Chapter Thirty-One: Idle Chatter Settles the Soul
Around the same time that everyone was ready to speak, Fleur placed a silencing charm around them.
At one point during the tea party, Ginerva set down her tea cup and cleared her throat daintily. It caught the attention of everyone there and she knew it was now or never. She needed someone to bounce ideas off of, and who better than a group of engaged or married women?
"It has come to my attention that two men within Lord Prince's coven would like my hand in marriage." She did not have to say any more for the women to forget whatever they were previously doing.
"Ginerva, who are these boys and did they speak to you alone?" Molly gasped, fear for her only daughter showing through.
The girl gave a breathy laugh and responded. "No mother they did no such thing. I happened to bear a sliver of conversation when I was passing through the main hall yesterday."
Upon further prompting the blishing girl told the group that the two men were both wizards, one Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas. She had learned their names through a short introduction and conversation the night before.
The two men were twenty, both vampiric in nature, and mated to one another as well. The two had spoken of feeling a mate bond trying to attach their cores to her own though she herself did not feel it.
It was here that she needed guidance. Harriette, being the only soul mated person there had a lot to say from experience, while Hermione and Molly had some extra information they had learned through books. Lily and Fleur listened with extreme intensity, not having had interest in the subject, or simply having never heard of it.
Harriette beamed at the girl for a moment before going into a soft explanation. "And you will not feel the link for a while yet. It will manifest once you are of age, and it is not uncommon to have more than one mate." A pause, then, "However this supposed link is contending with their own bond, and seems to be forming at a slower rate. That could be a side effect your age at the moment, my dear, no need to look frightened."
Hermione jumped in with some logic to add to it. "Not to mention that once they connected their souls to each other, they also connected their fates to your own. If they are truly to be your mates that is."
Molly smiled, "Do not rush into these things, and let them court you if you feel so inclined. But wait until they have asked permission of both Arthur and myself."
Harriette jumped back in after Molly saying, "If they truly are your soul mates, they will have eyes for no one but yourself, keep on the lookout for any deceptions." She nodded to herself seriously and decided to end it there.
Moving from this onto the possibility of future children, the attention shifted from Ginny onto Harriette, Hermione, and Fleur.
It was mostly settled onto Fleur as the sole married woman of the three. Harriette and Hermione were only given a glance that said they were not off the hook for this particular discussion where Lily and Molly were concerned.
The French woman smiled indulgently, engaging in a conversation with the two elder women about her and her husband's plans to have two to three children in due time. Molly lit up like a solar flare at the notion of grandchildren, and listened to the younger woman speak about the potential names and nursery colors for her future children.
Hearing so much about children put Hermione off of the idea of them, but Harriette went off in the opposite direction. She almost wanted children more, seeing as she was older than the other and still unmarried. She would go into a baby fever if she took more than a few years to conceive with Severus.
In that moment she knew just how much of her life-- and death-- was wasted by not having known Severus until this year. She just realized that she had missed out on so much time to get to know her mate, to have and raise children, to be married, everything. Noticing the hush that had stolen over everyone, Harriette took the chance and spoke about her newest understanding of herself.
"I have simply just realized my age." She had sadly admitted. "A mere fifteen years of age in body, and yes twenty-five years dead, but forty summate years wasted nonetheless..." her hands shook subtly as she sipped her tea in an attempt to calm herself.
"Severus could be a father several times over if things had been different." She fell into silence at that idea, only moments later startling at a hand that had settled over his own.
Molly smiled and said, "Do not fret lovely, I am sure the two of you will have centuries to make up for missed time, and any children you've not had by now, are not very far off. You cannot hold yourself responsible for something so unchanging as death."
It was true, Harriette agreed with a silent nod, taking a calmer sip of her drink.
Lily herself could have no other children after Harriette, and thus understood her child's reaction. Having Harriette calmed her soul enough to be fine with this fact, but her daughter had no children of her own to quell such maternal needs. She placed a hand over her daughter's for a moment, pulling it away just after Molly in order to refill her own drink.
The next topic of discussion was not children, but their own fiance's and husbands.
Harriette latched on to this new topic easily, asking the others if they synchronized their daily wardrobe to that of their significant others.
Lily and Molly were the only two that did such a thing, even though it was less on the level that Harriette and Severus did. Molly's wardrobe usually complimented that of Arthur's, while Lily and James only matched in terms of what time period they dressed.
Hermione smiled indulgently, though she herself contrasted Ron's simple muted colors with bright bold ones in her own gowns. Fleur and Bill did not try to match, but both liked similar colors and would wear something that synched up every now and again.
"How is your courting coming along Lady Granger? I was informed that Lord Prince helped my Ronald find something nice for you?" Molly asked, as the topic changed once again. The tea had been drank, the sandwiches consumed by this point, and the morning light was turning towards afternoon rays.
Hermione blushed a pretty flamingo pink as she began to recount her last few weeks. "Oh, Ronald has been quiet the gentleman Mrs. Weasley." Her voice was strong and happy. "He has gifted me with all of my favorites, and every evening he and I walk through the gardens. He listens as I speak, and offers insight and guidance when he can, and I have never been so at ease with another human being."
It was the absolute truth, as every night he would leave her at the doorway to her rooms with a chaste kiss to her hand. He would whisper 'Sweet Dreams 'Mione.' to her before following his brother into their shared room. He neither stepped out of line, nor gave the impression that he could ever care for another woman. This was what she told the other witches with her, and everyone swooned with her, to a much lesser degree of course.
Asking the same of her child, Lily tried not to show any suspicions or hopes on her radiant face.
Harriette did not see this though, and described how fulfilled being around Severus made her feel. How he protected her and comforted her, how he was the reason her lioness finally came back out, and that he had helped her through many a bad memory. She spoke of their mind link and his reassurances that she was nothing short of perfection to him. In a shy tone she stated to the others about the man proposing twice and how he took her every change in a stride.
The women around her gave heed to her every word, took in the way her eyes shined and the way she bit her inner lower lip. She was smitten that was for sure. And given the fact that Severus himself looks at the woman the same way...
Everyone could see that the two were only unmarried in order to uphold tradition. They would have the wedding in a heartbeat if it weren't for the formal tradition for a courting to take four months at the least. It must be hell on them both to keep away from one another, Hermione thought privately. It would not do to speak of something so intimate with another person. Majority of that reasoning came from the fact that Harriette was not her fiance, and thus she as an outsider was not privy to the elder womans romantic affairs.
For two more hours they spoke like this, topics ranging from books or poetry, headed by Hermione and Fleur, to spells and incantations used around the house, which Molly and Lily dominated on principle of having done it longer.
The younger women took notes, adding it to what they already knew and moving on the the next point, which was training. Seeing as Harriette also went by Harrison, the topic was not so foreign at the table. Harriette outlined her normal regimen, from walking daily, to sword fighting and hand to hand combat. She admitted to a love for archery, which she had yet to fully master in the two months she had taken to learn its basics. Finally she encouraged everyone to try something new and to better arm themselves.
Ginny would be doing so, if the determined look on her face was anything to go by. And added to her informal self defense training with Lord Prince, she would be much better equipped to keep herself safe. Hermione was more reserved but also fairly intrigued by it all. Fleur was more of a sporty woman herself, so she agreed without preamble.
It would be most advantageous for all of them to know how to protect themselves and one another.
Meanwhile, Severus was having a bit of a hard time concentrating on his work. Harriette's thoughts would find their way to him and he would be left unable to get the svelte woman out of his head. Like Harriette he was trapped by his body's machinations, the need to pull the woman into a darkened room and have her scream his name out to the heavens.
He wanted to grip her long hair between his long fingers, and silence her mouth with kisses and other such things. It would please him to trail his hands along her tapered waist and hold her thighs in place at night. To look into his green eyes as he takes him into his mouth, and to hear the breathless gasps and mewls of pleasure slipping past those tantalizing lips.
Every single time Harriette's voice trickled into his head via the link, he found himself hard and wanting. Always wanting.
And when the woman smiled? Blast it his heart seemed to explode, and all fantasies and carnal desire would settle once more into the back of his thoughts. The woman made him feel again and it was hard to stay impassive when she was around.
Constantly fighting down a blush or smile when she was beside him, or feeling utterly alone and desolate when she was away... he was at a loss, and there would be several more weeks of this.
Of course he would ask for her hand once again as soon as the four month mark had passed, and their wedding would take place either then or at the year mark of their courting. They were both being worn down by time and one another's presence, and it was a matter of time before they either wed, or lay together out of wedlock.
Severus was not willing to push past the intimacy they had shared the night before, and he knew Harry felt the same. As it was everytime he thought these things, it would be a very difficult time for them both.
Finally able to concentrate once more, severus wrote of the events that day, highlighting his particular thoughts on each performance as well as the meals from last night, and breakfast this morning, a secretive test he would only admit to conducting at the end.
He outlined the plan for the next two tests, and scheduled them and his other plans for Harry accordingly. After this he drove head first into the tax reports and cost of upkeep within the castle, as well as his covens assessment of both Dudley and Harriette.
He had his house elves tailing the Dursley's throughout the night, and a couple of his guards during the day, who reported back to him as well.
He had a bit more to do before his run-- which he would invite Harriette and her family out for as well-- before finishing his paperwork and going starting his daily physical training.
It took him half an hour to get his pre run work in order, sealing them in his desk drawer with high level locking spells. He had yet to fully look over the deed to the potter manor, which he did within another half hour, while the suns heat from outside became heavier as the hours past.
There was only two spells on the deed, one designed to keep away forgeries, and another designed to subtly compel severus to return the parchments to the Dursleys. It would seem as though there was a magical being on their side, and severus would have to find out who they were, and soon.
This delayed his run some more, as he held a private meeting with his advisers and afterwards with a small task force he had put together in order to track this unknown witch or wizard down. Two humans, a werewolf, a vampire, and an elf were trusted with the mission to find this person using their magical signature, blood, scent or simply with deductive reasoning, and to apprehend them. After this was completed, they were to bind them, suppress their magic, and secure them in the dungeons.
Severus would take over from their, fully suppressing their magic with an ancient ring only he could take off or put on someone, and conduct his interrogation. He hoped to have this done, and his questions answered by the time the assasination attempt occurred. It would be the final nail in the Dursleys coffins. That is if he did not simply leave their corpses to the scavengers and weather...
The man almost shrugged, but did allow himself a dark smirk as his task force left, having gotten their assignment and the trace signature from the estate deed.
With his morning work finally done, He stood and stretched, removed the offensive and dark magics from the deed and set it aside for further testing against potions and the like before he could hand it over to his little mate.
Speaking of his little mate, Harriette was getting glimpses of her elder mates conversations, and had to excuse herself from the group early to see if her love was feeling alright. She remembered the coven members requests to speak to Severus on their behalf, and picked up her speed.
A knock on the study door made Severus groan inwardly, but he sat back in his seat and ordered whomever it was to come inside.
His stern expression melted when his little one hesitantly stepped into the room, her hands held in front of herself, and her eyes concerned. He smiled brightly at Harriette, which soothed her, as she took a seat across from him and desk.
This must be strickly business he concluded, giving the woman his attention.
She smiled at him, just a soft tilt of the lips before going into what she needed to say. "My Lord," she began, which for some reason made his stomach flip pleasantly, "I have a few requests and updates from your coven and new employees. There are only a few, such as the farmer Bertram's request for a change of the horseshoes and a second stable for the colts and fillies."
Harriette paused here to give her mate time to write down her words before continuing on.
"Secondly, the chef Elyas has asked for an update to the staff, as he is dealing solely with the influx of returning coven members. Perhaps a few of the women who served under the Dursleys would be apt for the job??" Another pause where only the scratching of a quill on parchment filled the space between them.
Readjusting herself, Harriette clasped her fingers together lightly, a wisp of hair falling into her face. Her hair was free flowing today, which brought the vampires mind back to his previous, somewhat leacherous, thoughts.
He cleared his throat, unable to fight off the pink that appeared on the tips of his ears, watching his mate in all of her innocence.
And she noticed his attention wandering to taboo realms, so she quickly resumed talking in order to resist the temptation of those deep enchanting eyes.
"Lastly a maid by the name of Mathilde, has pleaded to be released from the service of Vernon and Petunia Dursley. She cites the treatment of herself and the two others left in their care, have been hit with the brunt of the couple's ire. And after seeing her arms anx bruises that reside there, I am inclined to agree."
This was all she had to report, looking into the dark eyes of her fiance pleasingly. She knew he could not care less about who served the family, as it would not last much longer, but she alone knew what those three women have gone through. Not to say that only she alone held old trauma, but that she could see that it went beyond the bruises on arms. The maid had a haunted look in her eyes, seemed paranoid by any overtly loud sound, and it looked almost painful for her to walk.
"My mate I fear they may all three need a mind healer..." she sighed, her hands clasping to push away more stray hairs.
Severus nodded, as he continued to write. He cared for his coven to some degree, it was very paternal to be honest, but Harriette cared for their individuality in ways that he could not fathom. She listened to their emotions deeply where he could only listen to facts, intent, and body language. If these muggles were meant to become part of his coven, they would be treated with the same respects and opportunities as anyone else in his care.
"I will see to it that they are replaced, possibly by male staff. They will be relocated to the kitchens after a medical check up in the hospital wing. Furthermore, I will send for the Farrier and a secondary blacksmith to fit the horses, as well as commision the coven carpenter for the stables." Thus was spoken matter of factly, as if he could not fully resonate with any of the information given. It was alright with Harriette, seeing as that was Severus' nature and he tried nonetheless.
"Now, how are the cattle and livestock love?" He asked after setting aside the first filled parchment, which vanished to be revisited after his run. A run that seemed a bit farther off as the minutes passed.
"I was told the cattle are grazing well, the chickens are producing less this month, but overall they are fine. The pigs and lambs are fairing well, as are the sheep who are near ready to be sheared clean of their wool. The seamstresses will be delighted by the fabrics once they have come in." She smiled, hoping just a little bit that that was all the elder wizard would ask. She did also want to know his emotional state, and about his day so far as well.
Severus was thinking along the same lines as his little one, and thus asked his final question.
"Good. Was there any other request or plea that needed my attention?"
When the woman across from him replied in the negative, shaking her head and causing her hair to bounce from side to side, Severus relaxed.
Harriette stood from her seat, going around the desk between them to perch on the arm of the vampiric mans chair. "My mate how have you been today?" She spoke, lifting a hand to his cheek brushing slightly over his hair.
The seated man smiled upwards at the woman, taking her free hand into his own and recounting his morning in detail. He really had nothing to hide from this alluring woman, and his love for her showed in that moment. The way his lips quirked up into a faint smile, and how his eyes closed spoke of his trust in her presence. His voice was deep with content and his words melted into a well of desire that settled in Harry's stomach and heart.
Once he was done speaking, Harriette made a decision to kiss him, nothing spectacular from an outward view, but sparkling with love and innocence between the pair. Severus wanted to bite those lips, to taste once again the blood of the heavens on his tongue. And so he did.