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The Grampian Mountains were some of the most stunning mountain ranges Hermione had ever seen. With her backpack and trusty tent, Hermione wiped the sweat from her brow despite the icy breeze that wrapped around her legs. She’d set out three days ago determined to trek across the entire mountain range to raise money for the Young Werewolf Society. Backed by Harry and the entire Weasley clan except for Ron, who had claimed she’d be home within twenty-four hours. Well, she would show him no matter how long it took her.
The wildlife she’d encountered had been spectacular. Hermione had even ended up with a half-kneazle kitten following at her heels, yowling loudly and attracting the hungry stares of quite a few birds of prey. Worried for the kitten’s safety, Hermione had scooped the tiny bundle of fluff and deposited it into the hood of her raincoat where it had instantly curled up and fallen asleep, its gentle purrs ringing in her ears.
Suddenly, the sky above her turned an ominous shade of grey that completely blocked out the sun. Hermione searched the skies, hoping she’d be able to reach her next rest point in time. Unfortunately, her wish went unanswered as a great rolling clap of thunder erupted, startling her companion who began mewling and shaking with fright. Next came a brilliant purple flash of lightning, and then the rain. It was cold and hard and felt like bullets on her skin. Hermione quickly transferred the kitten to the inside of her coat where it clung to her in desperation, tiny claws digging into her skin. With nowhere to wait out the storm, Hermione marched on, drawing her hood up around her head. She’d tried to call upon the Impervious charm but her fingers were so cold that she could barely grip her wand, and so it lay securely in her pocket.
The path she was on became narrower and narrower. Trees and bushes loomed around her, heavy and sodden from the rain, pressing against her body and soaking her to the skin. She was cold, wet and tired and almost considered returning home when Ron’s mocking voice pierced her skull once again. With an almost guttural cry, Hermione persevered. Eventually, Hermione spotted what looked like an old fox den. On closer inspection the den looked abandoned, there were no signs of animal predation and - thankfully - no fresh scat.
Pulling her backpack off her shoulders, Hermione threw it into the hole and was pleased to see that there was just enough room left for her to squeeze inside. She wriggled her way in and sighed at the soft warmth emanating from the dry earth around her, even if it did smell strongly of fox urine. Her new found friend had finally stopped yowling and was once again purring gently as its small brown head nudged her cold hand. She giggled softly when its soft, barbed tongue darted out and started to clean her fingers. Strangely, the act slowly brought warmth and feeling back to her hand allowing Hermione to expand the fox hole using her wand, and dry the pair of them off.
“Now, what should I call you?” Hermione asked, holding the small bundle up to her face so she could study it more clearly.
Turning it around, Hermione was able to at least sex the tiny beast. Its markings were similar to a tabby, but its face shape resembled that of a Scottish Wild Cat. Not the most friendly of animals to keep as pets, but neither was Crookshanks and she loved him dearly.
“I’m going to call you Winifred,” Hermione decided, giggling when her new familiar ended up with the hiccups.
Hermione put the kitten down on the ground and began digging around in her bag. She pulled out some of the food Mrs Weasley had packed for her and began sharing it. Hermione wasn’t sure how long Winifred had been alone in the mountains, or even how she’d managed to survive but she sure was glad of the company.
Hermione didn’t remember falling asleep, but she was woken by the loud cawing of a crow nearby. Sitting up and rubbing sleep from her eyes, Hermione looked around for Winifred but the tiny kitten was nowhere to be seen. Worried that she’d been snatched up by a predator during the night, Hermione began frantically searching the den she’d used as a temporary shelter. Suddenly she heard a small chirping sound coming from the entrance, and there, looking bedraggled from the rain was Winifred with a large rat clamped within its jaws.
Hermione let out a sigh of relief and scooped the kitten up into her arms, snuggling it close. Winifred let out a small growl as the rat fell to the floor unmoving. Hermione laughed in amusement, as the kitten let out her frustration at her lost breakfast. Releasing the hissing bundle of fur, Hermione allowed it to feast on the rat whilst she packed up her things and hoisted her backpack onto her shoulders. Winifred then climbed up Hermione’s trousers all the way to her shoulder where she once again settled in the hood of her coat.
~*~
Heading out once more, Hermione continued on her journey. The rain had passed but in its place were large muddy puddles and slick grass that caused her feet to slip and slide. She was thankful for the conifers that lined her path as Hermione gripped their thin branches in an attempt to stop herself from falling. Despite the unexpected setback of the storm, Hermione was close to approaching her first checkpoint. The lure of a warm fire, a cosy bed and hot food in her belly kept her motivation high. When she came to the next ridge, Hermione’s heart soared as she spied the small inn where she had arranged to meet the man she’d been having an affair with for the past year.
Spurred on by the memory of soft kisses and warm strong arms holding her close alongside the peppery, woodsy scent of his skin had her moving much quicker than before. The steep decline of the stony path she was on propelled her forward. Her feet were screaming in pain, and Hermione could feel blisters forming from where the thick material of her walking boots was rubbing against her toes. Hermione was so focused on reuniting with him that she failed to spy the large jagged rock that rose from the ground until she made contact. Eyes widening in shock, Hermione could do little to protect herself as she not only went flying but tumbled down the path landing in a bruised heap at the bottom.
Winifred too had been dislodged from the safety of Hermione’s hood and was now limping towards Hermione, crying loudly. Lying on the ground to try and ease the ache in her side, Hermione reached a hand out to the kitten. Sitting up with a small whimper, Hermione examined her friend and was saddened to find one of Winifred’s paws bent at an unnatural angle. Fumbling for her wand, Hermione healed the break, tears sprang to her eyes when Winifred let out a sharp cry of pain as the tiny bones knitted themselves back together.
“Oh, Winnie, I’m so sorry. I should have been more careful. I promise that nothing bad will happen to you ever again!” Hermione declared as she stroked the kitten’s small head in a comforting manner.
“Are you alright Miss? You took a terrible tumble just now. Let me help you inside, and my wife can look at your injuries,” A kind, elderly man with soft blue eyes said, hurrying over to her in concern.
“Thank you,” Hermione replied as she allowed the man to help her to her feet.
The stone inn was warm and inviting. Eyes scanning the small inn, Hermione searched for her lover but he was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he was in his room or out rambling the hills in search of rare potions ingredients. He’d find her eventually. Hermione was led over to a small wooden table where a hearty bowl of lamb stew was placed in front of her alongside thick slices of brown bread smothered in creamy butter. Starved, Hermione dug in, moaning softly at the rich, herby taste, as the food filled her belly. She was busy shovelling bread into her mouth when he sat beside her, windswept and ruddy-cheeked.
Blushing, Hermione slowed her pace, pausing to take a deep drink of overly sweet tea. He had an amused look on his face, one eyebrow raised in question as he took in her dishevelled appearance.
“I took a tumble,” Hermione said, blushing slightly when he silently reached across the table to pull a leaf from her hair.
“I can see that. Are you hurt?” He asked, scrutinising her for any hidden injuries.
“Bruised mostly. Nothing broken. Winifred wasn’t so lucky,” Hermione replied, pulling the kitten out from the inside of her coat.
“Trust you to find a lost animal, Hermione. You always did draw them to you like magnets. Potter is a prime example,” Severus said shaking his head in mock disappointment.
“She found me. Well, I couldn’t just leave her out there by herself. She could have been killed by a nasty owl,” Hermione said as she cuddled the small bundle in her arms just that bit closer.
“Indeed. Well, I will meet you in my room. Number 7. I’ll run you a bath,” Severus said in agreement, fully understanding her need to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves.
Finishing her meal and leaving a couple of galleons on the table, Hermione made her way upstairs and quickly found his room. Opening the door, Hermione put Winifred down laughing at the way she ran over to his suitcase and jumped in, instantly making a bed out of his carefully folded clothes. She could hear the sound of water running, and couldn’t wait to slip beneath the hot water. Depositing her rucksack under the window, Hermione headed into the bathroom and was greeted by the intoxicating scent of juniper, lilac and rosewater. The thick white bubbles covered every surface of the water. Hermione smiled when Severus wrapped his arms around her waist and began kissing down the length of her neck whilst he stripped her off her soiled clothes. He lifted her with ease and slowly lowered her into the water.
Hermione hissed as the heat penetrated deep into her aching muscles. She barely had time to relax against the edge of the clawfoot tub when she noticed him ridding himself of his clothes. He slid in behind her, holding her close as he picked up a gentle sponge and began massaging a cleansing oil into her skin. Wrapping a hand around the back of his neck, Hermione turned her head to meet him in a passionate kiss. As much as Hermione enjoyed their illicit trysts in remote locations, she longed for the day when they didn’t have to hide their relationship.
Being a member of the famed Golden Trio, and he a former Death Eater despite his change of allegiance made her dream all that harder to obtain. Everyone she met commented on how much they loved seeing her and Ron together and had been taking bets for years on when they’d announce their engagement. Truth be told, Hermione couldn’t think of anything worse. She loved Ron. Truly she did, but not once had she ever loved him how she was supposed to. Not how she loved Severus. She’d tried after the battle but it quickly came apparent that they were nowhere near suited.
“What are you thinking about?” Severus asked as he gently poured water over her curls before lathering her hair with her favourite shampoo.
“Am I being ridiculous?” Hermione mused, relaxing against his chest, enjoying the feel of his fingers massaging her scalp.
“You mean with your quest to prove yourself to Mr Weasley? Yes, quite foolish. Do I think you’re foolish to help raise money for young werewolves? No. They might not be my favourite creatures but, I think you have done more for them than our government has. Hermione, love, you don’t need to prove yourself to others. If Weasley cannot see your worth, then he is not someone you need in your life,” Severus replied honestly before placing a gentle kiss on her bare shoulder.
“But what if he’s right?” Hermione asked as he rinsed her hair before applying conditioner to her ends.
“The day Mr Weasley is right will be the day I get elected as Minister for Magic,” Severus said with a deep chuckle.
“I’m being serious, Severus. Last night, I had to shelter from a storm in a fox den. A fox den! It got to the point where I considered turning around and going home, or hiding out in a hotel,” Hermione grumbled, moving away from him in frustration.
“I know you are, Hermione. But have you done either of those things?” Severus asked, giving her a pointed stare.
“No...but…” Hermione said in a small voice, unable to look him in the eye.
“But what? You’ve been travelling for three days already. You’re going to finish this because, when have you ever given up?” Severus asked using her own logic against her.
With a small huff of defeat, Hermione climbed from the tub and wrapped a lemon-coloured towel around her body. Her hair hung limp around her shoulders and a few strands had become stuck against her cheek. Hermione brushed them away, anger bubbling up inside her. Severus was right, she was being childish. The chairman of the Young Werewolf Society had been ecstatic that she had opted to raise money for their non-profit organisation. She couldn’t just give up. She had to continue.
“Fine! I’ll continue but only if you come with me and Winifred. You’re right. I have to stop letting other people’s opinions dictate what I can and cannot do, and that includes you. I refuse to hide our relationship any longer,” Hermione said as she leant against the sink, eyes burning with passion.
“I know, love. I’ve been thinking the same the past few days. If this is truly what you want, then we’ll go public. I know you hate keeping secrets. It comes as second nature to me what with serving two masters for so long,” Severus said in understanding.
“You don’t know what you’re asking of me, Hermione. You are a symbol of the light. A figure for all things good. You can’t go five minutes without coming across an unfortunate creature in need of your love and care. It has taken me many months to realise that you do not hold me in such regard. If we were to announce our relationship, your reputation will become tarnished. People will avoid you in the street, spit on you and heckle you wherever you go. You will become a pariah of society, a Death Eater’s prize,” Severus stated as he tried to express how terrible her idea would be.
Hermione softened at his words. Crouching at the edge of the tub, she cupped his face, brushing her thumb across his cheekbone. “Severus, I don’t care. There is nothing anyone can do to make me change how I feel. You can’t scare me away, but if you’re not willing then I’m okay with that.”
“I’m not opposed to the idea. I just don’t want you to end up regretting it,” Severus explained nuzzling her hand, eyes fluttering closed torn between his head and heart.
~*~
The following morning, Hermione, Severus and Winifred thanked the elderly couple running the Inn and set off along the trail Hermione had marked on her map. With a new sense of determination, Hermione couldn’t wait to see the dumbfounded look on Ron’s face when she walked into her final checkpoint. From her calculations, it should take them about three weeks to reach the finish line. What she hadn’t banked on was Severus feeling the need to stop and inspect every wild plant they came across, intent on using them in his potion-making.
“Severus, this is the hundredth time we’ve stopped in the past hour. Do you really need to harvest everything in sight?” Hermione asked, sitting upon a large rock as she watched him with a deep sigh.
“That’s quite an exaggeration but, yes, Hermione. Do you have any idea how rare some of these plants are? If I were to purchase them in Diagon Alley, I would be out of pocket by quite a few galleons. This way, I save money, and will be able to work on a few concoctions of my own,” Severus explained, straightening up to look at her.
“Of course I understand. I’d just rather we kept to our schedule,” Hermione said pulling an apple out of her backpack and taking a bite.
“Lead the way,” Severus said, sliding the filled vials into her backpack for safekeeping.
Pleased with the decision, Hermione climbed off the rock, took a firm hold of Severus’ hand and dragged him away from the wild herbs growing along the side of the dirt road. Despite the freezing temperatures and icy breeze, Hermione hadn’t felt happier. It felt as though the entire world had disappeared leaving only them and Winifred in it. The kitten had had enough of using Hermione’s hood as a bed and was currently chasing a small pearl-bordered fritillary. Her bubble of tranquillity burst when she saw an ethereal krup bound towards them.
Stopping, Hermione eyed the Patronus warily, waiting for it to speak. When it did, it only managed to make Hermione’s blood boil.
“Ready to give up yet, Mione?” Ron’s Patronus taunted, as it ran in circles around her ankles.
A smug look of satisfaction appeared on Hermione’s face when Severus bent down, picked the bounding Patronus up by the scruff of its neck and hurled towards the hillside where it disappeared in a puff of white smoke.
“I was looking forward to blowing him up,” Hermione said with a small pout as she reached up on tiptoe to press a kiss to Severus’ lips.
“Think of the enjoyment you’ll get when you get to do so in person,” Severus replied, pulling her flush against his chest before deepening the kiss.
“Hmm, I knew there was a reason I kept you around,” Hermione said with a small giggle when he landed a playful smack to her arse.
Hours later, Hermione began erecting wards around their small tent protecting them from invading animals, and the harsher elements of the Scottish weather. Safe, and cosy within the confines of the tent, Hermione couldn’t wait to get out of her jeans. Even after five layers of warming charms, her skin was ice cold and covered in goosebumps. When Severus poked his head in a few minutes later, Hermione looked up into his face, a coy smile on her lips and began slowly unbuttoning the red flannel shirt she was wearing. Rising up onto her knees, Hermione grabbed the lapels of his jacket pulling him inside.
~*~
The final leg was almost over, and Hermione couldn’t wait. Sure, her trek over the mountains wasn’t as bad as when she’d been camping with Harry and Ron during their hunt for Voldemort’s Horcruxes but the lure of a hot shower and a comfortable bed was overwhelming.
“You know,” Hermione said climbing over a style into a field, “A few years ago, if you and I ended up traipsing across the Scottish highlands one of us would have been dead by now.”
“It wouldn’t have been me,” Severus replied with a deep scowl as Winifred climbed up his leg up to his shoulder.
“Aww, she likes you,” Hermione said with a wide smile, as she reached up to tickle the kitten under her chin. “How do you know it wouldn’t be you?” Hermione asked, a little miffed that he doubted her skills as an assassin.
“Because you are as obvious as that House-Elf Potter stole from Lucius,” Severus explained as he tried to extract the kitten from his person, only for her to dig her claws into his shoulder whilst growling in displeasure.
“Dobby was a good friend,” Hermione said solemnly, turning her face away from him so he wouldn’t see the stray tear that rolled down her cheek.
“Will you remove this thing from my person? I am not a climbing frame,” Severus growled in response, as he continued to try to dislodge Winifred.
“Leave her be, Severus. She’s not harming anyone,” Hermione chastised, rolling her eyes at his dramatics.
Leaving Severus and Winifred to continue their battle for dominance, Hermione marched on ahead, fully intent on making Ron eat his words along with an extra-large helping of humble pie. Shielding her eyes from the setting sun, Hermione could just about make out the curling tendrils of smoke coming from the Young Werewolf Society’s Headquarters. Cocking her ear to the wind, Hermione could just about hear the sound of children laughing, and shouting with glee.
Turning around, Hermione was stunned to see Severus was losing his fight against Winifred as the kitten swiped angrily at his face, leaving deep scratch marks across his right cheek drawing blood. Rushing over, Hermione carefully extracted the hissing furball from his person and cradled her lovingly against her chest.
“Poor baby! Was the nasty man being mean to you?” Hermione cooed earning her a dirty look from Severus in the process who was currently dabbing at the scratches with a handkerchief.
“Come on, Severus, we’re nearly there,” Hermione called over her shoulder.
The moment they walked through the doors, the room erupted in loud cheers. The entrance was covered in multicoloured balloons and a large homemade banner. Hermione’s eyes began to water, and suddenly she was bawling with happiness against Severus’ chest whilst he awkwardly patted her head comfortingly. The pats quickly became loving brushes through her hair causing her to look up chocolate eyes burning with curiosity which changed to understanding and recognition when she locked eyes with Ron. If looks could kill then Ron’s angry blue eyes would have murdered them both twice over, and then some. Extracting herself from Severus and headed towards him, head held high.
“You should have had more faith in me, Ronald. Not only did I complete my quest but I’ve raised five thousand galleons for a cause I’m passionate about. Whilst all you’ve done is belittle me, shame me and been a horrible friend,” Hermione said firmly, shoving him in the chest with every word until she’d backed him into a corner.
“Hey, ease up, Hermione,” Ron said, raising his hands in defeat, ears tinged pink, “I was just giving you an incentive.”
“Well, you can stick your incentive up your...Harry!” Hermione said, pushing past him to throw her arms around her best friend’s neck.
“So, that’s who you’ve been sneaking around with?” Harry whispered in her ear.
Hermione could feel herself blushing scarlet before turning around to look at Severus with a look of loving pride on her face. “Yes. Yes, he is.”
“Oh, the things we do for love,” Harry said teasingly, letting her go when a group of children dragged her out into the garden, enticing her to play.