Marriage Law Takes Effect

Ministry of Magic Repopulation act of 1999. Many of us have wondered why the classes of Hogwarts have been shrinking smaller and smaller with every year. With no more than 14 years between wars, it's understandable why one would be so wary to start a family, not to mention the numerous losses we suffered during those times. Despite much of the discordance this bill has caused in the community, the Ministry has seen fit to force unmarried witches and wizards within childbearing age to marry and begin producing the next generation of Wizarding youth.

Surveys will be sent out to all eligible witches and wizards to be filled out and returned to the Department of Marriage and Repopulation to begin the matching processes. Sources say that they are taking sexual orientation into account. More details are expected once surveys are returned.

The Minister for Magic released a statement of hope-"

Hermione slammed down the copy of the Prophet she'd been reading aloud from.

"Isn't it bad enough that we've just fought a damn war? Spent a year trying to heal from it? I'm surprised Kingsely would allow such an archaic law to be passed!" her face was red and her eyes ablaze.

"I don't think he had much choice, the way Dad tells it. Sounds like the Wizengamot have been trying to push it through since before Voldemort came back. But after everything, it was almost unanimous. They're really worried about the birth rates," Ron offered up, taking a sip of his coffee, "Guess this gives Harry a reason to stop beating around the bush and finally marry my sister."

Despite her distaste for the new law, Hermione still smiled. Harry had bought the ring ages ago but The Boy Who Lived Twice was afraid of asking his girlfriend to marry him. Ginny was every bit the fierce witch her mother was and Hermione didn't know anyone that wasn't at least a little bit afraid of Mrs. Weasley. She was sure even Professor Snape would do anything to avoid the matriarch's ire.

"What about you, then?" she proffered at Ron, "I don't see you flooing off to Lavender's in a hurry."

"What makes you think I haven't already proposed?" he said, raising his eyebrows, "Just haven't told Mum yet. You know how she gets with weddings. She'll probably try to take over the party for the baby too."

Hermione slapped Ron on the shoulder, "She's PREGNANT?! Tom's Taint*, you didn't waste any time did you?!"

Ron gave one of his boyish smiles, he was happy. Hermione's heart warmed at the thought of her friend starting the life he'd always dreamed of. After the dust settled, she and Ron had decided that the kiss they'd shared had been the heat of the moment talking. They were on the brink of victory or death and it had made sense at the time. In all the fighting, Ron had saved Lavender from Greyback, just in time. And they'd been nearly inseparable since.

"I'm really happy for you, Ronald. Truly. I'm just worried about what this law will mean. I'm not ready for marriage or children yet. I had plans…ambitions. I wanted to finally do my last year at Hogwarts. Then focus on my career before I even consider a family…or if I even want one. Why is it that no matter wizarding or muggle, the government feels like they have a say in what I do with my body?"

She was bitter but she wasn't willing to lose her wand and risk Azkaban for failing to comply with the law. In all honesty, Hermione detested dating and under the surface there was a draw to just being matched with someone instead of going through hell.

"Here's hoping you end up with a man that likes being bossed around and doesn't mind doing all the cooking, because I remember what your food tastes like 'Mione," the redhead offered with a grimace.

That earned him another smack to the back of the head, though this one had much less force and no enmity behind it.

"With any luck they'll take some of our preferences into account. I don't want someone passive but I'll tear my hair out if I end up with one of those men that thinks my place is at home with the children," Hermione said, matching the grimace that her friend had graced moments ago.

Once Hermione received her survey it was clear that arithmancy was going to play a role in the matchmaking. All the standard demographics, then more personal ones. What do you value in a partner? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Do you prefer partners of the opposite sex? Are you a virgin? How many sexual partners have you had? Hermione surprised herself. She would have thought that she'd be more embarrassed to answer some of these questions but she couldn't find it in her anymore. Why be ashamed? We've just fought a war. She had spent the last 6 years of her life worrying about something much bigger than what her sex life had been like. It all seemed so insignificant now.

She had to admit, she was far less upset about the law after sitting with the thought for some time. The surveys seemed to be well thought out. Hermione thought that with any luck she could end up with someone intelligent and logical that would understand her drive to change the world. And maybe it would be someone she could at least have an amiable companionship with. Divorce wasn't necessarily off the table but she wouldn't even consider that until the children were grown. Children. Hermione couldn't believe she was thinking about children now.

"Hello Archimedes," Hermione whispered to the handsome owl that swooped into her window, "What do you…"

Her voice trailed off, her throat going dry at the sight of the scroll tied to her owl's foot. It bore a Ministry seal. She didn't think she'd be so nervous to find out who her match was. She couldn't tell if she was excited or just scared. The young Gryffindor also hadn't been expecting to hear back so soon about her match. She thought it would be weeks but here it was, waiting for her to open it.

Taking a breath and swallowing down all hesitation, Hermione took the scroll and snapped the wax seal.

"Miss Hermione Jean Granger

The Department for Marriage and Repopulation is pleased to inform you that you have been matched with Severus Tobias Snape of Cokeworth. The Ministry is aware of your current enrollment at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, this will not excuse you from the childbearing requirements. You have exactly 60 days from this notice to complete a wedding ceremony and consummation of said marriage. Failure to comply by the final date will result in the snapping of both yours and your partner's wands as well as a year sentence in Azkaban prison after which time you will be given another opportunity to comply. Our Congratulations to you both as you begin this new journey.

Warmest Regards,

Orla Diggle

Chief Undersecretary of Match Making

Hermione blinked as she read the scroll. She was sure she'd misread it at first but it was clear as day. Severus Tobia Snape. A light pink brushed her cheeks. Once upon a time, Hermione had harbored a crush on the Potions Master. It started when he'd beat the pants off of Lockhart. He was an impressive man, with mountains of knowledge that Hermione had always admired, among other things. Maybe she should write to him. She was sure she wasn't his first choice, even if she'd saved his life.

Two months to get married. That meant they'd have to marry after the start of term. Shit. School. How had she just brushed past that little detail? Minerva had mentioned that she'd managed to get Severus to return for at least one more year, a Potions Master would have been damn near impossible to find so soon. Professor Slughorn had refused to stay on after the Battle of Hogwarts. He -was- a bit more worse for wear, Hermione couldn't really blame him. With the professor still working at Hogwarts, was she to live with him in his quarters? Hermione had read that it wasn't entirely uncommon for teachers to keep their families with them once upon a time. There was no way she could sit in his NEWT level class without someone crying out bias, though. Oh -hell- how was this going to work?

"Right, I should write to him…there's quite a lot to sort out," she said aloud, grabbing a fresh sheet of parchment. Merlin's beard, how should she address him? Professor? Severus?...Master? The last title sent a shiver through Hermione that she decided not read too much into right at that moment.

"HERMIONE!"

The shout caused the young witch to knock over her bottle of ink, "Shit!"

With a wave of her wand, Hermione cleared the mess before heading from her room into the hallway, "Harry James Potter, why the -fuck- did you just shout my name like that?"

Walking toward the drawing room, where the call had come from, Hermione stopped in her tracks to be greeted by that infamous quirked eyebrow of the similarly infamous Potions Master.

"I never had you pegged for a potty mouth, Miss Granger," Snape replied coolly.

Hermione was stricken, this was the last thing she'd been expecting when Harry had bellowed out for her. She took in the Professor, his tall frame was neat but it was clear that he'd just stepped out of the floo. She didn't even know how to respond, her cheeks reddened like a chastised child.

"On the contrary, it's a family trait, I come by it honestly" she quipped back, "You should hear my mum watching a Manchester United match, she'd make a sailor blush."

Hermione was surprised at how easy it was to speak frankly in front of him. There were less airs to put on now. Really, they were both war heroes, he was a much more controversial version but, all the same. She remembered the media coverage and attention the professor had garnered upon his acquittal. He had also been to the Remembrance Ball they'd held a few months ago. A celebration for the completed repairs to Hogwarts and a memorial to all those lost. She'd even seen him off and on during the repairs to the castle. Hermione had insisted on helping in any way she could, it kept her mind busy.

Her professor, and now fiancee, gave her an almost knowing look when she'd mentioned the football team her mother supported. Hermione then remembered that he was half muggle, perhaps he knew the team.

"Quite," he said, clearing his throat lightly, "I'm sure I don't need to explain why I'm here, Miss Granger. I assume you received your scroll not ten minutes ago?"

"What scroll?" Harry asked, looking extremely lost in the conversation, "Have I missed something?"

Hermione sighed and looked to her friend, "I've received my match from the Ministry."

Harry looked between Snape and Hermione, only a second passed before realization dawned on him. But it was strange, Hermione thought, he didn't seem to react much at all. She thought he'd at least get an awkward phrase or two out but he just smiled.

"Alright then, I'll leave you two to it, then," Harry said, walking with all the air of confidence as he left the drawing room.

"I was actually quite literally about to write to you, sir, though that does seem rather silly, now that I think about it. It's far too much to talk about through letters," she said, biting her lip but not breaking her eye contact, "Tea?"

He nodded in ascent, seating himself on one of the plush sofas.

"I take my tea-" Hermione cut him off, "I remember, sir. Strong, two sugars and lemon. Just like mine."

He didn't respond to this, just folded his hands in his lap, before clearing his throat again.

"I think it wise to discuss…the letters we received. As I'm sure Minerva has told you, I'm returning to the position of Potions Master. The agreement is for one year but I've told Minerva that she will have my support so long as she needs it," he spoke evenly, "That said, with the current…task set to us, our deadline falls within the new term. I do not think it wise to wed after term has begun, given the upheaval it could cause."

Hermione listened with a furrowed brow. She didn't really agree with him. She'd been hoping to have time to plan something out. Time for them to get to know one another. The idea of having to sleep with him without anything more than a few formal conversations scared the ever living shit out of her.

"Sir, I have a proposal for you, so to speak," Hermione said, trying to keep her tone even as well, "I wouldn't say we have what most would call an intimate relationship. We're really more acquaintances, aside from having saved each other's lives a few times. I was hoping that, perhaps…we could try to use the time before the deadline to do a kind of courtship? Nothing ridiculous, just maybe…a few dates? Nothing about this union will be normal but I think it would be the best way for us to get more comfortable with each other."

Prof- Severus seemed to take in every word and roll it around his mind. She could tell he was thinking it over. She just couldn't get a grip on how he felt about it.

"I see the merit to your argument and I offer you a counter, Miss Granger," he said, meeting her eyes with his piercing gaze again, "I've taken residence at Hogwarts for the time being, due to the loss of my home. Given that we will be expected to live together, I propose you take up residence there, in my rooms. Allowing us time to get used to shared space, and perhaps we can also…date"

Hermione was relieved but also surprised. She hadn't been expecting that response but she supposed that he wasn't in any rush to go to Azkaban. And maybe he wanted to make this as painless as possible for them both.

"I've known you for many years, Miss Granger, I can tell you have more questions. If you can find it in yourself to hold it in until you're settled in at the school, I will indulge you," he said, cutting the silence with his sharp baritone, "If you would, today would be preferable. I would like to get things sorted quickly."

"Today? You want to move in today?" she sputtered out, her brown eyes wide, "Sorry, this is all just happening fast enough. I'm not saying it doesn't make sense, I just wasn't expecting this…There -is- quite a lot to talk about though."

Severus silently sipped his tea, forgotten once she'd began her proposals and questioning. She hadn't even batted an eyelash at his silent levitation charm, she'd been so engrossed in her ramblings.

Hermione worried her lip as she ran over everything she needed to pack up and track down before she could leave. There was also the fear that gripped her when she realized she would need to tell him about her parents. Harry and Ron were the only ones that knew, everyone else just thought they were dead, but Hermione refused to start whatever this was going to be with lies.

"You'll be able to floo directly from here to the fireplace in my office at the castle. I happen to have it on good authority that you're skilled with weightless and undetectable extension charms. You'll be able to bring along most of your things that way?" he asked, quirking his eyebrow, though a corner of his mouth seemed to twitch upwards.

"And by good authority I assume you mean Ronald mentioned my beaded bag in one of his retellings of our year on the run?" she said, unable to keep from smiling.

"A beaded handbag? You surprise me again with such embellishments, though it's clever and inconspicuous. But no, not Ronald. Phineas described the inside of that bag to me in excruciating detail to ensure I understood his agony," Severus replied with a dramatic eye roll and paired smirk.

"If I'd known he was eavesdropping, I would have made it even more miserable for him," her smile grew, nearly letting out a chuckle, "But I suppose since it was in the name of toppling the regime, I can forgive it."

Hermione thought she caught another almost amused look on her Professor's face as he stood to take his leave.

"Until later, then," he said, dipping his head slightly and turning to leave.

Hermione couldn't believe the turn her day had taken but given that the Ministry didn't seem to be interested in wasting time, she knew it was better to get the ball rolling right away. All that mulled over, the young witch was still nervous. She'd rarely spent any time with Professor Snape alone. There was a mild air of familiarity between them after working together during the Hogwarts repairs. She knew how he took his tea, that he didn't like sweets except for lemon drizzle cake, and that he loved books almost as much as she did. They'd briefly talked about how muggle studies should include muggle literature and that at least one year should be required for all students.

She'd considered trying to break the tension of her arrival with a homemade lemon drizzle but she recalled Ron's ribbing about her cooking. She really was dreadful and it frustrated her to no end. The young Lioness was practically built for following instructions. But no matter how she tried, everything always ended in disaster. With baking off the table, Hermione opted for a nice cardamom, spiced, loose leaf tea that she had purchased for keeping at Grimmauld place. The canister hadn't even been touched yet. Hermione smiled to herself, thinking of her mother. Jean Granger always brought gifts when she went to someone's home for a visit. Her smile faded as her mind circled back around to needing to tell Severus what had happened to them.

" 'Mione," Harry's voice came from the doorway. He walked in, resting a hand on his friend's shoulder. Hermione loved Harry more than words could say. She liked to think that if she'd ever had any siblings, her relationship with them would have been just as close. Harry and Hermione had spent those few months alone when Ron had gone off, and it had solidified their bond. In some ways, Hermione was grateful it had happened.

"I'll be alright, Harry. I'm not happy about this damned law, but at least I've matched with someone that has a book collection so big, I'd never get through it in one lifetime," she turned and pulled him into a tight hug, "It does feel strange, being away from you, though. We've been together almost everyday since we set out two years ago."

Harry pulled back, smiling, "Yeah, but I'm only a floo call away. And honestly…maybe you two will be good for each other. Help pull the sticks out of each other's arses."

With a playful scoff, she admonished her friend.

Everything packed into her beaded bag, Hermione walked down the stairs of Grimmauld place. It oddly felt like a big moment. Almost like when they'd left Hogwarts after 6th year, like she was on the verge of something big. With a deep breath, she went to the fireplace in the drawing room. She'd made Harry promise not to see her off, it would be too emotional for her.

Severus Snape was used to solitary life. His seven years at Hogwarts had been the only time he'd ever really shared space with anyone else. And even then, it still seemed like he was separate from the others. Had Lucius never taken him under his wing, Severus wasn't even sure if he'd have survived the first two years. As a lad, the Potions Master had realized his power. He was prone to bouts of dangerous amounts of accidental magic.

And to say Severus had never even considered taking a wife was an understatement. The blasted government sticking their regulations into people's lives was almost too much for the professor. As much as he was sure he could probably manage a muggle lifestyle, Severus was not willing to risk Azkaban.

"I'm not saying I agree with the decision, Severus, but maybe you're due for someone to infringe on that loneliness you love to brood over so much," Minerva quipped, sipping her spiked tea.

"Oh how easy it is for you, Minerva, when you know you're exempt from the fucking thing," he bit back, swigging his own beverage, "Are they really so desperate that they can't wait for the boom to happen naturally? The muggles have done it in the past without the government pushing people together. Wizard Britain needs to pull its head out of its arse."

The Headmistress let out a laugh at her colleague's irritation. There was nothing quite like a wound up Severus.

"Who knows, you -could- end up happy? Not all arranged marriages are doomed to fail, and I think you deserve happiness after everything," McGonagall fixed him with a look, maternal warmth radiating from her, "Too much of your life has been stolen from you, son. I'm sorry that this, too, is being imposed on you."

Severus appreciated Minerva. The woman had always been a champion of his. When he was young, she'd taken an interest in him, before Slughorn had inducted him into his little club. The Gryffindor Head of House had been the one to stand up to Dumbledore all those years ago. She was the one who noticed the bruises. The ones he came to school with rather than the ones he'd earned from the blasted Marauders. Minerva was the one that had insisted that Dumbledore send a ministry official to his home to investigate. He still remembered the day he found out how much she'd try to do for him, and how angry he was at Dumbledore for hiding it all. It was as if he needed Severus to be downtrodden. Or maybe he just didn't care.

"They didn't waste any time with those little questionnaires either. Mine arrived a day after the article in the Prophet was released. The questions they asked. I know they're using some kind of arithmancy equation to figure this all out. It's a good thing Arithmancy isn't a required subject or some dunderhead could have come up with these calculations,"

"Lucky for us, Septima comes in second behind you in how strict she is on who can take OWL and NEWT level courses," Minerva said, raising her teacup in cheers, "Well I'm off. We're trying to figure out how to possibly accommodate married students, Merlin help me."

Severus grimaced at the thought, "I, for one, do not look forward to that fucking headache. Let us hope that the number is minimal with so few of them being eligible."

With a nod, Minerva set down her cup and left Severus to his stewing.

"Bloody hell," Severus hissed from Minerva's side. The scroll lay out in front of him, and he couldn't quite believe his eyes.

Professor Severus Tobias Snape

The Department for Marriage and Repopulation is pleased to inform you that you have been matched with Hermione Jean Granger of London. The Ministry is aware of your current teaching position at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, this will not excuse you from the childbearing requirements. You have exactly 60 days from this notice to complete a wedding ceremony and consummation of said marriage. Failure to comply by the final date will result in the snapping of both yours and your partner's wands as well as a year sentence in Azkaban prison after which time you will be given another opportunity to comply. Our Congratulations to you both as you begin this new journey.

Warmest Regards,

Orla Diggle

Chief Undersecretary for Match Making

"Is…is that? Does that say Hermione Granger?!" Minerva choked out, her eyes wide, before she let out a single loud laugh, "That will keep you on your toes!"

Of course. Of course he would not only be matched to a student but a student that had spent the earlier parts of her education as a thorn in his side.

"I'm glad to see you getting so much enjoyment out of this, Headmistress," he said dryly, "As it is now your job to decide how this is going to work. She can't sit my NEWTS Potions class, and do you mean for us to meet up for our coitus in the hallways?"

"Oh Severus, my darling boy, this is a far better outcome than I could have hoped for," she said wiping a tear from her eye, " It's a bit of a smart match, two of my brightest students, matched? As far as your arrangements, naturally, the future Mrs. Snape will share your quarters. It wouldn't be the first time a professor kept a spouse on the grounds."

"What of the childbearing requirements? And the fact that she's still an enrolled student?" he asked, quirking his eyebrow.

"Oh please, she's what? 19? She's barely a student. If it hadn't been for the damned war she wouldn't be a student at all. She's only returning of her own accord. Hermione refused Kingsley's offer to skip her NEWTS, she just didn't have it in her to take the grades without earning them."

The Potions Master remained silent. His mind had already gone into pragmatic mode. If they were to share quarters, he couldn't just move her in once they were married. It would make more sense to get used to sharing space before they were forced to wed. And with only two months to accomplish everything, he would need to act fast. The Headmistress had mentioned that Granger was residing at Grimmauld Place with Potter.

"Minerva, would you open outside access from Grimmauld Place? Just from my office for the day." he asked, his tone even as his train of thought, "I have some arrangements to make and I'll be needing access."

"Consider it done. Off to greet your intended?" Minerva asked, her tone still light but jibing him.

A daggered stare and a sneer were all the Severus left her with before he stalked from the Great Hall.

Dating? Unfortunately the idea had merit. If they were to marry, raise children eventually, they would do well to get to know each other with what little time they had before the wedding. It wasn't that Severus hadn't been expecting her to have considered practicality. She would see the positive of establishing their living quarters boundaries early. It was that she would have considered it already and had her own criteria to add to this trial period.

He was surprised how…charming he found her. There had been minor interactions and conversations over the last year. She'd grown into a well spoken woman, even if she had a tendency for profanity that rivaled his own. Hermione Granger was not the eager to please child she had been during those first years at Hogwarts. There was a ferocity behind her eyes, as well. Something he'd witnessed in the aftermath of the lioness of Gryffindor had fought tooth and nail for his freedom…and Draco's surprisingly. She'd been outspoken about their efforts, even helped prepare the younger Slytherin's defense.

Severus was amused at how easily the banter seemed to fly between them, not unlike what he'd shared with Minerva during Quidditch season.

And she remembered how he took his tea. Not even Minerva could do that.

Perhaps this could at least be a friendship, if nothing else. Someone who could hold a conversation, offer insights and judgements. It didn't sound all bad. And there was the crippling loneliness that begged to punch through his stomach on a weekly basis. Perhaps companionship would be a welcome addition to his life when it was with the right person.

Severus was pulled from his thoughts with the flaring of the fireplace in his office. He wasn't nervous…or so he'd never admit out loud. He stood from his desk, folding his hands behind his back. He was suddenly hyper aware of how stiff he was. Maybe a more relaxed approach was needed. He tried not to scoff at the idea of being relaxed in this situation.

"Oh -shit-" the curse tumbled out of her mouth like it was second nature and Severus suppressed a smile.

"That Gryffindor elegance strikes again, Miss Granger," he said, walking around his desk to greet her.

"Just trying to uphold the noble legacy," she replied, not a single drop of venom in her voice.

"What a legacy it is," he said with a signature smirk, "I've been making some adjustments to my quarters in preparation for your arrival, I've left a few things to be finished in favor of getting your opinion."

"I do hope you're prepared, I've brought my entire library. We'll need an entire room just for that," she said pointing to her beaded bag.

"Indeed. If you'll follow me," he said, extending his hand towards a door off to the side of the room.

When they entered his quarters, Hermione was met with a cozy sight. The room was filled top to bottom with books on every wall, she gasped at the idea of running her fingers over every spine. In the center of the right hand wall was the fireplace with a plush sofa and two chairs, and a long coffee table. Hermione could already imagine curling up on the couch with one of the thousands of books.

"I did add another room for your books, in the event that our sorting styles do not mesh or that you did not wish to mix our collections. I'll also confess that prior to today's events I only had one chair in this room. I'm not one for company," he said motioning to the seating by the fireplace, "I wanted you to have the choice on this last bit. To the room where you will keep your books, I can make it a bedroom as well. You can either stay there or we could rip off the metaphorical bandage and share a bedroom."

Hermione continued to surprise herself. There seemed to be very little that she was afraid of anymore. Spending one's formative years trying to stay alive and fighting a war all before the age of 20 really made everything else feel small.

"I'm perfectly agreeable to sharing a room," she said with a smile.

They spent the rest of their evening talking and finding a place for all of Hermione's things. She'd nearly filled one wall of the personal library Snape had created for her. The fact that he had done it in the first place made her tea gift seem so silly. But when they'd finished and her beaded bag only carried what normal purses carried, Hermione still decided to give it to him.

"It's not a whole library but I did bring a small gift for you. I remembered that you liked lemon drizzle. I'm a dreadful cook but I have a nose for tea and this would go wonderfully with that confection," she said, handing him the canister.

"That was very…thoughtful. I confess I'm a man of habit and sometimes I forget there are more teas out there than a standard Earl Grey. Perhaps after dinner, we could try it together," he offered, surprised at his own offer.

Hermione was beginning to feel like they could be friends. Over the rebuild, they'd had easy conversation but she didn't think it could be more than that. Oh Severus was attractive and they got along well enough, but she was sure the sex would be transactional. Like they both knew what it was for and that would be that. The ministry didn't care whether couples found romance, only that they produced powerful offspring.

And she operated under such assumptions for the first week they shared space together. It had been an uneventful week that found them eating together, discussing politics and potions. Learning to be around each other.

First Couples Receive Their Matches

"With the new Marriage Law well underway, witches and wizards across Britain begin to receive their matches. Some of you may be surprised to know that war heroine Hermione Granger was matched with fellow hero Severus Snape, Hogwart's own Potions Master. Rumor has it that Miss Granger is already getting cozy in the dungeons with her new beau."

"Fucking hell!" Hermione shouted from the sofa, "I should have kept that stupid bint in the jar!"

Severus raised an eyebrow, dropping his book to look at his fiance.

"Oh right….I may or may not have trapped Rita Skeeter in her unregistered animagus form in my 4th year for spreading awful rumors about me," she answered his look, "And now I'm deeply regretting letting her go."

"I'm learning you commonly come down with a case being Slytherin," he said, an amused look on his face.

Balling up the paper and shooting it into the fireplace, Hermione worried her bottom lip between her teeth. Ever since news of their intent to be wed, Hermione had been waiting to talk to him about her parents. And since she'd received the letter from the Australian Ministry of Magic, she couldn't really put if off any longer.

"Severus…there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about…" she said, her voice was uncharacteristically quiet, "With the wedding and everything, I'd been thinking about my parents. I would like to have them there."

"The thing is…" her voice was risking breaking, "Before…before I went on the run with Harry and Ron…I Oblivated them. I gave them new names and sent them to Australia."

"I wrote to the Australian Ministry to see if they could send someone to check on them. All is well, apparently, so I'd like to go retrieve them, see if I can restore their memories and bring them home before the wedding," she paused trying to gather her thoughts, "I hadn't gone to retrieve them before now because I wanted to be sure it was safer. Most Death Eaters have been caught and it's been quiet for a while now. And with the wedding, I know they'd be so sad if they missed it."

Severus listened intently. There was part of him that couldn't relate because his parents didn't love him and he didn't miss them. But the other part of his heart that remembered what it was like to miss Lily knew exactly how she must feel. In that moment he knew that if anyone made her look as sad as she did right there, he would make them suffer a painful death.

"Hermione," he said, clearing his throat, "I cannot let you go off to Australia alone. Most Death Eaters have been caught, but not all of them. I understand your feelings on the matter, so I will accompany you."

Without warning Hermione jumped up from her place on the sofa and launched herself at Severus. She was crying as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He didn't know what to do, he'd never been this close to his fiance. Even when sharing a bed, they seemed to keep their distance. When he inhaled to ask her to remove herself from his person he noted hints of citrus and cloves, which he quite liked. Realizing he was quiet far too long he opted to gently wrap his arms around her briefly before letting go.

"Sorry," she said, giving him a grimace and pulling back slightly to look at him, "I just miss them a lot and I haven't really told anyone the whole situation. Thank you so much, Severus. It really means the world to me."

"Well, arranged or not, I wouldn't be a very good partner if I allowed you to go alone. I know you're a capable witch, you proved that at 16 but most are safer in pairs," he looked into her sun honeyed eyes, tears stilling lining the edges. He felt his body begin to relax, suddenly unbothered by the fact that she was still sitting in his lap.

There was silence between them, their eyes taking turns studying the other's faces, tracing lips, exhaling excruciating breaths. It was Hermione that moved first, heart hammering as she started to close the space between them. She waited to see if he would meet her. Severus' only hesitation had been to make sure he knew what was happening. Their lips met, as he closed the divide between them.

His lips were soft and warm and she could really smell the sandalwood and smoke wafting from him. Like he'd just lit a fire under a cauldron. Hermione suddenly found that scent very erotic. She liked how his lips felt against hers, daringly, she opened her mouth and was met immediately with his tongue. The young witch felt herself melt into him, fingers curling into his frock coat. He tasted like the tea she'd given him with a hint of lemon drizzle.

Severus had not been expecting this turn of events in the least but he wasn't complaining. She tasted like heaven, vanilla and citrus. And her warm body in his lap was more than welcome, he could feel his body agreeing with his mind. And it seemed her body had some thoughts on the matter as well, immediately reacting when Severus rested his hands on her waist.

Time seemed to slow as they sat there, her on his lap, him holding her hips. They drank each other in like it was the very essence of life and they would surely die if they stopped. It wasn't until they knocked his book to the floor that they pulled away from each other. The loud -slap- of the hardback hitting the stone floor jolted them apart.

Hermione, from her position straddling his lap, looked at Severus. Her chest was heaving from the heat they'd shared. It took everything in her not to beg him to take her there on the sofa. Of course she'd had a snog before, but never the heated heavy kind right before sex. All other experiences paled to how she felt sitting on her Professor's lap.

Fuck. Severus looked at Hermione like he wanted to consume her completely. Her lips were swollen, her hair mussed, and her breathing was heavy. He'd never seen anything so magnificent in all his life.

"Um…you know…maybe there are other things…worth getting used to before…before we get married?" she mused, licking her lips, "Maybe it would be…smart. And well, I know we're both very studious people…"

"I can assure you, Miss Granger," his deep voice rolled out, thick with lust, "That I'm quite studied in this particular field…I could, perhaps, demonstrate?"

Hermione boldly slid against his lap, "Oh please do, -Professor-"

"Minx!" he hissed out before standing up and quite literally throwing her over his shoulder. He carried her to their shared room and set her on her feet. His hands rested on her hips again for only a moment before they ghosted into the waistband of the pajama pants she'd been wearing.

"All these buttons, you're a tease," she whispered as she made her way down the line before using a silent Divesto to remove the coat, "I love magic."

A throaty chuckle sounded from him as he returned the favor, only he removed both garments she was wearing.

"My, my Miss Granger, no undergarments. I'd have to check, but I believe that's against the dress code."

"What will you do? Give me detention?" she asked defiantly.

"I can think of a punishment much more fitting to the crime," he said before taking her lips in another flash of heat.

Hermione just barely managed to keep her wits, if only to tear open the white shirt he was still wearing. Magic when her mind was this overtaken was a bad idea. She moaned when felt his bare skin under the pads of her palms smoothing down his chest. When she reached his belt, she broke the kiss long enough to undo the clasp.

It was quick, the movement he made. She hadn't even had much time to react before she felt her back hit the bedspread and suddenly she felt like she was on display. In a way she was, he stood at the foot of the bed, clad only his black boxer briefs, looking at her. He would look up and down her body but always came back to rest on her face. Something about Severus made her feel at ease. She wasn't self-conscious with him drinking her in like this. His eyes were fire, leaving scalding trails all over her.

And then he was on the bed with her, lying next to her, touching just light enough to make her shiver. Her body had never reacted so fully to anyone. Her eyes rolled back when he grazed one of her already erect nipples, causing her to press her legs together as tight as she could to get any amount of friction.

She was the most exquisite thing Severus had ever laid his eyes on. And the way she looked at him, the want… the want that smoldered there in those eyes. Need wasn't anything new to him. He'd been needed for 20 years. This was the first time he could remember anyone looking at him with want.

"Of course you knew about the Polyjuice in second year! I'm sure Madame Pompfrey asked you to brew the reversal potions," Hermione said, with an exaggerated sigh, "But I bet you didn't know that I set fire to your cloak during the Quidditch match in first year."

Severus' hand still on her shoulder, where he'd been running his fingers, "That was you, was it? Just prone to troublemaking weren't you?"

"A hazard of being friends with Harry I rush-into-everything-without-thinking-it-through Potter. Do you know, we followed him everywhere. Listened to every theory he had until sixth year. He was convinced that Draco had taken the mark. Ron and I told him over and over that there was no way. Imagine our surprise when he was right for once."

"And that stunt in third year?" he asked, raising his eyebrow, "You and Potter freed Black, didn't you? Dumbledore never gave me a clear answer but I knew you had that fucking time turner."

"You caught me" she replied, putting her hands up in front of her, "I don't think I'd seen you so angry before then. In the spirit of honesty…I was completely infatuated with you at that point. I remember that I could almost feel your magic crackling when you found out Sirius had escaped"

If anyone had told her a week ago that she'd be in bed, post coitus, sharing stories and laughing with Severus Snape, Hermione would have advised them to get checked at Saint Mungos. But now it seemed so easy and natural.

"What would your friends say, Gryffindor's own golden girl, lusting after her Potions Professor," he said, laying on his side running his fingers down her arm, "Seems you've finally found a way to impress me, Miss Granger."

"Why does that suddenly feel explicit?" She asked, scanning his features, "I'm seeing myself bent over a Potions bench reciting all the uses for Ashwinder Eggs. How am I supposed to ever sit in a class with you ever again?"

"Preferably on your knees, under my desk."

The words came out of his mouth before he knew what he was saying, his sex addled brain was incapable of filtering his look on her face said that he wasn't far off from where her thoughts had gone. Severus had never been attracted to a student before, but the image of Hermione freshly fucked in her Gryffindor red and gold was taunting him.

"Seems you've finally found a way to shut me up, -Professor-" she purred his title out in the most erotic tone Severus has ever heard.

"Miss Granger, you keep talking like that and I'm going to be forced to act," he said, his hand grasping the back of her neck, just below her head, "Behavior like that cannot be allowed to continue. I'm going to have to take a firm hand with you."

Hermione managed to get one giggle out before Severus began sucking on her pulse point and it turned into a low moan and her eyes were rolling back again.

Hours later, when they'd come up for air, Severus was filling Hermione's plate from the platters the houseselves had brought to them. She was wearing his white shirt, with her legs pulled up to her chest. Exhausted as he was, he couldn't help admiring the way his shirt skimmed her hip just so.

"We can leave tomorrow," he said, clearing his throat, trying to pull his mind out of the gutter, "I'll need at least the rest of the day to request the portkey and finish the potions I currently have in stasis. If only there was an insufferable know-it-all around to help me finish."

Hermione stood from her chair, wrapping her arms around Severu's neck, "It just so happens that I know someone."

She looked into his eyes for a moment before kissing him again, "Thank you, Severus. This means the world to me. Truly."

Hermione tried not to notice how many looks they attracted at the ministry. She didn't care what they thought of the pairing, honestly, it wasn't as if either of them had a choice in the matter. And after what she'd experienced in the last 24 hours, she refused to feel any shame about her match. If only they knew the things his hands could do. And just how useful that nose was for certain activities.

"Hermione?" his voice shook her from the gutter she was slipping into "Yes?"

"Are you ready?" he was looking at her in a way that Hermione was sure no one had ever seen the Potions Master look at anything. But it was gone as quickly as it arrived. Old habits die hard. She imagined that his Occlumency shields were nearly always in place.

She nodded. She couldn't wait to see her parents but she was afraid of how they reacted once their memories were returned. If she had listened to them and done what they wanted she wouldn't have been there to support Harry. As much as she loved the boys, Hermione did not have faith that they would have survived on the run by themselves. She had to just hope that they'd understand that she did what she had to do.

With one hand on the umbrella-turned-portkey and the other gripping Severus' hand tightly, Hermione braced herself for the pull of portkey travel.

Severus hadn't expected to get so carried away with everything. A day and a half of intimacy and he already knew he'd do anything for her. It had taken his overprotective nature and amplified it. Seeing her scars from the war hadn't done anything to dampen it. Just recalling the memory of when her glamour faded and the word 'Mudblood' appeared etched into her skin with angry letters turned his sight red. He had known about what happened at Malfoy Manor but apparently some of the details had been skipped. Her whispered story wove through his mind in the dark. And he worshipped the mark, as if every kiss from his lips could bless away the cursed words and leave her flesh clean. And she returned the favor. Not shying away from the faded Mark on his forearm. As if to say -I know you were and who you are and I accept you as a whole and not in digestible parts-

And that…was worth everything to Severus. His craving for acceptance had driven him to dark places. He couldn't believe that it had just been handed to him.

And there he was, walking hand in hand with a woman that looked at him like he hung the moon. Hermione hadn't let go of his hand since they'd landed in Sydney. He could feel the waves of anxiety wafting from her. She didn't even fight him when he insisted on being with her when she broke the charm and filled them in on everything. He thought for sure she would insist he wait at the hotel. But no…he was here with her, approaching a modern style apartment building. Severus didn't know much about the cost of living in Australia but this building looked as though it must cost more for one month than his entire house including property taxes for an entire year.

He heard Hermione intake a sharp breath as she looked at the last names listed under the buzzers. Wilkins was there, Unit 2B. Just as she was about to push the button, her hand froze, index finger still extended. Three people were in the lobby of the building heading to leave.

A woman, not too much older than himself he noted guiltily, walked hand in hand with a small child no more than a year and half or so. In an instant, Severus could tell this woman was Hermione's mother by the similar curve of her smile and color of her hair. A man held the child's other hand, clearly Hermione's father with the bushy curls that his witch was so well known for. The pressure on his hand told him that he was right, these were her parents.

Severus tore his eyes from the scene to look at Hermione. She was staring in stunned silence, having drawn the same conclusion he had.

"Darling, can you pick Hermione up? Everytime I lean forward, the morning sickness gets worse," the woman's voice chimed as the door opened, "Oh sorry, excuse me"

Holding the door open, the woman rubbed her stomach watching her husband and child walk out past her.

"Hermione?" the witch said her own name, after hearing her mother talking to her husband, "...Quite unique that one, you don't hear it too often these days."

The woman smiled at her, "Oh yes. I always said if I had a daughter, I'd name her Hermione. I saw The Winter's Tale once when I was growing up and I've just always loved the name."

"It's lovely…"

"Thank you" the woman smiled even wider, "Soon we'll have our very own Lysander as well. Have a lovely evening."

"Hermione…" he whispered to her as her parents walked off.

"Don't. Please, I just need a moment," she said, wiping her eyes on the back of her hand.

Hermione shouldn't have been surprised. She transplanted her parents in a new country with new lives. And still…seeing that she'd been…replaced? Duplicated? That she now had a sister and a little brother? It felt wrong to come here and completely disrupt their lives. She felt like she'd be taking something from them if she broke the charm now.

For the first time in what felt like hours, Hermione released Severus' hand. She walked a few paces away from him, shaking out her hands and trying to breathe.

"Fuck," she bit out, trying to regain her composure. As she turned to look back at Severus she bumped into him, nearly knocking herself to the ground.

Before she could even start the apology, there was hand squeezing around her neck.

"Hello Myshonok. It has been long time," the thick Russian accent told her everything she needed to know, "I tell them you vill come here soon."

Hermione looked around frantically for Severus.

"Your boyfriend fled, afraid of me, you think? Good, vill probably save his life. I vill get him one day, but today I come for you, Myshonok," Dolohov whispered into her ear, "I vill avenge my lord from your flesh.

Hermione's already constricted airway was tightening even further as the panic overtook her. Tears were pouring down the sides of her face while Dolohov forced her to look him in the eye.

"But maybe you like Death Eater, hmm? You vere going to let him put a Death Eater baby in you," the dark wizard whispered in her ear, "Ve don't vant an abomination like dat around."

Hermione tried to plead with him but her vocal chords were too constricted. She'd tried to reach for her wand but, of course, he'd taken it from her pocket when she'd been wrapped up in her emotions. And where was Severus? Had he really run? He wouldn't…would he?

"Brightest witch of her age." she heard his voice and tried not to react, "You would think she would know when she was being sent directly into a trap."

"Snape? I thought you run off like coward," Dolohov growled out.

"Why would I leave? You couldn't even finish her off at 16, did you expect me to leave you to it when she's a fully grown witch?" Severus' voice was even and cold. Nothing like Hermione was used to from the last week or so they'd spent together. She prayed to Merlin that she was right and that this was all an act.

Dolohov looked confused, but it was enough to distract him for Hermione to break free. In a second, Severus lifted his wand and released a spell that Hermione had only seen once before. She was afraid at how relieved she was to see the red spring from Dolohov's body and spill onto the ground. Tears blurring her vision she fell to the ground, sobbing. It was all too much to handle all at once.

Severus sensed Dolohov's magic the minute he was near. He'd spent too long with the wizard and was far too sensitive to such things. He acted quickly, taking off behind the building. He knew what he was going to do, if there was time.

The Australian Ministry sent Aurors to the scene and they took statements from Severus and Hermione both. Severus watched as Hermione threw up her own Occlumency shields to get through the interview. And then Severus took her back to their hotel.

"Severus…" his name sounded like a funeral ballad playing from her tongue. The song at the end of a long day. Like she needed to say it….wanted to say it.

He held her. They left their clothes on and just lay on the bedspread in the quiet room. Severus couldn't bring himself to feel any guilt for what had happened. He could have shown restraint. He did. The minute he's seen the dirty fucker's hand around her neck, Severus had wanted nothing more than to level the whole street but he didn't. Restraint.

"Let's just get married when we get back," she whispered into his chest, "We could have lost each other today and there are so many things I'd rather do than plan a fucking wedding. Now, I want you to fuck me so hard I forget where Australia even is."