Breaking the News

Hermione woke the next morning to the sunlight streaming in her window. Her parents would be here today. Her stomach roiled and clenched as she thought about what would happen next. Her calm assurance of the night before was gone...she would marry Professor Snape, and she had to tell her parents about her decision today. She groaned as she got out of bed and went to shower. It was going to be a long day.

She went to breakfast with Harry, who was still telling her all about how wonderful Kingsley Shacklebolt was. She wasn't sure how to break the news to him so she let him carry on as they walked into the great hall. A glance towards the head table revealed that Professor Snape had chosen to attend breakfast in the great hall. She hurried to her place, feeling suddenly embarrassed in his presence. She had a flashback of being bent over his leg getting spanked...strangely enough; the result was to make her feel guilty about throwing a fit. Hermione picked up a piece of buttered toast and nibbled on it...she really didn't feel like a full breakfast today.

Students around the great hall looked up as the morning owl post arrived. She looked up into the din of owls flying around and spotted a Ministry owl headed for the head table...right towards Professor Snape. Another large Ministry owl swooped down upon her and dropped a scroll on her plate. This must be it, but she didn't think it would be so soon.

She looked back to the head table where Professor Snape was looking at his scroll curiously as he held it. Hermione watched as he unrolled the scroll...she saw the start of surprise on his face. He looked over to her and actually gave her a small smile as he tucked the parchment away in a robe pocket. Harry had come to attention when she got the Ministry Scroll and followed her gaze.

"Hermione..." his voice was hesitant. "What's going on?"

She didn't answer, she couldn't. Instead, she opened her scroll...

The Ministry of Magic congratulates you on your upcoming nuptials.

You have thirty days in which to perform the wedding ceremony. Contact the Ministry of Magic with your expected Wedding Date and a ministry official will be sent to perform the binding spells and proper paperwork.

And there it was in black and white ornate script. No turning back now. She was really, truly going to marry Professor Snape. Severus Marcus Aurelius Snape. Marcus Aurelius? Somehow, the name of the philosopher who wrote at length of serenity and peace with your fellow man seemed a strange irony to be the two middle names of Severus Snape.

"Hermione..." Harry had leaned over to read her mail. "Hermione...what...what have you done?"

"I have made a choice, Harry," she said quietly.

"But Hermione...why?" Harry looked absolutely stricken. "You could have picked Kingsley...why did you do this?"

"I made the best choice I could with the facts I had." She spoke firmly, hoping her voice wouldn't shake. Now was the time to put up a positive, self-assured front. She couldn't quell before Harry now.

"When?"

"Last night. I had a meeting with Kingsley yesterday afternoon and another with Professor Snape before dinner time. After that I had all the facts I needed to make my choice and I didn't see any point in waiting any longer," she told him.

Harry just stared at her, mouth agape. "Wait...did you drink anything when you met with Professor Snape?" he asked suspiciously.

"I had tea...what does that have to do with anything?" she asked, but had a suspicion where he was going with it. She wasn't about to admit to the brandy followed by the sobriety potion he had given her the evening before that.

"Oh gods, Hermione this is terrible...he slipped you a potion, that's why you signed for him. Come on, we've got to go tell Dumbledore and get this mess straightened out before it's too late!" He stood and grabbed her arm to help her up.

"Harry," she hissed. "He didn't give me any potions...I made this decision on my own."

"I don't believe it; you wouldn't do that to me!" He was nearly shouting now, people were beginning to crane their necks to see what was going on.

"Harry...hush! Sit down. I didn't do this to you, I did this for me. Now would you sit down?" She grabbed his arm right back and tugged for him to sit.

Harry stilled suddenly and stared up the path between the tables. His features hardened to a look of pure hatred. Hermione turned to see Professor Snape walking through the tables with an incredibly smug look on his face. He gave Harry a cursory glance before turning his attention to Hermione.

"Miss Granger, I require your presence after class today," he told her and walked away, leaving Harry standing and staring after him.

She turned back to the table, trying to ignore the looks of pity from those who thought she was in trouble, and nibbled at her toast. She didn't think the looks would be any better if they knew why he wanted to see her. Harry flopped down heavily on the bench beside her, appearing completely defeated. "Why did you do this?" he finally asked weakly.

"Harry, I made the best choice I could. Kingsley was very nice, but it would never have worked out. I'm sure everything will be fine, just calm down."

"I still think we should go to Dumbledore...I don't trust him, and you shouldn't either."

She decided to ignore him...he would come around, and right now she didn't want to deal with him taking her engagement as a personal affront. She decided to compose a note thanking Kingsley Shacklebolt for his offer and informing him of the decision she had made. It would probably be better to let him know that way.

*****

Professor Snape strode to his office. He had been quite surprised that she had accepted him so soon. However, he realized that since she was trying to be practical she would want to get the decision made and out of the way as quickly as possible. After she left his room last night he decided to work his own arithmantic equations, the results were more than satisfactory.

It appeared she had not informed Potter, if his expression towards him in the Great Hall was any indication. He was glad she hadn't told him...seeing the look on Potter's face for himself had been perfect. Although, he would likely get over it since he was forever Miss Granger's ever-present friend and then he would have to put up with him in his home. At least while he was still at Hogwarts they would be able to meet places other than his quarters. He was at the top of the stairs when he heard the sound of footsteps rushing his direction.

"Severus!" It was Minerva McGonagall. He took in a deep breath, savoring the moment and prepared to etch what was sure to be Minerva at her most incensed into his permanent memory. When she neared him, he turned to face him with his best smug, triumphant expression.

"Minerva? How may I help you?" he asked in silken tones.

"What did you get from the Ministry?" she asked, her voice was shaking and her eyes narrowed to slits.

"I didn't realize you took such interest in my personal mail," he replied. He was pulling the moment out just for sheer enjoyment. He had so few of these moments, and he wanted to make the best of it.

"Severus what was it?" she raised her voice. Her face was the picture of perfect indignation and fury.

"Very well," he said and reached into his breast pocket. "This is what I received from the ministry," he said, withdrawing the parchment with a slight flourish and holding it out for her to see.

She snatched it from his hand and held it tightly. Her eyes widened and she began to shake. She looked up at him with cold suspicion. "Why did she accept you?"

"Miss Granger is a bright young woman, as you remind the staff frequently, I am sure that she made her decision with all consideration due to something of this magnitude."

"If I find out that you have done anything untoward to influence her decision..." she threatened.

Snape narrowed his eyes and his smug expression moved to one of cold fury. "I have done nothing but answer numerous questions of Miss Granger's. She has made this decision based on what she wanted. The only reason I even submitted a bid was because Albus asked me to. After all I have done for the Order, after all my years of spying, all those years of protecting Potter how dare you insinuate that I am untrustworthy." He snatched his Betrothal Certificate from Minerva's shaking hands. "I look forward to your congratulations for my upcoming nuptials. I do hope you won't antagonize Miss Granger about her decision, though I suppose I shouldn't expect too much. Good day," he snarled, then turned on his heel and stalked down to the dungeons.

The insinuation that he would have misled or manipulated or even given a potion to Miss Granger in order to influence her decision to marry him put a stopper in his elated mood. But, he didn't expect much more of Minerva the self-righteous stuck-up head of Gryffindor. She had always looked down on him, even after the war, after all the times he had risked his life to bring essential information from Voldemort's inner circle. The battle never would have been won without him. How soon people forget.

*****

Potions class was nearly the same as usual for Hermione. Professor Snape paid her no more or less attention than he normally did. The major difference was with Harry. He hadn't talked to her since they left the great hall. He sat in his chair in potions glaring at Professor Snape as if he'd like to hex him right there in class. Hermione wasn't sure if she was relieved or not that Professor Snape chose to ignore Harry completely.

At the end of the class they cleaned up their supplies. Professor Snape announced that class was dismissed, and Hermione hung back, slowly packing her bag. Harry didn't move either. He stood behind his chair and glared at Professor Snape, who continued to ignore him for the moment. Once the class was empty except for the three of them, Professor Snape looked up from his desk.

"Mr. Potter, I do not recall requesting your presence after class. You may go," he said dismissively.

Harry just continued to stare, and looked as if he was seriously thinking of confronting Snape with accusations.

"Harry," Hermione whispered, "It's ok, I'll see you later." 'Oh just please leave; don't make this more difficult' she silently begged him.

He turned to glare at her angrily for a moment before stalking out of the classroom and slamming the door behind him. Hermione winced at the loud noise as she turned to face Professor Snape.

"I take it Potter did not appreciate news of our engagement?"

"Well, no...I think he really wanted me to marry Kingsley," she explained with a shrug.

"Apparently, McGonagall wanted the same thing."

"Yes...she did," she answered. Despite the fact that she had been absolutely certain of her decision the night before, faced with the reality of her Professor in the cold light of the dungeons she felt nervous. She shifted uncomfortably under his piercing gaze.

"I hadn't expected you to make a decision so soon," he said.

"I didn't see any point in waiting. I had the information I needed, I wanted to get the decision out of the way and move on," she said firmly.

"Very well...your parents were planning on being here this evening. They should be relieved to find this matter settled when they arrive. I would appreciate it if you would pass on an invitation to dinner for tomorrow night. It would be best to meet my future in-laws soon enough for them to become accustomed to me."

"Um...yeah...good idea, I'll let them know."

"Miss Granger, you don't regret your decision so soon, do you?" he asked and walked to stand closer to where she was seated. She was definitely nervous.

"Well...um...no, I don't regret my choice...um, I just...well..." she shrugged as she trailed off and looked down at her book bag.

"Miss Granger, I will be your husband within a month. You should get used to looking at me when we speak," he said with a note of amusement in his voice. Her eyes snapped up to meet his as her face flushed red. "And speaking of which, I suppose we should work on planning the wedding ceremony. Would you prefer a large ceremony or a smaller gathering?"

"I haven't thought that far..." she said, surprised that he was offering her a choice. So, since she didn't know what she wanted on that particular point she asked, "Do you have any preferences?"

"I would prefer a small ceremony. I will speak with Albus about officiating. The ceremony will be a traditional wizard binding, along with the...additional ministry bindings which have been enacted specifically for these unions." His last words were said with distaste. She knew what he was referring to. Included in the Marriage Law were additional provisions to magically ensure fidelity of both parties as well as to monitor the union for adherence to the weekly coitus requirements. Even though he had made it clear that he would take full advantage of those requirements, she knew that someone like him would resent being required to do anything, even if he would enjoy it. "Though I would prefer a small ceremony, you should think on it. Wizarding marriages are for a lifetime. Unless I meet with an early death, this will be your only wedding. If you would prefer a large, ornate wedding then I will not oppose you on the matter."

"Oh..." she said in surprise "Um...thanks."

"Did you take a good look at the book before you signed the contract?" he asked. He smirked as she turned red and looked down at her book bag again.

"Yes," she answered quietly. She looked back up at him, but her eyes shifted around, not quite meeting his. She flushed further.

"Are you sure you had a good look? I was sincere about not wanting you to have any unpleasant surprises," he purred softly to her.

"Um...yes...I looked." Her voice was half an octave higher than usual. "I looked through the entire book after I finished filling in the equations," she answered with a firmer voice this time.

"Good, I look forward to meeting with you and your parents tomorrow evening for dinner then. Until then, Miss Granger," he said politely. Hermione gave him a small smile as she left the classroom and then hurried on to her next class.

*****

Once again Hermione and her parents were sitting in the Headmaster's office. They had both read through the marriage law and were furious about it. The Headmaster sat and listened patiently as they railed against the injustice done to their daughter, and he offered words of condolence at helpful intervals. Finally, they settled down enough to discuss the situation rationally.

"So who is her other option, besides that professor of hers?" Mr. Granger asked sullenly. Hermione hadn't had a chance to get a word in edgewise in the conversation thus far, and felt her stomach sink to her knees. She would have to tell them, and Professor Dumbledore already knew who she had chosen.

"A wizard by the name of Kingsley Shacklebolt was her other option. However, I believe that Hermione has already made her choice...isn't that correct Hermione?"

Her parents looked to her in shock. "You already...Hermione dear, did you sign anything?" her mother asked warily.

"Mum, Dad...Professor Dumbledore had me meet with my two options...and I made a decision. I looked at all the facts and I chose someone who would least interfere with my life and future." Once again, she was trying to justify herself and her decision. She only hoped her parents would understand better than Harry and Professor McGonagall had. She had cornered Hermione after transfigurations class, demanding an explanation for why she hadn't chosen Kingsley. After her initial anger, she had looked with pity upon Hermione and had told her that if Professor Snape ever did anything to hurt her she should tell Professor Dumbledore and they would 'take care of him'.

She took a deep breath and announced: "I decided Professor Snape would be the best option."

Her parents stared at her for a long moment, eyes wide. "But, did you sign anything yet?" her mother asked again, nearly in a whisper.

"Yes, I signed and we are officially engaged," she said. She felt a twinge of guilt about springing it on her parents like this. She knew the decision was correct, but still, maybe it wouldn't have hurt to let them think they had some kind of influence. She knew they felt completely helpless about the whole mess. They had crumpled back into their chairs at her announcement, and she decided she may as well try to make things better. "He said he would like to invite us to dinner tomorrow evening to talk about upcoming plans..." Well, she had hoped it would help anyway.

Jane Granger leaned forward and buried her face in her hands. Frank Granger sighed deeply and shook his head, reaching over to pat his wife's shaking shoulders. He turned to the Headmaster. "Why on earth did you let her do this?" he asked angrily.

"Mr. Granger, I did the best I could in this situation to allow Hermione to have the best chance for happiness in the future. While she did make her decision much more quickly than may be ideal, I do not think she decided without first knowing everything she possibly could."

"But he's a teacher! I thought this school had standards. How could you permit this with a teacher?" he shouted.

"Please believe me, if it were not for the Marriage Law, as well as the unusual circumstances surrounding your daughter's situation a teacher-student relationship would never be allowed at Hogwarts. It is only because of the grave circumstances that I considered it. I did find another person who was not a teacher, but the decision was left to Hermione to make. This is sudden, but she is now out of danger from those who wish her harm. I trust Severus to do his duty to keep her safe."

"Do his duty you say...I read this law...he's going to...going to..." he trailed off, voice shaking. He didn't want to say what he knew his daughter would be required to do and who would be with her. Hermione looked at her hands uncomfortably, then back to her dad.

"Dad...listen, this was my best chance to get away from Lucius Malfoy. The important thing is that I will be safe. It may not be perfect, but it could be a lot worse," she explained, wishing her father would understand.

Dumbledore decided it would be a good time to intervene. "Mr. and Mrs. Granger, perhaps it would be best to let things cool off for a little bit. I'm sure everything will seem better once you're settled into your rooms. You have this weekend and next week to go over everything. The staff and I will all be here to assist you in any way possible. Now...if you would come with me please, I will show you to your rooms."

They allowed themselves to be led to a corridor near Gryffindor Tower. The walk was tense, but Professor Dumbledore easily filled the silence by temporarily acting the tour guide with some brief explanations about the parts of the castle they walked through, he even introduced them to the Ravenclaw ghost, The Grey Lady, as she passed through the corridor. They were a bit shocked at seeing a ghost, but eased as Hermione and the Grey Lady exchanged greetings.

The guest rooms were opulent, and despite the stress of the situation they seemed to relax in their new surroundings. The room was conveniently situated just down the hall from the outer door of Hermione's private Head Girl's room.

"Here you are," he announced when he had showed them around. "Dinner will be here in a few minutes. I have also made you a map to ease your stay here," he said, producing a parchment from his robes. He took it took it to her parents and opened it to explain its workings. "If you need to get anywhere just state the location to the map and it will guide you. As you can see, I have also charmed it to show you where you are in relation to the map." He handed it to the Grangers with a gentle smile and winked at Hermione. She had noticed the similarity to the Marauder's Map and Dumbledore was likely aware of its existence. "Now, I will leave the three of you to discuss matters. Good evening."

No one said anything for a while after Professor Dumbledore left. Hermione walked over to the large couch and sat on one side. Her mother followed after a moment and sat in the middle of the couch and reached out for Hermione's hand. They sat in silence for a while, not speaking, simply holding each other. After a while her dad came and sat in a chair adjacent to the couch.

"Oh Hermione," her mother finally said. "I just wish we could take you away from all this. We've always been so happy for you, that you had found such a wonderful, mystical world that seemed to be so perfect. I guess we never thought this sort of thing could happen."

"I know...it was a big surprise to a lot of people. They're trying to overturn the law, but it's something that could take years, and I don't have years to solve this. I'm sorry I didn't wait longer to sign the contract, but even if I had waited I would still make the same choice. It seems strange to me too that I'm going to marry Professor Snape, but after a few talks with him I think it's going to be ok," she assured her mother.

"This is the professor Harry was talking about last summer when he visited, isn't it?"

"Yes...Harry really doesn't like him, but he's not anything as bad as what Harry makes him out to be."

"So did you pick him because he was nicer than the other one?" Her mother asked. Hermione realized that she was ready to listen this time. Her dad sat silently and waited for an answer as well.

"No...if I was just looking at 'nice' I would have picked Kingsley. I picked Professor Snape because he would have given me the best opportunity to remain independent...or at least as independent as I could be while married. Also, did you see the part of the law that said the muggleborn wife would have to have her husband's permission to have a job?" Her parents nodded. "Well, that was another big issue for me. If I had married Kingsley, he acted nice about it, but I could tell he wanted to just give me an allowance and have me stay at home. Professor Snape, on the other hand, pretty much said he would prefer me to have a job, and strongly implied that he wouldn't provide me with spending money."

"Why that..." her father sat straighter and looked angry.

"No, Dad...let me explain. I would much rather be independent than have someone just give me money. Also, Kingsley wanted about eight kids..." her parents both started at that "...and Professor Snape said that he didn't want any kids at all until after he retired from teaching, which would be in about five years, and that even then one or two children would be all he wanted. I feel the same way. This would give me time to finish school, as well as do an apprenticeship if I wanted to. He will also make sure I have contraceptive potions," at this her parents both winced since it brought up the obvious reason for taking said potion, "and would also leave it up to me as to when to stop taking the potions. There were several other reasons involved, but those were the major ones. Do you understand why I picked him now?"

Her parents both looked thoughtful. "Yes...that does make sense," her mother admitted. "I hate this situation, but I agree with your reasoning. I just hope you will be happy," she said sadly as she turned and hugged her daughter.

They were interrupted by a house elf that suddenly appeared near the fireplace. "Excuse me...Dobby is not wanting to interrupt, but Dobby is bringing dinner for Miss Hermione and her parents," he squeaked while balancing a large silver tray over his head.

"Oh Dobby, thank you so much, please set it down here," Hermione said and patted the large coffee table. There wasn't a dining table in the room. The elf placed the chair down and looked curiously at Hermione's parents who were staring in open shock at Dobby. He certainly was a strange sight, even for a house elf. He still wore several of the knitted hats that Hermione had left out for the House elves in her fifth year, and a strange hodge-podge of bright, rainbow socks, a yellow and brown plaid kilt, a bright purple and green checked shirt, and a red bandana worn around his neck.

"Mum, Dad...this is Dobby, remember the nice house elf I told you about?"

"Oh Miss Hermione is so gracious, Dobby does not deserve such praise...Miss Hermione is so kind and Dobby is so happy to meet her parents." The elf bowed low to the gathered Grangers. "Just call Dobby when you need anything and Dobby will come and take care of you," he told them with a proud smile before he snapped his fingers and disappeared.

The casual dining in the living room of the guest quarters was comforting, reminding Hermione of her summers at home during which dinner in the Granger household was usually eaten in the living room and filled with conversation. Though stilted at first, conversation soon flowed and for the time being they caught up on things other than the upcoming marriage, all seeming to want to avoid that issue at the moment. They caught up on her friends, and heard more about Dobby the house-elf. Frank and Jane Granger had taken the next week off of work and there would be plenty of time to get everything worked out.

After dinner, however, Hermione's father became agitated and paced the room restlessly as she and her mother talked. Finally, he announced he was going for a walk and left with the map. Hermione and Jane Granger cast a worried glance at the door after he left, but knew things would be better when he got back. It was his usual method to deal with a problem...he would leave for a walk for several hours, but when he returned would be more settled about things.

Dr. Frank Granger strode through the castle, thoughts churning in his head. An occasional student passed him and looked curiously at the sight of a man in muggle clothing in the halls of Hogwarts, but he paid them no mind. As he walked, he thought about the whole crazy situation. His little girl had grown up quickly over the last seven years, it seemed to him that it hadn't been long since she had been a giggling little girl asking to ride on his shoulders, the little girl who proudly displayed her latest coloring with crayons, who brought home the straight A report cards from primary school...she had quickly become the young scholar who came home during school breaks to tell them of all the wonderful things she was learning about magic and potions and magical creatures and many other subjects that they didn't really understand...it had been like something out of a fairy tale. Even the little bit she had told them about the dark wizard Voldemort hadn't seemed to mar the picture of the wonderful world his daughter lived in, and that he and her mother contended themselves to just hearing about through her.

But now this world seemed a strange and twisted place where the laws of physics and science did not apply as they rightly should. This was the world that was taking his daughter from him and delivering her to be bound to a man she hardly knew and he was helpless to stop it. As he thought, he came to the conclusion that while he may be helpless to stop what was coming, he was still her father and he would look out for her as best he could. He wasn't going to sit back and take Albus Dumbledore's assurance that this professor of hers who he had heard so much about from Hermione and Harry and Ron...some things good from Hermione, but horrible things from Harry and Ron. He was going to address the matter directly.

Decision made, he stopped and opened the map and said, "Take me to Professor Snape's rooms." He watched as a red dotted line appeared on the map, originating from his own position. He then followed it down the corridor with a determined quality to his stride.

*****

Professor Snape was lounging with a glass of brandy in his living room and thinking about his upcoming wedding. He had spoken with Albus earlier that afternoon regarding performing the ceremony. Albus had actually congratulated him. He had asked Miss Granger to extend a dinner invitation to her parents for tomorrow evening, and he wondered how he would handle her parents. He chuckled to himself, thinking that bending Mrs. Granger over his knee probably wouldn't be the best way to handle any trouble from her. He really didn't have anything to worry about in regards to his safety. They were muggles and couldn't hex him. However, he would be married to Hermione for the rest of his life; it would not do to begin relations with his in-laws badly.

Hermione Granger had proven to be incredibly practical in a situation which would have sent some girls into hysterics. She had chosen him based on logic, despite the fact that he had warned her fully of what he would expect once they were married. He hoped she wouldn't be too much trouble to deal with...but, he could take things slowly with her and savor her training.

There was no reason not to start now, and he went to his desk to retrieve a paper and quill. He would begin now and assign her something to study, along with rewards and punishments associated with the grades he would assign. He would start mild, he didn't want her to be completely terrified of him...slightly scared would suffice. Fear could not override arousal and curiosity. He thought for a moment, wondering what to assign to her first. With a smile he began to write.

Soon after he began writing, five sharp knocks sounded on his door. He wasn't expecting anyone, and students would know better than to knock on his door in that manner even if it were an emergency. He strode to his door, paper and quill still in hand, and opened it. His eyebrows went up fractionally when he saw who was standing there looking rather perturbed. It looked as if his relations with his soon-to-be father-in-law would begin earlier than he had anticipated.

"Dr. Granger," he said in greeting.

"Severus Snape, I would like a word," Frank Granger said with a bit of a growl. Snape didn't allow it to bother him, but he did wonder how he had found his quarters.

"Then please, do come in." He stood aside and allowed his visitor entrance. "Please have a seat. May I offer you a drink?" he asked formally. Hermione's father stood and regarded him thoughtfully for a moment, then acquiesced.

"Yes...what do you have?"

Snape walked to his liquor cabinet as he spoke, bypassing his desk to place his half-written 'assignment' to Miss Granger in an out of the way spot. "Brandy, whisky, and vodka," he listed.

"Brandy then," replied Frank Granger. Snape pulled a glass out and poured a generous portion of brandy. He delivered the glass to Dr. Granger and placed the bottle on the coffee table before sitting in the opposite wing-backed leather chair. The two men eyed each other over their glasses. Snape waited for the other man to speak first. He noticed the map on the coffee table which answered his question as to how he had found his rooms.

"So...my daughter tells me she's chosen to marry you," he began.

"Yes, that is what she has chosen," Snape answered. Dr. Granger narrowed his eyes, trying to evaluate the black-clad man.

"I suppose you find this new law to be quite convenient," he stated abruptly. Snape recognized the suspicion as concern for his daughter...it was understandable. At least he was being reasonably civil about it.

"I think this new law is deplorable, actually. Your daughter isn't the only one who will be forced to make a decision she shouldn't have to before this is all over. Until a few days ago, marriage to anyone was the furthest thing from my mind. However, now that Miss Granger has made her choice, I can only hope that we will have a satisfactory marriage."

Dr. Granger listened closely and took a swig of his drink. "Hermione explained her reasons for choosing you...at least some of them anyway. I can't help but wonder if she was too pragmatic in her methods," he said. "What do you know of her reasoning behind her choice?"

"I know that her education and future career were prime considerations in her choice, as well as the fact that my ideas on children match her own. She was pragmatic, and faced the decision maturely. However, she did take into consideration her feelings on the issue as well. She asked a number of questions when considering her decision, and I answered all her questions honestly. I truly did not think she would consider me at first; but, when it became clear that she was I made sure that she had all the information needed to make her decision...even though it meant telling her things I thought would discourage her from choosing me," he admitted. "I can tell you that she made a fully informed decision; and it is my hope that she does not have reason to regret her choice at a later date."

"I see." He paused and sipped his drink again. "I also found it odd that she listed your implication that you wouldn't help support her financially to be a point in your favor."

Snape raised an eyebrow and drank. He considered his answer before speaking. "It would be a shame to see such a bright mind lie fallow. And, I believe she would resent being a kept woman. I did imply to her that I would not provide her with spending money, but I do not object to covering her basic living expenses since we will be married. Miss Granger's career prospects are promising, considering her grades, so I believe that money will not be an issue of contention at all."

"Yes...she has always been independent and strong-willed," he admitted. He paused, then continued, "Her mother...my wife, Jane is a dentist as well. Early in our marriage, while we were still both in medical school, I suggested that she could stay at home and not work if she wanted...took her quite a while to forgive me for that one."

"Now I understand where your daughter gets her tenacity," Snape replied with a small smile.

Dr. Granger considered his answer and seemed to relax a bit. "I also hear you plan to retire from teaching within five years...where do you plan to live after you leave the school?"

Snape was satisfied with the new line of questioning. It was a degree of acceptance of the situation, as well as concern that he wasn't too far to visit. "I don't have a specific place in mind currently, but it would be within the British Isles. I can assure you that I would not take her too far for easy visits."

Dr. Granger nodded. He drained the last of his glass and started to get up for a re-fill.

"Allow me," Snape offered and withdrew his wand from his sleeve. With a flick, he levitated the bottle over to Dr. Granger and caused it to tilt and re-fill his glass. He levitated the bottle back to himself and re-filled his own. Snape noted that the other man masked his surprise at the use of magic fairly well. The two men sipped their drinks in silence for a few moments before Dr. Granger spoke again.

"I don't like this situation one bit. We had always imagined that Hermione would meet the right young man one day and settle down to marry...but not for a long time yet, and certainly not something like this," he told Snape. "But, this appears to be inevitable," he finished.

"Yes, it is inevitable," Snape agreed. "Though I know this is a disturbing situation to you, I am confident that her future will not be dismal. You have my word that I will not allow her to come to harm," he assured Dr. Granger.

Dr. Granger cleared his throat and shifted somewhat uncomfortably. "I've read this law through several times..." Snape knew the reason for the discomfort now, "and I was alarmed at the fact that the Ministry of Magic has also outlawed the sale of...ehem...contraceptive potions given the...er...requirements of the marriage law." Snape decided now would be the time to drop the calm assurance and match his betrothed's father's appearance of discomfort...purely for future familial harmony, of course. "Hermione did say that your position as a Potions Master was also part of her decision because of this...and that her other prospect was some kind of police officer and there would be difficulties getting around the law there. But, since the situation is what it is..." Dr. Granger took a big slug of his drink and scratched his head. "What I'm trying to say is that Hermione is our only child...we want for her to be happy in a career...but we hope to have a grandchild or two one day. Not too soon, mind you."

"I understand. I did explain to Hermione my thoughts on children. While I am still teaching I am not in any position to become a father...but after that I will leave the decision on when to have a child to her. She said she would like to have one or two children, and I would not be opposed to that."

Dr. Granger looked at him for several long minutes. Snape watched the emotions play across his face before it appeared that he had reluctantly accepted the situation. "All right then...I should be going," Dr. Granger announced as he drained the last of his brandy, stood up and retrieved the map. Snape stood as well and accompanied him to the door. Dr. Granger awkwardly reached out a hand, and Snape grasped it in a firm handshake. "Take care of my daughter," he told him.

"I will, Dr. Granger," Snape answered with all seriousness.

"Call me Frank," he said as they released the handshake.

"Very well Frank...please call me Severus. I look forward to seeing you and your wife for dinner tomorrow evening."

"We'll be there Severus...I still don't like this, but it could be much worse," he reasoned as he stepped out into the corridor.

Snape closed the door, thinking the meeting had gone quite well. If she got her tenacity from her mother, surely her logical reasoning in difficult situations was inherited from her father. He felt more confident now that marriage to Hermione Granger would not be as objectionable as he had first feared when Albus had convinced him to submit a proposal.

He walked over to his desk and retrieved his note to Hermione and finished writing and applied a spell to the parchment. He smiled and thought it was too bad he wouldn't see the look on her face as she read it. He started to roll it up, but then stopped and added a post script before he sealed it and summoned a house elf to deliver the note. Actually, though he wouldn't get to see the look on her face it was probably best that he would not be present...her reaction if he were within reach would likely give him reason to turn her over his knee again.

*****

Hermione returned to her rooms. She had waited for her father to return for a while, but after conversation became peppered with yawns, her mother urged her to get some sleep. She got ready for bed and just as she slipped under the covers a house elf wearing an old towel appeared in her rooms.

"Master Snape sends a note to Miss Granger," the elf said as it handed her the note. Hermione took it and the elf disappeared. She wondered what he would be writing her about, and opened the note. She looked at it curiously, as it didn't seem quite complete.

Miss Granger,

Open the book I loaned you to page 93. Further instruction will appear when you have done so...

Hermione got out of bed and retrieved the book from her bookshelf with trepidation, returning to her bed before she opened it. When she opened it to page 93, she blushed as she once more viewed the picture of herself performing fellatio on the picture of Professor Snape. She looked back to the note and words were appearing below. Her eyes widened and she dropped the book on the bed. She started turning red as she scanned the message.

Now that you have followed instruction, this is your assignment: Study the techniques demonstrated on page 93, you will be tested and graded on day two of our marriage. Grade points will be deducted for improper use of teeth, awkward tongue technique, gagging, failure to bring me to climax, and for failure to swallow the results of climax.

P.S. Your father just paid me a visit. We had a long talk and you will be relieved to know that he is handling the situation admirably and I believe that we will get along sufficiently well.

Hermione knew he wasn't kidding about what he would expect, but this certainly clarified his position had there been any doubt previously. She wasn't sure what to feel currently...and his post script on that kind of letter seemed so out of place. However, at least there was some good news...she wondered what they had talked about. Whatever it was, at least it hadn't resulted in her dad trying to attack Professor Snape.

She picked up the book again and turned to page two. She had seen this picture in their first conversation. There she was in the picture standing and bent at the hips with her hands on the luxuriously draped bed, and this time the picture was moving as professor Snape stood behind her with a wide, leather strap. Her stomach plunged as she watched him swing the strap from a high arc to land forcefully across her buttocks. Picture-Hermione jumped a foot in the air and she saw the bright red mark appear. She watched the picture through another four blows before she snapped the book closed and worked on controlling her breathing.

She placed the letter and the book in her bedside nightstand drawer and laid back. She wasn't really sleepy anymore. Cucumber indeed...but, she had agreed to this. And so, she determined to study the picture and hope for the best...but she absolutely could not imagine practicing on a cucumber.