A/N: Sorry it took so long to update....Moving on

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It was just after 9am when Severus Snape made his way to the Gryffindor common room and found himself glaring at the portrait guarding the entrance.

"Madame! I am the head of Slytherin House and Potions Master at this school. You will open if I say so!"

"Tsk tsk!" The portrait tutted indignantly back at him. "No need to shout. If you are all those things then you know as well as I do that I can not let you in without the password."

Snape turned away from the portrait in a fury and tried to catch his temper. It wouldn't do to get riled up before the dreaded shopping trip had even started. He was almost succeeding until he heard the portrait mutter "Nasty Slytherins" under her breath.

Seething with anger he turned with wand raised to face her again when instead she opened and he found himself face to face with Ginny Weasley.

"Oh Professor!" She greeted him with a large Weasley grin and tilted her head. "I was just going to head to the library, but if you're here for our shopping trip it can wait. Come on in!" Turning away from him, the bright redhead led him into the room. A fire burned merrily in the hearth and a few early-bird students were scattered around playing exploding snap and the like.

Severus surveyed the scene with a sneer. All these dunderheads about while he was trying to make a positive impression upon his future...wife...was simply unacceptable. He cleared his throat and at the noise a dozen or so heads glanced up at him, paled, and scurried from the room.

A smirk passed across his features at the knowledge that he still inspired such fear in the student body, but it quickly dissipated as his sight fell across the one student besides Miss Weasley who hadn't fled the room...Hermione Granger.

"Hullo Professor," she greeted him, standing slowly and picking up the various papers and books from around her. A slight smile played on her lips as she noticed that the feared professor was obviously in some discomfort over the situation. "I'll just put my books upstairs and we can go. I'll take yours too Gin."

The girls exchanged glances as Ginny passed her texts to Hermione, but it wasn't anything Snape even wanted to try and comprehend, and before five minutes had passed Hermione had dropped off her books and returned with two cloaks.

"All set." Hermione said with a smile as she came bounding down the stairs. Snape merely gave her a nod of acknowledgement and motioned for the girls to follow him as he crossed towards the fire. Handing them each a pinch of floo powder he tossed his own into the fire and declared in a clear voice "Leaky Cauldron!" before disappearing into the green flames, two small figures quickly following suit.

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"I think it would be best if we split up to begin with." Snape mused as the trio entered the streets of Diagon Alley. "I have to make a stop at several apothecaries and the two of you can take care of any...overly feminine shopping. We'll meet for lunch and then do any necessary joint shopping afterwards. Any objections?"

The girls were far too amused that the professor had devised a plan of action for something so simple as a shopping trip to say anything, and Snape grunted his approval at their silence.

"Excellent. Until then." He waved a dismissal at them and headed off in one direction without looking back, while the girls held back their laughter until he had disappeared from sight.

"Honestly 'Mione! He's so uptight. You're going to be living with that?" Ginny said through her giggles.

Hermione was giggling also but she stopped at Ginny's comment. "It could be much worse Gin, besides it's not so bad. At least this way we won't be underfoot while he looks for potions ingredients and he won't rush us through our shopping...where first?"

Ginny, being infinitely more knowledgeable regarding 'girl stuff,' as Hermione called it, bit her lower lip in thought for a moment before declaring, "Madame Malkin's! You'll need new robes for the wedding and for your new 'station'! Come on!"

"Station?" Hermione thought as Ginny dragged her off through the crowds. Not for the first time she wondered just what being a 'Snape' entailed.

.......

Madame Malkin's wasn't terribly busy, which was odd considering that it was a weekend and near the holidays, but Hermione wasn't going to question her good fortune.

As they entered the door a small bell rang and Madame Malkin herself appeared.

"Ah hello Dears! Ginny Weasley if I don't miss my guess? Ah...and Miss Hermione Granger. How nice to see you both! It's not often we get people in here this early." She added the last with a wave as if to explain the somewhat empty store. "How can I help you two?"

"Well, Hermione here is marrying Professor Snape the first weekend of the Christmas holidays...that absurd marriage law you know...anyway she needs a gown for the wedding and a few others to wear around." Ginny offered up this explanation as Hermione gazed around her at the various fabrics and models...all much different then what was usually displayed in July and August for school students.

"Snape?!" Madame Malkin practically squealed in delight...a very unladylike noise. "Why, we haven't served a Lady Snape in decades! Thank you so much for coming here my dear. Let's get you all suited up!"

Before Hermione even knew what was going on she found herself standing on a stool in the middle of the room, a tape measure magically measuring every inch of her body as Madame Malkin examined various colors and fabrics, holding them against Hermione's face to judge her complexion. Ginny was lounging in a soft red chair examining her fingernails.

"Um excuse me..." Hermione said softly, receiving no notice whatsoever. She tried again. "Excuse me!" Now two sets of eyes were on her and she cleared her throat to continue. "Could someone please explain something to me? Like, you know...calling me Lady Snape? Or Ginny saying I had a whole new 'station'? And the other day, Severus was commenting on his political power..."

Madame Malkin looked at her wide-eyed before turning to Ginny. "Miss Weasley! Didn't you explain Society to your friend?"

Ginny looked equally surprised at first, but her expression quickly changed to guilt. "Oh no! I'm so sorry Hermione I completely forgot that you hadn't grown up in this world. I should have explained...."

"That's alright Ginny, really. But I'd appreciate it if someone would explain now."

Madame Malkin went right back to looking over various items but began to talk as she worked. "Of course dear. Miss Weasley, or even the professors at your school should have filled you in, but I'll explain it to you. It's rather advantageous for someone in my line of work to keep track of this sort of thing. You see...the Wizarding world is one of a very strict social code, at least in Higher Society. Pureblood wizards are very particular about bloodlines, money, manners, schooling, probably the same things Muggles worry about. The Ministry of Magic, as a smart witch like yourself has probably figured out, is not beyond taking money from those of better 'breeding' in return for favors. You'll find, therefore, that many Society Wizards and Witches have titles from generations ago and significant power. Lord Snape is no exception. Upon marriage you will become the first Lady Snape in the UK since your betrothed's mother.

Now the Snapes are a very interesting family. They actually originated in Eastern Europe and are rumored to be of gypsy ancestry, though they will firmly deny such accusations. They are a fairly small clan, managing up until recently to avoid all of the intermarriage that plagues the Purebloods of the UK. The family head migrated to England around the 1800s...that would be your Severus's grandfather...and while some relations remain around Russia, the head of the family has been here for the past two centuries. Even though they're not English natives, their considerable wealth and sparklingly pure bloodlines have gained them quite a bit of power within Society. Of course, it helps that they tend to turn out extremely powerful children and seldom have interfamily feuds as they keep the number of children to a minimum for each generation...there!"

Madame Malkin finished her explanation and Hermione's gown in the same instant and Ginny clapped her hands in delight, eyes twinkling. "Oh 'Mione! You look perfect!"

Turning to look in the mirror Hermione had to admit that she did look rather wonderful.

"Absolutely fantastic dear! Now, I'll just box that up for you hm? Tell Professor Snape that he can expect the rest of your robes within a few days. I'll send this with you so you can hide it from him." Madame Malkin gave Hermione a wink as she handed her the package. "Now dear, I'll just go ahead and charge that and the others to his account. No shrinking! It'll wrinkle the gown! And you may want to check out Who's Who in High Society from Hogwarts' library for more information. Take care loves!"

She waved them from her shop with a contented smile across her face, obviously pleased to have such well-to-do customers. Hermione couldn't help but grin at the last piece of advice. She'd have to stop at the library the minute she got back to the school.

As Ginny and Hermione stepped back out into the now midday sunshine both were in high spirits and looking around for their guardian.

"Um Ginny...did you hear Severus mention where we were supposed to meet him?"

Ginny was about to respond in the negative when a tall shadow fell over the girls. Hermione looked up, expecting to see Snape, but was instead faced with a pair of long black boots, dark trousers, and a white silk shirt covered by a black cloak and held by a silver clasp, all leading up to the smirking face of Lucius Malfoy.

"Ah yes. Miss Granger. And the incomparable Miss Weasley. Who would have thought that such trash could turn out such a charming young lady hm?" Malfoy's voice was low and drawling and he was practically leering at Ginny who blushed furiously in turn, hand almost reaching for her wand before Hermione stopped her.

"Good day Mr. Malfoy. Is there something I can help you with?" Hermione forced herself to put on a brave face and raised her chin. If she was to be 'Lady Snape,' she decided, she had best start acting the role.

"Why yes, Miss Granger, there is. You can start by accompanying me to the Ministry of Magic. There seems to have been some sort of mix-up. I received notice that you had rejected both me and my son's offers of marriage in favor of Severus Snape's. This is a misunderstanding that I wish to rectify immediately."

"I'm sorry Sir, but there has been no mistake. I am to marry Severus and I apologize if my rejection has caused you any discomfort."

"But my dear, dear girl. If it's an older man you desire, surely you would find me a more pleasing choice than that...oh what's that nickname you children give him? Greasy git? Old bat?" Lucius' smirk grew wider but his clear blue eyes flashed, a sure sign that his patience was waning.

"I'm sorry you feel that way Lucius." The man's eyes flashed again at the informality and Ginny tugged on Hermione's sleeve in warning, but the older Gryffindor chose not to heed it. "My decision has been made and registered with the Ministry of Magic. I will be marrying Severus Snape within a fortnight. I look forward to receiving your congratulatory note." Hermione spoke all this in as cool a tone as she could manage and moved to walk away but Lucius grabbed her arm before she could take two steps.

"Why you impertinent little mudblood!" He hissed, jerking Hermione towards him until they were eye to eye and she was feeling quite trapped. "Do you really think yourself worthy to wear the name of any pureblood wizard, be he Malfoy or Snape?"

"Well you obviously want me." Hermione spat back, barely maintaining her composure as panic threatened to seize her. Ginny took a step away from the pair and looked around nervously, trying to find someone who would be able to help. She knew she was no match for Malfoy.

The blonde man gave a low chuckle, a sound more dangerous than reassuring.

"Oh you naïve little Mudblood. I want you because you will be of use to me. And though the thought of bedding you initially disgusted me, now that I am close to you I think it is something I could grow used to. Your spawn will be of fair power, if impure. You will serve your use to me and be glad to aid someone so obviously your better." He was eyeing her hungrily now, and Hermione made one last struggle for escape before Malfoy tightened his grip on her wrist and brought her palm up to his mouth, trailing his tongue from her wrist to her finger tip. He was about to mutter some sort of spell when a low growl interrupted his train of thought and he turned to see the source.

There stood Severus Snape, standing in front of a very frightened Ginny Weasley who was now holding several bags full of potions supplies. Snape had his hand on his wand, though it wasn't raised yet, and his face was set in such a hard stare that even Hermione found it nerve-racking.

"Let her go Lucius. Now."

A smile crossed Lucius Malfoy's lips at the sight of his old acquaintance. "But Severus, old friend, the fun is just starting. Can't you come back a bit later?"

Severus growled again and raised his wand. "She is mine Lucius. I do not like it when people touch what is mine. Especially you."

Lucius noticed that Snape's tone was growing increasingly dangerous and attempted another route. "Severus, I'm not sure what you were hoping to accomplish by claiming the girl, or even how you got her to go along with it, but a mutual friend of ours will be very disappointed if I do not convince the young lady to join my family." A flash of his eyes was all that was necessary to show Snape just who the "mutual friend" was.

"I don't care Lucius. If he wants her, he has as much access to her through you as through me. She is mine. Let her go." Snape's tone was even lower than it had been and, in a moment of irrational thought, Hermione noted that he had quite a sexy voice.

When he saw that Malfoy was not going to comply with the request by choice, Snape gave a silent flick of his wand and Lucius' hand recoiled from Hermione's arm as if burned. Seizing her chance, Hermione flew to Severus' side. The potions master gave her a quick, surveying glance before grabbing her hand and pulling her behind him, but his hold on her hand did not loosen as she thought it might and Hermione found she was quite glad for the reassuring touch.

"Now, Lucius, I suggest you be gone before I do something I'm sure I won't regret, but you will."

Lucius Malfoy, unused to losing and utterly angry at having the girl evade him twice, raised his cane and pointed it at Snape. "I don't know what you're playing at friend but I don't intend to be punished for your stupidity! Stup-" but his curse was cut off by Severus's shout of "Expelliarmus!" followed by a "Locomotor Mortis!" and finally, a jinx even Hermione couldn't identify, but that caused several gashes to appear on Malfoy's face.

"Perhaps next time, Lucius, you will remember to not touch what is mine." Severus released a very stunned Malfoy from the leg locker curse before storming off in a sweep of his cloak, Hermione being half dragged behind him, and Ginny scurrying to keep up.

When they reached the relative safety of the Leaky Cauldron Snape turned to survey them, his eyes narrow. "That could have gone much worse you silly little girls. But I suppose it's my own fault for leaving you alone for even an instant. Are you both alright?" His face suddenly seemed almost tired, and both girls were too stunned by a seemingly regretful Snape to give a verbal answer, so they simply nodded. Hermione mentally noted that her package seemed to be relatively undamaged.

"Very well then. Through the floo again. Although this time we'll be heading for Dumbledore's office. I have no doubt he'll want to know of today's events. Miss Weasley, you go first. The password is 'Marzipan.'"

Ginny gave a mute nod and followed her instructions, speaking clearly into the fire and disappearing in a burst of green flame.

Hermione moved to follow but Severus grabbed her again, careful to avoid her now bruising wrist. "Are you sure you're fine? No other marks besides this one?" He asked her, barely hiding the concern in his eyes.

"I'm fine. More wound up than anything else." She responded with a shrug and a small nervous smile, unsure of what to make of a more civil Snape. She needn't have worried for within a minute his stern mask was back in place.

"Very well then, through the fire with you." Hermione disappeared as quickly as Ginny Weasley had, her head spinning before the fire even touched her, and Severus followed quickly after.

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Dumbledore looked at the three unlikely companions over half-rimmed spectacles, fingers steepled calmly upon his desk, his gaze unwavering.

"I was afraid something like this would happen, but I had hoped that Lucius would not have received the news so soon. Obviously I was wrong."

"Miss Weasley, I am sorry to drag you into this dear, but I'm going to have to ask that you not leave the grounds unless escorted by a professor. I'll make one available for Hogsmeade weekends."

"No worries Headmaster!" The cheeky redhead replied with a grin. "I'm a Weasley. I rather like adventures."

"Ah, excellent, excellent." Dumbledore's eyes sparkle and one of them closed in a wink. "I think that will be all for you Miss Weasley. Tell Mr. Potter and your brother that Hermione will be along shortly."

Ginny nodded again and exited down the spiral staircase, leaving Hermione and Snape alone with Dumbledore.

"Hermione, I'm terribly sorry but I'm going to have to ask you not to leave the grounds at all until after the ceremony, and preferably only under heavy guard after that. I will arrange for you to have access to one of the school's owls so that you may do any holiday shopping by post. Severus can pick up any remaining necessities for the wedding."

Hermione nodded her acceptance and even gave a small smile in response to Dumbledore's ability to plan for every avenue. She was glad the headmaster had taken her personal needs into such consideration.

"And now children, I'm afraid we have a slightly larger problem than Lucius Malfoy. It seems the school board and the Ministry have called a joint hearing to decide on Hermione's status as a student. According to the rules of the marriage law, Miss Granger is required to be with child by March. However, school rules clearly state that a pregnant student may not continue with lessons until after the birth of the child. The hearing has been scheduled for Monday."

Hermione gasped in shock, her eyes wide and mouth slightly open. Of course, it figured the Ministry would act swiftly in this case but moved as slow as molasses when it came to Voldemort.

"I shall ready myself and suitable arguments Headmaster" was Severus' reply to the news, but it was obvious he was annoyed by the way his lips were pressed so firmly together.

"Excellent Severus, thank you. I will also do everything in my power to stop this nonsense. Hermione? I have informed your teachers of your absence on Monday. I don't want you to worry child, everyone knows how bright you are, no one wants to see your studies halted, even the Ministry." Dumbledore's eyes were kind as he professed these assurances, but Hermione could still feel her stomach turning. Leave Hogwarts? Get pregnant by March? Her head was swimming and she was beginning to sway on her feet.

A pair of warm hands on her shoulders steadied her and brought her back to reality. She inhaled deeply before responding.

"Thank you Headmaster, I appreciate your efforts, both of you" she gazed up at the dark figure now behind her. "If it's alright professors, I'm very tired and I think I would like a nap before supper."

"Of course my dear, of course. I'll have the elves bring you up a tray in place of your missed luncheon."

Hermione nodded and with a quick "thank you" she was out the door and running down the staircase as quickly as her two feet would carry her.

Dumbledore and Snape continued to stare at each other for several minutes before the Headmaster attempted to speak. "Severus..."

"Don't bother. I know how important this is. I'll come up with something. If there's nothing else?"

Dumbledore shook his head sadly as he watched Snape leave the room, feeling quite powerless for the first time in years.

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When he finally reached the apparition point on Hogwarts' grounds, Snape cleared his mind of the many thoughts bouncing around in his head and apparated, landing with a ::pop:: in front of a Manor as familiar to him as his own home: Malfoy Manor.

He entered the door without difficulty, by now quite familiar with the wards of the house, and proceeded into the study where he knew he would find the Master of the house drowning his sorrows.

"Ah Lucius, old friend, you look in a bit of a state you know." Snape surveyed the blonde head in front of him, partially hidden by the back of a rather ornate green armchair.

"Severus." The name was spat with contempt and familiarity but the seated figure didn't move.

"I take it you've come to gloat?"

Severus moved forward until he was seated on a sofa next to the green armchair. "Gloat? Never! I rather think you've suffered enough humiliation for one day, don't you?"

The figure growled in response but Severus just chuckled, the sound warm and almost affectionate. "Lucius, Lucius. I told you not to touch what was mine. You know I hate sharing."

"You're a fool Severus" Malfoy continued to stare ahead at the fire in the hearth, but he raised his glass of brandy to his lips and swallowed before continuing. "The Dark Lord wanted her for me. He said I was the most likely to be able to handle her. Most of those others were just to throw her off. A few were fools seeking to gain favor with the Dark Lord. But you...you're not stupid. And you weren't involved in the ploy. Why get involved now?"

"I wanted to." Severus replied with a shrug, settling calmly into the sofa. "I wanted her. She's been an annoyance in my class since the moment she entered the school. I want to teach her respect. Of course, it helps knowing that I have a young bride to bed..." Snape forced himself to smirk at the last comment, though it was the last thing he wished to joke about.

"Hmph. I can't blame you there. I rather wanted her too...I miss Narcissa, damn it all! The house is rather empty without her screeching."

"You know everyone thinks you killed her Lucius."

"I know, I know. But better that than letting them know she left me! She was more than happy to fake her own death, avoid a Society scandal and all that...says she'll come back when I'm done sneaking out every night and being such a selfish prick. Either way, I suppose the girl wouldn't have quite measured up. Nevertheless, the Dark Lord wanted her for me. It's on your head now, he does not like his plans to go awry."

"I said it before, he has just as much access through me as he does through you Lucius," Snape's inner voice adding 'over my dead body'.

"Fine fine. But it's my neck if I didn't make an effort. You understand friend. That's why I've arranged this little Ministry event. I'd begrudge you little Severus, but I'm not willing to give up my life so you can play with the girl. I'd be more than willing to share." Malfoy was apparently perking up because his usual predatory gaze was returning to his face.

"I thought that you were behind that. So be it. I'll take care of it, but I'd appreciate it if you could make a minimal effort inside the actual courtroom. I won't tell, and I would certainly appreciate the favor."

"I'll see what I can do" was Lucius' smug reply, but Severus knew he had his friend's cooperation...as limited as that could be.

"Excellent. I appreciate it. Now, if I did no lasting damage to anything besides your pride earlier today, I'll be gone. I'll leave this apology on the coffee table and see myself out. Good evening."

With a sweep of his black cloak, Severus was gone from the room, a bottle of Lucius' favorite hangover potion the only evidence he'd ever been there at all. Lucius smiled.

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"Aw c'mon 'Mione I just don't understand it! Why on earth would you pick the greasy git over a Weasley?!"

"Oy Ron! Leave her be!" Harry huffed at his best mate, crossing his arms. "Look, she's obviously had a rough couple of days and we're certainly not the ones getting married, so leave off!"

It was the first that Hermione had seen of the boys since she had signed the marriage contract with Severus and their opinions were obviously mixed.

Ron huffed right back at Harry, but lowered his voice a bit. "Well fine. Have it your way then. I still don't understand."

Hermione rolled her eyes in frustration. "Look, Ron. I know you don't like Severus very much but I couldn't marry your brother he's..." she hesitated, knowing telling Ron of Percy's new 'parentage' would kill him. "He's too closely allied with Fudge. It wouldn't be good for the Order and it certainly wouldn't be good for me. Besides, Dumbledore can keep a better eye on me if I'm in the castle, right? It's better this way."

Ron grunted, clear Ron-speak for "You're right but I'm too proud to admit it" and fell into a chair. "Well if that's how it is 'Mione, that's how it is."

"I'm sorry Ron, but it is. Now I really want to take a nap so if the two of you could be so kind as to clear out of my rooms?" Ron nodded and waved, promising they'd "discuss it more when she'd had some rest and wasn't feeling so bloody snarky" and exited the Head Girl's rooms.

Harry followed close behind him, pausing at the door to turn and look at Hermione. "Dumbledore told me Hermione, about Percy's abandoning the Weasley's for good. That's why I was for Snape to begin with. Besides...well, he did save my life right? So he must be good at protecting people...I think it'll work out ok." He gave her one of his famous lopsided Harry-Potter grins, to which Hermione responded with a tired smile of her own.

"Thanks Harry. I really appreciate your support. I'll see you at dinner, alright?"

Harry nodded and waved and Hermione fell into bed fully clothed. She intended to sit up and think over the day's events, but her lack of sleep the night before combined with the day's earlier adrenaline rush found her nodding off first.

A/N: There you have it...Chapter 4. Sorry it took so long, I'll try and get 5 up quicker. R/R!