Chapter 8

Disclaimer: Just having fun.

I was called into a meeting tonight with Professor Snape and Headmaster Dumbledore. The first thing I noticed when I went in was Professor Snape's expression. He seemed terribly angry, and his hair was disheveled badly. I knew it didn't bode well. And besides, I didn't expect Dumbledore to contact me that quickly.

He agreed that I should be the one to do the bonding because Harry has so much going on. Snape said he agreed as well, but I could see he was reluctant. To my shame, they already knew that Ron wouldn't be a match for me, but that's when I found out why Snape seemed in such a bad mood. Professor Dumbledore thought that he and I, that is to say Snape, should bond together.

My heart has never pounded so fast in my life. I was horrified at first. Not because I think ill of the professor, but I just couldn't see myself bonded to him. What sort of relationship would that be? I'd like some bit of happiness, you know? It's a lot to think about. As the conversation went on, I had to agree that Dumbledore's logic was nearly inarguable. Snape even seemed to think so, but he never could look me in the eyes. Not that I wanted him to.

Harry always said that he felt Snape could read his thoughts, and I wouldn't want him to use any Legilimency on me and be offended by what he might find. What to do? What to say? I'm so confused. I know that I need to do this. It's for the greater good. I should make this sacrifice, and I suppose I will do it. But is it wrong for me to want a future with the man I'd bond with? It was so much easier when I thought it would be Ron, but now... Severus Snape.

Hermione Snape.

Hermione Granger-Snape.

No, I like Snape. It has a ring to it, doesn't it?

I am to let Dumbledore know my decision in the morning.

What I need now is a good night's rest. Then I'll tell him that I will bond with Severus Snape and become the man's wife...

Merlin that looks strange!

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Dear Mum and Dad,

I know this will come as a surprise for you, and to be honest, it was for me as well, but I am about to bond with a wizard. It means basically that I won't be able to take an interest in dating anyone. And you can imagine that I'm not doing it out of love, but rather for the war effort. And once that blasted war is over, we can reverse it, and I'll be free again. I just thought I should let you know in case the Prophet finds out and runs an article. I hope they won't, of course, but you never know; Skeeter is back with the paper, and I think I told you that cow hates me. Well, not cow. Beetle.

Hermione

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I wrote Mum and Dad this morning. It's only fair they find out from me rather than reading it in the paper. I do hope we'll manage to keep it secret, though. It would be horrible if anyone finds out.

Not that I mind so much. Snape isn't handsome, but then I'm no beauty either. He is fiercely intelligent, and I think that might work in my favour. That is if he gets over his 'bond-with-a-little-schoolgirl' guilt. Good Lord, that man is a travel agent. For guilt trips, that is. Professor Dumbledore called me to his office this afternoon and invited me to ask questions about the man I'm about to bond with. I didn't know what to ask, so unexpected was his offer. In the end, he just told me bits and pieces of Snape's祐everus's用ast. And yeah, guilt trip galore. I hope he'll lighten up a bit. I don't like to envisage my future as one gloomy day after another.

My journal looks like it has more pages suddenly. Oh, well, I'll check tomorrow. It's getting late, and tomorrow will be another long day.

So sorry for the long delay. Life has been so busy!