True Love Ways

6 Travelling companions

Calais, especially in October was an uninspiring grey. Clouds lay dank and oppressive as the wizard and witch landed from the port key with a less than graceful thump. Hermione, who hated using this system at the best of time, feeling quite nauseous, found herself landing on her fellow Professor. "S...Sorry." She stammered. Severus fought back a retort and held her tightly. She smelled lovely, he thought, inhaling her aroma. Honeysuckle and Jasmine. He suddenly realised they were his favourite smells. He steadied the small witch and reluctantly released her.

"Ok?" He asked looking down at her. She nodded back.

"Ok. Thanks." Hermione was surprised and pleased there was no hint of derision in his voice, but only what appeared to be genuine concern. "We need to find a train to Amiens" she stated "The station is this way."

They crossed the small town market square and past the flower stalls. In summer it would've been a lovely vibrant place - full of aromas and colours but today with the rain coming down in a cold and steady stream, it made the whole place seem grim and depressing. Severus turned his collar up against the bitterness of the afternoon. Instinctively he took the small hand of his travelling companion. Tiredness and the weather had made it icy cold. He rubbed his thumb over it to try to warm it. She smiled up at him in gratitude. She enjoyed the warmth of his hand.

The train to Amiens arrived with an almost German punctuality. The hour and a half journey passed without incident. Hermione, taking his 'hand holding' to be a positive in rekindling their friendship, took the liberty of leaning against his shoulder so she could close her eyes. Severus smiled down at her, glad she could relax in his company. He was glad she'd come back even if he was initially loathe to admit it. He put his arm around her and with sleep finally winning she snuggled into him and drifted off.

.o0O0o.

After alighting the train at Amiens the pair were met by an elderly wizard by the name of Pascal. Hermione grinned up at Severus' look of disdain at the rickety old cart and equally ancient horse pulling it. "Did you expect a limousine Severus?" She winked at him. He emitted a small growl from his throat and pulled her into him. Her mouth twitched as they sat together in the back of the ancient vehicle.

"We're 'ere" announced Pascal, bringing the wheezing mule to a standstill. Before them stood a great castle - smaller than Hogwarts but very impressive nevertheless. As they got out of the cart Pascal pointed them through the highly adorned Port Cullis and into the castle grounds beyond. They arrived by an impressive looking entrance to the infirmary. Madame Malaide welcomed them both.

"Greetings from Beaux Batons" she smiled "I am so sorry eet is not in 'appier circumstances. We 'ave the Laverish Root all waiting for you." Her grey hair wobbled like candy floss as she spoke "I 'ave shrunk it down". She handed Hermione a small envelope. "I am sorry I 'ave no compound made up but in France the illness 'as been extinct for nearly one 'undred years." Hermione thought she detected an air of smugness in the old witch's expression. "Now" she continued linking an arm through both Severus and Hermione's "Time to eat and sleep".

"That's very kind" replied Severus, trying to appear gracious "but we must be getting back. The school needs the root...immediately".

"Nonsense" replied Madame Malaide. "There are no trains back to Calais tonight. "Come" she insisted "I've asked for an 'ouse elf to bring your supper to your quarters. You are in quarantine whilst you are 'ere I'm afraid, and we av only one guest room so you must share, but it iz quite snug and warm. " She smiled up at the couple. Severus raised and eyebrow and realised any argument would prove futile. The door to a small, comfortable but sparsely furnished room was opened and the pair were ushered in. "I 'ope you will be comfortable? "She spoke rhetorically "I shall see you in the morning." She gave a brief nod and was gone, leaving Hermione and Severus to look on in wonderment.