The Curse and The Cure *Snamione*

Chapter 7.

7

The kiss that started clumsily soon grew deeper, fuelled with a hunger and desire that neither had experienced before.  Severus entwined his fingers through her caramel coloured hair, pulling her closer and she shut her eyes, drowning in the intensity and the passion of the moment.

Eventually, both needing air they broke apart and Hermione giggled a little nervously, biting her bottom lip.  Severus moved his arms to her shoulders. He looked at her earnestly and gave his head a small shake, dropping his arms to his side.

"What?" Whispered Hermione with a frown "What now?"

"Why me Hermione? Why would you choose an old, ugly and embittered man like myself?  I have nothing to offer you."

"I... I don't want anything but you Severus.  Nothing..."

"But you're the Minister of Magic. What would people think if you were with me? In many peoples eyes I am still a traitor and that's how I'll always be perceived, no matter how many plaudits or pardons are heaped on me..."

"But I don't care Severus. I really don't care about anybody's opinion. I just want you. I know you're a good man. You're an honest man and loyal man."

"Yet Lucius would be a far better prospect..."

"Oh don't start that again." She sighed. "Look. I've got to go and speak to Harry and see Draco now and it's late. I'll stall the Ministry by not signing for the warrant until I've moved you both.  Go to bed Severus. Ward the house and I'll be back first thing in the morning."

She then took her cloak and leaving him with a small peck on the cheek disappeared through the floo and into the ether.

**********

She floo'd back to her home and then directly to Grimmaud Place. Harry was sat at his kitchen table finishing some work and was surprised to see her at the late hour, but welcomed her into their home. Ginny had already retired to bed.

No 12 Grimmauld Place had been left to Harry after its last owner, Harry's Godfather Sirius Black had been killed. With much re-invention and renovation the whole house had been brought into the 21st century and was now a very large but comfortable family home. Hermione visited often and felt completely at ease in their abode.

"Hello Minister" said Harry with a smile, leaning forward and hugging his friend. "What brings you here at this late hour?"

"Hello Harry" said Hermione hugging him back "thank you for seeing me."

"You're always welcome here. Business or pleasure?"

Hermione plumped herself down on the large leather, well worn settee and puffed out her cheeks allowing her breath to escape slowly.

"Both really" she said "I need a favour. I wouldn't normally ask but it's an emergency."

"Oh?" Said The Chosen One, with a raise of his eyebrow "sounds ominous."

"Well.... the thing is...."

"Spit it out Hermione"

"Ok.... Look. I need somewhere for Severus and Lucius to stay for a while and wondered if they could stay here as they're currently running from the law... well Lucius is and Severus is classed as an accomplice."

Harry raised his eyebrows in surprise and looked at Hermione blinking a couple of times.

"It's the Coronial Maltswift Horn isn't it?" Said Harry "Lucius got caught?"

"Yes" she nodded "and the Ministry knows it was for Severus and have an active arrest warrant for Lucius.   They want me to sign a search order so they can look in Severus' house for him so they can't stay there.  I couldn't think of anywhere else but here.  My own cottage is currently under reconstruction so that's a no go. Thankfully Lucius didn't implicate me which has bought us a bit of time."