The Curse and The Cure *Snamione*

Chapter 1.

1

"Severus! Severus wait. Please!"

Hermione Granger ran down the stone floored corridor, the heels of her sensible court shoes tapping a rapid tattoo as she did.

Coming to a grinding halt at the open front door of the castle, she stared into the inky blackness of the lake and the Forbidden Forest beyond, and was barely able to make out the dark figure disappearing into the night.

"Bugger!" She spat "Bugger and arse!!"

Footsteps behind her made her turn round. Ron Weasley joined her at the door, his once flaming orange hair now dusted with specs of grey turning it to the colour of burnt amber. He slipped an arm round his friend. "Leave him love." He said, giving her shoulder a squeeze. "It must be hard for him coming back after all these years. It's been hard on all of us."

She nodded, the lump in her throat making it difficult to swallow. "But he looked so wretched Ron. So utterly broken. I'm sure I could help him if only he let me."

They both stood still staring into the empty night beyond. It had been ten years since they'd all been here together. Ten years since they had defeated the tyranny that had once threatened to engulf the whole of the Wizarding world. The castle had been beaten and scarred, yet where the bricks and mortar had been repaired over the years, the same could not be said for a number of the survivors trapped reliving the nightmare day after day.

The evening had started reasonably well. Some of the the most eminent Witches and Wizards in the world had been gathered together at Hogwarts Castle by strict invitation from The New Ministry (as it had been rebranded half a dozen years ago in a vain attempt to shake off the ties with the dark past) to 'Respectfully Mark the 10th Anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts'.

Harry Potter and his wife Ginny had arrived punctually to be greeted by the The Newly Appointed Minister of Magic Hermione Granger, her Under Secretary - a solemn yet well respected Chancellor of the Wizengamot Walter Whipsnade, and various Heads of Department from Oculus Mayer, the Head of Magical Aquirements, Darin Peasbode, The Minister of Magical Law Enforcement, Shirley Redberry, The Minister for Muggle Artefacts through to Bertie Allbridge - a half Goblin in charge of The Integration and Acceptance of Magical Oddities Department.

She was glad to see Harry and Ginny, and relaxed once they'd arrived. Even after all these years and her promotion to the most prestigious of professional appointments, Harry Potter was still her 'comfort blanket' and along with her friend Ron, she always felt so much more at ease when they were all together. The Golden Trio as one, once again.

One by one the Magical Folk who'd been honoured by The Ministry, arrived to take up their rightful place within the hall. Amongst them Ron Weasley along with his Hampshire Hornets Quidditch team Manager wife Misty (Nee Burbage) arriving just after The Potters and next Professor Neville Longbottom and his wife Hannah (Nee Abbot). George and Angelina (nee Johnson) Weasley, Arthur Weasley, Luna (Nee Lovegood) Scamander and husband Rolf, Seamus Finnigan and husband Dean Thomas, and finally Professors Filius Flitwick and Minerva McGonagall all arrived impeccably dressed in their best Dress Robes and all eager to chat and catch up on ten years worth of news.

Yet someone was missing. Hermione kept casting a surreptitious glance at the door. He had to come, she thought to herself, looking at her watch; she'd sent his invitation personally. He hadn't responded of course - she never really expected him to - but she just hoped he would make the effort to attend. He deserved to be here and be awarded finally for his efforts.

An arm snaked around her waist and she was greeted by Arthur Weasley. He looked old, she thought as she hugged him tight. And he'd lost weight.

"Arthur!" She enthused warmly, her heart swelling with love for the wizard who'd become like a second father to her. "It's lovely to see you. I'm so glad you came."