8
Chapter 8 of 10
peppermintIn which people resemble codfish and there is much discussion about sheep and cheese.
ReviewedHerbert Granger sipped from his snifter of brandy, ensconced in a comfortable chair at Snape Manor.
“I hope I haven’t offended you by insisting on complete propriety, Snape. It’s just that the gossip mill pegs you year after year as the most eligible bachelor, and I want no speculation as to why you’re suddenly heading to the altar with a bluestocking former student.”
“No offense taken, sir. Have we settled the matter, then?”
“Yes, as far as I’m concerned. You still have to deal with Hermione on your own, and she’s a wily negotiator.”
“I quite look forward to it.”
~~~~
“Where is he?! It’s gone six!” Hermione fretted, pacing the front parlor in a state of agitation.
“Darling, calm yourself. I’m sure everything is fine!”
“Mother, he’s probably sold me up the river for two sheep and a wheel of cheese by now!” Hermione snapped.
Jean settled her daughter on the settee with a bemused smile. “Hermione, your father would never do such a thing. You know these are only formalities. I have a feeling he’ll leave the final decisions up to you. I know you planned on further education. Do you really think your professor would begrudge you that?”
~~~~
Hoofbeats clattered in the driveway, and Hermione leapt from the couch and twitched the curtains aside.
“He’s back!” She made to run out to the forecourt, but her mother stopped her.
“Hermione,” she said, quite seriously, “you’re likely going to be married this season. Your father and I have allowed you to be wilder than perhaps we ought, but a little decorum would do you a world of good right now. Sit down and be still.”
Sit down and be still!? Her entire life was hanging on whatever news her father brought! How was sitting still even an option?
~~~~
Herbert peered into the front parlor with a smile on his face.
"Your professor and I have come to an understanding, my girl. I knew you'd have demands beyond what I needed for assurance he'd take care of you, so it's still up to you whether you accept his forthcoming proposal or not. Don't give in until you have what you really want."
To say that Hermione quite resembled a codfish for a moment would not be incorrect.
"Y-you only settled that I'd be taken care of financially? He agreed to negotiate with me on everything - EVERYTHING - else?!"
~~~~
"You see, dear! He didn't sell you up the river for two sheep and a wheel of cheese at all," Jean remarked.
Hermione blushed prettily and looked off to the side.
To his credit, Herbert laughed. "Fetch your old dad his pipe, my dear. You're worth considerably more to us than sheep and cheese. Lord Snape is a good match for you. You'll keep each other young."
"When do you think I can expect Professor, er, Lord Snape to come to call?" Hermione inquired, handing her father his pipe and tin of tobacco.
Before he could answer, the doorbell rang.
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Latest 25 Reviews for The Courting of Hermione
72 Reviews | 5.03/10 Average
As much as I love this story, I do have a nit to pick. Hermione's owl should probably be named something other than Camus (assuming that he's named after Albert Camus)...because Camus would not even be born until almost a century after the end of the Regency era.
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
And? Do you feel better now? This isn't a review, it isn't even concrit. If you have a "nit to pick", it's considered polite and is mandated in TPP site guidelines to email the author instead. In any case, you're incorrect about the owl's name. Camus means "flat nosed" in Old French and is a reference to the flat faces of most owls.
This was a lovely jaunt through the regency era. I adored it all. I just love the random story button!! 
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
:D I find some of the best stories using the random button :D I'm so glad you liked it!
This was utterly adorable. I'm glad they spotlighted this on the SS/HG Quiz. I never would have known about it otherwise. Good show!
~arynwy
A lot ca happen in five minutes.
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
I know! Even on the front porch!
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
I know! Even on the front porch!
academic pursuits... sure
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Yes. Very uh, "academic". Quite the "learning experience".
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Yes. Very uh, "academic". Quite the "learning experience".
ROFL, Minerva as chaperone. Bummer!
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
He thought he was being all kinds of sneaky :)
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
He thought he was being all kinds of sneaky :)
Snape of Snapington LOL
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
everybody loves Snape of Snapington.
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
everybody loves Snape of Snapington.
Blatant impropriety... ooh, do go on!
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Indeed~
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Indeed~
Your father and I have allowed you to be wilder than perhaps we ought, but a little decorum would do you a world of good right now.--Lol, that was a laugh! I know this is supposed to be in a more strict time, but I had to chuckle. Things are so different nowadays. Now the real negotiations begin!
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Yep :D Thanks for reading!
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Yep :D Thanks for reading!
Two sheep and wheel of cheese? I hope it was a good cheese...
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Only the best. Cheshire, probably. Yum!
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Only the best. Cheshire, probably. Yum!
wow! that was fast! love these drabbles. thanks so much
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
You're very welcome, and thank YOU! Next chapter is in the queue :D
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
You're very welcome, and thank YOU! Next chapter is in the queue :D
That is what I love a Lord Snape who doesnt let his intended dangle on the vine!!! I am all sorts of curious about what sort of negotiations Hermione & Severus will engage in! Thank you for the rapid post! It is wonderful to have you back again.
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Working on the negotiations currently, and the next chapter is in the queue as well.
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Working on the negotiations currently, and the next chapter is in the queue as well.
ROFLMAO with this line "he’s probably sold me up the river for two sheep and a wheel of cheese by now" That is so funny. Thank you for brightening my day so much.
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
I thought that was rather comedic myself! You're quite welcome! I'm glad I could brighten your day!
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
I thought that was rather comedic myself! You're quite welcome! I'm glad I could brighten your day!
10 points to your house for a most excellent witchy name Illiana Puckle. I must tell you that I had a little fan girl squeeeeeeeee when Lord Snape told Hermione he meant to change his bachelor status! ((happy dance)) 
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Thanks! :D10 points to Slytherin, whoo hoo
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Thanks! :D10 points to Slytherin, whoo hoo
The writing to each other is very sweet.
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
And very proper. Sending books back and forth is practically an open declcaration of "I want to shag you" for those two...
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
And very proper. Sending books back and forth is practically an open declcaration of "I want to shag you" for those two...
Ah, there's the Snape we know. Mind always on work.
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Exactly :D
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Exactly :D
May I paw at you, madame? Hee hee!
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Oh please do, LOL!
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Oh please do, LOL!
That was a nice touch, having McGonagall reply.
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Well, it'd hardly be proper for Ginny to chaperone them... and Minerva is such a good "straight man" for the comedy...
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Well, it'd hardly be proper for Ginny to chaperone them... and Minerva is such a good "straight man" for the comedy...
Snapington? OMG awesome 
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Everybody seems to love Lord Snape of Snapington, I apparently did well with that one.
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Everybody seems to love Lord Snape of Snapington, I apparently did well with that one.
It's funny because I can really hear Emma Watson's inflections when I read this.
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Hmm. I don't think I intended to write it that way, but looking at it, I can too.
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Hmm. I don't think I intended to write it that way, but looking at it, I can too.
It's nice to have you back. And five drabbles in one go: it's heaven.
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Gosh, thanks!!The next installment is in the queue and there's 3 in that one.
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Gosh, thanks!!The next installment is in the queue and there's 3 in that one.
Lol, Minerva chaperoning over Ginny. Lol
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
GInny wouldn't be quite proper, and I do love Minerva and her dry wit.
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
GInny wouldn't be quite proper, and I do love Minerva and her dry wit.
I rather enjoy that Severus told Hermione his intentions before owling her father. It shows his respect for the person who would ultimately be left with the decision.
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Severus may be many things, but he's not dumb! Thanks!
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Severus may be many things, but he's not dumb! Thanks!
Camus? Nice touch for such a couple.
I started this, lost track of it, and now have caught back up. What fun! I'm going to bookmark it so I won't lose it again!
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Sweet! Glad you're enjoying it!
Response from peppermint (Author of The Courting of Hermione)
Sweet! Glad you're enjoying it!