Disclaimer:- I neither earn nor own anything from this story except my plot. Harry Potter and his world are the intellectual property of JK Rowling and her associates.

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A/N:- Thank you to my beta, Golden Asp, for her work on this chapter, as well as everyone for your wonderful continuing support for this story.

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Chapter Five – The Cure

The next week was the longest week Hermione could ever remember enduring, and it totally disrupted their usually easy household. Part of the problem was that now they'd acknowledged her problem, it seemed that her pain increased ten-fold.

She found that she couldn't manage to put any weight on her foot, but not to be defeated she started using crutches. The problem with this was that it meant that she couldn't safely help Alice up and down the stairs, so Shotsie started helping. The little elf took over some of Alice's care as well, like changing nappies, bath-time and dressing.

"She is a qualified nanny elf, Hermione," Severus assured her. "She nursed the Dumbledore children."

"I didn't know Professor Dumbledore had children," Hermione replied without thinking.

"No, he didn't. I'm talking about Albus, Aberforth and their sister."

"Oh! What?"

"This is the Dumbledore family home. Albus bequeathed this and much more to me," but he grimaced as he said it. "His solicitor told me that he'd thought it might 'make it up' to me."

"What do you mean, 'make it up'?" But then understanding dawned. "Oh, Severus… really?" and her voice was sympathetic.

Severus would not have tolerated it from anyone else, but he knew that Hermione's sympathy was genuine, so he allowed her to offer it. "It took me a long while to come to terms with the fact that he thought that this," and he gestured around, "might make up for what he'd required of me."

He'd turned to look out the window and he heard her crutches approaching him and he allowed her to hug him. Something else he would never allow anyone else to do, but he really was besotted with this witch, and even if he had changed much in the years following the war he still valued his personal space.

Hermione's intrusion into it, however, did not bother him. His arms curled around her and he smelt that fresh fragrance of her and he sighed softly. He had often wondered what that fresh, sunshine component of his Amortentia was, it had seemed so incongruent with him, but he'd finally found it. It was this witch.

"How are you really, Hermione?" he questioned while still holding her tight.

Hermione knew what he meant, and now it was her turn to sigh. She pulled back a little and smiled at him. "Truly?"

"Yes, little dear, truly."

She sighed again, and her lip slipped between her teeth. "I'm not great, actually. I know we're on the homeward stretch, but, it still feels like it's a million miles away." She took another breath and added quietly, "It is almost like the happier I get the more pain I'm in."

"That would not surprise me," Severus admitted. "Whilst we already know that the witch who cast this spell on you was black-hearted, we will never know what exactly she had in mind for your suffering," and his arms held her steadily. "However, we will beat it, Hermione."

"Yes, I know, it's the darkest before the dawn."

"You and your sayings," he chuckled, kissing her head, but then he sighed. "However, in this case I believe that you might be right."

There had been other little changes to their routines as well. Hermione could not rock Alice to sleep and safely get up to put her in her cot, and Severus had been alerted to the problem when Alice screaming had almost brought the house down.

He'd got Alice back to sleep and then consoled a crying Hermione.

"I'm sorry," she cried. "You're doing so much to help me, and I didn't want to bother you."

"Hermione," he'd scolded gently, holding her close as she cried. "I want to help you."

The stem of the problem was that the base for the potion for Hermione's cure was a fiddly brew that required his almost constant attention. He'd been catching sleep in his lab when he could, unaware that Hermione was having an issue.

Once he knew that there was a problem, he moved his brewing up to his study, and finally the week went by, and Severus had the potion all but brewed. He then set up his lab table closer to Hermione, in her bedroom as the administration was just as fiddly as the making had been. The cure consisted of three different potions and a topical cream.

In preparation for the cure, she required several does of a cleansing potion. However, the potion was more of a purge that sapped any energy she had remaining. It brought on a heavy period as well bouts of fever and vomiting, which made Hermione completely miserable, and terribly embarrassed that Severus had to clean up after her.

"I am a grown man, Hermione. I know what happens in a woman's body," he told her.

"I know, but where's the mystery of a woman go if you've had to deal with all the messy horrible parts before we get to the alluring bits," she told him weakly.

He kissed her head. "Do not concern yourself. When the occasion arises I assure you that you are very alluring, even as you are at the moment."

"Good," she replied, but then said, "Oh no, quick, the bucket!"

Severus held her hair out of her face and tried very hard to maintain his brave attitude to her suffering when all he wanted to do was hold her and make it better. Thankfully this stage was only twenty four hours, but it was at this point that he asked Minerva to step in.

Not because he didn't want to care for Hermione—he sat at Hermione's bedside as much as he could—but he wanted to be there for both Hermione and Alice, and he found that he couldn't be everywhere.

Mind you, as he selflessly cared for them both, he wondered what had come over him concerning these two witches. He had never felt this way about anyone, and he found himself already mentally planning how he was going to tell Draco that he was about to have a wife and a two year old daughter that he was claiming was his. Then he became aware that he was completely at ease with this plan, and as he carefully started to prepare the infusion containing the cord blood, he'd already concocted a believable story where Hermione and he had one night together and she'd become pregnant. He would have to speak with Hermione about it all.

He glanced back towards the wane figure laying so still in the bed, and he stored the remaining blood back in the small wooden box that had careful stasis and freezing spells on it. He turned towards the bed, armed with the potions, ointment and the words he had to say. His eyes met the kindly eyes of Poppy Pomfrey sitting beside the bed ready to help, and he understood her concern for Hermione.

After the cleansing phase Hermione was so sick and pale and Severus dearly wished he could give her even one day off before they started with the curse cure, but the cure would only work if her body was in a weakened state, so he sighed and ploughed onwards.

The first night was horrendous, and had required both Minerva and Poppy to be there, and they'd put up silencing charms to stop Alice from hearing her mother's cries.

All night, Poppy and her cool flannel mopped Hermione's brow and murmured comforting words to her while at the other end of the bed, Severus gave her the potion and massaged the ointment into her foot and ankle every hour.

Minerva cared for Alice that awful night, and once the little girl was asleep she came into the bedroom and assisted. However, she found Hermione's suffering almost unbearable. It had been like the night Alice had been born. Her emotions welled up inside of her and she wanted to tell Hermione the secret she'd held onto for so many years. However, she found herself unable to, she was genuinely frightened that Hermione would reject her for keeping such information from her, so she stayed silent and tried her best to comfort her.

Hermione felt like her foot was on fire and freezing cold all at the same time, and she could not get any relief, as both sensations hurt. Her stomach muscles were all screaming after her after twenty four hours of vomiting, and it felt like everything burnt with a gnawing ache.

Severus watched her suffering, and he vowed to exact retribution on Harry and Ginny Potter, with or without Hermione's approval. They wouldn't know why, but he would make certain that they suffered for what they'd done to Hermione. He hated having to put her through the pain, but he knew that this would be the worst night, that tomorrow—after the next round of cleansing potions—it would be easier for her. Thankfully, tomorrow they shifted to a different cleansing potion; one designed to rid her of the toxins of the dispersing curse, and it would not be as savage on her system.

The cure continued for three days and nights, with Poppy and Minerva diligently helping in shifts so that they could be at Hogwarts and also have some rest. Thankfully the bouts of sleep for those with Hermione became longer, and after the first night Severus could be there for Alice as well, as the potion and ointment were required less and less as the treatment went on, and little Alice was a good sleeper.

Then on the fourth night Hermione had no pain, and she cried, but this time because the pain was gone, although, but she was too weak to get out of her bed to see if she could walk.

"Shh," Severus told her as he comforted her. "It's over, and we've won. Now all you have to do is gain your strength back."

This made her cry harder. "Thank you," she whispered, between her tears, unable to manage anything else.

"You are most welcome," he replied, as he tried to stifle a yawn.

"Lay with me," she whispered, sniffling and wiping her eyes with a shaky hand. "You must be so exhausted."

"I've managed to get some sleep," he told her. "I've sent Minerva and Poppy back to Hogwarts tonight. We no longer require them and they're just as tired," he said losing his fight to think of a reason to go to his own bed, and lying down next to her.

Poppy had bathed and redressed her as well as changing the sheets every day, and her body had settled down. She'd even managed to eat some broth, and she snuggled into Severus' side and curled up, still tentatively rubbing her good foot over the soft skin on her other foot and marvelling at the fact that it was normal again.

Severus pulled her into his arms and they both feel into an exhausted sleep

xox

They both slept soundly, and Alice woke them at seven o'clock. Severus got up blearily, changed Alice's nappy and brought her in to Hermione.

"Hello, my little love," Hermione said softly, pulling her daughter into her arms and breathing in her delicious smell. "Mummy has missed you."

"Me miss Mummy too," Alice stated, snuggling into Hermione. "You all better now?" she asked.

"Yes, Mummy will be able to walk again soon, Baby," Hermione said.

"That's grewt, Mummy," Alice replied. "I's hungry."

"We'll have Shotsie bring us a special treat," Severus told Alice.

"What?" she demanded excitedly.

"Breakfast in bed with Mummy," he informed the little girl.

Hermione started telling Severus that she didn't think that was such a good idea, but she was drowned out by Alice's cry of excitement, and she sighed tiredly and gave in.

"Now, Alice, will you sit here and look after Mummy while I talk to Shotsie?"

"Yes, Daddy," she told him excitedly.

"Good, girl," Severus replied, and then walking around to Hermione he leant over and whispered, "I would really like to have a shower before breakfast. Will you be all right with Alice?"

Hermione looked up and placed the hand not holding onto Alice with on his cheek. "We'll be fine," she told him. "Take as long as you wish."

He smiled, and kissed her. "Thank you," and he turned to Alice once more. "Remember, you're looking after Mummy, Alice, you sit very still on the bed with her while you wait."

"I will," Alice's little voice said, and Severus' heart filled. How could the simply addition of two witches into his family make him so content? He walked from the room with his head in the clouds. He called Shotsie, and once he'd ordered their breakfast he headed to his own room, wondering just how long it would be before it was their room too.

xox

When he returned to the bedroom containing his two witches, Alice was playing with Shotsie on the floor and Hermione was laying back watching them. Severus still couldn't shake the feeling of utter contentment that was blossoming in his chest.

Hermione's eyes panned across to the doorway as soon as he appeared, and she held her hand out to him.

He noticed that it shook, but she managed to hold it there until he crossed the few steps to the bed. As he was doing this he also noted that her eyes were hungrily devouring his body.

"Come and have your breakfast, Severus," she said softly. "I had Shotsie bring you a tray as well."

Leaning forward, Severus kissed her. "This feels like a dream," he murmured, still unable to fathom the intensity of his feelings. It was as though what Hermione had been through had purged him of any lingering doubt about her and Alice's place in his life.

She smiled. "Well, if it is, I hope it lasts a life-time," but then she blushed and looked back to Alice and Shotsie.

Severus sat on the bed beside her and turned her face with his hand on her flushed cheek. "Don't hide like that," he replied in a gentle murmur. "I feel it too."

His voice sent shivers through her, but she forced her mouth into action to say rational words. "We've only known each other this way for a week, and all in all we've only been here a few months. Isn't it a bit early to be speaking of forever?"

He smiled at her and leaned forward, gifting her with a gentle kiss. "No," he murmured, before adding, "These few months have been the happiest months I remember ever having spent."

"Me too," Hermione enthused.

"Hermione, as soon as you're feeling strong enough, I was wondering if you'd like to go out on a date with me?" he questioned.

"Yes!" Her answer was immediate. "I would love to," but then her lip slipped between her teeth. "What about Alice?"

Severus smiled slyly. "Minerva wants grandmother rights, so she can do a little to earn them," he chuckled.

"Severus!" Hermione chided.

Leaning forward once more he kissed her. "Now you rest, and regain your strength," and he moved into the arm chair beside her bed. "Thank you for breakfast," he murmured, summoning the levitating tray from the other side of the bed.

Now that the cure was complete, they would have to negotiate new parameters for their blossoming romance, and because of that he did not feel at ease to simply get back on the bed with her.

Hermione did not seem bothered by his change of position, and she rested back against her pillows as he refreshed her cup of tea for her. "Thank you," she said, sipping carefully, and then she sighed. "I still can't believe the curse is gone and my foot's flesh and blood again. It feels so wonderful," she told him, her tired eyes sparkling.

xox

Over the next week, life finally started to return to normal. Hermione quickly regained enough strength to stand on her newly restored foot, and when she did she cried again. "I'm sorry I'm so emotional, Severus."

"You have a right to be, love," he replied, but they were interrupted by Blotchy with an owl message that had just arrived.

Hermione left him to read the missive and wandered into her work room. She didn't feel strong enough to do any work yet, but she looked at her work things and recalled how much trouble working had been a short time ago, and she looked forward to getting back to work without the pain that had been her constant companion for the last almost three years.

As she was thinking this, Severus arrived behind her, winding his arms around her. "I'm sorry we were interrupted," he murmured, placing a kiss on her shoulder. "I was about to confide something to you which I believe may help, may I?" he asked.

"You may tell me anything, Severus," Hermione declared, turning and looking at him with a fierce expression on her face. "I will never betray your confidence."

Severus smiled, taking in her sweet, expressive face. All her emotions passed over her face, no matter what she was doing, and he loved it, he watched for it, revelled in it. She was so alive and so passionate, and part of him couldn't wait to get her into his bed, but he was also determined to give her every courtesy along the way, for as far as he was concerned he was hoping that this witch was soon going to be his wife.

Severus answered Hermione's passionate declaration with a smile, as he saw her watching him. "I know you won't, Hermione," he replied, and took a deep breath before speaking. "I was about to admit to you that I wept with happiness once I woke up after the war to find that both unbreakable vows had dissolved and the dark tie to my magic was gone."

Hermione placed her hand on his cheek. "Oh, Severus. Two Unbreakable vows?" she gasped. "One was bad enough."

"I moved with very ruthless people, Hermione. The second vow was a promise to protect my godson, his mother exacted it from me." He shrugged. "It was extracted under duress, of course, and for something I was already doing, but her mad sister doubted my veracity."

"You've had a very different life to me," she commented, cuddling into his chest, but then looking up at him earnestly. "Does that make us incompatible?"

"No!" he stated, obviously shocked. "I think it makes us more compatible. You have not developed the hard exterior I have. You give your love freely, and I have the ability to preserve that trait in you, by giving you my love and trust in return. Something I've never been able to give to another witch…" he caressed her face and their eyes drank one another in. "It seems to come naturally with you though."

Hermione lifted her hand to his face in return. "As it does with me to you. I have never felt such a connection with someone before either."

"Then we need to see if these feelings remain."

"I'd like nothing more," Hermione admitted, and rose to meet his lips as she saw them coming towards her. She'd had to stop herself from telling him that she loved him, and she now eagerly opened her mouth to him as the tip of his tongue traced the lower lip, and moaned softly as his tongue swept into her mouth to caress hers.

Severus had decided to kiss her at that moment so he wouldn't tell her exactly how much he wanted her and loved her.

As happened often while they were having some personal time, Hermione's wand vibrated, telling her that Alice had woken from her morning nap. She pulled back from Severus reluctantly and said, "I will go and get her."

"No, you rest on the lounge. I will go," Severus replied. "You get Shotsie to get Alice's snack while I see to her."

"Okay, Severus," and she gifted him with one more kiss before he left, and smiling she went and sat on the lounge. She called the elf and then sighed once the small creature was getting what she'd asked for. She really was still very weak, but she looked at her ankles and flexed both of them happily. It had been worth the pain and anguish to remove the curse.

She was still happily circling her ankles when Severus returned carrying Alice. The small girl was curled into his chest, and snuggled against him, and Hermione's heart filled at the picture. This was what it meant to be a family, and this was what she'd spent her adult life searching for. "This is what family should be," she murmured, as Severus handed her the still sleepy—and therefore cuddly—Alice.

Shotsie returned with a bottle for Alice, and he watched as Hermione settled the little girl against her to drink. "Yes," he replied thoughtfully. "Hermione?"

"Draco and Astoria are having some problems. It was Draco I received the letter from just now. He wants to come and speak with me, and I suspect that if he wishes to come by himself then something has happened."

"Of course, Alice and I will stay out of your way," Hermione replied easily, even though her voice was suddenly quiet.

Severus saw hurt light her eyes, and he spoke quickly to placate her feelings. "That's just the point, dearest. I do not wish you to," he replied, caressing her cheek.

"You want us to be with you?" she sounded almost incredulous.

Severus chuckled. "Yes, that is exactly what I want. We are a family now, are we not?"

"Yes," but her lip slipped between her teeth, and she glanced at Alice drinking her bottle. "But I will not allow anyone to learn of Alice, if…"

"Draco is part of my family too..." and he inhaled before speaking again, perhaps uncertain how to approach this issue. "Look, our dear little cherub has raven curls," and he patted Alice's curly head lovingly. "The remainder of her features and mannerisms are yours, my dear." He waited to see if Hermione was going to say anything, and when she didn't he took another breath and continued. "I propose that we inform those who truly need to know, and that will not be many people... That we met unexpectedly just after you returned from Italy and we relieved our loneliness together, and..."

Hermione watched him thoughtfully for some moments. "And I've only just inform you that we have a daughter because you were difficult to find." She smirked at him when he nodded. "Yes, that will do for others, but you consider Draco a part of your… our family, like Argus, Minerva and Poppy are, don't you?"

"Yes, I do."

"So, we tell him the truth. If you trust him, then so should I," she informed him.

Severus was aware of what I huge step this was for Hermione. "So you're proposing that we tell him the true story, that you were raped by Harry Potter, aren't you?"

"Yes," she replied in a slightly strained voice as her lips tightened, but then she exhaled suddenly. "He deserves the truth. He'll feel like you don't trust him if we are not upfront with him, and he sounds like he needs someone's full trust at the moment."

"Yes, I hadn't thought of it like that."

"What kind of trouble have they… Draco and Astoria been having?" Hermione asked, helping Alice to go to her toys as she wriggled to get down after finishing her bottle.

Severus placed Alice in the warded play area and he scooped Hermione up and sat down cradling her on his lap. "Theirs was an arranged marriage. They'd been bound to one another as children by their short-sighted parents to preserve the family bloodlines."

"That's terrible," Hermione declared. "I could never marry for anything but love."

"And I'm pleased to hear that," Severus' voice rumbled in her ear.

She laughed prettily and accepted his kiss. "When is Draco coming to see you?" she asked as they parted for breath.

"I've invited him for dinner tomorrow evening."

"That's a long wait for someone who wanted to speak to you urgently," Hermione said.

"Well, he wanted to come after work tonight, but we're going out. Our dinner date, remember?"

"Yes, but we can go anytime we feel like it. Perhaps you should speak to him sooner."

"He's a big boy, Hermione, and besides, this is not the first time he and Astoria have had problems."

"Oh," Hermione replied, and her fingers started climbing up his buttons. "So, where are you taking me tonight?" she asked in a seductive purr.

He smiled, but replied, "You, my dear, will find that out when we arrive."

"Oh, Severus. A hint?"

"No," he told her, smiling. "You will wait until tonight," and to stave off anymore argument, his lips arrived on hers again.