I hope you all enjoy the fic. I am not an English speaker, so please be patient with me. If you wish to help me, please send me a message. I will be grateful for your help.

Smithback: Thank you, again! I sincerely hope that you like this one too hehe!

Chapter4: The right decision isn't always the easiest one

Rain pattered gently against the windowpane as Hermione stared blankly at the worn wood flooring beneath her feet. The sounds of the bustling city were a faint reminder of the world she had all but blocked out while she wrestled with her emotions.

The choice that plagued her mind was one that she never saw coming.

Standing at a crossroads between two very different paths, Hermione knew that by deciding whom to marry, she would seal her fate. In one direction lay her lifelong friend and companion, Ron Weasley. Ron's affections were warm, comfortable, and exciting—a clear representation of the familiarity they shared. Together, they felt at home. Yet in another direction stood the enigmatic Severus Snape—someone she never expected to find solace in. His cold exterior eventually melted away to reveal an emotional depth and vulnerability that left Hermione reeling.

She sat on the edge of her bed, clutching tightly her trembling hands together. The moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating her bedroom in a soft glow, and the once cozy room felt all too cold and lonely as she faced the most difficult decision of her life: Snape or Ron - whom should she marry? As the rain pattered against the window, Hermione couldn't help but feel the weight of the world on her shoulders. She thought about the years she had spent with Ron, building their relationship and creating countless memories together. Despite their ups and downs, he had always been by her side.

However, Snape was not to be overlooked either. Hermione found solace in his intelligence and knowledge, qualities she held in high esteem. Despite his gruff exterior, Snape had demonstrated himself to be a man capable of many great things.

Pacing back and forth, wringing her hands in anxiety, she stammered, "I—I have something to tell you." Her eyes flickered toward her reflection in the bathroom mirror for a moment before she looked back down at the floor. "Well, I've made a decision that I know everyone may not approve of. I'm going to marry you, Professor Snape."

Staring at the photograph on her mantelpiece—a snapshot of Harry, Ron, and herself after their victory in the battle—the moral dilemma seemed ridiculous to some extent. But that was Hermione; always thinking things through logically and methodically.

As tears welled up in her eyes, Hermione began to envision a life with Snape - one filled with stimulating conversation and a mutual understanding that seemed to transcend time itself. Yet, she could not shake off the unwavering loyalty and pure heart that Ron possessed.

Hermione sighed as she thought about the people she loved and how this decision would impact them all. She weighed the pros and cons of each choice until finally reaching the one that felt right in her heart: Snape. Their relationship had its complexities, and while many would find it hard to believe that a former Death Eater could ever change his ways, Hermione knew him better than anyone else. He had shown her a different side of himself, one filled with strength and vulnerability.

Trusting in her resolve, Hermione made up her mind. She grabbed her coat and went outside into the storm. Rain poured down ferociously, but she stood defiantly in the middle of the alley. Drawing her wand, she muttered a spell under her breath, and suddenly she was dry. With determination etched on her face, she now knew what had to be done. Silently, she cast an advanced Disillusionment Charm on herself, leaving no trace of her presence visible to others, and made her way to the Forbidden Forest. The darkness in the forest seemed to surround Hermione as she carefully navigated its hidden paths, eventually arriving at the small cottage tucked away amongst ancient trees and untamed magical plants.

She lifted the charm before knocking on the wooden door. Moments later, it creaked open, revealing Snape with his eyes wide in surprise that quickly gave way to curiosity.

XXX

"Miss Granger, I must say I was not expecting a visit from you in the middle of the night. To what do I owe this pleasure?" he asked in his characteristic silky voice.

"May I come in?" Hermione asked hesitantly.

Severus nodded curtly, stepping aside to allow her entry. Closing the door behind her, Hermione gazed at the small cottage's modest furnishings and the piles of books scattered around - classic Severus Snape.

"You should know that I'm putting my reputation on the line by being here," Hermione said softly, avoiding his intense gaze. Snape arched both eyebrows in confusion. "My friends will despise me for this decision, and I understand their disappointment. But I cannot bear to watch you end up in Azkaban when I know there's another option."

Snape's eyes softened slightly as he listened, but he remained silent. "Marrying you is not an easy choice," Hermione continued, tears welling in her eyes. "But it is one I make willingly."

A tense pause filled the room before Snape finally spoke. "Establishing this connection will forever alter your life," he said, a note of vulnerability in his usually cold voice.

Hermione braced herself against the fear that weighed upon her heart and looked deep into Snape's eyes. "I've made my choice," she said resolutely.

"I have done unforgivable things in the past, even if it was for the greater good. Are you sure about this, Granger? Once you have chosen this path, there is no going back and you will have to explain this union to your friends. They will never understand."

"We both know you don't deserve to be sent to Azkaban. You have paid your dues to this world through your sacrifices. They will eventually understand, because we know you, Professor. We know the truth behind your actions, and the incredible bravery it took for you to follow through." But as Hermione began to realize, their marriage wasn't going to be a fairytale romance. Snape made it clear that there would be no love between them and that their union was purely for practical reasons.

"But to be clear, Miss Granger. Our marriage is one of convenience and nothing more; there will be no love involved," he reaffirmed, as if he could hear her thoughts.

As she sat down next to his fireplace, Hermione took a deep breath. She was nervous but determined to get the answers she wanted.

"Professor, we need to discuss our marriage," she began.

Snape raised an eyebrow. "Ah, the magical bonding marriage. I assume you have questions?" He sat down in front of her and leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "The magical bonding marriage is a powerful and ancient ritual that bonds two souls together. Once the bond is created, the couple is inseparable, emotionally and physically. As for the Ministry, they will know of our marriage through the bond itself. It is a foolproof system. That is why I tell you that there is no way back once we marry, Miss Granger. Any hint of doubt could kill both of us during the conjuring of the spell in question."

Hermione listened intently, taking in every word. "What happens if someone tries to break the bond?"

"Attempting to break the bond is a dangerous and difficult task. The partner who tries to do so will experience excruciating pain and will eventually die; it is not an option," Snape replied sternly.

Hermione took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of excitement and fear. This was a huge step in her life, but she was ready for it. "I want to do it, Professor," she said. "When should we cast the spell for our magical wedding, and whom should we invite as witnesses?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"It should be cast within the next full moon, approximately this week from today, since the bonding magic is stronger during the full moon, and we will need two witnesses. I have already taken care of that," he said curtly.

Hermione sighed but pressed on, determined: "And where do you see us living? Are you willing to leave this hidden cottage in the woods and live among other witches and wizards, despite your past?"

There was a moment of silence between them before Snape finally spoke. "If the time ever comes when we decide to get married, I will consider it. I am not afraid of what the public thinks of me, but after Rita Skeeter's book, I had to reduce my public contact for safety reasons."

Snape sat there, looking tired and worn, and Hermione felt a pang of sympathy. She knew what it was like to be judged unfairly. "If there is one thing I have learned in my life, it is that people will always have an opinion. We should not let their opinions dictate our lives."

The fireplace crackled, casting flickering shadows on the walls. Outside, a chorus of strange creature calls echoed through the night. Thoughts swirled within her head as she considered her impending marriage to Severus Snape. He had changed after escaping Voldemort's clutches and helping to bring about the Dark Wizard's downfall. However, his dark past still lingered in the minds of many.

Hermione knew that their union would be met with shock and disapproval by many in the wizarding world. They would whisper behind her back and question her decision to marry him. She pondered on how she could convince them that Severus had reformed, that he had left behind his former malevolence to become a better man.