Crossing the Line

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Dec 23

Hermione's Pov

When entering the foyer of the house, Hermione couldn't help but feel awestruck. This place was simply beautiful. The house was located on the shores of Caldey Island. It wasn't a cottage per se. It was too large to be classified as such. And yet it still promoted a feeling of warmth and comfort. It simply felt like home. The last time she felt this sensation was when she walked the halls of Hogwarts for the first time. But as the school years passed and the danger grew that feeling got lost along the way. This house was one of the many of the estates in Dumbledore's name. He didn't stay here often. Opting to stay in one of his other holiday homes. For the most part, the house they were standing in has been unoccupied for decades.

The floor was all wooden. Any cabinets that were seen were of a dark rich colour. The walls were painted of an outline of a forest. And this was just the living room. They both took their time to explore. Severus had never been here either. When roaming the halls of the one-story house she couldn't help but notice that there were two bedrooms. This piece of knowledge almost left her feeling slightly disappointed. There was a bathroom and a private study of course. The backyard had a path of rocks that led to the sandy shores. The ocean looked so peaceful and clear from Hermione's spot at the window. She never saw such blue water. There was also a greenhouse that doubled as a Potions lab that Severus was most likely going to the commandeer for the time being. She couldn't help but smile and shake her head at his enthusiasm. But who was she kidding? She wasn't much better.

The library though was where she truly had the breath knocked out of her. This was where all of Dumbledore's ancient books were held. Even he hadn't read all of them. For the most part, he wasn't even sure what texts were stored there. Most of the books dated back to the 800-1500's. The library was filled wall to wall with countless bookshelves all filled to the brim with books. There didn't seem to be any categorization on closer inspection. The ceiling was reminiscent of the ceiling in the Great Hall at Hogwarts. It was charmed to mimic the night sky. But only the night sky was shown it didn't transition to the daytime like the one at Hogwarts. A prospect that left Hermione in more joy than she already felt over having the opportunity to spend the Christmas holiday alone with Severus

They were going to be staying here a few days over the Christmas break. They were going to use Dumbledore's books to study the dagger some more. After retrieving it they both had difficulty understanding the dagger's magical properties. It was obvious that it was embedded with some truly remarkable healing charms but they were unsure of which ones. They were hoping that the inscription on the blade held some clue. Take advantage of the extensive library and privacy. Which Hermione was looking forward to. They both felt that it would be easier to conduct their research without the distraction of the other order members. When the time comes they can't afford to mess this up.

Though the pair were going to be staying here for the most part. They also did have to make an appearance at Headquarters for a couple of days for the mandatory order meeting. Severus was quite displeased with the idea while she was indifferent to it.

She had just finished pulling on her shoes and was looking for her jacket when she was pulled by Severus into a kiss. It was passionate and explosive. But it was quick. Too quick. It only lasted for a few seconds but she could have blinked and missed it. He kissed her soundly before releasing her.

Knowing that she looked a little dazed she asked, "What was that for?" Not quite sure why the situation called for such a reaction from him.

"Unfortunately while we are over there I won't be able to do that again."