zephyr_macabee

A few miles outside of town, Nat turned off the highway onto a narrow side road. The first ten miles were paved, but beyond that the road was dirt, rutted and bumpy. The landscape was unearthly, with oddly shaped formations of the red rock, which Nat told him was sandstone. Small bushes scattered about provided the only green. Finally, after nearly ninety minutes of jolting, an oasis appeared. As they drew closer, he saw that the small cluster of trees shaded a log cabin. Smoke rose from the chimney and the front door was open. There was a large vegetable garden along one side and a corral and a chicken coop on the other. A sway-backed mare and a fat grey donkey were lazing in the corral and chickens were scraping and pecking in the dust in front of the cabin. Nat pulled off the road.

“I promised to stop on the way back from town”, said Nat. “Granny Jones lives here; she is an emeritus professor, a Master Herbalist and a Seer, not to mention a fantastic cook.”

“Should I wait in the truck?”

“Of course not, she wants to meet you.”

They climbed out of the truck and as they walked towards the cabin Nat called out, announcing their arrival. A wizened old woman in a long skirt and a velvet blouse appeared at the door, wiping her hands on her apron and smiling in welcome. A heavy silver necklace hung around her neck and there were several bracelets on each arm. Her long grey hair was braided back and covered with a colorful scarf. Severus was startled by the bright aura surrounding her. As they approached she moved forward and held out her hands to him. Automatically, he reached out himself. When their hands met, he felt a sharp pain in his left forearm, in the faded Dark Mark. He gasped and tried to pull back, but she held fast.

“Did I shock you? The air is so dry here and the static is terrible.”

As she spoke the pain faded. She gave him a quizzical look. He gathered his wits and greeted her formally.

“How do you do Professor Jones, I am Severus Snape of Hogwarts.”

“Oh, I know who you are. Haven’t I been dreaming of your arrival this past week? You are a Potions Master and we are going to spend a lot of time together, you and I. And don’t call me Professor Jones; I am retired now and everyone calls me Granny. Can you do that?”

Severus looked pained.

“Too informal for you, is it? Well that will come in time. What would you like to call me?”

Severus looked down into her shining brown eyes and felt a tugging inside his chest. She shone like a beacon of calm and goodness. “My lady” he responded instantly, then flushed and ducked his head.

“Oh ho, I am honored” she laughed and led him into the cabin. Nat followed behind, oblivious the powerful currents of magic circulating about them.

“Sit you down” she ordered them. They sat at her spotless kitchen table. She placed a mug of strong tea in front of Severus, and coffee for Nat and herself. A wonderful smell arose from a covered bowl on the table. Lifting the cloth, she exposed a stack of small pies. These, Severus was told, were apple turnovers. He took a bite. Ambrosia! Warm from the oven, sweet and spicy, with tender apples and a flaky crust, they were the most wonderful thing he had ever tasted. He could not suppress a small moan as he licked the sticky juice and bits of crust off his fingers.

“I see you like them”, Granny chortled and nudged Nat, who was already devouring his second turnover.

“Superb, my lady!” He took a sip of tea and happily accepted another himself.

An hour later, Severus and Nat were shooed out. The Headmistress would be waiting for them at the Administration building up at the Institute, they were informed by Granny. The warm feeling surrounding Severus dissipated in an instant and he paled.

“Don’t worry child”, Granny reassured him, patting him on the arm, “all will be well.”

Severus was none too certain about that as he climbed into the truck. He looked back and waved as Nat pulled out onto the road.

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