Zingaro

I own nothing from the Harry Potter universe. It all belongs to JK Rowling.

Chapter 26

“Boo.” She said as he came down the wooden steps.

He spun in surprise, his wand aiming straight at her. “How did you get there? I saw you enter this wagon and you did not come out of that door.”

“Severus, a witch never reveals all her secrets. Anyway, I’m going for a bath. There are towels inside if you want to join me.” She threw over her shoulder, laughing as she headed into the trees and knowing full well that he would not.

“Not bloody likely.” He muttered, a half smile on his lips as he headed back to the castle. Actually, Severus was quite proud of himself. Once he’d calmed down and been in the air for a while, he’d quite enjoyed driving/flying the hearse. It was just very daunting when she sprung the sudden take off and landing on him. Nevertheless, he had done it, and done it well. He decided he would try again tomorrow.

Paula walked further upstream to the small waterfall. There was a hot spring just in front and she loved the feeling of the hot spring below as it merged with the cold water cascading down from above her. When she felt clean, she gathered a small sack of fresh gillyweed for Severus and waded onto the shore to dry off.

When Severus walked back to the wagon later that afternoon to invite inside for supper he was pleased with the bag of fresh gillyweed. Their current supplier had been sending substandard weed of late and it’s potency in potions was greatly reduced. Once they actually sent salt water gillyweed and the only thing it was fit for was compost in Hagrid’s pumpkin patch.

“Thank you, this will prove most useful. Is there much more where you found this?”



“More than enough to keep Hogwarts supplied on a regular basis. There is quite a large growth of it. I will take you there when I get back with Riley.”

“I was thinking that since I have already mastered the basics of driving, flying and landing, that we might as well continue with the lesson tomorrow. It would be pointless to waste today’s lesson after I did so well.”

Paula looked at him incredulously. “But I thought you hated it. You wanted to kill me you said.”

“A slight exaggeration on your part, I am willing to continue, if only to assist you in collecting your horse.”

Paula was still frowning when they entered the Great Hall.

Severus insisted on spending the whole morning and afternoon practicing his new driving/flying skills. They broke for lunch and he boasted to the staff about what a simple thing it was to be able to drive. “Personally I do not understand why more witches and wizards do not drive. The Ministry should make it more readily available to the masses, especially those with families.” He droned on and on, Paula giving the occasional nod or “Yes Severus” in between yawns.

By supper time on Monday, Paula told him he was good enough to drive/fly on his own.

Severus was smug, and secretly delighted. “You know, since you are going to be away for a while, would it not be advisable to take it for the occasional outing, to ensure that everything is in working order for when you return.”

“Severus, if you want to use it while I’m gone, be my guest. Just stay away from muggle towns and cities, your parking still leaves a lot to be desired. And remember to put the handbrake on when you do park. I will eat inside with you tonight, we are leaving first thing in the morning and I want to say goodbye to kak.”

“First thing? What time first thing?”

“Before sun up, I want to arrive before lunch and take Riley for a gallop before we eat. Five o’clock.”

He groaned. “Could we not leave at nine and still be there in time?”

“No Severus.”

“Eight thirty?”



“No Severus.”

“Eight o’clock then. That is plenty early.”



“No Severus.”

Severus sulked through supper while Paula said her goodbyes and promised to make a safe journey back to Hogwarts.

Severus could not even muster the energy to complain next morning when Paula lowered his wards, strode into his bedroom and whacked him on the backside. Fortunately, the duvet absorbed what would have been a stinging blow had it touched his tender flesh.

“Get up you lazy lump. It‘s time you were out of bed.”

“Hmm. Whattimesit?” He mumbled into the pillow.

“Four. You need to get showered and eat before we leave.” She pulled back the covers, and Severus pulled them straight back up again. “Goway.” He said, burying his face in the pillow.

“Severus.”

“Whaaat?”

“Either you get up now, or I’ll levitate you down to the stream and dunk you. Believe me, I’ll do it.”

“Fucking bitch.” He mumbled under his breath as he rolled over, pushed back the covers and glared at her blearily.

“Too right I am.” She answered, surveying his legs as he stretched and yawned.

He noticed. “Avert your eyes woman if you want me to get out of bed. Unless of course you would prefer to join me.” He asked, suddenly waking up.

“I’ll settle for dickin. Do all wizards wear those funny old fashioned nightshirts?” She asked, tilting her head for a better look at what was hidden beneath.

He followed her gaze and looked down at the grey nightshirt that had ridden almost to the top of his thighs. “Yes.” He spat, pulling it down to cover his bony knees.

Severus heard her use the floo to order his breakfast, clearly, she had already eaten, as he headed for the bathroom.

Feeling a bit more human after his shower, Severus dressed warmly and entered his study, the smell of tea and toast, a full English breakfast and the sight of a pretty woman too enticing to ignore. Even at this ungodly hour.

“We cannot fly in this blizzard.” He complained, staring at the wall of whiteness outside the main door.

“Done it before.” She replied, crunching through the snow without waiting for a reply.

Severus huddled into his thick winter cape, still cold despite the warming charm he’d applied.

He soon lost sight of her and instead followed the fresh tracks her boots left in the snow.

He did not like the added chill that accompanied the sight of her missing wagon.

Paula had the engine running and the vehicle was nice and warm when he climbed in, quickly closing the door on the thick flurry of snow that tried to follow him.

“Paula this is ridiculous, we cannot even see out the windows. Just how are we supposed to make out where we are going?”

Paula set the wipers to on, making him jump at the sudden movement, swish, and squeak that ensued. Another switch heated the windows, rapidly melting any snow that stuck to them. This was followed by long beams of bright light from the headlamps as Paula put the hearse into gear. It slid askew for a few minutes, then seemed to gain traction as she steered towards the gates.

He was relieved she was forced to drive slowly for the moment. “Just how do you propose to gain enough speed to lift this thing? We cannot go racing down the road in this.”



“I know, lets get through the gates first.”

Once through, Paula stopped and got out. He could just make out her shape as she stood in front of the hearse and appeared to thrust her hands sharply in front of her.

He was amazed when the road in front slowly cleared of snow, causing deep drifts at the verges. He noticed no more snow actually fell onto the road; instead, it drifted in an arc above them and to the sides.

“That was a pretty impressive feat of magic.” He said approvingly when she climbed back in.

“It will stay this way for at least a week. You will be able to drive back without getting stuck. I’ve extended it as far as the camp.”

“Hagrid will love you, he hates clearing the paths in winter.” He was rewarded with a smile as she put her foot down and soon reached eighty. Up they went.

TBC