Once Hermione had returned to work, she informed Evan of the status of the research and the need to travel north to Scotland before she continued on to Bulgaria. Being aware of the Wood Collection himself, Evan assured her that any arrangements for someone to take care of things while she was gone had already been taken care of.

Hermione spoke with her mother as well explaining that she would be out of town for a couple days. Mrs. Granger was thrilled that Hermione was getting out of the office, but cautioned her to take care and not work too hard. They made arrangements to speak again when she returned.

'One more stop and then I can finally set to packing,' Hermione thought. This one would prove to be a bit more difficult.

As she knocked on the door, Hermione automatically checked her hair and clothing. It was a habit, one born of knocking on many doors when she would study abroad and speak with important educators.

Chaos could be heard from inside as the door opened.

"Mione!" Ginny said with surprise, pulling Hermione into a hug.

"Hi, Gin. Sounds like you have a right party going on," Hermione said, as she returned the hug.

"Oh, no. Just the twins and Brittany over for a visit. They are trying to invent a new form of tag, but all they are really doing is screaming as loud as possible!" Ginny said with a grin, as they both walked into the living room.

"So I hear," Hermione said, with a shout.

"Oi! Kids! Pay attention!" Ginny hollered with the voice of her mother. Hermione hid her smile behind her hand. "Now, I want you to put those cushions back and tidy up, lunch will be in ½ hour, IF the room is returned to its normal state, starting now!"

Four children whirled around like little dervishes tidying up, while Ginny and Hermione walked into the kitchen to start lunch.

"I can't believe that worked," Hermione said, as she got the bread out.

"Ah, well, you know Weasley children, threaten to take away a meal and you get all the cooperation in the world!" Ginny said with a laugh.

"Too true," Hermione agreed. Too bad Mrs. Weasley never used that tactic to keep the older twins in line, was Hermione's thinking.

"Mum never could stand anyone to go hungry, so it would have never worked with Fred and George," Ginny stated, almost reading Hermione's mind.

Hermione just looked at her and smiled. How Ginny could know what she was thinking, she never knew.

"Let me go check on them," Ginny said, asking Hermione to get the juices ready.

Hermione prepared the rest of the table and placed the last juice down, as the invasion began. Four children ran in and sat down quickly.

Hermione walked over to Chelsea and placed a kiss on her head. "How is my angel today?" she asked.

"Fime, An Miney," Chelsea replied around her sandwich. Ginny gave her a hard look and Chelsea swallowed hard. "Fine, Aunt Mione," she said, her mouth clear.

Ginny smiled and began to eat her lunch. Hermione settled in a chair and enjoyed the company. This was a rarity and she made certain to appreciate it.

Once all the little ones had finished and taken their plates to the sink, they asked if they could go out and play. Ginny gave them the okay and three children vanished. Chelsea came over and gave Hermione a hug.

"I am so glad you came over for lunch today," Chelsea said. "Are you going to be here for long?"

"I'm sorry, love, I have to go back home to pack," Hermione answered.

"Pack?" Ginny and Chelsea said at the same time.

"Yes, I have a trip to take for work, and I came to see you and your mom before I left."

"Oh," Chelsea said. She looked down and said quietly, "Will you be gone long?"

"No, love. Only a few days, but I do have to go off again once I come back and catch up on my work," Hermione said. She lifted Chelsea's chin with her fingertips. "I promise to bring you back something wonderful from Scotland, okay?"

Chelsea's eyes brightened. "Scotland? I love it there! Uncle Ron told me all about it. That is where Hogwarts is, right?"

"Yes dear, now go out and play with the others," Ginny said with a smile.

"Okay. Have a nice time, Aunt Mione and I would like some rocks from the Highlands, to add to my collection," Chelsea stated with a firm nod.

Hermione smiled and laughed, saying "Absolutely. I will find you the best rocks to study, okay?"

Chelsea hugged her again and was gone before Hermione could even blink.

"My word, is she only 5?" Hermione asked, accepting a cup of tea from Ginny.

"Yes, and I can only imagine what she will be like, once she is to attend Hogwarts," Ginny said. "So, Scotland, hmm? What is there?"

"I need to do some research on a book I am working on. Most of the information is located in Bulgaria, but some is located in Scotland, so I have arranged to examine it with the owners of the collection," Hermione said, deliberately avoiding naming names.

"I see," Ginny said. "And whose collection is it?"

"Ginny," Hermione pleaded. "You know I can't divulge that kind of information."

"Hermione," Ginny said firmly. "I know when you are hiding something and when it is just work. So, please, don't patronize me."

Hermione's eyes widened. "Gin, I'm not. Look, I can only tell you that it is someone of importance in the world of ancient texts and artifacts and that is all."

Ginny grunted.

"Are you okay?" Hermione asked. "The baby isn't troubling you, is he?"

"No, it is not the baby. Not every emotion is motivated by my hormones," Ginny said in a growl. "I am just worried about you. You experienced something very traumatic that you are only just coming to grips with, and I care that you may be jumping into something without thinking," Ginny said, with a bit of heat to her voice.

"Jumping in?" Hermione said. "What are you talking about? This is my work, I have been doing-"

"That is not what I meant, and you know it. I am talking about Oliver Wood," Ginny said testily.

"Oliver?" Hermione squeaked. "What about Oliver?"

"Hermione, I was there Sunday. I seen the way you two looked at each other, when you thought no one was watching," Ginny explained.

Hermione's face flushed red. "I don't know what-"

"Hermione, please. This is me. I can tell when you have something rattling around in your mind besides books," Ginny interrupted. "Also, Fred and George were hatching some scheme with the girls. You don't have to be a genius to put two and two together."

Hermione set down her cup. "He watched me?" she asked with a slight tremor in her voice.

"I knew it! What is it? What is going on?" Ginny demanded, her tea cup almost cracking under the force with what she put it down.

"Uh, well, that is where I am going. To Oliver's estate. The Wood estate actually," Hermione said, distracted. 'He was watching me.' her mind raced.

"Finally, we are getting somewhere!" Ginny exclaimed. "I repeat, what is going on?"

"Uh, honestly, Ginny, that I cannot tell you. But I will be sure to fill you in on anything I can when I return," Hermione said in a rush. She had so much to do before she left, and it was time for her to go. She also wanted to get away from Ginny's all-too-observant gaze.

"Hermione!"

"Really, Ginny. Trust me, this is what I do. I will be fine, and I will contact you once I return, okay?" Hermione asked, giving Ginny a hug around her head, before she bustled out of the house.

"Bye," Ginny said to the empty room.


Thursday morning was soon upon her, as Hermione stood in her flat, contemplating her luggage.

"Hogwarts was always nice this time of year, but I have no idea what the weather will be like at his house," she muttered to herself.

Hermione had packed and repacked her bags three times now, and she was about to do so again, when an owl flew to her window. She retrieved the message and was able to impart a treat this time. The owl waited patiently for her response.

Hermione

Travel by portkey has been arranged for 10 am. Please meet me at my place at 9:30 to prepare for our departure. I have opened my floo to allow your entrance. Just say "Oliver's house".

Sincerely,

Oliver

"10 AM!" Hermione gasped. It was already 8:30. She had to move quickly to finish her packing, but not before she replied in the affirmative to Oliver's letter. The owl left quickly and she was soon checking all the rooms for any leftover items.

"Oh, the gall, to set up a time without consulting me," Hermione grumbled. She was not quite angry, just flustered, and took it out on the first thing that came to mind: Oliver.

Her last walkthrough complete, Hermione took her bags to the fireplace and grabbed some Floo powder. The green fire flared and she placed her bags and herself into the fireplace and said distinctly, "Oliver's house!" and with a flash she was gone.

Opening her eyes, Hermione focused on a pair of dark brown loafers.

"Are you okay?" Oliver asked, as he helped her up, a smile fighting to not develop into laughter.

"Not my most graceful entrance, I assure you," Hermione stated flatly, brushing the dust and soot from her robes. Oliver began to brush the back of her and a flush raced up her cheeks. She stepped away quickly and finished the job.

Oliver noticed nothing amiss and took her bags from the fireplace. "Is this all you have?" he asked with surprise.

"Why, yes. I didn't see any need to bring mountains of clothing as I will only be there for a few days. I am not one of those women who need fifteen different outfits for a three-day trip," Hermione said with a small sneer.

"Of course, I am just a bit surprised," Oliver noted. "Most would."

"Well, I am not like most women," Hermione said, looking around.

'Got that right,' Oliver thought to himself. He was feeling a bit out of his element and was not handling it well. He had never brought a woman back to his parent's estate before, except for his friends from school. This was a new experience and the nerves were about to drive him mad.

"Is your mother still here?" Hermione asked, bringing Oliver back to the present.

"No, she left the day after we talked. Said she needed to get the house ready for guests," Oliver shrugged.

"Ah," Hermione responded.

They both stood there awkwardly for a moment, until both were positively squirming with it.

"What time-"

"Can I get-"

They both laughed a little.

"Would you like something to drink before we leave?" Oliver asked.

"No, thank you. I can get a bit queasy when I travel, by any means really," Hermione said. "Time?"

"Uh, it is 9:20. Guess there isn't really time for that anyway," Oliver said. "Right, so here is the portkey," indicating an old shoelace.

Hermione nodded and they both arranged their luggage around them, holding onto the shoelace. A few more minutes passed with them looking anywhere but at each other.

'Mmm, she washed her hair with that shampoo again,' Oliver thought, as he caught the scent and closed his eyes.

'He looks like he needs a good night's sleep,' Hermione thought, as she looked up at him through her lashes.

"When we get there, you may want to change into something a bit warmer. It is still quite brisk in the mountains where we live," Oliver said, watching her eyes lower.

"Oh, well okay."

They both felt the familiar tug in their bellies and were on their way.


Landing on her feet was something Hermione could never get the hang of when she traveled, no matter what, except when she apparated. Even then she would get dizzy. She opened her eyes to find Oliver beneath her, smiling deviously and raising his brows. His hands were gripped tight around her waist.

"Oh, oh my. I didn't hurt you, did I? I am so sorry, Oliver," Hermione said with a rush, as she untangled herself and stood. He shook his head. Their bags were lying haphazardly near them. She brushed her self off again and went to retrieve her trunk. Oliver just laid there for another moment, relishing the feel of her body on his.

"Are you certain you are okay?" Hermione asked in a worried tone.

"Yes, I'm fine. Taken harder hits from my sister, I assure you," he said with a grin, as he stood up easily.

"Oh really?" Hermione challenged.

Oliver just nodded as he picked up his own luggage. "The house is this way," he said as he walked towards her. He reached down to take her trunk without a word and Hermione had no choice but to follow his lead.

"Is it far?" she asked.

"No, it is just over this hill here. We live in a bit of a valley, but there is still plenty of mountain wind to make the landscape as wild as the Highlands," Oliver said, pride in every word.

"I see." Hermione replied.

The sun was diving behind clouds as they walked, causing the light to waver. The beauty surrounding them was a bit wild and overwhelming, as Hermione observed the peaks in the distance that still had snow on the tops. Rocks were strewn here and there, and as they neared the crest of the hill, Oliver's voice came back to her.

"Hold it here. I want this to be something you remember," he said, as he placed the luggage down. He walked back to her and placed his hand over her eyes.

"Oliver, what are-"

"Just trust me," he said softly in her ear. The burning sensation from his breath distracted her enough to let him take her arm and lead her forward.

"Oliver, I can't see," Hermione complained.

"Just trust me," he said again, "and be careful; follow my lead. We don't want you to break your leg before you even set foot in the house." A soft chuckle followed.

"No, that would not be good," she said breathlessly. His hands were warm on her face and arm, and his voice was doing things to her that she couldn't seem to grasp.

"Okay, are you ready?" Oliver asked deeply. His voice had changed in the last minute from excited to slightly aroused. Hermione nodded twice.

Oliver took his hand from her eyes and Hermione could only gape.

The wavering sunshine shone down on a scene out of an English romance novel. The grounds were immaculate, but in a wild way. The greens and browns of the earth were divided into pastures and groves, while the house loomed over it all with stately grace. A large landscaped garden could be seen off to the side, hedges tall and imposing, but with grace and stature. Flowers of all kinds were starting to bloom and filled the eye with a kaleidoscope of color. The manor home was older, but not ancient. Fieldstones covered the exterior, reminiscent of the mountains in color. A large front entry could be seen, along with a small fountain in the middle of the circular drive.

"Oh, Oliver," Hermione said, her voice finally returning to her. She looked up at him with her eyes bright and shining. "It is amazing."

As he looked at her face, Oliver thought that this was the reason he had never brought anyone else here. It was too special to share with just anyone. His mind, shocked at that thought, forced him to speak.

"Yes, it is. Shall we go down?" he asked gruffly.

Hermione nodded and reached for her trunk.

"No, I have that. You have to worry about navigating the terrain," Oliver insisted.

"Well, thank you," she replied. She turned back to the view and sighed as the wind lifted her hair from her face. It really was amazing. She followed Oliver's lead down to his family home.


A/N: Well. I think that I am going to have to travel to Scotland soon, because all this talk of Highlands and manor homes is making me drool. LOL

Thank you for reading and reviewing.