The Rules of Engagement
folder
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Snape/Hermione
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
30
Views:
32,391
Reviews:
724
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Snape/Hermione
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
30
Views:
32,391
Reviews:
724
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Confarreatonis Adnexus
The Rules of Engagement
Wiktt challenge – Marriage Law
^_^ This story is completely inspired by Alan Rickman,(aka Severus Snape). Mr. Rickman has one of the sexiest voices on stage or screen.
Disclaimer : I do not own or make money off any of the Harry Potter characters owned by J.K. Rowling.
> 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
################################
Chapter 1- Confarreatonis Adnexus
A large green flame flared in the hearth of the Slytherin common room. A moment later a flaxen haired young man stumbled out of the flames, covered in soot. Anxiously, the young man looked around the room and breathed a sigh of relief that the common room was empty. Everyone having gone to their beds at this late hour on a Tuesday night.
“What to do? What to do?” the young man whispered to himself in despair, as he began to pace in front of the now cold hearth. After several agonizing minutes, he stopped. “Snape!,” the blonde said, then a light came to his eyes.
“Yes, Snape. It could work,” the Slytherin said, with conviction as he strode out of the common room in search of his Head of House. “It has to work.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Severus Snape, Head of Slytherin, set down his quill having just finished correcting the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff first year essays. What an abysmal lot! He was beginning to wonder why he bothered talking in class at all, obviously none of them were listening. He had just brought his hand up to rub his eyes, when he heard a knock at his office door. Glancing at the clock, his eyes narrowed.
“Enter,” Severus said impatiently. The door quickly opened and a soot covered Draco Malfoy came through. The boy drew his wand and cast locking and silencing charms on the room.
“What exactly is the meaning of this, Mr. Malfoy? You are out well past curfew and have obviously been traveling by floo,” Severus said, as he walked to the boy and cast a cleaning charm on him.
“Father summoned me,” Draco said quickly. Severus gestured for the boy to have a seat, as he resumed his chair behind his desk.
“I take it the news was not good,” Severus said. The blonde let out a derisive laugh.
“Hardly! Father has decided to take advantage of the ‘Confarreatonis Adnexus’.”
Severus raised an inquisitive brow. “And whom will he have you marry?”
Draco stood again, agitated he began to pace. “He only wants to hurt her. Wants to take out his revenge for the fall of the Dark Lord on her. Since he doesn’t know about my involvement with the Order, he believes I want the same. I cannot . . . I will not allow my father to get his hands on her.”
“Who is the girl?” Severus asked, though he felt he already knew the answer.
“Hermione Granger,” Draco said, as he sat down again with a huff.
“I see,” the older man stated inadequately, rubbing his steepled fingers under his chin.
“No sir, I don’t think you do. I love Hermione. She has become one of the best friends I’ve ever had. My work over the last year for the Order has brought us together.”
“Well, if I remember correctly, Draco, the law only applies to muggle borns and half-bloods of 18 years old or more. Miss Granger will not turn 18 until next fall,” Severus said, trying to calm the young man’s fears.
“That was what I told father, but Hermione used a Time Turner to take more classes one year, so when her age is adjusted she turns 18 on Thursday. My father’s already sent off a petition for her.”
Severus thought for a moment. Yes, the use of a Time Turner would alter the girl’s age in the eyes of the Ministry. Until this idiotic law was repealed, she would fall into the eligible category.
“Professor Snape, I think I have a solution,” Draco said, sitting forward and staring hard into his Professor’s face. “Hermione needs to be engaged to someone powerful. Someone who could protect her from my father or any other Death Eaters looking for revenge.”
True, Severus thought, the best way to protect the girl was to get her off the list. But who would be fool enough to do that?
“Sir, I’m asking you, begging you to petition for Hermione yourself,” Draco said, looking pleadingly at the older man. In that unguarded moment, Severus felt his eyebrows lift completely into his hairline.
“Mr. Malfoy, I hope you are joking.”
“No sir, I’m not. I trust no one else. And I know father treads carefully where you’re concerned. Also, you’re the head of the Snape family, so you can submit a petition for yourself. Time is of the essence.” Draco watched him hopefully. Severus stood and turned away from the younger man.
Damn it! As much as Severus wanted to argue, the boy had a point. “I will take this up with the Headmaster, perhaps he will have a better solution,” the dark man said after a few minutes.
Standing, Draco walked around to face his Head of House. “Sir, you of all people know what my father in capable of. Hermione’s life is in your hands.” The blonde turned and left the room.
~*~*~*~*~
Thursday morning Severus awoke early, already anxious about the day. Dumbledore had thought young Malfoy’s plan brilliant, much to Severus’ dismay. The old wizard even helped Severus write the petition and send it off to the Ministry that very night.
The dark man sighed deeply, letting the hot water of the shower trickle over his back. If all went ‘well’ today, he would have a fiancé by the end of the day. Somehow, he felt that should mean more to him, than it did. He was marrying the girl in name only, to protect her. It was the least he could do for a fellow Order member. Hermione was still in school and would, no doubt, be leaving for University in the fall. Though she would be a Snape, they hardly needed to see each other often. That is, as long as Lucius did not remain a threat. Lucius. How was his ‘old friend’ going to react when Severus married the girl? There was no telling.
~*~*~*~*~
“Ron! That is the third time you’ve poked me,” Hermione said, finally losing her temper. The red head swallowed his mouthful of pancake and had the grace to look thoroughly chastised.
“Sorry, Sweet. I didn’t realize,” Ron said.
“I know. Sorry. Why don’t we trade places and you can poke Harry for awhile,” she said, standing up.
“Thanks heaps, Mione,” Harry said, giving her a mock glare.
Hermione laughed and looked up as Ron was moving, her eyes meeting Draco’s sitting at the Slytherin table. They had to keep up the act of house rivalry between them, but Hermione had become very apt at reading Draco’s emotions through that façade and at the moment he looked worried. Draco’s eyes strayed to the staff table. Hermione followed his gaze and found herself riveted by a pair of intense dark eyes. Snape had a curious expression on his face. Any show of emotion from him stood out in sharp contrast to the regular. He hardly ever let others read anything on his face, especially during the war. He quickly schooled his face into it’s usual detached glare and looked away from her.
“Are you going to sit, Mione?” Ron asked jokingly. She looked back down to see he had settled himself down next to Harry and had resumed eating. Putting her plate on the table, she sat back down letting out a ‘hmmm’.
“What’s wrong, Hermione?” Ginny asked from across the table. Hermione looked up into the other girl’s vibrant brown eyes.
“Nothing really. Just a feeling,” Hermione said, trying to play it off, but Harry sat forward paying sharp attention to her now.
“What is it?” Harry demanded softly, so he wouldn’t attract any undue attention. Hermione sighed. Harry had come to respect her hunches, especially after Sirius’ death.
“Really, I don’t know. The little dragon seems worried about the black snake, but I could be reading it wrong.” Hermione knew their code names were not the best, but they didn’t draw attention like mentioning the names Malfoy or Snape would. As she watched, Harry turned his gaze to the staff table, then to the blonde Slytherin.
“They look perfectly normal to me,” Ron said, but Harry looked unconvinced.
“Why is Dumbledore smiling at us?” Ginny asked. So whatever was going on, the Headmaster was in on it. Something wasn’t right, but Hermione didn’t know what, so she decided to change the subject.
“I heard Goyle petitioned for Susan Bones,” Hermione said, thinking talking about the new Confarreatonis Adnexus Law would occupy the others.
“Ugh, did she accept?” Ginny said disgustedly.
“Wait a minute. Goyle is only 17, I thought the law only applied to people 18 or over,” Ron said, through his last bite of pancake.
“The person of mixed or muggle blood has to be 18 years or older. The petitioner only has to be of Wizarding age, 17,” Hermione said.
“So . . . ? Did Susan accept him?” Ginny asked again.
“No. Luckily, Ernie Macmillan also petitioned for her. They’re getting married around Halloween.”
“Guess it’s lucky he’s Head Boy then, so they can stay together in his room. Pretty hard to start the breeding process if you sleep in different dorms,” Ron said with a chuckle.
“Ronald Weasley, that is possibly the most insensitive thing you have ever said,” Ginny snapped at him, “and you’ve said some pretty stupid things.”
“What?” Ron said, looking from the annoyed woman across the table to the annoyed woman beside him. He looked to Harry for help, but Harry just shook his head and sat back.
“Ron, the Ministry is forcing these couples to become pregnant in the first year of the marriage or the marriage is dissolved. Do you have any idea how difficult it will be for Susan to finish school pregnant, or sit for her NEWTS or start University with a newborn? Some people may choose that path, but this is being forced upon her. I just hope this stupid law is repealed before Harry and I turn 18.” She looked at Harry and he nodded his agreement.
“But neither of Harry’s parents were muggles.” Ron said, looking at Harry.
“But my mum was a muggle born. To be considered pureblood the line has to go back three generations. So, I’ll go on the auction block same as Mione.” Harry said, seriously. Hermione looked over to see Ginny watching Harry sadly. Hermione was almost glad she had never had a crush like that on anyone, it could just be too painful.
“Miss Granger?”
Hermione looked behind her to see the Headmaster. “Yes, Professor Dumbledore?”
“I need to speak with you in my office, when you are finished,” the old wizard said, smiling at her, but it was missing the usual twinkle.
“Of course, sir,” Hermione said, then watched him continue walking out of the hall.
“What’s that about?” Ginny asked.
“Head Girl duties most likely. I’d better go. See you later.” She said, as she stood to leave the hall. The ‘worry’ gripped her again, but she pushed it aside, there was no use guessing, she’d just have to wait to find out.
~*~*~*~*~
Wiktt challenge – Marriage Law
^_^ This story is completely inspired by Alan Rickman,(aka Severus Snape). Mr. Rickman has one of the sexiest voices on stage or screen.
Disclaimer : I do not own or make money off any of the Harry Potter characters owned by J.K. Rowling.
> 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
################################
Chapter 1- Confarreatonis Adnexus
A large green flame flared in the hearth of the Slytherin common room. A moment later a flaxen haired young man stumbled out of the flames, covered in soot. Anxiously, the young man looked around the room and breathed a sigh of relief that the common room was empty. Everyone having gone to their beds at this late hour on a Tuesday night.
“What to do? What to do?” the young man whispered to himself in despair, as he began to pace in front of the now cold hearth. After several agonizing minutes, he stopped. “Snape!,” the blonde said, then a light came to his eyes.
“Yes, Snape. It could work,” the Slytherin said, with conviction as he strode out of the common room in search of his Head of House. “It has to work.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Severus Snape, Head of Slytherin, set down his quill having just finished correcting the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff first year essays. What an abysmal lot! He was beginning to wonder why he bothered talking in class at all, obviously none of them were listening. He had just brought his hand up to rub his eyes, when he heard a knock at his office door. Glancing at the clock, his eyes narrowed.
“Enter,” Severus said impatiently. The door quickly opened and a soot covered Draco Malfoy came through. The boy drew his wand and cast locking and silencing charms on the room.
“What exactly is the meaning of this, Mr. Malfoy? You are out well past curfew and have obviously been traveling by floo,” Severus said, as he walked to the boy and cast a cleaning charm on him.
“Father summoned me,” Draco said quickly. Severus gestured for the boy to have a seat, as he resumed his chair behind his desk.
“I take it the news was not good,” Severus said. The blonde let out a derisive laugh.
“Hardly! Father has decided to take advantage of the ‘Confarreatonis Adnexus’.”
Severus raised an inquisitive brow. “And whom will he have you marry?”
Draco stood again, agitated he began to pace. “He only wants to hurt her. Wants to take out his revenge for the fall of the Dark Lord on her. Since he doesn’t know about my involvement with the Order, he believes I want the same. I cannot . . . I will not allow my father to get his hands on her.”
“Who is the girl?” Severus asked, though he felt he already knew the answer.
“Hermione Granger,” Draco said, as he sat down again with a huff.
“I see,” the older man stated inadequately, rubbing his steepled fingers under his chin.
“No sir, I don’t think you do. I love Hermione. She has become one of the best friends I’ve ever had. My work over the last year for the Order has brought us together.”
“Well, if I remember correctly, Draco, the law only applies to muggle borns and half-bloods of 18 years old or more. Miss Granger will not turn 18 until next fall,” Severus said, trying to calm the young man’s fears.
“That was what I told father, but Hermione used a Time Turner to take more classes one year, so when her age is adjusted she turns 18 on Thursday. My father’s already sent off a petition for her.”
Severus thought for a moment. Yes, the use of a Time Turner would alter the girl’s age in the eyes of the Ministry. Until this idiotic law was repealed, she would fall into the eligible category.
“Professor Snape, I think I have a solution,” Draco said, sitting forward and staring hard into his Professor’s face. “Hermione needs to be engaged to someone powerful. Someone who could protect her from my father or any other Death Eaters looking for revenge.”
True, Severus thought, the best way to protect the girl was to get her off the list. But who would be fool enough to do that?
“Sir, I’m asking you, begging you to petition for Hermione yourself,” Draco said, looking pleadingly at the older man. In that unguarded moment, Severus felt his eyebrows lift completely into his hairline.
“Mr. Malfoy, I hope you are joking.”
“No sir, I’m not. I trust no one else. And I know father treads carefully where you’re concerned. Also, you’re the head of the Snape family, so you can submit a petition for yourself. Time is of the essence.” Draco watched him hopefully. Severus stood and turned away from the younger man.
Damn it! As much as Severus wanted to argue, the boy had a point. “I will take this up with the Headmaster, perhaps he will have a better solution,” the dark man said after a few minutes.
Standing, Draco walked around to face his Head of House. “Sir, you of all people know what my father in capable of. Hermione’s life is in your hands.” The blonde turned and left the room.
~*~*~*~*~
Thursday morning Severus awoke early, already anxious about the day. Dumbledore had thought young Malfoy’s plan brilliant, much to Severus’ dismay. The old wizard even helped Severus write the petition and send it off to the Ministry that very night.
The dark man sighed deeply, letting the hot water of the shower trickle over his back. If all went ‘well’ today, he would have a fiancé by the end of the day. Somehow, he felt that should mean more to him, than it did. He was marrying the girl in name only, to protect her. It was the least he could do for a fellow Order member. Hermione was still in school and would, no doubt, be leaving for University in the fall. Though she would be a Snape, they hardly needed to see each other often. That is, as long as Lucius did not remain a threat. Lucius. How was his ‘old friend’ going to react when Severus married the girl? There was no telling.
~*~*~*~*~
“Ron! That is the third time you’ve poked me,” Hermione said, finally losing her temper. The red head swallowed his mouthful of pancake and had the grace to look thoroughly chastised.
“Sorry, Sweet. I didn’t realize,” Ron said.
“I know. Sorry. Why don’t we trade places and you can poke Harry for awhile,” she said, standing up.
“Thanks heaps, Mione,” Harry said, giving her a mock glare.
Hermione laughed and looked up as Ron was moving, her eyes meeting Draco’s sitting at the Slytherin table. They had to keep up the act of house rivalry between them, but Hermione had become very apt at reading Draco’s emotions through that façade and at the moment he looked worried. Draco’s eyes strayed to the staff table. Hermione followed his gaze and found herself riveted by a pair of intense dark eyes. Snape had a curious expression on his face. Any show of emotion from him stood out in sharp contrast to the regular. He hardly ever let others read anything on his face, especially during the war. He quickly schooled his face into it’s usual detached glare and looked away from her.
“Are you going to sit, Mione?” Ron asked jokingly. She looked back down to see he had settled himself down next to Harry and had resumed eating. Putting her plate on the table, she sat back down letting out a ‘hmmm’.
“What’s wrong, Hermione?” Ginny asked from across the table. Hermione looked up into the other girl’s vibrant brown eyes.
“Nothing really. Just a feeling,” Hermione said, trying to play it off, but Harry sat forward paying sharp attention to her now.
“What is it?” Harry demanded softly, so he wouldn’t attract any undue attention. Hermione sighed. Harry had come to respect her hunches, especially after Sirius’ death.
“Really, I don’t know. The little dragon seems worried about the black snake, but I could be reading it wrong.” Hermione knew their code names were not the best, but they didn’t draw attention like mentioning the names Malfoy or Snape would. As she watched, Harry turned his gaze to the staff table, then to the blonde Slytherin.
“They look perfectly normal to me,” Ron said, but Harry looked unconvinced.
“Why is Dumbledore smiling at us?” Ginny asked. So whatever was going on, the Headmaster was in on it. Something wasn’t right, but Hermione didn’t know what, so she decided to change the subject.
“I heard Goyle petitioned for Susan Bones,” Hermione said, thinking talking about the new Confarreatonis Adnexus Law would occupy the others.
“Ugh, did she accept?” Ginny said disgustedly.
“Wait a minute. Goyle is only 17, I thought the law only applied to people 18 or over,” Ron said, through his last bite of pancake.
“The person of mixed or muggle blood has to be 18 years or older. The petitioner only has to be of Wizarding age, 17,” Hermione said.
“So . . . ? Did Susan accept him?” Ginny asked again.
“No. Luckily, Ernie Macmillan also petitioned for her. They’re getting married around Halloween.”
“Guess it’s lucky he’s Head Boy then, so they can stay together in his room. Pretty hard to start the breeding process if you sleep in different dorms,” Ron said with a chuckle.
“Ronald Weasley, that is possibly the most insensitive thing you have ever said,” Ginny snapped at him, “and you’ve said some pretty stupid things.”
“What?” Ron said, looking from the annoyed woman across the table to the annoyed woman beside him. He looked to Harry for help, but Harry just shook his head and sat back.
“Ron, the Ministry is forcing these couples to become pregnant in the first year of the marriage or the marriage is dissolved. Do you have any idea how difficult it will be for Susan to finish school pregnant, or sit for her NEWTS or start University with a newborn? Some people may choose that path, but this is being forced upon her. I just hope this stupid law is repealed before Harry and I turn 18.” She looked at Harry and he nodded his agreement.
“But neither of Harry’s parents were muggles.” Ron said, looking at Harry.
“But my mum was a muggle born. To be considered pureblood the line has to go back three generations. So, I’ll go on the auction block same as Mione.” Harry said, seriously. Hermione looked over to see Ginny watching Harry sadly. Hermione was almost glad she had never had a crush like that on anyone, it could just be too painful.
“Miss Granger?”
Hermione looked behind her to see the Headmaster. “Yes, Professor Dumbledore?”
“I need to speak with you in my office, when you are finished,” the old wizard said, smiling at her, but it was missing the usual twinkle.
“Of course, sir,” Hermione said, then watched him continue walking out of the hall.
“What’s that about?” Ginny asked.
“Head Girl duties most likely. I’d better go. See you later.” She said, as she stood to leave the hall. The ‘worry’ gripped her again, but she pushed it aside, there was no use guessing, she’d just have to wait to find out.
~*~*~*~*~