Sorry, I'm terrible at updating in any sort of timely manner. But a huge Thank you to all who reviewed last: Shaymars, Edwardsoneandonlylove, and Queen of Faerie. And a big thank you as well to everyone who followed or favourited my story!
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is a registered trademark of J.K. Rowling. I do not and will never claim to have created such an amazing series.
WARNING! This story will have sexual interactions occurring between Blaise and Draco. I'm not going to change that, so if you feel uncomfortable with two men being together in such a manner, I would suggest you press the back button now.
That Evening
She had totally and completely chicken out. No ifs, ands, buts, or excuses about it. Her confidence bok bok boked its way, retreating as fast as it could, to the back of her mind when faced with actually asking the two succulent morsels in front of her what she truly wanted. She ended up totally embarrassed and silent. Draco and Blaise took over for her, without too much teasing about her newly acquired shade of pink and planned for the three of them to go out to one of her favourite restaurants that night and maybe some place for dessert, too.
"Trust us, love, you will have a fantastic night out." Dark brown fingers skimmed over her shoulder to flick back up some stray curls.
"Without King Weasel the Red" Interjected the owner of the pale hand that skirted her neckline, sending shivers down her spine, as he grabbed the fingers that still lingered on her shoulder.
Hermione watched as the two had a silent conversation with their eyes but it only lasted for a moment but before she was able to get any sort of inkling as to what their soundless discussion was about, they turned back to her. From serious to, once again, cheerful Blaise kissed her on the right cheek. Draco followed his movements on the left but seemed a little less than cheerful. Hermione finally found her voice as the boys headed for the door.
"Dress for the occasion." She flicked her unruly pieces of hair back in a sultry manner as she walked around her desk, but her sexy smirk wavered, "I should like to be escorted by two of the best looking men around. Gotta make everyone jealous, you know."
She leaned back against the dark cherry wood; her skirt rode up a few centimeters catching the boys' attention. Heart beats increased, sweat formed, and Hermione popped a button on her ruffled top. When did her office become this abnormally warm?
Draco, straining to not watch her finger her collar, shot back a sarcastic reply, "When am I not the best looking man in a room?"
The tension eased slightly as Blaise lightly punched him on the shoulder, "When I am the best looking, of course!"
They all shared a laughed and with the pressure gone for now, the boys waved goodbye, "Don't forget the time!" And then Hermione was left to stew in her own thoughts, still touching her now tension-dampened neckline.
Hermione owled Ginny as soon as she arrived back in her apartment –it was Hermione's day off after all and who would really want to stay at work when you knew you had two amazingly handsome men planning on taking you out that evening. Ginny arrived, squealing in delight, before the brunette could even finish making their tea.
"I have THE perfect dress for you! Of course, I just bought it for you this afternoon as a replacement birthday gift after I went ahead and gave you that pencil skirt this morning but it will be worth it! And it gives me another reason to go shopping again!" Ginny could barely contain her excitement and began digging through a bag that Hermione was almost certain appeared from thin air whenever Ginny needed it. Molly must have taught her some housewitch tricks or something.
"Oh! But before I gussy you up, we'll have to eat lunch and you'll have to spill about how it went! –Wouldn't want your lipstick to rub off on your teacup, you know!" The redhead proceeded to happily prance around the kitchen making a small lunch while Hermione finished setting out the tea, shaking her head all the while. Of course, more make-up!
After lunch and telling Ginny all the embarrassment at the office, -to which Ginny had plenty to say about how stupid a git Ron could be and how innocent Hermione was- the redhead talked her ear off with goodhearted advice and much needed confidence boosting while getting her ready. She kept Hermione's nervousness in line by talking right up until the ten minutes before Draco and Blaise were to arrive for their 'date'.
"Now remember Hermione, this is Blaise Zabini and Draco Malfoy we're talking about here, so even if they get what you're up to, you'll have to come straight out and tell them at some point. They'll want to hear it coming from your mouth –directed at them, mind you –and you'll probably have to say it, even if you don't want to embarrass yourself from fear of rejection." Hermione's subtle intake of breath and slightly widened eyes at the possibility of that happening made Ginny carry on a little faster.
"Of course though, you won't have to worry about rejection! Look at you! You're brilliant, beautiful, and talented! Every wizard wants you! And even some witches!" Ginny nudged her shoulder and wagged her eye brows. The brunette scoffed and laughed, her anxiety sated for now. Ginny always knew just what to say to lighten the mood.
"And besides, they mostly will want to hear it said just to inflate their already out of control egos!" Both girls shared a last laugh as the clock struck five 'til. The redhead made Hermione promise to owl her as soon as she got back home, no matter the time. Afterwards, Ginny hugged the anxious girl and waved her goodbyes and good lucks as she made her way to the floo. Then Hermione turned to take one last glance at the mirror in her hallway.
She truly never looked at mirrors that often, only using them to make sure her clothes fit properly and her wild hair was under some sort of manageable control. However, today was an exception for she had never felt so certain that she would be able to attract the attention of the two men she wanted most. And even though it took a whole lot of convincing on Ginny's part to get her into it (because it was a little too revealing for Hermione's taste), it wasn't just the spectacular, short, beaded, flowing, long-sleeved silver dress she was now in, or the amazing job Ginny did with the little bit of make Hermione would allow, or even the beautiful up-do Ginny had done to her hair, that made her feel this way, either. Standing there looking at herself, Hermione realized that all her life, when she wanted something, she got it. And not in the spoiled brat sort of way that Draco was use to getting things by. No, she got the things she wanted by working hard, persevering, and seeking out the knowledge she needed to make her wants realities. And she knew that tonight was to be no different. She learned –better yet, discovered- something in this moment while she took in her appearance: She could have anything she wanted, and when she wanted it, she made sure she got exactly what it was that she wanted, no matter what.
Feeling liberated, she looked at the reflection of the clock in the mirror and watched as it struck the hour at precisely the moment a knock was heard at the door. Smirking and with all her confidence firmly in place, Hermione turned and walked to her door in her dark green five inch heels with the air of a goddess.
When the door opened, Draco's usual smug look and Blaise saucy one fell as both of their jaws slackened at the unbelievably sexy sight before them. Hermione only grinned mischievously as she exited her apartment and turned around to close and lock the door the muggle way, giving them a lovely view of just how short her silver babydoll dress was.
Flipping back around, she haughtily asked, "So are you two attractive men going to accompany me out tonight, or do I need to find some replacements?"
Draco smirked at her cheekiness and Blaise supplied his own cheek with his reply, "We are here to serve you… Mistress."
They had decided to walk to the restaurant so that they could talk along the way. 'They' mostly meant Draco and Blaise, who both said that it would give them a chance to show off to the unlucky blokes on the street just how much of an amazing lady they could get. The place, a little traditional Japanese restaurant, was only a ten to fifteen minute walk from her apartment anyway. And since Hermione often frequented the restaurant, the owner had no problem reserving for her the beautiful corner she liked so well –which had been enchanted to look just like a Japanese cherry blossom orchard at the peak of spring.
"You look wonderful, Hermione. Who knew silver and green would look this enticing on you? Are you sure Gryffindor was the right house for you? Speaking for both Draco and myself, I'm pretty sure you'd look absolutely delectable in Slytherin robes." Blaise had slipped his arm around her waist as they walked and was having fun tempting her with his smooth baritone –or at least that was the only thing Hermione could think of while his chest was pressed up against her side like that, allowing her to feel the vibrations of his oh so sinful voice.
"But even I hate to admit it … your gold and red looks even more amazing against your skin." Draco had linked his arm in hers and was giving her the most temping half-lidded look –or so Hermione's brain was telling her he was, his glossy dark gray eyes melting her with a sideways glance.
Both men had dressed to the nines tonight. Draco's blonde hair was mostly slicked back minus his own few unruly strands that fell perfectly right at his eyes, inviting her to look for as long as she wished into them. He had worn his best dress robes, as well: pewter in colour and soft to the touch with a deep plum dress shirt to accentuate his pallid skin. His tall height, sharp features, and billowing robes added to his already intimidating demeanor, making Hermione breathless from so much close contact to such a provocative figure.
And Blaise had dressed just as well as Draco. His long black dreads were pulled back into a loose ponytail at the base of his neck, giving him an astute mien. He, too, had clothed himself in his best: obsidian dress robes –made as expensively as Draco's –with a dark crimson dress shirt that just as lovingly emphasized Blaise' cocoa-tanned skin. His pearly white smile, deep resonant voice, and relaxed stance complemented his laid-back but impassioned disposition, which had Hermione subtly squirming; especially when both the dark and light figures beside her had her so turned on in so many different ways.
Reluctant relief washed over her as they rounded the corner of the block, arriving in front of their destination. However, there was a line almost wrapped around the building and for a second Hermione was worried that they wouldn't be able to get in tonight even with a reservation. But Draco took over for her when he sensed her hesitation.
Letting go of her arm, he walked straight up to the hostess who had taken up residence outside the doors of the eatery. "Mon chére mademoiselle, have you a reservation for a Miss Granger?" He turned up the charm, grinning in a most alluring manner.
The hostess melted as Draco enthralled her with his polite but demanding way. Looking at the clipboard on the podium before her, she flipped through a few pages before she stopped. "Oh certainly, Mr. Malfoy, sir! Ah, here we are! A reservation for three by one Miss Hermione Granger."
The girl leaned over slightly to look past Draco at Hermione. Her face was a mixture shock and jealousy as she realized that not only was Draco here but so were Blaise Zabini and Hermione Granger; and not just that, but Hermione was being escorted by both of these luscious men.
The girl shook her head for a second to clear her thoughts and then looked back over the clipboard. "Apparently, Ms. Granger, one of your guests has already checked in and is waiting inside for you, though." Draco, Hermione, and Blaise looked at each other in confusion.
The blonde looked back at the hostess, "I know your establishment has a strict policy about letting in more guests than reserved for, but we truly were the ones meant for the reservation, so could you make an exception this once."
The hostess looked uncertain for a moment, "I would usually get in to a lot of trouble for this but Mrs. Tanemura loves having Hermione over at lunch to eat sushi and play Go. So I think it will be okay, just this once." She smiled at them and quickly ushered them into the restaurant.
"Thank you so much! This means a lot to me." Hermione quietly said to her. She had never been so happy before to have been an old woman's board game buddy!
"Don't mention it! Have a nice night, you three!" The hostess winked at them as she left to go back to her post. Turning around, the three were told by a very busy waiter to find their reserved section and that someone would be with them in a moment.
Hermione lead the way to her favourite part of the place, but stopped dead in her tracks when she saw who her 'guest' was. "I cannot believe this!" Draco and Blaise stopped behind her and turned to one another, unsure if they should be looking forward to seeing how hilarious this might turn out or nervous that this would blow up in a matter of seconds. Both seemed to be a reasonable answer.
Hermione was fuming with anger and as she stepped into the secluded corner of the restaurant, she cast a silencing spell for she knew how loud this was going to get.
"RONALD BILIUS WEASLEY! How dare you show up when I know that you knew that I was to be going on a date tonight!" More of her chestnut curls fell from their place as she started to shake with rage, pointing her finger accusingly at Ron. When would he quit interfering with her life? Had she seriously not made it clear enough that she had totally, completely, one hundred percent moved on from the thing that they clung to during the War that they fallaciously labeled as a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship?
A waiter who had followed them to their section, turned very quickly back, eyes wide and frightened, to see Hermione Granger, War-hero extraordinaire, so obviously mad. She could be terrifying when like this. And so the waiter decided that it was best if he gave them some time to work things out. Alone.
However, Ron looked unfazed by her words as he got up from his seated position on the cushion at the traditionally low-to-the-floor table. He walked up to her and smiled brightly; he was dressed in his best, too –or what he considered to be his best- which was a set of cheaply made dress robes, red and gold in colour, that clashed terribly with his own red hair. He then continued past her to stand in between Draco and Blaise.
Both men were shocked as Ron patted them both on the shoulders and turned back towards an equally shocked Hermione. "Thanks for bring her boys, but I got it from here!"
He stepped forward toward Hermione and got down on one knee, everyone was still in such shock that no one could even move to stop him as he pulled a small, red velvet box from his robes and opened it up to show a small diamond set into a yellow gold band. Then he started, "'Mione, I know we've been through some rough times lately but I think we can make this work out to be something wonderful! I already got that position as a second-string Keeper for the Chudley Cannons and I know that I can be a starter soon! And that means you could stay at home, not have to work, and be a housewitch! I know I can see it now: you, me, six or seven kids in a house like the Burrow! I know I can see it; can you, 'Mione? Could you make me the happiest man in the world and be my bride?"
Hermione was reeling from it all. She could not believe that Ron could be that selfish after all she did for him and Harry! He wanted her to stay at home and have a dozen kids for him and to be happy with him being the only one with a fulfilling career! Not only that, but they weren't going through 'rough times' together; they weren't even together at all and he didn't even want to face that fact.
A million other complaints about this proposal raced through her, now overly emotional, head but embarrassingly enough, the first thing to pop out of her mouth was a whispered, "… you know how much I hate diamonds…" She then turned her head and cried.
Draco and Blaise had stood back; the shock had worn off at about the time Ron had gotten to the part about Hermione being a housewitch, but they were far too interested in seeing what Hermione's response would be to stop it. But now, seeing her cry, they wished they would have.
Blaise rushed over to Hermione and cradled her against him while Draco grabbed Weasley a little harder then he should have when he pulled the waiting redhead up to stand. But Ron wasn't having it, "I thought you got my point to butt-out Malfoy! I'm asking my 'Mione to marry me, not her guard dogs for permission!"
Up until this point, Hermione had not been able to contain her crying over this crazy situation but after Ron's comment, her sadness turned back to sobered fury. "Don't you DARE ask me such a question, Ronald! You are such a selfish prick! I don't want a dozen kids! I don't want to stay at home all day! I don't want to be just a trophy wife for some –"
Ron stupidly interrupted, "I didn't say you could or would be a trophy wife!"
Hermione's jaw fell, Draco and Blaise stood back in surprise and complete fear of what would happen next, "Are you implying that I am not good enough to be a trophy wife!?"
A ten and a three fourth, vine wood, and dragon heartstring cored wand was promptly pointed directly in between Ron's eyes, almost touching his skin. She whispered, "You have never before been such an insensitive, insufferable, infuriating prat than you have been right now in this moment, Ronald. And I want you to listen closely and I want you to completely comprehend everything that I am about to say."
Ron was shaking; a cold sweat ran down his face as he nodded just a fraction of an inch, making her wand touch his now ashen skin. Hermione continued to whisper, making all three boys listen closely to her, "I never, and I repeat, never want you to assume that it is okay to dictate what I will do with my life. I have fully moved on from the fallacy that was our relationship. I was a scared little girl, desperate to try out a relationship before my death, which I thought would come at any time during those days. Now I know that things could not have worked out for us. We both want two totally different lifestyles, and I, for one, am not going to give mine up for your sake. Could you honestly tell me that you would give up your's for mine?"
She didn't let him answer before she continued; her wand had slowly lowered and was now pointing at his chest. "I don't know what you thought coming here tonight and doing any of this would prove, but the only thing it proved is that you, Ronald Weasley, have no consideration for other's thoughts and feelings. And I, for one, am glad that I fell head over heels for those two men over there," –she tipped her head over to where Draco and Blaise were standing – "instead of this boy in front of me. They are not my 'guard dogs' as you so expressively put it; because, yes, while they do protect me, at least they can show some proper respect when dealing with a female and they care about what I want and how I feel. So why don't you go back home and take that ring with you, and, if you're luck, Lavender –who is still completely into you, by the way – will be saying yes to that ring in a few months time."
Her wand was completely lowered by this point, but Ron was standing still, nevertheless. "We weren't meant to be Ron, and I deeply regret having messed up our friendship over this. Because, trust me, I miss my best friend. That clown who was a fantastic strategist and a loyal friend, I miss him, not the bat-shit crazy lover boy who went a little too far overboard. So Ron, go home, and the next time you see my best friend, tell him that I still want to be best friends if that is still something he wants to be, as well."
Hermione, wand now out of sight, lightly shoved him toward the exit of the restaurant, a sad smile playing on her face. "Go home, and think about everything I've said tonight as well as everything that has happened between us since the War was over. Please." Ron didn't say another word as he slowly turned around to leave the restaurant, tucking the ring box back into his pocket.
Dinner was a lovely endeavor, that is –of course –if one didn't take into account how awkwardly it started out after Ron had left.
The waiter eventually came back, walking as softly as a doe into their section to make sure the coast was clear and quickly took their orders. Sitting down, even under the beautiful scenery, Draco and Blaise had been unsure of how to approach any conversational subject with Hermione after that spectacle and so dinner started out in an uncomfortable silence; a silence that was finally broken close to the end of the meal by Draco of all people.
"I can't even begin to describe how amazingly sexy you are, Granger, especially when you're angry." Hermione's eyes slow looked up at him as Blaise turned to stare at him, too. And suddenly their table burst into laughter.
"Is that really all you could think to say after all that?" Hermione's eyes watered as she laughed, and it took a few minutes for the laughter to subside. But it seemed that the giggles were contagious and before she knew it she even had to set her chopsticks down because she had almost shoved a piece of unagi up Blaise' nose while trying to share her sushi with him, as she was still sniggering all the while. And it seemed like no one was able to stop for more than a second before breaking back out into a laughing fit.
The laughter lasted for awhile longer, much to Hermione's need and relief, before Draco seemed cured and became serious once more. "I'm telling you the truth, amie. You're very beautiful. All the time."
Hermione's face, which was already pink from the laughter, flushed a brighter shade of red. She looked down and fiddled with the tulle on her dress, unsure of how to make out the meaning behind what he was saying. Surely they caught what she had said while she was talking to Ron and was just playing with her now, right? For as much as she hoped that Draco and Blaise would both like her in that manner, it really was a long shot.
Looking up, Blaise caught her eyes. "Mia cara, we heard what you said. Just say it again, to us. Please."
Hermione, embarrassed, looked away towards the cherry trees where the blossoms were falling like snow all around them. The grass underneath was soft and the ceiling –which had been enchanted like the Great Hall's –had just finished a gorgeous sunset and a full moon was peaking into the starry sky. And the only thing going through her mind was: what a stunning setting for a crushing confession.
Turning back around, she saw Draco and Blaise having another silent conversation. Still unaware that she was watching, Draco leaned over to Blaise and kissed his cheek lightly while he quietly whispered, "She won't let us down, petit ami. She can't let us go. She just can't. I just can't … We both can't let her go."
Both boys were fixated on their intertwined hands, not aware that Hermione had stood up and walked around behind them. At first, when she watched Draco's soft pink lips gently press against Blaise' chocolate skin, she thought that maybe her chances were null as they seemed to already be together without her. But listening to Draco's words and standing here behind them watching their worried faces, she realized she could have what she wanted because they seem to be waiting –for her.
Draco let go of Blaise' hand suddenly and looked up. Seeing that Hermione was no longer seated at the table, Draco made a sound something akin to a strangled cry and a howl of pain. Then he punched at the ground, shaking his head in hurt anger. Blaise only sighed; no longer looking like his usual tranquil self, instead wet tears streaked his face. They didn't realize that she was standing behind them; they thought she had left. Why did they think she would leave?
"Hey." Hermione whispered, standing with her hands held behind her, twisting her fingers together as they touched the bottom hemline of her short dress. She faced the largest, most beautiful cherry tree which stood behind the boys. Having heard her soft whisper, the light and dark figures behind her turned quickly around, surprised that she hadn't truly left.
Cherry blossoms danced in her mahogany curls, which had almost finished making their way out of all the sticking charms that had been put on them, and they fell lovingly down the side of her turned face. Soft coffee coloured eyes glanced back at the men still sitting down behind her. And from this angle, Draco and Blaise had an amazing view of the gorgeous expanse of her legs and even a bit of a view of her voluptuously rounded cheeks, as well. Smiling innocently –even though she knew she giving them a bit of a show- Hermione spoke in a sultry alto, "I think it's time to go back to my place… for dessert, together."
So another chapter done, whew! And, it is super long this time! I'm shooting for about six or seven chapters for this particular story. So we're about half way there! And the next part is going to be the sexy scene!
Note: Blaise Zabini is black in my story, just like he is in the books. Yes, his last name is Italian so I kept with that, as well. Also, I always thought Blaise would have dreads; I really don't recall what kind of hair he was suppose to have but that is how I always pictured him so that's what he has here.
In addition, if there is something wrong with my French or my Italian in this or any other chapters, please let me know! These languages are not my forte, so I am more than willing to accept tips or help!
And as I've grown older, I've begun to hate Ron a lot less. I see him as a valuable asset to Harry and a decent friend to both Harry and Hermione. Although, I still firmly believe that Hermione and Ron would make for an awful couple! So that why I have Hermione only slightly bashing him, and have her as still wanting him as a friend.
I wanted to ask you, my readers, if you all would be happy with me writing two different sex scenes for the next chapter; one that I could safely have on here and one that will definitely be over the top and perfect to place on Adultfanfiction. Would this be okay, or should I rather just write one that would be half way in between the two and just keep it here? I have yet to put this story on AFF but I have certain been considering it.
Also, I have been thinking of write a side story to this, which would feature what happened during their eight year of school together. So if anyone would like to hear more about it or would actually enjoy reading something like that, please let me know!
As always, PLEASE REVIEW! All reviews are welcome, flames included!
Oh, and just so you know, college is about to start back here, so I might not be posting again for awhile, but like I said last chapter, I promise that I will be more conscious of my readers! So it won't be a year late –maybe just a month or three though… Sorry.