Crying and Laughing
Of course their magic doesn’t go away, far from it.
Severus notices it first, naturally, but certain symptoms make Hermione pay attention very soon, too. Characteristically, it is Hermione who broaches the subject.
The discussion is painful. Hermione shouts and cries, Severus hisses and snarls.
In the end they decide on a demanding exercise regimen, and a strict diet.
For Hermione, who’s never been much into sports, exercise is hard. She hates it with a vengeance, and Severus has to bully and menace her into keeping it up. Severus, on the other hand, has a hard time abstaining from Sunday roasts, chocolate, coffee, his pint of lager of an evening and the occasional whisky.
The next round of drama begins when Harry notices. Or maybe Ginny. The result is the same.
A Healer from St Mungo’s shows up uninvited and won’t leave until she’s done a thorough check-up.
The Healer’s diagnosis matches Severus’ assessment.
‘So magic can turn into a condition,’ Hermione muses. Somehow she’s not surprised. Discussing certain similarities with the Healer, Hermione suggests experiments with Muggle therapies for autoimmune diseases. The Healer shrugs helplessly.
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.
When the Boy-Who-Lived fails to deliver a miracle for the first time in his life, Hermione remains unfazed. She shaves her head, declares it a ‘look’, and to Severus’ horror, acquires a golden hoop for her left nostril to go with it.
That night she declaims a medieval poem: ‘Make me cry or make me laugh, I am yours, whatever else I may be.’[1]
And Severus tells her that she is beautiful.
But Hermione is now much more disciplined about her exercise, and Severus keeps the little sins against his diet down to an absolute minimum.
[1] Quote from the medieval poem “La Belle Dame Qui Eut Merci”, attributed to Oton de Grandson.
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.