A marriage of convenience.

3. Marriage Law

It was a breezy morning of late August, when massive letters arrived at the Burrow.

The despicable Marriage Law was implemented. All witches and wizards between the age of 15 and 50 should be married and produce one offspring.

Scarlett started to panic immediately as she read her own letter. There was no time to lose. She would have to take Tom away to another country. She knew that if she chose to marry, her husband shall be willing to adopt her brother, otherwise she would immediately lose custody.

No man would ever accept that.

Severus - on the other hand - was fuming from rage for this new Law.

He didn't wish to have any kind of woman beside him. He liked his solitude. He didn't wish to change that. His physical needs were met by prostitutes and despite the constant compromise in sentiment, he preferred to keep himself unspoilt by the implications of a love affair.

Albus immediately asked for all of them to get gathered at the Headquarters. Little Tom stayed behind with Molly, though. He was already very upset that he would lose his sister.

The truth was that everyone had a love affair, so apart from the permanent requirement for their relationship, they wouldn't have to compromise their feelings.

All but Scarlett and of course Severus.

Albus asked for a private meeting of both.

He started by explaining his plan.

- You are the only ones without a relationship that will be forced to get married. Dear Scarlett, I know that you need a husband who would accept your brother as his own son. That would also save you from having a child. Dear Severus, I know that you do not wish to bond yourself to anyone. But I know that both of you are fighters and survivors. This is why I have come up with this plan. If you get married, if you Severus accept young Tom as your son and you adopt him, then you may both have piece of mind. Scarlett my dear, Severus is a fine man. He will honour you. He will respect you and he will also provide you guidance. Severus, you already know that Scarlett is very bright and very discreet. A great wife in a compromised marriage of convenience.

Both Severus and Scarlett stood silent.

Severus was the first to speak.

- I accept. It is true that I enjoy my solitude. And I wish for my piece of mind. I respect both Scarlett and Tom. They are very bright. I could compromise for both of them. I could adopt your brother and treat him as my own son. If he wishes for that too. I could support both of you. I would never lay a single finger on you, except of course from the customary kiss that we need to exchange in front of our witnesses. We could sleep in different rooms of course and I would respect and honour your privacy. If the Law is outturned, it would be easy to get a divorce and continue with our lives.

-  Professor Snape, I will be forever grateful for allowing me to keep the custody of my dear young brother. I will respect you as a husband and honour you in every single way. I accept as well.

Albus smiled at both of them.

- Then we shall proceed?

- No, not yet, Professor. If you do not mind, Professor Severus and myself should go to the Burrow and explain the situation to Tom. I cannot change his life without  prior notice.

- Of course my Dear .

Severus asked for her permission to hold her from her waist for side apparition and with a loud "CRACK" they were inside the Burrow.

Molly was holding a crying Tom in her arms.

He was completely heartbroken.

- Tom, baby, come here. Scarlett gently picked her brother up and caressed his back.

Tom sniffed and didn't even notice Severus.

- Honey, would you mind if we talked about it? she asked him in a gentle voice.

He nodded in acceptance and looked up. He then noticed Severus.

- Oh! Mr. Severus... ehm Professor Snape! Good day to you Sir!

Severus smiled warmly at the young lad, he was already feeling close to him.

Scarlett asked Severus to join them. They went up to Tom's room and he sat on his bed.

Scarlett explained to him the whole idea. Tom was listening very carefully.

He only asked one question:

- Do I have to call you Dad?

Severus smiled and kneeled down.

- No, Tom. You may call me Severus though, ok? I will not replace your Dad. I am just making sure that you stay with your sister.

Scarlett looked at him and smiled.

- You shall call me Severus as well, of course, he asked her.

She nodded in approval.

- Where will we be staying? Tom asked, interrupting the moment.

Severus looked at him.

- I will take care of this. Let's go and sign the papers so we are bonded immediately.