Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by Warner Bros and JK Rowling. I make no money from this nor do I intend to
I'm sorry it took a little longer to get this chapter up. It is longer, and I spent more time editing it because… it was needed. Frankly, the whole story needs to be edited. In my excitement to get it up … well. I'm sorry. Anyway, in this chapter all of the patient readers partake in some lemon tart. The lemon is coming soon; I promise. We have some action, a rescue, and we are told to get our asses in gear… NOW. What on earth could it be?
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! I can't say again how much I appreciate the reviews! (Chapter Title – The Stroke – Billy Squire)
12. The Stroke
The night was still, and the faint smell of smoke filled their senses. Severus lowered his hands slowly and smiled. "Harry?" Severus cocked his head curiously.
Harry rushed forward and threw his arms around Severus.
The small clearing light up with a bright flash as the two collided. Severus' memory was filled with images of the final moments of the battle.
XxxxxXxxxxXxxxx
The snake man rose up threatening and seemed to channel the full force of the power of the stones. His robes fluttered in the torrent of wind that seemed to rise up out of the stillness. The scaly beast was filled with power, radiated it, and then something went awry with his spell. His narrow, red eyes grew wide as he lost control. Whatever force there was sentient and chose to see to its own agenda. The dark wizard's body arched and his mouth opened in a soundless scream.
"NOOOOO!" Severus yelled and dove, landing on top of the young boy protectively. The explosion was immense. Rubble and bodies flew through the air like weightless rags, and Severus remembered waking up alone amidst the screaming and confusion.
XxxxxXxxxxXxxxxXxxxx
They blinked rapidly in an effort to see in the darkness after the bright burst of light. Severus felt his skin crackle with energy where Harry still gripped him tightly. The boy let go gingerly and looked up at the tall man sheepishly.
"Sorry, but I've been looking for you since I woke up." He grinned at the older man openly. He shifted awkwardly running his hand through his mussed hair, "I was wondering if . . . if, maybe you were my father?" He asked curiously. "I can't remember." The young man shook his head, "I feel . . . something." He said as he reached forward to touch the other man's arm. The sympathetic magic seemed to swell between them like some grand crescendo
Severus shook his head, "I - I don't know Harry." He shrugged, "I can't remember." He paused, "But come, you're not safe here." He turned to head into the camp. "Bring your friend." he said over his shoulder.
Their steps seemed to echo through the darkness as leaves and twigs cracked and rustled with their passing.
Severus breached the wards and Harry after him, but his young friend was unable to follow. Severus lowered the wards, and the girl walked into the camp as the dark haired wizard erected the protective barrier around them. The magic rose around them with a soft "woosh." And Harry smirked as he reached out to glide his hand through the invisible impediment.
Severus looked at Harry expectantly as the others began to emerge. They gathered around the newcomers, and Harry smiled openly at them, his eyes lingering on Jessa when Severus drew his arm around the woman.
"This is Harry Potter," Severus introduced the boy.
"Hi," Harry smiled and shuffled under the uncomfortable weight of their stares.
"I'm Harry and this is Hermione," He said gesturing to the tall, sylph-like girl, who stood behind him with her hand on his shoulder. She looked at them suspiciously.
No one spoke, and a heavy silence seemed to settle over them.
"Do you need a tent?" Severus asked abruptly, thinking of the one he had stored in his own pack.
"No," Harry shook his head and patted the sack on his own back.
Severus nodded, "Are you hungry?"
"YES!" Harry's hand slipped to his thin middle, "Starved! We've been living on what we could find, which isn't much." He shrugged.
Hermione bit her lip anxiously and shifted behind him. It was clear that they had merely subsisted.
Jessa walked over to the fire and uncovered the pot she had buried beside it earlier. It held their leftovers. The bowls had been cleaned, and she filled a couple of bowls with the hot stew.
"Come," Severus gestured and walked stately towards the campsite. Harry's eyes seemed to linger on the man's clothes.
"Is something wrong?" Severus asked as he took a seat beside
Harry shook his head, as he took the bowl of stew that Jessa offered. He handed it to Hermione before accepting another and digging in.
The others gathered around as Jessa put more wood on the campfire.
"I'm going to check the snares," She said softly.
"Would you like some help?" Hermione asked setting her bowl down.
"No, dear, eat your stew." Jessa urged the young woman.
The two young people tucked into their food while the others waited for them to finish.
Jessa had come back with three rabbits, and using the firelight, she began skinning the hares. She used a heavy, wooden cutting board and scraped the innards into a bucket. Hermione watched the woman, fascinated. She finished her stew and went to sit beside the plump woman.
"Do you think you could show me how to do that?" She asked excitedly.
"Of course," Jessa smiled at her and pulled out the next rabbit handing it to the girl. Hermione took the large, limp animal in her hands and followed Jessa's directions carefully. She did not shy from the task or scrunch her nose at the unpleasantness. She was quick and efficient and a very fast learner.
Severus' eyes took in the girl curiously. He had a feeling that he should know her, but he couldn't access any memories in which she was featured. He shrugged and turned his attention to Harry, who was busy grinning at him.
Severus smirked, "Well, now that you've found me. We can head north." He stood and Harry stood with him.
The boy nodded eagerly. He seemed both relieved and excited that he had finally found Severus. It was as if he had found a missing part of himself.
They all helped the young couple to set up their tent, and Harry shuffled indecisively for a moment as Hermione held open the tent flap for him. He turned back to the tall wizard quickly and gave the man another hug, "I'm so glad I found you." His voice was muffled in the fabric of Severus' fatigues.
Severus stood awkwardly with his arms out for a moment and slowly drew his arms around the boy. His large hands gently patted Harry's back. It felt right. The magic felt right. Warmth filled him, something very paternal and protective.
"You're home now." He whispered in his silky, deep voice.
Harry's eyes glistened and he smiled tremulously, "Home," he nodded. Since the world had fallen apart, nothing had felt this right. He and Hermione were where they needed to be.
"Good night," The boy pulled away, grinned, and ducked inside of the tent with Hermione.
Severus smirked as he heard the two giggling and Hermione squeaked.
"Harry!" She whispered scandalized and playfully at once.
Jessa shook her head and took Severus' arm. They lay down, listening to the occasional gasp and breathless utterances of Hermione.
"You really need to teach him that silencing thing." Jessa hissed embarrassed.
Severus chuckled and turned to kiss her cheek and his lips trailed down softly to linger on her neck.
"Severus," Jessa warned, "the girls." She chided in a whisper.
"Are asleep." He countered and pulled her closer, running his hand down her side. He lifted his hand and pinned one of the blankets up magically to provide them with some privacy.
"Severus . . . not here. Not like this." She said nervously.
He rolled toward her and kissed her gently. His tongue teased her lips. Jessa responded to his inquest and opened to him. She moaned lightly as his tongue slid into her mouth sinuously. Jessa sighed.
Severus pulled back, "Alright, not here, but let me kiss you?" He said coaxingly.
Jessa nodded her dark eyes wide and filled with nervous excitement.
Severus' body was flush against hers; he cast a silencing charm so that the children would not be disturbed. The two girls were cuddled together on the far side of the cart and would be oblivious. However, he used a simple charm that would keep them asleep for a while. It could be lifted easily and would wear off before morning.
His lips returned to Jessa's voraciously, and his hands wandered down her hip and caressed her thigh before slipping around to her plump bottom and kneading lightly.
"Are you ok?" He gasped against her lips, "I'm not pushing too far?"
"No," Jessa shook her head and ran her hand up his shoulder to the back of his head. She urged him back down, and they kissed heatedly. Severus' hand slipped back up her hip to her rib cage and hovered under her full breast.
"Jessa?" He half groaned, half asked.
"Yes," She nearly pleaded as she reinitiated the kiss.
Severus growled as his hips pressed forward and his thumb slipped over her breast. The pad of the lengthy digit found her erect nipple and rubbed round the little nub.
"Jessa," He hissed as he broke the kiss and trailed his lips down her neck. His tongue teased the cleavage that peaked from her gown, and his hand began to pull at the loose neckline. It slipped off of her shoulder as he slowly bared her breast. His eyes were intent on hers in the dark of the cart.
She breathed rapidly as the fabric slowly slid over her sensitive flesh. The lovely, round globe fairly glowed in the faint moonlight, which shone through the membranous roof. Severus bent his head reverently and took the furled flesh in his warm mouth.
Jessa gasped, "Severus," and his hand made its way down her thigh again, creeping lower as he began to bunch up the bottom of her dress slowly.
"Severus?" She moaned.
"Do you want me to stop?" He asked her.
"Oh," She moaned as his tongue flicked her nipple, "Don't stop," She begged, pressing her breast into his mouth.
For Severus, this was all about her pleasure. He didn't want her to fear him; he didn't want her to associate what they did with what Bert had tried to do. Like him, she likely had no memories of past intimacy. He had vague flashes about pleasuring women, but they were all faceless, emotionless associations. He was also ready to move forward, build something with Jessa. He wanted to love her, physically. He wanted to claim her as his own.
His hand drifted up her bare leg slowly, tentatively. His mouth moved to her other breast as he pulled her gown lower with his other hand. Jessa arched into him as his mouth sucked at her nipple and laved the sensitive flesh of her breast. Her hand wove through his hair, urging him on.
He felt the heat pouring off of her body as his hand drew closer to the juncture between her thighs. His hand shook slightly as his fingers came into contact with her damp, cotton panties. He felt her hips rock, seeking some sort of friction.
"Oh, Severus," Her voice shook with pleasure and wanting.
He pulled back from her breast with a pop, "Yes, Jessa," His deep voice teased.
"Oh, God," She moaned.
Severus watched her pale face as his finger slid inside of her panties. Her legs spread to allow him further access. He pushed the thin scrap of fabric aside and his finger slid across her slick lips and teased her little nub.
Jessa's hands gripped Severus tightly and she moaned and rocked against his hand as he pleasured her. His mouth returned to her breast.
"Severus, please." She begged.
The normally reserved man cooed, Yess, Jessa, tell me what you want, love."
"I . . . I don't know," She nearly whined.
His finger teased the hard bundle of nerves more quickly as Jessa sought her pleasure. Her nipples tightened into hard points of desire, she arched forward, pushing her breasts forward and he took a nipple in his mouth as she came undone.
"Severussss," She moaned.
Severus stroked and plucked then removed his finger from her sensitive nub and teased her lips and hovered at her opening. Jessa trembled against him. "Yes," She begged.
He slid his long finger inside of her slick, wet warmth and groaned, "Jessa,"
His finger slipped in and out of her slowly and she ground her hips. He drew another finger inside of her tight sheath and she gasped and panted.
"More," She demanded in an almost petulant voice.
Severus thrust his fingers more urgently and moved forward to capture her lips. Jessa's hands wandered over his body, pulling at his clothes.
"Patience," He hissed and captured her lips.
"Unhhhh," she moaned as his fingers curled to rub the spongy flesh inside of her. "Severus!"
His fingers thrust inside of her rigidly, pushing against her pleasure spot. His fingers dove in and out of her heat. He urged her on and teased her nipples, sucking with his mouth and tracing patterns with his amorous tongue. His fingers curled and thrust, causing her to buck wildly. She moaned his name punctuated with a litany of little "Oh's," as she came on his fingers.
Her hips rocked urgently and he grunted as her inner muscles clamped down on his fingers. He wanted very much to be inside of her, spilling into her as she moaned his name.
He kissed her roughly as she came down from the glorious high. Her muscles still trembled around his fingers as he trust them more slowly but still forcefully inside of her. He loved the little wanton sounds she made, the way she moved her body. He also couldn't wait to taste her.
"Did you enjoy that?" He asked as he slid his fingers from her wet sheath.
Jessa groaned at the loss of the pleasure, the fullness that his fingers had provided. She watched him avidly as he brought his hand to his mouth and licked off her essence.
"Mmm," His delicious voice teased her already aroused senses. "You taste so good, Jessa." He looked at her with heavy lidded eyes. Her hands slid down his chest coming to rest on the button that kept his trousers closed. She worried the small piece of plastic until it begrudgingly pulled through the fabric. Her small hand slipped down, and Severus groaned as her little hot,hand clasped round him.
Jessa's eyes grew large as she slid her hand down his . . . long shaft. He was thick and large in her hand. She moved her hand down gently and cupped him. His silken shaft slid up her arm as her hand wandered down.
Severus, unable to maintain his composure, surged against her. Jessa smile sultrily, leaned forward and kissed Severus. Her pink tongue flicked lightly at his lips, tasting her own essence, as her hand began to stroke him. Severus gasped at the contact. It had been a very long time for him; he wasn't sure just how long, but he was astute enough to realize that he was not the sort of man that found himself on the receiving end of such contact, particularly by such a lovely, willing woman.
Jessa was everything he desired, beautiful, loving, strong, and tender. Not to mention, she set his blood on fire. "Jessa" he huffed in his deep, sensuous voice.
"Yes?" Her wanton voice delighted his ears as her fingers pleasured him.
"You didn't have to . . . uhnnnnn…" He groaned as she tightened her grip a little and stroked.
"I know." She whispered.
Severus reached down and unbuttoned the rest of the buttons on his fly and gasped as her hand moved more freely over him. He reached up and grabbed one of her full breasts and squeezed lightly, running his thumb over her nipple.
"Let me touch you again?" He asked.
Jessa reached down and pulled her gown up her hip. His nimble hand reached over and his calloused fingers teased her warm, satiny skin. He loved the feel of her round hips and thick thighs as he slipped his hand between her legs. Leaning forward, he kissed her gently as his had ran over wet knickers. He slipped his fingers under the sodden fabric and teased her again.
Jessa whimpered against his lips as his fingers slid back inside of her tight entrance, and Severus chuffed as her hand tightened and twisted a little, providing an exquisite friction on his engorged shaft. Her hand worked back and forth and he began moving his fingers inside of her. He picked up the pace as she began shifting her hips and he rocked against her hands.
It didn't take Jessa long to come undone again. She moaned into his mouth as he thrust his fingers inside of her. Her muscles tightened down on his fingers and she tensed with pleasure and broke the kiss. Her pleasure was exquisite and as she fell apart, her hand continued to bring him to his own completion. He uttered her name harshly and grunted as he came. It was hot and sticky and a little musky.
Jessa looked at him with sleepy eyes and smiles. Her ripe lips beckoned him, and he was helpless to resist kissing her. His fingers slipped gently from her and he lazily stroked her swollen lips and hard little nub.
"Severus," She chided as he teased her overly sensitive flesh.
He smirked and pulled away. "Thank you." He kissed her.
"Thank you," her quiet voice whispered in his ear as her tongue teased his lobe.
"Woman, you had better stop that unless you want me to take you right now." He warned.
Jessa kissed his cheek chastely and put her gown back in place.
They cleaned up and cuddled close. Severus didn't remember ever sleeping so soundly. He woke in the morning to Jessa's sleepy eyed gaze. She smiled and stretched, her body pressed against him. He was more than interested, but the girls were stirring. He also wanted the first time he slept with her to be more than a romp in the back of the cart. He smiled as she leaned over and kissed him soundly. She giggled and jumped up quickly before he could initiate anything. The rangy wizard stretched and let his eyes linger over Jessa, admiring the swish of her bottom as she bent over and dug in her pack.
The sounds of the camp filtered in slowly. It was early, and Mae was the only one stirring. Jessa began cooking the oats and noticed that the smell of smoke had grown even stronger.
She woke the girls while Mae coaxed Harry, Hermione and Danielle awake. Douglas came out with Susan shortly, and they had all eaten breakfast by the time the sun had risen.
"We need to get going, quickly." Severus spoke quietly, "We won't be stopping until evening. So, give the animals extra food. We'll water them in the afternoon, but we need to keep moving and keep moving west. The wildmen are likely in the woods now searching for stragglers. I'll be checking with magic periodically, but I want anyone who sees anything," He stressed, "to alert us. Whistle, clap, or wave your hands, whatever you have to do, do it." He stressed earnestly.
They packed up quickly. Harry and Hermione rode in the back of the cart with Fran and Hope. Fran set about teaching Hermione to crochet, and Harry pulled out his checker board and taught Hope to play. She was a quick learner, but she kept trying to take extra turns. Harry laughed at the little girls antics.
The morning passed quickly, and by the afternoon, the thunder was rumbling threateningly. The rain began after they had watered the animals and set on their way. Severus listened to the tap of the rain on the roof of the wagon. He and Jessa huddled together underneath an oiled skin she had pulled out. The roof of the wagon covered them a little, but the rain seemed to blow sideways into them. Jessa's cold hand snuck beneath his arm as she leaned in close to him.
They hadn't gone far when Douglas stood and waved frantically. Severus looked around and gestured to the left. They led the horses in the woods and found a small clearing. Severus erected wards and silencing charms. Harry disillusioned himself and snuck out to the road. He peered out behind the brush.
The young man watched several hulking figures race down the road in the direction that they had just come. The two men stopped nearby.
"Nothin'," One of the hulking brutes grunted and the other nodded in agreement.
"Well, we've got the trap set and someone'll hear it. Merk is watching. Let's go back." He pointed east. "Merk will call if he spots 'em." The other nodded again and the set off back down the road.
"Charming," Severus muttered behind Harry's shoulder.
The boy jumped at the sound of the older man's voice. "Yeah," He muttered, "but what do we do now?"
"We" He punctuated, "don't do anything." Severus replied. "I'm going to scout ahead." Severus turned and Harry grabbed the tall man's arm. His narrow fingers bit into the larger man's thick bicep.
The long haired wizard looked into Harry's determined eyes.
"I'm going with you." Harry said.
Severus opened his mouth to reply and Harry huffed, "Look, you're not gonna keep me here. If you try to go without me, I'll just follow you anyway." Harry narrowed his eyes and let go.
Severus smirked, "Come on then," He sighed.
Hermione was more than a little perturbed at being left behind. Jessa stood by Severus, who shifted impatiently. Harry and Hermione were not very far from the group, but Harry had cast a silencing charm. Jessa could hear nothing, but she watched the girl gesture emphatically.
Harry reached over and pulled Hermione's wand out of her pocket, opened her hand and placed the long piece of wood in her grasp. Hermione frowned and looked down at it. Harry's arms reached out imploringly, and he waited. Hermione's shoulders drooped dejectedly. Harry put his hand on her shoulder and then pulled her to him tenderly. The girl's arms slipped around him and she turned to kiss him passionate. The others turned away to give them some privacy.
The two walked over bashfully, their hands entwined. They broke apart reluctantly.
"Be careful," Hermione whispered to Harry. The boy nodded and smiled tenderly.
As the men left, Hermione walked up to Jessa and looked the plump woman in the eye, "Are you a witch?" The young woman asked.
Jessa shook her head, "No, I wasn't . . . before all of this, but I've worked some magic since. It was all born out of need though."
Hermione nodded, "I can feel my magic, and every now and then, I can cast. But, for the most part my wand is useless." The girl shook her head clearly disappointed.
"You know. Severus rarely uses his wand. Maybe you need to start practicing without it?" Jessa met Hermione's eyes curiously..
She left the young woman to mull it over as evening descended.
XxxxXxxxXxxxXxxxX
Harry and Severus disillusioned themselves and moved quickly through the woods. It seemed far too quiet. The birds were roosting in the trees and the crickets even seemed hesitant to chirrup. Severus wasn't use to traveling on foot, but Harry clearly was. The fleet footed boy dashed quietly ahead of him Severus' long legs helped him keep up as they jogged through the tree line.
"Wait," Severus hissed.
Harry paused, trying to catch his breath and looked to Severus speculatively. His chest rose and fell hurriedly as he breathed through his nose in an attempt to regain his wind.
Severus put his finger over his mouth and gestured ahead of them. He cast homenum revelio and they immediately knew that two men were nearby.
"It's got to be the trap." Harry hissed.
Severus nodded and pointed into the air and to their left. His sharp eyes had seen the shadow, which had ducked when the spell was cast. Severus smirked as the bulky man fought to remain in the tree. The limb cracked and the oaf fell to the ground with a loud grunt. The leaves rustled loudly as he struggled to untangle himself from the branch.
The tall wizard hit him with a powerful stunner knocking the wildman unconscious. They raced past the limp figure deftly and, thanks to magic, silently. Severus grabbed Harry again and pointed into a nearby tree.
A figure was strung up upside down by its ankles. Severus could detect no other presence about, and they approached, cut the body down, and lowered it gently to the ground. The boy was a little worse for wear. His face was badly bruised, but the diagnostic spell revealed that little else was wrong with him. Severus picked up the stout young man and hoisted him over his shoulder.
"Come on," Harry urged, grabbed Severus' arm, and raced forward.
Severus grunted and adjusted his burden before setting off behind Harry. The messy haired boy paused ahead and held out his hand. Several more of the wild men had come and were crowded around the downed man ahead of them. There had likely been signals and checkpoints; when this Merk failed to respond, it had likely alerted the others. The men seemed far more organized than Severus had suspected.
The two wizards ducked behind a nearby tree. Severus sat down his burden with a grunt.
"There are five of them," Harry whispered.
Severus nodded thoughtfully, "Stay here," He ordered as he pushed the boy against the tree and dashed forward. Harry felt the rough bark press into his back and heard a noise off to their left as Severus revealed himself.
With a gesture of his hand, the powerful wizard cut two of the men down. His hair flew wildly as he raced forward. The other wildmen looked around startled before they caught sight of Severus racing towards them like some infuriated wraith.
Harry stepped out as a sixth figure ran through the darkness at Severus. The young man thrust out his hands, and the hulking figure flew back, slamming against a nearby tree.
Severus petrified the remaining three and turned to Harry with wild eyes. "Come!" He ordered as he raced back to the tree and levitated the unconscious young man weightlessly onto his shoulders.
"You can't just leave them there alive!" Harry hissed loudly.
"Then kill them," Severus glared at the boy before turning and rushing off.
Harry hesitated before gritting his teeth and grunting exasperatedly. He followed Severus quickly, leaving the men to some other fate.
They traveled quickly through the woods, using magic to disturb their trail. The campfire was burning brightly, and Jessa was doling out the stew when they entered the wards. Severus lowered the boy to the ground gently.
Jessa started, dropping her bowl as Severus and Harry bound through the wards. The forest seemed eerily quiet as the two heaving men lowered a limp body to the ground. Jessa could see the raw wounds around the boys fair skinned ankles. He was large, but it was clear that he was still quite young. His skin and hair glowed in the dark firelight, which cast everything in a strange light.
Severus ushered Harry over to the fire, and the boy took deep breaths, trying to calm his breathing down. Severus stood with his hands on his hips. He ran his hand through his dark hair and looked at Jessa worriedly.
"What is it?" She walked up to him intently.
His own hands reached out and grabbed her shoulders. The intense man looked thoughtfully at Hope and Fran, who were huddled around Hermione eating their stew and staring into the golden firelight as the flickering flames danced merrily.
Jessa shivered and rubbed her arms as goose bumps rose up on her skin. "It feels like it has dropped ten degrees." She murmured.
Severus wiped the sweat from his brow as he too felt the drop in temperature. They needed to get the girls covered up in the cart.
"I'm not sure as to what we should do," He said thoughtfully to Jessa. If we stay here, we could end up trapped, but if we travel right now, we are likely to get caught." He said calmly.
Harry lifted his head, "No, we need to stay put. Hermione and I had to lay low for a while." He looked to the young woman sheepishly.
"You mean you refused to leave." She said huffily.
"Hermione, we've been over this. I needed to wait for Severus, and look, it was the right thing to do." He reasoned.
"And it almost got us killed, Harry." She shook her head and refused to speak again.
Harry sighed exasperated.
"We should stay here. The wildmen don't stay in one area for very long." Harry reasoned. "If we start traveling, especially at night, they'll sniff us out in no time." The young man argued.
Severus nodded thoughtfully.
"God, it's getting cold!" Jessa exclaimed, "It hasn't been this frigid in months." She bemoaned as she drew out her hand and huffed into the air. A puff of vapour issued from her mouth.
They heard rustling near them as the young man regained consciousness. He sat up and rubbed his head gingerly. They watched as he looked out into the darkness and let out a string of explicatives.
He looked at everyone in the camp with wild eyes, "We need to get the fuck out of here now!" He stood shakily and began to run. He paused momentarily on the other side of the fire. "NOW!"