Chapter Text
5th day of the 2nd moon. 299 AC.
Jon rode his horse through the haunted forest, having left the wall a few hours ago. Ghost padded along silently, a white shape between the trees. Uncle Benjen said he would be able to find the Witch before nightfall, as she kept close to the Wall. ‘If I do not, then either I’ve lost my way or she refuses to see me.’
He wondered what she might be like. There were many tales at Castle Black about her. Some said she was an ugly old crone, as likely to curse them as to help them. Others said she was a peerless beauty, kept so by some foul sorcery. Aside from a very few, none of them have actually seen her. Uncle Benjen was one of the lucky few. After all, it was the Witch that saved him from the dark things beyond the Wall.
He was the only survivor of the half-dozen men that had gone ranging a few moons past. He’d survived only because the Witch had come to his rescue, healed his most grievous wounds and then sent him back to the Wall, many moons past the time he should have returned. And now that they knew what waited in the darkness, they needed proof.
So now, here was Jon riding through the woods alone but for Ghost, hoping to ask the Witch for assistance. If she agreed to help him, then he was meant to bring back a wight. After all, it was only thanks to the Witch that this stretch of forest was kept safe from the Others.
Jon felt his skin prickle from the eerie feeling of the woods around him. It was very quiet. For a moment, he regretted volunteering for this. But no one wanted to risk the Witch’s ire by asking for her help. And so, Jon had volunteered. Otherwise it would have been Uncle Benjen, and he had not yet recovered from his long moons beyond the Wall. It was their hope that the Witch might be willing to meet with him for being Benjen’s nephew. ‘Not that she would know that, or maybe she would. No one knows what she can do. But Uncle Benjen says she is a kind, noble lady, and so she must be.’
Jon found the clearing Uncle Benjen spoke about, with the big rock in the middle, and dismounted. He tied his horse to a tree branch and waited. The sun would go down soon. He really hoped he wouldn’t have to camp out here alone. Ghost stepped closer and Jon ran a hand over his head. Then Ghost flicked his ears and ran off into the trees.
“Ghost! To me!” Ghost hesitated but came back, and sat at his feet. Jon looked around at the trees, feeling more unsettled by the moment. Then he turned around and there was a dark shape right behind him. He jerked back and tripped, falling onto his back. Before he could do anything at all, a feminine laughter rang out, and the figure took off their hood.
It was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her hair was long and dark, her skin was pale, and her eyes were the brightest green he had ever seen. They seemed to almost glow in the low light. She was richly dressed and she looked– kind. Kind and beautiful, like a princess lost in the forest. She was smiling down at him and Ghost padded over and sniffed at her.
She leaned down and started scritching at him. “Aren’t you a beauty?” Ghost laid on his back and she rubbed his belly. Ghost was not usually so warm to strangers. Jon stood up and tried to dust off the snow, recovering his dignity as best he was able.
“His name is Ghost.” She straightened up and smiled at him. Even her voice was lovely, “That sounds appropriate.” She tilted her head. “Now, why are you looking for me?” He hesitated, “Are you-” Her smile turned impish, “The Witch? Indeed, I am. Why are you here, Jon Snow?”
Jon startled, “You know me?” She nodded, “Benjen spoke of you, I knew who you were as soon as I saw you.” She seemed to think for a moment, “My name is Harriet Potter. You had best come with me, it will be dark soon, it is not safe.”
She turned around and started walking off. Jon hurried to collect his horse and followed her, while Ghost ran forward to lead the way. She stopped after a few minutes and turned to look back at him. “Give me your hand.” Jon was confused but complied. Her hand was warm and soft. Then he blinked and realized that there was a camp right ahead.
A large tent sat there, fine enough for a king. It was not there a moment ago. She tugged him forward by the hand and they approached a flap set to the side of the tent. She held it open and inside he could see a small stable, big enough for a few horses, though it was empty. They stepped inside and Jon turned around, looking at the space. It made no sense, it was too large.
“Jon, don’t question it too much.” He shook his head and started settling the horse down for the night. There was even hay and some oats. They left the horse there, warm and comfortable, and stepped outside. Lady Potter led him to the main entrance of the tent and he followed her inside.
The inside of the tent was as a large stone manse, or a keep. There was no other way to describe it. He stood in a receiving hall, there were pegs for cloaks on the wall, and a bench. The floors were polished wood. He could see an elegant staircase to the back, and a large comfortable room to the side. There was a fire crackling merrily with seating arranged around it, and a large soft looking rug in the middle. It was toasty warm inside.
He croaked out, “How?” Lady Potter took off her cloak and hung it up. Then she turned to look at him and smiled, amused. “Magic.”
A short time later, his cloak was on a peg next to hers, Ghost was laying down in a corner, and he was seated by the fire, still looking around. He realized there was a large crystal chandelier in the middle of the large space, above the entrance, and a large dining table to the left of it, on the opposite side of this sitting room.
“Jon?” He flushed and turned his attention back to her, she had brought over a tray with drinks, from somewhere. “Would you like wine, ale or tea?” He accepted the ale and the lady poured herself a cup of tea, and set out a water bowl for Ghost, who lapped at it gratefully. Then she settled back against her seat and looked at him expectantly. He took a drink and gathered his courage.
“My lady, on behalf of the Night’s Watch, I would ask for your assistance. We mean to ask for help from the Northern houses, and possibly the South, but to do this, we need proof of the Others. I’ve been sent to look for a wight to bring back to the Watch.”
She frowned, “And they sent you alone?” He nodded, “The Lord Commander thought you might not approach if we sent several men, so it was decided a single volunteer would try to meet with you.”
‘I don’t know how we might capture a wight without her help. Probably at great peril and with many lives lost.’
Lady Potter seemed deep in thought, and then she nodded slowly. “I will help you.” Jon felt relief spread across him. “There are wights stumbling about these parts every few days. I usually clear them off. We need only wait for more to appear, and then I will help you bind them, so you can take them back safely.”
“Thank you, my lady.” She nodded and stood, fetching parchment and ink from a table nearby. “You will be my guest in the meantime, but you ought to write to your Uncle and the Lord Commander and tell them you’ve arrived and that you’re safe.”
Jon thanked her and wrote a short note. Once he’d sealed it, she called out to the house, “Hedwig!” A white shape flew over and Jon looked on in awe as a beautiful white snowy owl perched on the back of her chair. She gently ran a hand over the bird. “This is Hedwig, she is my familiar and she carries my messages. She will be able to find your Uncle easily.”
Soon enough, the owl flew off with his letter and Lady Potter turned back to him. “Come, the kitchen is this way, let us find dinner.”
—
Jon woke the next morning on the most comfortable bed he had ever laid on. The guest room was well appointed, and luxurious. There was even an attached room with a bath and a privy, which Lady Potter called a toilet. He was not used to such fine things, even the bedspread was richly embroidered. He felt an impostor in such surroundings, but Lady Potter had laughed that off. She seemed to not care at all about him being a bastard. They’d spent a pleasant dinner together, prepared by the lady herself, and even Ghost got a meaty bone. Then they retired to the sitting room, drank wine and talked late into the night.
Lady Potter had many questions about Winterfell and what it was like to grow up there, about the castle and about his family, even his studies. He’d answered all her questions and regaled her with many tales of his siblings and their antics. He’d even spoken of his father and his passing, his brother away at war, and his lost sisters. It’d made him miss them fiercely, but Lady Potter made it hard to remain sad, with her kindness and compassion.
He thought to himself. ‘If anything, I might say the lady is lonely.’ She seemed to take great pleasure in simple conversation, and her curiosity about his life was flattering. The truth of the matter was that he liked her very much, mayhaps too much. And he was looking forward to spending the next few days in her company.
The next few days were the most pleasant he’d had in a long time, even with all his worries over his family. They prepared and had their meals together, amid much conversation. There was always something to talk about. Jon even got to hear tales from Lady Potter’s homeland, and all its wonders. Ghost would often lay down his head in her lap, seeking her attention, and Jon could never stop himself from feeling jealous of the direwolf.
He was also able to keep up his training in the garden. And that was the greatest wonder he had seen so far. Under the staircase was a glass door that led to a large glasshouse, big as a field. It was filled with fruit trees and bushes, vegetables and grain. It was bigger than all of Winterfell’s own glasshouses put together.
Every morning, after breaking their fast, Jon would run through some exercises in an open space amid all the greenery, while Lady Potter sat under a tree and read a book, Ghost’s head in her lap. If he tried to show himself in as good a light as possible, then that was his business.
With every day that passed, his regard for Lady Potter only grew. He worried that by the time it came to leave, he might wish to stay forever here with her. His heart would leap in his chest every time he made her laugh and her every smile made one appear on his face, as if by magic.
Every night after dinner, they would sit together on a sofa by the fire and speak late into the night, often with a cup of tea. He learned the lady was much older than she appeared, having been cursed at seven-and-ten. She’d shrugged and said that while she could look older, it took effort and she found no point in it.
On the fifth day, he woke up early in the morning soaked in sweat and with a mess in his trousers. It had been a long time since he’d woken up to this. Jon groaned and pressed the heels of his palms against his eyes. He’d had a wonderful dream, too wonderful, about the lady. And now, it would be impossible to ignore the thoughts in the back of his head, wondering if her skin might be as soft as it looked, and what her lips might taste like.
It all came to a head that night. Ghost was out hunting, same as Hedwig, and they had decided to open a bottle of wine.
—
10th day of the 2nd moon. 299 AC.
It really was a shame he was a man of the Night’s Watch. The way he looked at her was enough to make her want to make an exception, with everything she could see behind his eyes.
Harry didn’t mean to know his thoughts but he felt and thought with such intensity that moment that it caught her off guard. He was unknowingly shouting his thoughts at her. Perhaps it was the drink. Should she have cut him off the wine?
Harry frowned and approached him. She was a little unsteady herself. It’d just been nice to have company for once. Jon was sprawled across the rug, holding himself up with his hands. He was dressed down to a tunic and trousers. That should perhaps have been the first sign he’d had one cup too many.
“Jon, give me that. You’ve had too much. I’ll bring you some water.” She took the cup and set it aside but he took her wrist, stopping her from rising. He started running his thumb over her pulse point. Her heart jumped in her chest. “Jon?” She didn’t know what she might do if he didn’t let go, she liked it too much.
He did not let go, his pupils were blown wide. He raised his other hand and cupped her cheek. She swallowed. “Jon, what are you doing?” His voice was rough when he spoke. “May I kiss you, my lady?” She took a shuddering breath and nodded slightly. He leaned in and brushed his lips against hers, very lightly. He leaned back to look at her, and then leaned back in, pressing closer.
His next kiss was firmer if unpracticed, he tugged her closer and she dropped to sit next to him, almost sitting on his lap. He wrapped an arm around her waist while the other still cupped her face. She could not help but respond eagerly to his kisses. She barely remembered how to kiss, but it was still enough to offer him some guidance. He was a quick learner.
Things turned heated very quickly, her back hitting the rug, not quite knowing how she got there. He was a deliciously pleasant weight over her. She could feel his hardness pressing against her and she opened her legs so he’d fit between them. He moaned into her mouth when she raised her legs around his waist and his cock made contact with her clothed cunt. He started rubbing against her and she exclaimed into his mouth. Her hips jumping up, chasing after the friction.
He was panting into her mouth, grunting with every pass. It went on for a while. She sank her hands into his hair, tugging at it, which brought about more noises. He was very vocal in his approval, and she found she liked it very much. He cupped her breast, lightly at first, and then more firmly. He found her nipple with his thumb and rubbed at it.
Her peak took her completely by surprise, she spasmed and wailed. It did something to him because he started moving frantically against her until he slumped, tucking his face into her shoulder. They were both still breathing heavily. She could feel the mess left behind in her trousers. Harry wrapped her arms around him, rubbing his back and running her hand over his hair.
She would miss him once he was gone. She might take off her clothes and do this again properly, but it was going to be hard enough to forget him as it was. If she gave him more, he might walk off with a piece of her she might never get back. Her only consolation was that she knew she also held a piece of him. His feelings were bleeding out of him. He was half in love with her already. Harry feared she might match him in this. It was alarming and yet she could not feel it in herself to regret it.
He was running the fingers of one hand over a lock of her hair. He held himself up with the other, to look into her eyes, still on top of her. She hoped he wouldn’t try to apologize. He smiled at her instead, it was a rueful smile, half sad. “I would apologize, my lady. But I don’t think I can, I do not regret sharing this with you. Even if it is all I can have of you. I will treasure it always.”
‘Oh, bloody hell.’
Any will to hold back flew off into the wind. She took hold of her tunic and raised it up as well as she could while laying down, raising it over her head and throwing it off. He looked at her mesmerized, cupping her breasts, now only encased in her bra. And then she took that off too.
He was wide-eyed, staring at her chest. He really was so sweet. He touched her bare chest again, tentatively. He pinched her nipple. “Gently, Jon.” He gentled his grip and rolled it between his fingers. Her breath fastened again and she gasped when he took it in his mouth. He sucked on one while rolling the other and switched back and forth, until she was squirming.
She pushed him back and he looked at her confused. She tugged on his tunic, “Take this off.” He took it off and was left bare chested. It was a very nice chest. She ran her hands over it, making his muscles jump. She tugged at him until he was the one laying down, and she leaned over him. She licked and bit at his chest and he swallowed roughly, panting. His abs got a great deal of attention.
When she made it to the waist of his trousers, she looked up at him, tugging at it. “Jon, are you sure?” He looked flushed but bright eyed, he had sobered up. His voice was rough. “I should be the one asking you that, my lady.” “If we’re doing this, you really need to start calling me Harry. Are you sure?” He nodded, “Yes.”
She tugged his trousers off with his help. Very quickly he was naked before her, she stood and removed her own, throwing them off. She was only wearing a pair of knickers. She kneeled back down and he watched her, his pupils blown wide.
She took his length in her hand, he was hard again already. She started running her hand up and down, gently and then firmly. He moaned loudly. When she finally took him in her mouth, his hips jumped up while an oath escaped his mouth. He grabbed hold of her hair, making an effort to be gentle. “My lady– Harry, you don’t have to– ah!” He exclaimed when she started moving her head up and down.
Very soon, he tugged at her, “Harry, my lady, I’m not going to last like this–” She popped off and wiped her mouth, smiling impishly. “We can always go again.” He laughed lightly and then suddenly grabbed her and switched them around, her back to the rug. He kissed her deeply and then started kissing down her body, taking his time. When he reached her knickers, he tugged them off, and then parted her legs, just looking at her.
He touched her gently, and then, with no warning, his mouth was on her. It was her turn to shout and grab at his hair. He explored her with his mouth and his fingers, pressing one digit into her. She was so wet it sank in easily. His mouth found her nub and her hips almost came off the floor. He held her down and paid special attention to that spot, his fingers back inside her. It took no time at all for her to reach her second peak of the night.
When he climbed back up her body, wiping his mouth, he looked smugly proud of himself. She could not help but laugh, and he followed along. They were smiling at each other when he laid down over her. She kissed him and reached down to line him up with her entrance. He pressed in eagerly, entering her in a single slow push. Once inside her, he started moving his hips, and she wrapped her legs around him. They were both panting. He was making noises against her mouth, and she sank her hands back into his hair.
He found his rhythm and picked up the pace. She threw her head back, and he kissed at her neck, biting gently. He kept pounding into her. The friction felt addicting. Harry knew they were not going to last, they were both much too aroused, even after the previous round. Jon pinched her nipple and it pushed her right over the edge. She tightened around his length with a whimper and he swore into her shoulder as she felt him tumble right off the edge after her. He slumped over her, panting into her neck. When he looked back up, she kissed him softly. He cupped her face and kissed her back.
A short time later, once they were somewhat recovered, he picked her up and marched off to the bath. And after that, to her bed, to continue where they left off.
—
11th day of the 2nd moon. 299 AC.
Jon woke up wrapped around Harry’s back. She was still deeply asleep. He could feel his cock was hard again, pressed against her buttocks. He smiled and kissed her shoulder, moving closer. He gently brushed her hair off her face and she scrunched her nose, before smoothing again. He wanted to stay here forever. The thought of the Night’s Watch was a distant thing. The war even further away. Something unpleasant he didn’t want to acknowledge. He had broken his vows, and he would break them a thousand times again for but a moment at her side.
He could feel his throat going tight and his eyes sting. He would have to leave her. If he simply stayed, they would find him and execute him as a traitor. He would lose her either way. He could run with her, but she didn’t deserve a life on the run. She deserved much better than him. And yet, he could never regret having her. This had been the best day of his life. He would never forget her, and their time together. If he was lucky, they would meet again.
He laid his head back down and pressed his forehead against the back of her head. He could feel a few hot tears slip out, and he pressed his lips together, holding back a sob. He regretted so very much having sworn to the Watch, and yet, if he hadn’t, he might not have met her. He wished, more than anything, to marry her, and to wake like this every morning. If he was lucky, they might have a few more stolen nights like this in his life.
Jon swore to himself he would never know another woman. He might have broken his vows, but it was for love. In his heart, she was his wife, though there could not be a wedding. There would be no children with her eyes or her smile. A sob escaped him, and he felt Harry wake, turn around and wrap her arms around him, pulling him to her. He laid on top of her and put his head on her shoulder.
His voice was tight with tears. “I love you, and I don’t wish to leave you.” She sighed and kissed his forehead. “Oh, silly boy. I know.” He could feel more hot tears escaping his eyes. “I would marry you, my lady, if I could.” He raised his head and looked down at her.
She had closed her eyes, and he realized she was weeping too. She whispered back, “I love you, too. Oh, I shouldn’t, but I do. I would have said yes, had you asked me to marry you.” He kissed her softly, and felt her kiss him back. It was a chaste kiss, but full of feeling. Then he laid his head back down and closed his eyes. They stayed there for a long time after.
—
15th day of the 2nd moon. 299 AC.
They spent the next several days mostly in bed. Jon learned much about love making, and Harry remembered much she had forgotten. Their remaining time was mostly filled with joy, with bouts of melancholy. Harry taught Jon a little of cooking, as they fed themselves, but she was mostly happy to have him there to share her meals. And to have someone to cook for again, after a very long time alone.
She also played the piano for him, and even sang. Jon even learnt some of the songs, so that they might sing together. He had a lovely voice, and she was happy to sing duets with him. There was much laughter. She also taught him all about modern amenities, the shower and all the many soaps and magical bubbles for the bath. They spent much time in the bath, helping each other clean up afterwards. And had picnics in the garden.
By the tenth day since his arrival, Harry felt the wights close by and knew their time was coming to an end. They got dressed and slipped outside, walking out into the snow. Jon kept a ready hand on Longclaw, but there was no need. Night had fallen and four Wights were shuffling ahead. In a single breath, Harry had them all tightly bound in ropes. Jon looked at her with amazement and pride.
They walked back close together, the wights floating behind. They left them tied inside the wards and went to bed together, one last time. They had each other slowly, savoring every moment. She kissed down his chest, and took him in her mouth until completion. Jon slid inside her again and again, and kissed every tear. After, he laid on top of her while she ran her hands over his hair and his back, the way they’ve become so fond of.
In the morning, Jon packed his saddlebags, kissed her sweetly and rode away, pulling the wights behind in a crude sleigh. He looked back at her one last time, before going out of sight, and she raised her hand in farewell.
Then she closed the wards tightly, went inside and curled up on the sofa in front of the fire. By the same plush rug where they’d had each other for the first time. She grabbed a blanket from the back of the sofa and wrapped it around herself. She was alone again.
—
23rd day of the 2nd moon. 299 AC.
Harry gave herself a few days to mope around before deciding that if she was going to be thinking of Jon, she’d do it in a more useful manner. And so, she started a new project. A new cloak, she decided. Something to keep him warm in the worst of a Northern winter, with all the enchantments she could fit.
Ever since finding herself in this strange new world, she’d been very thankful for having chosen to become a Master Enchanter. A master enchanter had to be adept in a wide variety of skills, both magic and mundane. Everything from metal, wood and leather working, occasionally glass, to a mastery of charms, runes and thread magic, and at least journeyman level skills in both potions and transfiguration.
It was the reason why Harry had been one of only five Master Enchanters in the UK. Most enchanted items were made by a specialist, not a Master Enchanter, be it someone specializing in bags, luggage, or clothes. A Master Enchanter could make all of those and more. The most famous Enchanter in history had been Rowena Ravenclaw after all.
This all meant, of course, that by the time the cloak was ready, it was not only charmed to keep the wearer warm and adjust to their size, but also to be self-repairing, waterproof, self-cleaning, thief-proof, and provided protection against puncture wounds.
It was made of thick black wool, with enough fabric to close at the front if desired. It was both lined and padded at the shoulders in the Northern style with luxurious black fur. It had a hood, also fur lined. As the final touch, she’d added a white red-eyed direwolf head over the heart, right where her school robes would have the house crest.
By the time she finished, she had to admit to herself she was dithering. Should she send it to Jon? Or wait until they met again? What if they never did? Quite done with herself, she wrote him a letter, not giving herself the chance to second guess the contents, packed it up tightly and gave it to Hedwig to deliver. Hedwig gave her a judging look, and took off.
—
Jon was lost in thought, standing watch on top of the Wall. He wondered what Harry might be doing, if she missed him as much as he missed her. He didn’t mind standing watch so much anymore. Here he could stare over the distance to where she might be, imagining he could see the tent if he only looked hard enough.
At least he’d fulfilled his mission. The wights had been placed in the ice cells, where every Black Brother had gone to see them. None could deny now what dangers were approaching. There was a discussion to send a brother south with a wight and ask for help. The idea was put aside when Uncle Benjen had pointed out the wight would likely rot to nothing in the warm south.
Instead, they’d sent Black Brothers around the North, two of them with wights. And had also sent several ravens, and had so far received no response. It was to be expected, most of the North was away at war, and the South likely thought them to be mad. ‘Who would believe such a thing without seeing it with their own eyes?’
In winter, they might try to send a wight south, but by then, it might be too late. What they needed was for the war to be over and the Northern lords to return home.
At the end of his shift, Jon took the cage back down to the ground and went looking for something warm to drink. He was making his way across the yard when a white shape overhead made him look up. His heart gave a leap when he recognized Hedwig. She was winging down towards him, having come over the Wall.
She landed on a railing nearby and he ran towards her. “Hello, Hedwig! Did your mistress send you?” Hedwig gave him a haughty look and he laughed. Jon realized she was carrying a package. “Is this for me?” She picked at the string tying it to her leg and he rushed to help her.
Once he had the package in his hands, she flew off, heading South. Hopefully she would be back and might be willing to carry a letter back. He ran off to his cell and slammed the door closed. He placed the package in his cot and opened it. It was a black bundle, with a letter on top. He took the letter and stopped himself from ripping it open, he might tear it. He opened it carefully and read.
Jon,
I’ve been thinking of you. And I thought I’d make you something, that you might think of me too. I made you a cloak, to keep you warm at the Wall. It is enchanted, that is to say, it is magic. It will keep you warm, and never tear or get lost. I hope it serves you well. It has been lonely without you. I hope we might meet again one day.
With love,
Harry
Jon could feel the smile on his face, it felt like he hadn’t smiled at all since leaving her side. He carefully folded the letter and put it away securely. Then he took the bundle and unfolded it. It was the finest cloak he’d ever owned. It might be the finest cloak at the Wall. The wool was clearly of high quality, and so was the fur. It felt soft and thick under his hands. The direwolf head made to resemble Ghost made warmth spread inside his chest.
‘She loves me.’ He felt giddy. They’d often made love confessions to each other in their time together, but that sometimes felt like a dream. When he’d returned to Castle Black, it felt like he might have dreamed it all, like she was perhaps some figment of his imagination. She was too perfect. Too much for him. But she was real, and she loved him. He pressed the cloak against his face, imagining he could smell Harry in it.
He took off his cloak, with its stains and raggedy fur, and put on the new one. It fit perfectly, and warmth enveloped him immediately. He realized the constant chill he was used to feeling was gone. He laughed lightly and ran his hand down his chest, over the direwolf head. Then he ran off to see Maester Aemon. He had a letter to write.
—
19th day of the 8th moon. 299 AC.
It would be Jon’s eight-and-ten nameday soon and Harry had a gift ready. They'd been writing back and forth for the past several moons. Not too often, to avoid causing him trouble, but often enough. She also regularly added news for the Lord Commander so that their letters might be more easily accepted. News on wildling movements and on the Others and their wights. The danger was getting ever closer. Soon, she’d have to retreat back over the Wall. Her time beyond the Wall had worked well as a deterrent, and they still avoided her, but their numbers were increasing.
The Free Folk were another problem. Most of them had gathered by now. They would march on the Wall soon, she felt. She’d warned the Watch against ranging, and they had thankfully heeded her words. Rangers rarely ventured far beyond the Wall anymore, and when they did, their numbers were greater. Jon had told her no help had come yet, and she feared none would come until the War in the South was over.
Over the moons, she’d sent Jon a few more small gifts, a leather doublet, an embroidered handkerchief. Nothing so big as the cloak. From his letters, she’d gleaned he’d received some teasing for it, mostly out of jealousy, and she wanted to avoid any trouble for him. For his birthday, she’d made him a bottomless leather bag. That was a bigger gift, but very practical, especially as any food placed inside it would remain fresh. In truth, if she could, she would have made him leather armour. She had plenty of fur and leather from all the hunting. But that might have been too much, and called too much attention. Hopefully all the protective enchantments on the cloak and the doublet would keep him safe.
She’d been about to make dinner when she felt a familiar presence nearby. She ran outside just in time to see a horse appear in the distance. It trotted closer until she could see the rider’s face. She broke into a smile. “Jon!” He was smiling widely and jumped off his horse as soon as he was close enough. He ran to her and lifted her up in his arms, swinging her around. She laughed and wrapped her arms and legs around him. She cupped his face and kissed his smile. He kissed her back fiercely, and she felt him walk inside, still carrying her.
Jon laid them down on the sofa and started to desperately pull her dress up, still kissing. She helped him, pulling down her knickers and bunching up her dress, until she was naked from the waist down, and then helped him pull his trousers down enough to free himself. In a moment, he was inside her. They moved together in a frenzy, desperate to feel each other closer. Jon was pounding into her, kissing her neck and pulling open her dress to free her breasts, putting his mouth on them as soon as he could pull the bra cups down enough for it.
She whined at all the sensations. And then he was panting against her mouth, pressing kisses to her face, everywhere he could reach, her mouth, her cheeks and her eyelids. They stared into each other’s eyes, and then he reached down and found the nub right above where they joined, rubbing at it. Harry wailed and came hard around him. He grunted and increased his pace, almost desperate, before swearing and releasing inside her, finally slowing down.
They stared at each other, still breathing heavily and started laughing. She cupped his face and kissed him, he responded eagerly. When they broke apart, they smiled at each other. “Hello, Jon. It is good to see you.” He looked bashful, made more ridiculous by the fact that he was still inside her, “Hello, my lady.” She pinched his buttock, making him jump and laugh, and corrected him, “Harry.” He smiled wider, “Hello, Harry.” She rewarded him with a short kiss, “That’s better.” “But you’ll always be my lady.” She couldn’t help but smile at him like a loon. “Ridiculous man.”
When they pulled themselves apart, she realized he was wearing her gifts. “These look very good on you.” She ran her hands over the doublet and his cloaked shoulders, while he tucked himself back inside his trousers. He looked very handsome. “If you keep touching me, Harry, we’ll go back to where we left off and I have to take care of my horse.” She pinched his behind again and took her hands off, righting her dress and looking for her knickers. Jon passed them over from behind the sofa, gave her a kiss and went outside to unsaddle the horse.
She got herself cleaned up and presentable and then went back to the kitchen to continue dinner preparation, humming softly. He was back inside in short order. She could hear him remove his cloak and hang it up.
“Harry?” “In the kitchen!” He found her and wrapped his arms around her from behind, holding her tightly against him and kissing down her neck. “How are you here, Jon? Is there trouble?” He sighed against her neck. “The Lord Commander wishes for news of the wildlings. We’ve heard of their numbers from you, but he wants someone to lay eyes on them. He thought if he sent me, then you might be willing to guide me close enough so I could take a look and report back.”
She couldn’t help but tease him, “Ah, is it so very obvious I favor you, then?” She could feel him snort softly. “According to Uncle Benjen, everyone is painfully aware I am madly in love with you. But they all apparently agree you are simply humoring the bastard. Still, any favor at all is worth pursuing it seems.”
She frowned and turned around in his arms. The knife kept cutting behind her, he ignored it out of familiarity. She wrapped her arms around his neck. “They think I’m toying with you? More fools they.” She scowled. Jon chuckled and kissed her softly, “What do they know? I certainly don’t share anything that doesn’t pertain to the Watch. They may think as they see fit, it matters not to me.”
The next day, Harry showed Jon her racing broom, and introduced him to the wonders of flight. Then she flew them northwest for a while, until she landed and bid them continue on foot. Then she took him over a hill, where they laid down and she pointed to the distance. There, Jon could see thousands of tents stretching in the distance. “There must be tens of thousands of them.” She nodded, “Around a hundred thousand. But their fighting force is probably closer to forty thousand.” They stayed for a while, watching their movements, and then turned back.
All in all, Jon only stayed three days. The news were too urgent to put off. And so the night before he departed, Harry gave him his nameday gift. He was amazed with the bag, and thanked her profusely. Also being regretful that he had nothing to give her for her nameday, which had been some days past. She waved that away. “I’m sorry you won’t be here for your nameday, I would have baked you a cake, but maybe you could take one with you and share with your friends.”
And so she baked him a big cake and packed it away in his new bag. Soon enough she was waving him goodbye again. She had a premonition they might be parted for longer this time. She’d warned him she would have to move camp soon, and not to come until he heard from her.
It was a sennight later her feeling proved correct.