Traveler: Chapter 26

A contemplative Harry Potter stood in the center of the room, his emerald eyes focused intently on his task. With deliberate movements, he waved his hands around in intricate patterns, casting a series of obscure spells. Each incantation was carefully chosen and precisely executed, ensuring the space was adequately insulated against any sudden bursts of energy that might emanate from the volatile woman they had rescued from Sokovia.

The term 'volatile' was not used lightly in Harry's mind. He did not mean to joke with the remark, for that was exactly what she was right now. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him as he worked, knowing that the safety of everyone in the vicinity depended on his magical precautions.

Agreed that there was no otherwise reaction on her part, but that little fact went out of the window when she came near the Tesseract. The cosmic cube's influence on her was undeniable and deeply concerning to Harry. She had been exposed to its radiation for a prolonged period, far longer than was safe for any human, magical or not. Despite her outward appearance of calm, Harry knew she was not stable at all, regardless of what she might seem like to others who lacked his magical sensitivity.

His keen eyes, sharpened by years of magical training and combat, had not missed the telltale signs of her unstable condition. Tiny sparks, almost imperceptible to the naked eye, had danced around her form when he had been near her. It was unnoticeable to most since they had not been near each other as much, but even then, Harry had felt it acutely. There was a distinct tug on his magical senses coming from her as if some force within her was trying to leech something off of him. The sensation was subtle but unmistakable, leaving Harry feeling slightly unnerved after each interaction.

It was a bit unnerving if he was being honest with himself. The feeling somewhat reminded him of those pathetic dark artifacts he had encountered in the past, objects that sought to drain the life force of those around them. But this was different – it wasn't an object, but a person, which made the situation all the more complex and potentially dangerous.

It did not mean she was a Horcrux or something similar though. There was nothing sinister, just something... demanding. It was almost as if she was inadvertently seeking something from him, and he had a feeling that the same applied to the Tesseract as well now.

As he worked, his mind couldn't help but drift to comparisons between what he felt from Wanda and the magical boons he had granted to his lovely girlfriends. The contrast was stark and undeniable, leaving Harry with a sense of puzzlement about the nature of Wanda's abilities.

Both were polar opposites, and he had no doubts about it. With Felicia, Helen, Maria, and Natasha, there existed a bond borne out of their shared intimacy and trust. It was symbolized by the runic marks that had appeared on their bodies as a result of their connection to Harry – something he had bestowed upon them thanks to the obscure knowledge he had somehow gained after he had combined the Deathly Hallows. These bonds were symbiotic in nature, strengthening both his partners in a harmonious exchange of magical energy.

However, the connection he sensed with Wanda felt fundamentally different. It was more parasitic; as if it wanted to get whatever it was from him without giving anything in return. He knew, with certainty, that this aberrant connection was because of the Death Stone. There could be no other explanation for this phenomenon.

Harry shook his head, dispelling these troubling thoughts as he returned his focus to the task at hand. With renewed concentration, he strengthened the unbreakable wards around the walls, infusing them with layer upon layer of protective magic. These wards were designed not only to keep physical threats at bay but also to contain any magical outbursts that might occur from within. It was a delicate balance, creating a space that was both a sanctuary and a safeguard.

Once he had made sure everything was ready for the woman to move in, double-checking each ward and protective spell, Harry walked out of the room. His shoulders relaxed slightly as he stepped into the hallway. As he closed the door behind him, he found himself face to face with a pair of brunettes coming his way. Despite his lingering concerns, Harry affixed an easy smile on his face as he held the door open, determined to make their new guest feel welcome.

Betty, her kind eyes crinkling at the corners, smiled warmly at Harry as she walked alongside Wanda. The younger woman's gaze darted about, her eyes wide with a mixture of curiosity and barely concealed awe. Every detail of her new surroundings seemed to captivate her attention, from the sleek walls adorned with various artwork to the smooth floor beneath her feet.

"You have a nice home," Wanda told Harry, her accented voice soft but sincere. Her eyes continued to roam, drinking in the elegant decor and spacious hallways that were so different from anything she had known in Sokovia. The decor on the walls, some of which looked so intricately carved they might as well be works of art as well, particularly fascinated her.

"Thank you, Wanda. That is nice of you to say," he replied warmly. Gesturing towards the open doorway, he continued, "Your room is ready over here. Get plenty of rest, alright? We'll discuss more tomorrow when you're feeling refreshed. I'm sure you have many questions, as do we, but I guarantee you we'll do our best to get to the bottom of it all."

Betty added with a reassuring tone, "And don't hesitate to wake me up should you need anything. I already showed you where my room is located, remember? It's just down the hall, second door on the left."

"I don't think you'd need to wake anyone up," Harry remarked, his tone light but confident. He gestured toward the room, inviting Wanda to take a look around. "I've already made sure everything you might need is already in there. But of course, if there's anything else, don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help you adjust, Wanda."

Wanda nodded as she looked around, her eyes widening slightly as she took in the spacious and elegantly appointed room. Truth be told, it was the most opulent space she had ever been in. The contrast to her life in Sokovia was stark and almost overwhelming, bringing a lump to her throat that she quickly swallowed down.

She had lived in Sokovia her entire life, and although they had not been poor by the standards of their war-torn country, things had not been all sunshine and roses for them either. Her family had made do with whatever they had, and it had been just enough to get by. But this room – this single room – was easily bigger than her old home in Sokovia, and she found herself wondering just how expansive the entire house must be. The thought made her feel small and out of place.

As Wanda's gaze traveled around the room, she couldn't help but marvel at the quality of everything she saw. The furniture and fittings were nothing to scoff at, each piece looking as though it had been carefully selected for both beauty and comfort. All looked to be made of the finest materials and designed to perfection, at least to her inexperienced eyes. The bed, with its plush pillows and soft-looking comforter, seemed to promise a level of comfort she had never known. A part of her ached to sink into it, while another part felt almost afraid to touch anything, lest she somehow mar its perfection.

Harry's observant gaze settled on Wanda's attire as she took in her new surroundings. He recognized the casual wear she sported – items he had seen Betty wear on several occasions. It was clear that although almost everything had been thought of, clothing was still pending. He could transfigure or conjure some for her, but he felt the original ones would be more appropriate. He made a mental note to get that rectified as soon as possible.

"I do think the clothes are missing though," Harry remarked, his tone reassuring as he gazed at her borrowed outfit. "I'll get some arranged for you in the morning. We'll make sure you have everything you need to be comfortable here. Is there anything specific you'd like or prefer?"

Wanda's cheeks colored slightly at the offer, unused to such generosity. "You don't have to do that," she tried to protest, not wanting to impose further on her host's kindness. "These clothes I had with me are fine, really. I don't want to be a bother."

Harry raised a hand, gently but firmly silencing her objections. "It's fine," he assured her with a warm smile. "You're the guest here, and we want you to feel at home. We'll take care of it, so please don't worry. It's no bother at all, I assure you. We want you to be comfortable during your stay with us, however long that may be."

His tone brooked no argument, and Wanda found herself nodding in acquiescence, a mixture of gratitude and slight embarrassment coloring her features. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're very kind."

"Don't mention it," Harry continued, his voice softening. "For now, you should rest. It's been a long and eventful day for all of us, and I'm sure you could use some time to relax and process everything. Goodnight, Wanda. Sleep well, and we'll talk more in the morning. If you need anything at all during the night, remember, we're just down the corridor."

Wanda gave him a thin smile as she mumbled in kind, her exhaustion finally catching up with her. She stepped toward the bed, her movements slow and hesitant, as if she still couldn't quite believe this luxury was meant for her. Smiling politely, Harry turned around and made his way out of the room, stopping outside to wait for Betty who emerged seconds later, closing the door behind her with a soft click.

"Any complications with her so far?" He asked in a low voice, not wanting their conversation to carry through the door.

"Seems like any normal woman," Betty replied, glancing at the closed door. "Just a bit disoriented, is all. Which is understandable, given the circumstances. She's been through a lot in a very short time."

"Well, yeah. As you said. She's definitely gone through some serious shit recently," he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just hope we can help her adjust and cope with everything."

"I think she's still processing her brother's death," Betty murmured, her voice filled with sympathy. "She hasn't been keen on mentioning him, but there was a sadness in her eyes that spoke volumes when she was talking about him."

"Yeah, that's pretty apparent," Harry agreed solemnly. He glanced at the closed door for a moment before waving his hand in the air. Betty watched curiously as his hand glowed crimson for a second, the light pulsing briefly before fading away.

"What was that?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"An alert ward of sorts," he replied, tucking his wand back into his sleeve. "If she suddenly wakes up in her sleep or if there's any magical disturbance in the room, I'd be warned. It's a precaution, both for her safety and ours."

"That's handy," she remarked, impressed by the practical application of magic. "Do you use that often?"

"It most definitely is," Harry smiled wistfully, his green eyes taking on a faraway look. "And yes, I've used it quite a bit in the past." His mind drifted back to the times when it used to happen back in the day when they were on the run, searching for Horcruxes. Taking turns to keep watch had slowly become unfeasible since they also needed to discuss their plans, and it was inevitable for them all to fall asleep on some days. It had been Hermione's idea, as it always was, to ensure they all were high on alert in case any one of them felt something was off. They could not take any risks whatsoever, after all.

"─rry! Harry!" Betty's voice broke through his reverie, accompanied by a gentle shake of his shoulder.

Harry jerked slightly when Betty raised her voice, her eyebrows raised in a mixture of concern and amusement. "Yeah, what did you say? Sorry, I spaced out for a sec," he apologized, blinking rapidly to bring himself back to the present.

"Oh, so you do space out as well, huh? I'd have pegged you for someone who remained alert at all times," Betty teased, her tone light but her eyes searching his face with a hint of worry. "Where did you go just now? You looked a million miles away."

Harry chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Just got lost in some old memories for a moment. It happens sometimes, especially when something reminds me of... well, of before. But don't worry, I'm back now."

Betty nodded in understanding, a small smile affixed on her face.

"You were saying something?" Harry asked in an enquiring voice. He could tell there was something on her mind.

Betty fell silent, and it was as if she was having an internal discussion with herself. Harry could almost see the thoughts racing behind her eyes. However, when she finally spoke, it was accompanied by a soft sigh and a small, somewhat forced smile.

"Nothing," she said, though her tone suggested otherwise. "Just reminding you that the others must be waiting for you at the pool. And to be honest," she added, her smile becoming a touch more genuine, "you do need to get cleaned up a bit."

Harry raised an amused eyebrow as she hid a smile and turned away, pretending to be suddenly very interested in a nearby painting. "Really?" He drawled, his voice tinged with playful skepticism. Betty merely nodded silently, still smiling, though she wouldn't meet his eyes directly.

"Alright. I see how it is then," Harry continued, a hint of laughter in his voice. "I guess I should go join them. Wouldn't want to keep everyone waiting, especially if I'm in such dire need of cleaning up."

"Mm-hmm. You should," she nodded. There was a slight flush to her cheeks that hadn't been there before, and Harry found himself highly amused by this sudden change in her demeanor.

Harry had half a mind to say something more, to probe deeper into what she was really thinking. He had a very good idea of what it was, and a part of him wondered if he should do something to make her admit everything. However, he exercised restraint, wanting her to do it when she felt like it.

Shaking his head in amusement, he turned around, ready to head toward the pool where his lovely girlfriends were most certainly waiting for him to join them. Betty turned to watch him as he began walking away, and she was about to leave as well when his voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Oh, and Betty," Harry called out without turning around, and his voice felt different. Her breath caught in her throat as she realized it was the same voice he'd used when they'd had their moment in the kitchen. She strained her ears to make sure all her attention was on his voice so that she didn't miss a word. "You should stop being a little sneak from now on. No need to hide and watch."

He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in.

"Playing solo is fun only to an extent. The real fun is in multiplayer mode, and I'm pretty sure there are plenty of interested players who'd love to have a game or two with you as well."

The metaphor wasn't lost on Betty, and she felt her heart rate quicken at the implications.

With his bit said, Harry gave her a casual wave over his shoulder and walked away, his stride entirely unhurried. He left in his wake a wide-eyed and heavily breathing Elizabeth Ross, standing frozen in the middle of the corridor, clutching the hem of her dress in her fists.

That was as blatant as an invitation could ever be, and it sent her blood on a fiery rush. The meaning behind his words, the casual way he had addressed the situation brewing between them, and the fact that he had called her out so candidly on her sneaking and voyeurism... it was all too much.

Her toes clenched involuntarily, and with a sudden burst of movement, she quickly pivoted on the spot, rushing over to her room with her heart pounding in her ears and firmly slamming the door behind her.

Once inside the sanctuary of her room, Betty leaned against the door, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. Her mind was racing, replaying Harry's words over and over again. The invitation was clear, the ball now firmly in her court.

She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to steady herself. The decision she now faced was monumental, and most definitely life-changing. Did she dare to step out of her comfort zone, to explore this new dynamic that Harry had so casually introduced? Or would she retreat, maintain the status quo, and forever wonder what might have been?

It was a dilemma, her desire and her cowardice fighting for domination within her, and all she could do was stand there, jittery and excited in equal measure.

XXXXX

The moment Harry arrived at the indoor pool, his breath caught in his throat. It was an exquisite sight, one that rooted him to the spot and sent a pulse of pure arousal coursing through his veins. Before him, submerged just beneath the shimmering surface of the water, were four women—each a vision of beauty in their own right, their flawless, naked forms leaning casually against the edge of the pool, utterly relaxed.

The soft movement of the water created gentle ripples that barely kissed the undersides of their breasts, teasingly exposing them to Harry’s unabashed gaze. The light above played across their wet skin, making each curve glisten with an almost ethereal glow. Their faces were serene, their bodies relaxed, and the atmosphere crackled with an undercurrent of something intimate.

Felicia, ever the sharp-eyed and mischievous one, was the first to notice his presence. She lounged at the far end of the pool, her blonde hair sleek and damp as it clung to her neck and shoulders. Her eyes, vibrant and full of mischief, locked onto his, and with a slow, deliberate wink, she sent his heart racing. The seductive gleam in her gaze told him everything he needed to know—she was waiting for him. They all were.

A shiver of anticipation coursed through him, settling heavily in his groin. His erection throbbed, strained against the confines of his pants as his eyes roved over them, drinking in the scene. He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself, but it was a losing battle.

With deliberate, measured steps, Harry walked further into the room, the soft patter of his footsteps drowned out by the gentle lapping of the water. As if sensing the shift in the atmosphere, the other three women turned their attention toward him.

Harry raised a hand with a casual flick, and in an instant, his clothes vanished. His body, toned and lean, was as bare as theirs. The cool air of the room caressed his skin, but he barely noticed as he moved forward with purpose. In one fluid motion, he dove into the pool, cutting through the water effortlessly, the ripple of his dive sending soft splashes toward the women who watched him with equal parts admiration and desire.

He surfaced near the middle, directly between them, the water streaming down his face as he ran a hand through his wet hair. Blinking the droplets away, he gazed at each of them in turn. A spot had already been left for him as if they knew exactly where he belonged—at the center of it all. Without hesitation, he moved to claim his place, his back pressing against the smooth wall of the pool as he settled in comfortably between the four women.

Maria and Helen, positioned on either side of him, wasted no time. They pressed their bodies against his, their wet skin melding with his in the warm water. Maria’s sharp features softened in the glow of the pool’s light, her lips curling into a satisfied smirk as she settled into his side. Helen, with her soft, straight dark hair cascading over her shoulders, gave him a sidelong glance filled with quiet adoration before resting her head on his shoulder.

Felicia and Natasha, never ones to be left out, shifted closer from their spots at the far ends. Felicia’s mischievous eyes sparkled as she drew nearer, her fingers trailing across the water's surface as if testing its warmth before resting her hand on Harry’s shoulder. Natasha moved with purpose, her eyes locking onto his with a look that conveyed both desire and the faintest hint of challenge. They crowded in, their bodies pressed up wetly against his, the heat of their closeness palpable even through the water that surrounded them.

Harry draped his arms along the edge of the pool behind them, pulling them into a loose embrace. His fingertips brushed lightly over their shoulders as he leaned his head back, enjoying the feel of their warmth enveloping him. It was a sensation he could lose himself in. It was an intoxicating blend of comfort, desire, and love.

“How’s Wanda?” Natasha’s voice broke through the quiet, low and husky. “Settled in well?”

Harry, his eyes half-lidded in relaxation, nodded, staring up at the ceiling. “As well as can be expected at this time,” he replied, his voice carrying a touch of his previous concern. He turned his head slightly, gazing at Maria. “She’s tired, though. Really tired. I got her room ready with everything she might need. She’s been through a lot, and it’s not over yet.”

Maria gave a curt nod, her eyes never leaving his. She was always efficient, always prepared, and this moment was no different. “Clothes?” she asked, her lips quirking slightly.

Harry chuckled softly, shaking his head as the reason behind the question dawned on him. “Already taken care of, I see. Should’ve known you'll be one step ahead of it all,” he added, his voice tinged with amusement. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips, feeling the warmth of her body against his. Maria’s lips curved into a satisfied smile as he pulled back, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment before she opened them again, locking her gaze onto his.

“Anything else you noticed?” Helen asked, her voice a touch more concerned and inquiring. Harry was not surprised. Being a woman of science, she was always curious about something new, and this recent development regarding Wanda was one that he believed would be of significant interest to her.

Harry turned to face the Asian woman, his expression shifting to match her tone. “As a matter of fact, yes,” he said, nodding. He paused for a moment, and the casual, relaxed atmosphere of the pool shifted. All four women turned to him, their eyes sharpening with curiosity and concern.

"What is it?"

Harry wondered where to start. He began to explain about the connection he had been feeling whenever he was a bit nearer to Wanda, and how he believed it was solely because of the Death Stone that was under his command.

“You do have a point,” Helen agreed, making everyone turn to her. “As you said, all those hostages, including Wanda, were exposed to the radiation from the Tesseract for a long time, right? And we’ve already seen Wanda reacting to the cube like that. If I’m right, then all the Infinity Stones emit radiation that is either same or at least similar to a certain extent.”

“Which means she will react to all the Infinity Stones in some way, just as she’s reacting to the Death Stone that Harry commands,” Maria mused, earning a nod from her.

“Since she was exposed to the Tesseract, she is reacting so strongly to it. At least that’s what I can gather right now without conducting any tests on her.”

“Liz traced the Tesseract with the gamma radiation it gives out,” Felicia intoned thoughtfully. “Is it possible that it’s somehow linked to what happened to Banner?”

“Possibly,” Helen nodded. “We’ll have to further study all these developments to reach any concrete conclusions. All we have right now are hypotheses and how likely we think they are to be true.”

“Well, you can get started on these tests tomorrow onward,” Harry smiled, pecking her softly. “You don’t have any other arrangements, right?”

Helen shook her head. “We have two Infinity Stones here, Harry. Three, if we count the one you have. That’s unimaginable power for any being in the Universe. At least I believe it is. And you already booked all my time to examine at that Mind Stone.”

“Good to hear my appointment holds,” Harry smirked, making her scoff.

“As if you need any,” she smiled up at him.

Chuckling, Harry leaned down and gently pressed his lips against hers. The beautiful Asian was all too eager to reciprocate as she kissed him back eagerly. She met his tongue halfway, rolling them around as they kissed, and a soft moan escaped her lips when Harry reached over and grabbed her bum, kneading the soft flesh as he pulled her flush against himself.

On the other side, Maria and Natasha engaged each other in a heated kiss, their voluptuous bodies pressing wetly against each other. Their curves squished together, and they soon began to explore each other’s bodies, caressing and squeezing hotly.

Felicia was not one to hold back while the others enjoyed themselves, and she quickly took up position behind Helen. While the Asian made out with Harry, she began to plant soft, wet kisses along her shoulder, slowly approaching her neck. She planted her lips along the curve of her neck, sucking and nibbling, and Helen let out an approving moan.

Five bodies stood entangled in the pool water, their wet nakedness shining under the light as they kissed and groped each other. Harry eagerly helped himself to Helen’s body, caressing her sides and taking as much time as he needed with her curves. He loved how she shivered and moaned whenever he brushed over a sensitive spot, and he made sure he revisited those points.

He could feel how excited she was from the way her nipples had hardened and were poking his chest, and it came as no surprise to him when he felt her dainty hand wrap around his erection that had been pressing against her lower belly. She began to stroke him underwater, rubbing her thumb all over the crown of his prick as she jerked him off.

“The day’s been too hectic. I can feel that in all of you,” she murmured against his lips as she pulled away, and gently pushed him so that he was fully leaning against the wall. Smiling sultrily at him – an expression that looked unbelievably sexy on her face, she asked coyly, “Think you’ve got it in you to lift me up a bit?”

Harry pushed off the wall with a grin as the other three women watched, and he reached out, grabbing Helen by her arse and hoisting her up in his arms. She emerged from the water, dripping, and was in no time turned around and pressed up against the wall.

“Think I’ve got much more than that in me,” he whispered promisingly.

Helen boldly leaned down as she wrapped her legs around his waist, feeling his erection poking against her entrance. She reached out and swirled her tongue around his earlobe and whispered, “Then why don’t you show just what you’ve got in you?”

Harry felt her reach over and grab his length, aligning him with her wanton entrance. She kept gazing deep into his orbs as she descended, popping the head inside her with a loud, wet pop.

“Mmm… yesss…” She moaned. Harry gave a solid thrust and she moaned once again as he buried himself halfway inside her.

Maria and Natasha had already resumed their little session as they pleasured each other, leaving Felicia standing behind Harry now. She smirked and stepped forward, pressing herself against his back, and he glanced at her over his shoulder. Instead of saying anything, she pushed herself forward and a gasp escaped Helen’s lips as Harry was buried to the hilt inside her.

Harry kept her hoisted up against the wall as Felicia began to move behind him, fully pressed up against his back, and he fucked her in tandem. The lovely blonde girlfriend of his took charge of the pace and intensity of their fucking as she moved back and forth, pushing her sizeable assets against his back while making him thrust in and out of her. Meanwhile, Helen kept her lips locked with Harry, their tongues eagerly rolling about as they kissed heatedly.

Suddenly, Helen gasped into the kiss and jerked, and as Harry looked over his shoulder, he was met with a grinning Felicia who kept moving against his back. With one hand, she held onto him while the other rubbed Helen’s clit furiously.

“Cum for him, Helen!” The busty blonde goaded, drawing circles around the sensitive bundle of nerves as she kept making Harry fuck her.

“Ah fuck! Oh!”

Harry grunted as he felt her inner walls tighten impossibly hard around him and he firmly held onto the shivering woman as she convulsed between him and the wall, her lips clamped hard on his shoulder as her orgasm crashed through her. A smug Felicia kept playing with her clit as she moved behind him, and Harry could only shake his head as he took in the sheer degree of lust in her eyes.

“I’m sorry, but after a day like that, I want a piece of this, and I can’t really wait,” she whispered and pulled her hand off, leaving Harry to hold the spasming Helen Cho in his arms. He could hear her heavy breathing in his ear and as she pulled away, the look of sheer satisfaction on her face was impossible to miss.

“That was brilliant,” she said with a breathless grin, and Felicia bowed with a flourish.

Harry gently let her back into the pool and she climbed off him after stealing an intense kiss. They looked over to see both Natasha and Maria still making out passionately while their hands moved under the surface, and Harry turned to Felicia.

“Well then,” he said with a predatory gleam in his eyes that excited the blonde to no end. “Mind returning the favor here, Helen?”

The Asian beauty smirked as she and Harry closed in on Felicia who looked to be getting more excited as the seconds passed. She kept stepping back until there was no escape, her back pressed firmly against the cold wall.

“Do your worst,” she challenged as Helen stood behind Harry, and launched herself at him. Her arms and legs wrapped tightly around him as she held herself aloft, and without missing a beat, she slammed her lips against his.

To be continued…