24. Press Conference

A few things happened within the next several weeks. Severus was asked by a reputable potions research paper to write some articles about his invention of the cure against Cruciatus insanity and the Muskle-Gro. Both potions had made a huge difference in the Wizarding World. Severus had also had the time to finally fill all the backorders on both potions with a little help from Bobbie and the house elves.

Then there was something Harry had put him up to. Ever since Severus had become friends with him, Harry had said he needed to write a better potions book for the school. He had told him the story about how much his grades had gone up when he had used the book of the 'Half-blood Prince'. Severus finally had sat down with the sixth year school book and had started to go through it page by page finding the potions which could be improved on. Since Crabbe had set the room of requirement on fire his old book had been destroyed.

He also added some potions he thought would be a good thing to learn for students who were one year away from their NEWT's. He was far from done but he had to admit that he enjoyed working on a more thorough potion book and he did so in the evenings while Bobbie was doing her own thing, like reading or keeping up with the training of the dogs. He also worked on it when his students were sitting through a test or were otherwise engaged, like reading up on a chapter and learning the exact wand movements for the next defensive spell. The students seemed to enjoy it much better when he wasn't hovering over them.

Another thing he was excited about was that he kept checking on the stability of his cure for lycanthropy and the potion was still viable by the end of the month. This would be a great help in putting it on the market once they were ready to do so.

His greatest joy happened just before he and Bobbie left their quarters to walk to the Halloween ball. Since Tonks had always told Bobbie that she felt like one of Hagrid's giant pumpkins when she had been pregnant she had decided to have Madam Maulkin make her a pumpkin costume. Severus, whom she had finally talked into wearing the black leather jacket her cousin Geronimo had insisted on giving him after his first motorcycle ride, a pair of black jeans and his dragon hide boots was just helping her into her costume when she felt the baby kick and this time it was strong enough to feel it on the outside of her belly.

When she suddenly grabbed his hand and held it against her belly he first gave her a questioning look and then he realized what it was when he could suddenly feel it. He was in awe and whispered reverently, "Serina, she is moving."

"Yes, I think we have a little soccer player on our hands here," she chuckled.

Severus couldn't get enough of it and was disappointed when he couldn't feel her anymore after just a short time.

Bobbie said, "Give her some time, Baby. She is still very small. I am sure there will be more of that in the next few months."

He stroked her beautiful hair and looked deep into her eyes and said, "I don't know what to say. This is overwhelming. I never thought I would feel this way. There is this tiny life growing in you. A little girl that we created with our love for each other." His voice almost broke and his eyes were shiny. "I love you so very much. Thank you for loving me...," he whispered and then took her gently into his arms and drew in the scent of her hair.

"I love you too," she whispered against the skin of his neck tears clouding her vision from the emotions she felt after hearing Severus's words - and of course there were the emotions from her hormones going all over the place. Nevertheless she had never felt as loved and cherished as she did in this moment.

They stood there like this for quite a while and then eventually finished up Bobbie's costume and made it to the Great Hall. By that time the feast had already started. Minerva asked Severus what had taken them so long and Severus said, "We could feel the baby move for the first time. We just got carried away."

"That is marvelous. I am happy for you. What a great experience." Minerva beamed at him. "No wonder you are late. I don't blame you."

After the feast the Headmistress moved all of the tables to the side with a spell to make room for the dance. Severus asked Bobbie to dance and everyone but Bobbie was surprised that he did. While they danced Bobbie asked him, "Why is everybody looking at us?"

"Probably because I have never danced before. Not that I am much for festivities like this, but now I can see why people are doing it. It is rather enjoyable swinging a beautiful woman around on the dance floor," he replied and actually smiled at her.

"I have a different theory," Bobbie mused. "I think all these girls are looking at you because you look absolutely sexy in your biker clothes and with that beautiful smile. I think I have competition."

"Never!" he insisted.

"You should ask Minerva to dance. I think she would appreciate it. I see Horace is wearing the shoe shine off the tips of her shoes."

"What if he wants to dance with you? That would be your toes he is stepping on then."

"No problem! With this pumpkin costume I have enough girth to keep him far enough away," she said with a laugh.

Severus chuckled and said, "I see! Looks like you have it all figured out. Very well then, I think I will ask her."

As soon as the music stopped they went back to the teachers' table which had been rearranged to blend in with a party. Severus asked Minerva to dance, and just as Severus had suspected Horace Slughorn asked Bobbie. As soon as he saw that Bobbie winked at him good-naturedly he paid attention to his dance partner.

"I am surprised that you are dancing Severus, and I have to admit you are a good dancer," Minerva said.

"Just because I never liked to dance doesn't mean I can't do it. It was expected at some Death Eater parties, like at the Malfoy's or the Lestrange's, but I never did enjoy it."

"What about now?" Minerva asked. "You've changed a lot and I don't know if you are aware of it, but you look much happier these days."

"I never thought the day would ever come, but I am happy with the way my life has turned out," Severus admitted readily.

"Good, that is all I needed to hear." Minerva smiled at him. Then she looked over to where Bobbie was dancing with Horace. "Poor Bobbie, I don't think Hagrid with all of his size could be any clumsier than Horace."

He looked over at them and said, "Looks like she has him under control. That pumpkin costume is a tremendous help in keeping him off her toes."

Minerva laughed and said, "That costume is ingenious. Perfect for her condition."

As soon as the music ended Severus left Minerva to once again dance with Bobbie. Later in the evening Bobbie danced with Filius who hovered in the air so she wouldn't have to bend down, which was a little hindered by her costume, and after another dance with Severus she danced with Hagrid who was surprisingly gentle considering his massive size. Severus had a dance with Poppy and even with Ginny and also Luna, who had become a great help during his classes.

Later in the night the music changed to the music that was current in the Muggle world and had also become quite popular in the Wizarding world. The dance floor was immediately flooded with students. Severus turned to Bobbie and threw up his hands and said, "Go ahead. I know you want to..."

Bobbie gave him a peck on the cheek and joined the crowd. When Ginny saw her she grabbed Bobbie by the hand and pulled her over to her group of dancers.

Severus sat down with Minerva and watched Bobbie having fun with a smile on his face.

Minerva stated, "I take it that is a little too much for you, but Bobbie doesn't have to seem a problem with it."

"You don't know the half of it," Severus said with a snort.

"Oh?" Minerva asked with a raised eyebrow that would have put Severus to shame.

"You should have seen her in Canada. Her cousin Geronimo is playing in a band and actually dragged her onto stage when we were there while they played in a bar, and she sang a few songs. Everybody in that small town knows her and they were cheering her and her cousin on like they were celebrities during that one song they sang together," Severus said.

"You don't say...," Minerva said surprised.

"Yes, it was awful," Severus said.

Minerva looked at Severus and stated, "I guess it wasn't that bad if people cheered them on."

"Oh, I am not talking about their singing. They were good, as a matter of fact. I am talking about everyone wanting to talk to her and all the men trying to buy her drinks and hug her." He shuddered.

Minerva tried not to laugh when she realized that it had been jealousy that Severus had been feeling during the time. She said, "What about her cousin? I seem to remember something that Bobbie was telling me, that he is married and his wife is also pregnant."

"Yes, Ina doesn't seem to mind when the women are all over him. She was also there and Geronimo and Bobbie were eating up all the attention and on the way home they were laughing about it," Severus said with disgust.

"Severus, Severus, Severus...! Has Bobbie ever given you reason to think that she wants anybody else, or Bobbies cousin for instance..., did he seem like he doesn't love his wife?"

"N... no! Not really...!" Severus admitted.

"See? They are only having fun, and you said it yourself, they were even making fun of the crowds," Minerva said trying to smooth over his insecurities.

Now Severus was fired up... "And then there was this ex-husband of hers. Everything about him was perfect. Perfect hair, perfect body, perfect teeth, perfect everything. He seemed to show up everywhere we went. She acted like he was annoying her but that still didn't stop him from staring at her all evening."

Minerva shook her head and said, "Severus, you are over-thinking the situation. Ina knows that her husband isn't going anywhere and you should know that about Bobbie. She is your soul mate. Besides, it doesn't matter where you get your appetite as long as you go home to eat."

Severus turned to look at Minerva aghast and said, "I can not believe you just said that!"

Minerva burst out laughing when she saw his face and said, "Severus, I am kidding. I am sorry, I shouldn't have said that. I was just teasing you. What I am saying is that you have nothing to worry about." She patted his hand for a moment and then she said, "There she is now!" and pointed at Bobbie who was just walking toward them.

"Whew, I think I am done in for tonight," Bobbie said. "I feel like I've been put through the wringer."

Despite his earlier dark mood he had to chuckle and said affectionately so only Bobbie could hear it, "My little Canadian whirlwind."

Then he put his arm around her and said a little louder, "Let's get you home." Then he nodded at Minerva and said, "I will see you later Minerva."

They waved at the staff table and made their way to the dungeons.

888

Severus made his way to the lab each morning to check on the viability of the potion, and on November the 4th they cured 6 more werewolves, which Thomson had picked from his former pack. Since he was still a, inmate he was fitted with a tracking device, even though everyone trusted him by now.

Unfortunately, because of the small window of time they needed someone who was trained in administering a potion for each werewolf. Kingsley had been able to have a talk in secrecy with the head healer in St Mungos about the cure, and St Mungos sent 4 healers to Hogwarts where Severus and Poppy explained to them what was required.

On the night of the full moon they arrived 30 minutes early to get everything in order and to administer the potion. The other two were administered by Poppy and by Severus.

They could now cure six at a time because Harry, Neville and Ron had developed a spell that would be strong enough to hold down a full-blown werewolf but would not be so strong that it killed the human being before he turned into a werewolf. That meant they wouldn't need the cages anymore.

One other thing which made things so much easier was that these werewolves were volunteering and actually wanted to be cured. They were still somewhat receptive in the early stages of turning and took the potion without a fuss.

Everything went smoothly and they decided it was time to go public with the cure. The ensuing publicity and excitement overshadowed the earlier frenzy over the cure for the Cruciatus insanity by far - at first anyway. As soon as the Ministry put out word that there would be a waiting list and each werewolf had to apply for the cure through the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures things started to quiet down considerably. A lot of people suspected it to be a ruse to get them to register as werewolves as a tool to keep them under control.

Kingsley thought it was time to enter Thomson into the equation and asked Severus to come to the Ministry so they both could talk to him about the possibility of having him speak at a press conference.

When Severus arrived at Kingsley's office the two men first greeted each other and then made their way to the holding cells in the lowest part of the Ministry. One of the cells had been converted into a comfortable spacious room with bathroom for Thomson. Just like Kingsley had promised him if he would hold up his end of the deal and could be trusted. The only thing that still made this room a prison was the fact that he would be locked in.

Kingsley first knocked on the door and then unlocked it. When they walked in Thomson sat on his bed reading but got up right away to greet both of them. Severus looked around the room and mumbled more to himself than to the two men who were standing in the room with him, "Not bad. I have lived in worse places."

"Well, it may have just gotten even better," Kingsley said to Severus and then turned to Oliver Thomson. "We would like you to speak at a press conference about your experience with the cure."

"Very well! I will be happy to do so, but I have a few questions about the cure first. As comfortable as this room is and all the books I have here to read I still have a lot of time on my hands to think about things," Thomson said.

Severus replied, "Fair enough, what do you want to know? If you have questions, chances are so do other people."

Thomson asked, "Will the potion work on children or would it be too strong? And what if people get cured and then get bitten again? Will it work a second or third time? What can be done about rogue werewolves like Greyback was, werewolves who like their Lycanthropy because of the power?"

Severus and Kingsley looked at each other and finally Severus spoke up and said, "Those are all very valid points. I think we need to sit together and get things sorted out before we are throwing you out in front of the press. We also may want to have one or two of the recently cured people to go with you so they can confirm that the cure worked."

"By the way, I talked to Miss Granger and she has no problem working with you. You are hired as her assistance," Kingsley said to Thomson.

Thomson's eyes grew wide with surprise when Kingsley threw him the key of his room. Kingsley added, "You will still wear a tracking device for six more months but you are free to go. Since I know you have no place to live, you can use this one until you have made enough money to get yourself a flat. After the six months are over I want you to see me and I will take that tracking devise off you."

"I... I don't know what to say. Thank you Minister, thank you very much!" Thomson couldn't believe his luck and his eyes turned shiny with emotions. He shook Kingsley's hand with both of his.

Kingsley said, "You're welcome! Don't make me regret it."

"You won't Minister, I swear."

"I'll hold you to it. Now go see Miss Granger. You are in charge of the werewolves. There is a desk in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures waiting for you. We will see you up there in a minute and talk about your points you made," Kingsley told him.

"Thanks again Minister!" he said and walked to the door to feel freedom for the first time since he was thrown into Azkaban.

"Not so fast!" Kingsley said and when Thomson turned around to look at him Kingsley dangled the tracking device in front of his nose.

"Oh, of course. I'm sorry... I didn't mean..."

Kingsley had a toothy grin on his face and said, "I understand that the excitement got away with you."

He walked to the newly freed prisoner and spelled the tracking device around his ankle and secured it with an unbreakable spell. Then he chuckled, "Alright, get out of here!"

Thomson again thanked him and also Severus and then he was out the door. Severus and Kingsley grinned at each other and then followed him after closing the door to Thomson's living quarters.

888

The morning of the press conference Severus felt Serina move again. Since it was a little awkward with Bobbie's growing belly to lay nestled next to Severus the way she had gotten used to, in the crook of his arm with one leg flung over him and her hand on his chest, they had gotten into the habit of Severus spooning her and having his arm over her and his hand on her belly. He didn't want to miss it when their unborn daughter was going to move again.

Bobbie also woke up from the movement inside her and she smiled when she noticed Severus propped up on his elbow with an intense look on his face. He smiled when he noticed that she was watching him and asked," Does it hurt when she is kicking?"

"Most of the time it is a little uncomfortable but I guess when she is getting bigger it can hurt. I know someone who had a lot of pain. I guess it depends," she replied.

Severus stroked her hair and said, "I am sorry you have to go through that. I would gladly take some of that onto me."

"Don't you even think about it. You had so much pain and sorrow all of your life. Even if you could share it and take some of it for me, I wouldn't want it. It is my turn now and it isn't that much of a hassle. It isn't that she is kicking all day. And you are helping me so much. I feel cherished with all of your back rubs, foot rubs, drawing me a nice bath and putting that awesome lotion on me so I won't get any stretch marks."

She smiled at him and stroked his cheek and said, "You are such a wonderful man and I love you with all of my heart." Then she checked her watch and said, "Anyway, I think we better get up or you'll miss the press conference. We can't have the star of the show go missing."

Severus growled, "I wish I could stay away but I guess I will have to get used to it."

"I know you like to keep your privacy but you are so brilliant with all those potions you are inventing. It would be a shame if you would stop. So many people benefit from it."

They eventually made it to the great hall for breakfast. When the mail owls came in Severus got five letters from potion research magazines and two offers for working in research facilities. He wrote regrets to all of them and sent the waiting owls on their way.

Minerva watched him and smiled, "Looks like we will have you a little longer. These are reputable research facilities."

"I know but they still weren't able to develop the potions I did on my own. Why would I work under pressure in a facility and then they are stamping their name on it, and taking half of the profit?" Severus asked.

"You know, if you want to do your own thing one day I could probably find another teacher for Defence Against the Dark Arts. I sure would miss you though." Then she asked him, "What about those magazines? Will you write an article for them? And will you also get another monopoly or a patent on this potion? Quite frankly I think you should. You deserve it."

"Thank you Minerva for saying that. Yes I will get a patent. It seems to be easier than a monopoly. A patent isn't quite as binding but I don't expect somebody finding out the recipe any time soon. That is why I turned the research magazines down because if I send in some papers they'll want to know how I did it."

"But you wrote some papers for the cure against the Cruciatus insanity," Minerva pointed out.

"Yes, but by that time I already had the monopoly and nobody can use the recipe and brew their own potion."

Minerva smiled at him and said, "Thinking like a true Slytherin."

He gave her a smirk back and then said, "I better get going. Wish us luck for that press conference."

Severus took the last swig of his tea and then he marched out of the door after squeezing Bobbie's hand under the table and wished her a good day.

888

Severus arrived in the Ministry just in time to see Kingsley, Hermione and Oliver Thomson enter the conference room ahead of him. The chatter of the crowd of reporters quieted down when they entered. Severus and the others sat down on the stage behind a long desk that had 10 chairs in a row. The four of them occupied the four chairs in the center.

Severus looked around and noticed Rita Skeeter in the first row. Severus had to hide a smile seeing her sour expression. He figured it had something to do with the fact that Quick-Quotes Quills had been disallowed during the conference and she had to use a Self-Writing Quill which actually wrote down the truth instead of the inaccurate and sensational drivel she usually used in her stories.

Kingsley waited until he had the full attention of the reporters before he started. "Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen. I am glad so many of you were able to attend. I know you have all heard that Professor Snape," Kingsley pointed at Severus who nodded his head in greeting, "has developed a cure against Cruciatus induced insanity and recently has invented one against Lycanthropy. While the potion against the Cruciatus insanity has found a ready marked we noticed that after the initial burst of enthusiasm nobody is taking advantage of the Lycanthropy Cure."

Right away a squat, balding reporter in ill-fitting robes raised his hand. Kingsley pointed at him and asked, "Yes Sir, what is your question?"

"No offence Minister Shacklebolt but the Ministry has been - how should I put it - less than forthcoming when it came to werewolves in the past. Because of the registry the Ministry compiled of the people inflicted with Lycanthropy, these individuals have not been able to get or even hold a job and have even found themselves as outcasts. A lot of them are suspicious that the registry may have been lost during the war and the Ministry is trying to trick werewolves into relisting under the pretence of a 'so called' cure." The man then looked at Severus and said, "I want to hear it from Professor Snape who already has done so much for the Wizarding World that there really is a cure."

Even though Severus was surprised that despite of his shady past people were putting so much trust in him, he didn't show it. He looked the reporter straight into his eyes and nodded saying, "I assure you that the cure is real." He pointed to Oliver Thomson and said, "This is Mr Thomson who was the first person we cured. He has been free of the disease for over three months."

Thomson confirmed by saying, "Minister Shacklebold and Professor Snape speak the truth. The cure is real and I can't thank these people enough for giving me back a normal life."

One of the reporters said, "Are we supposed to take the word of just one individual? How many others have been cured and if it is true, does it work on everybody?"

After the man had voiced his concern the whole crowd started murmuring with affirmation. Kingsley held up his hands to quiet everybody down and said, "There were two prisoners in Azkaban who have been cured to save some money with the added security we needed to keep these people in check every time there was a full moon. We also have cured 6 others. So far it worked on everybody." He pointed his wand to a door on the side of the stage and when it opened three men and two women came walking out and seated themselves on the unoccupied chairs behind the desk.

Kingsley again spoke up, "Here are five of the six people we cured. One was unable to make it because of a situation in her family."

Severus then added, "We have not yet tried the cure on children. We fear it will be too strong for them and may kill them. More research will be needed."

Rita Skeeter who had been quiet up until then spoke up, "Mr Thomson, how did you feel when you took the cure and how to you feel now. Are there any side effects?"

"I have been told that I passed out and after I woke up I felt very weak for a few days. Ever since my strength came back I feel good and there are no side effects." The five people who had come up on stage all nodded to show that they had the same experience.

Severus said, "We have to train more healers to administer the potion. The window where the cure can be given is extremely small. It is only about 30 seconds just before a full moon and each person has to be restrained to protect the healers. The person who has been given the potion will feel extreme fatigue for a few days, more than after a normal transformation, because the body has to go through two transformations in a very short time. First the person will transform into a werewolf for only a moment and then will revert back to his or her human form. These two transformations are taking a lot of energy out of a human body."

Thomson said, "But it is worth it to go back to leading a normal life."

Kingsley said, "The Ministry has since hired Mr Thomson to help our Miss Granger," he pointed to Hermione, "in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. We have created a separate section for people with Lycanthropy to sign up for the cure. We need people to be patient because we do not have enough trained healers yet and as you have heard from Professor Snape, there is only a small window of time each month when the cure can be administered. We will have two lists. One for people who have the means to pay for the cure right away and another one for people who are in need of financial aid. Needless to say the Ministry then will check this second list and will approve those who really are in need of financial help."

There went another murmur through the reporters but this time it sounded more like everyone was in agreement with the way things would be handled.

Before Kingsley adjourned the conference he again spoke up and said, "Before everyone is leaving I would like to stress a point. There will always be a few individuals who enjoy the power their affliction is giving them and may not want to be cured. We are hoping that people who know somebody like that will come forward and report them. It would not be fair to the public or to those who want to be cured if they are having to deal with a dangerous werewolf running wild. We also don't know what would happen to someone who had been cured before and then would get bitten again. We don't know if the potion will work a second or even a third time or if the person would die from a secondary infection." Kingsley looked into the eyes of the reporters in the room and said, "Just think about it!"

There was another murmur of approval going around the room and after Kingsley wished everyone a good day they all got up and left the stage to walk into a side room while the reporters left through the main door. Inside the room Kingsley turned to the three men and two women who had shown up later and said, "I want to thank all of you for your participation. Even though you didn't have to answer any questions I feel that we couldn't have done it without you."

They appreciated the gesture and soon everybody was on their way home or their respective workplace. Severus arrived at Hogwarts just after lunch and before Harry was getting ready to teach the class of seventh year Slytherin and Gryffindor students. He decided to skip his meal and teach the class together with Harry. He thought it could be fun to do so. Wait, he thought, since when do I think that doing something together with Harry Potter would be fun? He smiled and again thought about how much his life had changed in the last few months.

Harry waved at Severus when he saw him coming and after Severus had broached the idea about teaching a class together, Harry welcomed the opportunity and they both gave the seventh years a good workout in dueling. At the end they both walked out of class dripping with sweat but with a smile on their faces.

Harry said panting, "That was fun. We should do that more often."

Severus jested, "I think I'm getting too old for that shit."

Harry snorted and said, "Yeah right! I think those two guys you took on last had their work cut out."

"Unfortunately I think I need a shower before my next class," Severus pointed out.

"The same here," Harry said, "or everybody will pass out from the smell as soon as I walk into the Ministry." Then Harry walked away while saying, "Call me if you want to do this again, Severus."

"You have a phone?" Severus called after him.

Harry stopped, "Don't you have one? I thought I saw you call Bobbie before."

"I do have one but I didn't know you do also. After all, it isn't the customary Wizarding equipment."

Harry laughed, "Are you kidding me? I work in the same building as Hermione. I swear that girl could make a killing as a sales person for mobile phones."

Severus laughed and said, "Good point. I'll see you later." Then the two men parted ways.

888

When Severus walked into their quarters he saw Bobbie sitting on the window seat talking to her grandfather on the phone and stroking the dogs absentmindedly while doing so. He mouthed to her, "Taking a shower," and disappeared in the bathroom.

When he came back out he was back in fresh robes. Bobbie walked up to him and said, "What happened to you? Looked like a rough press conference, with needing a shower and all..."

He smiled and said, "The press conference went very well. It was the class I taught with Harry after I came back that did it."

"You taught a class together?" Bobbie asked surprised.

"Yes, it was fun but we were both sweating like the pigs when we were done. It was Harry, Ginny Weasley, the Lovegood girl and I against the rest of the class. I think I agree with Harry, we need to do this more often. It is good training and teaches motor skills better than I can do during a normal class."

"Do I get a hug and a kiss before you run off to your next class? Btw, Geronimo and Ina had their baby. They named him Osborne."

"Osborne...! Let me guess... I think I know where this is going...," Severus said with a chuckle.

"Right, Opa already said that Geronimo wants to call him Ozzy." She laughed and Severus nodded with a smile on his face.

"...and that is the name of the singer of Geronimo's favorite band...," Severus said.

"Very good Professor! Ten points to Slytherin. Looks like we Canadians taught you a thing or two about British Rock 'n' Roll." She joked and then continued. "They are writing the name a little differently but the end result is the same," Bobbie said with a grin. Then she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him and said, "This is from Opa. He said to give you a hug from him and Eleonore. They have read about your cure in the Wizarding paper one of the town's people is getting. Opa said he is very proud of you..., and so am I."

Severus still was a little uncomfortable about getting compliments but he gave Bobbie a kiss and said quietly, "Thank you, my Love." He then checked his watch and said, "I better get going or I will be late."

Bobbie watched him leave with a smile on her face and then scratched Benton's ears while thinking to herself how far Severus had come with tolerating and even liking people. He was finally accepting that he actually had friends and that there was some happiness for him out there.