When Hermione Fights

Matchmaking

Chapter beta: Olivia

Chapter translator: Aivy

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I was still smiling after Draco's stately exit from the cottage, when I looked up and saw with raised eyebrows in far too many pairs of eyes, some of them with a reproachful expression.

"Yes? Do you have something to say?"

"Hermione, now that Malfoy is gone... You can' t be serious! You went to bed with Snape?" Harry burst out.

"Harry, it is what it is. Swallow it! Really... Do you know why it came to this? Do you really want to know? Do you? All right. Well... I was at the Hog's Head during the holidays last year, following up on Skeeter's tip-off that the landlord was the hushed-up brother of Dumbledore, and let's just say, if you know it, you'll see it right away. Same idiotic, twinkling blue eyes; check him out sometime. I was there as Minna and Severus was there too, unfortunately! He sat down next to me, bought me a drink and talked to me... What was I supposed to do? I was abrasive, but he still saw in me... what he wanted to see. I..."

No, I didn't want to tell him about the alley. It was too private. I remembered how Severus took control, how he was fond to do, and how he pressed me firmly against the wall and fucked me. Oh, wow... Maybe I'd better not think about that.

"Must you always call him Severus?" Harry now said with a pained expression.

"No, because at school I'm not allowed to. But if I call him Snape in private, I'll get into real trouble with him, as he finds it insulting. Harry, I know you don't understand this, but I am living now very differently than ever before. There are so many rules that I have to watch out for and follow! And believe me, a mistake is always punished... but good behaviour is also rewarded," I tried desperately to explain. It still wasn't easy for me to call Sn... Severus by his first name - he really instilled respect in me - but I would never dare not call him by his first name in private again.

"Hermione, why did you do that? You shouldn't have done that. They are all sick if they punish you," it came sadly, calmly, but also very curiously from Harry. He couldn't understand me - well, who could, really? - but I saw that the snakes present largely understood and could relate to the life I was now leading.

"Harry, even if it shocks you or it sounded like it before: I don't regret anything! I like it where I am and with whom I am there. I really like all three of them. I feel very comfortable in this family, more comfortable than ever in my real one! Even if I have to pay attention to what I do, it is always exciting, exhilarating...! And also consider the reverse case: the rules apply to them too and if they don't follow them, I too have the right to demand or even impose a penalty, see Narcissa. I was allowed to take revenge and there will be no legal consequences for me, since her widowed husband and son are covering for me," I explained, seeing how he gazed back at me uncomprehendingly with incredibly big eyes. Daphne came to my aid.

"Harry, she now leads a life similar to that of us pure-bloods. Of course, very few can match the way the Malfoys live; they are the richest and noblest family. Not even we or Blaise can compete with their lifestyle. But it's similar in the basics, with the rules and expected behaviours, even if the rest of us don't play all these power games because our families aren't important enough," said the Slytherin girl wisely, all eyes on her. "Even though I know Hermione the least, I believe her to be an excellent fit for such a family. I have seen Malfoy Senior a few times; I understand why she likes him, although I think he wears many masks and I have only seen the nice and charming one. A dangerous man, but let's face it, Hermione is a dangerous woman."

Astoria picked up the thread.

"Exactly and honestly, which man - or men, plural, one must almost say - should Hermione have chosen? Well, the selection that wouldn't flee from her after a single day is relatively limited," she proclaimed precociously. Well, when she was right, she was right. The Twins cackled and exchanged a high-five, even Blaise showed a pert grin and Harry nodded sagely.