Chapter 5

Hermione woke to faint dawn light spilling the glow of a new day into their room. She held her breath and listened carefully, wondering if it had been baby Aubrey who had disturbed her. She finally expelled the pent up air. He was still sound asleep. She was thrilled that he'd only woken once in the night to be nursed. Perhaps he was as happy about his father's return as she was.

She sidled further back into Severus's embrace. He was spooned into her back, his arm pinning her upper arm against her side, his large hand protectively cupping her swollen breast. As she pressed herself against him, she coyly bit her lip. She'd been so looking forward to his return, happily anticipating resuming 'intimate relations' with him for the first time since the baby was born, and yet she'd fallen asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow. Last night she and Severus had sat for a long time before the fireplace downstairs, talking things through and just enjoying being close, being held by each other. So when they'd finally retired she'd been so relaxed she'd slept soundly. The previous couple of days had, it appeared, taken their physical and emotional toll.

But now it seemed she wasn't the only one ready and more than willing to resume their lovemaking. Although he was still asleep, she could feel that Severus was aroused. She reddened when she realised her movements against and into him since waking may have provoked this reaction. He was now unconsciously and gently caressing her breast and occasionally he would move with little subtlety against her and pull her more tightly in against himself. His arousal, and the thought of being with him again after so long instantly stirred her also. She trailed her fingers up and down his arm and once again nestled back into him. Her blood was warming and her skin flushing with longing. She could feel her desire growing and craved for that desire to be sated. She rolled slightly so that she was more on her back and gazed into the sleeping face of the man she so loved. She began to slowly, sensuously, run her hand over his warming skin, starting at his neck, across his chest and nipples, down over his hip to his thigh and then forward a little ...

Severus stirred at his wife's gentle and yet stimulating caresses. He took a deep breath and willed himself to stay in control. He half-opened his eyes and immediately met hers - shining and desire-filled.

"Good Morning," she said breathily, continuing her passionate ministrations, making his heart pound.

"Morning," he rejoined, his voice emerging huskily, his throat constricted and dry. He abruptly rolled onto his back and Hermione followed him, resting closely against and over him, making him more than aware of her reaction to his previously unwitting arousal. She peered longingly down into his eyes and her tongue snaked out to moisten her dry lips.

Severus was torn. "Its alright?" he asked softly. "Not too soon?"

Hermione smiled, shook her head and then bent to eagerly take his mouth with hers. In response, he growled softly back in his throat and gave into both his and his beautiful wife's pent up desires.

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At the third knock Colleen was at the clinic door and pulled it open. She was startled to look into the intense, deep blue eyes of the stranger who had seemed to be staring at her just the other day at the train station. She took a deep breath and asked in her most professional tone, "Can I help you?"

Freddy was as startled as the pretty, young woman who stood before him. "Ah ... you're the doctor?!" he asked incredulously.

Colleen unconsciously blushed and then giggled. "No ... not yet," she replied with a smile. "I will be one day though. I'm studying to become one."

"I'm...I'm sorry," stammered Freddy, once again rendered speechless by the captivating young woman. "I...I…didn't mean to pry...I was just surprised when it was you who opened the door."

Colleen smiled at the handsome young man's discomfit and held out her hand. "I'm Colleen Snape. I help out here. While Ian is working out at the Chateau clinic," she quietly clarified.

Freddy nodded and then abruptly held out his hand also. "Freddy McFarland," he introduced himself. Then he held out his other hand bearing a collection of packages tied together with string. "Aurelius asked me to deliver these here," he explained. "Do you want me to bring them in?"

Colleen immediately stepped back. "Thanks," she said. "Are you working with Aurelius now? Are you his new assistant? He said he was expecting someone."

Freddy placed the packages on the desk and turned to face her. "Uh huh," he said. "Started work yesterday."

Colleen suddenly smiled broadly, taking Freddy's breath away. "I'm so glad!" she exclaimed and then blushed becomingly. "I...I...mean...I'm so glad that Aurelius finally has someone helping him. There's so much to do now and he's been working such long days. At last he can relax a little." She lowered her eyes to the floor and traced the line of a floorboard with her toe.

"Yeah. I've only been working with him a couple of days but I'm already wondering how Aurelius has been managing on his own," rejoined Freddy, now decidedly more composed.

Colleen raised her eyes to his, her mind whirling. This young man's speech and mode of dress indicated that he was educated and possibly well-off. "You're not from around here are you?" she speculated and then blushed. "I don't mean to pry," she added.

Freddy shrugged his shoulders. "That's alright. No, I'm from Berlin. I work directly for the train company. They asked me to come out here and give Aurelius a hand."

"Have you ever been here before?" asked Colleen, her interest piqued.

"No further than Amsterdam," rejoined Freddy with enthusiasm. "I'm looking forward to seeing more of this beautiful country."

"Oh yes. You must. Do you ride?"

Freddy chuckled. "A little. I'm determined to improve. I've already spoken to Mr Cottrell at the supply. He's going to look for a suitable broom for me. Then I can get around more. They say practice makes perfect."

Colleen smiled. What a refreshing change from Ian's attitude to broom and riding. He still avoided them whenever he could.

Her reverie was interrupted by Freddy asking, "Do *you* ride?"

"Oh yes," she exclaimed. "I enjoy it. I didn't always, but now I love to ride out around the lake."

"Perhaps you could show me some of your favourite places some day?" asked Freddy unexpectedly.

That brought Colleen up short. "Oh...I...I...don't know...It mightn't be appropriate," she stammered, torn between the alluring image of an enjoyable ride with an agreeable young man and propriety. "My father most certainly would not agree."

Freddy, not wanting to sound too eager, immediately shrugged his shoulders and offered diffidently, "It was just a thought. Sounded nice." He turned towards the open doorway. "I better get back to Aurelius. He'll be wondering what became of me. It was nice meeting you Miss Snape. I guess I'll see you around." He nodded his head and hurried off in the direction of the train station.

Colleen watched him go with misgiving. She hoped he didn't think her rude. A little voice inside told her she wanted him to think well of her. He was indeed an agreeable young man. She quietly closed the door and wandered across to the desk. She shook her head, sighed and went back to the patient file she'd been working on when he arrived.

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"Cowween…Cowween!" called Seren as her tiny legs sped her across the grounds of the Great Hall. The young woman stooped and opened her arms invitingly to her little sister. A giggling Seren wrapped her arms around her big sister's neck and swung up into her embrace.

Hermione, cradling a sleeping Aubrey, followed more sedately behind. She chuckled to see the exuberance of her youngest daughter and the love shown by her oldest.

Colleen, still being almost choked by her tiny sibling, turned to face her ma as she approached. "Hi mum," she said welcomingly, leaning across to kiss Hermione's cheek. "I'm glad you could have lunch with me today. I miss our talks now you're not in the infirmary so much."

She sat herself down and then placed Seren on the seat beside her. As Hermione also sat, Colleen couldn't resist reaching for Aubrey. "May I?' she asked eagerly.

Hermione smiled and passed the precious bundle over. Colleen cradled him carefully against her breast and sighed. "He's beautiful mum. And he's growing so quickly."

The proud mother nodded and watched indulgently as Colleen cooed at the sleeping baby. "He's changing too," Hermione marvelled. "Not only his hair but when he looks up at you now you'd swear he knew what you were saying and he smiles a lot more."

Deciding that she would no longer put up with being ignored in favour of her little brother, Seren slid from her wooden seat to the ground and circled the table to Hermione. She lifted her hands and Hermione immediately picked her up and placed her on her lap. "I hungwy mummy," she implored, a slight attention-seeking whine in her voice.

Hermione merely chuckled. "You're always hungry sweetie," she rejoined as she kissed the top of her daughter's honey-blond head. "I wonder what is served today?"

"Pie!!" exclaimed Seren excitedly, causing both women to giggle again.

Hermione raised Seren's eyes to meet hers and said with as much sincerity as she could muster, "You know the rules. You must have something else first before you can have pie."

Seren nodded resignedly, having fought and been defeated in this particular battle too many times before. Spying Remus Lupin seated at the Head Table, she temporarily lost interest in the topic of food, slid from her ma's lap and rushed across to him, exclaiming excitedly as she did so.

Remus, whose face just moments before had borne its usual maudlin expression, suddenly smiled broadly and lovingly hoisted her up into his arms. It was no secret amongst the staff that Remus had a soft spot for his little 'Seren girl' and there were a number of indulgent smiles on the faces of fellow diners, including the tiny little girl's mother and older sister.

Hermione turned back to Colleen. "Now tell me what's been happening in town...and how you and Ian are doing?" she demanded good-naturedly.

Colleen shrugged. "I don't know where to start mum. Working at both clinic is keeping Ian pretty busy but he seems to be enjoying it," replied Colleen after a moment's consideration. Upon Hermione's guilty look, she added, "Don't you go worrying about Ian or feeling guilty. We knew all along that you were going to need some time after the baby was born." She patted her ma's hand. "Now what about you ma? You alright?" she asked, a slight frown marring her pretty features.

Sensing immediately that Colleen and one of her siblings must have been talking, she replied, "Everything's fine Colleen. Just fine."

"Sebastian told me about Seren going missing."

"It was frightening at the time but Severus found her and she's alright. I daresay she's forgotten all about it already," rejoined Hermione.

"And everything's alright with you and father, mum?"

Hermione smiled, recalling this morning's delicious loving. She reddened slightly and said softly, "Wonderful."

Colleen had seen that look before and again patted her mother's hand, no longer concerned. "Good," she said with satisfaction.

There was a moment's pause during which she glanced up to see Freddy McFarland enter the hall environs and head towards them. She unknowingly held her breath. As he neared, he slowed, doffed his hat, smiled widely and greeted her politely, "Miss Snape."

Colleen was aware of the telltale flush to her skin but was unable to control it. She nodded, murmured, "Mr McFarland," and dropped her eyes to the checked tabletop. Freddy smiled at Hermione and continued on.

Hermione had observed Colleen's reaction to his polite greeting and her eyes followed his progress across the hall with interest.

She at last turned back to her eldest daughter who had managed to regain her composure. "He's a very handsome young man Colleen," she remarked, watching her daughter carefully. "I don't believe I've seen him around here before."

Colleen swallowed. "He's only just arrived...from Berlin. He's Aurelius's new assistant." she replied, aware of her mother's scrutiny.

"I gather you two have met."

"Uh huh...twice. Well actually the first time we didn't speak but then he delivered some medical supplies to the clinic this morning. We got to talking a little."

"And?"

"And...and...he seems like a nice man."

"Mmmm…"

Colleen blushed. "Mother...I'm practically married to Ian. He was just nice to talk to," she protested with a coy smile. "He wondered if I'd go riding with him,. Show him some of my favourite places but I told him it wouldn't be appropriate." She gave her sometimes too astute mother a rueful look. "Now...can we talk about something else? Please."

Hermione chuckled. "Sometimes you forget you're a pretty young woman Colleen and smart. And that young men like Mr McFarland may find you attractive," she teased.

"Oh mum!" remonstrated Colleen embarrassedly.

"Well...it's true...and *now* we'll change the subject," laughed Hermione.

Some time later, after the two women and Seren had eaten heartily, and Aubrey had woken and entertained a number of onlookers with his smiles, Hermione began to collect up their things preparatory to leaving. As a thought struck her, she seated herself again and eyed her eldest daughter warily. At last she asked, "Have you been out to the Chateau lately Colleen?"

"A few times to help Antonia with her exercises mum, why do you ask?" the younger woman inquired.

"Have you met the new manager? Antonia mentioned him yesterday."

"Mmm...Ian seems to like him."

"And his name?"

"It's Tilson...isn't that the same surname as your friend Marianne?"

"Yes it is," replied Hermione with a frown. "And his first name?"

"I think Ian said it's Adrian. Everyone calls him Mr Tilson though," rejoined Colleen, her interest rising. She was startled when Hermione abruptly slumped back into her chair and her frown deepened. "Mum...do you know him?" asked Colleen with concern at her mothers' reaction.

"He's Marianne's brother or I'm almost certain he is. It's too much of a coincidence that there could be two Adrian Tilsons," murmured Hermione distractedly. She raised her eyes to Colleens'. "Isn't it?" she asked hopefully.

"Sounds like you don't care too much for Mr Tilson?" suggested Colleen.

Hermione shrugged and straightened in her chair. "I haven't come across Adrian Tilson since my last year at mediwizardry university," she said quietly. "And that's a long time ago. We were both very young. In fact he's a little younger than me."

"Were you courting?" asked Colleen, wondering why she'd never heard this man mentioned before.

Hermione's eyes widened. "No!" she exclaimed. "He's Marianne's brother. I met him because of her. That's all." She began to gather her things together again. "I wonder why he's taken the job here?" she mused.

"Maybe Marianne told him how beautiful it is and of the opportunities," suggested Colleen.

Hermione smiled across at her daughter. "Of course you're right Colleen. Of course. I'm being far too inquisitive and reading too much into the matter," she concluded dismissively. She stood and grasped Seren's hand. If you'll bring Aubrey to the hospital wing for me. I'll nurse him there."

She set off determinedly in the direction of the clinic watched by a very thoughtful and speculative daughter following close behind.

Chapter 6

As Katerine's footsteps could be heard receding up the stairs to her bedroom, Hermione wandered into the living-room where Severus sat pensively staring into the flames of the roaring fire. She circled the wingback chair in which he sat and said softly, "Penny for your thoughts."

He glanced up at her and smiled. "Just thinking," he replied in a whisper. He nodded across to where Aubrey lay sleeping in his crib.

"Wonder how long he'll stay quiet?"

Hermione smiled. "Don't know," she replied softly. "But let's enjoy the time while he does."

Severus reached up for her. "Sit here with me?" he implored with a smile.

Hermione needed no further bidding. She quickly settled onto his lap and he wrapped his arms protectively around her. For a time they both sat in silence, watching the flames painting pictures against the background of charred stone in the fireplace. At last Hermione inquired softly, "What were you thinking about before?"

"Nothing much...the children...you," he rejoined quietly, gently caressing her arm and back.

"Good thoughts?"

"Mostly ..."

"Anything in particular?"

Severus shrugged and tucked a wisp of her coppery hair back behind her ear, "Nope.

Hermione lovingly kissed his forehead. "Okay," she reassured him. She dropped her head onto his shoulder and sighed.

Again there was a long pause during which Severus considered. Finally he asked gently, "How are *you* feeling Hermione?"

"Me?" asked Hermione, a little puzzled. "I'm...I'm...fine...a little tired perhaps."

Severus gave her a loving squeeze. "You want to go on up to bed?"

"No," she replied immediately. "Not yet. I like it here. Like this with you. Besides Aubrey will probably wake soon to be nursed."

"I guess," responded Severus as he slid down into the chair a little so that Hermione leaned a little more heavily and comfortably against his chest. "I was thinking before. Remember when we spent that night out at the Chateau. Not long before Aubrey was born?"

"And we sat up in bed and ate ice-cream?" giggled Hermione. "And that awful Silas Jensen made a scene in the dining-room," she added with distaste.

Severus chuckled. "I'd forgotten that bit but I did remember the ice-cream and how nice it was to have some time together. Just us."

Hermione sighed. "It was wonderful but it seems a long time ago now," she mused.

"Just a few months."

"But so much has happened." Hermione placed her hand over her now flat stomach. "I was huge and tired all the time."

Severus placed his large hand over hers. "I was wondering whether maybe you'd like to do that again some time soon? I know we'd have to take Aubrey with us but it'd be nice to have some time to ourselves and you have to admit you like the luxury of the Chateau for a change. What do you say?" He was startled when Hermione's body tensed against him momentarily, then he felt her take a deep breath. "You don't like the idea Hermione?" he asked anxiously.

She slowly expelled the pent up air and relaxed again. At last she replied softly, "We don't need to go out there to spend some time together, do we?" She tilted her head to kiss him lovingly. "Thank-you for thinking of it." She suddenly smiled broadly. "I know a place where we've been alone before, several times. It doesn't cost us anything and..."

Her suggestion was abruptly cut off by Severus's mouth capturing hers for a long kiss. At last he broke it off and murmured softly, seductively, "And where we always seem to end up doing this." Again he kissed her.

"Mmmm...funny how that happens...perhaps it's the waterfall or the solitude or because the first time you took me there it was a surprise."

"And maybe it's because I can't resist you," muttered Severus, nibbling her ear.

"Nor I you," she rejoined, running her hand lovingly through his shoulder-length hair.

"So, you don't want to go to the Chateau?" Again he sensed some resultant tension in her body.

"No. Not now anyway," replied Hermione warily. "Maybe one day," she added pensively. "Maybe one day."

Severus nodded. "Alright, we'll do it again someday Hermione. But the idea of that waterfall sure sounds good ..."

"Mmm...it does, doesn't it," agreed Hermione with a smile.

"Soon?"

"Uh huh .... soon ... just you an me ...." There was a sudden sigh and a wail from the crib by the fireplace. Severus chuckled. "And Aubrey," he added. "Think the little guy was listening and was worried we were gonna leave him behind."

Hermione kissed him tenderly and then edged forward and stood. "I'll pick him up...and you bring the cradle," she whispered. "I'll feed him upstairs."

Severus smiled, nodded and also eased himself out of the comfortable chair, giving no more thought to Hermione's unexpected reaction to his suggestion.