wonder what it meant that he was asking about children…'

Hermione was lost in thought until she finally reached the entrance to the Hufflepuff Dormitory.

It was guarded by a painting from whose frame grew what looked like the clippings of a plant that held it to the wall. The only figure in the painting was a giant daisy. Hermione watched it for a while, it looked decidedly peculiar, and the clippings around the frame seemed to move from time to time causing the Gryffindor to cringe, it looked uncomfortably like devil's snare.

Not so many years ago now, she, Harry and Ron had landed in a whole mess of trouble when they fell into the Philosophers Stone trap in their first year. It was a weird choice for an entrance guard to the Hufflepuff quarters, but Hermione had no time to waste thinking about things like that.

She cleared her throat.

"Hmmm… Hello?"

The daisy turned its head towards the Gryffindor and seemed to nod.

"Can you please let me in? Its Urgent th..."

Hermione didn't finish the sentence as the painting moved aside to let her through.

"Thank you very much."

Daisy nodded her head again. 'Weird.'

Just as Hermione expected, the common room was decorated in shades of bronzes and yellows. What Hermione didn't expect was that it was at least twice as big as the Gryffindor Common Room with lots of enchanted windows.

'Nice. Who would have thought that Hufflepuff had the biggest common room in the school!?'

After admiring the spacious common room Hermione looked around for the staircase leading to the girls dorms. Not finding it she asked for direction from one of the younger students, who looked more than a little surprised to see her there, but pointed the way and within a few minutes she was gazing at her friends door. She knocked lightly.

"Hannah? Are you there?"

There wasn't an answer; she tried again, louder this time.

"Hannah?"

"She won't let you in."

Hermione spun around to see the door next to Hannah's room open, and there was a sixth year leaning against the frame.

"Hi"

"Hi, you want Abbott right?"

"Yes."

"She locked herself in there this morning; they say she has been subjected to that stupid law. Is that true?" The girl looked sincerely worried about her house mate and Hermione just sadly nodded her head. "Man, that's low"

Hermione knocked on Hannah's door again.

"Go AWAY!"

"Hannah, let me in!"

"No. I don't want to talk to anyone. Now Leave Me ALONE!" She sobbed out, sounding depressed and hurt.

"Hannah, let me in or I will come in myself."

"I locked and warded the door, you can't come in."

Hermione said nothing just got her wand out.

"Open" With a soft –Click-Click- the door was opened. "I'm coming in Hannah."

"How? But…" Hannah Abbott was sitting on her bed in a night dress, blond hair falling into her tear streaked face her eyes red and puffy. She had obviously been crying a lot. "Hermione…" she sniffed loudly as the Gryffindor stepped into the room and closed the door.

Not saying a word, she crossed to the bed and crushed the crying girl in a bear hug. Hannah buried her face into the Gryffindors shoulder and sobbed from the depths of her heart.

Some time later, the Hufflepuff let out a hiccup, and took a deep breath; finally there were no more tears to cry.

"Her… hiccup… mione…"

"Shhhh Hannah, it's ok."

Hannah shook her head and sat straight rubbing her face with her hands.

"It won't be OK, I am a half blood, and that stupid law… I just can't believe… What will I do?"

"Live. Everything will be all right in the end, you'll…"

"How could you possibly know? It's not you that is subjected to this idiotic law!"

"No, I married Snape because he is the hottest guy around. Snap out of it Hannah. Hysterics won't help anyone, especially you."

Hannah laughed a little pulling a bathrobe on. Her face wet and salty from tears, eyes an angry red.

"You won't believe it, but I really did forget why you married Snape. Stupid isn't it?"

"It depends what you mean by stupid; that I married Snape, or that I am married."

"A day ago, I would have said that it was stupid to marry Snape."

"I thought that you approved of my choice."

Hannah started to nervously tidy the messy room. Trying to occupy her hands with something.

"Hermione, you are my friend. I would have supported you if you had chosen the devil himself." She let out a little laugh "or worse... Malfoy. It was your choice. You are the one living with the consequences, as your friend it's my responsibility to support you... Who am I to judge you?"

"And now?"

"Now? I would kill to have just one safe choice"

"Define safe"

"You know perfectly well what I have in mind. What if some Deatheater petitions for me. Oh god, how did you stay sane after all that. I never really thought about what you had to go through. My life is over…"

"Stop it Hannah! You will do the same thing I did. Take a deep breath, have a drink and hope for the best, against all the odds. Have you contacted your parents? They might have a suitor for you."

"They are in Paris. Their second honeymoon. There is no way for an owl to reach them for a few days. Hermione. What am I going to do?"

"Get dressed."

"What? What for?"

"You are staying with me for a while."

"With you? In the dungeons?"

"No, In Gryffindor tower, where I no longer live! Of course in the dungeons. Where else?"

"But…"

"He will manage. Besides he has no say in this matter now."

"Problems?"

"Something like that."

"Do you really want me to say with you? If…"

"No if Hannah. You are coming with me. We'll find a solution; we will find you a way out, you'll see."

"How?"

"Can't you ask me something else? Like what the meaning of life is or something equally as easy to answer?"

"What has happened between you and Snape?"

"The Less you know about that the better you will sleep."

"That bad?"

"It… depends on how you look at it."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah. Let's say that I would really never forgive him, had I any way out."

"Stupid Law…"

"Yeah. So I actually have to try to work it out if I don't want to go crazy."

"And how is that going, if you don't mind my asking."

Hermione watched as Hannah brushed her hair, trying not to say too much. There was no need for others to be aware how bad her problems really were."

"With great regret, I must admit that I do, partly understand him."

"Why with regret?"

"Let me put it this way, imagine that you are walking to Hogsmead, and from nowhere appears a drunken man on a broom who knocks you down. How do you feel?"

"Pissed off. It is dangerous to fly a broom if you are drunk. Who the hell is he?"

"Right. But then you find out that someone he truly cared for died, and because of that he got drunk. His house was too far away from the pub to walk, so he flew. He simply didn't see you. It was obviously a mistake, how do you feel now?"

"Not so angry I guess. Losing someone is a shock. Well... It was much easier to be angry when I didn't know everything."

"So you see, I am angry, but Severus in some twisted way was also right. And the worst part is that I actually understand it."

"I don't want to get married."

"Do you think I did? Ready? Pack some extra clothes to change into."

The walk to the dungeons was made in silence; Hannah was still half in shock, and Hermione deep in thought.

When the Law was passed she never really thought about the others that were also going to be affected by it. She had been too busy worrying about her own fate. Not all muggleborn and half bloods were immediately subjected to the Law at once. There were records to be checked, each girls 'pedigree' had to be looked into, all of which took time. Some girls were already married, and some magically engaged, so couldn't be affected by the Law.

'Lucky bunch. Well... I probably should be happy with what I have... A hybrid between an overprotective father and over jealous boyfriend. A horny over jealous boyfriend... Who is also the Head of Slytherin. Ain't I lucky!?'

With such dark thoughts they entered the Slytherin domain. The girls were about to turn the corner when they saw a few students picking on a younger pair.

"Wait a second Hannah."

"What?" Hannah followed Hermione's eyes. She could see the Slytherin outer robes from afar. "They're Slytherins Hermione, leave them. They will deal with it their own way."

Hermione shook her head, moving towards the Slytherins.

"I married their Head of House remember? Wait here. I need to see what's wrong."

Hermione herself couldn't pin point when she had started to look after the Slytherins. It was probably contagious, as Severus had always looked out for them. This habit had obviously rubbed off on her from the amount of time they had spent together.

The Gryffindor walked over to the Slytherin students in a calm manner, something she wouldn't have done a few years ago, Hell, she wouldn't have thought of doing that a few months ago.

"Is there a problem?"

Hermione's calm and clear voice made the Slytherins jump in surprise. There were two groups, one consisted of a boy and a girl, they were fourth years she thought. They looked defensive, so Hermione guessed that they were being picked on. The other group looked to be made up of older fifth and sixth years. Three boys that wiped arrogant smirks off their faces upon seeing her.

"Mrs Snape." The trio didn't look too happy to see her.

"Yes, that would be me. And I want to know what the problem is."

"There is no problem Mrs Snape, we were just… talking."

"Do I look stupid to you?"

Hermione wasn't in the mood for all their nonsense right now. The boys could obviously feel irritation radiating from the young woman and tried to look as innocent as possible.

"Those angelic faces aren't fooling me you know. So I will repeat myself. Is there a problem here?" She asked, turning to the offended parties. "Well?"

"We are fine Lady Snape, Really."

"Obviously. Now you three listen up. I don't like the way you treat your younger housemates. You should look out for them not threaten them. Picking on someone younger, weaker or less experienced than yourself is just pathetic you know. And if it happens ever again your Head will hear about it. Do I make myself clear?"

There was nothing like laying a heavy guilt trip down on someone who thoroughly deserves it to improve ones mood. After making sure that they all understood the possible consequences if she ever heard of it happening again, she let them go.

"Did you adopt the entire Slytherin House and forget to tell us?"

"I married their Head. I am afraid it was a package deal. Take one; get the other and a free trip. That sort of thing."

"I hope it was a limited offer."

"Yeah, a one time deal for the rest of your life."

"I'm starting to feel sorry for you."

"I probably would too, if I had any time for it."

"That bad?"

"Things could always be worse, so I try not to dwell on it… for too long."

"Thanks for taking me in."

"Hannah, three months ago, I was in exactly the same position as you are now. So trust me, I know exactly how you feel. So I will not leave you alone. The Astronomy Tower is just too damn close to your dorm."

"I am not that stressed."

"Wait a few days and every male that comes you way will look like a potential husband. Then the Astronomy Tower will look like a very tempting option."

"Are you sure Snape won't mind?"

"Like I said, he will live. And we are almost there."

As the girls entered Professor Sprout started to cry again.

"Oh for goodness sake Pomona, calm down. You are being absolutely ridiculous."

Being with emotional people for long periods of time wasn't Severus' strong suit, and he wasn't very good at hiding that under what passed for relaxed circumstances' with him. He looked irritated and far from happy.

"I am sorry to carry on so Severus. It's just so hard. I don't know how Minerva coped with it."

The Slytherin snorted.

"She coped just fine; she was too busy keeping her nose in the air to care."

The day passed quickly for Hermione. Keeping Hannah in good spirits was a tough job, so by the end of the day Hermione was exhausted. After making sure that Hannah was asleep in the little bedroom, she went to rest herself.

'I could sleep for a…' It was a thought left unfinished, as Hermione suddenly froze in the doorway to the master bedroom.

"Severus?" She couldn't believe her eyes, and she just couldn't believe his nerve. "What the hell are you doing?"

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