What Ails Us

Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter belong to JKR. I make no money from this.

A/N: Many thanks go to my awesome beta, Southern_Witch_69.

This is my response to LOTM's YLC challenge. For rules see the end of chapter one.

Chapter Thirteen

What Ails Us

Severus stood in his lab, disbelief clearly on his usually unreadable face. I've done it! "Dear Lord, I have done it!"

Shaking with excitement, Severus started bottling the ultramarine liquid. If his calculations were correct, and he had no doubt that they were, he was bottling the cure for Lycanthropy. His first instinct was to contact Narcissa, and then he thought of Hermione. However, he needed to contact St. Mungo's as soon as possible.

When Remus Lupin began teaching at Hogwarts during Hermione's third year, Severus began brewing the Wolfsbane Potion for the bothersome werewolf. After a couple of months, Severus got the idea to contact St. Mungo's and offer to supply them with the potion as well since he was already brewing it. The extra Galleons came in handy at times.

As he had delivered the potion, he began to meet some of the afflicted that he had been helping over the past months. One wizard in particular, an Edward Fisher, who was one hundred seventeen years old, caught Severus' attention. He had lived with being a werewolf for nearly a century. When he'd discovered that Severus was aiming for a cure, he'd immediately volunteered to test the potion when ready, saying that if worse came to worse, he was ready to give his life. He was very, very tired.

After he finished bottling the cure, he threw some Floo powder into his flames and called, "St. Mungo's!" He wanted to find out how to get in touch with Edward, and St. Mungo's was the only place Severus could think of that would know where to find him.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Narcissa sat at Molly's table sipping tea. This was only the second time she had been in the Weasley home, and Molly had never been in Malfoy Manor. At the end of the war, Narcissa had helped the Order when she'd realized that Lucius would willingly sacrifice their son for that madman.

She'd eagerly handed Severus pertinent information that the Dark Lord had only shared with a sparse few, Lucius being one of the few. This information had helped the Order prepare for the attack.

Only a couple of people were aware of Narcissa's assistance, which was the way she wanted it. Molly Weasley was one of the few, and they became, if not fast, somewhat reluctant, friends.

"Can you believe those two children of ours?" Molly asked, totally angered. "What were they thinking?"

"I have no idea! Draco especially knows better than this! A Malfoy marriage with no wedding? How ludicrous."

Molly slightly shook her head. "Narcissa, what is it exactly that you are upset about?"

"Why, them running off, of course. What in the world were they thinking?"

"Yes," Molly began slowly, "but what about them running off upsets you?"

Narcissa looked at her companion as if she had grown another head. "Molly, surely you understand that with Draco's position in society that there should have been a wedding of some sort? We are going to have to have a huge reception. There is nothing else we can do about the lack of a wedding ceremony now, so we will just have to be satisfied with the reception."

"A huge reception? What are you on about? Those two kids should never have married in the first place! Their backgrounds are entirely too different!"

Highly offended, Narcissa carefully sat her teacup down. "Apparently, the YLC disagrees with you, Molly. And from my understanding, those two have been dating." Narrowing her eyes, she asked, "Are you saying my Draco is not good enough for your Ginevra?"

"GINNY! She goes by Ginny! See, that right there only proves my point. She won't know how to blend in with your sort."

"My sort? What sort would that be, dear?"

"Now, don't go getting all uppity on me, Narcissa Malfoy! You know exactly what I am talking about." Leaning in closer, Molly whispered, "He was a Death Eater! Why, he tried to kill Dumbledore, for Merlin's sake! He used the Imperious Curse on Rosmerta! If it hadn't been for him, none of those Death Eaters would have gotten into Hogwarts to begin with! Ginny does not belong with someone like him. She is too sweet a girl. She belongs with someone like..."

"Harry Potter? Yes, I see how noble he was. He defeated the Dark Lord, I'll grant you that, and then he left the country and threw your daughter away like yesterday's rubbish. Why, he treated my old house-elf, Dobby, better than her!" As Molly started to shake her head, Narcissa held a perfectly manicured hand up. "I am not saying Draco is perfect." Molly snorted. "But, Molly, what would your Ron have done if some crazed person was threatening you? That is what was happening, you know. Draco thought the Dark Lord was going to kill me, his father, and him as well."

"Ron would have found another way! He, Harry, and Hermione..."

"Draco had only himself! Don't you see? He was only a boy with only himself to depend on as far as he knew. He had no noble father like your Arthur is to his children. No close friends that he knew for sure he could absolutely trust! You know that Lucius was going to kill Draco himself when he failed. You know, Molly.

Molly looked at Narcissa. "I am not disputing all that. I agree that the boy had some hard choices to make. However, I just don't see him with my Ginny. It won't work."

"It's done. They were married five days ago, they're off on some small holiday because of it, and there is nothing we can do to change that now." Narcissa was starting to get tired of Molly's 'holier-than-thou' attitude. "Sitting here brooding about it won't help matters. Molly, I truly want us to get along and to be a happy family. We will share a grandchild one day. Now, you can help me throw the reception to end all receptions, or you can continue to brood. The choice is yours."

Narcissa had to choke those words out. She truly wanted her son to be happy, and if Ginevra Weasley...no, Malfoy...was what it took to ensure that, then she would do or say whatever she had to. Besides, it's not as if she had to socialize with Molly and her family on a regular basis...

Molly didn't like this one bit. She didn't for one second believe that Draco and Ginny would be good for each other. She also wasn't fooled by Narcissa's nonchalant attitude, but she had to admit that the woman had a point. There really was nothing they could do about the marriage now. Folding her arms over her chest, Molly insisted, "I don't brood." Sighing with defeat, she told her new in-law, "I would be happy to help you plan."

The two witches put their heads together and began to plan.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

It wasn't hard for Severus to find the modest home of Edward Fisher. Patting his pocket to make sure that the parchment was still there, he knocked on the door. Due to an earlier conversation he'd had with Hermione weeks prior, Severus had gone to his solicitor and had some legal documents drawn up stating that if anything happened to Edward due to this testing, the werewolf would not hold the Potions master responsible.

Edward was very surprised when he opened his door to see an unusually smiling Severus Snape on his porch. "Professor! It's good to see you. Please, come in." When Severus got settled and had a cup of tea in his hand, Edward asked, "So, what brings you by to see me?"

Unable to hold his happiness in any longer, Severus blurted out, "I think I've done it! I think I have completed the cure!"

Going pale, Edward simply said, "No." He hadn't let himself even think of that possibility. To finally be cured after all this time...

"Yes," Severus replied. "I wondered if you are still interested in testing it. The next full moon is coming up next week; we can do the test then."

"Yes, of course I am. I just can't believe that, after all this time, there could be a cure for me."

"Well," the Potions master started cautiously, "as I have said, it's not been tested. However, I am confident it will work."

"I am willing to find out, Severus. I have told you many times that I'm tired. If there is an end in sight, I mean to take it."

Clearing his throat, Severus pulled the parchment out of his pocket. "I need you to sign this waiver..."

Before the professor was finished, Edward stood to get a quill and some ink. Pulling the parchment to him, the werewolf signed it and handed it back to Severus. "I understand, Severus. It's fine. You just be back here next week during the full moon so that we can test this cure of yours."

"Don't you think St. Mungo's would serve us better? If something goes wrong, we will have more help there, more people who would know better how do deal with the situation."

"If you think it's best, then St. Mungo's is fine. I will see you then."

Severus could tell his friend was becoming tired, so he decided to take his leave. "See you next week."

As soon as Severus was outside, he Apparated to the Ministry of Magic. His class would be starting soon, but he had to share his good news with Hermione.

Hermione started when she heard a knock on her door as she was immersed in reading over her research on a new type of Doxicide that someone was trying to market. Assuming it was Mr. Whimple, she called out, "Come in."

As soon as Severus opened the door, he shook his head. The witch hadn't even looked up to see who was about to enter her office. After the threats and such that she had received from Mrs. Nott, one would think she would be more careful, especially when her secretary had not arrived yet to screen her visitors.

"Is this a bad time?" Severus asked, delighted when she very nearly jumped out of her seat.

"Severus! What a pleasant and unexpected surprise! Come in." Hermione stood to walk around her desk to hug him. "Not that I am complaining, but what brings you by my office this morning?"

"I have some good news. Some very good news." Severus paused for a dramatic affect.

"Well? Don't keep me in suspense! What news?" Hermione folded her arms over her chest and tapped her foot impatiently.

"I think I have completed the Lycanthropy cure, Hermione!"

Gasping with surprise, she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him hard. "Oh, Severus! How wonderful! I suppose we will have to wait until the next full moon to find out? What did Mrs. Malfoy say?"

Chuckling, he told her, "Slow down! Yes, we do have to wait until the next full moon. Mr. Fisher has agreed to test it for me." When she started to interrupt, he held up his hand. "Before you ask, let me assure you, he signed the waiver. I decided not to mention it to Narcissa until I know that it works for sure."

"I don't blame you. There is no need to get her hopes up if it turns out that it doesn't work. Although, I have every faith that it will work. I have faith in you, Severus. What would you say to an early celebration tonight? Just you and me for this initial one?" she asked as she nibbled his jaw.

Severus' chest tightened when she told him she had faith in him. He was feeling something for her that he couldn't quite name. Feeling himself slightly harden from her pleasing mouth, he pulled her closer to him and whispered, "Yes, I think a celebration is in order." When he remembered he had hall duty, he scowled and pulled away from her teasing mouth. "No, I can't tonight. Hall duty."

"That's right. I'd forgotten about that. It's your weekend to work, too, isn't it?" Hermione was trying really hard not to show her disappointment and frustration. It was hard to make time to be together with their work schedules.

"Yes," he answered irritably. "This is my weekend. And next week is the full moon. I will be at St. Mungo's with Mr. Fisher watching over the potions process during most of my free time." Severus was aggravated. This was the first time he had wanted to be with a woman as much as he could, but it seemed like something always came up to either shorten their time together or prevent them from being with each other completely.

Sensing his aggravation, Hermione tried to soothe. "Don't worry. We'll find time somehow. Perhaps Sunday evening we can steal a few hours."

"Yes, I am sure we can steal a few hours. Sounds great," he said sarcastically.

Frowning, Hermione looked at her lover. It almost sounded as if he was mad at her. "Severus, I can't help our schedules or our living arrangements. You have obligations and so do I. I am trying my best to make myself available to you when you can arrange for us to be together. What more do you want from me?"

That was the question, wasn't it? What did he want...exactly? He wasn't sure. All he knew at the moment was that he wanted... more. More what? He couldn't say. Just... more.

Sighing, he told her, "I apologize, Hermione. I wanted to be with you, share my joy and excitement with you, and it seems like we need appointment books to arrange to be together. Sunday is fine. I have to go. My class is starting soon." He took her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly before walking out to Apparate back to Hogwarts.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Pansy Parkinson was sitting in the Auror department at the Ministry of Magic. Kingsley Shacklebolt and Tonks were both questioning her.

How could Draco press charges? I mean, marrying that spotty little weasel over me was bad enough, but to actually press charges? I wonder if the Dark Lord didn't cast one Crucio too many!

"MISS PARKINSON! Are you listening to me?" Tonks was becoming exasperated with the nonchalant attitude of this woman.

"Yes, I assure you that there is nothing at all wrong with my hearing. There is absolutely no need to bellow! I didn't know that paying for something you want is considered a crime. I would say it's merely... shopping."

"Shopping?" Kingsley asked in disbelief. "You paid to have an official document altered, Miss Parkinson. And in doing so, had you succeeded, you would have ruined the lives of two people, not to mention yourself."

"Oh, don't be so dramatic. Witches and wizards have married without even using that blasted YLC! And honestly, can you see those two happily married?"

"It is not for us to see," Tonks told her matter of factly. "The point is that those two can see it, and both seem quite happy about it. But the main thing is that you have committed a crime, Miss Parkinson. Bribery. We have taken the matter before the Wizengamot, and they've agreed that you need to be punished with community service and probation. And a fine of one thousand Galleons, which is to be paid by the end of this month."

Pansy was seething. "I don't believe this! I will speak to the Minister about this!"

"Be our guest," Kingsley said, amused at her fury. "It won't help you get out of this, and you know it."

Rising out of her chair to leave, Pansy stopped at the door. Without looking back, she said, "We will just see about this!"

Hearing the laughter of the two Aurors as she left only added to her anger.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Draco and Ginny Apparated outside of Malfoy Manor full of apprehension. They decided to go see Narcissa first, as Ginny had more people in her family to deal with.

Putting his hands on her shoulders to reassure her, Draco told her, "You will be fine. Mum has been after me to get married, so I am sure she is pleased." He bent to kiss her forehead. "She will love you, Ginevra, as I do."

Frowning, Ginny said, "Your mother wanted you to marry someone like Pansy, Draco. Not someone like me. And the fact that we eloped without a word to anyone is not going to help our case. Although, it did seem like such a good idea at the time... What were we thinking?"

Laughing softly, he answered, "We were thinking that we wanted to avoid all the arguments and battles our engagement was sure to cause. I know we made the right choice, love. I would do it all again."

Barely brushing his lips with hers, she conceded, "Me, too. I will never regret marrying you. It's facing both our families that has me worried. I can't imagine what your mum will say, but there will be a lot of yelling when we go to the Burrow. I just want you to be prepared."

Squeezing her shoulders, he said, "I can handle yelling, my fiery temptress. Lest you forget, I am Lucius Malfoy's son. Yelling was a way of life around here for a long time."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories. It's just... I want you to be aware that my family won't be happy and that they will voice their opinion."

"Ginny, I know this. I expect disapproval from your family. However, you should be aware of this. I won't apologize for marrying you...to anybody."

Raising an eyebrow, she said, "Well, you'd better not!"

"Okay, we have stalled long enough. What say you we go in and face my mum? She is expecting us, and I don't want to be late."

"Could you hide her wand first?"

"Ginny, she is not going to hex you!"

"I never thought she would, Draco. I thought she might hex you for marrying someone like me," Ginny said as her husband glared at her for even suggesting something like that.

"Enough, wife. Let's go in."

Bracing herself, Ginny walked into Draco's...and now her...home with some anxiety. She wasn't sure what her new mother-in-law would think of her, other than she didn't want her one and only son married to someone like her. Ginny sighed and tried to push those depressing thoughts from the front of her mind. She wanted to take in her surroundings, but her husband was walking too fast for her to enjoy the view.

"Draco, slow down!"

"Come on, Ginny! I don't want to keep her waiting."

So, he is more worried than he lets on. I don't know if that comforts me or scares me to death! "Okay, okay! I'm coming."

When they entered the sitting room, they came to an abrupt halt. There sat Narcissa Malfoy having tea with the entire Weasley clan. Both newlyweds gaped in astonishment.

"Do close your mouths, dears. Gaping like a fish is highly unattractive," Narcissa drawled smugly. She was quite pleased with the plan she and Molly had come up with.

"Well, well, well," George started.

"What have we here?" Fred finished.

"If it isn't our little runaway bride!" Bill said, smiling like the wolf that he'd almost become.

Ginny chanced a look at both of her parents and cringed. It's going to be a long afternoon, she thought as she sighed.

Christy's Notes: A cure at last! It seems our favorite Potions master is becoming a little frustrated! Poor Ginny and Draco!

Southern's Notes: I can't wait to see how things are going, and I'm really enjoying that Snape realized he wants more and is feeling more. Lovely.