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 2

Hermione sighed blissfully as her nostrils were filled with the sweet air of her beloved Highlands. She smiled as she saw the tourists pointing and talking about the shops and landmarks that she adored so much.

“Welcome home Hermione.” Dageus said with a smile.

“Thanks. I’ve missed the Highlands…oh…and you too Uncle Dageus.” Hermione replied.

Dageus just laughed. An hour later they pulled into the driveway of Granger castle. Hermione’s smile broadened as she caught sight of the magnificent white stone walls. When the car came to a stop at the main doors, Hermione jumped out of the front seat.

The castle was as beautiful as ever. She missed visiting this castle. After a few moment, she gathered her things and entered the castle. Once in her room, she used magic to unpack her things, then hurried back out onto the grounds.

‘It’s so peaceful here.’ She thought as she let out a happy sigh.

“Hello milady.” the stable hand greeted.

“Hello Steven. Is the horse Uncle Dageus got me saddled?” She asked.

“I will have him saddled in a few moments.” He answered.

She followed him into the stable as he headed for the far stall. Steven led out a beautiful onyx black Andalusian. Hermione gasped at the magnificent animal.

“He’s beautiful.” She gasped.

“Aye, that he is. He’s also very gentle. Your uncle had me take him onto the trails around the lochs.” Steven said.

Hermione began fidgeting excitedly as her horse was brushed, saddled, and led to her. She beamed happily as she took the rains. She quickly climbed into the saddle, smiled down at Steven, and led the horse out of the stables and straight toward the loch.
************************************************************************

Severus could only stare as he caught sight of the vision riding toward them. He and the other Order members had just arrived at Granger castle. They were met by Drustan, Gwen, and Dageus As introductions were being made, he looked around and caught site of he chestnut haired beauty on the black horse.

“Ah, there’s Hermione now.” Drustan chuckled.

‘That’s Miss Granger?!’ Severus thought in shock. As Severus watched the young woman approach, he tried with every fiber of his being to keep his face neutral. Trying not to display the shock on his face in any for or fashion.

Hermione rode up and stopped the horse. She smiled and nodded to her professors, Sirius, Kingsley, Remus, and Tonks. Gracefully she slid from the saddle to the ground and walked up to her father.

“How do you like him?” Dageus asked as he nodded toward the animal.

“He’s amazing. I have named him Ares… Ah, I see our protectors have arrived.” Hermione answered.

“Hermione…” Gwen scolded with a stern look and her hands on her hips.

“Hello to you too Hermione.” Sirius laughed.

“Well, I need to get Ares back to the stables.” Hermione replied.

“Meet us in the study when you’re done.” Drustan instructed.

Hermione nodded and walked away. Severus stared after her for a few moments, before he turned and followed the others into the enormous castle. His own Druid blood humming as it felt the pull of Hermione’s druid blood.

‘Why do I react so to her? Is it merely one powerful Druid line calling to another? But I only feel it around Miss Granger. Perhaps I should ask her father and uncle about it.’ Severus thought as he entered the study.

The room was large and could easily fit a hundred people comfortably. There was a row of windows facing over the grounds. The walls were covered in paintings and tapestries, and floor to ceiling bookcases, filled to the brim with books.

A large white marbled fireplace was built into the far left wall. A Tiffany style lamp sat on the large oak desk and a crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the ceiling. A few moments later, Hermione entered the room and sat in one of the many arm chairs.

“Now that we’re all here, let’s go over your plan to protect my brother and his family.” Dageus insisted.

“Perhaps, it would be best if we not discuss this in front of Miss Granger.” Kingsley said.

“Excuse me, but you are in our home. I know that Voldemort is after my family’s secrets. In fact, I know more about why he’s after them than you do. If you can’t accept me being here, then you can leave.” Hermione shot back, a fire of anger flashing in her honey amber eyes.

“That was uncalled for Hermione.” Gwen said sternly.

“No it wasn’t. If everyone here is going to treat me like a defenseless baby, then so be it. I’ll just leave so you can all plan my protection without me.” Hermione growled as she got to her feet and began to leave.

“Wait. Miss Granger is right. After all the things she has seen and done, we can’t deny her bravery, maturity, or her intelligence. We could also use her insight into this little problem. This is her family.” Severus injected.

Everyone froze and just stared at Severus. Once she got over her surprise at him defending her, Hermione walked back to her chair and sat down once more.

“Now that that’s settled, let’s get down to business. Dageus has set up Druid wards over the castle and grounds. This evening after dinner, I will add my own.” Drustan said as he cleared his throat.

“Myself, Minerva and Severus will add our own wards as well. Of course these wards will only delay their entry into the castle.” Albus added.

“Drustan told Hermione and I to pack our weapons, which we’ve done. If they are foolish enough to set foot inside the castle walls, it’s their funeral.” Gwen added.

“What if all the magic, Druid and wizarding, aren’t enough? Voldemort has made it clear he wants the last of the Grangers dead.” Remus said worriedly.

Everyone remained quiet. Finally, Hermione got to her feet and walked over to one of the large windows. She stared out at the loch for a few moments before she finally spoke.

“I’ve been thinking about that as well. On the plane and the drive here, I came up with one possibility. Of course, I will need mother’s help.” Hermione replied as she turned and stared meaningfully at her mother.

“No! Absolutely not!” Gwen yelled.

“Gwen, lass, we may not have a choice. At least if the worst should happen, Hermione knows what to do.” Drustan said calmly as he wrapped an arm around his wife’s shoulders.

“Dad’s right mum. If anything happens to you, Dad, or Uncle Dageus, that leave me to carry on the legacy.” Hermione added.

Gwen just sighed and nodded. Everyone else looked completely confused.

“Are we missing something here?” Sirius questioned.

“Let’s hope you never find out what we’re referring to Sirius.” Hermione answered sadly.

Their plans continued. Everyone was quite surprised at some of Hermione’s ideas. Surprised because of how effective they were. Once the meeting was over, Hermione quickly exited the study.

“Severus, meet with Minerva and I tonight at midnight. That is when we will cast our own spells to help protect the castle.” Albus instructed.

Severus nodded, turned on his heel, and walked out of the study. Dageus and Drustan shared a knowing glance as they smiled softly, both knowing there was some connection between Hermione and Severus.
************************************************************************

Out on the grounds, Severus quickly spotted Hermione. She was sitting on a large boulder at the loch’s edge. He smiled slightly as he caught sight of the cigarette she held in between her fingers. He quietly approached her.

“Did you need something Professor?” She asked as he neared her.

“I just wanted to talk. May I join you?” He answered.

She nodded and scooted over so he could sit down beside her. As he lit a cigarette of his own, she tried to ignore her raging blood and calm her racing heart.

‘What is this feeling? My blood feels like it’s on fire. I’ve always felt this around him. It can’t be the call of one Druid blood to another. It’s got to be something more than that.’ she thought.

“I was quite impressed with your plans milady.” He said.

“Thank you. Milord.” She replied.

“So you know I’m a Druid.” He stated.

“Yes. I’ve known from the first time I saw you at Hogwarts. I also know that you are the last of the McLeod. I gather Voldemort doesn’t know your little secret, otherwise you would be dead by now.” She added.

“How did you…” He started.

“I did my research. After I felt your blood call to mine, I had Dad send me a book that lists all the Druid lines that still exit. Your mother was named Heather wasn’t she?” She explained.

“Yes. I didn’t even know anyone but Albus, knew about me.” He said quietly.

“Just be glad Voldemort hasn’t discovered you.” She replied.

The two sat there and finished their cigarettes in silence. Both trying to figure out what they felt whenever they were near one another. Severus stood up and held his hand out to Hermione. Electricity shot through them both when his fingers wrapped around her hand and he pulled her to her feet.

“By Amergin. Tell me you felt that.” She said in surprise.

“I did. What the bloody hell was it though?” He asked.

“I…I gotta go.” She answered.

He watched in confusion as she turned and ran back into the castle. He stared down at the hand that had only seconds earlier held hers.

“Who are you Hermione Granger?” he whispered as a Highland breeze swept across the loch.

T.B.C