The Curse and The Cure *Snamione*

Chapter 2.

2

Sunday was the only day of the week that Hermione always kept free and had made it known from the onset that on that one day she was not available to The Ministry in any official capacity.  Short of a global DragonPox pandemic or another despot trying to take over the Wizarding world, woe betide anyone who deemed it necessary to disturb her.  No. Sunday to Hermione meant long walks in the bracing air and visits by friends or her parents accompanied by a full roast dinner, and some drinks and all finished off in front of the telly watching The Antiques Roadshow.  It was a routine she'd perfected since starting out at The Ministry some years ago and it was just how she liked it. 

At 12 noon the first of her guests arrived - Arthur Weasley - bearing a bunch of flowers and some Muggle chocolates he knew were Hermione's favourite. 

"Oh Arthur!" She exclaimed.  "You didn't need to bring me gifts but thank you so much. That's so kind."

Arthur kissed her on the cheek and followed her into the large kitchen. The bonus of being Minister of Magic was the house tied to the position. It was an extensive, modern day stately home, complete with a dozen bedrooms, an indoor swimming pool, hot tub and fully equipped gymnasium, set in approximately four acres of garden and woodland.  It was truly a beautiful piece of architecture, and whilst Hermione was grateful for the accommodation she often yearned for the coziness  of her little old cottage. Not able to part with it for purely emotional reasons, (it had been her parents holiday home and they'd given it to her some years ago) she kept it to move back into should the need ever arise.

"I thought we'd have lunch in the Conservatory" she said, pouring them both a glass of sherry. "The view through to the estuary is beautiful at this time of year. George and Angelina will be here soon but they're not bringing the kids now."

"Yes they're at Angelina's parents I believe?" Replied Arthur with a nod. "George did say when I floo'd him yesterday. Apparently Angelina's father has a Hippogriff chicklet they were desperate to play with.... Grandad Arthur can't compete with that."

Hermione, sensing a little jealousy on Arthur's part, squeezed his hand comfortingly. "From what I hear" she smiled "your Muggle Artefacts Collection is more of a draw to them than any beast Mr Johnson could conjure up."

"Do you really think so?" He beamed clearly appeased. "Ahhh that sounds like George and Angelina now."  With a pop Arthur's son and daughter in law landed through the floo, tumbling out onto Hermione's multicoloured Persian fireside rug.

George and Angelina complemented each other completely; where George was often a dreamer with his head in the clouds, Angelina would keep the business on track by keeping her feet firmly on the ground. As such the relationship worked harmoniously and the business had thrived. Three more 'Weasley Wizarding Wheezes' shops had now been opened, expanding their empire which afforded them a rather comfortable lifestyle and with Angelina's steadying influence the loss of his twin was made a little more bearable.

"Hello dad!" Said George embracing Arthur and then turning to Hermione. "Hello Minister." he said with a small reverent bow. She grinned at his formality and threw her arms around him. He grinned back at her and returned her hug. "Alright Hermione" he laughed "let me go. I'm a married man you know. Don't abuse your position."

Angelina rolled her eyes and moved to Hermione where again the two women hugged. "Take no notice of my husband Hermione" she said with fake scorn "he seems to think he's 'Merlin's Gift To Woman'"

"Well you fell for my charms didn't you sweetheart" George replied giving his wife a cheeky wink and she gave him a playful slap on the arm. "Just telling it how it is..."