The Necessary Cure
Suddenly seven years have come and gone.
An impressive African Eagle owl — the first owl they’ve seen outside a zoo in ages — arrives with a scroll from the Minister for Magic.
The document proclaims their punishment duly served, and clears them to pick up new wands. They are also invited to the traditional Yule reception at the Ministry, to be decorated with Orders of Merlin, First Class, on the occasion.
‘You should go,’ Severus says. ‘And you should go back.’
Hermione snorts and keeps Branwen from pulling a package of pills off the shelf. ‘No tail pulling,’ she admonishes Elyan, without even looking over to where her oldest is playing with the kittens. Like all mothers, she has developed eyes in the back of her head.
Severus insists. ‘You’re young, Hermione, you still have a future. I don’t want you to keep you here, alone and loitering, in the Muggle world.’
‘I’m hardly loitering,’ she says, and that’s that, as far as she is concerned.
The owl must take off without an answer.
They stay where they are, and not much changes. They take up ornithology as a hobby, turning into the resident owl specialists of the district. Their neighbours are astounded — they never knew how many owls lived in London.
The apothecary thrives. DEoPT becomes a synonym for great herbal remedies, essences, perfumes, teas and tinctures in the Muggle and the wizarding world.
At dusk, owls carry sizeable loads to the apothecaries in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. When the first order from St Mungo’s arrives, Hermione and Severus go out for a celebratory dinner of Indian curry.
As the children grow, wild magic becomes a more serious issue. They talk about going to Diagon Alley to pick up new wands. But the shop is extremely busy just then, and when things quiet down, Elyan has learnt to behave, and bitty Branwen has always been the more obedient of the two children.
When they are invited to attend a parents’ day at Hogwarts during Elyan’s first year, Hermione is tempted. But she can see that Severus is not. Hermione declines politely, pleading prior commitments (they do have tickets for the cinema).
‘Are you sure?’
Hermione smiles at her husband. ‘You’re my world now, and this,’ she gestures at what they have built together. ‘That’s more than enough magic for me.’
Hermione realises that she hasn’t missed her wand in years.
I had planned to write my comments for this act at the end, but this chapter is so sweet and so well written, I had to tell you. The evolution of Severus Snape from fellow outcast to reluctant housemate to surprised lover is beautifully chronicled. Well done!
Beth
The way you write of the love between Hermione and Severus is so gentle yet they are both very much in character. I like it very uch.
Beth
I’m glad that they have found such happiness in the world they have built for themselves. That they have a son and daughter is especially sweet.
Beth
“Harry refuses to accept it was too late even before their seven years were over. He vows to move heaven and earth to find a cure.”
This sounds ominous. Does it mean that the seven years of exile was actually a death sentence? How damned sad. But so beautifully written, Juno.
Beth
Where is Hermione? Has she already died? How is it that you can write such bittersweet prose, yet make my heart glad for them at the same time.
Love is like that, yes.
Beth
Oh, my word! This journey has been one of healing and crying and giving thanks for the blessings that were granted and railing against the ones that were not granted. But I’ll wager that the fulfilling life that Hermione and Severus Snape made for themselves and their children was more perfect than any of their magical contemporaries were able to make for themselves.
This is why you are a master, Juno, pure and simple. Thank you for this. I have loved every page!
Warmest regards,
Beth
Another amazing story.