The Power of the Quill

Author's Notes:

Here it finally is. Will Hermione have to marry Lucius Malfoy? Or will Snape come to her rescue? Read on and find out.

I just want to say thanks to all my lovely reviewers. You make writing this story a real pleasure.


This was beta'd by Nakhash Makashefah after she was kidnapped and taken away to a horrible place called, "The dark dimension of Shreveport." Luckily, our heroine escaped her captors and returned safely to her computer to proofread this chapter for me.


Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter and Co. I own nothing.



The Power of the Quill.


Chapter 18. Not playing by the rules. Part two.


As Hermione stood there in shock at what the little wizard had just told her, Snape appeared out of the fireplace in a rush of green flames.

"What is he doing here?" Snape angrily said, as he moved menacingly towards the little Ministry wizard, his wand still in his hand. Fitage quickly retreated to safety behind Dumbledore.

"Mr. Fitage is here to inform us that there has been a change in the marriage contract involving you and Miss Granger," Dumbledore informed him.

"How so?" Snape asked while eyeing the little wizard with suspicion.

"We at the Ministry have decided to dissolve your marriage contract. You will no longer have to marry Miss Granger," Fitage told him.

"Really?" Snape asked almost gleefully.

"They're going to force me to marry Malfoy," Hermione angrily shouted at Snape.

"Draco?" he asked with a puzzled look.

"No, worse. His blood-sucking father," Hermione anxiously stated. "How can the Ministry do this? Mr. Malfoy already has an heir?" Hermione desperately asked.

"Mr. Fitage, would you care to explain?" the Headmaster politely asked.

"Certainly, Professor," the little wizard answered, as he stepped out from behind Dumbledore. As soon as Hermione saw the small wizard reach into his robes and pull out his infamous clipboard, she got a very sick feeling in her stomach. "The Ministry mistakenly betrothed Mr. Malfoy's wife, Narcissa Black, to Mr. Potter, under the new blood marriage law 246-bs416. The Ministry feels obligated to rectify this situation. It has been determined that Mr. Malfoy is just as good a match for you as Professor Snape. We have found an alternative partner for him."

"What alternative partner?" Snape demanded.

"We have found an excellent replacement spouse for you, Professor. She is a half-blood with ties to another noble bloodline," Fitage said, trying to reassure the angry dark man.

"WHO?!" Snape demanded more forcefully.

"Nymphadora Tonks," Fitage answered.

"Absolutely not," Snape said in very cold, emotionless voice.

"Professor Snape, I can assure you that Miss Tonks is a very desirable young woman. Not many know this, but she is actually a natural born Metamorphmagus. That is extremely rare. Miss Tonks will still look eighteen years old when she is a hundred and eighteen years of age. At the age of twenty-two, she is much closer to your own age than is Miss Granger," Fitage said, ending his sales pitch.

"No," Snape simply said, as he crossed his arms in front of him.

"Professor Snape, maybe you didn't hear me correctly? She's a Metamorphmagus with noble blood and is a fully trained Auror with the Ministry. Being associated with an upstanding member of the Ministry could only help your pubic persona," Fitage told Snape. Hermione watched as a large vein began to pulse next to Snape's right temple.

"She is a Black, you foolish little insect," Snape insultingly stated, as he glared down at the small wizard. "The Blacks and Potters are now the same family. I hated both separately, but I absolute loathe them together. There is no way I'm going to curse my family's good name by marrying a member of that lot." Fitage just gave Snape a look of bafflement.

"You also forgot to mention that Miss Tonks is a disaster walking on two feet. If you look out that window behind you to the east, you will see Hogwarts' four green houses. Before Miss Tonks came to Hogwarts, we had six. She once set fire to the lake - the whole lake. I am a Potions master surrounded by very dangerous compounds at all times. The kind of carnage she could create is unthinkable. You can tell the Ministry 'no thank you' on my behalf, Mr. Fitage. I will stick with Granger," Snape informed him. Hermione didn't know what to think; she didn't know if she should be happy that Snape chose her over Tonks, or not. The one thing she did know was that there was no way in hell she was ever going to marry Malfoy.

"Professor Snape, did you not send a letter to the Head Minister's office informing him that you didn't wish to marry Miss Granger?" Fitage asked. "You stated in your letter that it would be virtually impossible for you to perform your duties here at this school with a student as your bride."

"The lesser of two evils, Mr. Fitage. Granger is considerably more tolerable than that childish, clown-headed, walking catastrophe," Snape answered.

"I'm afraid the decision as already been made, Professor Snape. The Head Minister has already approved these new contracts," Fitage informed everyone.

"I WILL NOT MARRY MALFOY!!" Hermione furiously shouted. "He's a murderer and a rapist. And he is the Dark Lord's right hand man."

"In case you haven't read the "Prophet" lately, Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy has been cleared of any involvement with Dark wizards or magic. He is an upstanding member of the Wizarding community who has suffered wrongly at the hands of jealous individuals, who took advantage of their positions in the Ministry. You should feel very privileged that a man of his caliber sees fit to take you as his bride. I'll have you know that he requested you personally," Fitage told her.

"Oh, I bet he did," Hermione sarcastically said. "I'd hang myself with my own school tie before I'd ever let that perverted monster lay a hand on me. So you can take your precious little clipboard and your new contracts and shove it right up your tight arse. Then, take yourself straight back to Fudge's office and let him smell it."

"Miss Granger, your opinion of Mr. Malfoy is irrelevant. You will marry him, and the Professor will marry Miss Tonks," Fitage heatedly told her. "I came here as a simple courtesy, not to be insulted by some mere child with a head full of paranoid nonsense."

"Mr. Fitage, I still have a legal contract to marry Miss Granger. What's to stop us from marrying, despite the Ministry's change of plans?" Snape calmly asked.

"As soon as these new contracts are signed, your old contract will be voided, Professor Snape" Fitage answered.

"And who signs these new contracts?" Snape asked, as he twirled his wand between the fingers of his left hand. Hermione thought there was something very strange about how calm he was acting.

"I do," Fitage answered. "I plan to sign them as soon as I return to my office, so you won't have time to sneak off to the nearest chapel and get married. Remember, the marriage contract is only legal when the marriage has been consummated. I doubt you'll have time for that in the ten minute it will take me to return and sign both contracts," Fitage confidently told Snape.

Hermione was amazed that an actually smile appeared on Snape's face. He turned to look at the Headmaster. "Nothing too harsh or permanent, Severus," Headmaster told him.

Fitage just stared at the Headmaster with a puzzled look on his face. Finally, he asked, "What do mean you by that?"

"What he means, my dear Mr. Fitage, is it's about time you learned what it's like to no longer have any control over your own life. Now, just what would be appropriate in this situation?" Snape asked himself, as he tapped his wand on his left temple. "Ah, I have just the thing," Snape said, as he lowered his wand, pointing it at the now trembling wizard. Fitage held his clipboard tightly with both hands in front of him, as if it were a shield that could protect him.

"BANG!"

There was small puff of blue smoke where Fitage once stood. His clipboard fell to the ground. Hermione stared at the spot the wizard had just occupied. Sitting on the floor of the Headmaster's office, next to the clipboard, was a small white and tan Guinea pig. It had a set of dark rings around it eyes that reminded Hermione of Fitage's glasses. Dumbledore leaned down and picked the trembling little creature up into his hands. Snape stepped forward and pointed his wand at Fitage's clipboard. With a quick Transfiguration spell, he changed it into a small cage the size of a hatbox. It even had a little wheel inside and a water dish. Snape pick up the cage and opened the small trap door. Gently as he could, Dumbledore pushed Fitage's furry little body inside.

"That should hold the little nuisance for a while," Snape said, as he shut the trap door and placed the cage on the Headmaster's desk.

"We must work quickly Severus. Mr. Fitage needs to back in his office no later than tomorrow morning," Dumbledore said.

"I agree, Headmaster. We should perform the ceremony as soon as possible. It should be done here at Hogwarts so that no one has time to warn the Ministry," Snape suggested.

"I can perform the ceremony as soon as classes have ended for the day. It should take place outside near the lake, where there is less chance of being overseen," Dumbledore told Snape.

"Wait a minute," Hermione said, not believing what she was hearing. "You want us to get married today?" she asked the Headmaster.

"Yes, Miss Granger," Dumbledore answered.

"Unless you prefer to be the next Mrs. Malfoy," Snape told her.

"Of course not, it's just..." Hermione paused. "What about my parents? Is there enough time to bring them here?" she asked.

"I'm afraid not, Hermione," Dumbledore said. "The Ministry is undoubtedly still keeping an eye on them. We don't want to do anything to arouse their suspicions."

"I can't believe this," Hermione said in frustration. "I have to go through this alone without even my mum being there."

"You will not be alone, Hermione. I will be there, and so will your Head of House, Professor McGonagall," Dumbledore said, trying to reassure her.

Shaking her head, Hermione disappointedly said, "I guess, once again, I'm left without a choice. I have one request, though."

"Anything, if it's possible, Hermione," the Headmaster said, as he put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"The ceremony must take place after midnight," Hermione told him.

"Why midnight?" Snape asked.

"Tomorrow is my birthday. I will officially be sixteen. It might not matter that much in the Wizarding world, but in the Muggle world people don't usually marry before they are at least sixteen," Hermione answered.

"I think we can accommodate you, Hermione," Dumbledore said with a smile. "There will be less chance of any stray eyes about at that hour. I'll send Professor McGonagall to collect you at eleven forty-five, from Gryffindor."

"Can I bring my friends?" Hermione asked.

"Secrecy is essential, Hermione. If more than one of you is seen leaving the tower at midnight, it might draw unwanted attention," Dumbledore warned.

"How about just one friend. It's not unusual for someone to escort someone else to the hospital wing late at night," Hermione suggested.

"Very well, Miss Granger. Just one. You can tell this person about your upcoming nuptials, but no one else. Make sure this person is very trustworthy, Hermione. I recommend that you only tell them after curfew," the Headmaster told her.

"Okay," Hermione agreed.

"May I ask who you will be bringing with you, Hermione?" Dumbledore asked.

"Um, Ginny. No, wait, Parvati. I'll need to borrow a dress, and she has lots of them," Hermione answered.

"Very well, I'll see you and Miss Patil this evening," Dumbledore said. "Severus, would you care to bring anyone to the ceremony?"

"For what purpose?" Snape asked dryly.

"I'll ask Hagrid to attend on your behalf," Dumbledore said, ignoring the younger man's question.

"If that is all, Headmaster, I have a class starting in ten minutes. I will take Mr. Fitage to find him a more secluded place to spend the night," Snape said, as he picked up the small cage.

"I will see you this evening, Severus. Please try to find some appropriate attire," Dumbledore suggested.

Snape didn't comment, he simply took a pinch of Floo powder, threw it into the fireplace, and said, "Potions Laboratory." With a flare of green flame, he and his small captive were gone. A chill ran down Hermione's spine as she realized the next time she saw the man, she would have to marry him.

"Professor, can I ask you a question?" Hermione asked, as she turned to face the old wizard.

"Of course, my dear," he answered, as he took his seat behind his desk.

"Why do you trust him?" she simply asked.

"That is not a easy question to answer, Hermione," Dumbledore said, as he stared at her over his half-moon glasses. "I can only say that he has proven himself to me on many occasions."

"You let him join the Order when he was just sixteen. You won't even let Harry do that," Hermione said to Dumbledore.

"Severus is the reason I no longer allow witches and wizards younger than nineteen join the Order. Severus was too young and inexperienced to deal with the pressures we placed upon him," the Headmaster told her with some regret.

"Why did you let him join so young?" she asked.

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair and placed his hands together on his chest. "Hermione, are you aware that Severus had a very traumatic experience during his sixth year at Hogwarts, involving Professor Lupin and Harry's father?" Dumbledore asked.

"I know the story. Sirius tricked Snape into going through the secret passageway that leads to the Shrieking Shack, on the night of the full moon. Harry's father saved Snape from being killed by Lupin," Hermione said.

"Yes, that is true. Do you realize, Miss Granger, that it is a crime to teach werewolves magic?" the Headmaster asked.

"Yes, Professor Lupin is the only one I've ever heard of coming to Hogwarts," Hermione answered.

"Remus was a young wizard of extraordinary talent. Professor McGonagall and I decided to disobey the Ministry and allow Remus to attend Hogwarts. After his near death experience with Remus, Severus was determined to turn him into the Ministry. He demanded that James and Sirius be expelled, as well. I explained to him that if word of what happened were to reach the Ministry, both Professor McGonagall and I would be forced to leave Hogwarts. The Ministry would undoubtedly bring charges against us both. Severus agreed not to go to the Ministry. What you may not realize, Hermione, is that Severus has a closer relationship to your Head of House than you think," Dumbledore said.

"I know. She's his godmother," Hermione told him. "He told me about it last Sunday."

"I'm happy to hear that your meeting with Severus was fruitful," the Headmaster said with a smile. Hermione wouldn't have characterized the meeting with Snape as 'fruitful.' "Severus might have detested Sirius, James, and Remus, but he was not about to send his own godmother to Azkaban, to get revenge. But, being a very good Slytherin, Severus asked for something in return, for his silence."

"To join the Order," Hermione said.

"Correct."

"He has the Dark Mark, now; you still think he can be trusted?" Hermione asked.

"He has had it for more than half of his life, Hermione. He is still with us, fighting against the Dark Lord," Dumbledore answered.

"I guess you're right, Professor. If he was going to betray you, he would have done so a long time ago," Hermione suggested.

"He doesn't have it in him to betray his us, Hermione. He would see that as an act of absolute weakness. He would die before letting that happen," the Headmaster assured her.

"Can I ask one more favor, Professor?" Hermione asked.

"Certainly," he answered.

"Can I speak with the Sorting Hat?" Hermione asked, as she stared up at the old brown Hat sitting on the shelf behind him.

"I don't see why not," Dumbledore answered. "He seems currently unoccupied." Dumbledore got up, turned around, and lifted the shabby Hat off of the self. He walked around his desk and placed the Hat on her head.

The Hat fell down past her ears. The black, inside of the old Hat was all she could see. For a moment, there was nothing, then a small voice said in her ear, "Is there something I can do for you, Miss Granger?"

"Uh, yes. I wanted to know if you really are the Oracle of Godric Gryffindor?" she asked the Hat in a quiet voice.

"An Oracle, you say. No one has called me that in over a hundred years," the Hat said to her.

"So it's true, then?"

"Yes," the Hat answered.

"Did Slytherin create you?" she asked.

"Of course not," the Hat irritably stated. "He simply finished what I had already started. And a piss-poor job he did, at that. He poured my memories into this Hat, like he was pouring old soup down a drain. A good portion of my childhood spilled across the floor. The fool thought he was being comical by using my hat instead of the statue I had planned. Salazar thought he could silence me for good. But I wasn't about to let being trapped in this hat stop me from overseeing this school. It's hard to believe I ever called that scaly bag of hot air, my friend."

"In one of your songs, you said that you were created when Godric whipped you off his head, and they all gave some of their brains so that you could choose for them," Hermione said to the Hat.

"I must admit to some dramatic license," the Hat told her. "It wouldn't do to say I was shot off his head by a crossbows projectile, would it? I did receive the requirements for their houses from my fellow founders. I have always strived to keep to their requests, to the best of my abilities. It is not always easy. Most students can fit into more than one house, with ease."

"What about me, shouldn't I have been put in Ravenclaw?" Hermione asked.

"No," the Hat forcefully said. "Ravenclaw would have done you no good. Your thirst for knowledge was already at its peak. I doubt putting you in Hufflepuff would have changed that. What you needed was a house that would boost your confidence. I chose my own. Do you feel I made a mistake, Miss Granger?" the Hat asked.

Hermione thought about how she felt when she first arrived at Hogwarts. The truth was, she was terrified. If it wasn't for her friends and housemates, she might not have made it. "No, I guess you were right. I do feel a lot braver since joining Gryffindor," Hermione answered. "Is that why you put Professor Snape in Slytherin? You thought he needed something from there?"

"No. He was late. There was no more room anywhere else," the Hat sharply told her.

"Oh."

"Is there anything else I can do for you, Miss Granger?" the Hat impatiently asked.

"No, that's all," Hermione said. She then lifted the Hat off her head. Dumbledore took it from her and placed it back on the shelf.

"Did you get the answers you were looking for, Hermione?" he asked her.

"Yes, I guess," she answered.

"That's good to hear, Hermione. You should go, now. You have a class in less than five minutes, if I'm not mistaken," the Headmaster suggested.

"Actually, I was thinking about skipping my next class. It's History of Magic with Professor Binns. I have already studied the chapters he will be going over today," Hermione told him.

"Skipping a class? Are you sure you're feeling all right, Hermione?" Dumbledore asked lightheartedly with a smile.

"I'm fine, Professor. There are some things I need to take care of before tonight. You wouldn't happen to know where I could find Professor Lupin? There is something I was hoping he could help me with," Hermione asked.

............................................................................................................

After Hermione had a quick shower and changed into her new pair of peach-colored knickers, she set off for the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. She was fortunate that Professor Lupin had this period free. The poor werewolf didn't know it, but he still had a lesson to teach this hour.

Hermione stopped in front of the classroom door. She took out her wand and gave one quick pass over her hair, to make sure it behaved itself. She readjusted the skirt she was wearing, to make sure both her knees showed. It was not her normal school skirt; instead, it was one she had worn during her fourth year. It was at least one size too small. Finally, she put her hand in front of her mouth and exhaled. Still minty fresh; she was ready. She knocked three times on the classroom door and waited. "Come in, Hermione," Remus's voice called from beyond the door.

"How did you know it was me?" Hermione asked, as she entered the room. Lupin was standing next to one of the rooms' many bookcases. He was apparently rearranging the textbooks in it.

"Albus just spoke with me. He told me about the new contracts. He also said you wanted my help with something," Remus answered.

"Um, uh, yes, I did," Hermione shyly said. She looked up into his beautiful amber eyes. Remus had been at Hogwarts for two weeks now, and there was a dramatic difference in his appearance. His hair was cut short and neat with fewer grays in it. His dark gray suit was clean and pressed, showing off his lean muscular form. He also seemed less tired than his usual self. Hermione felt herself become flushed as she stood next to him.

"How can I be of service, Hermione?" Remus asked. Hermione almost choked at his choice of words.

"Professor, as you know, I'm going to marry Snape at midnight," Hermione said.

"Yes, the Headmaster told me. I'm sorry that I won't be there, Hermione. I have important business back in London I need to take care of, this evening," Remus regretfully told her. Hermione didn't bother to ask. She knew it had something to do with the Order.

"Professor, you realize that after we get married, I will have to, uh...you know.... with Snape," Hermione sheepishly said.

"What?" Remus asked, giving her a puzzled look.

"You know. Consummate the marriage," Hermione said in frustration.

"OH, oh yes. I suppose you will," Remus said with a slightly embarrassed look on his face. Hermione couldn't help but stare at his full moist lips, wondering how they would taste.

"Professor, I have absolutely no experience in that kind of thing," Hermione informed him.

"I see," Remus said, giving her a knowing look. "Hermione, maybe this is something Professor McGonagall or Madam Pomfrey can help you with. I'm sure either of them will gladly give you all the information you need on the subject," Remus said with a slight blush to his cheeks. Hermione almost laughed at the thought of asking McGonagall about sex.

"Professor, information is not what I'm after. I've read enough books on the subject to know how everything works. What I was hoping you could help me with is physical instruction?" Hermione asked.

"Physical instruction? I'm not sure what you mean, Hermione." Remus said with a confused expression on his face.

"I don't want my first time to be with Snape!" Hermione bluntly told him. Remus's eyes grew really large as the realization of what she was asking dawned on him.

"Oh, uh, Hermione, I'm very flattered. But I can't do what you ask," Remus told her, as his face began to redden.

"Sure you can, Professor," Hermione said in a silky voice, as she stepped forward, closing the distance between them. "You know I have absolute trust in you, Remus. I'd really appreciate it if you do this for me." Hermione reached up and placed her left hand on his chest. She could feel his heart beating very fast. She didn't know if that was a good or bad thing, at the moment. This was her first attempt at a seduction, after all.

"I'm sorry, Hermione. It's impossible," Remus nervously said, as he retreated back a step. Hermione quickly moved forward, until she was standing only inches away again.

"Please, Professor Lupin. It will only take ten, maybe twenty minutes of your time," Hermione said, as she reached up and undid one of the buttons of his vest. Remus seemed to be in a slight trance, as he stared down at her fingers, which were busy trying to undo a second button.

"Hermione, I'm your professor. You're my student. It would be completely inappropriate," Remus stated, as he snapped out of his trance and withdrew once again, this time placing his desk between them.

"Snape is also my professor. Nobody seems to have a problem with him having sex with his student," Hermione said, as she sat on the edge of his desk. Her skirt was riding up enough that most of her thighs showed. Remus's eyes kept betraying him. They continued to shift between her face and legs. Hermione was almost sure that, from his angle, he could catch a slight glimpse of her peach knickers.

"Severus is your betrothed, Hermione. You'll be man and wife when he.... when he...when he, you know," Remus stammered.

"Yes, but he won't be my choice. I would prefer that my first time be with someone I respected and cared about. Someone mature enough to help me, without it being a problem that I have to marry Snape shortly," Hermione said in what she hoped was a seductively pleading voice.

"That's the problem, Hermione," Remus told her. "Did you consider how Severus would feel if he learned that I, or someone else, made love to his bride less than a day before the wedding?"

"Who cares how he feels? He sure as hell doesn't care how I feel. He treats me as if I were the ex-Death Eater that no one wanted. He is damn lucky to have me, but he'll never realize it. All he sees when he looks at me is my house colors, my age, and the fact that I'm a Muggle-born." Hermione angrily stated.

"Hermione, I've known Severus since he was eleven years old. What he shows you and who he really is, are two very different things. He equates closeness with pain and for good reason. He has lost too many times to openly seek companionship for himself, anymore. I'm sure if this law had never come to pass, he would have contently lived the rest of his life alone, in his dungeon. I know he respects you, Hermione; he's just not willing to show it yet. Your being a Muggle-born does matter to him, but not in the way you think. He fears that he won't be able to protect you. He fears that the same thing will happen to you that happened to Harry's mother. He fears that he will fail you like James failed Lily," Remus told her.

"I didn't ask to marry someone with three cartloads of emotional baggage. I didn't ask to marry anyone at all. Why can't I decide for myself who I want to give my virginity to? Shouldn't I at least have a choice in that?" Hermione asked, as she hopped off the desk and moved around it to where Remus stood. She placed one hand on his shoulder, looked up at him with her big brown eyes, and whispered, "Besides, he doesn't have to know. It could just be our little secret." Which was a lie. She would probably tell Snape about it as soon as they had their first argument.

"Severus is extremely good at finding these kind of things out, Hermione. Until I find another Potions master capable of making me my potion once a month, I'll need to stay in his good graces," Remus said to her.

"Don't you find me attractive, Professor?" Hermione asked, as she batted her eyes at him. She moved a little closer so that their thighs touched. Hermione wished she didn't have her school tie and jumper on. This might be a lot easier if she could show some cleavage.

"Of course you're attractive, Hermione. But I've known you since you were thirteen years old. I just can't see you in that kind of way," he told her. Hermione placed a hand on his groin. She could feel his erection, her first erection. Remus quickly jumped back away from her.

"It felt to me like you have no trouble seeing me like that, Professor. Come on, Remus. One quick shag, that's all I'm asking, " Hermione coyly said with a smile.

"Hermione, it's not going to happen. I'm sorry but it has to be this way," Remus forcefully told her, then started to re-button his vest.

It suddenly became clear to Hermione that she was wasting her time here. Remus did want her, but he didn't want her enough to betray that git, Snape. 'Shit, I wish it was closer to the full moon. I bet he would have jumped all over me, then,' she thought to herself. Hermione turned away from her professor and headed for the door.

"Where are you going, Hermione?" Remus asked.

"Plan 'B' Professor. Plan 'B'," she said, as she left the room.

............................................................................................................


Hermione had been waiting in the Gryffindor common room for nearly forty minutes, when the portal finally opened and students began to return from their classes. Hermione spotted her prey coming through the portrait with his messy overstuffed book bag on his shoulder. "Neville," Hermione shouted, as she ran up to him. "I need your help, Neville," Hermione said, as she took his hand and pulled him toward the stairs that led to the boys' dorms.

"Hermione, girls are not allowed in our dorm rooms," Neville informed her, as they made their way up to the six-year boys' dorms.

"I'm a prefect, Neville. I can come up here if I think something's going on that shouldn't be," she told him, as they entered his room. Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas were sitting on one bed together with a small box between them.

"What are you doing here," Seamus anxiously said, as he and Dean frantically tried to stuff something back in the box. "No girls allowed," he said, as they forced the lid back on the box. Hermione didn't have clue what was in the box. Most likely some kind of obscene pictures with young witches and not many clothes. Or it could be something from Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes. She didn't care at the moment; she just wanted the two gone.

"You two, out, now," Hermione forcefully said.

"This is our dorm, Granger. You're the one that needs to leave," Seamus smugly told her.

"Neville and I need to go over a Potions project we have due. We don't need you two brothering us right now," Hermione said.

"Take Neville to your dorm, then. Snag a pair of Parvati's knickers for me while you're over there, Neville," Seamus jokingly said.

"Neville isn't a prefect. He can't go to the girls' dorms," Hermione informed them.

"Then just use the common room. We're not leaving just because you say so," Dean defiantly said to her.

"Listen, you two. You can leave now, or I can tell Professor McGonagall what you have in that box," Hermione warned with her hand on her hips. Looking very annoyed, the two teenagers hopped off the bed and headed for the door. Dean held the small box tightly under his left arm.

As they headed out of the room, Hermione heard Seamus say, "I'm beginning to feel sorry for Professor Snape." Hermione locked the door behind them, and then put a charm on it so that no one could open it.

"What Potions project, Hermione? Have I forgot something?" Neville nervously asked.

"No, Neville. I just said that to get rid of them," she told him. "Neville, what I need your help with is very personal. I need you to have sex with me."

"Wh...Wh...Wh...What?" Neville stammered.

"I want to lose my virginity, Neville. I have to do it today for reasons I can't explain right now," Hermione said.

"You want me to have sex with you?" Neville asked in amazement.

"Yes," she answered.

"Right here, right now?" he apprehensively asked.

"That's right. Right here, right now," Hermione told him. She watched as Neville's face started to turn blue. "Breathe, Neville, breathe," Hermione said, as she took hold of one of his arms. Neville let out a loud wheezy breath. He began to suck air in and breathe it right back out, very quickly. "Neville, slow down or you'll hyperventilate," she warned him. Hermione led Neville over to one of the beds and let him sit on the edge. "Put your head between your legs and breathe slowly," she told him. She had joked with Ginny that he would probably faint if she asked him, but she didn't really think it would happen. Eventually, Neville got control of his breath; he look at her with bloodshot eyes. "Are you going to be all right, Neville?" she asked.

"Sorry, Hermione. You just took me a little by surprise," he said in an apologetic voice.

"It's a bit of a surprise for me too, Neville. This whole day has been full of surprises," Hermione said, as she sat down next to him on the bed.

"But why?" Neville asked, giving her a baffled look. "Why now and why me?"

"Because I don't want to lose my virginity to Snape. I would prefer it to be someone I actually like. You're my only male friend that I trust, who isn't getting married. I have to do it today. I can't tell you why, I just do," she told him.

"Hermione, I uh, I uh, never did this before," Neville shyly told her.

"Don't worry, Neville, I've never done it before, either. You can call it a learning experience for the both of us," she said, trying to reassure him.

"What about Professor Snape? Don't you think he'll be mad if he finds out?" Neville fearfully asked.

"I won't tell him if you don't want me to," Hermione said. "It will just be our little secret. You can think about it every time he picks on you in class. You'll always know that you had me first." This seemed to spark something in Neville. Being able to hold something over Snape was probably his biggest fantasy. Sleeping with a pretty young witch was most likely a far second.

"Okay, Hermione. I'll do it," Neville told her. Hermione got up off the bed and took his hand. Slowly, Neville got up on his still unsteady feet. "Um, Hermione, I have to be in my next class in five minutes. I don't think that is enough time," he told her.

"Don't worry, Neville, we have plenty of time. I brought my Time-Turner with me. Once we're done, I'll take us back to when Dean and Seamus just left," she told him. Hermione reached over and started to undo Neville's tie. He stood perfectly still as if she were some kind of poisonous creature that was crawling across his neck. "Relax, Neville," she ordered. "This is something people do everyday. It's nothing to be afraid of. If you can face down ten Death Eaters, with a broken nose, then you can easily do this."

"Sorry, Hermione, I'm just a little nervous," told her, as he began to tremble.

"There's nothing to be nervous about, Neville. Here, I'll show you," Hermione said, then reached out and took hold of Neville's very sweaty right hand. She brought it up and placed it on her left breast. To Hermione's horror, she witnessed Neville's eyes roll back in his head until only the whites were showing. Like a petrified corpse, he fell over backwards, landing with a loud thud on the floor. "Dammit, Neville," she angrily said, as she looked down at the unconscious boy on the floor. "FUCK!" she shouted, as she turned and headed for the door, leaving Neville where he lay.

Trevor the Toad watched the irate young witch leave the room, from his warming rock on top of a cabinet. He looked down at his master lying on the floor. 'What a complete tosser,' the toad thought to himself. 'When I was at Hogwarts, no pretty young witches ever begged me for sex. They all went after my brother Sirius and his friend James." Trevor let out a loud croak as he thought about his childhood.

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Hermione spotted her next target as she came down the stairs. "Ron," she shouted to the redhead sitting in a chair.

"What's up, Hermione?" he asked, as she came over. Ron had his shoes off and a Quidditch magazine in his hand.

"Don't you have a class now, Ron?" Hermione asked.

"Nope. Professor McGonagall gave me the afternoon off to look after Ginny. She was pretty upset about what the twins did," he answered. Hermione looked around the common room for Ginny. They were the only two there.

"Where is Ginny?" Hermione asked.

"I don't know. I think she went to the library to look up hexes, to use on Fred and George," Ron answered.

"You didn't go with her?" Hermione asked, giving him an irritated look.

"To the library? Are you kidding?" he asked. "Besides, I don't think Ginny wants any of her brothers around at the moment. She's even madder now than when I told her about Harry getting married." Hermione had the sudden urge to kick Ron in the shins. But she thought it might kill the mood.

"Ron, I need your help with something." Hermione asked.

"It doesn't have anything to do with schoolwork, does it?" Ron asked, giving her a reluctant look.

"No it doesn't, you lazy sod," Hermione angrily told him.

"Well then, sure. What do you need?" Ron asked.

"Ron, I don't know if you realize this, but I'm still a virgin," Hermione said.

"Yeah, Ginny told me you were looking for someone before Snape got to you," Ron said with a smile.

"Ginny told you that?" Hermione asked with disbelief.

"Yeah, she wanted me to help you out. Of course, that was before Draco got a hold of Pansy," Ron informed her.

"So, what do you think?" Hermione asked.

"About what?" Ron asked.

"About helping me out with sex, you bloody twit," Hermione angrily told him. She wondered if angry sex was as good as some people had told her.

"Oh that. Sorry, Hermione, I can't," Ron told her.

"WHAT? Why the hell not?" Hermione demanded.

"I promised my mum I wouldn't," he answered.

"How did your mom know I was going to even ask you?" she asked.

"She didn't. She told me not to have sex with anybody. She said it would be betraying Pansy if I did. Mum didn't think she could take that after what happened to her," Ron told her. Hermione had to admit, it did sound logical. She didn't know how Pansy would take it if she found out. One the other hand, Hermione was desperate and Ron was her last chance.

"What if we don't tell anyone, Ron? Would you help me?" Hermione asked.

"Sorry, Hermione, I still can't. Mum gave me this to make sure I didn't do anything," Ron said, as he held up his right arm. Hermione saw the thin gold bracelet around his wrist. It had a small unicorn on it. "She plans to check me personally when I go home. She said if I wasn't still a virgin on my wedding day, that sex would no longer be of any interest to me. I'm not sure what she meant by that, but I haven't even tossed off in the shower since she gave me this thing," Ron said, as he looked at the bracelet. Realizing what he just said, Ron looked at Hermione with a very embarrassed look on his face. "Not that I ever do that in the shower. I mean, I never do it anywhere. I just meant I was going to, which I wouldn't. It was just a kind of figure of speech," Ron explained with a bead of sweat on his forehead.

"Oh please, Ron," Hermione said, as she placed her hands on her hips. "Everyone knows what you were doing in the bathroom when we spent the summer at number twelve. We could her you halfway down the hall, banging away. You really should have used a Silencing Charm if you were going to be making all that noise. You kept leaving your magazines in the loo when you were done. "Witch Weekly," Ron? Couldn't you have at least used a Victoria's Secret catalog?" Hermione asked.

"It's all I had at the time," Ron defensively answered with a touch of anger in his voice.

"It's no big deal, Ron. It's something that all teenage boys do," she informed him, trying to make him feel better about it.

"Do you do it?" he asked.

"Of course not," Hermione said with a look of disgust on her face. She could tell Ron didn't appreciate her answer.

"I can't help you out, Hermione," Ron told her. "Maybe you should go try Neville." Hermione just turned away from him without speaking and went to her dorm. Her ego had taken quite a blow now that she had failed three times in a row to give her virginity away. The only positive thing about Snape that she could think of, was that at least he would be a sure thing tonight.

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This chapter was too big to load in one piece, so I split it in half. I'll load the other half tomorrow. That way, I don't have to worry about it showing up before this one.

Can anyone tell me what Trevor the Toad's real name is?

Pease review and tell me what you think. I'd really appreciate it.