Chapter 20!

I hate to see Cullen in so much pain. So I totally put Hermione on the case. If she can't figure it out, no one can! xD

By the way - did y'all know about Grand Enchanter Fiona being Alistair's mum? Because she totally is! There will be a more thorough explanation in a later chapter!

Disclaimer: ain't mine, yo!

-o-

Chapter 20 - And You Need a Title

The following week passed by in a blur of research, brewing, sleeping, brewing some more, and eventually – although Hermione couldn't quite make herself believe it – they had created a cure.

"This is too easy," she said as she analysed Cullen's blood – again – and finding it void of Lyrium-poisoning. "It's been one week. I cannot make myself believe that we have created a cure in one week."

"We will not know until we have tested it," Solas said, gazing at the phial she was holding. "And I suspect Cullen would be open to the idea of being the test-subject."

Hermione nodded. "I'll bring the antidote, in case everything goes wrong."

-o-

"I know we have told you that we have been using your blood in an attempt to create a pain relief for you, and other Templars," Hermione said, giving Cullen a nervous look, "and that is the truth, but not the whole truth."

"And what would be the whole truth?"

"Don't get your hopes up, Cullen," she said quietly, "but we may have found a cure."

"Pardon?"

"A cure," she said, holding up the potion for him to see. "If our theories are correct, this potion will cure your Lyrium addiction altogether."

-o-

No antidote was needed. Nothing was needed, except for the small phial of potion.

"This is too good to be true," Hermione whispered as she analysed the twelfth blood sample – she had taken a blood sample every ten minutes the last two hours – and found it clean. There was no trace of Lyrium poisoning. "Cullen, how do you feel?"

"I have to agree with you, when you say this is too good to be true," Cullen whispered back, "because I feel better than...than I have in years."

Hermione shook her head. "I'm sorry, but you have to hold on to that thought. Managing to cure Lyrium addiction in one week – the mere idea is basically preposterous. You will keep the antidote with you at all times, and if you feel sick, you will come find me immediately. We will check your blood every day, and you will alert me if something changes. Other than that…hope. Pray. I cannot make myself believe this. It may return."

"Even so," Solas said softly, "we should consider this a victory. If not a cure, I would call it a major step towards finding a cure. And that, Lethallan, is a victory in itself."

Cullen gazed at the empty phial he was still holding. "What if it is a cure? It will change the world."

Solas nodded. "Indeed."

"You will be a hero, Hermione," Cullen said as he looked at Hermione. "You already are."

"No," Hermione said, shaking her head vigorously, "that will not be happening. My name will not be mentioned in any form of connection to this. Give the credit to the Inquisition, but don't mention me."

Cullen gave her a puzzled look. "Not many people would let such an achievement go without taking any credit."

"Fame is overrated," Hermione said, sighing, "believe me."

"You seem to know from personal experience."

"I do. Long story, however. A story for another time."

Cullen just nodded.

-o-

"So, what is the next on your agenda, Lethallan?" Solas asked later that night, after they had caught their breath and were lying – naked – on their backs in Hermione's bed. "Who will you save next?"

Hermione shrugged. "Well, I have a theory or two about demonic possession, and how to protect oneself from it."

There was a long moment of silence before Solas chuckled, and before she knew it, he was on top of her again, kissing her in a way that ignited everything in her – again – and she wondered if she would ever stop wanting him, if he always would affect her in this way. Hopefully; no, she wouldn't, and yes, he would.

"Is it a god-thing?" she said, breathlessly, as she felt that he was just as ignited as her. "This seemingly never-ending stamina of yours?"

"Why do you ask?" The Dread Wolf replied, just as breathlessly, but at the same time wickedly. "Are you complaining?"

"No," she moaned, just as he entered her with a soft thrust, causing her to dig her nails into his back, and wrap her legs around his waist. "Merlin, no."

He stilled for a moment, and she opened her eyes to find him looking at her with soft eyes. "I am glad, vhenan," he said before he began moving, and Hermione was lost in sensation.

-o-

There was no sign of the Lyrium poisoning returning, but Hermione checked on Cullen every day for the next seven days.

It was still too good to be true. It was just too easy.

He was looking healthier than ever, though, not to mention happier.

Hermione just prayed that he would continue feeling that way.

-o-

Six days until the ball, and three days until they would leave. Hermione was happy that the journey was only three days. She was generally not looking forward to the whole ordeal, and a long journey would just make the whole thing worse.

"You need a proper backstory," Cullen said one morning as they were gathered around the war table. "And you need a title."

Leliana nodded. "Definitely. People already know who you are, and that you have a vital role in the Inquisition, but we need to make it official."

Hermione wanted to object. She honestly did. But, she did realise they were right. "I reluctantly agree," she said, sighing. "What do you suggest?"

-o-

A while later, Hermione was shaking her head rather vigorously. "No, no, no! That's too much!"

"I would say it's not enough," the Inquisitor replied. "You are already the one in charge, quite frankly. At this point, I'm just the one running around closing rifts."

Hermione shook her head again. "Even if that was true; First Advisor and Right Hand of the Inquisitor? That is too much."

"Let's vote on it."

And that was how Hermione Granger became 'First Advisor and Right Hand of the Inquisitor'.