The Wrong Time

A Lovely Tuscan Day

Hermione checked the picnic basket again. Everything was in order. She followed Severus and the kids outside. He was going to take them on a hike of the countryside, and they were going to picnic at a wonderful spot overlooking the vineyard. Hermione was so thankful that Severus was an expert at weather spells.


He used them to keep the villa warm in winter, so that the grapes could be harvested at all times of the year. He was going to put a protective shield over the vines on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and make the whole property a winter wonderland. The children were very excited about the prospect.


“Wow, this chicken is delicious!” Hugo exclaimed, when they had settled down on the hilltop, and the plates had been served.


“Thank you,” Severus said. “It’s an old family recipe.”


They munched away happily as Severus explained the winemaking process, and Hermione conjured dragonflies for Josiah to chase.


After they had eaten, Severus led them back to the villa.


“I thought perhaps if you would like, we could do a spot of Christmas shopping in the village,” Severus said, quirking up an eyebrow.


“Yes!” exclaimed Rose and Hugo together.


“Maybe I’ll meet a handsome Tuscan wizard and fall madly in love,” Rose swooned.


She ran to her room to change her robes.


Hermione looked at Severus and giggled.


“I’d nearly forgotten just how randy sixteen year old girls can be,” he said, raising an eyebrow at her.


Hermione’s cheeks flushed pink.


“Well she didn’t get it from me,” she said defensively.


“No, of course not,” Severus replied, smirking.


Hugo looked as though he might puke.


“I think I will just um, go and change my shoes,” He said, backing out of the room.


Hermione and Severus erupted into a fit of laughter.


“Uh-oh,” Hermione said, catching sight of Josiah, curled up on the couch fast asleep.


“Not to worry,” Severus said.


He conjured up a carriage and levitated Josiah into it. He walked into the boy’s bedroom and brought forth the stuffed dragon, placing it in the carriage next to the sleeping child. He placed a Muffliato charm around the carriage so that Josiah could sleep undisturbed, and looked at Hermione expectantly.


“That was brilliant,” Hermione said, reaching up and dropping a light kiss on his lips.


“Well I thought that our shopping trip shouldn’t have to interfere with his naptime, and vice versa,” He said, shifting on his feet a little uncomfortably.


“Okay, I’m ready,” Rose said, spinning around in front of them.


She was wearing an emerald green velvet cloak over white winter robes. Her hair was loose in scarlet curls down her back. She had applied subtle makeup, leaving her lips glossy and her eyes glittery.


“You look beautiful, Rose,” Hermione breathed. “And you didn’t overdo it, either.”


“Well, I do listen to some of your advice,” Rose said, beaming.


“Well I was going to wait until Christmas to give this to you,” Severus said, “But I think now is a good time for you to have it.”


He pulled a small box out of his pocket. He handed it to the girl.


“Oh!” Rose exclaimed, opening the box.


Inside was a sparkling emerald encircled by diamonds on a delicate white gold chain.


“This is absolutely beautiful!” She exclaimed, putting the necklace on.


Hermione beamed up at Severus.


“Thank you so much!” Rose shrieked and threw her arms around his neck.


“And I suppose, to be fair, I will give you this as well,” Severus said, retrieving a box from a cupboard in the kitchen.


He handed it to Hugo.


Hugo tore open the paper. Inside was a leather case for his wand. His name was emblazoned on the outside.


“Oh, wow! This is awesome! Hugo said running his hand along the leather. “Thanks!”


“You are both very welcome,” Severus said. “Hermione don’t let me give them any more of their presents before Christmas.”

“You mean there’s more?” The children asked in unison.


Severus smirked.


“Perhaps.”


They set off down the street, hiking to the nearby village. They chattered happily, Rose and Hugo marveling at the scenery. When they arrived, Severus handed them each a timepiece.


“These are synchronized, so we need to meet back here in exactly two hours. Rose, I would like you to accompany me first,” he said, giving the girl a conspiratorial wink.


Hermione took Josiah and Hugo, and Severus took Rose and they went shopping.


“What is this all about?” Rose asked, when they were out of earshot.


“I need you to help me pick out something for your mother,” Severus said, leading her into the jewelry store.


They walked over to the diamond engagement rings.


“Which of these do you think your mother will like?” he asked her. “We can of course have one custom made as well if you have another idea.”


Rose squealed.


“I can’t believe you’re going to ask Mum to marry you!”


Severus smiled at her.

A/N: First of all, I am so sorry that took so long. I have been coping with a shoulder injury and for several days I was not permitted to move my right arm at all, which made typing quite difficult. I also started a new job, and so that has left my writing time quite limited, but I have not given up on this story, and as I am sure you have realized by now, it is approaching its end. Thank you so much for sticking by it all this time, and please, as always, enjoy and Review!