Author's Note: Hey guys, sorry this update took a while. My schedule has gotten busier and will continue to be so my updates will probably become a little more sporadic. I was also working on a different one shot idea. . . hehe. Welp, sorry for the wait hope you enjoy!

Italics for Harri and Severus thoughts
Bold Italics for mindspeak

Chapter Seven: Almost There

When Harri woke up she was more comfortable than she had been in a long time. And warm. So warm. It was wonderful. She came to her senses and started to squirm. Her memories of last night suddenly rushed back to her and she froze. The panther seemed to be waking up. He was curled around her— very comfortably, she'd never admit— and she couldn't move. He made a grunting noise and started to shift. His head came up and he blinked, looking down at her and then his head started moving towards her.

She started to try and squirm away, fear shooting through her body. He only pressed her down and started to groom her. She froze in shock, relief that he wasn't eating her flooding her body, but also confusion as to what he was doing. She thought it was strange but it was also weirdly comforting in a way she couldn't explain.

He began to get up and grabbed her scruff pulling her out from under the tree. Once out, he set her down and began to speak. Good morning Little One. Today we will continue home, and once we are there I can heal you. The journey should only take one more day. Then we will arrive and get everything figured out. Alright? She nodded and he continued. I would prefer to carry you, but I will ask what you would prefer. Are you alright with me carrying you?

She hesitated before shaking her head. She didn't like depending on others, and being a hindrance. She also would prefer to be able to run if things went south.

He sighed but nodded his head. Very well, but if your condition worsens I will carry you regardless. She huffed a little but nodded. Then follow me.

And she did. For hours and hours and her body was aching from keeping up with him, but she refused to fall any farther behind or make him carry her. They walked mostly in silence and she longed to ask him questions. But she couldn't. She unconsciously let out a small, frustrated (adorable Severus thought) growl, causing the other panther to glance at her. He turned back around, saying nothing, and aggravating her growing frustration.

This is how they continued until nightfall. By now Harri was having trouble walking and pain was radiating through her entire body. The other panther turned around, and seeing her so far behind him, went to pick her up. She was so exhausted she didn't even struggle, she only curled her up as she swayed in his jaws.

We are almost there Little One so be assured. There is a place to rest very close. Harri let out a tiny purr and felt her eyes drifting shut, once again, as she was rocked in his jaws. She tried to keep her eyes open, but inevitably lost the battle to her exhaustion sinking into a deep sleep.

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Severus felt that the entire situation was surreal. The little cub was the most precious thing he'd ever laid eyes on. She was so small and innocent, yet he could see depths of great pain in her eyes. She brought out instincts he had never felt before. He wanted to protect her and hurt anyone who touched her or even looked at her wrong.

He was scared of these feelings. He hadn't felt this in a long time. And he wasn't sure why he was suddenly feeling like this because of a random cub he found in the forest.

Getting attached was dangerous. But he didn't think he'd be able to stop himself.