Ghostly Curse

Ch 7

CAUTION: There are some chapters in this story which are VERY sexually explicit. If such content offends you, or if you are under the legal age yo view such things, PLEASE do not do so.

I do not wish to offend ANYONE.

Ch 7 - If Not a Kiss

After Hermione had exhausted herself trying to find a cause to Draco’s malady and turned up nothing, Lucius had become emotional and disappeared. When he left so abruptly, she sank dejectedly into the nearest chair.

This wasn’t supposed to happen. Draco wasn’t what they were looking for. Why couldn’t they have found Lucius’ body first? Then perhaps he would have been better equipped to deal with the discovery of his son.

Hermione looked at the wand held loosely in her hand. She had searched for signs of every enchantment she could find with it and had gained nothing. What if it wasn’t a spell? What if, instead, it was a potion.

The very thought made Hermione ill. Closing her eyes, she rubbed her temples absently. Not now. I was just getting the pieces of my life back together… I wasn’t ready to let them know I was back! Not yet.

Even as her mind argued with her logic, she knew that her ex-husband was the best choice to confide in. With a sigh, she rose and walked to the fireplace. As if the room knew that she desired to open up the Floo network, the powder was sitting in readiness on the mantle.

Disgusted with the pain that filled her at doing this, she took a pinch of the powder and threw it in the flames. “Severus Snape, Hogwarts Dungeons.”The flames turned green and after a moment, his head appeared in the grate. “What is the meaning of th-- Oh, Her--uhm. I mean, Madam Granger.” His voice had faltered once he saw her. Recovering himself, he asked quietly, “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Groaning, she looked away. “This is no pleasure, Severus. If I could have thought of any other way I wouldn’t have bothered you.”The corner of his mouth lifted just the tiniest bit before he asked, “Is everything alright in London? I lost track of you after you moved away. Ginny tried several times to locate you, but the owls always returned with her letters unopened.”

Well of course not! I was still too miserable to let myself be positive about any news she might have. she thought irritated. “I am no longer in London, Severus. I recently moved back when the Ministry offered me a position.” She waved her hand in dismissal of any question he may ask before he could ask it. “I recently acquired Malfoy Manor” She ignored his quick intake of breath, adding, “Anyway, I have come across a situation that I regret requires a second opinion.”

At his blank look, she sighed. “Would you and Ginevra please come to dinner tonight? I have something that needs your attention urgently.”

Severus stared at her for a few moments before asking in a soft voice. “Would you prefer that I came alone?”

Looking sharply at him, she shook her head. “No! I do not wish to dine alone with you, Severus. Ginny is your wife now. She was also… is… She is my friend as well. She may be able to even help if we cannot resolve the problem on our own.”

After a moment, he nodded. “Very well, Hermione. When should we arrive?”

Closing her eyes, she answered, “I’ll expect you at seven.” With that, she turned and walked away, not caring if he closed the Floo or not. Without so much as a backwards glance, she quit the room. The last thing she wanted was to have her ex-husband come into her new home. But she simply saw no other choice.

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Lucius had watched everything, even though he had been unable to look at his son any longer, he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off of Hermione. He knew when he watched her approach the fireplace what she had been thinking. He hated for her to have to summon the man who had hurt her so badly, but he agreed with her train of thought. If anyone could figure out what was wrong with his son, Severus could.