The Curse and The Cure *Snamione*

Chapter 4.

4

It was lunchtime when Hermione excused herself from her office and floo'd directly to Severus' house. She tumbled out of the fireplace, and steadied herself, brushing soot from her cloak as she did so.

"Severus?!" She shouted, when he was no where to be be seen. He didn't reply but a noise alerted her to the cellar and with her wand drawn she quietly made her way to the steps.

The sight that met her was one of surprise. Severus had his back to her, engrossed in a steaming and bubbling cauldron. He was dressed in a white shirt with a black waistcoat, black trousers and his thick dragon-hide boots.

She gave a small cough so as not to alarm him. He didn't turn round.

"It's you again is it?" He asked, still stirring his cauldron diligently. "I wondered when you'd show up to annoy me."

Hermione took his words without rancour and came to peer over his shoulder. "Well hello to you too." She said with a grin. "I've brought lunch. It's only sandwiches but I thought you might be hungry. What are you doing? Are you feeling better?"

He took his wand and cast a stasis charm over the bubbling cauldron so he could walk away without danger of it spoiling. He finally turned and looked at her.

"Have you quite finished bombarding me with questions Miss Granger?"

"Her...Mi...oh..nee" she retorted.

"Hermione." He corrected himself. "Yes I am feeling better. Yes I am quite hungry and a sandwich would be.... appreciated and to answer your last question I am making thirty vials of 'Pepper Up Potion' for St Mungos. Anything else?"

"Nope" she answered tartly, spinning on her heels and climbing back up the steps. He followed behind her.

She took her bag to the kitchenette and without asking found a couple of plates onto which she dished out the sandwiches.  He was sat in his arm chair when she returned.  The fire had been stoked and was blazing away before them.  Hermione took off her travelling cloak, placing it on the chair behind her.  Underneath she wore Muggle clothes - a soft pink silken blouse with a cream v-neck jumper over the top.  Her skirt was black, tight fitting and above the knee sitting over warm woollen tights, and on her feet she wore high heeled knee length boots.  Severus couldn't help but appreciate her fine figure - she was dressed sensibly for the rather inclement weather of late but the cut of the clothes fit her perfectly, allowing him to dwell on her accentuated curves and enjoy her beauty. 

Hermione, by the same fashion, had been pleased at Severus' improvement. He had more colour in his cheeks, and his face looked less drawn.  He was still far too thin yet it looked like he had showered and shaved and his clothes were freshly laundered and pressed. 

"I saw Lucius" she said after swallowing a bite of her sandwich. Severus said nothing allowing her to continue but raised an eyebrow, "He sent his regards. He's agreed to help us."

"Oh?" His curiosity now piqued. "At what cost?"

"Not sure. He seems genuinely remorseful; he even apologised. He's going to contact someone he knows."

"I'm a little worried about the financial side..." said Severus with a frown. "...I'm not a rich man..."

Hermione held up a hand. "Don't you worry about that." She said with purpose "The Ministry shall foot the bill." She added with a sly grin "even if they don't realise it. I'm quite adept at 'creative accounting'."

"Well" replied Severus with a genuine smile "Who knew The Minister of Magic had such a devious side?"

"Who knew, indeed." She laughed. "I'll let you know when I hear more."