Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by Warner Bros and JK Rowling. I make no money from this nor do I intend to
We are getting on the road in this chapter. I hope you enjoy it, and again, please review even if you don't like it. Let me know what you don't like (or what you do) even a quick – "liked it" or "boring" is appreciated and it keeps me motivated. Thank you again to everyone has reviewed!
Prepare for a little lemonspritzer in this chapter. I hope I don't have to point this out, but this is only for mature readers as there will be intimate content, which should be obvious.
Typically I tell everyone where the title chapters are coming from. If you haven't guessed, I use song titles. I actually used a line from a song (Still of the Night by Whitesnake this time).
If you're interested, here's the rundown.
1. Reflections - The Supremes; 2. Right Here Waiting - Richard Marx (Loooved this song as a kid); 3. These Eyes - The Guess Who; 4. Everything I Do - Brian Adams; 5. Paralyzer - Finger Eleven.
Also, I don't have a beta, if you catch any errors or awkwardness please point it out and I'll edit. Thank you!
7. I Just wanna get close to you
Jessa woke to wandering hands . . . , and Severus rocking gently against her. She felt her cheeks flush as his hand slid down her hip and around her belly. He murmured her name softly in her ear.
Jessa bit her lip as his large hand continued to slide lower. He began grunting softly in her ear. She closed her eyes and arched her back. She felt his length pressed against her bottom. She moaned as he cupped her firmly.
"Please," she gasped as his hand pressed against her urgently.
He groaned as she rocked back; he moved more swiftly; his breath came more rapidly.
"Gods, Jessa." He hissed.
She felt him jerk against her roughly and groan. Jessa was panting and holding on to his hand tightly. She heard him begin to breath deeply, but she was unable to relax. She felt cheated somehow His hand was still draped across her, and her body was aroused. She shifted at the feel of the dampness between her legs. There was nothing to be done, so she tried to relax. It took her a while to fall back asleep.
Severus woke with his hand cupped around Jessa's full breast. In his sleep induced haze, he wasn't thinking clearly. He only knew inherently, by the feel and smell of her, that this was Jessa. He pressed close to her, reveling in the feel of her softness and warmth. His fingers wandered aimlessly focusing on her turgid nipple. As the fog lifted and he realized that his fingers were toying with her responsive breast and her breathing had grown more rapid, he froze. He heard her moan lightly and felt her thrust her breast forward and her bottom back in search of contact.
She was still asleep and he had clearly taken advantage of that. He drew his shaking hand away. What would she say were she awake? Regardless of her seeming attraction to him, she had trusted him in letting him this close to her, and he had taken advantage of her in a vulnerable state. What if she grew angry and told him to leave?
He reluctantly drew away and went outside to relieve himself; he was more than a little embarrassed to find the mess in his underwear. He cast a cleansing charm and hoped that she had been asleep and hadn't noticed this rather shameful behavior. The last thing that he wanted to do was push her before she was ready. He was bound by this moral code that had awoken with him. He reacted with it as he would another sense, and quite often, it kept him out of trouble. It had also kept him alive, for as much as it pulled him to do what was right, it urged him to protect. Killing wasn't off the table as long as it was not mindless, senseless murder. Justice should be swift.
He returned to the structure to find her dressing behind the blanket. She came out and greeted him with a smile as if nothing were wrong. He relaxed a little.
"Good Morning, are you ready to get going?" She said excitedly.
"Yes," He hesitated before speaking his thoughts, "so are you coming with me all the way?" His hands were gripped into fists. "I know you were . . . you said you were waiting for me, but I'm not quite sure what you mean, Jessa." He said bluntly.
"I'm - we are going with you all the way Severus. I don't know what force or power made me wait, but I know it was the right thing to do. Wherever you are going, that is where I need to be." She spoke earnestly and approached him. She didn't need to stoop to walk, she was so short, but his shoulders were hunched so that his head would not push on the side of the structure. He looked away from her worriedly.
"Severus," She was close and her voice was soft so as to not disturb the children. She slid her hand in his, "I want to go with YOU wherever it is that you are going." She assured him. She rose on her toes with her hand pressed to his chest and kissed his cheek softly. "Don't you want me with you?" She tilted her head beseechingly as her brows furrowed.
He looked down at her, afraid to move after what he had done this morning. It seemed like a terrible trespass. He wasn't one to take what was not being offered freely, and he wanted very much to keep her. He had watched women go back and forth from one man to another, whoever would provide for them the best, the strongest. Women were a commodity and a sign of a man's strength and ability.
He had avoided the unnecessary entanglements, not that he had had many offers. He was not handsome, and his leanness suggested that he was not a good provider. Traveling with Jessa would mark him, and he was ready to defend them. He was more than able magically. With her hunting abilities and with what she would teach him, they should do very well. It was a matter of fending off attacks. However, what he did not want was to have her leave him for another. He would very likely kill the man who tried to take her.
"He nodded but did not meet her eyes but looked down at his feet. "We should leave now." He said softly and turned to begin gathering the odds and ends left about while she made a quick hot breakfast of oats for them and threw in a few of the dried currants she had set aside.
Jessa was confused by his hot and cold responses. If one would have asked her last night, she would have been certain that he wanted her very much. She had noticed his eyes lingering on her, and she hoped that this was a sign that he wanted more than a traveling companion from her. Since she had begun dreaming about him, these dreams had been wrapped up in longings and emotions that were difficult to ignore. She had no memory of any lover, and she had been without a man physically for about year. There was something about the stress and worry of travel that ratcheted up her desire to be held and loved. She was a very physically demonstrative person, and though she would not rush into something merely to have her needs met, with Severus she felt both safe and . . . aroused.
The longer she was with him, the more she admired him. He was quiet and often pensive as he sat with them. He worked meticulously, and one could tell that he was the sort of man who thought things through logically. However, he was also a man of quick action, deadly. He would protect them, and he had already demonstrated that he considered them to be his own. He merely seemed loth to vocalize what he felt.
They took down the structure, rolling up the flexible floor and roof coverings. Severus had cast a preserving charm on them to keep them in good repair. The poles, anchors and ropes were shrunken and stored in the chest with their other belongings. However, at Severus' suggestion, they fashioned a roof of sorts over the cart using limber, green limbs and one of the heavy, leather sections of floor covering. The day was turning gray as the morning progressed, and this would allow them to keep dry as they traveled.
Dilly and Dally were harnessed and with a switch of his wand Severus collected a large sack of the goose berries before they left. He didn't know when the might find any again, and he had lived on meager pickings long enough that he knew the value of having something put by. Even though they had plenty of jerky, they would need more than the dried meat to keep them healthy.
The road away from the camp was covered in dirt and heavily rutted. It seemed quite deserted as they set out on their way. He reflected on his journey up to this point. Since the battle at Stonehenge, he had tried to avoid the larger settlements. Initially, he had gotten caught up in the ensuing fray and panic. They had all gone in search of supplies, pillaging the homes of the dead and vacant shops. He had searched for recognizable faces, but none had presented themselves. Avoiding conflict seemed most important, and the winding way he had taken had eaten up a great deal of his time. He had spent a month backtracking in order to avoid a settlement of wildmen far south of here.
He had headed west from Gloucester almost a month ago and had fallen ill. His companion had eventually left him in an old shack. He had survived on canned beans that he had horded. As quickly as it had come on, the sickness passed, leaving him weak in upon its desertion. He had thought to travel through less densely populated areas. Subsequently, it was meager pickings; there were few homes or stores to loot. However, those he had found had been left untouched by others.
He looked to Jessa, who sat next to him up front. The children were seated behind them in the covered cart. Hope had pulled out a book and was reading fairly well to Fran, who had her arm tucked around Hope's waist. Since they had taken her in, the two young girls had been inseparable. Though Fran was a little older than Hope, the young, curly headed girl seemed to be the one leading the older girl around.
They passed several main roads and avoided them as long as they could. Severus suspected this road would eventually empty out on a main thoroughfare, but he intended to take it as long as they could. They drove at a modest pace to go easy on the mules and the cart. Towards the latter part of the afternoon, they passed an elderly man who refused a ride and warned them to be wary of sinners. They made no comment but went swiftly on their way.
The evening was coming on quickly, and they had debated on whether to sleep in the cart or put up the tent. Fortune smiled down on them when Severus spotted an overgrown lane. He parked the cart behind a thick patch of dusk and went ahead to check out what was ahead. He was only gone a few minutes, but when he peaked his head out of the bushes he was smiling.
"I've found something," He said enigmatically as he drove the cart down the narrow lane. They made their way slowly, as the branches had grown over the road. Severus did not disturb most of the brush near the entrance to the lane, but when he was sure that it would not draw attention, he cleared the way for their passage. Dilly and Dallly were both very appreciative and nickered happily.
He pulled the wagon around a rather large tree and revealed a small cottage. He drove the wagon behind the building. They brought their things inside and began to explore. The girls followed behind them quietly.
"It is deserted," Severus spoke into the darkness.
Jessa flicked the light switch out of curiosity but nothing happened. There was an old fashioned stove in the kitchen and logs stacked high next to it. The larder was filled with dried and canned goods, and Jessa grinned at Severus.
"We're in luck." She wagged her eyebrows at him and lit a fire in the stove. Upon further exploration, they found that the boiler was a wood burning unit. They began a fire quickly in order to heat the unit. The convenience was a novelty. Severus could very well provide all of the heated water they needed, but this would allow him to take a hot shower should he choose.
Severus had warded the cottage heavily, so they were not worried about being disturbed. Though life had not been as hard for them as it had for many others, Jessa wanted to take advantage of all of the conveniences available to them while they were here. She found a washing machine, but without electricity it was useless. However, she found a hand washing unit in the storage room. It had a washboard and a wringer, and there was even powdered soap.
"Would you like me to wash your clothes?" She smiled at him with bright eyes. Severus nodded eagerly.
They searched the house first and found clothes that would fit them both. It was clear that there had been an elderly couple living here. The pants that he found were a little loose and a little short, but they would do. There were lots of warm items including sweat shirts and long johns. The dresses she found were a little large, but serviceable.
The biggest treasures were hidden in the bathrooms. The tubs were large and each equipped with showers. The lady of the house had evidently been fond of lotions and soaps, for there were many varieties. Jessa horded all but a couple away in their box. She had set some beans to soak in the kitchen. A quick look out back revealed a large overgrown garden. There was an enormous patch where the potatoes had taken over the yard as well.
They all went out together and began gathering all that they could carry in the baskets they found. There were some early peas and a great many small carrots to be had. Everything was growing out of control, and most of it was not ready to harvest. However there were several fruit trees blooming and even a tree laden with small, tart apples. Hidden behind a shed, which they pillaged for various implements, the found blueberry bushes.
The brought their haul in and Severus returned to pick more apples while the girls raided the blueberry bushes. When he was done, he quietly walked to the shed and peaked around the corner to watch them.
Jessa giggled, "Hope, you've got it all over you!"
Fran giggled and shoved more berries in her own blue ringed mouth.
"You girls are a mess. Come on, you'll spoil your dinner if you eat any more." Jessa said as she rose and picked up the basket. Tonight would be a long night. She intended on drying much of the fruit for preservation. She had a great deal of work to do.
"First, let's get you bathed, and then I need to finish dinner." She smiled at them.
Severus came around the corner slowly and Jessa nearly ran into him. He reached forward and grabbed the basket from her.
"Oh!" She exclaimed as the girls giggled up at him with their stained faces and purpled hands.
"I see you've been busy." He smirked and arched a brow at Hope and Fran.
Fran ducked her head shyly as she stepped behind Hope, who grinned toothily at Severus. "Bwewbewies!" She exclaimed and giggled infectiously. "Momma is gowing to make a pie!" She screeched and ran to the cottage. Fran flew after her.
"Hope!" Jessa exclaimed and ran after the child, leaving Severus to make his moderate pace behind them.
He took a circuitous route around the garden to check the snares that Jessa had set. He had managed to make one of his own after several tries. There were two fat rabbits caught. He quickly pulled them free and snapped their necks matter-of-factly.
Jessa jumped excitedly as he carried the hares in. He was more than pleased by her . . . exuberant reaction and not in the least because of the physiological effects of such a reaction. She skipped over to him jauntily, breasts bouncing a little at her saucy steps, and took the rabbits to the sink.
"Is there anything I can help you with?" He asked as his gaze took in the two girls who had been chastened for running off so foolishly.
He sat down by the girls, and Jessa brought him a cutting board and various root vegetables to cut up. They were fresh from the garden and washed. There were even green onions and some new greens for a salad. He had not eaten anything green in . . . he couldn't remember when.
"We'll have to check the garden again tomorrow morning before we leave to make sure we got everything. I've bundled up some of the greens; if you don't mind working your magic, they should last for some time. It will be nice to have a little variety in our diet." She spoke over her shoulder as she cleaned the rabbits. She took the leavings out along with some of the Jerky and blew her whistle. As they had traveled throughout the day, she had blown her whistle. The pack had followed them through the woods near the road. The large white dog had made his way to them several times throughout the day. They had evidently traveled this way for quite some time. Though the pickings were meager, only two rabbits, there was no fighting. The dogs were accomplished hunters by now, and while they enjoyed the fruits of Jessa's labors, they did not rely on them solely.
There were two bitches in heat, and they were allowed to eat what was left of the rabbits. Jessa gave the pack leader a hunk of jerky and left several other strips for whichever dogs wanted to fight over it. She went back inside leaving the good natured growling behind her. The dogs stayed in the back yard that night, and throughout the evening they heard howling and small fights break out.
After she had put supper on the stove, the beans had been cooked in a pressure cooker and were cooking down as the rabbit cooked in its own gravy. Hope and Fran had learned to prepare rice, and the large pot of grains was soaking on the counter. It would wait until the rabbit had cooked longer.
The kitchen was filled with wonderful smells when they all decided to clean themselves for the evening. Jessa filled the wash basin and let their clothes soak while they tended to their baths.
The bathroom off the master bedroom was large for such a small cottage. The facilities Severus used were not as commodious, but they were far better than he was use to. He chose to bathe while they did rather than waiting for the master bath to become free. He had taken his time in the shower, which had still been far quicker than the girls were moving, and he had begun to shave his face manually when he heard the screaming. Though he charmed his face free of hair every day, there was something relaxing in a nice shave.
The razor clattered into the sink, and his still damp feet left prints on the floor as he ran into the master bed room, threw open the bathroom door and looked wildly about the bathroom. Jessa was screaming as if she had been stabbed. Hope was giggling riotously; her sodden curls swished about her head as she poured another pitcher of what was evidently very cold water over Jessa's head.
There were bubbles everywhere, and the girls had evidently been cleaned. However their hands and mouths remained stained. The bubbles that had covered Jessa had now been washed away. The plump woman's hands were over her face as she wiped the water from her eyes.
"Hope!" She squealed.
Severus was frozen at the door by the sight of her kneeling in the frothy water like some full figured nymph. There was no doubt that the water had been very . . . very cold. Her full breasts were lovely in the candlelight, which gleamed on her wet body.
"I - I thought someone was hurt." He said as he fought to focus on her face and not the dark thatch of curls peaking out of the water.
She had thrown her hands over her breast when she had registered that he was in the room, but the rest of her was slowly burning itself into his mind. He blushed and his mouth opened and closed a couple of times.
Hope giggled, Fran ducked behind a pile of bubbles, and Jessa stood and reached for a towel. She nearly fell, and Severus stepped forward, grabbed the towel and handed it to her. However, this was not before he had gotten another eye full. If only the children had been asleep in another room, he mourned the missed opportunity.
He turned swiftly.
"Thank you," Jessa said and giggled nervously, "I'm sorry we startled you, but thank you for coming." She said to his pale skinned back. She admired the contrast between it and the stark blackness of his hair.
"You're welcome, He said over his shoulder.
Dinner was a quiet affair, and afterwards the girls enjoyed playing on the floor with the crude dolls they had found in one of the closets. Jessa had made a small blueberry pie as an indulgence, and he nearly moaned as the sweet, rich cobbler hit his tongue. He had not had something so decadent in a very long time. The girls overindulged and lay on the floor in what looked to be a sugar induced coma as he and Jessa processed some of the fruit. It wasn't technically necessary, as he could use a stasis charm on them, but it would also make it easier to trade these items should the need arise. And, if something happened to him, they would be able to use the preserved fruit for some time to come. He shuddered to think about that eventuality. He intended on seeing them both to safety, finding that boy, and making sure the snake was long gone.
When they had put everything away, they adjourned to the master bedroom. The girls snuggled sleepily next to Jessa. Severus thought to make a pallet on the floor, but Jessa patted the bed.
"Come on, Severus. There is plenty of room." He lay down next to her and waited for her to fall asleep before he placed a pillow between them. He had no intention of taking advantage of the situation, coherent or not, particularly with the children so nearby.
That night he was awaken by a scuffle in the back yard. The dogs were upset over something. He looked out of the window but could see nothing. A quick homenum revelio showed that no one was there. He returned to bed sleepily and snuggled under the warm covers.
That morning they loaded the cart quickly. The sun had risen a little by the time they were through gathering all that they had found. They took every supply that they could use including laundry soap, bedspreads, clothing, extra boots, utensils, and even the pillows. With Severus' ability to miniaturize things, packing things away was a snap.
They brought a basket back out to the garden and set the snares at the far end of the yard while they worked. They were not hopeful that they would catch anything, but it was possible. The darkness of the woods still shadowed that end of the garden and shaded it from the coming dawn. They worked swiftly collecting the produce.
"Alright, that's it. Let's go check the snares." Jessa said as she headed to the still shadowed vegetation. Severus and the girls were only a few steps behind her when she reached the first snare. She did not see the hulking limb that reached out of the shadows or the venomous pincers.
Hope screamed and Severus gripped the sharpened garden hoe tightly as he surged forward.
