After That - 23 (Patreon)

Harry stared down at the cauldron as it continued to simmer. This was the fourth batch of wolfsbane had had brewed with his adjustments to the formula. His notebook rested within reach with every pop, bubble, and minute color change. The journal Daphne Greengrass had sent him as a gift had some interesting notes. It was these new techniques and alternate combination of preparation that inspired him to work on the potion. He would need to have Oz test them one at a time. The Fully Moon was approaching. Thankfully, there were three days for them to work with.

Things had been oddly subdued since the Mayor visited. There were a couple of minor issues that had popped up, but they were solved by Buffy and Faith without needing his help. The relationship between the two Slayers had been rough for a while. It took about a week before Buffy was comfortable enough to patrol with Faith. It was interesting to see the blonde Slayer go through her struggles from the outside. From someone so involved dealing with monsters, demons, and evil plots she was rather naïve. It made him look back on his adventures at school in a whole new light.

Most of the big events caused an understandable amount of distress. The social aspects were the embarrassing parts. Dealing with Draco and his mooks before he was given a suicide mission, Snape being a complete piece of trash, and the shifting mood of the public were minor hiccups in comparison. He had to remind himself that the group were fine to have school drama since they were in high school.

The bell of the alarm clock snapped him out of his thoughts. Electronics and magic worked better than most people thought. It wasn't a smooth process; they slowed down around the other. Harry preferred mechanical options if he could get them. Clockwork didn't have any issues. The parts could also be enchanted since they were physical pieces.

Harry removed the potion from the heat to let it settle. He made a note of the condition before setting another timer for the cooldown process. It needed to rest before it was usable. He had to watch over this portion of the process as well for his notes. This was the boring part.

The potion settled into an even orange color with the consistency of jelly. It wouldn't be the most pleasant sensation, but it was something. He added it to the other versions then made sure they were correctly identified. The first bottle held the original wolfsbane potion with the variations in the other bottles. He tucked them into his pockets as he checked the time.

Faith was still sleeping off the patrol form last night. He made sure to leave a note so she wouldn't think he had been snatched by the mayor. She had been a little paranoid about them coming back. It was a valid anxiety now that they knew who he was and what he was planning. Harry decided to keep his Mage Armor constantly active. There hadn't been any attempts since the meeting in the car. It never hurt to be prepared.

He took the familiar path to the school. There was another hour before sunset. Snyder had his hands full terrifying the students to notice an extra one among the crowd. He made it to the library without issue. There were students that weren't Buffy's friends there. He chuckled. It was indeed strange to see students in the library using it as the intended purpose.

Harry picked a book from the nearby shelf then took a seat at an available spot at the table. The other students spared a brief glance at him before returning to their work. He flipped through the pages finding it covered demons native to the Canadian North. It was rather interesting learning about something completely different. He had come across all sorts of magical creatures, natural and created, but had found demons to be more effort than they were worth. Over here, summoning one was as simple as a couple of candles and a drop of blood. Though they did have the bad habit of escaping.

The other students drifted away as the bell rang. Harry smiled to himself as they trudged out of the library. He did not miss going to school. It was odd that he had somehow found himself dealing with a magical school even on the other side of the world.

"Ah, Harry," Giles greeted as he stepped out of his office. "What brings you here?"

He tapped his pocket, "I have the altered potions for Oz to try for the next few days."

"That's not for another two days," Giles narrowed his eyes in thought.

Harry nodded, "I wanted to be prepared. Each one requires the usual isolation, but I need to reinforce the cage."

The librarian raised his eyebrows in a silent question.

"For safety, we don't know how he will react to these," Harry explained. "I don't want him to escape if one of the potions makes him more aggressive. Never underestimate a desperate caged animal."

"Good point," Giles replied.

"Any news on the new Watcher?" Harry stood as he asked.

Giles sighed, "None yet."

"You don't sound surprised," Harry chuckled.

The two began to work together shelving books from the returns and those that had been left at random locations. It was almost meditative in the simple motions.

"The council has many exceptional qualities," Giles answered. "Their use of common sense if often swept to the side to make room for those qualities."

Harry chuckled, "Any progress on the Mayor front?"

"No," Giles grumbled. "I have found plenty of things that don't fit what we know of his plans."

"What do we know about his plans?" Harry asked.

Giles took off his glasses, cleaned them, then put them back on.

"Is it that bad?" Harry chuckled.

The librarian blushed. He found long ago that sighing, slapping his forehead, or setting something on fire caused more problems in an already stressful situation. Cleaning his glasses was a way to keep his hands busy while still expressing some frustration.

"I don't suppose you know anyone that could help?" Giles asked.

Harry shook his head, "I have a couple of friends that might have an idea. One is in Australia. The other is traveling. I'll send them the name of the demon in case they know something."

"Thank you," Giles replied.

"Harry!" Willow perked up when she saw him. "Is there danger? Do you need help with a spell? Research?"

Harry shook his head, "Sorry, Willow. I'm doing prep for the next full moon."

"I can brew potions!" She replied a little less hopeful.

He winced, "I finished the potions for this month."

"Oh," She wilted. "No problem then. Good old Willow, old reliable."

Harry shared a confused look with Giles. The older man shook his head subtly to show he had no idea either. It was weird to be closer in age to Faith and the others but able to connect better with Giles. He never thought of himself as mature, he had been through some intense things, but he thought he had kept a sense of humor. Hopefully.

She turned around without another word leaving the two still confused.

Harry hid a smile as Cordelia appeared a moment later. Her heels made her skid slightly as she came to a stop.

"Harry!" She greeted him with a bright smile. "You didn't call."

He gave her a charming smile, "You didn't give me your number."

"Yes, I did," She gasped. "I wrote it down."

Harry shook his head, "You wrote down my number."

Cordelia put her purse on the counter. She began to dig through it, pulling out items and lining them up with some sort of organization only she knew. Harry watched in slight confusion as she removed more things than the purse should logically hold. He didn't sense any enchantments.

"See," Cordelia pulled out a notebook. "867-5309." A blush bloomed on her cheeks. "That's your number."

He conjured a piece of paper then set it on the desk before him.

Harry nodded, "Could I have your number?"

"Sure," Cordelia pretended like she wasn't blushing. "Are you here for something interesting?"

He chuckled, "Not this time."

"Do you want to do something interesting?" Cordelia asked as she moved close.

"What did you have in mind?" He asked.

"The guy is supposed to come up with the date," She teased.

He moved closer and dropped his voice to a whisper, "Are you afraid of heights?"

"No," She answered quickly. "I'm only afraid of big dogs and nuns."

"Dogs?" He asked.

"People usually ask about the nuns," She smiled.

"I've met nuns," He shook his head. "I've also met big dogs. Ask me which one ended with me getting bitten?"

"In a fun way?" She teased him.

Harry shuddered. Cordelia laughed.

"Neighbor growing up had some dogs," She explained. "Nothing bad happened, but I was little and they were big and barked a lot."

Harry nodded. Ripper had tainted a lot of his early interactions with dogs. Oddly enough, it never made him afraid. He was concerned for his health and developed new techniques to handle the mutt, but that was survival, not fear. Ripper was only violent due to how Marge raised him. He actually liked dogs well enough but preferred cats. Cats that were born and had lived in magically rich areas were smarter than the common sort. Not enough to talk, but it was a close thing.

"Would you like to do something this weekend?" Harry asked. "Mid-day to avoid complications."

"Call me with the details," She winked at him.

Harry nodded. He watched her leave, appreciating the little sway in her hips.

"Finished?" Giles cleared his throat.

Harry turned toward the librarian and flashed a smile. He shrugged.

"If that is all, I'll store the potions for later," Harry removed the trio from his pockets.

They had come to the agreement to store the potions here. Any humans that drank it would get a little woozy or nauseous at worst. He had no idea how it would work on non-humans. That would be an interesting round of testing. He wondered how it would vampires, demons, and the European strain of Lycanthrope. Another time for another notebook. If only young Harry could see how excited the potential for more research made him eager.

"Have a good night," Giles said.

"Thank you," Harry replied. "And you as well."

Harry started his walk back to his house. It was a beautiful day. Being in Sunnydale that meant there was something looming in the distance. They had been too long between demon attacks, killer monsters, or supernatural conspiracies. It didn't feel like poking fate considering his history. There was a saying, it's not paranoia if they are out to get you.

Faith was puttering around half-awake when he got home. Her outfit of a tank-top and panties was an appreciative sight. She grunted at him, which he interpreted as a greeting. Her hair was also in a cute tangle. A coffee mug held in a death grip told him she had just woken up. He had to force himself to keep his mouth shut. Wizards were hardier than mundane humans, but that didn't mean he wanted to chance a hot cup of coffee to the face. One did not come between a groggy Slayer and her coffee.

She grunted at him again.

"I went to the high school to drop of the potions," Harry replied.

Faith closed her eyes as she took a sip from her cup. She sighed. He could see the moment the caffeine hit her system. Her eyes widened a little. The sip was enough to power to get the hamster in her brain to get on the wheel.

"Are you sure it's already the full moon?" She asked.

Harry shook his head, "We have a couple of days. I wanted to be prepared."

"I'm bored too," Faith grumbled. "I've been wracking up the vampire kills like crazy. It's like every vamp in California is coming to say hi."

"It sounds like you've been busy," Harry countered.

"Vampires night after night," Faith leaned back on the counter. "Sunnydale is supposed to have ghosts and goblins popping out of the woodwork. Being ambushed by a group of them gets old fast. We haven't had a real monster in like a month."

"The vampire slayer is bored slaying vampires?" He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

"It's my job," She shrugged. "I can get bored."

"As long as you stay alive," Harry considered pouring himself a cup of coffee.

Harry didn't need it since he was already awake. He let his instincts take over as he started to make some tea. Faith shuffled over to the table then dropped heavily into her chair. He chuckled at her as he sat as well.

"What are your plans for the day?" Harry asked.

"Shower, workout, shower again," Faith shrugged. "I'll patrol later. You?"

He scrunched his brow in thought, "I don't have anything else scheduled for the day."

"Want to join me in the shower?" Faith winked at him.

"I thought you would never ask," He chuckled at her.

A mischievous smile flashed on her face before she sprang from her chair and raced upstairs. Harry hopped to his feet and chased after her. He found Faith lounging completely nude on her wide bed. His mouth went dry as he stared at her nude form.

"I thought we were taking a shower," He asked.

Faith smirked at him, "I want to get dirty first."

He felt his breath quicken. He suddenly felt like he was wearing way too many clothes. His movements were confidents as he stripped naked as he stalked over to the bed. Their eyes met, both filled with need.

Harry crawled onto the bed. Faith laid back to allow him to climb over her. He held himself above her, his arms out straight to keep their bodies from touching. Faith pulled him down onto her. Their lips collided in a hungry kiss that took their breath away.

Harry pressed the kiss deeper. His tongue quickly slipped past her lips and began to claim her mouth. Their hands began to roam over each other. She sneakily slipped into the top position.

Harry didn't stay idle at all. He dominated the kiss as his hands caressed and explored her body. His hands trailed down her body so he could reach her round ass. He grabbed a handful of each cheek and gave a firm squeeze.

Faith let out a hungry moan. She was too distracted by the spike of pleasure to realize he had used the moment to get back on top. Her legs wrapped around his waist as he massaged her ass. The shaft of his hard cock rubbed along her glistening slit. Faith rolled her hips as she shuddered. The feel of his length against her already wet pussy was full of promise. Her hands wandered up along his neck to his head. She ran her fingers through his wild hair. He broke the kiss only for his mouth to move intently to her neck. She grabbed a handful of his hair as his teeth ghosted along her skin. Faith rubbed her drenched pussy along his shaft, desperately trying to change the angle.

Harry pushed himself back to hover over her once more. He smiled at the dazed look in her eyes. The mouthwatering sight before him was too much to handle. He started to trail kisses down her torso. Every so often he would pause to nibble on a patch of sensitive skin. A primal part of his brain was pleased that he was leaving so many marks on her body. Faith's hands slid over his skin. He could feel her nails rake across his flesh. He smiled as he realized she was leaving marks of her own.

Faith let out a shocked gasp as she found herself flipping onto her stomach. He lifted her up by her hips, making it so her ass was in the air, and her head was still on the bed. Mind-melting pleasure flooded any rational thought as she felt his tongue slide along her slit. A loud moan escaped her throat as she felt him trail along her wet pussy in long, slow laps. She screamed as the tip swirled along her tight rosebud.

The Slayer groaned as his tongue returned to explore her needy pussy. He kissed and licked her lower lips while his hands groped her raised ass.

"Stop teasing," Faith whispered.

A wicked smile crossed his face for a brief moment before he unleashed his parseltongue ability. Faith pressed her face into the mattress and let out a scream. Even muffled it was loud.

"That's…" She said through deep breaths. "Wasn't what I meant."

His hands shifted to her hips as he let up as her orgasm washed over her. The crown of his cock brushed against her gushing pussy. He pushed forward. Faith raised her head from the bed and let out a long moan. She was stretching wider than she ever had before. Her hands gripped the sheets in tight fists.

Harry slowly pushed deeper to allow her pussy to accommodate his girth. They panted in near-unison as he buried his cock insider her. His hands gripped her hips tighter as he slid out just a little before pushing back in. He repeated the motion, each time he reached a little deeper.

Faith cried out in pleasure as he hilted himself inside of her. She shivered on his cock as ripples of pleasure raced along her body. Harry groaned as he felt her pussy grip him tightly.

"How are you so deep?" Faith moaned.

He let out a moan of his own in reply. Now that he was fully inside of her, Harry began to move slowly. All words were lost as Harry started to pound into her. Her ass shook with each impact. Faith pushed back to meet him as they started a rhythm.

Her body bucked as Harry hammered an orgasm into her. He slowed as she rode the wave of pleasure. His hips returned to speed as the flush started to fade. The sudden charge started a string of smaller explosions.

"CUMMING!" Faith screamed.

Harry couldn't hold off anymore. Her pussy was dedicated to milking his cock and he was happy to oblige. He hammered one final time forward, pressing as deep as he could as he launched rope after rope of hot cum inside her. Faith rocked against him with each shot.

Slowly, he collapsed on top of her with her back pressed against her chest. A slight shift turned them on their sides. Faith pulled his arm close to use as a pillow. She let out a contented sigh.

"Now it's time for a shower," Faith patted him on the chest. "You can still join me."

"Gladly," He nodded.