The Curse and The Cure *Snamione*

Chapter 15

15

"Hermione! NO!!!!!" Severus desperately reached for the lifeless, limp body of the witch and gathered her to him, "No! No!" He wept.  "No! Please no! Hermione wake up! Hermione please!"

"Did you see her then?" The voice came closer to Severus. It was only then that Severus recognised the man. "I actually saw the point where the mudblood's life left her eyes!" He added with glee and gave his hands a small clap.

Argo Bulstrode stood before Severus, a smile breaking his contorted face. "How do you like it Snape? How do you like having the one thing you love ripped from you? Hmmmm tell me!"

"I... I... don't.... why?" Severus sobbed, still holding the body of his lifeless love, "why?" He whispered.

"I wanted that job at Hogwarts, Snape. I was all lined up for it. And I would've been sitting pretty. The first wizard in four generations of my family to actually achieve anything." He scoffed "I was a family hero. Every one was so so proud of me. And in that position I could've got rid of anything that wasn't full blood. Finally bring Hogwarts up to the standard Salazar Slytherin had planned all those years ago. And then... just like that ... you decided you wanted the job, and I was told I was no longer suitable! Nepotism. That's what it was. You shagged The Minister of Magic so you could get exactly what you wanted. Do you know how that made me feel? Do you know what I looked like to my family? My wife decided I was a loser after all and she left me, for fucks sake Snape. She left me. Took the children and even the fucking stupid fucking dog. I've nothing now Snape, nothing at all. And neither have you...."

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"We need to go and tell Hermione"

Over an hour had passed and despite an exhaustive search the group of wizards could find Severus no where.

"I agree." Said Lucius conceding. "Then we need to contact The Ministry, as they'll have to be informed he's missing."

Harry nodded. "I'll get onto that after we've seen Hermione.   Come on let's floo there now"

They all arrived back at Hermione's house, and were met by Robert who was looked most concerned.

"We need to speak to Hermione" said Lucius "Where is she?"

"Hermione's not here. Severus sent her an owl and said he needed to see her..."

"What?" Harry exclaimed "When? Where's the parchment Bob? We've found Severus' wand..."

"It's here.... She's gone to some Shack somewhere." He suddenly sat himself down "Please tell me she's alright?"

"Oh for fuck's sake!" Spat Lucius at Robert "You just let her leave?"

"Never mind" said Draco. "Let's worry about incriminations later.  Let's get to the Shrieking Shack and see what the hell is going on.  Arthur, you stay here and look after Bob and Jean and the ladies for us." Arthur nodded, as everyone else left the house for the apparition point outside the front door. 

"Apparate to the edge of the woods just outside the shack" said Harry. "Don't go in until we're all together.  We don't know who's involved."  They all agreed and a few seconds later they all arrived in at the agreed meeting point.

"Lucius and Draco, can you work your way round to the back?" Said Harry authoritatively, his years of working as Head of the Auror's Department proving most useful. "George and Bill can you flank the side? I think there's a small cellar entrance there.  Neville and Ron come with me. We'll take the front.  Be careful everyone."

They all moved off in different directions quietly and as stealthily as they could, until they were all in their assigned positions. There were wards set around the broken down house but they weren't strong and the wizards easily managed to breach them. With a silent 'Alohamora' Harry opened the front door at the same time Lucius broke into the back and Bill and George entered the cellar door.