The Rules of Engagement

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> Author's note 7/28/06 <
First off - You will be pleased to know there is a new chapter being beta read as we speak(or read). I thought I would explain the editing I'm doing.

In her review, WitchatHeart77 mentioned:

"My only problem is there are places where the words are either scrunched up together or missing and messed up... for instance if you were to say Severus..in places it comes out Srusus.. or rus rus."

That is one of the problems I'm fixing. It was a data corruption problem with AFF from a long time ago. I am also fixing a few other things along the way. PLEASE DON'T GET MAD IF THE STORY KEEPS COMING BACK TO THE TOP OF THE LIST, IT CAN'T BE HELPED.

(EDITED chapters are from the beginning and are listed as only the title, no 'chapter'# with it.)

Thanks for giving the story a read.

Glinda



A-Parent-ly
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When they materialized, Severus held onto Hermione a few heartbeats longer than necessary. The close contact with her felt good, even if it were momentary. Just the fact she willingly walked into his embrace, gave him hope. When he loosened his hold, she stepped back and looked around.

“We’re in my backyard.” Hermione said, seeming a little surprised.

“I thought it preferable to popping up on the pavement out front, for all the muggles to see.” Severus said with an amused sneer. Hermione just stared at him for a moment.

“Very funny. You’re going to need that sense of humor.” She said, giving him a smirk of her own, then turned towards the house and went in through the backdoor.

“They leave the doors unlocked ?” He asked unbelieving.

“Most of the time. That will have to change.”

“Indeed.”

“Mum.” Hermione called out. Severus looked around the comfortable suburban kitchen. The overall scheme seemed to be black and white with red objects haphazardly placed about and a large picture of a chicken on the wall. The room was tidy, but obviously well used.

A petite brunette came bustling into the room looking slightly frazzled, Mrs. Granger it would seem. The woman was about half a head shorter than her daughter, who she immediately pulled into a hurried hug.

“Hermione dear, what is all this ? What’s happened ?” The muggle woman had not even appeared to notice Severus as yet, intent as she was on her daughter.

“Mum, I’m fine. Where’s Dad ?”

“He’s in his study. Are you alright ?” The woman asked, then turned her large hazel eyes to him, noticing Severus for the first time.

“Yes, Mum really, I’m fine. If you can get Dad we can talk in the living room.” He could tell Hermione was beginning to get annoyed.

“Oh dear, are Harry and Ron alright ? Nothings happened to them, has it ?”

“MUM ! Stop guessing !” Hermione snapped. Severus put his hand on her arm and she seemed to lean closer to him. “No one is hurt or anything. Just get Dad so we can talk.”

“Alright, alright.” Mrs. Granger said looking distracted. When she had left the room Hermione let out a sigh and turned to him.

“Sorry. She just pushes all my buttons.”

“If I am to be the calm one, that does not bode well for the evening.” He said, to which Hermione let out an honest laugh and he found himself beginning to smile.

Hermione lead him through to the spacious and somewhat formal looking living room, tan, green and cream were to choices in this room. Everything appeared . . . crisp, was the only way Severus could describe it. As if the room had seen little use.

“I’ll take your cloak.” Hermione said, reaching up to the clasp across his chest. He stayed her hand.

“Not just yet.” He said looking down into her eyes. “This is your parents home, after all.” She gave him a confused look, but kept her cloak on as well and stood next to him.

Soon the muggle couple came into the room. Mr. Granger met the dark man’s eyes immediately, Severus got the impression that not much got past the older man.

“Herbert Granger.” Mr. Granger said, thrusting his hand out to Severus for a firm handshake. The man was a head shorter than Severus, but stout, if a little soft in the middle from age. He wore large wire rim glasses and little hair on top of his head, but Severus could tell he could be a force to be reckoned with when he chose. “This is my wife, Lainey. I take it you are one of the Professors from Hermione’s school. Has there been some trouble ?” The man briefly glanced at his daughter.

“Dad, this is Professor Severus Snape.” Hermione said.

“Please, sit down. May I take your . . . um . . . “ Lainey started.

“Cloaks, Mum.” Hermione said with an exasperated sigh as she removed hers. Severus took off his own and handed it to the woman.

“Thank you, Mrs. Granger.”

“Oh please, do call me Lainey.” She chirped. “Can I get you some tea, Professor ?” Severus politely declined.

When the four of them were seated, Severus and Hermione on one couch and the Grangers across the coffee table on the other, Hermione finally spoke.

“Mum. Dad. Do you remember me sending you the article about the ‘Confarreatonis Adnexus’ ?”

“That was the silly marriage law proposal the Ministry of Magic was trying to pass, wasn’t it ?” Lainey said.

“Yes. Unfortunately, it was passed.”

“At least you will have graduated before you are eligible. You can come back home until those prats repeal it.” Herbert Granger said, but his eyes narrowed as he watched his daughter.

“The problem is I already turned 18.”

“Hermione Jane, don’t be silly. I know very well when your birthday is.” The girl’s mother let out a nervous laugh. Severus could almost hear Hermione groan beside him.

“You see, Lainey, Hermione used a Time Turner in her third year to take more classes. Even though her birthday has not yet passed, she turned 18 last Thursday, and that same day she received three petitions from three wizards for her hand.” Severus said. He felt his fiancé tense next to him. Herbert Granger’s face was coloring quickly as his eyes darted from one to the other of them.

“I hope . . .” Herbert started. “you have brought my daughter home before she had to sign any such foolishness.”

“Dad . . .“

“Do not ‘Dad’, me young lady ! I have had my reservations in the past about that school of yours, but this just cuts the cake. My daughter is not a brood mare to be sold to the highest bidder.”

“Dr. Granger, I understand your concerns . . . . . .” Severus began, but was promptly cut off.

“How many children do you have, Professor Snape ?” The man asked. Severus turned to Hermione for a second, then looked back at her father.

“I have no children.”

“Then you will forgive me, but you have no idea what my concerns are. Hermione is our only child. We have barely laid eyes on her for years and we are just expected to let her marry some stranger because you fools have been marrying your cousins for hundreds of years.”

“He’s not . . . . . a stranger.” Hermione said quietly beside him. Severus met her eyes for a moment.

“It’s Ron, isn’t it ? Oh, the Weasleys are a lovely family. You remember Ron, don’t you dear ?” Lainey chirped, trying her best to be cheery.

“No Mum, it isn’t Ron !” Hermione snapped. She stood up and stepped behind the couch, as if to put the piece of furniture between her and her parents.

“I’m sorry, Hermione. If you would just tell us . . .”

“It’s you, isn’t it ?” Herbert said sharply. Severus turned his gaze to his would be fr-inr-in-law. Just as he had suspected, not much got past this man.

“Yes.” Severus admitted plainly.

“Over my dead body ! You must be twice her age. What right do you have to use your position to seduce young girls ?” The man said heatedly. At the moment, Severus was very glad the man was a muggle, otherwise he might now be dodging curses.

“Dad, Stop ! Severus did nothing of the kind!” Hermione said from behind him.

“Severus, now, is it ? What did he do, promise you better grades ?” That comment was not to be tolerated.

“If you knew anything of your daughter, sir, you would realize what an utterly moronic comment that was. Hermione has never needed to cheat to achieve grades that put her at the top of her year.” He wasn’t shouting, not yet, but his anger was surfacing. Then Severus felt a small hand on his shoulder squeeze him firmly. His ire drained quickly at the contact.

“There is more to it, if you would just let me explain.” Hermione paused, then sighed. “Do you remember Lucius Malfoy ? He was the wizard with long blonde hair that got into a row with Mr. Weasley in the bookstore in my second year.” Both of her parents nodded. “He was a follower of Voldemort, only he’s paid off so many people in the Ministry he hasn’t been arrested. He hates me. Partly because I am a friend of Harry’s and partly because I’m a mudblood.” Severus turned his head around to look at her sternly. He didn’t like her talking about herself that way. Her hand that was still on his shoulder squeezed him again. “Mr. Malfoy wrote a petition for me in the name of his son . . . . . .” She trailed off.

Severus put his hand over hers and lead her back to sit next to him. “We were tipped off to Malfoy’s ploy and the Headmaster and I submitted a petition under my name. Lucius Malfoy is a cruel and heartless wizard. He would have done unspeakable things to your daughter, then planned on . . . . impregnating her himself. I offered Hermione my protection.” The room was silent for a few moments as the occupants seemed to be processing this information.

“You said there were three petitioners. Who was the third ?” Herbert asked.

“A classmate of Hermione’s.”

“Why not pick the boy your own age ?” Her mother asked. At this Severus felt Hermione begin to tremble. It still hurt him how much she obviously cared for the boy.

“Malfoy would have killed the boy. Hermione was protecting him.” Severus felt Hermione look at him, when he turned to meet her gaze, the look in her eyes baffled him.

“So you were conveniently her only choice ?” Her father said.

“Severus was the best choice. He will allow me to finish my education and go to University. And he has already promised to hire a Nanny for the baby.” Hermione said.

“BABY ?” Both Severus and Herbert nearly shouted at the same time. The two men turned to glare at each other. Severus had assumed she wanted to wait out the year, as they had discussed.

“Yes, the law requires an offspring. Honestly, am I the only one who’s read the bloody thing.” Hermione said with disgust.

“Hermione, we talked about this.” Severus said before being interrupted by the girl’s father.

“What ? A Mudblood not good enough to bear your children ?” Herbert Granger stood angrily, his face reddened by his rage. Severus was completely taken a back by this new attack. “You were a Death Eater as I recall. What makes you better than this Malfoy character ?”

“Dad stop ! You don’t know what your talking about.” Hermione said standing too. Severus stood also.

“I know when my daughter’s been insulted.” Her father said.

“I have not insulted your daughter.” Severus snapped back.

“Afraid you’ll muddy that pureblood line of yours ?”

“Do not be ridiculous !” Severus looked to Hermione for assistance, but she was looking at him oddly again and wrapping her arms around her.

“You don’t want children, then ?” Hermione said slowly.

“Hermione ?” Severus said, then did not know what else to say. They had already discussed this. A pained expression came to her face and she cast her gaze to the floor and disappeared with a pop.

The three people left in the room looked at one another. “What happened ?” Lainey asked worriedly.

“What have you done with her ?” Herbert demanded.

Severus knew she hadn’t done it on purpose, but in her emotional state she had willed herself to disapparate. There only seemed one logical place to look for her.

“Where is Hermione’s room ?” He asked. Herbert was about to snap at him, but his wife stopped him.

“Upstairs, third door on the left.” Lainey gave him a approving nod.

Severus climbed the stairs quickly and opened the door to her bedroom, though thankfully the room was devoid of any reminders of childhood. It could have been a guestroom for all the personal effects. Hermione sat on the small bed with her head down and her arms still wrapped about her. Her head turned up a dazed expression as he came in.

“I didn’t mean to.” She said, as if she might be in trouble.

“I know.” Severus said softly as he sat down beside her. He wanted to offer some comfort, but wasn’t sure how. Then on impulse he put his arm around her. She sighed deeply and leaned into him. This wasn’t so bad, as long as she didn’t start crying. He had absolutely no idea what to do with a crying woman. Luckily, Hermione did not seem to be the hysterical type.

“There are muggle doctors, you know, who deal with fertility. All they would need is a sample of your sperm and then they . . . “Hermione stopped when Severus removed his arm and sat back looking at her aghast.

“I know what they do.” Is she that repulsed by me, he thought. “There is more to having a magical child than just . . . “ “ Here he waved his hand around looking for a polite term. “putting raw materials together. Each parent contributes a bit of their magic and that can only be achieved one way.”

“That doesn’t make sense. If that were true there would be no muggle born witches or wizards.” She said putting on her inquisitive classroom face.

“Actually, the best way to think of it may be in the terms of a recessive gene. Only when the combination of two parents with the recessive gene come together will the trait occur. There are many muggles with latent magic. When two of them produce a magical offspring, they have each contributed a part of their latent magic. But this is all academic, I assumed you wanted to wait out the year, as we had discussed.”

“Lucius Malfoy will be waiting for that. I just mentioned using a muggle doctor because you seem so uncomfortable . . . . around me.” She looked up at him miserably. “I know I’m not very experienced and I must not kiss very well . . .” Severus let out a snorting laugh.

“Whatever gave you that impression ?” Was the girl fishing for a compliment ? Or did she really believe that. He saw some of the fire coming back into her eyes and her hold on herself relaxed and she dropped her arms to either side.

“Probably when you kissed me once and couldn’t run out of the room fast enough.” She snapped.

“I . . .” Did he really want to tell her the truth ? Gazing at her face, he knew he had to. “I exited the room before I tried to take the encounter farther than you had planned. Make no mistake, Hermione, I was enjoying myself immensely. But I have told you before, I will not force my attentions on you.” Her face softened and her eyes danced over his features.

“I didn’t want you to go.” She said softly. He was studied her features then. Her rich brown eyes, her small button nose, her soft waving hair and her perfect cupid’s bow pink lips.

“I thought you liked Mr. Green.” She raised an eyebrow at him.

“Rose just seemed to have his heart set on us being married and working together. I didn’t want to hurt him, but as I said, I liked you both.” A small frown came to her face as she watched him. “You don’t believe me ?” It was more of an accusation than a question.

“You told me you do not know your own mind.”

“Severus, I was talking about my choice, but that didn’t mean . . . . . “

“Perhaps we should take this time of our engagement to get to know one another.” He said, watching her reactions.

“Start dating, you mean ?” Her brown eyes questioning him.

“For all intents and purposes, yes.”

A smile came to Hermione’s lips. “I’d like that.”

A soft knock sounded at the door. Lainey’s head peered in at them. “Everything alright ?”

“Yes, Mum. Sorry I’ve been so snappy. The last few days have been . . . . well, I’ve been under a lot of pressure, let’s say that.” Hermione said. Lainey came into the room fully and closed the door.

“I know, honey. You do have your father’s temper, that’s for sure.” The woman said with a small laugh.

“Where’s Dad ?”

“Your father went back to his study to cool down. This is a rather large bombshell to drop on us.”

“I know, Mum. I wasn’t exactly pleased when I found out either.”

“Why not come home ? Leave the wizarding community until they come to their senses ?”

Severus felt it best if he fielded this question. “Malfoy would come after Hermione wherever she went. Here she would have no protection. I cannot allow her to compromise her safety. Malfoy will not challenge me openly, of that I am certain.” Severus looked down into his fiancé’s face. “The safest place for your daughter, is with me.” Hermione’s mother nodded.

“What do you have to say, dear ?” Lainey asked her daughter. Hermione took a deep breath, looked at Severus then back to her mother.

“I feel confident Severus will protect me to the best of his abilities and . . . . I think we . . .can be . . . . friends.” He looked down into her face and felt his break out in a smile. That seemed to happen a lot in her presence.

“I think that is a good start. “ Lainey inhaled and let it out quickly. “Well, who’s for cheesecake and coffee?”

Severus chuckled. Perhaps having Lainey for a mother-in-law might not be so bad.

~*~

Later, the four sat at the kitchen table drinking their coffee and eating Lainey’s neighborhood famous raspberry cheesecake. Lainey had gone into the study and had a talk with her husband. He came out and sat with them, but said very little and still looked ready to murder Severus at aiveniven moment. When Severus was finished with his second slice of cheesecake, Hermione having urged him to take a second, he removed the shrunken bag from his pocket and placing it on the floor he re-enlarged it.

“What is that ?” Herbert asked harshly.

“My signed petition will be sent to the Ministry tomorrow morning. No doubt Lucius Malfoy will know of our engagement by the afternoon. As I said, he is a ruthless wizard. I would not put it past him to come after you and your wife.” Severus said pulling two purple vials out of the bag and placing them on the table.

“We don’t know anything for certain, so I don’t want you to worry.” Hermione said quickly.

“True. I have brought a few precautions.” Severus said handing each of Hermione’s parents a vial. “Drink this.”

“I’m not drinking anything. You could turn me into a toad, for all I know.” The older man said as he looked at the vial cautiously.

“Oh Herbert, really !” Lainey said as she un-stoppered her vial and drank the contents. “Mmmm, tastes like plum pudding.” Severus saw Hermione turn him a lifted eyebrow.

“This potion will help protect you from many curses and hexes and will lessen the effects of some of the more serious ones. It is no good against Unforgivables, however.” Severus said looking at Hermione. Herbert finally drank his after seeing his wife suffered no ill effects. Severus them removed two crystal necklaces on long chains. He handed each muggle one.

“These you must wear at ALL times, working, sleeping, bathing, it doesn’t matter.”

“What are they, Severus ?” Lainey asked as she held the crystal up to the light.

“Are you familiar with portkeys ?” He asked her.

“Yes, Hermione told us about what happened to poor Harry at the end of the Tri Wizard Tournament. Just awful.”

“Yes, well these will work only for you and only when you hold it, concentrate and say the activation word.”

“What is the activation word ?” The petite brunette asked.

“ ’Hermione’.” Severus said, feeling the woman beside him give him a sidelong look.

“And just where will we end up ?” Hermione’s father asked, looking at his crystal doubtfully as Lainey put hers on.

“You will appear in my family home, Snape Manor. You will be quite safe there. The house has two house elves who will help you with anything you might need and will notify me of your arrival.”

“And why would we want to use this thing ?” Herbert asked.

“If you see Lucius Malfoy, use it immediately. Do not give him a chance to get off a hex or stun you.”

“Dad, please. Severus knows what he’s talking about. Malfoy cannot be reasoned with. He wouldn’t hesitate to hurt you or Mum to punish me.” Hermione pleaded with her father. She looked back at Severus briefly. “I’m thankful Severus is planning ahead. I would never of thought of all this.” The dark man inclined his head to her, then bent down, removed a large object from the bag and set it on the table. Hermione looked at it stunned.

“Severus, where did you get that ?” She asked.

“What is it ?” Her mother asked. Severus could see where Hermione got her inquisitive nature.

“It is a Sneakascope, a device I have set to sound an alarm if any witch or wizard comes close to this house that is not Hermione or myself. If the alarm sounds, day or night, use the portkeys immediately. I am going to put some wards on your house including and anti-apparation ward, but wards can be broken. They will give you some time as the alarm will sound when the wards are tampered with. I would suggest keeping this in your bedroom.”

“And you will have to make sure all the windows and doors are locked, at all times. Even and especially if you’re home.” Hermione added.

“We know how to look after ourselves.” Herbert said, trying to reassure his daughter. Severus stood.

“I will be outside setting the wards. It will only take a few minutes, then we should return to the school.” Hermione nodded her agreement and Severus went out the backdoor.

After setting the anti-apparation ward, Severus was surprised to be joined by Herbert, who stood quietly a couple of feet off watching the wizard work.

“Thank you, for all of this.” The balding man said. Severus merely nodded, accepting the thanks. “I still don’t like it.” Assuming the man meant the engagement between his daughter and Severus, the dark man had to agree.

“This . . . situation . . . is not what I would have wanted either. Hermione should not have these kinds of worries or have had the kinds of troubles she has lived through for one so young. But she is an intelligent girl and she perseveres.”

After another incantation was finished, Severus spoke again. “I would like to invite you and your wife to Snape Manor. I am sure you will want to see how your daughter will be provided for.”

Herbert nodded thoughtfully. “We can’t this weekend, but next weekend would be fine, if that suits you.”

“Yes, sir. I will look forward to it. Hermione will owl you the details.” Severus said, then went back to work.

Herbert Granger was silent, until Severus had finished placing the last of the wards. Then he blurted out a question. “Do you care for her ?”

Severus looked at the man and thought about his answer carefully. “I have hardly thought of Hermione as more than a student before a few days ago. I have always known her to be intelligent and trustworthy, if a little emotional at times. We seem to be forming a friendship and I am . . . . . . hopeful.” He said diplomatically. The other man looked at him, then started shaking his head and chuckling.

“You got it bad, mate.” He said as he walked away. Severus stood stunned. Had his would-be father-in-law just given his blessing, of sorts ?

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Hi there........ I'd like to hear from some of you lurkers.
Reviews always spur me on to get the next chapter finished.

Glinda



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