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Contracts	By : laceyweasley Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 39502 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
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.

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*****Chapter Two--The Ceremony*****

Hermione was nervous. She was dressed in the ceremonial white gown that Professor Snape had provided. It was very plain and sheer. The sleeves of the gown were voluminous, cut in a slant and were as long as the gown. They were tied loosely with a ribbon just past her elbows. Her hands were not visible unless she raised them. The neckline was plunging. The two front Placards overlapped but were not stitched or in any other way fastened. The effect was to gap open at every movement. The sheer material just cascaded. It really ho Foo Form. The material jutted from her breasts and fell straight to the floor. The parts of her body that were semi-exposed was rippling and changing with every step and every breath. As long as she didn�t have to bend over she should be able to save her dignity. At least she hoped.
As she thought of her research into Wizarding Contract and Bindings she blushed and her eyes fell from her mirrored image. That�s when she realized that her hardened nipples were clearly visible. She had to get a grip. The tomes had looked old so maybe the information was invalidated due to age. She could hope�but she had her suspicions.

The gown fell to the floor and covered her bare feet. There was no train. This was not a weg afg after all; though it felt like one. A shotgun wedding. Most brides get butterflies. Her mom had said so. Hers had been great big black bats from the beginning.

She took another look in the mirror and quickly averted her eyes. You could see the dark triangle at the apex of her thighs. She twitched the voluminous folds so it was less transparent in strategic places. There that was a little better. She took a careful perusal of herself. She was wearing a crown of baby�s breath. The contrast with her red curls was dramatic. A potion that Professor Snape had provided had tamed her curls. Her hair looked good. Very good. The best that it had ever looked. That was one thing to be thankful for. If she really cared. She wished she looked hideous and that Professor Snape would go running from the ceremony.
rmiormione looked into the mirror and met her mother�s eyes as she opened the door.

Her mother halted as she received a full view of Hermione. Her mother frowned briefly upon seeing Hermione�s reflection in the mirror. The cotton shift was way too transparent.

She started forward to say something and actually stopped. Severus had explained the significance of a plain cotton shift. It was only for the beginning of the ceremony and then she would wear the stunning green gown and robes that Severus had shown her. Snape�s Estate colors. Estate robes. Green with black and silver edging. es tes that fit her new station in life as a member of the Ancient Pureblood Aristocratic Snape family. Her little Hermie would now be Lady Snape.

Still�the translucency of the gown clearly showed her 14 year old daughters body. When had her daughter grown up so? She did not look like a girl, but a young woman. Her breasts were clearly defined through the thin material. With a small gasp she realized she could plainly see her daughter�s crack through the back of the gown. She frowned again, and then just as suddenly she smiled. That was the reason Severus insisted the ceremony be held at night, with only moonlight and candlelight to show any illumination.

Severus had once again shown his planning and consideration of her daughter. Betty�s mind eased again and the suspicions that had jumped to the front of her mind were once more laid to rest. However, she knew Harold would not like the gown. The hall was not as bright as this room, perhaps the dightighting would keep him from pitching a fit. Betty was a little worried about her husbands� reaction, but resolved in her determination to protect their daughter at all cost. With her mind eased she could once again take in the sight of her lovely daughter.

As of tonight her daughter would become Hermione Snape. That thought caused her to draw in a raged breath. She was running over all of the arguments, remembering every single detail of the proposed law. She remembered Severus� calming words and his reassurances. Yes, they were doing the right thing.

Quickly she finished entering the room and closed the door behind her.

Hermione had turned to look at her mother. She had watched the emotions that chased across her face and for a brief moment she hoped that finally the nightmare was over. With each confused or outraged look Hermione had prayed. But her mother had overcome each one. She smiled, but still seemed uneasy. As she got closer to Hermione the stress seemed to fall away until she looked peaceful.

All Hermione wanted was to go back to being a normal 14 year old. Normal 14 year olds were not practically getting married. It was wrong, wrong, wrong. She cursed Professor Snape under her breath yet again. What had he done to her parents in the past 3 years?

She never would have thought they could change their thinking so completely. All of her life she had heard: �Finish your education�, �Go to university�, �Find a good job�, �Get established�, �Find a companionable husband, get married, and after a suitable period give them grandchildren�. It was almost a mantra and that was before she even realized she was a witch. Now a few short years latter it was; �This is the way it has to be�, �You should be grateful�, �He�s from such an Old and respected family�, �You will have a choice unlike some of your classmates when the law becomes public�, �It will give you an opportunity to learn the niceties of wizarding society��She was sick of hearing Professor Snape�s praises and her supposed good fortune.

Hermione would not be 15 for almost 4 more months. She unders tha that her overuse of the time turner in her third year, and her accidental trip to the past where she had lived for almost a year had aged her. The ministry considered her to be almost a full 2 years older than her chronological age. She could sit her Newts if she wished and in real time she was just scheduled to sit her OWLS this year. She had already applied for her apparition license. She almost started to laugh. It would definitely be a hysterical laugh because funny it was not.

Whatever happened this year she would face it as Hermione Snape not Granger. She was unclear as to whether she would have to live in the dungeons. Professor Snape had told her she didn�t have to if she behaved.

Behaved? What did he think she got up to? The thought would have made her giggle if she didn�t feel chilled all of the way to her bones. Even if the situation didn�t make ice run in her veins the skimpy dress and lack of any under garments would. I mean really not even shoes. Her feet were cold and she hadn�t even stepped outside.

Professor Snape had assured her parents that things would not change too drastically. It was a legal formality to bind her to the Snape family. The ceremony tonight was just to give her and his family legal protection against the law, when the law was placed into effect. The fact that Dumbledore agreed with the plan did not bring her much comfort. She knew he was fallible.

Year after year Dumbledore had sent Harry back to the muggles to be abused. He had kept secrets from Harry that were slowing driving Harry crazy. Harry needed his friends and one of the only ways to ensure that Hermione would be allowed to continue to counsel Harry was to go through with the contract.

She new the reasons why, but at the moment they were cold comfort.

�Hermione, you know your dad and I love you very much!� Hermione came out of her revere to realize her mother was intent on saying a few words. She nodded mutely, not trusting her voice not to break.

�You chose the magical world. Do you have any regrets?� Her mother�s voice was soft. Her eyes were asking her more than the one simple question. Reminding her. Her choice was to be made now or there was no going back. EVER!

The fact that Wizarding Marriages were truly �till death do you part� was still astonishing to Hermione and to her parents. Divorce was not a word that some wizard even understood.

Hermione remembered the weeks of arguing. The bottom line had been magical by their rules or muggle by ours. That was the ultimatum and Hermione had chosen the Magical world. She couldn�t imagine denying herself magic for the rest of her life or perhaps one day having a magical child and not being able to share his or her world. She understood the rift between her and her parents very well. Her mother was waiting expectantly and once again she gave her mother the same answer as before. Very softly but clearly came the words �I am a witch�.

Her mom nodded resolutely. She didn�t expect any other answer. She had tears in her eyes.

She came over to Hermione ausseussed about her hair for a few moments while she said the rest of what she had to say. Hermione had heard it before. She let her continue because it must have been comforting to her mother. It definitely wasn�t giving her com comfort. She had established the facts a couple of months ago when the bomb shell had been dropped.

��Contracts between pure-bloods are sometimes established for their children even before the parents marriage takes place. They grow up knowing that they have a chosen mate. They don�t find it awkward like we do.�

�Look at Mr. and Mrs. Weasley; they were contracted at birth. Look how happy they are. Professor McGonagall said her first marriage was arranged and it was very successful. Severus marriage was arrangnd hnd he nearly died at her loss.�

As her mother was talking, Hermione was sinking into self-pity. Her options had really run out. Why me kept chanting over and over in her brain.

��Severus has done all he can to protect you and yet give you a choice. You are young to be a wife, but old to be contracted. This is the best your father and I can do to give you security and stability in your chosen life, your chosen world. It was not an easy decision, but I am convinced that it is the right one. Do you understand?�

Hermione was completely choked up. She knew how difficult this was for her parents. Tonight she was loosing them. Her parents. She understood maybe a little better than they did. As soon as they had mentioned a contractual binding she had looked up everything she could find on the subject. She had even convinced some of her friends to talk to her about their bindings. First she was surprised to find so so many of them had been contracted. Most at birth. The second thing was that they were so young when the binding ceremony took place that they couldn�t remember. She had learned that a portion of every year was spent with the contracted family. There they were treated as a family member. They viewed the contracted families for the most part as an extended family. It all sounded very rosy but there was something missing�something that was not talked about. She had picked up on it from every girl. For the most part they were happy with their contracted families. In-depth questioning always brought a halt to the sharing of information. It had happened to at least 4 of the girls she had talked to. Well she would have all of the answers shortly, whether she wanted them or not.

�Yes, I understand why, but�� she spoke low but clearly to her mother. Her mom gave her a squeeze on the shoulder careful not to wrinkle the thin gown. Hermione just trailed off. There was nothing going to change the course already set.

Her mother nodded. �This is one of the things that a parent regularly decided for their child up until about 150 years ago. It seems odd because it is no longer the custom here. It is in your new world and we have done what is best for you. Ok?�

At Hermione�s nod her mother said, �Let�s go get your dad. I believe they are awaiting our arrival.�

Her mom motioned for Hermione to precede her out the door. As she stepped across the threshold she turned around and gave her childhood bedroom one last look. Her mom squeezed her arm again and said, �It�s not forever, you will be back almost a month before school starts�. She chocked up and started walking down the hall. She didn�t think things were as simple as her parents thought.

Betty rapped on her bedroom door and out came her husband. He was really still a magnificent looking man. Dark hair. Strong body. She gave a tiny shiver. Her husband caught her eye and smiled at his lovely wife and then took in the picture his child made.

Hermione was gorgeous. She looked like a miniature bride. Just the thought brought tears to his eyes. She was his baby. He didn�t care about all of the damn rules, she was just a baby. Betty had watched the expressions flit across his face and carefully took his arm, and turned slightly from Hermione.

�We made this decision, together. We were apprised of all of the facts and Hermione�s wishes to remain a witch. We decided this was the best thing for her in the circumstances. Do you still agree?� Betty�s voice was low, but not the least differential. They had an equal marriage after all.

Harold searched Betty�s eyes and seeing the calm there he latched onto it and soothed his raw nerves. A nod was all she received, but his resolve was back in place. He turned to Hermione and seeing the tears in her eyes he had to take a deep breath. This was not going to be easy.

�Hermione, we love you very much and we want the very best for you and�� Hermione interrupted quietly, it was as if she couldn�t help herself.
�Please don�t make me, daddy!�

His voice went lower and got gruffer as he said, �Do you want to stay here at home with me and mom and live as muggles?�

A tear spilled over as she shook her head no.

Her dad took in a ragged breath and then said, �We shouldn�t keep everyone waiting�. With a small nod of agreement Betty starting shepherding them all out to the back door. Betty linked one arm with Hermione and Harold the other.

Before they could walk out the door Hermione stopped jerking her mother and father back. She wailed, �Why me? Why did he pick me? Why not another muggle born. Lavender is prettier. Katie is more Athletic. Penelope is older. Why me?�

Her parents looked at each other and back at her. They couldn�t understand what she was saying. In their eyes she was the best choice. They agreed with Severus on that.

Harold was the one to address her questions. �Severus said when he started looking for a muggle born he looked for intelligence and power. Your magical power astounded him the day he saw you being sorted. Apparently powerful witches and wizard can feel another powerful witch or wizard. Severus was bitterly disappointed you were not placed into Slytherin. He made a point of finding out about you and who your parents were. He said from the first day of classes you outshone every one of your classmates and that included the pureblooded little bastards.� Hermione�s father stroked her cheek gently.

�Severus�s first meeting with us occurred after the Christmas break your first year. You had apparently figured out a secret about a rock the school was hiding. He was very impressed, but also worried. Your curiosity does get the better of you sometimes. Right Hon?�

Hermione was still stuck on the fact that Professor Snape had picked her because of her power. What power? She was intelligent. If he had chosen her based strictly on intelligence it would have made sense but power.

Her parents took advantage of her confusion and walked out the patio door.

As soon as their feet left the house the view before them completely changed. They were on a cliff top. The waves were pounding loudly and the moon was shining down. A small clearing with several people standing about was quite obviously their destination. In about 20 steps her fate would be sealed.

She stopped rooted to the spot. She couldn�t do this. She slipped out of her parents arms and turned to run. She had only gone about 4 steps when she was put in a body bind. The body bind kept her upright but immobile. Her dad easily swept her up in his arms and took her into the clearing. She really was small. There had been some tittering laughter when she had turned to run. It was still unclear who had stopped her from running. No one had seen Severus draw his wand, but it is known in plenty of circles that he was quite adept at wandless magic.

Harold brought Hermione into the circle. Betty was not allowed inside the circle. As he walked up next to Severus the two men nodded and with Hermione still in her dad�s arms the officiator stepped up to both of the men and waved his wand over the assembled crowd. The quite murmur of voices died down.

She looked about quickly and as her father came to a halt she realized there were more people present than she had initially thought. She started breathing hard because she had read what was probably coming very shortly. Although the ceremony itself was cloaked in mystery this part seemed to be universal. She waited. She couldn�t do anything else even speak.

The officiator turned to her father and asked, �Who are you that brings the girl to be contracted?�

Harold answered, �I am her father and I bring her to be contracted.� his voice was surprisingly steady.

The official then turned to Snape. �Who are you that seeks to take this girl who is being offered?

Professor Snape answered in his best classroom voice. �I am Lord Professor Severus Octavus Snape acting as head of the Snape household by permission of Sebastian Snape.�

The official turned back to Harold, �Do you bring your daughter to this binding willingly and under no duress?�

Harold said, �Yes, I bring her willingly and without duress�.

A parchment appeared in front of him with a quill and he signed his name.

The man nodded and turned to Professor Snape. �Are you prepared to accept Granger�s daughter as a contracted mate for the family of Snape?�

Severus�s silky voice said very clearly and without even looking at her. �I will accept Hermione Granger as a contractee. She will be a mate for the Snape family providing she is untouched and can prove her worth tonight.�

The officiator turned to Harold and said, �Are you willing to accept the terms as outlined by Lord Severus Snape?�

Harold again answered �Yes.�

The official contin Thi This was the only time in the entire ceremony he acknowledged Betty Granger. �Do you Mr. And Mrs. Granger realize that you are giving up all rights to your daughter? She will be accessible to you only through Lord Snape.�

A very small pause and then, �Yes� from both of her parents.

Hermione was trying to pay attention, but the point of no return had just been passed. Tears were running down either side of her face.

The officiator turned to Professor Snape and asked, �Are you prepared to accept this girl into your household to be responsible for her health, welfare, and assume all financial responsibilities towards this girl?�

Snape finally tuned around to Hermione, and grasped her chin firmly. He looked deeply into her eyes, he saw the panic and the tears, and he looked deeper and saw again what had first set him on the path to obtain Hermione Granger.

Quite steadily and smoothly he said to the official, �I assume all of these responsibilities and more. I understand that I will be head of her household. I will be her surrogate father and husband. As acting head of the Snape family she will answer only to me and I will make all decisions regarding her future. Her physical, mental, and emotional well being are now my responsibility. I do not take these responsibilities lightly�.

After saying this he took the quill and signed the parchment. It rolled into a little scroll and disappeared with a pop.

The official then said, �Since all parties are in agreement then the binding will begin. Miss Snape please say good-bye to your parents.�

Hermione heard the officiator but didn�t realize he was addressing himself to her. It took a raised eyebrow from Professor Snape for it to click. In that same instant she realized she was no longer bound and could move freely. Her arms went around her dad�s neck and she hugged him like she would never let him go. Her mom came to her when her dad placed her feet on the ground she hugged her mother considerably longer.

When her mom stepped back her dad took her hand and walked the few steps to Severus side and placed Hermione�s hand into Severus�s large one. He drew a deep breath before he spoke the final words of his part in the ceremony. �My daughter Hermione is now yours. Use her well.� With that he stepped back, a glimmer of moisture is in his eyes as he took Betty�s hand. They immediately disappeared.

With her parents disappearance Hermione started to panic. She has tried to prepare for this, but she had come to the conclusion that basically there was no way to prepare yourself for what was to come. She was so intent on holding her emotions in that she did not realize that Severus had enclosed her in his robes. His arms held her comfortingly. She sobbed for her parents�her life�and for herself.

Severus held her until the sobs and shaking had started to abate. Eventually she lifted her eyes and looked up at him. He nodded when he saw this.

It was time to continue.

****
Thanks Rachel W--She very graciously betaed the 1, 2, and 3 chapters.

I don't own any character in the Potter Universe.
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Contracts