Disclaimer - See any of the previous chapters.
Yes folks that is right, 2 updates in 2 days! I can't promise how long I will be able to keep that up, but I am currently very inspired, so enjoy it while it lasts.
Enjoy!
BTW: I went back and fixed a fairly major inconsistancy in the first chapter. Is all better now. And for those who dont remember, there will be 2 endings to this story. One, which is my original ending, and one which I decided to write due to fan requests. The original ending will be posted first.
On with the story!
With a POP!, the pair arived, and the difference in climate was noticable to Hermione immediately. Hermione too a look around and was stuck at by the beauty and exotic feel of the place. There was a large 2 story house in the distance that was done in the style of the Spanish mansions of Mexico and the American Southwest. Having just left rainy Scotland, she was surprised to see the sun glinting off off the Terra Cotta tiles that made up the roof of the house that was no less than a Mansion.
Severus held Hermione in his arms, and was instantly pleased at the look of wonder and pleasure on her face. He had kept this home, long after most of the family had encouraged him to sell it as it was seldom visited. But he has always enjoyed his visits here, as it provided such stark contrast to the dreary dungeons of his Scottish castle home.
"Where are we, Severus? This place is magnificent!"
"A fairly remote area of New Mexico in the States. There will be time to tour the house and gardens later. Right now it is straight to bed with you."
"Severus, I would never forgive you if you made me go to bed without at least a quick look around. Please?"
He couldn't resist her, he knew it was futile to argue. If he tried to put her straight to bed, she would probably sneak out and end up doing herself a good deal of harm.
"I couldn't possibly show you the whole grounds now, because they are rather expansive and as light as you are, I don't know that I could carry you that long. But I will show you some of the gardens that are directly beside the house."
Hermione gave a little bouce of childish excitement in his arms, and at that point, he knew that bringing her here was trully the best decision for her recovery.
He walked up the brick path, as Hermione was doing her best impression of an owl, her head and neck going in every which way. As they got closer to the house, Hermione could indeed see that there were two beautiful gardens on either side of the house, one with a marble fountain at its center, the other with a bench swing.
He took her around each garden, showing her the many plants that were so carefully tended.
"That particular species of cactus flower is of great use in healing potions. I frequently substitute it when Belladonna is suggested, due to the risk of overdose with Belladonna. I have found that the potions are just as effective, if not moreso."
"Do you think it would work in a shielding potion, such as the one I am working on?"
"It is certainly possible. I will be sure to get you some samples of everything in the garden while it is at its peak."
Hermione smiled in thanks and continued to look around, occassionally posing a question about this plant or that one. She was taken aback at the beauty of the desert roses, finding that she prefered them to the traditional roses so prevalent in the countryside of England and Scotland.
Severus sat them down on the swing, Hermione still cradled in his arms and they simply enjoyed the beauty around them. There were some insects and lizards moving about in the garden, and both were content to sit quietly and watch them. It wasn't long before Severus noticed that Hermione's somewhat labored breathing had evened out, and a look at her beautiful face confirmed that she was fast asleep. He gently rose from the swing, careful not to jostle her awake and carried her along the garden path to the side entrance of the house.
The inside of the house was, as expected, very well appointed, in beautiful earth tones typical of American Southwest decoration. The ceilings above the main living room were fully vaulted and there was a skylight that allowed the bright afternoon sun in. There was comotion in the kitchen, and Severus realized that the Headmaster must have sent word ahead to his house elves to prepare for his arival. He would commend them on their upkeep of the house and gardens after he put Hermione to bed.
The wide staircase made it easy for Severus to carry his sleeping love upstairs and down the hall to the Master's suite. It was a smaller version of his quarters at Hogwarts, complete with a small sitting area, complete with fireplace and a few bookshelves, and a set of doors leading to the bedroom. A whispered wandless spell opened the doors, and the pair entered a bedroom that was far from his Slytherin room at Hogwarts. The walls were a mural of the Superstition Mountain range, and the sky was charmed to reflect the sky outside, minus the harsh light. The gigantic bed was a 4 posted bed, though lacking the canopy or curtains of his Hogwarts bed. It looked like very roughly carved wood but closer inspection showed that the frame was actually petrified Sequoia. The bedcovers were a delightful mix of the burnt reds, oranges and yellows that marked the landscape, with the occassional splash of turquoise thrown in. Another whispered spell turned the covers down, and Severus placed his beloved on the bed and tucked her in. He gave her a tender kiss before turning to leave. In her sleep, Hermione's mouth turned up into a smile, a sure sign of the pleasant dreams she would have.
