Potions Master's Bride Chapter 1: The Proposition, a harry potter fanfic

Potions Master's Bride

Summary: This is a short romantic story inspired by our favorite Potions master, Severus Snape, as channeled by Alan Rickman. There will be lemons for sweet lemonade and a tiny bit of plot…

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all his friends (and enemies) are the brain-child of J.K. Rowling. Exclusive ownership belongs to JKR, Arthur A. Levine Books and Scholastic Inc. Grace Millgrove and all additional characters belong to me. You belong to yourself.

Feedback: Greatly appreciated.

Distribution: FanFiction for now. Also set to go up on Occlumency soon, if it's deemed worthy. If you want to post my story anywhere else, please let me know.

Comments: Set after HBP, but no major spoilers intended. I'm not a literary major, but I do try to please my readers by providing them with a story that is both entertaining and well-written. I'm also making every effort to stay true to the characters as they were written by JKR and/or portrayed in the movies. I only allow myself little liberties here and there. This brings me to Severus Snape. I believe him to be a complex and very conflicted character – not the obvious villain Harry and his friends perceive him to be. Nonetheless, I simply can't see him going on picnics or dates or flower picking or cooking a romantic dinner. I am certain that even the mere suggestion of such activities would earn a most contemptuous sneer from Severus. Consequently, I shall not disrespect him in such a fashion. To those of you who want to see Snape pick flowers or can't handle multi-chapter prose, I say this: do yourselves a favor and hit the BACK button now. Unless, of course, you feel adventurous – in that case, please read on and enjoy!

Rating: If children are thought a suitable audience for a story where people called Death Eaters torture and kill the innocent, grisly hooded skeletons try to suck out your soul, and a crazed psychopathic maniac, who makes Hitler look like a preschool teacher, is out to dominate the world, they certainly won't go blind reading my story – well, at least the first few chapters. Rest assured, once it gets too wild, appropriate warning lights will flash and parents will be asked to shield the eyes and ears of their impressionable offspring, who – come to think of it – shouldn't be here in the first place. Kids, go and read something educational.

Nonetheless, it's rated M/R (depending which rating system you follow).

Chapter One – The Proposition

…where Severus Snape gets the shock of a lifetime and a woman faints…

Grace Millgrove stood in front of the dilapidated brick house, contemplating the wisdom of her actions. She had come a long way to simply turn back now, but she could still do it. There still was time. On the other hand, she thought miserably, she had given her word and it wasn't in her to break a promise. She had never been bold or adventurous. Leaving her home in search of this stranger, who she had been told would be the answer to her problems, had been the most daring thing she had ever done in the thirty years of her life. But her uncle depended on her. She had given her word… Grace shifted uncomfortably, working up the courage to go through with her task. In the end, it was her sense of honor that forced her to raise her hand and rap on the weathered door. While she waited, Grace looked curiously about her, taking in the neglected front yard, the chipped paint covering the window frames and shutters, the missing shingles on the roof. Suddenly, a movement in one of the windows caught her attention. Inside, someone had disturbed the drapes. Someone, who had been watching her. She shuddered as icy cold shivers raced down her spine. Grace didn't relish the idea of someone watching her in secret. She'd had enough of that in recent months back home at Thornhill. She valued her privacy above anything else. She…

The door was yanked open so suddenly, she took a startled step back. A tall man, dressed entirely in black, appeared in the door frame. He wasn't at all handsome, Grace thought immediately, with his prominent hooked nose and lined pale features curtained by black shoulder-length hair. His dark scowl made her shudder, and she clutched her cloak more tightly about her. The forbidding man in black examined her blatantly, his piercing dark eyes raking over her slight frame, assessing her. Self-conscious, Grace felt the overwhelming urge to flee from his deliberate scrutiny.

Severus inspected the mousy young woman standing before him with mild interest. She was not much to look at. She barely reached his shoulders, and she was wrapped from head to toe in a plain grey wool cloak. Her face, he thought impassively, what was visible of it, was passable enough. However, her big grey eyes, hidden behind delicate wire-rimmed spectacles, were rather striking.

"Yes?" he finally drawled, having completed his assessment of her.

Grace, her gaze still fixed fearfully on him, took heart. "Excuse me, but I am looking for Mr. Severus Snape, Potions teacher at Hogwarts. I was told I would find him here."

The man in black stared thoughtfully down at her. "Who told you?" he asked her calmly.

"My uncle," Grace began to explain quickly. "Reginald Runyon. He… he said that if I ever needed help, Mr. Snape would aid me. Would you please tell me where I might find him?"

Severus stared down at her. Runyon, he thought wryly. Trust that old bastard to call in his favors at the most inopportune time. He had known that he would be asked to pay his debt sooner or later. He had hoped, however, that it would be later or not at all, considering Reginald's advanced age. Damn the man! He balled his fists. Damn him, he thought, for doing this to me, and damn him for sending this timid woman to do his bidding. Well, both of them would be in for a surprise. If they thought that he would be swayed by a pair of soulful eyes, they were sorely mistaken.

Grace noticed his displeasure and became even more self-conscious. "I'm sorry," she mumbled out of habit.

Her apology took him by surprise. "You are sorry… for what?" he inquired, arching an eyebrow.

She didn't meet his gaze. Her eyes were fixed determinedly on his chin. "For disturbing you. I didn't mean to." Grace pulled a piece of parchment out of her cloak pocket and unfolded it carefully. "I must have come to the wrong house…" She scanned it briefly, and her brows knitted together in confusion.

Severus sighed. More than anything did he want to slam the door in her face and return to the book he'd been reading. However, whether he liked it or not, he was bound by his vow.

"I am Severus Snape," he told her resignedly. He might as well get this over with now.

Grace shot him a quick glance, before shyly looking away again. "You could have told me that before," she said quietly, tugging away the paper. "I feel like a fool."

He did not reply, but abruptly stepped aside, permitting her entry. She shot him another dubious look, but his expression was inscrutable. Taking heart, Grace squeezed by him, taking care not to brush against him in the narrow doorway. Out of habit, Severus quickly scanned the street before following her inside. The door slammed shut behind him, and Grace jumped, causing his mouth to twitch briefly.

"Now that you know my name," he drawled arrogantly, "would you be so kind as to tell me who you are?"

Grace flushed. "Of course," she murmured, mortified at her thoughtlessness and lack of manners. She proffered her hand. "I am Grace Millgrove."

Severus scowled and she cringed. Her blush intensified and she quickly withdrew her hand. He gestured to the threadbare sofa, inviting her to sit down. He didn't wait for her to be seated and settled into his overstuffed armchair, casually crossing his legs. He tented his long fingers and pursed his lips, watching her thoughtfully as she gingerly sat down, perching stiffly on the edge of the sofa. Her slender hands shook slightly as she reached up and pulled the hood of her cloak back, revealing rich chestnut hair twisted tightly into a severe bun. Severus suppressed an amused smile.

"Now," he said pleasantly enough, "to what do I owe the…" He paused briefly, searching for the right word. "…pleasure of your company in my humble abode?"

'Humble' was an overstatement, Grace thought. Snape's tiny sitting room was as drab and uninviting as the outside of the house, as inhospitable and dark as its owner. The house was a dwelling place, not a home. The only thing she liked were the numerous bookshelves covering all available wall space, filled to capacity with nothing but books. She hadn't missed his sarcastic tone and realized that his sociable demeanor was just an act. He didn't really want her here, and he was simply humoring her. Well, at least they had that in common. She didn't want to be here, either.

"As I said before," Grace began, ignoring his piercing gaze, "my uncle sent me."

"And that justifies your unannounced intrusion?"

Grace blushed again and squirmed uncomfortably. "He… believed that you would be less inclined to refuse him, if I came in person."

"Then your uncle doesn't know me as well as he thinks," Severus told her smoothly.

He watched her intently as she pulled a sealed letter from her cloak and looked at it for a moment, obviously deliberating what to do with it. She finally pulled her shoulders back – her posture was truly admirable – and held out the envelope.

"He gave me this," she told him, and he leaned forward to take the letter from her trembling fingers. "I was to give it to you and no one else."

Leaning back again, Severus arched an eyebrow and tapped the envelope thoughtfully on his knee. "Do you know what's in it?"

Grace shook her head. "I'm afraid, I don't. It was already sealed when my uncle gave it to me."

"You mentioned a problem?"

"Don't you want to read the letter first? Uncle Reginald said he'd explained my situation in it."

He thought about it for a moment. Reginald Runyon was an unpredictable old coot, and the letter could contain a number of unpleasant things.

"Why don't you tell me?" he asked her firmly.

Grace shifted again, blushing slightly. "Uncle Reginald has been my guardian for many years – ever since my parents died. He's ill…" Tears welled up in her eyes, and she retrieved a hanky from her sleeve. She dabbed daintily at her eyes, before she continued. "He doesn't have long to live."

Severus nodded earnestly. "I see."

"He has left everything to me, but there are problems… with his will." She broke off, frowning. "He has never told me what exactly is bothering him, but I know he is thinking about it day and night. The only thing that eases his conscience is the knowledge that you will somehow help him. That is all I know."

Severus nodded again. He slowly opened the envelope and unfolded the letter. With one final glance at her, he began to read.

Snape,

If you are reading this, Grace will have made it safely to Spinner's End and delivered this letter into your hands. I've never thought much of skirting the issue, and I know you will appreciate my directness. After all, you yourself never were one for small talk, either. Before I go into any detail, however, let me remind you that you owe me your life. I am asking you now to honor the vow you made that night eighteen years ago.

Grace is my sister's child and has been my ward these last fifteen years, following her parents' tragic deaths in a transportation accident involving a faulty Portkey. I love her like a daughter, and I want her to be safe and taken care of after my passing.

Severus looked up briefly to study the woman seated across from him, but she didn't meet his gaze. He was puzzled. What did this all have to do with him? Frowning, he read on.

I have named Grace my sole heir, leaving all my worldly possessions to her. Unfortunately, Lucius Malfoy, who is Grace's cousin twice removed, has found out about my will and is, bloody vulture that he is, contesting it, claiming to be the rightful heir. He bases his case on the Wizard Law of Old, which entails the family assets from male to male. As he is my closest living male relative, I fear that his request may be granted, especially now that he is free again and still has connections in high places.

However, I have researched the Wizard Law of Old and found a clause that can prevent Malfoy from getting his greedy hands on Grace's inheritance. Unfortunately, he knows about this loophole, too, and ever since his release from Azkaban, he has been pursuing Grace with unwavering persistence. You see, if she were to marry, her husband would be considered the closest living male relative, and since Malfoy's wife died during the Final Battle, he is trying to secure his claim in as many ways as possible.

Snape, you are probably wondering by now, what all this has to do with you. There is no easy way of saying this, but – simply put – I want you to marry Grace and protect her as well as her inheritance from Malfoy.

Severus gave an outraged shout of denial and jumped to his feet. Grace also jumped, startled by his sudden outburst. She watched him apprehensively as he voiced oath after oath. He abruptly turned on her, thrusting the letter in her face.

"Has your uncle gone completely insane?" he ground out furiously.

"My… uncle?" Grace blinked in confusion.

"Yes! Uncle Reginald," he mocked. "You didn't tell me that he was a raving lunatic."

"He's not," she protested quietly.

"Then how, pray tell," Snape spat at her, "do you explain this?"

Severus dropped the letter disgustedly into her lap and turned away. Grace stared at him in confusion, but when he made no move to explain, she picked up the letter, adjusted her spectacles, and began to read. Suddenly, she gasped loudly and the next sound he heard was a loud thud. He whirled around to find Miss Millgrove unconscious on the wood floor of his sitting room. She had fainted.

Cursing under his breath, Severus bent over her and picked her up. She was even lighter than he'd thought. As he laid her gently onto the sofa, his first reaction was to revive her, but then he decided against it. He needed a moment or two to compose himself. He straightened and watched her thoughtfully. He realized that, when she came to him, she'd had no idea what her uncle had had in mind for her. It irked him a little that the thought of marrying him had sent her into a dead faint, but he quickly dismissed the notion. He should be glad that she felt as strongly about her uncle's harebrained idea as he did.

What had Runyon been thinking? Severus brought up one hand and pinched the bridge of his nose. The man had to be insane. After all, he wanted him to marry his niece. He was offering her to Severus on a silver platter and fully expected him to accept her. It was preposterous, he thought outraged. He had no need for a wife, never had. The urge to subject himself to a lifetime of nagging and prying had blissfully eluded him through the years. The man couldn't simply force him to marry someone against his will. And reminding him of the vow he'd made had been particularly low. It was downright devious. He could understand Runyon's desire to provide for his niece, but surely there had to be another way…

Severus pulled the letter from her fingers and began to read the rest of it.

I feel no guilt asking you to repay your debt to me in this way…

Severus scoffed. He bet Runyon didn't.

Grace is everything I hold dear. Her life has been filled with tragedy, and I want to see her happy and safe. You are the only man I can trust to protect her. You are the only one who can stand up to Malfoy. You know the man and what he is capable of. I entrust you with my most prized treasure, Snape – a life for a life.

I already have obtained the necessary papers and special licenses. I expect you to bring Grace with you to Thornhill as quickly as possible.

My days are numbered and time is of the essence. Don't make me wait.

Reginald Runyon

Severus sank into his armchair and wiped one hand over his face. This could not be happening, he thought. Not to him. He really had to be more careful about the promises he made. Runyon was clever. He knew that Severus was bound by his vow, and no matter how much he protested, he had no choice but to do the old man's bidding. He waved his wand and a glass of Firewhiskey appeared on the rickety table beside him. Severus downed the amber liquid in one gulp and grimaced as it burned its way down his throat.

His eyes traveled to the unconscious woman lying on his sofa. She looked young and innocent, an unwilling pawn in her uncle's bizarre scheme. During the few minutes of their acquaintance, he had found her to be reserved and well-mannered, which was in her favor. Too many witches nowadays were too outspoken and disrespectful. Grace Millgrove, however, seemed quiet and modest enough, he thought, not to challenge his authority or interfere with his life. He was set in his ways and had no desire to change – for anyone. Moreover, Miss Millgrove was plain, which suited him well, because he wouldn't have to worry about her faithfulness. No man would look at her twice. If she turned out to have half a brain, he mused, she could actually prove to be a pleasant enough companion.

No. He shook his head. The mere notion was simply too bizarre. Marriage! He had always scoffed at the idea. Being shackled to a wife, who would nag him day in and day out, who wouldn't give him a moment's peace – it would be a living hell. Him – married! He couldn't believe that he was actually considering it. Severus grimaced again. It wasn't like he had a choice, really. His vow bound him to Runyon until the old man saw it fit to release him. He had sworn on his life to do as was asked of him. It hadn't been an Unbreakable Vow, but he had sealed his promise with blood. The Bond of Blood was just as indissoluble.

He determinedly got to his feet and shook her shoulder not too gently.

"Miss Millgrove," he called. When she didn't respond, he shook her even harder.

"Miss Millgrove!"

He cursed under his breath and waved his wand, summoning some smelling salts.

The most unpleasantly pungent smell filled her nostrils. Grace grimaced and turned her head. At least, she tried. A strong hand held her head firmly in position, forcing her to inhale the foul odor. She coughed and finally opened her eyes – only to find Snape bent over her, looking rather displeased. His hair had fallen forward, partially hiding his features, but his eyes still bored into hers with an intensity that made her shiver. Merlin's beard! The odious man was even more disconcerting up close. He was still supporting her head, and she realized that he was holding a vial of smelling salts under her nose. Disgusted, Grace pushed his hand away and attempted to sit up. He immediately let go of her, straightened, and stepped back.

"Judging from your… reaction," he said quietly, "your uncle's proposition is as much of a surprise for you as it is for me."

Grace nodded, unable to speak. She took off her spectacles with trembling fingers and rubbed her eyes. It was all coming back to her now. Uncle Reginald wanted her to marry Severus Snape. How could he? And without even asking her? How could he think that the two of them even were compatible? Snape was cold and forbidding. His face was inscrutable, but whenever he spoke, his voice dripped with sarcasm and bored arrogance. He appeared to be a full-blooded cynic and snob, a man who expected perfection and accepted nothing less. She would never be able to live up to his lofty standards. And her uncle wanted her to marry someone like that? Him? The mere thought of spending the rest of her life with Snape made her blood run cold. How could her uncle do this to her?

Severus watched the play of emotions across her features. She did have a rather expressive face. It told him more than any words ever could. It would simplify life with her tremendously. He stared at her for an extraordinarily long time, before he informed her of his decision.

"Our union will make your uncle happy," he told her in a clipped tone, "release me of my vow, and secure your inheritance. Furthermore, it will foil any of Malfoy's plans, which will give me immense personal pleasure."

Grace gaped at him, open-mouthed.

"You mean…" She swallowed. "You mean, you actually intend to go through with this?"

"Your uncle leaves me no choice." His mouth twisted in displeasure. "I am bound to him by my word."

"And what about… well, you know…?" Grace blushed. "Will it have to be a marriage in every sense of the word?"

Snape stared at her with a mixture of shock and disdain. She could have sworn his earlobes turned pink. "I was suggesting," he told her tersely, "a marriage of convenience."

"So, we won't have to… well, you know…?" Her blush intensified and she averted her eyes, embarrassed.

"Does your uncle's will stipulate…" He wrinkled his nose. "…children?"

"I don't know," she told him truthfully.

He nodded. "Fine. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it… There will be no reason for you to leave your home," he said decidedly. "I shall visit you at Thornhill once a month, if time permits, to keep up appearances."

Severus stared out the window. "It's getting dark. We better are on our way. The sooner we get to Thornhill and have this over with, the better."

He noticed that she hesitated. "Well? What are you waiting for?"

Grace shifted uncomfortably, not meeting his inquiring gaze. "I… can't," she told him quietly.

"We just went over this, Miss Millgrove," he ground out impatiently. "There is no other way."

"No," she clarified. "I can't Disapparate." She nervously adjusted her spectacles. "I'm a… squib."

Severus stared at her incredulously. "You're a what?"

"I'm a squib. I can't do magic…"

He closed his eyes, struggling for control. Not only was he being forced into a marriage he did not want, but the wife he was going to be stuck with for the rest of his life had to be a squib. He fervently hoped that Runyon would burn in hell for his deception.

"Fine," he growled disgustedly. "We'll Floo."