Chapter 26- Luna de miel

Severus was looking forward to a night on the town. As glad as he was seeing Hermione willingly relax, he wanted to get out a bit. He knew that once Hermione saw Barcelona, she would like it as much as he did. She loved great food and culture, as did he. They would apparate to magical Barcelona then take a leisurely stroll to the restaurant. He sat in the study sipping some sherry while waiting for his lovely wife.

"Sev, I'm ready," Hermione said, standing at the door of the study.

"Yes, you certainly are," he said.

He went to her, kissed her hand and told her, "You are beautiful. New dress?"

She was wearing a lavender V-neckline halter-top dress that had a ruched panel below the bust, with an A-line skirt that draped just above her knees.

"I'm not sure, after my shower, I saw that it was in the closet and I know I didn't buy it," Hermione said. Then she grinned and shook her head. "It was Landy, now I know why she was so enthusiastic about me wearing it."

"House elves strike again," Severus said. "Are you hungry?"

He took hold of her, kissed her forehead and they disappeared with a pop. Seconds later, they appeared in a patch of trees that was behind a group of quaint looking buildings.

"Welcome to the magical quarter of Barcelona," Severus said.

They walked around to the front of the buildings.

"It looks gothic," Hermione said.

"Correct, this area is called the Gothic Quarter, and we are on Las Ramblas, Barcelona's most famous street," Severus explained.

Hermione pointed to some outdoor cafes and a flamenco band.

"We will play tourist tomorrow if you like, but I just heard your stomach growl, time to feed my two ladies."

They walked a bit and came to stop in front of an unassuming restaurant called "Els Pescadors." Severus opened the doors for her and they went in. When they were seated, a waiter casually introduced himself and gave them menus. Severus ordered a duck foie gras appetizer while they looked over the main course selections. The waiter left and promised to return in a few minutes.

"Wow! This sounds good, I'll have the tuna with pickled Figueres onions," Hermione said.

The waiter returned, Hermione gave him her order and Severus ordered a cod stew with potatoes and chilies. After a half hour, Hermione was ready to go to the kitchens herself and ask where the food was.

"You'll see that the fare is worth the wait," Severus assured her.

As if on cue, the waiter appeared with their dishes. Hermione licked her lips in anticipation, picked up her fork and took a bite. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"Sev, this is great!" Hermione said. "And to think all I've been doing with tuna is mixing it with mayo and throwing it on some bread."

They relished the delicious dinner then moved to dessert. Hermione ordered a warmed fruit lasagna with hot chocolate and Sev, a cream Swiss roll. When they finally finished their food and settled the bill, they made their way back to the apparition point. Hermione yawned and leaned on his arm as they strolled along the street.

"Last year at this time, I would have never thought this possible," Hermione commented.

"This?" Severus asked.

"Yes. This, here, us," she said. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, now let's head back to the hacienda," Severus said.

Arriving at the apparition point, he held her close and they disappeared again with a pop. The next morning, they made love, ate breakfast and read some letters that arrived for them. Hermione dressed in slacks, a light blouse and comfortable shoes.

"I'm ready to play tourist now," Hermione announced.

"Are you sure that you wouldn't rather laze about in bed all day?" Severus teased.

"Goodness no, I want to see the street markets and those cafes again," Hermione said. "And didn't you tell me there was a museum and a zoo?"

"There're many museums here," Severus said, tapping his chin in thought. "I think the Picasso museum would tickle your fancy, and we can see the zoo as well."

Severus knew the many cafes and street markets she wanted to see would be along the way as well and they apparated to the same point as last night.

"Are you sure we were here last night?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, Las Ramblas of last night is still here," Severus said. "Watch over your pocketbook, some parts of this street can be….dodgy."

Hermione saw many signs about "tapas" and had to ask what it meant.

"Ahh, seeing as how you eat so much, the tapas will interest you," Severus said and explained.

Hermione agreed that the tapas were a great idea, and helped herself to many of them as they walked along the street. After Hermione had amused Severus with her sixth tapa of the morning, they toured the Picasso museum. Hours later, they ate lunch then went to the zoo. At the badger exhibit, Hermione smiled and pointed at her animagus form. They toured the zoo the remainder of the day. That night, they were entertained by a flamenco dancing competition in one of the many clubs along the busy street.

"Wes would be loving this, the food and the zoo especially, he just loves creatures," Hermione said.

"We will come back here with him, I promise," Severus said. "I have to, I swore an oath to the house elves that I would."

"Speaking of kids, thought of a name for her?" Hermione said patting her stomach, which at two months, had just started showing.

"Yes, I've thought of one," Severus said. "My mother's name, Gabrielle."

"Sev, I love it, it's a beautiful name. Gabrielle it is," Hermione said.

The remainder of the week, the couple toured the coastline and countryside around Barcelona. Hermione loved the scent of the ocean breeze and the feel of the sand between her toes. She was enchanted by the many quaint seaside shops that dotted the shore and amused Severus by trying to tell him about the big shells that would make the sound of the sea in his ears. Hermione convinced Severus to rent a car so they could see the countryside. Montserrat was as beautiful as Severus said it would be. They enjoyed a bit of Catalonian countryside cuisine that was different from the cuisine in downtown Barcelona, and Severus ordered several cases of wine that could only be found in that region.

When they weren't exploring the seashore and countryside they decided to christen each and every room in the house to the discrete amusement of the house elves, who were proud to have such a virile master and loving mistress. Hermione was determined to take advantage of this lovemaking marathon because they would not be able to further on in her pregnancy, with Wesley around, and with both of them working during the day. The last day of the honeymoon arrived, and they prepared to return to Britain. During the day they noticed that Landy, who had attached herself to Hermione, was sad and quiet. They found out that night why the house elf had been acting that way. At dinner that night Hermione expressed her appreciation for all the help that Landy he given her during the week. When the little elf burst out crying and ran from the room Hermione felt like crying herself.

"Severus what did I say?" Hermione asked.

"I have no idea," said Severus.

Severus summoned the elf again who appeared wiping her eyes and nose with a handkerchief.

"Landy, what is the matter?" asked Hermione.

"You is leaving," wailed Landy.

"You're upset because we're leaving?" Severus asked.

The house elf nodded sadly. Severus had an idea.

"Would you like to return with us to Britain?" Severus asked the elf.

"Excuse me?" Hermione asked.

"Now, now muffin, hear me out. You can clearly see how upset the creature is, she loves you and you will be needing help later on in your pregnancy. House elves absolutely adore children, so think of how happy Wesley will be when he returns to find an elf in the house. And I know how you feel about elves, so I would imagine that Landy here will be the most spoiled house elf in Britain. What do you think?" Severus asked.

Hermione turned to the elf. "Well Landy, what do you think of leaving Spain?"

"Landy will love leaving Spain to be with Master Severus, the new miss and babies, will be happy I will be!" the elf replied.

"Everyone I know will tease me endlessly," said Hermione. "As much as I have campaigned for elf rights here I go taking one into the house."

Saturday June eleventh

Hermione and Severus returned home that morning. Although she had a great time in Spain, she missed her son desperately. She got Landy situated in the attic, (that the elf insisted was too much) gave her a tour of the home, and told her they would call her when she was needed. Hermione sat on the sofa and sorted through the honeymoon pictures while looking at the clock, waiting for Minerva to step through the floo with her son. Shortly after lunch the floo sounded and Minerva stepped through with Wesley. At the sight of the two Hermione rose and rushed to her son sweeping him up with kisses and hugs. She stood back and looked at the two, Minerva dressed in some kind of plaid Highland garb, and Wesley standing there in a kilt. He looked absolutely adorable.

"We just left a Highland Festival," said Minerva.

Everyone sat on the sofas. Hermione held Wesley in her lap and cuddled with him.

"So Wes did you have a good time?" asked Hermione.

Wesley nodded his head enthusiastically.

"Hermione dear, he was a joy to have this week and was a perfectly behaved young man," Minerva gushed. "The next you decide to take a trip feel free to leave him with me."

"I'll keep that in mind," Hermione laughed.

"I must be going now, Albus wanted to see me as soon as I returned," Minerva said.

"Oh he did, did he?" Severus teased with a smirk.

"The pictures of the trip are in his satchel, now Wesley, give me a hug, I have to leave now," Minerva said. "See you at the staff meeting tomorrow Severus, good day to both of you."

"Wes, we have a surprise for you," Hermione said. "Landy, could you come here please?" she called out.

jmn