7. The Forest
Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart."
-Marcus Aurelius
Days passed with moderate ease in the Snape manor. The odd pair that resided there went about their lives in relative happiness.
Severus busied himself, when not at the shop, with studying any of the findings from the journals. He would, after a well cooked meal from Holly, retire to his study and go through his many books on ancient magic. Holly, for a short time would clean up and get ready for bed and join her care-taker in the study.
Often, she would sit near by and read herself. Other times she did puzzles and other simple crafts. Or, more often than not, she would simply climb into the couch where Severus sat. Sitting next to him, and leaning against him gently, looking over his arm to the book he was reading. He would wrap an arm around her shoulders, and carefully hold her as he continued to read. This would last until Holly fell asleep next to him, curled up into his side, and he would eventually put the book down and carry her to her room.
That was the case this night. Severus looked down to the sleeping girl. She looked like an angel, he brushed her hair from her face and looked at her face. She was even more beautiful asleep. His breath shook as she stirred and cuddled closer to the potions master. He smiled and gently stroked her cheek with his thumb. Setting the tome in his lap down, he carefully picked her up. He had gotten good enough that he could carry her without her waking. Being as quite as he could on the squeaky steps, he brought Holly to her room.
Severus had given her free reign of the room, to do whatever she wanted. He looked around and smiled. It had been a while since he had last been in there; and he saw that she had done more. The ceiling was enchanted, much like the Hogwarts great hall. However it only showed the current stars, constellations and other astronomical creations in the sky. The constellations, against the deep blue were traced in a soft dark cream color. the moon hung just off to the right. The deep blue of the night sky faded into the dark blues and greens of the wall where she had painted a magical forest. The "room" was more like the clearing in the center of the forest, her bed dead center of the room and covered in deep green, blue and silver bedding.
Severus smiled and he placed Holly down onto her bed. He looked around, the room felt like a forest, even though he knew it was not. It also felt oddly familiar, as if he had been in that forest before. He shook the feeling off, Holly had mentioned she was not done with the room, that there was just one more thing she had to add to it. Severus had just said "go ahead" and let her do so. He couldn't wait to see it when it was done. He looked down to Holly and he leaned down, kissing her brow before tucking her in and leaving the forest clearing Holly called her room.
That night, Severus dreamed of the forest. It was his first real dream not induced by Fate in years.
AN/ Hello everyone. I'm very sorry about not updating a little quicker, i wasn't really sure how to play this next chapter out, but i got an idea so hopefully I can go from there. I know im sure you wanted more on the journals, etc. But that is coming up, don't worry. This isn't just fluffy filler, i promise. Anyways, I am working on the next chapter here soon, hopefully starting it tonight after i work out a few details. Anyways, as always please read and review and if y'all don't mind id like something more than please update. I don't really get any better as a writer if i don't know what my strengths and weaknesses are (please don't point out my terrible grammar and spelling, i already know) as by how you see them. Anyways, enjoy, regardless. ~Silas Dark
