Settling In

It may take me longer to post updates for this story than it usually takes me. The holidays have a choke hold on my muse. But slowly, I'm twittling away. I hope you can be patient with me.

All canon characters belong to JKR.

Thank you as always to June. Your suggestions are always appreciated.

Chapter 2 – Settling In

Much to Severus’ dismay, everyone Hermione invited, with the exception of Hagrid, accompanied the Snape family on their holiday. Hagrid would spend his Christmas holidays with Madam Maxine, who had invited him to stay with her in her small chateau in France. Hermione even brought along her cat, Crookshanks, who in Severus’ opinion couldn’t die fast enough.

Severus decided he would spend as much time as he could exploring Count Heinrich’s castle. The grounds were quite expansive, and with any luck he would only have to bear his unwanted guests during meal times.

On the first day at the castle, things went fairly smoothly, with the exception of Ron walking into the wrong room. Hermione had never seen Severus so angry. It was lucky for Ron that Severus had been walking out of the shower and didn’t have his wand. Unfortunately, Ron couldn’t get the image of the naked former professor out of his head, so it was necessary for Harry to Obliviate him.

After the first day, things calmed down. Feeling that Severus wasn’t having as good a time as she’d hoped, Hermione decided a family picnic near one of the lakes in the forest would be just the thing to relax her husband.

Severus readily agreed. Some time with his family alone would be just what he needed. The family of four walked together into the forest. Odin and Sage were never allowed to go into the Forbidden Forest near Hogwarts; and they were enthralled by the trees all around them. As they approached the lakeside, Hermione began to unfold the large blanket she had in her arms.

“Why don’t we sit over there next to the water?” she asked as she looked at the children and Severus.

“That would be nice,” said Severus as he followed her. He placed the basket of food on the ground, and walked to the edge of the water.

The lake was gorgeous. There was a chill in the air, but not so bad that they would be uncomfortable. While it should have been snowing, the Count preferred his lands free of the bitter winter. At great expense, each year he employed several old wizards to keep the snow from his lands via spells and incantations. The old wizards would travel to his property just before the winter holidays, and spend several days setting up charms and spells to keep the snow at bay. It was quite an elaborate undertaking, but to Count Heinrich, it was worth it.

Severus looked at the snow-covered mountains. That was the one thing the Count insisted on keeping natural. He turned slightly when he heard the children voice their hunger. His son and daughter eagerly waited for their mother to hand them the sandwiches they had lovingly prepared for this private picnic, with fresh Bavarian cheeses and meats.

“Isn’t it wonderful here?” said Hermione as she breathed in the air.

“Yes, and you know what the best part is?” asked Severus.

Hermione smiled and looked around. “The beautiful lake?”

Severus shook his head.

“The mountain view?

Again Severus shook his head.

“The fresh clean air?”

“No, the quiet. No Potter or Weasley. No Albus, no…”

“Oh, Severus, honestly. Do try to enjoy yourself. It’s fun to be around our friends,” Hermione admonished him and handed him a sandwich.

Severus rolled his eyes while their children snickered. He took the sandwich and began to unwrap it. As Hermione took out two more sandwiches and handed them to the children, she noticed an odd smell coming from the basket.

“What’s that smell?” she said aloud.

Severus shrugged his shoulders, as he sat down and took a bite from his sandwich.

“Eww, Mummy, the sandwiches are all wet!” cried Sage.

Hermione took the sandwich from her seven-year-old daughter and smelled it.

“Oh, no. Crookshanks must have urinated in the basket!” she yelled. She didn’t say it, but she knew her cat hated to be left behind, so he probably did this as revenge.

At that moment Severus spit out the entire contents of his mouth and began gagging.

“What the fuck?” he yelled, as he threw the sandwich on the ground and stood up.

“Severus, watch your language.”

“Watch my language? I just had a mouth full of cat piss. What better moment in my life to NOT watch my language!”

“Mummy, everything is all wet,” said Odin.

Hermione frowned and looked up at Severus.

“Well, it looks like our picnic will have to be rescheduled,” she said.

Severus was leaning against a tree, dry-heaving.

“Severus, are you all right?”

He turned around and narrowed his eyes.

“No, I am not all right. This was supposed to be a quiet holiday for the four of us. Instead you invite half the Order, but I didn’t complain. I allowed it. I refrained from hexing Weasley’s balls off when he walked into our bedroom as I was walking out of the shower. I even allowed you to bring that furball you call a familiar with you, even though he insists on using my side of the bed as his litter box. But this is the last straw. I can’t send the others away, but that demon cat goes!”

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I couldn't resist using the scene from "National Lampoons Vacation" I saw a Chevy Chase movie the other day and it reminded me of the scene in which the dog went in the picnic basket.