Just Around the Riverbend

Okay, folks. THis chapter does not have our favorite blonde and his pregnant princess in it. But it does have some interesting stuff. I do hope you enjoy it, and I hope I get some good reviews for updating so fast.

Voracious Reader
margaritama - glad to see you back.
angeles
hairsprayX12
Labibliographe - The baby will come before the end of the story. The end is near, but there's still so much I have to put in. Gah! Me and by big idea for a plot twist has cost me SEVERAL chapters. Anyway, I'm glad you liked Phelan and Daisy's little 'slice of life.'


Okay, kids. This one's a doozy. It was about eight and a half pages in Word. I hope you like it.

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Daisy walked silently alongside the Headmaster, wondering what her quadruped friends could possibly want. Was Arbino sick? Was there something wrong with the forest? It was bothering her that there was something important that only she could know.

“Did they say anything?” Daisy asked. Aladfar looked down at the petite Slytherin student. What an enigma she was. Related distantly to Lucius Malfoy, a half-blood, half Native-American, she had befriended centaurs….Pamona Sprout had even said that the girl was a wiz with plants. The green house had never been so productive.

“They introduced themselves, and said that they were on important business from their leader. They needed to speak to you immediately and if anyone asked them anything else, they would just insist on seeing you.” He replied. “And I really need those two centaurs out of the entrance hall. No offense to them, but they are quite distracting.” He finished.

Daisy made a sound of assent, and then they were quiet again. When they finally reached the Entrance Hall, she was actually a bit excited to see her friends again. They had started off rough, but when she had healed the Tree, all of the centaurs, Jed and Forge included, were friendly towards her.

They spotted her before she spotted them, and they shouted a greeting to her over the heads of some of the wandering students.

“Daisy! It is our sincerest hope that the sun has shone brightly on you-” Jed started.

“-And your fortune is good?” his brother finished.

“As the waters of the rivers rise and fall, so has my fortune. Has the fresh scent of the forest kept you company?” Daisy asked, getting a few strange looks from the other students that had gathered.

“It has, friend. We come bearing news of great importance that we must share with you, and only you.” Jed answered.

“Let’s walk then, boys.” Daisy said, and motioned the centaurs to follow her out the Entrance way. The two centaurs flanked her, and were actually relieved to cut off of the paved walkway, and back onto the grass. Their hooves were more familiar with the yield of the dirt and grass than the man-made stone walkway.

Once they were a good bit a way from the prying ears of the school children, Jed turned to Daisy.

“Mars is bright, dear Daisy. And Venus is fading. These signs are dire, and cannot be ignored.” He said.

“I don’t speak with the stars as you do. What does that mean?” Daisy asked.

“The Black One has returned, Daisy.” Forge said simply. Daisy looked confused for a moment, before alarm set into her features.

“You mean Vol-” But she was cut off by the twins whickering nervously.

“We do not speak his name, Daisy. It is cursed.” Forge said softly.

“Hermione says his name. So does Harry.” She’d heard them both use that name. What was so bad about it?

“Harry Potter and Hermione Granger have earned the right to use that name. We did not join the fight until the very end. We do not feel as if his name is something we can use.” Jed answered her.

“Well…what should I do? Should I tell Harry about Vol-er….You-Know-Who?” Daisy asked.

“The information was passed to you to do with what you will.” Forge returned evenly.

“What would you do?” Daisy asked sincerely, momentarily flooring the two young centaurs. Never before had a human asked their opinion on something so monumental.

“We would go to the strongest warrior with this information.” Jed finally responded. Daisy smiled at the two.

“Thank you for telling me. Thank you for trusting me. I’ll talk to Phelan about it, and then we’ll come up with a plan of action.” Daisy said.

“Phelan?” Jed inquired curiously.

“Oh! He’s my..er..how do I put this….? He’s my mate!” Daisy replied. The two centaurs raised up slightly, and stomped their front hooves against the dirt twice.

“Congratulations on finding your mate! I wasn’t aware you humans mated so young…” Forge said devilishly. Daisy’s face began to warm up.

“Well…we haven’t actually mated yet….” She said bashfully. She saw the curious looks on the twins’ faces, and explained the situation she and Phelan had been put in.

“May you and your husband find happiness as long as trees grow.” Jed said sincerely. Daisy gave them a misty smile.

“Thanks, guys. You’re so kind. Would you like to come back into the castle and rest? We can have the house elves refill your canteens and pack you some food…” she suggested.

“No thank you, dear Daisy, we-”

“-Must be getting along. You see, we-”

“-Told Arbino we’d leave as soon as we told you-”

“-What we needed to tell you. And since-”

“-We’ve told you…”

“We should go!” Daisy’s head turned side to side as they spoke one after the other, finally finishing together.

“That’s so freaky…” Daisy said with a grin. “Well, then. I guess I’ll see you guys this summer. That’s when I go back to the Manor.”

“Until then!” They said together. Then they turned and trotted off, heading straight for the forest. Daisy turned on the spot, and began the walk back up towards the school. A few students were waiting at the door, along with the Headmaster.

“Is everything all right, Miss Melfy?” Denebola asked diplomatically. Daisy debated for a moment whether she should tell the Headmaster. Then she realized that she should, but not in front of all these kids, and not where people could hear.

“Sir…I need to talk to you later. I need to tell you something important. Is it all right if I come to your office this evening?” she asked. Denebola’s crimson eyes sharpened, as if hearing the seriousness of the situation in her voice.

“Of course. We can talk after supper.” He said. She nodded, and then walked past the other children, ignoring their curious questions.

“What an oddity you are, Daisy Melfy.”

Daisy turned to see the familiar powder blue eyes of Tom Rowan.

“Hey, Tom.” She said. He tilted his head in greeting. Lucy’s head could be seen poking up out of the pocket of Tom’s white school shirt. “Hello, Lucy.” Lucy turned her little wedge-shaped head towards Daisy, and flicked her tongue.

“What did the centaurs want?” Tom asked curiously. Centaurs rarely exited the forest. They never approached the school, save for Firenze, one of the Divinations teachers.

“I’ll tell you, but I’m going to tell Phelan as well. Come to our rooms so I’ll only have to say it once.” She said. Tom raised a dark eyebrow. Daisy and Phelan had never had company. And it wasn’t for lack of trying on the part of others. They were curious about the domestic life of Hogwarts only married couple, and many tried to get invited over. Tom had just become the first person to succeed.

“Very well.”

~~

Phelan dried himself thoroughly, ecstatic to finally be able to make use of the fluffy white towels he had grown so fond of at Hogwarts. Once he was dry, he slipped on his khaki slacks, and a sleeveless undershirt. He’d dress completely before he had to go down to supper. He balanced precariously and put on some soft socks before finally exiting the humid bathroom, steamy from the near-scalding water he’d used in his shower.

He was quite surprised to see Daisy walking back in the room with Tom Rowan in tow.

“Daisy. Tom.” Phelan said. Tom looked up, and inclined his head in greeting.

“Phelan. Your lovely wife invited me to sate my curiosity as to what was said between her and the centaurs. It seems to have agitated her greatly.” Tom said. Phelan looked at Daisy, noticing that she did seem a bit…jumpy.

“Well, you guys, the centaurs had some interesting news to tell me…”

~~

‘Harry’ threw back his drink in one gulp, relishing the burn of the alcohol down his throat.

“I didn’t know you drank such strong drinks, Mr. Potter.” Tom the bartender said curiously.

“I didn’t know you couldn’t mind your own business, Tom.” Harry replied evenly.

“Fair enough.” The bartender replied.

“Before you bugger off completely, be a gentleman and tell me: where might I find some pleasant company for the night?” The look on the old barkeep’s face was priceless.

“Well…er…You’d be wanting to talk to Miz Scarlett over there.” Tom said, nodding towards a booth in the corner of the pub. A lone woman sat at the booth, unremarkable in any way save for the crimson stiletto boots she wore on her feet.

“Thanks.” Harry said, and stood from the bar. He walked with a confident swagger to where the woman sat, and he saw her watching him out from under thick black fringe. He sat at the booth, and his sharp eyes saw two other wizards watching intently, presumably body guards.

“May I help you, Mr. Potter?” she asked, her voice rich and deep.

“I’m a little lonely, and I heard you’re the one to speak to for a bit of company.” He said. She actually looked up, pinning him with slate-gray eyes.

“And what makes you think that’s the truth?” Miz Scarlett asked. Harry tilted his head.

“Because you have at least two body guards watching us from across the room, you are wearing what can only be described as ‘hooker boots,’ and you just scream ‘lady of the night.’” Harry retorted, dropping his voice to a low whisper. Miz Scarlett looked into his fathomless green eyes for a few moments, before she shrugged.

“How much are you willing to pay?” she asked.

“What’s the freshest girl you have?” Miz Scarlett’s eyes lit up at this question.

“Ah…one for a clean face, eh? I have just the girl for you. She came to me only a few days ago. Her contract was just completed today.” She replied, grinning. “She’s a virgin.” She added.

“How much?” Harry asked.

“For the night? Oh, five hundred galleons.” Miz Scarlett purred.

“No. How much for the contract?” Harry returned. Miz Scarlett raised an eyebrow.

“I’ve never-”

“So you won’t sell the contract?” Harry asked, starting to stand.

“I didn’t say that!” The woman added quickly. Harry kept his seat. “I’ve never had anyone want to buy the contract. How about ten thousand galleons? She’s a lovely one.” Miz Scarlett cooed.

“How about five thousand and I don’t anonymously sell you out to the Minister himself? He’s been looking for a good sting operation…” Harry said. Miz Scarlett narrowed her eyes.

“How about seventy-five hundred and I let you walk out of here with your teeth.” She growled. Harry only grinned.

“You drive a hard bargain.” He said, and pulled a cheque-book from his inner pocket. Once the deal was made, Miz Scarlett rose to her feet.

“I’ll fetch her for you.”

“I’ll go with you. You know, to assure myself of the investment.” Harry said quickly. Miz Scarlett narrowed her eyes, but began to walk nonetheless. She walked up the stairs to the inn part of the pub, and walked with a purpose towards the very last room on the hall.

“What is her name?” Harry asked.

“Bella.” Miz Scarlett replied. Harry stopped walking for a few moments, before his eyes began to gleam with an unholy emotion.

“This is working out far better than I could have ever imagined.” He purred, more to himself than anything. Miz Scarlett watched him out of the corner of her eyes. She pulled a key from her robe, and fitted it in the door. Once she had clicked the lock open, she shoved the door forward.

“Bella!” She barked. Harry peered curiously over the shoulder of the Mistress. The girl that came forward actually made Harry’s breath stop momentarily, for her beauty was unmatched.

She was of average height, but she was curvaceous and shapely. Her ample breasts strained against the material of her too-small, cheap robes, and her waist nipped in before flaring dramatically into her hour-glass hips. Her legs were rather long in proportion to her body, and ended in well-formed feet. Her small hands were nervously rubbing at her black, wavy hair, which easily reached her waist. She had thick fringe, which framed a heart-shaped face. Her innocent, wide eyes were the color of the summer sky, and her lips were bow-shaped and plump.

“Yes, Miz Scarlett?” Bella asked nervously. She caught sight of Harry, and her blue eyes widened even more.

“There’s been a change of plans. Your contract now belongs to Mr. Potter here. Get your things and leave.” She said. Bella looked confused.

“But-”

“Now!” Miz Scarlett snarled angrily. She didn’t like it when the girls didn’t comply immediately. Bella jumped, and moved quickly towards a small shoulder bag in the corner. She slung the long loop over her shoulder, and then presented herself in front of the woman. Miz Scarlett produced a thick folder from the nightstand, and handed it to Harry. “Take her and leave.” She said.

“Shall we, dear Bella?” he asked gently, presenting his arm. Bella moved forward slowly, trembling nervously, before she took Harry’s offered arm. They disappeared with a crack, leaving Miz Scarlett to sneer at the place.

“The rich think they can buy whatever they want. She’ll be a pet to him for a while, and then he’ll tire of her. I won’t buy her back for as much as a sold her for, since she won’t be a virgin by then…”

~~

They landed in the parlor of Grimmauld Place, and Bella looked around with her wide blue eyes.

“Where are we, M-Mr. Potter?” she asked, her voice tremulous.

“We are at my home. Number twelve Grimmauld Place. Now, my dear…would you like a bath? Some dinner?” he asked. Bella looked at him.

“I don’t understand. Aren’t you going to…you know…”

“Have wild, unbridled sex with you? Eventually, sweet. But I want you to be comfortable. We’ll be together for a long time…” he said, and reached out to brush a strand of hair out of her face. Something about his touch chilled her.

“I would like a bath.” Bella finally spoke. Harry smiled at her, and offered her his hand. She took it after a few moments of hesitation, and he led her out of the room, and to the stairs in the hallway. She looked around, noting all of the portraits and decorations. The walls were a cheerful blue, trimmed with pristine white molding, and the banisters were a beautiful dark cherry-wood.

The bathroom was done in beautiful white marble, and trimmed with gold and crimson. The bathtub sat situated in the corner, and indeed looked more like a small pool than a tub. The shower sat next to it, and appeared to be able to fit at least five people at one time. Harry drew his wand and flicked it, causing the bath to begin to fill with steaming water.

Then, he began to take off his outer robes. Bella nearly choked.

“Wh-what are you d-doing?” she stuttered. Harry paused at the top button of his white shirt.

“Getting ready for a bath. You didn’t think you’d be alone did you, dear? Oh, you did! Oh my. Well, that’s not the case. Get ready for a bath.” He said, pulling the tails of his shirt out of his pants.

“Oh…maybe…maybe I will have supper first…” she said, and turned towards the door. Harry caught her wrist in an iron grip, and she gasped when she looked into his cold green eyes.

“You wanted a bath, girl, and you’re going to get it. Do not forget who owns your contract. I don’t know what drove you to sign your body over to that glorified pimp, but you would have faced far worse than a bath with Harry Potter. Now get undressed. I won’t bite you.” He said, and let go of her wrist.

Bella, trembling, put down her shoulder back before she began to undress. Peeling off her outer robes wasn’t so bad, but when she had to pull off her shirt she faltered, and began to whimper. She heard Harry growl low, and made quick work of it, finally coming down to her bra and knickers. They were a serviceable white cotton set, and the bra didn’t really hold her large breasts very well. Harry whistled appreciatively.

“It would have been a shame to have such beauty ravaged by pigs and peasants. Take those off and get into the water.”

Bella looked up at her ‘host,’ and felt all the blood rush to her face. He was standing in front of her, stark naked, with his cock standing at full attention. His was lean and muscular, and his fine light-colored skin was decorated with dark hair across his arms, legs, and chest, which led in a trail to the thick patch of dark curls around the base of his penis. His balls hung soft and heavy between his legs, and swung a little, along with his dick, when he moved his arm to catch her attention.

“Eyes up here, dove. Finish getting undressed.” He said firmly, and headed towards the bathtub. Bella reached behind her and unclasped the cotton bra, letting it fall down her arms and onto the floor. She heard Harry whistle appreciatively, and blushed even harder as she hooked her thumbs in the waist band of her knickers and dropped them to the floor as well. “Merlin’s beard. Shaved bald as well…” Harry said, speaking of her perfectly shaved snatch. She walked, trembling, towards the bathtub, only to be stopped by Harry as she approached the edge. He looked her up and down with his piercing eyes, making her feel like a piece of meat on display.

“Oh yes, girl. I’m going to thoroughly enjoy fucking you. I promise we’ll have lots of fun together. I will christen every single room in this house with you, and maybe even the garden as well. I will have you tonight. I will give you the concession of having your cherry popped on a nice soft bed. My bed. I will treat you like a queen. I will worship your body, and give you pleasure like you have never known. All I ask for in return is submission.” He said, moving close to her. He could feel her trembling as he pulled her close, and buried his face into her hair. She smelled plain, like cheap soap, but it wasn’t unpleasant.

Bella could feel his cock poking her in the tummy, and she wondered how that was supposed to fit….there. But there was something intoxicating about having something so…masculine pressed against her. Harry Potter was practically oozing power and strength. Bella had never been very strong herself. She had never stood a chance of defending herself against the world when her mother and father died. So she had used the beauty the gods gave her, in hopes of making a living with it. She had been snagged quickly by none other than the savior of the wizarding world. But he seemed so different than the humble teenage boy who had tried to shy away from every picture they had taken of him after he had defeated the Dark Lord.

“Will you submit to me, Bella?” Harry asked, and began to kiss her throat. All words she had been about to form died on her tongue when his lips traveled up her neck, and across the line of her jaw. He finally planted a firm kiss on her lips, leaving her quivering under the ministrations. “Will you submit to my will?” he asked. Bella swallowed hard, the feel of his strong body making her feel inexplicably safe.

“Yes.” As soon as the word left her lips, she felt a stinging sensation on her hand. She gasped, and pulled back from Harry to look at her left palm. A red lightning bolt was tattooed onto her palm, looking like a strange, jagged scar.

“What is this?” she asked, terrified. Harry made a shushing noise, and began to run his fingers through her thick black hair.

“Hush, now, my little Bella. It is only so everyone will know that I have claimed you. Do not fear it.” He said softly. She started to protest, but was cut off when he kissed her again. He carefully maneuvered them both into the steaming bath, and pulled her into the water. “It will not harm you. Relax, Bella. Enjoy what I give you.” He purred. She relaxed under the warm water, and the soothing sound of his voice. Harry began to bathe her, paying special attention to her breasts. She blushed and squeaked, but she did not fight him or argue. When he drew the soapy cloth over her palm, he reached down and kissed the lightning bolt gently, causing a jolt of pure ecstasy to shoot straight to his cock, and to Bella’s core. She shuddered violently, and Harry grinned.

And so it was that he gained his ally.

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Hm....what a twist. How will our dear Bella contribute to the story? Will Daisy and Phelan be able to figure out what to do? How will our Headmaster react? Will Batman's identity ever be discovered? Find out next time, kids!

Okay. You've read. Now review. Now. Go on. Do it. Press the button. There! Next time, we'll have our dearest couple back for some more action!