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, honestly! I sincerely hope that you like this one.
Chapter 5: Friend or foe
Hermione Granger stepped off the Apparition mat and onto the familiar grass of the Burrow. She was nervous to tell her friends the news, but she knew it had to be done. Taking a deep breath, she began to practice her words out loud. "Harry, Ginny, Ron... I... I have something important to tell you." Her voice wavered as she struggled against the lump in her throat.
The sun was just starting to set, casting an orange glow over the sky. As she walked towards the house, she could hear the Weasley family laughing and talking inside. She took a deep breath and walked in.
"Hey, Hermione!" Ginny greeted her with a smile, but quickly frowned as she caught a glimpse of the worried look on Hermione's face. Ron, who was sitting at the table with Harry, noticed the same thing.
"What's wrong, Hermione?" Ron asked, his voice laced with concern.
Hermione took a deep breath. "I'm engaged," she said, barely above a whisper. "You see, Severus Snape… he proposed to me. And I've decided… I've decided to marry him." As Hermione finally said it out loud, she couldn't help but feel a profound sadness wash over her.
The room was silent for a moment before Ginny exclaimed, "What?! To Snape?! Hermione silently nodded. "I can't believe it!"
Harry, who had been quiet until then, could no longer contain himself. "Are you crazy, Hermione? Snape may have been a war hero, but he's not right for you. You deserve someone who loves you, not someone who is just settling for you!"
Ginny just shook her head and stormed out of the room. Ron got up and followed her, giving Hermione a stern look as he left, heartbroken. He had mustered up all his courage to propose marriage, only to be rejected by the love of his life for someone like Snape. Harry just sat there, staring at Hermione with disappointment in his eyes.
"You don't owe Snape anything!" Ginny shouted. "He has made our childhood a living hell!"
The room fell silent as everyone processed Hermione's words and intentions. Hearts heavy and anguished, they knew they couldn't change her mind. The well-being of others remained paramount for Hermione Granger. Hermione sat on the worn couch, staring blankly into the crackling fire of the hearth. With her hands clasped tightly in her lap, she looked as though she had been carved from stone - a carefully crafted statue conveying an inner turmoil.
Harry took a deep breath and cleared his throat. "Hermione," he began, "I don't understand how you can even consider marrying Snape."
She turned her gaze upwards to meet his, her brown eyes damp with unshed tears. "Harry," she whispered, "He saved us all. He's not the same man we thought he was during our years at Hogwarts."
Harry shook his head in disbelief. "That may be true; Snape did some brave things during the war. But Hermione, it doesn't change the fact that he treated you - all of us - terribly. He tormented Neville and played favorites with his own house. Can you forget all of that?"
Hermione bit her lip but didn't respond immediately. She stared into the fire once more, and a flicker of emotions played across her face - fear, hurt, and an unmistakable glimmer of determination.
"What if I can help him see that there is another way?" she asked quietly. "What if I can inspire him to be a better man? He has already come so far." Hermione shifted her gaze towards Harry and said softly, "I believe people can change, Harry. I have seen it in so many others, including Professor Snape. Since the war ended, he has become more open and vulnerable. It is like this war hero persona is just crumbling away."
"Maybe you're right," Harry conceded, struggling to keep his voice steady despite his growing frustration. "But that a big is enough 'maybe' to be worth risking your happiness? I know how much you value trust, honesty and kindness—he hasn't always shown those qualities."
Hermione finally let a tear escape, tracing slowly down her cheek. "I just feel like I can't let him rot in Azkaban," she admitted in a barely audible voice. "He dedicated his life to protecting us, Harry." She hesitated for a moment before continuing, her voice wavering. "This decision isn't easy for me either Harry. But sometimes we have to take risks if we want to find happiness—even if it means trusting someone we never thought we could."
Harry sat down next to her, placing a reassuring hand on hers. "Hermione," he said earnestly, "It is not your responsibility to save him from himself. You deserve to be happy, and you have the right to choose who you want to spend your life with. It is not your job to fix Snape."
As the truth of Harry's words settled over her, Hermione's eyes glistened with tears that finally flowed freely. They sat there in silence, both lost in their memories and fears, as the firelight cast shadows across the familiar room.
XXX
Hermione Granger stood before the large double doors that led to the Headmistress' office. With a hint of determination, she gave the password and the doors stepped as her opened she before inside. The office looked exactly as she remembered it: rich wooden bookshelves filled with magical tomes, the Pensieve in the corner for storing memories, and portraits of past headmasters and headmistresses hanging on the walls. She wasn't surprised to find Albus Dumbledore seemingly sleeping in his portrait.
Minerva McGonagall sat behind her large oak desk, appearing as stern as ever but with a faint smile on her lips. "Miss Granger," she said in greeting, Hermione took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say.
"Professor," she began hesitantly, "I have come to inform you of my decision. I am going to marry Professor Snape."
A brief silence filled the room as McGonagall regarded Hermione with astonishment. It was common knowledge that Severus Snape had been pardoned of his crimes by a narrow margin and that he was currently awaiting trial.
"This is not an impulsive decision," Hermione continued, swallowing hard. "I am aware of the consequences of my actions, but he needs constant supervision and care. She met McGonagall's gaze with unwavering courage. "By marrying him, I can prove to the Ministry that an influential member of society is willing to keep him in check."
McGonagall's expression softened ever so slightly. "Hermione, my dear, this plan is full of danger and sacrifice."
"I understand," Hermione insisted softly, "but Professor Snape deserves a second chance. He risked his life to protect us and honor Dumbledore's wishes. If I can save him from Azkaban and ensure he receives the treatment he needs to survive, then it is worth the risk."
McGonagall sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose. "And do your friends, Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley, have any knowledge of this?"
"Yes," Hermione replied firmly. "They aren't thrilled about it, of course, but I do hope that they will eventually understand it."
The Headmistress assented reluctantly, understanding the gravity in Hermione's defiant eyes. "I respect your decision, Miss Granger, and I will support you in any way I can."
XXX
Hermione Granger stood nervously outside her parent's house, trying to gather the courage to face them. It hadn't been long since she had restored their memories of their only child, having had to obliviate them for their safety during the war against Voldemort. Now, she was about to reveal another life-changing piece of news.
Taking a deep breath, Hermione knocked on the door and waited. Her mother answered, her face lighting up upon seeing her daughter. "Hermione!" she exclaimed, pulling her into a tight embrace. "It's so good to see you again."
"Hello, Mum," Hermione replied, hugging her mother back tightly. "Is Dad around?"
"Yes, he's in the living room," her mother said, leading Hermione inside.
As they entered the cozy living room, Hermione spotted her father reading a book in his favorite armchair. He looked up and smiled at his daughter and his wife. "Hermione!" he said warmly, rising from his seat. "You've finally come back for a visit!"
Hermione couldn't help but smile at the evident joy on her parents' faces. But there was still a heavy burden weighing on her heart - it was time to reveal it.
"Mom, Dad... I have something important to tell you." She paused for a moment, marshaling her thoughts. "I'm... I'm getting married."
Her parents looked shocked at the sudden announcement.
"I thought that you wanted to do many other things before marrying. Who's the lucky man?" her mother asked curiously.
Hermione hesitated before answering softly "Severus Snape."
The atmosphere in the room shifted as a stunned silence set in. After a few moments of discomfort, Hermione's mother spoke up cautiously. "Severus Snape... the professor from Hogwarts? Isn't he maybe too old for you, my dear? We may not remember everything but remember him."
"Yes and yes, maybe." Hermione confirmed with a nod. "There's a lot you don't know and I think it's time I explain everything."
And so, Hermione began to recount the events that had transpired during and after the war. She revealed Snape's role in Draco Malfoy being granted a second chance and how their wedding was meant to save him from Azkaban.
When Hermione finished speaking, her mother placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Hermione, we are so proud of you for all that you've done. You will manage love, we know you will."
