The Rules of Engagement

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Just a quick comment:

To everyone – Sorry if it seems like I leave cliff hangers a lot, but in the interest of updating on a regular basis and not having exceedingly long chapters, I have to break the story at logical places. And yes, we will find out more about Aubrey. (side note – I was reading another fic where they used the name Aubrey. It’s getting popular !)

And PLEASE everyone . . . his name is Rosemond, which IS a boys name. It’s no different than calling a girl named Charlene, Charlie or a girl named Margaret, Peggy (OK, frankly I\'ve never figured that one out !)


And for those who care:

‘Aubrey’ is a surname - Norman form of German Alberic \"supernatural power\"
http://www.centralohiowelsh.org/Grandpas.html

and the site http://www.20000-names.com/female_a_names.htm lists it as both a male and female first name

and http://www.babynames.com/V5/index.php?content=name_a has it listed as either also.

I am using it here for this character because I like the sound of it. I had planned on using the name in another story and still reserve the right to do so.

Thanks, Glinda


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Acceptance
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Hermione rode the spiral staircase to the top and braced herself to go into Hea Headmaster’s office. She had just seen Draco and Rose go up and she assumed Severus was already there. The decision she had come to had plagued her all night long. She wouldn’t say she was in love with Rose, by there was a certain fondness between them. And no matter how she said it, Rose was going to be hurt by her decision. Better hurt, then dead, her conscious reminded her.

Stepping quietly into the room, Hermione could look at no one, but the Headmaster, as she went to her seat. She felt Severus take his seat next to her.

“I understand you have made your decision, Miss Granger.” The Headmaster stated. Hermione nodded, then looked at her hands. Bracing herself mentally, she spoke the words that would seal her fate.

“I have decided to accept the petition . . . . . . . . . . of Severus Snape.” Hermione said.

“WHAT ?” Rose exclaimed as he shot out of his chair. “Hermione, you cannot be serious.” She stood also, feeling Severus rise behind her.

“Rose, I’m sorry . . . . .” Hermione said inadequately.

“Hermione, please . . . . .” The Ravenclaw clasped her upper arms, staring her in the eye. “I thought we . . . .” She had to tear her gaze away from his azure pain filled eyes.

“It’s the right choice, Rose . . . . . . . for everyone.” Hermione looked back up and met Draco’s anxious expression as he had stood up also. Looking back at Rose, the Ravenclaw’s profound confusion caused her stomach to tie in knots.

“Hermione . . . please don’t do this. Take the full week. Think about it. You have to see we are right for each other.” His voice cracking by the end of his plea. She felt as if she was going to break down in front of him, something she had sworn to herself she wouldn’t do, when she felt large warm hands rest gently on her shoulders. Severus was lending his quiet strength and support, it was comforting.

Inhaling a deep cleansing breath and drawing strength from Severus, Hermione looked back into the Ravenclaw’s eyes. “I am signing the petition today. I hope that you will find the right woman and research partner you’re looking for, Rose. I wish you luck.”

Rose glared over her shoulder at the Professor and dropped his hands from her, shaking his head. “You’re wrong, Hermione. I hope you can live with the life you have chosen.” sta stalked out the door, closing it loudly behind him. She felt herself begin to tremble and looked up at Draco, who immediately open his arms to her. She walked into her friend’s embrace and cried letting out all the tension and emotions she had been feeling all night. It was over, the choice was made.

Draco held her tightly for some time, whispering words of comfort and thanks in her ear. After she had calmed, he pulled out his handkerchief, wiping her face with a small smile, the irony of their reversed roles not lost on either of them.

“You should go.” Hermione told Draco, with more strength than she felt. “And do try to look a bit disappointed you weren’t chosen.” She said. He leaned over, kissed her gently and whispered in her ear.

“I am.” With that thondeonde left.

When he was gone, Hermione turned to look at Severus for the first time, his expression schooled into a careful neutral and his arms were crossed tightly over his chest.

“You do not have to do this, Hermione.” Severus said.

“Yes, I do. Everyone has been telling me to pick you from the beginning. I should have listened. It would have saved everyone a lot of grief.” She said looking down. She felt warm smooth fingers lift her chin gently to look into dark eyes that held more compassion than Hermione had ever seen in them.

“You still have choices.” Severus said. Hermione sighed and nodded.

“Will Rose be safe now ? Will Mr. Malfoy leave him alone ?” Hermione asked.

“Once Lucius hears you have accepted my petition, he will concentrate his wrath on me.” Severus said. Hermione furrowed her brow with the panicked thought that she had just traded one man’s life for another. Severus gave her an wicked smirk.

“ Have no fear, Hermione. I can handle anything Lucius can throw at me.” The dark man said. She still didn’t like it. They both turned at the sound of the Headmaster clearing his throat.

“You may still take the full week, Miss Granger.” Dumbledore said. Hermione shook her head.

“No. I want this taken care of today. I will not change my mind.”

“Very well then.” Dumbledore said as he sifted through the papers on his desk and withdrew the scroll he haen len looking for. “When will the Binding Ceremony be held ?”

Severus and Hermione both took to their seats again. “The Saturday after Christmas was the date I had in mind. If that is alright with you, Severus.” Hermione looked at him quickly, he only nodded.

“You may have the ceremony when and how you like. I only request that it be held at Snape Manor.” Severus said. That seemed a reasonable enough request. Then her eyes widened with understanding. He wanted it there so his ‘family’ could attend, in the persons of Tinker and Wubby. She smiled softly.

“I think that is an excellent idea.”

“What will be your primary residence ?” Dumbledore asked, obviously reading from the form.

“Snape Manor.” Severus answered. Dumbledore wrote it down, nodding to himself.

“Will you be taking your husband’s name ?” The old wizard raised his head and peered over his spectacles at her.

“I didn’t realize there was an option.” Hermione said turning to Severus to try to read his thoughts on the matter.

“I would prefer you took the name of Snape. It will be easier and more beneficial in the long run.” Severus looked at her seriously. Hermione Snape. It sounded strange even in her head, but . . .

“Alright then, yes I will take the name of Snape.” She said, then a thought sprang to her mind. “Does that mean for the rest of the school year I will be referred to as Snape ?”

“You will be Madam e, me, my dear, yes.” The Headmaster said. That was going to be odd.

“It will only be for a few months, Hermione.” Severus said. She looked at Severus. His manner was almost apologetic and it made her feel bad. He was doing all he could to help her and she wasn’t exactly making it easier for him.

“I’m sure I will get used to it.” She said.

“I do have one request to make of both of you.” Dumbledore started, gaining both of their attention. “From now on all of Hermione’s Potions schoolwork will be turned in to me. Potions, papers and exams.”

“Now Albus, really !!” Severus started to puff up, but the Headmaster held up his hand.

“Severus, it is the only solution. I will not have anyone doubting Miss Granger’s grades. You can hardly claim impartiality as her fiancé. Just to be on the safe side, I should probably have all work from Wednesday last.” Severus still seemed disgruntled.

“I don’t mind. I don’t want anyone saying you were giving me special considerations.” Hermione said to Severus.

“That is not the point. Albus is entirely too lenient when it comes to grading.” Severus sniped out. Hermione giggled, she couldn’t help herself.

“Well, I would appreciate it if you would look over the work yourself after the Headmaster is through.” Severus’ lips were still tight, but he appeared somewhat placated.

“Now Miss Granger, if you will sign at the bottom.” Dumbledore said, turning the scroll towards her. When she had signed, the old wizard blew on the ink gently, then rolled the scroll up.

“I think it best to wait until tomorrow to send in the signed petition, Albus.” Severus said.

“Why ?” Hermione asked.

“Because we need to talk with your parents before Lucius learns of our engagement. We will go see them tonight.” Severus said.

“T . . . . tonight ?” Hermione stuttered. She didn’t think she was ready to let her parents in on this yet.

“We must move quickly. I will need to place wards around their house.” Severus said with a grave expression.

“Wards ? You think . . . . .You think Lucius might use them, to get to me ?”

“Or just to torment you. Send them an owl and tell them to expect us after dinner tonight. I will need to prepare a few things to take with us. Can you cover my classes today, Albus ?”

The white haired wizard nodded his head approvingly. “A very good idea, Severus. You may also take the day off, Miss Granger.” At first Hermione wanted to protest, but perhaps he was right. Now that things were settled she could get some sleep.

“You are certain this is what you want to do, Hermione ? I do not imagine your parents are going to like this one bit and we will need to appear as a united front. They must understand the gravity of the situation.” Severus said. She agreed with him there.

“I am certain.”

“Good. I will come by your room to collect you after dinner. Please be ready.” The dark man stood and Hermione followed, then paused.

“Thank you, Professor Dumbledore. For everything.” Hermione said. The old wizard looked over his glasses with a twinkle.

“Good luck to you both.” Dumbledore said.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Severus was starving. He had worked all day in his pte lte lab on the potions he needed and had missed lunch. Coming into the Great Hall through the staff door, he saw Lupin was already in his seat. Not having shared the news of his engagement with anyone, Severus was not sure what to say. Amber eyes flashed at him when he sat down.

“Good evening, Severus.” To which the dark man only nodded. The werewolf sighed gently.

“I’m sorry . . . . . . about last night.”

“Not here !” Severus snarled. All he needed was for the bloody Gryffindor to bring up ‘her’ name again.

“I just wanted to say . . . “

“I said not here !” Severus growled, bringing his fist down onto the table, luckily not as hard as he wanted to. A few members of the staff looked down the table at them, but turned away again when met with the Potion Masters glare.

“You can talk to me . . . . if you want.” Lupin said quietly, staring at the table. “That was all I wanted to say.”

Severus now felt a right fool for coming down so hard on the other man. “Thank you.”

They each began eating, Lupin talking to Madam Pince occasionally. Finally, the fair haired man turned back to him with a cautious grin.

“I understand congratulations are in order.” Bloody hell ! Was his personal life being broadcast all over the school ? Severus looked over to the Gryffindor table and saw Hermione talking with her friends. Surely, she had not spread the news of their engagement. The other man must have seen his concern. “I ran into Rose Green. He . . . . . . is not taking rejection well. He seems convinced you have put Hermione under some kind of love spell or potion.”

Severus snorted. “Poor Mr. Green will have to learn we do not always get what we want in this life.”

“You did, didn’t you ?”

“Hermione accepted me to save Green’s neck, that is all.”

“Be careful what you wish for . . . is that it ?” Lupin said studying him.

“Or be more bloody specific !!” Severus said, to which the other man chuckled.

“Give her time, Severus. Hermione, for all her brilliance, is still quite young.” The dark man nodded and sighed, sitting back in his chair. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a red glass vial and placed it on the table beside Lupin.

“What is this ?” The werewolf asked, picking up the red glass and trying to peer inside.

“It is a special nutritive mix you will be taking everyday. It is not a cure, but should buy some time while we find out the source of your problem.” The dark man crossed his arms and waited for the other to drink.

Lupin opened the vial, held it up in a salute to Severus, then downed the contents in one gulp. A billow of steam escaped out of the fair haired man’s ears and he made a funny face trying to get his breath back. A wicked smile crept to Severus’ lips.

“I thought the fire-whiskey would improve thste.ste.” The dark man said, very amused.

“Good call.” wer werewolf gasped out through a grin, as his eyes watered. The Gryffindor never did do well with liquor, Severus thought with satisfaction.


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“Where you been, Sweet ?” Ron asked Hermione as he sat down to dinner at the Gryffindor table.

“We missed you in class.” Harry said as he too sat down, then Ginny and Neville found their places across the table.

“I became engaged this morning.” Hermione said plainly, while looking at her folded hands on the table.

“You did ?” She heard Ginny ask astonished.

“Who’d you pick ?” Ron asked immediately.

“Who is it, Mione ?” Harry asked gently from the other side of her. She lifted her head and looked into Harry’s eyes.

“I chose Snape. What else could I do ?” She said.

“But . . . . but I thought you liked Rose.” Ginny protested. But Hermione didn’t answer the red head because she was being pulled into a crushing hug by Harry. Hermione sighed against him.

“It will be alright, Mione.” Harry whispered to her and for the first time, she thought it might be. This was most definitely not her dream wedding, but she found she did like Severus. His quiet support this morning had felt . . . . right. Maybe they could get along. Then thinking about her fantasy the other night, she wondered if having to sleep with him, might not be bad either. Hermione was blushing when she pulled back out of Harry’s arms. Ron threw his arm around her shoulders and gave her a gentle squeeze and she looked at him. Nothing needed to be said between them.

“Congratulations, Hermione.” Neville offered from across the table. She gave him a small smile. But she noticed Ginny still looked disgruntled.

“I had to, Gin. It was the right thing to do.”

“I suppose. I just can’t imagine you married to Snape. Rose is your age, smart, drop dead gorgeous and head over heels for you.” Ginny whined back.

“Severus has his good points, too.” Hermione said, feeling she needed to defend her fiancé. Dear Merlin, she had a fiancé !

“That’ll take some getting used to, hearing you call him Severus.” Ron said. “Just please, never discuss your sex life with him around me.” Neville groaned, Harry let out a ‘Ron !’ and Ginny reached across the table and cuffed her brother on the head. Hermione could always count on her friends teer eer her up.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hermione waited in her room, dressed and ready to go. She had changed into muggle clothes to go home, not knowing what Severus would think of her dressing like a muggle. But she thought it would help her parents to feel more comfortable. Taking one last look in the mirror, she heard a knock at the door.

“Good evening.” Severus said striding into the room in all his bat-like glory. Hermione frowned at him. “Something the matter ?”

“I was just wondering if you shouldn’t wear muggle clothes too.”

“I am not a muggle. I am a wizard and I shall dress as such.” Severus said firmly.

“You look kind of intimidating though.”

“Good. Your father will want to feel I can protect you, the more ‘intimidating’ I appear, the better.” Hermione was doubtful of that, but let it go. She put on her coat and followed Severus out the door.

“Is your house connected to the floo network ?” The dark man asked.

“No, Professor Dumbledore didn’t think it was a good idea. We could floo to the Leaky Cauldron an catch a cab out of the city.” Hermione offered.

“We will apparate.”

“I don’t have my license yet.” Severus glanced at her briefly as they were walking out of the school.

“I will take us there.”

“But ….. How can you ? You’ve never been there.” She observed.

“I have been there many times.” He said turning to her, but it was too dark to see his features clearly. “Your home was under Order protection several times. I took my turn like everyone else.”

Hermione quietly mulled this over. So he knew what her parents looked like. He had been to their home. Something about that was oddly . . . . . comforting.

Once outside the gates, Severus turned and opened his arms to her. She walked up and hugged him tightly, breathing in his warm spicy scent. “Severus ?”

“Yes.” She heard him reply softly near her ear.

“I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you’re doing for me. And before you meet my parents . . . I’d just like to apologize in advance.” He chuckled, held her a li tig tighter, then the world flipped upside down in a sickening spiral.

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Some notes – (Don’t feel bad if you are not mentioned, I love you all !)

anon (1) – ‘it seems to me if he did care for Hermione as much as he says he does, he would be looking out for her best interests also.’ Rose thinks he IS looking out for Hermione. He doesn’t KNOW about the threat from us. us.

Anon (2) – Ya know you’re still reading. Hermione will figure it out sooner or later. (and you don’t have to hide from me, I don’t bite . . . much;)

LadyFlashB – This is, strictly speaking a Romance, I’m not good at angst. And as you can see Hermione is coming around.

Pheebs – I love hearing from readers. Don’t be afraid to leave comments!! It’s what I write for !!

WriterLady1031 – Exactly !!

Deb – Your reviews always bring a smile to this tired writer’s face !! I like that you tell me what made an impression on you in the chapter and guesses are always welcome.

Sherrafina – Rose is going to be single for a while.


Christine-

Vielen dank für die Nachprüfung! Ich schreibe auf Deutsch zurück, weil ich einen On-Line-Übersetzer fand. Das ist nicht genau, wie ich vom Weg erzählen kann, dass es die letzte Nachricht übersetzte (so sind irgendwelche Fehler nicht mein Fehler dieses Mal ja!!) aber verstand ich den grössten Teil Ihrer Nachricht und Hoffnung, die Sie meinig verstehen werden. Wirklich übersetzte ich die erste Rezension selbst, und ich denke, dass ich näher dem wurde, was Sie meinten, als der Übersetzer. Irgendwie werden die Leute Sie können nicht Deutsche lesen, mit mir sehr beeindruckt;)

Ich bin froh, dass Sie die Szene mit dem vollgestopften Drachen mochten. Er wird wieder erscheinen. Und Ja, Ja, Ja, liebe ich Alan Rickman und seine Beschreibung von Snape. Seine Stimme macht mich schwach in den Knien. Das war eines der Dinge ich fand attraktiv über meinen Mann, als ich ihn zuerst, seine Stimme traf, und wie es in meiner Brust mitschwang.

Ich bin froh, dass Sie meine Breibreibungen mögen. Ich versuche, dem Leser genug zu geben, um sie in der richtigen Richtung zu führen, ohne sie mit Details zu überbürden. Ich denke, dass das für den Leser besser ist, ihr eigenes Bild zu bilden, das wird ausführlicher und echter sein, als ich möglicherweise schreiben konnte. Und soweit die anderen Charaktere als, den ich am Anfang sagte, es VIEL mehr gibt weitergehend als gerade die Geschichte von Severus und Hermione und dem anderen Geschichte-Zwischenglied mit ihrig.

Soweit Severus und die Gefühle von Hermione sie sogar zu ihnen überraschend sind. Jeder von ihnen fühlt neue und furchterregende Gefühle. Sie werden warten und sehen müssen, wie es erschöpft dennoch.

Bis zum nächsten Mal, Glinda

p.s. - Gerade neugierig, wo Sie in Deutschland sind? Ich hatte e Fre Freund, der von Limburgerhof war und zur Universität in Stuttgard ging. Auch voriger Chef meines Mannes ist in Eichstätt. Mein Mann arbeitet für eine deutsche gehörige Gesellschaft.






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