A/N: Sorry for the long wait, my life has been pretty busy these past few months, I was finding it hard to find time to write. Even when I did have time to write I had no idea what to write. It was like my muse decided to go curl up in a corner and die. However, I hope to be able to revive it and get this story underway.

The next few days were uneventful, and as much as she hated to admit it, Hermione was beginning to wonder if Ron was right—that nobody wanted her for a wife. Her mornings were going back to normal and the marriage law faded to the back of her mind. Occasionally some other Seventh year girl would get the dreaded letter, and usually it was met with tears, though rarely it was met with celebration. Hermione hoped she would be with those who smiled at the news, but she knew the odds were against her.

But then, one day, a letter was dropped into her lap during breakfast. Ron and Harry immediately went silent, looking from her to the letter and back again. Hermione's mouth went dry and a pang of despair shot through her entire body. As she opened the letter with shaking hands, the hairs on the back of her neck raised and she looked up to see both Dumbledore and Professor Snape looking at her. Dumbledore was regarding her with a look of quiet interest, but Snape seemed to be assessing her with his cold dark eyes. Hermione shivered and turned back to the letter.

To Miss Hermione Granger:

We are pleased to inform you that a match has been found among the many applicants for your hand in marriage. We have deemed Severus Snape your best match and we congratulate you on what will be the beginning of a wonderful life together. Your wedding may take place anytime between now and October 7th, after which you will be fined.

Best wishes,

Matilda N. Botswick

Hermione crumpled the letter in her fist and ran from the Great Hall, tears streaking her face.

"I wonder who it was," Harry wondered.

"Evidently someone horrible," Ron answered, "but other than that I have no idea."

Hermione was summoned to Dumbledore's office as she went down to lunch, red-nosed and bleary-eyed. Guessing what their meeting was going to be about, Hermione slowly directed her steps to where the two griffins stood guard. After delivering the password she made her way up the spiral staircase. Both Dumbledore and Snape were waiting for her.

"Ah, Miss Granger, welcome. Please take a seat," Dumbledore greeted her. When she had settled herself in the chair beside Snape, he began.

"I have no doubt that you know why you are here," Dumbledore began, "and no doubt you are experiencing many conflicting emotions, so I thought I might clear things up a bit." Hermione struggled not to wriggle uncomfortably in her chair, and risked a glance at her future husband. He sat stiffly in his chair and his face was blank of any emotion. His black eyes flicked across to her as soon as he noticed she was watching, and she quickly averted her eyes to stare at her lap.

"Although Voldemort was defeated last year, some of his Death Eaters remain at large. Many have gone into hiding, but there are some we believe to be trying to continue their former master's work. As soon as the remains of the Order of the Phoenix heard about this new Marriage Law that was going to be implemented, we immediately began to worry about you, Miss Granger. We worried that Voldemort's former followers would use this as a way to get to you, and through you, get to Harry.

"We had to figure out how to keep you safe from this threat, and unfortunately, the only way was for you to marry someone from the Order. We tried to find someone closer to your age but it was to no avail—all the older Weasleys are married off already and potential suitors have to have finished their education, which leaves out any of your friends here at Hogwarts. Therefore, Severus was the only and obvious choice." Dumbledore looked over at Snape and then back to Hermione. "I have no doubt you will be perfectly safe with him. I would trust him with my life." Dumbledore paused awkwardly and cleared his throat. "Of course, as this is more a marriage of convenience than anything else, neither of you should feel pressured to, ahem, consummate the marriage on your wedding night, although, Miss Granger, you shall have to move your things to Severus's chambers."

Hermione blushed furiously and out of the corner of her eye she could see that Snape had also gone a bit pink. Dumbledore did not miss it.

"I know that this will be very awkward for both of you and I will promise you that I will try my best to make it easier for both of you in any way I can." He stood up, indicating their brief interview was over. As Hermione and Snape turned to go, Dumbledore suddenly remembered something and called them back.

"I've scheduled your wedding for October 1st, if that is agreeable for both of you. All the staff and students will be present, along with any others you might want to invite. And, ah, Miss Granger—"

"Yes, sir?"

"Your parents have been notified and will be arriving here tomorrow. Undoubtedly they will have certain objections to this match, but I will try my best to explain your circumstances to them." Dumbledore gave her a reassuring smile, which Hermione returned hesitantly. She knew that her parents would have to be told and the thought of what they would do when they received the news made her cringe inwardly. She was glad that Dumbledore would break the news to them first.

"Thank you, Professor," she replied, and he nodded and sat back down at his desk, arranging his dark purple robes carefully.

"Now, then, run along Miss Granger, I'm sure you do not want to miss any of your classes."

Hermione ducked her head and headed down the stairway alone, Snape having slipped out earlier when Dumbledore had called her back. When she reached the corridor she caught a glimpse of his long black robes disappearing around the corner at the end of the hallway. These next few days were going to be challenging. She wondered how she was going to break the news to Harry and Ron.