marriage of folly
@inquisitivewitch
“You stupid girl! Do you have any idea what you’ve got yourself into?”
Those were the final words that had left the infuriated Potions Master’s lips before he had stormed out of the room, leaving Dumbledore to deal with explaining the mess. So-called beasts based on promises, wishes, and outright trickery were the worst to deal with, but he knew that with the right wording and protections in place, he would be able to control the spirit nymph – and evidently use her for the end goal of his role as a double agent.
All it took to blow months of meticulous planning and care, was one meddlesome Gryffindor.
The spirit nymph had been bound to the name of Snape, as with no living family members, the opportunity to cause havoc for other wizarding folk (or worse – muggles) was unfounded. Just as he was about to crack the hostile creature’s speech patterns, in came the annoyingly curious witch – and out his plans went from the window.
As a Snape, Severus was protected – but Hermione was not. Only when a frantic Dumbledore shouted that she had pledged her name to him, that by sunrise she would be a member of the Snape family. As if it wasn’t bad enough he had to teach these arrogant show-offs, he now had to marry one. Three professors, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Severus Snape himself stood in front of a small alter – the minimum amount required. A comforting squeeze on Hermione’s shoulder was given by McGonagall, who also whispered what she hoped would be reassuring words during such a difficult time: “It only has to be for one year and one day, then you can be separated, and it’ll be as if it never happened.” Begrudgingly, Severus’ cold hand then wrapped around Hermione’s, and the ribbon was tied around their hands. “I pledge to be your husband, to provide you with comfort, guidance, and wisdom. I will be your light in darkness, your wand in battle, to love and to cherish.” The words were ridiculous, especially as Severus didn’t mean them, but he spoke them nonetheless. Now for Hermione to say the same – or pick death by the hands of a savage spirit nymph. He wouldn’t have been surprised if she chose the latter.
