Disclaimer: I do not own any of the people or places that belong to the wonderful world of Harry Potter, as they belong to J.K. Rowling. The OCs (Katherine, Septimus, Helena, Christoph, Elisa, Henry, Nick, Justin, Kyle, Carlos, Mike, Nurse Canter, Headmaster Jeremy Mickels, Hunfrith, Olwen, Huffie, Sorsek, Bilik, Fossum, Lars, Sven, David Suttington, Darius Prescott, Gerard's, Grace, Zielinski, Wakanda, Raya Rasole & Julie Byrd) are entirely my own.
Chapter 16: The Green Steam Engine
It had been two weeks since Severus and Christoph's visit with Wakanda, and unfortunately for Sev, he had yet to find the right opportunity to confront Katherine. Her naps became more frequent as her pregnancy progressed, but Elisa had assured him that it was normal. But there was something else that surprised Severus even more.
Katherine's sexual appetite had doubled since she had reached the twenty week mark. It seemed that all it took was one little look or touch, and Katherine would be all over him faster than you could say 'Quidditch.' Severus was just happy that Septimus was out of the house most of the time when it would occur.
The boy had seemed to create a new schedule of his own, since Helena had agreed to be his girlfriend. He still ran and brewed every morning, but his afternoons became divided between Quidditch with Henry and Nick, or a simple walk or fly with the girl. Severus had caught Katherine several times, sitting on the porch, and watching the young couple fly around the lake or playing games on the pier.
Katherine would smile softly during those times, which made Severus feel a bit guilty. Neither he nor Katherine had ever been given the chance to experience the dating scene. Though Severus knew that Katherine had at least would have had a shot at it, considering most of the boys in Slytherin tailed her like lost puppies during their school years.
But despite Katherine's good looks, she was always one of the boys. The Dueler. The Quidditch Player. Or better yet, the Ice Princess, as the rest of Hogwarts called her. Her Slytherin teammates called her 'Hawk,' because Slughorn had said that her eyesight was the sharpest that he had ever seen.
Severus could still remember the harsh looks he received on the night of their Graduation Ball, as he led Katherine into the Great Hall as the top three students were announced. Avery's eyes nearly popped out of his head, while Mulciber and Macnair shot him looks of hatred.
Severus was snapped out of his thoughts as Fawkes landed on the railing of the porch, beside him. The poor bird had been looking dreadful for days, and Severus wouldn't be surprised if the Phoenix would burst into flames right there and then. The bird suddenly let out a soft cry and turned towards the lake.
Katherine stretched her neck while Severus narrowed his eyes, as both tried to figure out what the bird was looking at. Suddenly a small speck appeared above the western trees across the lake, flying straight for the house. Katherine rose from her seat as quickly as she could, which was slower than normal, and joined Severus near the railing. The two watched as the speck became bigger, causing wings and a tail to become visible. An owl.
"Bit late for mail, isn't it?" Severus asked, as they watched Katherine's Northern Saw-whet Owl, Hermes, swoop down to the pier and land in front of Septimus and Helena. The little owl hopped around as Septimus attempted to untie the letter that was attached to the bird's leg.
After several minutes, Septimus finally freed the parchment from its' carrier. The boy tore the letter open quickly before rising to his feet. He turned towards the house, where his parents were still watching, waving the letter in the air and a huge grin on his face.
"Well," Katherine said, smiling down at the boy. "Looks like we will be making a trip to Amadahy and Rynek Lane."
"New Salem School
of Witchcraft & Wizardry
Headmaster: Jeremy Mickels
Dear Mr. Prince,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into the N.E.W.T level program at New Salem School of Witchcraft & Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1st. We await your owl by no later than August 24th.
Yours sincerely,
Raya Rasole
Deputy Headmistress
(page two)
'New Salem Schoolof Witchcraft & Wizardry
Uniform:Sixth-year students will require:
1. Four sets of plain work robes (black or navy blue)
2. Two pairs of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
3. One winter cloak (black or navy blue, with silver fastenings)Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry last, and/or first names.
Course Books:
Mr. Prince should have a copy of each of the following:
N.E.W.T. Level Book of Charms (Grade 6) by Marcus Highlander
Advanced History of Magic by Graclyn Gladamor
N.E.W.T. Level Transfiguration (Grade 6) by Alatar Toggle
N.E.W.T. Level Magical Herbs & Fungi (Grade 6) by Bethesda Badgrass
Advanced Potion Making by Josephina Jung
Advanced Astronomy by Atlas Callisto
Advanced Care of Magical Creatures by Flora Founithue
N.E.W.T. Level Defense Against the Dark Arts (Grade 6) by Darvis Demort
Advanced Divination - A Guide to the Soul by Ophelia Orbs
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 3)
1 set of glass or crystal phials1 telescope (brass)
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat
Sixth year students are reminded to sign up for Apparation Classes that will begin on November 4th. Apparation tests will be set up on the day of the student's eighteenth birthday. Class registry fee is fifteen (15) Galleons.
Enclosed is Mr. Prince's sixth year prefect badge, Quidditch Captain badge, and train ticket."
"Congratulations on the captain's position, sweetheart," Katherine said, as the family of three made their way through Amadahy. They had been in town since early that morning, buying books and supplies from all the local businesses. But the robes and cloak would have to wait until they visited Rynek Lane.
"Katherine, explain to me why we cannot just buy the robes here in town?" Severus asked, as they entered the small diner.
"There are only certain shops that sell school robes," Katherine said, as they sat themselves near a window. "It is a way for the school to keep track of the students, to make sure that they are getting the right amount of clothing need for the school year."
"Makes sense," Severus said, as he settled into the seat next to Katherine. They sat in silence for a moment, looking over their menus, but Severus noticed that the boy was staring more at his badges than the print in front of him. "I'm surprised you made captain as a sixth year. Don't usually seventh years hold that privilege?"
"Usually," Septimus muttered, as he turned the badge over and over again in his hand. "But there were not any sixth years on the team last year, and Coach Neilson only gives the captain position to those with experience...and leadership."
"What are the marks on the bottom for?" Severus asked, pointing at the four black dash marks doting the bottom of the silver badge.
"Each mark represents a year on the varsity team," Septimus explained. "I've been on the team since third year."
"Their seeker had graduated the year before," Katherine continued for the boy. "And after the varsity tryouts, Neilson noticed Sept at the junior varsity tryouts and pulled him up immediately to play varsity."
"Coach said I had the sharpest eyes he'd ever seen," Septimus murmured. The words hit Severus hard, sending his mind into a flashback to when he had first heard those exact words.
'Merlin's beard Dumbledore!,' Severus could still hear Slughorn praising Katherine. 'If I wouldn't know any better, I'd say you were part hawk! I believe you have the sharpest eyes I've ever seen!'
"Sev?" Katherine's voice broke his thoughts, and he slowly turned his head towards his wife. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Severus muttered. "I was just..."
"Can I start you off with something to drink?" a cheerful voice chirped next to them. The table's three occupants looked up to see a plump brunette woman hovering beside them. The witch looked to be in her late twenties and was dressed in a bright yellow v-neck t-shirt and a long black skirt. A large white kitchen apron was tied neatly around her, but her brown hair was don up in a messy bun.
"Oh, um...decaffeinated tea for me please," Katherine said, surveying the woman closely.
"Alright, how's about you?" the witch said, turning to Severus.
"Earl Grey," Severus hissed, slightly pissed off at the witch for interrupting his family's conversation.
"Hot or cold?" the witch asked, scratching the order down on her note pad.
"Hot," Severus snarled slightly. "Why in Merlin's name would I want it cold?"
"We like cold tea over here," the witch shrugged, oblivious to Severus harshness. "And you?" She turned towards Septimus, wiggling her pencil in her hand.
"Um...a Cider Soda," Septimus shrugged, flipping his menu closed.
"What flavor?"
"Licorice," Septimus said, as the witch wrote the order down quickly before hurrying away.
"Cider Soda?" Severus asked, wrinkling his nose a bit at the name.
"It's a big drink here in the states," Katherine explained. "It's like America's Butterbeer, except it comes in different flavors."
"Twenty-one different flavors," Septimus smirked. "First weekend trips into Pottapaug are the worst. The third years spend most of the time trying to figure out which flavor to have first."
"Pottapaug," Severus said, mulling over the name, which was one of hundreds that he had had to learn over the summer. "The village near the school, correct?"
"Yes," Katherine confirmed. "It is also where we floo into for Quidditch games. But the Quidditch pitch is near the school that is located on an island in the Quabbin Reservoir."
"It is a good thing I have a good memory," Severus said, glaring lightly at Katherine. "Do you have any idea how many names and places you have thrown at me this summer?"
"I have a pretty good idea," Katherine smirked, just before the witch returned with their drinks. They placed their orders and talked lightly until it came. After they had finished, the brunette witch dropped their bill off at their table, and made to go back to the counter, but Katherine stopped her.
"Excuse me?"
"Yes?" the brunette turned back, with a smile plastered to her face.
"Is the owner around, Mrs. Gardner?" Katherine asked. "I haven't seen her in a while and I would like to say hello."
"Mrs. Gardner sold the diner a year and a half ago," the brunette said.
"Oh," Katherine sighed. "Who is the new owner then?"
"You're looking at her," the brunette beamed. "Julie Byrd, pleased to meet you." The witch offered her hand to Katherine, grinning from ear to ear.
"Katherine Prince," Katherine said, shaking the younger witch's hand. "This is my husband Severus, and our son Septimus."
"And it looks like another one on the way," Julie smiled softly at Katherine.
"Yes," Katherine smiled. "In about four months though."
"Now you I've seen around town before," Julie said, looking at Septimus. "You were helping Lars last summer, weren't you?"
"Yes ma'am," Septimus said, blushing slightly.
"But I don't think I've ever seen you two around," Julie said, turning back towards Severus and Katherine. "I moved to the area at the same time I bought the diner."
"Mom been in Europe on a research trip," Septimus blurted out quickly. It had been discussed the first week he was home; Katherine had been on a research trip and Severus had...well...
"A research trip?" Julie asked curiously.
"Yes, I'm a potions supplier for St. Augustine's, and they sent me on a research assignment," Katherine explained. "Severus was a contracted private tutor in Europe. He's been under a twenty year contract that finally came due."
"And I take it you chose not to renew," Julie smirked.
"Correct," Severus said, just before the another couple entered the diner.
"Well, it was nice to meet you all," Julie chirped again. "But I best keep moving." The brunette quickly walked away, heading in the direction of the next customers.
"She's a bit nosy," Septimus muttered, before finishing off his glass of Licorice Cider Soda.
"Septimus!" Katherine scolded him lightly.
"Indeed she is," Severus murmured, as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Sev!" Katherine hissed.
"Come on mom," Septimus said. "You've got to admit she was nosy."
"Fine," Katherine muttered. "Maybe a little. Well...let's get going. I want to still get your robes today too."
The rest of their day was spent flooing home and dropping off Septimus' books, before flooing to Rynek Lane. Katherine was surprised when the witch, who was taking Septimus' measurements, said that the boy had grown almost four full inches since last August. He picked out two navy blue work robes and two black, along with a black cloak. With the purchase of those five items, Septimus was ready for school.
On the night of August 31st, Elisa and Christoph had Severus, Katherine and Septimus over for a farewell meal. Septimus and Helena ducked out shortly after dinner for a quiet walk, since they knew that they would rarely be alone together during the school year. Elisa shooed the younger boys off to their rooms to finish packing.
Around nine o'clock in the evening, the three flooed home and Septimus said goodnight, before hurrying up to his room to finish packing himself. Severus wandered off to the shower, where he was some joined by Katherine.
Their hands roamed each other; caressing warm, wet skin beneath fingertips. Her twenty-three week belly was soft, yet firm beneath Severus' hands. Katherine moaned as one of Severus' hands wandered over her breasts and down her body to her mound. His thumb rubbed circles over her nub, as he dipped a finger into her heat.
Katherine stroked his erection slowly, gently teasing his balls with her fingertips ever so often. Severus groaned loudly, and quickly turned them around. He sat down onto the shower's bench, pulling Katherine gently down with him. He turned her around, so that he could enter her from behind.
Slowly, Katherine lowered herself onto him; stopping momentarily to allow her muscles to relax. Severus ran his hands up and down her side, letting his thumbs caress her growing belly. Gradually, Katherine began to move, rising then lowering herself back onto him. His hips thrust up to hers in perfect rhythm, carefully making sure not to enter too deep. Warm water splashed over their damp bodies, as they continued on.
Their hearts raced, their breathing became shallow as they began to move faster. Severus knew his wouldn't last much longer, and reached a hand around to the front of Katherine's mound. He pressed his thumb to her nub, circling it, causing Katherine's walls to shatter around him. Her tight sleeve gripping him, milking him hard.
After a few more thrusts, Severus followed her; spilling his hot seed into her womb. He gently kissed her shoulders and neck, as their hearts began to slow, and the breathing calmed.
"Come love," he whispered into her ear. "Let's get to bed."
As Severus and Katherine laid in bed that night, he could tell Katherine was lost in thought; more than likely he knew she was thinking about the boy leaving in the morning. He spooned her from behind, wrapping her body in his arms; something that he took to doing since that horrible night back in July.
Severus' eyes were barely closed when he felt something tap against his hand, that was resting on the side of her belly. He waiting a few moments, wondering if it was Katherine stirring a bit, but then he felt it again.
"Katherine?" Severus whispered.
"Hmm?"
"What was that?"
"You felt it?" Katherine asked, rolling over in his arms to face him.
"Yes." Katherine smiled up at him, and gently took his hand in hers. She placed it on her belly, just a little to the left of her bellybutton. They laid silently for a few moments, before Severus felt it again.
"Is that...?" Severus whispered, looking up from her belly to her face.
"The baby," Katherine smiled softly. "I've been feeling small fluttering movements for the past couple of weeks, but this is the strongest they've been so far. And they will only get stronger in the weeks ahead."
"Does it hurt?"
"Not right now," Katherine said. "But as they get stronger, they can." Severus lightly brushed his thumb in soothing circles over her belly, as his other hand pulled her as close as he could get her to his body.
"I love you," he whispered, as Katherine's eyes began to droop.
"I love you too."
The morning of the first of September was quieter than normal. Septimus had brought his trunk and broom down from his room, as placed them near the fireplace. Due to Katherine's stage of pregnancy, they decided to floo to the station instead of Apparating, to prevent an accidental splinching.
At eight-forty in the morning, Severus scrunch the boy's trunk and the three flooed to Union Station in Chicago. The 7 1/4 platform was brimming with people already, and they had to wind their way through the crowd to find Elisa and Christoph. It took ten minutes, but finally the two families were reunited.
"Are you sure you have everything?" Katherine asked Septimus, as Severus handed the boy's trunk to a train attendant.
"Yes mom," Septimus sighed, as his eyes wandered over the platform, looking for his friends.
"Make sure you owl me your Quidditch schedule as soon as you get it okay," Katherine continued, as she dusted imaginary lint from his shoulder.
"Yes mom," Septimus smirked, as returned his gaze to her.
"ALL ABOARD!" the conductor shouted, at exactly nine o'clock.
"I got to go mom," Septimus said, just before Katherine pulled him into a hug.
"I know," Katherine whispered. "Have a good time and study hard."
"You know I will," Septimus smirked, as she released him. "Love you."
"Love you too," Katherine said, with unshed tears in her eyes. Septimus turned towards his father, and was wrapped into a quick one arm hug.
"Good luck," Severus said, as he released the boy.
"Thanks dad," Septimus grinned, before turning and jumping onto the train behind Helena. He took one last look back at his parents, before the train doors shut him in. Katherine's eyes wandered the windows of the train, until she saw him again.
Septimus hung out one of the windows with Helena; both of them waving goodbye to their parents. Severus and Katherine waved back, as the green steam engine began to pull out of the station. The train pulled out of the tunnel and into the sunlight, reflecting the emerald green paint, making it sparkle and shine.
Soon the train was out of sight, leaving Severus and Katherine home alone again...at least until the baby came.
a/n: Well, I finally finished chapter 16! It was a little longer than I planned on, but there was a long of stuff to cover. Chapter 17 will be posted some time next weekend.
A big thanks to Mira Severus Sirius Black-Snape, lexiloo124, tigerlili48, G, sureves 67 epans, RequiemWolfenstein87, Missyick, Love me like snape loved lily ALWAYS & Edwardswife1988 for their wonderful reviews!
