Highland Rose

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything you recognize. I also borrowed a few characters from the awesome writer Karen Marie Moning. This story is for fun and fun only. Please don’t sue.

Summery: Hermione Granger is a special witch indeed. When her family is threatened, the Order is called in. Through all the danger and chaos, can Hermione and Severus come together? R/R

Highland Rose

Chapter 14

Halloween seemed to sneak up on them before any of them knew it. Hermione was sitting in front of the fireplace with Severus. She was telling him of how her family used to do the festivals for Halloween.

“Have you ever participated in any of them?” Severus asked.

“Once about ten years ago. I had fun, but I can no longer remember the rituals and it wouldn’t be safe to do them now. Not with Voldemort looking for us.” Hermione answered.

Severus nodded. He reached over and pulled her into his arms. She rested her head against his chest. With his arms wrapped tightly around her, she felt safe and loved. From a far corner, hidden in the shadows, Wormtail sat still just watching.

Wormtail had been hidden within the mansion for nearly two weeks now. Even though the wards showed that someone had entered the castle, it couldn't pinpoint who, what, or where the person was. He had learned a lot about the couple. He had slipped away while they slept to report back to his master. He sat patiently, waiting for anything new to report.

“So, what did your mother tell you about being a Druid? Especially being a McLeod Druid?” She asked.

“Not much I’m afraid. My father killed her when I was ten. I hadn’t reached my powers then. It wasn’t until I was sixteen that I came into my powers. It was Albus who taught me.” He answered.

‘Snape’s a Druid! I must report this at once!’ Wormtail thought excitedly as he scurried off to tell his master.

“Well, what do you know?” she asked.

“I know that I was the strongest in the family. I could easily control the elements and heal people and animals. She also told me that when the time was right, I would feel my Druid magic increase tenfold,” he answered.

“Have you felt it yet?” she questioned.

“Not yet. I mean, I’ve felt a little increase since you and I made love that first time, but not to the strength that my mother was referring to,” he explained.

“Hmm. I guess we’ll just have to be patient then,” she said.

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Dageus stood at the window of his bedroom. He glanced over his shoulder at the beauty sound asleep in his bed. He smiled tenderly as the moon spilled into the room and covered Chloe in it’s soft light.

‘I can feel it in my blood. She’s my mate. Just as Gwen was Drustan’s, Nell was Da’s and Severus is Hermione’s. Should I tell her? Should I wait? I just don’t know what to do about this. I don’t want to risk any harm coming to her because of me. I know Voldemort is planning something to try and lure Hermione and Severus out of hiding. Damn! What do I do?’ Dageus thought.

He turned from the window and climbed back in bed, gently pulling Chloe into his arms. She sighed and snuggled into his embrace. He kissed the top of her head and slowly drifted off to sleep.

*Dageus’s Dream*

Dageus found himself standing at the edge of Loch Ness near Granger Castle. It was a beautiful fall day, his favorite time of year to go to the Loch. Suddenly, a voice came through the air that shook him to his core.

“Hello brother.”

“Hello my boy.”

Dageus spun around. Standing before him were his twin and their father. Dageus watched as the two began moving toward him, unsure whether to run or stay put. His body made the choice for him and remained still.

“Don’t be afraid Dageus. This is just a dream. We are here to offer you guidance.” Drustan smiled.

“Guidance?” Dageus asked in confusion.

“About your mate Chloe. Even though we are dead son, we can still watch over you. Hermione as well. Right now you are at a crossroads son.” Silvan Granger answered.

“What do you mean a crossroads?” Dageus questioned.

“Think about it…you have finally found your mate and you are unsure of whether to tell her or wait. Gwen and I came to the same road, as did Hermione and Severus. Gwen and I spent so much time trying to deny what we both felt, and it cost us precious time. Hermione tried to deny it, but with Severus openly showing his feelings and intensions, she couldn’t. Don’t waste the time you and Chloe have been given. Trust me.” Drustan advised.

“So, in the morning I should tell her what I feel and hope she feels the same.” Dageus said with a sigh.

“You’ve got it Dageus. You and Drustan saw how long it took Nell and I to finally open up after your first mother died. All that time, the two of us could have spent enjoying our life together, but I was stubborn and denied it for so long.” Silvan agreed sadly.

Dageus smiled slightly at his father. Nell was his and Drustan’s step mother. Their real mother had died when they were two. Nell had been their nurse and as the boys grew older, they saw the looks Silvan would give her or she would give Silvan. But their father had held back for many years.

“I will talk to Chloe-lass in the morning. I only hope my feelings aren’t wrong about her.” Dageus said.

“When it comes to our mates, our feelings are never wrong.” Silvan smiled.

“Farewell brother. Please tell Hermione and Severus that I am watching over them and that I love them.” Drustan said as he walked up and hugged his twin.

“I will. I miss you brother.” Dageus agreed.

“And I you.” Drustan replied.

Dageus and Silvan hugged and said their farewells. Dageus waved as he watched his father and brother fade into a swirling white mist that surrounded him.

*End Dageus’s Dream*

Dageus smiled in his sleep and held Chloe a little closer and a little tighter.

T.B.C