The Curse and The Cure *Snamione*

Chapter 14

"I don't see that a 'Stag Night' is really necessary." Grumbled Severus, adjusting his cravat. "It's a stupid Muggle custom and totally a waste of a good evening."

"Oh shushhh!" Retorted Lucius pouring his friend a large glass of firewhiskey. "Draco said it was 'customary' and we should do something to mark the end of your bachelorhood. Think yourself lucky I persuaded them not to go 'full Muggle'. I didn't think you'd see the humour in strippers or being tied naked to a lamppost?"

Severus said no more as a loud 'rap' sounded at his door.

"Ahhh that will be Draco and Harry and the others." Said Lucius "You really ought to allow people access to your floo old man. Apparating is so last century... Come in boys. Severus is so excited about our evening ahead. Come on in."

The restaurant booked for them in Muggle London was tucked away down a small alleyway and was run by a squib called Jonas Jonas. (So good they named me twice! He would joke) He was a short, rotund, good humoured man with a exceptional talent for cooking and his establishment was often booked up months in advance, but he had been Lucius' teacher at Cookery School and the two had become firm friends, which meant he was able to reserve a table at short notice.

"Is everyone here?" Lucius looked around. He and Severus were joined by Draco and Harry, Arthur, George Weasley, Bill Weasley, Neville Longbottom, and Kingsley Shacklebolt. Robert Granger - who never enjoyed any kind of magical transportation - had agreed to make his own way there.

"Ron sends his apologies" said Harry "The twins are being a little fractious and he didn't want to leave Misty."

"Oh that's a shame," replied Lucius cordially "never mind, we'll have a drink for him. Right. Shall we go? I've a port key outside. Thought we'd all travel together. Come along."

The port key spun them through the ether and dropped them into a small garden approximately one hundred meters from the restaurant. An olde worlde public house stood next to the restaurant and all nine of the wizards went through the ancient oak door into the dimly lit bar beyond. Robert Granger smiled as he turned and saw them.

"Aha!" He said hugging them all. "You're here! I've put some money behind the bar for some drinks so get what you like. Hello Severus!" He shook his soon to be son in law's hand. "How are you? No last minute reservations I hope?"

"Good evening Bob. No I'm fine. Thank you. I'm just wondering what these jokers are going to get up to." He raised an imperious eyebrow as he looked at Harry, Draco and George all huddled together whispering to themselves and laughing occasionally. They reminded Severus of when they were all back at Hogwarts and he shook his head at the thought.

"Hermione tells me you start back at the school soon? How are you looking forward to it?"

Severus sighed "Not overly, but I've been assured I'll have a decent budget to play with and staffing is down to me so that's a blessing. My only reservation is the time I'll have to spend away from Hermione, but I'll get home as often as I can."

"Jean told me Hermione is refusing to consider maternity leave?"

Severus took the drink Lucius handed him, thanking him as he did so. "Your daughter is very stubborn, Bob" he smiled "but we'll see how she goes. I think she's worried that no one will be able to deputise for her adequately...."

Further conversation was halted as a glass smashed from somewhere at the back of the bar and voices were raised, clearly the start of an argument.

From behind where two men were now being forcibly thrown out of the pub by the landlord not tolerating their behaviour (despite their objections that the glasses had just exploded kind of 'magically'), a wizard sat unseen glowering in the shadows, watching Severus and his friends stood around the bar. The commotion provided him ample cover to exit the pub unseen.