Defended
Chapter 3 of 67
mia madwynVoted Best New Author (Lumos), Best SS/HG Romance (Amortentia) and Best SS/HG Angst
(Diffindo) in The New Library Awards.
Seventh-year student Hermione Granger decides to marry the one eligible wizard who did not ask for her--the horrid but powerful Severus Snape. All is not sweetness and light. Be careful what you ask for. Or, as has been said by many a wise witch, "Marry in haste; repent in leisure." MLC
ReviewedDisclaimer: This is a non-profit spin on the works of JK Rowling who created and, together with her publishers and licensees, owns the characters and settings elaborated herein. No offense is intended, and it is hoped that none will be taken.
As always, kudos to my wonderful beta, Leigh-Anne!
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3. DEFENDED
"Weasleys' Skiving Snackboxes," Professor Snape hissed with disdain.
Hermione could hardly believe her ears, but before she could speak, the gargoyle had opened the secret passageway, and Snape was dragging her up the spiral staircase.
He either had very long legs (as a matter of fact, he did) or was in excellent condition (obviously so) because by the time they reached the Headmaster's office at the top of the tower, Hermione could scarcely breathe while Snape was scarcely winded.
He gave her a hard look and then seemed to come to a quick decision. His head dipped low and to her shock, his lips closed over hers, his fingers dug into her hair
And the door to Dumbledore's office slid open to reveal their embrace to everyone inside.
Snape pulled away and the entire kiss was so brief, if she hadn't seen the startled expression on Professor Dumbledore's face, she would have questioned whether it had happened at all.
He brushed her hair out of her face. "You'll have to forgive us, Albus. We were celebrating our ... engagement." Despite his best efforts, she noticed he couldn't speak the last word without his lip curling.
As for Hermione, she was still gasping for breath from the forced run up the staircase and in no condition to speak at all. At least, she assured herself, it had to be the stairs. Even if the pulse at her neck hadn't started beating wildly until that blasted kiss.
"Come in, Professor," the Headmaster said, his brow furrowed with confusion. "I hope you don't mind that you and ... um ... Miss Granger ... aren't the only ones here for this meeting."
Snape stood aside to allow Hermione to enter, at which point she almost did an about face to leave.
George Weasley leaped to his feet and crossed the office, reaching for her. "What did that greasy git do to you?" he demanded.
Professor Snape blocked his path and fixed him with a deathly glare. But his words seemed tossed out almost with nonchalance as he drawled, "I must find some way to thank you, Weasley, for delivering my blushing bride safely to my care."
George slung his gleaming red hair out of his face and met Snape almost nose to nose. "It was a potion, wasn't it?" And then, to Hermione, "He gave you something to drink. He slipped you something!" He whipped his wand out of his robe. "Let me by, you slimy, toad-sucking "
A low growl came from deep in Snape's throat, and Hermione knew all too well that he didn't need a wand to flay George senseless. She flung herself between them.
"No, George, I swear he didn't!" She grabbed Professor Snape's elbow and pulled desperately. "Please don't hurt him. He he's mad. He's mad with grief. " She shot a desperate look at George. "George has been in love with me for years!"
From the expressions of disbelief on the faces of the three men most especially George she realized she had pushed the bounds of credulity.
But Professor Snape seemed willing enough to let her get away with it, even as George, cheeks flaming, bit back a protest.
"Because you ask so nicely," he shot a sneer at George, "I'll let this breach of propriety pass unavenged."
Professor Dumbledore rose from his desk. "Mr. Weasley, are you quite satisfied that all is as it should be?"
"Not a chance in hell," George muttered and shot Hermione a searching look.
"George, thank you," she said softly, feeling guilty as sin as she tucked her small hand into the crook of Snape's left arm, startling the professor so much she thought he might hex her before he caught himself.
"Then perhaps," the Headmaster said with as stern a voice as she'd ever heard him use, "we would all benefit from an explanation of why this contract has already been sealed? Isn't that a bit pre-emptive, Professor Snape?"
The professor slid a smug, sideways glance at Hermione, one eyebrow arched. His fingers caressed hers as he played with the hand she'd entrusted to his care, though now she'd quite like to take it back. "Headmaster, I feel it might be less than tactful to Mr. Weasley," oh, quite the sneer on that name, all right, "... and Miss Granger's own enthusiasm might seem less than what normal wizarding etiquette requires, so if I don't give a direct answer..."
"Oh, that's too rich," George snapped. "You're not claiming she sealed you?"
Belatedly, Hermione realized the brief kiss Snape had guided her to perform might not have been totally required. Bastard!
"Well..." She hid her flaming cheeks behind Snape's arm, longing to sink her teeth into it.
"I think quite enough has been said," the old wizard interrupted. "Tact, wizarding etiquette, etc., etc. as previously referenced. You must come back and visit soon, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore said as genially as if a small war weren't about to break out before him. "Oh, and please thank your mother for the lovely pair of wool socks she knitted me this summer. I can't imagine how she knew they would be just the very thing!" He raised his robes to reveal multi-colored stripes of such garish hues, they almost hurt Hermione's eyes to look at them.
But it broke the tension. George shot Snape one last threatening glance and Hermione one last disbelieving one before excusing himself and taking his leave.
When the door closed silently behind him, Dumbledore gestured with long, age-spotted hands. "Sit down, sit down, please."
Hermione perched on the edge of hard chair. Snape remained standing behind her where she couldn't see his face, but she was very aware of his hands lightly resting on the chair back on either side of her head.
"Sherbet lemons?" Dumbledore offered. "We're only waiting on ah, and here she is."
Professor McGonagall entered the office stiffly, staring at everyone in disapproval. "What is the meaning of this nonsense," she demanded. "I have never heard anything so preposterous in all my years at Hogwarts a professor getting married. To a student! Whose insane idea was this?"
"Oh, but there's precedent," Hermione said quickly. "If you check page 734, second footnote, in Hogwarts: A History..." She almost yelped when she felt a sharp tug on her hair.
"Minerva," Snape said smoothly. "The insane idea is the Marriage Law foisted upon us by the Ministry of Magic, as you already agree. I believe what we have arrived at now is the only sane response for Miss Granger."
Well. Hermione nibbled her lower lip. Maybe she would just let him do some of the talking, after all.
"Sane?" Professor McGonagall demanded. "You call wedding this this child sane?"
Hermione felt a tiny bit of tension ease from her stomach. Professor McGonagall was nothing if not fierce when protecting her Gryffindors, and for a brief moment Hermione wished fervently that she could have married her instead.
Well. Except for the consummation part.
She shot her Head of House a grateful look, anyway.
Which Professor Dumbledore evidently misunderstood. "Miss Granger, are you quite sure this is an arrangement with which you can be comfortable?"
She opened her mouth to respond, and again, the hair-tug, and again, Snape's silky voice beat her to the punch.
"Miss Granger has received a number of offers for her hand, some quite impressive," Snape said. "And then there are the death threats."
Dumbledore sat up straight, and Professor McGonagall stared.
"Yes," Snape said, "I thought you would understand the awkward position this puts us in. I believe it is our duty to do everything in our power to protect her from those who see her as a pawn in the war against the Dark Lord. But it doesn't stop there, oh, no." His voice tightened. "Miss Granger has applied her somewhat formidable mind to this problem and has come up with a solution typical of her intellect."
She heard his faint sneer. Bastard.
"As she pointed out to me, not only will she be able to continue her studies, which we all agree are of no slight importance...?"
Dumbledore nodded, and Professor McGonagall sniffed but didn't dispute it.
"And not only will she remain safe as long as she is here with us... or if I might be so bold, under my protection?"
Hermione realized he was looking at her, waiting for her response, and she gave an emphatic nod of her own.
"But she had the wisdom and foresight to realize that I, too, am at risk of the Marriage Law."
She gulped. Even old gits like him?
"Which means the secrecy of the Order and everything we're fighting for will be at risk unless I marry someone who is already aware of my activities."
Why was he giving her so much credit? Clearly, he had ulterior motives.
Dumbledore gave Hermione a troubled smile. "Miss Granger, your plan is admirable, quite brilliant, I must say, but I'm sure if we all put our heads together we can come up with an alternative that is less ... distressing ... to all concerned."
"No, Albus. We can't." Snape finally stepped away from her chair, and she felt the air a little easier to breathe. "There is no other solution but this."
The Headmaster stared into Hermione's eyes, and she felt as if he could almost read her mind, taste her fear. "Minerva, could I impose on you to escort Miss Granger to Gryffindor Tower? I must discuss some matters in private with Severus."
Hermione reluctantly stood. "I do have reading to do," she said with a quick look at Professor Snape, who didn't bother to return her glance. "I've fallen behind on my studies since all of this Marriage Law nonsense came up!"
"My dear girl," Professor McGonagall said in clipped tones, shooting a glare at Professor Snape. That look he returned with a bland smile.
With one last sniff, Professor McGonagall led Hermione back down the spiral staircase.
XXX
He schooled himself to be still, to do nothing to betray his impatience and frustration as he watched Dumbledore study Miss Granger's list.
"Very thorough," the old wizard finally said. "As I would expect from Miss Granger."
"And half of them Death Eaters."
Dumbledore removed his half-moon spectacles and rubbed his watery eyes. "It's not as if there are any surprises here. But certainly George Weasley would be a logical choice. There are plenty of Weasleys to offer protection, after all. And now that I consider it, Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger have much in common "
"Precisely what does she have in common with him?" Snape bit out. "Surely you're not suggesting that because they are closer in age... "
Dumbledore fixed him with a piercing stare. "No, Severus, that never crossed my mind, though it's significant that it crossed yours. I was referring to the fact that in times like these they have perhaps the strongest bond that those entering an arranged marriage might have." He returned his spectacles to his nose, and Snape felt a tinge of irritation at the way the old wizard studied him. "They love the same people."
"I hope you'll forgive me if I find the sentiment overrated," he responded blandly. "And the only way George or Fred Weasley would have the attention span to keep adequate watch over Miss Granger's safety is if she periodically emitted sparks, smoke and whistling wheezes from every orifice of her body!"
"Severus!" Dumbledore clearly wasn't sure whether to laugh or reprimand, though Snape had a feeling laughter would win out.
Weasleys' Skiving Snackboxes, indeed.
"I think you underestimate Miss Granger," he continued. "She's done quite a thorough assessment of my potential as her husband. My ... maturity," best not linger on that one, "evil temper, my tendency to fight dirty as she so bluntly expressed it and my lack of scruples? " He allowed himself a satisfied smirk. "And those are just a few of my strengths as she perceives them."
The Headmaster drew back. "Hardly Gryffindor qualities."
"Her much-vaunted intellect finally makes itself known, perhaps?"
"Severus, this is simply too much to expect you to ..."
A sharp burning pain enveloped his left forearm. He winced and bit back an oath.
Dumbledore frowned. "Voldemort?"
"Good tidings travel with great speed," he ground out through the pain.
"Be careful, my boy."
The pain dulled to an ache. He drew in a shuddering breath. "As always."
Dumbledore lifted the painstakingly diagrammed list of suitors and then let it fall back to his desk.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Care of Magical Creatures
2762 Reviews | 6.75/10 Average
I've always loved this story.
Response from mia madwyn (Author of Care of Magical Creatures)
OMG, thank you so much! I've always loved your stories--The Price of Madness is one of my favorites ever.
I'M LAUGHING SO HARD RIGHT NOW THIS IS GREAT.
Beautiful ending! I loved that the baby self attached at the breast and that Hermione and her husband had an unassited homebith. I love Severus' frantic attempt at naming what he thought was going to be a boy. Since it was a girl Hermione was spared further worry. I love Winky's rebellion. Severus knows he is going to be a different dad. He deeply loves the mother of his child. They are family or pack from Albus' point of view. I know that dads are different than my dad and the other dads that waited in the waiting room for their wives to bring forth their childern. I've been a doula and IBCLC for over 2 decades and dads are different because they are present at the birth of their babes. They are different because they watch thier warrior wives birth babies so that they have a new respect for the mother of their child because they know in their hearts they aren't strong enough to do what we do. They are different because they get to share the awe of watching a new live come into the world and know that it is part of them. How much more different must those who help their wives to birth their own babes together and who get to be the one to see that new life emerge and be the first to hold that toasty warm soft body. I love how warm they are when they first come out. I know you poured your heart out with this story but I wish we got to find out what Hogwarts was waiting for. I wish I knew how Poppy got the gender incorrect and I hope that George isn't disappointed that his brother came out a girl. Thank you for a wonderful and enjoyable respite from reality. You are gifted with your story telling. I know that I will read this story again. Love,
Response from mia madwyn (Author of Care of Magical Creatures)
Response from mia madwyn (Author of Care of Magical Creatures)
I loved following your comments through this read. I just warmed the cockloes of my heart! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I'm on Chapter 61. I really love and appretiate the Christian and Spiritual side of this plot. I loved the chapter with Severus seeking out Muggle Magic to heal Hermione. The story was too intense for me to stop and write any reviews until now. You mix Christianity with muggle magic and wizard magic and manage not to make it less or be disrespectful in any way. I'm a blood born Quaker and we don't normally celebrate any of the litergy or rites but I still love them. They help one focus. I really really enjoy this side of the story that makes this story different from all the other Marriage Law stories. I love the Hermione is a pureblood Muggle and her parent's aren't dentists. This whole thing is so creative and original. Thank you for giving us such an ejoyable, emotional, erotic, exciting, frightening, heart pounding read!
Response from mia madwyn (Author of Care of Magical Creatures)
Again and again during the writing of this story, I worried that I'd finally crossed a line and that readers wouldn't forgive me. The spiritual and religious aspect fascinated me and so I explored it. I've found that religious people often assume that Hermione is also religious. Those who aren't. don't assume she is. That was deliberate on my part, because I didn't want to alieante anyone.
Severus is willing to betray both the light and the dark to protect his soul mate. He thinks he is making choices that bind him to the dark forever. But the war hasn't yet been fought.
Amazing! It is totally amazing how you give us a perfectly acceptable reason to sympathize with Severus enough to see why he would betray the light and choose Tom and the dark. We chose with him. He didn't pass Abraham's test, however. But the Dark Lord in pragmatic wisdom is forgiving him because he has a use for Hermione. Albus never saw this coming. He never looked deep enough. He never fully examined the circumstances surrounding Severus falling in love with Hermione Granger and she loving him. He is an old fool. But I guess no one is right all the time. I don't forgive him though. He would kill Hermione and would feel it was what had to be done just as he is willing to allow Severus to die. He needs to reassess his priorities. He loves Seveus like a pet, not a son. Pets can be put down when they have served their purpose.
Amazing! It is totally amazing how you give us a perfectly acceptable reason to sympathize with Severus enough to see why he would betray the light and choose Tom and the dark. We chose with him. He didn't pass Abraham's test, however. But the Dark Lord in pragmatic wisdom is forgiving him because he has a use for Hermione. Albus never saw this coming. He never looked deep enough. He never fully examined the circumstances surrounding Severus falling in love with Hermione Granger and she loving him. He is an old fool. But I guess no one is right all the time. I don't forgive him though. He would kill Hermione and would feel it was what had to be done just as he is willing to allow Severus to die. He needs to reassess his priorities. He loves Seveus like a pet, not a son. Pets can be put down when they have served their purpose.
"My darling boy!" 
She's in so much trouble though. 
Ginny needed to hear the welcome to grown up world speech. It hasn't been lost on me that she sounds more and more like Severus.
He feels safe in her arms. He knows she would die defending him and she is powerful and she loves him and he knows it. Fuck Malfoy! I'm sure he has his own adgenda, he clearly admitted it, but I don't remember what it is. I just know something very bad is going to happen but then it works out in the end and they are happy together.
What a beautiful chapter! All of their mutual revalations about the other on her birthday was so sweetly romantic and I loved it! What a wonderful birthday! He was exquisite. She's the luckiest woman in the world today. I know the sweetness can't last forever but it is so lovely to indulge as often as one can. It makes real life a little less bitter. Thank you, dearest mia. xoxoxox
OMG! They make everything so hard! But, I love it!!!! They are one big mess of embarrassment and resentment, self doubt, guilt, repressed desire and all manner of emotions for such suppossedly pragmatic and intellectual people. But, again, that is what we love about this particular Hermione Grander and Severus Snape. You are an excellent story birther. After a glass of wine and exhaustion from crying women and babies all day I can't think of the real word I want. Maybe excellent story crafter. You reach my emotions. Now! I musn't stay up half the night like I did last night and I must go to bed and hopefully, sleep. Good night dear mia. Thank you. xoxoxo
I had no business staying up past midnight reading this on a work night but the spell wouldn't let go of me. I'm on the chapter Lost and Found. It made me cry. I have to go to bed now and I know things are about to get worse. But I also know they end up all right. Thanks for a great read!
You did good, Girl!!!!! That Hermione is one smart cookie! She's so proud of him. She can give him so much more than that wanker Voldemort can. So he has that dark mark thing he does, but how often? And it isn't because he loves you it is to control you. What she can give him lasts a lifetime. She sees it all. I hope he is satisfied. Throw her a bone you arse. Give her some credit. Admit the love you two feel is real. She deserves it, Professor.
At least Hermione knew what vows she was taking and took them willingly. So she couldn't be under a compulsion. And you can't really take a vow against your will can you? If it is only words with no intent is it really a vow or just a lie? Well. I know some bad stuff is coming up, I just doen't know how soon. Yikes.
It seems to me his rage exceeds the crime. I know he hates to be controled. But he knows she bore him no malice. She was stupid and selfish and she admits it. What does he gain from making her suffer? What does he hope to accomplish? Does he want to break her? He is right about everything. She admits it. What does he want from her? She is stronger than I. I would be broken by his anger. To what will he drive her? Suicide? At this point I would be thinking that it would be better for everyone if I were dead. Oh but her Christian beliefs...my beliefs...is suicide always a sin?
That was beautiful! Poor man. I remember he's really upset about these vows. On to the Headmaster's office if I remember correctly. Dude! Calm down! 
Have some tea.
My goodness! He has his work cut out for him. Preparing the caldron indeed! We shall see his success in the next chapter I hope. I think I remember yes, but I'm not certain. So here I go!
I am sorry for poor Ron. But he isn't Severus. He isn't as deep as Severus is. His pain will heal and he will be able to move on. That is why Hemione needs Severus. He is a deep deep well of...I don't know what...he is more than any other wizard. Hermione is no normal witch. They need each other. What I don't understand is, what the hell is Albus Dumbledore's problem with it? Does he just prefer Severus miserable? Doesn't he believe Severus is worthy of such love and devotion or of Hermione? Does he really truely not trust his most important spy even though he endures near death to spy for him? I don't get or feel sympathy for this Albus Dumbledore. I hope Severus puts the pricipals of tea making, "preparing, bursting and releasing" to good use soon for Hermione's sake.
Bless their poor, poor hearts! They love each other and can't admit it yet because it's too raw and the ministry is watching. One moment he is proud of her and the next he is breaking her heart with accusations that remind her that she was being selfish when she asked him to marry her. They never get a break. Her friends certainly have something to think about now that they know that A. Hermione can do wandless magic, B. she loves Severus Snape, C. The headmaster assaulted her. I do so hope that Harry made that connection. Will he go ask Albus Dumbledore what the hell he did to Hermione? I do hope so very much!
For all of my complaints, I've felt that sigh and feeling of knowing you belong in the arms of my husband. It is wonderful. It's maked me put up with messy and lazy for 37 years.
What a fuck head Albus was to wonder why she was willing to die to protect Severus!!! 
As if Severus wasn't worth protecting. And she's his wife! How could Albus and Poppy underestimate Hermione so badly? She's Griffindor loyal! She would fight to the death to protect anyone she loves, those Ass Holes! Plus! What makes Albus so sure she doesn't have enough of her own power to resist him without needing a dark spell? Hermione rocks!!!!! I love this Hermione. She's the strongest I think I have ever read. I hope Albus is afraid of her now. He should be. He's lucky the two of them don't kick his self righteous ass!
I'm very surprised that when I've checked I haven't left you reviews on my first two readings of this incredible story. If reviews are payment for the enjoyment you bring to the lives of others, you dear mia, deserve reviews upon more reviews! I read many chapters last night without reviewing because I needed you and you were here to provide solace. I couldn't stop reading because you were keeping me from despair. I've loved this story. I love the way you keep us on our toes when we never know what mood Severus is going to be in. You have my complete sympathy for both Severus and Hermione. I'm perplexed and disgruntled regarding Albus and Hermione's friends treatment of her. The only person who made sense was Minerva. I love this version of her parents more than any other I've ever read, and I have read everything TPP has with this pairing. I pretty much exclusively read SS/HG. I'm grateful that her parents were really forgiving after a brief snit that had to be had for the sake of principle. I don't know if I could have been as gracious as her parents have been about her getting married with out inviting them under the circumstances. My own grown daughters have caused me a great deal of grief and I worked so hard to be the best mom that anyone could be. They have disappointed me, humiliated me and thrown away any opportunities I provided for them. They have made poor choices and I am the one paying for them. One must protect the little grandchildren. Thank you so much for all the work you have put into writing a wonderful romance adventure that a reader can immerse one's self in. Poor Hermione. She is about to face a terrible ordeal with Albus, that bastard! My lack of shorterm memory allowes me to read the same stories over and over only remembering the general direction of the story but not the details.
Yikes!!!! She's left the Headmaster's office thinking that all of Severus' feelings for her are fake because they are nothing more than the result of magical compulsions. I don't remember how they work this out at all. I only remember that some time in the future Hermione will make a crazy, mental, painful and destructive decision and act upon it to her harm and despair. I can't remember if this is what drives her to it. I need to go to bed but I can't stop reading!
Poor Severus! I hope he has better luck explaining this to Voldi than he had with his friends Albus and Minerva.
She has a lot to learn! I do hope he teaches her a lesson. Well, many lessons actually. She has a lot to learn especially about Severus Snape and about matrimony. I have terrible short term memory so I can't remember if this comes up but in her haste to save her education, I wonder if she has looked into any rules regarding students marrying teachers. Did it occur to her that if she marries a professor she may not be able to remain a student? Surely she has checked that out. Hasn't she? I'm loving it! You are witty and have great rhythm and flow.