"Well, that was quick." Blaise's tone was dry. "I figured it wouldn't take long for the story to make the rounds, but I didn't expect you to fall over your own feet to tell me I'm an idiot for marrying her."

Draco shook his head. He'd headed for his friend's London flat straight away after leaving his mother and their guests. "You assume a bit too much. I'm here to congratulate the two of you, actually."

Blaise's eyebrows shot straight up. "Really? Well, thank you, I guess. It's not what we'd planned, but believe it or not, I'm happy." He gestured for Draco to follow him into the living room.

Draco sank down into a comfy armchair and stretched his legs. He liked Blaise's flat, especially since he'd had it remodelled a while ago. The new furniture was modern, but elegant, with clean, simple lines and muted colours. The perks of dating a designer, I guess. "Where's Jessica?"

"With her family." Blaise made a face. "She said she needed a moment to deal with my mother's reaction. I can't blame her."

"That bad?" Draco shuddered. Mrs Zabini had never seemed all that vicious to him, but he was ready to take Blaise's word for it. "Well, we're in the same boat then. I doubt my mother will be ready to welcome me back into her arms any time soon."

"Does that mean you told her?" Blaise sounded almost awed. "You honestly went and told Narcissa Malfoy that you've been fooling around with her nemesis? Or should that be nemeses? You're either braver than I thought or else a lot more stupid."

"I'm not sure which, either." Draco gladly accepted the glass of wine Blaise poured for him. "Yes, I did and, yes, it was bad. Spectacularly horrible. But, on the other hand it was sort of… liberating."

"Tell me about it." Blaise grinned mirthlessly. "I could have done without my mother screaming insults at Jess, but apart from that, confronting her was the most satisfying half hour of my life. There was so much that I should have told her years ago, you know."

"Exactly." Draco took a deep sip, rolling the wine appreciatively around in his mouth. "My mother may hate me now, but at least it's all out in the open and I don't need to worry about her finding out anymore." Briefly, he recounted the events of the afternoon.

"Holy hell…" Blaise looked sober. "You do realize that once the ladies start spreading the news, your mother is going to be the least of your problems?" Solicitously, he refilled Draco's glass, as if that would help matters. "I guess I should be grateful to you. No one is going to be much interested in my little scandal once they get their teeth into that juicy bit of information." He rolled his eyes. "I never thought I'd say this, but I almost pity Granger and Potter."

"I know." Of course Draco was painfully aware of the fact. "It's going to be a nightmare, for all three of us."

And yet, he couldn't bring himself to regret his outburst, and he had a feeling Harry and Hermione wouldn't mind as much as Blaise thought. After all, they'd been willing to go to the wedding with him, ready to tell their friends and relatives. Either way, it was too late now, unless he was really going to blame his words on a babbling curse. And he knew that wasn't an option, no matter how tough it was all going to be.

With a deep sigh, he accepted another glass of wine. Tomorrow, he'd talk things over with the two of them. Tonight, he deserved a break.

It was an achingly beautiful morning, Harry thought, sunny and warm, with the barest hint of autumn in the air. The grounds surrounding Malfoy Manor were immaculately kept, with ancient trees swaying in the breeze and luscious flowerbeds framing the driveway. Draco hadn't been there, when they'd arrived at the appointed hour for breakfast, but a young house elf in a perfectly ironed uniform had taken them to a terrace behind the house and informed them he'd be back soon. Harry and Hermione had gladly accepted his offer to have a cup of coffee while they waited for "Master Draco" to return from his morning ride.

"I didn't even know the Malfoys owned horses." Hermione looked mildly impressed. "You know, the way Draco acted around Buckbeak, I always figured he didn't particularly like animals."

Harry shrugged. "Maybe he was just afraid of him, and embarrassed to admit it. I know I was dead scared of hippogriffs at first."

"Me, too," Hermione admitted. "How's Buckbeak doing these days, by the way?"

Harry smiled. "Hagrid says he's getting old and cranky. But last time I saw him, he was still preening around like a peacock."

Just then, they heard the noise of approaching hooves and Draco rounded the corner, seated elegantly on a beautiful black thoroughbred mare. When he saw them, he raised his hand in greeting, then got out of the saddle, taking a moment to scratch the horse behind the ear and breathe gently into its nose. The mare whinnied softly and then walked off, led by another elf.

Draco appeared relaxed and almost happy as he walked toward them. He also looked pretty hot in his tight grey breeches, Harry couldn't help but notice. He didn't embrace them, though, just put his hand on Harry's shoulder for a moment and breathed a quick kiss on Hermione's cheek. "Give me a moment, will you? I smell of horse, and I need a shower." He grimaced. "Meet me upstairs. I've had the breakfast table set in my rooms."

Hermione laughed softly as they made their way to Draco's preferred part of the house. "Wow. I think I'll never get over the lifestyle he's accustomed to. Imagine growing up like this!"

"Hey, it could be worse." Harry grinned back. "At least he can manage most daily routines on his own. From what I've heard, the Muggle Royal Family have servants that put their toothpaste on the brush for them."

"That's not true!" Hermione looked genuinely offended. "The older ones, maybe, but Prince William and Kate-" She broke off, blushing a little. "Anyway, the toothbrush thing is probably a rumour. And I didn't mean to take the mickey or anything. It's just… Draco is so casual about it all, you know. The servants, the horses, the house. As if all those luxuries were the most normal thing in the world."

"Well they are, to him." Harry shrugged. "And I don't hear you complaining too much while we're here."

"I guess you're right." Hermione sank into her chair, surveying the sumptuous breakfast table with a sigh of pleasure. "But honestly, who could resist this?"

It was tempting to reach for the assorted delicacies without waiting for Draco, but fortunately he didn't keep them long.

"Gosh, that was wonderful." His smile was almost boyish, and with his hair damp from the shower, dressed casually in jeans and a shirt, he looked younger and less guarded than usual. "The park is lovely in the morning, all fresh and cool. I should do that more often."

Hermione smiled back. "You probably should. You look so… light-hearted. As if someone has taken a weight off your chest."

Draco's smile disappeared within a heartbeat. "Well, yeah, about that." He took a deep breath, his gaze flickering around the room before it finally settled on Harry. "I told my mother about the three of us. She wasn't happy."

For a moment, Harry didn't know what to say. Instinctively, he glanced at Hermione, but she seemed just as stunned as he was.

Draco was pale and there was a strained look around his eyes. "And it wasn't just her. She… She had friends over, and I doubt they'll be quiet about it. I'm sorry. I know I should have-"

"Hey." Hermione recovered first, jumping to her feet and embracing him. "It's okay. I mean, we're hardly in a position to complain. And I'm… I'm impressed, I really am. How did you-"

"Long story." Draco's voice was shaky, but Harry saw his arms tighten around her. "As I said, I'm sorry I-"

"Don't be." Harry finally found his voice. Joining the two of them, he ran a soothing hand down Draco's back. "The Weasleys know as well. Well, not Molly and Arthur, but all the rest," he amended. "It's time to stop hiding."

Draco leaned into his touch, exhaling sharply. "I guess it is. How was the wedding, by the way?"

"Fine." Hermione took a step back, her mouth set in a determined line. "But that's not important now. We need a plan, and quickly."

"What do you mean?" Not for the first time, Harry was amazed how calm and focussed she stayed in a crisis.

Draco's eyes were fixed on Hermione with undivided attention as he gestured for her to speak.

She shook herself impatiently. "Well, we can't just let this run its course, or we'll be arse deep in reporters who will make Rita Skeeter look tame." She grabbed a scone from the table, taking a big bite and chewing thoughtfully. "Right. Here's what I think we should do. Over the course of the next week, we'll talk to our friends and family, the people we really care about. Then, next weekend, we will invite Gin and Luna over to our place for an interview. And we'll tell them everything – well, at least all the important facts. The two of them can have exclusive rights to the story, and they can sell it to the Prophet or give it to the Quibbler for free, or whatever they want. No reason why they shouldn't profit from the whole affair."

"Have you gone completely bonkers?" Harry wasn't sure he'd heard right.

"No, she's right." To his surprise, Draco chuckled, though it sounded contemptuous rather than amused. "We might as well take advantage of the media attention, seeing as we can't prevent it anyway."

"Exactly." Hermione nodded calmly. "With all the pureblood gossips in the know, we won't be able to keep it quiet any longer. So let's give them our version of the story, and try to influence public opinion as much as we can."

"Do you honestly think that will make a difference?" Harry shuddered as he remembered the way the press had been all over him after Voldemort's return when he'd been just a boy. "They will distort and mangle everything we say, no matter what we do."

But Hermione was undaunted. "We should at least try. And I don't intend to be around by the time the papers hit the newsstand."

"You don't?" Draco looked doubtful. "What do you suggest we should do?"

"We'll need to drop off the radar for a good long while." Hermione's cheeks were flushed with enthusiasm. "It's probably best if we leave the country for a few months, until the first excitement has died down. Harry, you need to quit your job tomorrow. Tell them something has come up that makes you a security risk. They'll have to deal. And I'm going to talk to my supervisor. I'm due a sabbatical anyway, and I can take it starting next month. Up until then, she can find me a research task somewhere in Europe."

"And me?" Draco shook his head. "I know people tend to assume I'm rich and don't have to work, but the Malfoy fortune doesn't take care of itself. It's not that easy."

"I know, Draco." Hermione thoughtfully chewed on her lip. "But there may be a solution. Percy Weasley told me about a project he's working on with a few other arithmancers. They have succeeded in building up a Wizardnet, a kind of hidden structure hidden away within the Muggle internet. From what he said, once you have the hang of how it works, you should easily be able to access your accounts from all over the world."

Draco nodded hesitantly. "I need to know more, but yes, that might work. But really, do you think we can sort it all out by next weekend?"

Hermione raised her chin belligerently. "We can do it. If that's what you want, what we all want. And on the bright side, I wouldn't mind travelling again." She laughed at their long faces. "Oh, come on! It will be fun! And it will give us a chance to make up our minds about our future." Getting serious again, she took Draco's hand. "Well? What do you say?"

Draco was still white as a sheet, but he looked determined. "Yes. I'm with you."

Harry wasn't fully convinced, though. "And afterwards? We can't travel forever. What do we do once we get back? Are we really ready to be the talk of Wizarding Britain for the years to come?"

"We wouldn't necessarily have to live here in Britain." Hermione was undaunted. "My parents are still in Australia. We could settle down there, I guess. Or anywhere else. But we'll have plenty of time to sort out what we want."

They both nodded. Harry felt his chest tighten when he saw the look in Draco's eyes. Merlin, we're really doing this. Really committing to each other, and he is the one who set things rolling. If someone had told me, even weeks ago, I'd have called them crazy.

Hermione laughed briefly, almost hysterically, echoing his thoughts. "Merlin, this is so crazy, all of it. Can we really do this? Can you do it, Draco?"

Draco shrugged. "As far as I'm concerned, I made my decision yesterday. The rest is just details."

"Yeah." Hermione sighed. "So much to do. We'd better get started right away."

Harry exchanged a quick glance with Draco. None of them needed to spell it out; they understood each other without a word. "No. It's Sunday, 'Mione, and there's not much we can do today."

"But-" She opened her mouth to protest, but before she could get started, Draco pulled her into a loose embrace.

"Tomorrow." He kissed her gently, smiling over her shoulder at Harry. "Please. This is a big step, and I need you, both of you."

Without further argument, they made their way to the bed. Breakfast could wait.

Hermione was watching. Just watching, stretched out on the bed next to them, without lifting a finger to touch them, merely enjoying the view. And what a view it was. Draco lying on his back, open and vulnerable, with Harry kneeling between his legs, patiently taking him apart with his mouth and hands. They were so incredibly gorgeous, both of them, wholly fixated on each other, both of them naked and hard and eager.

Harry sat back, breathing hard, letting his eyes roam all over Draco's body. "Damn it, Draco, you're so …" He laughed, a little self-consciously. "You're so sodding perfect, all over. Everything about you. I don't think I've ever seen a cock as beautiful as yours."

Draco laughed, visibly torn between being embarrassed and flattered, with the latter quickly winning out. Hermione tended to agree, but she couldn't quite keep her mouth shut any longer.

"Not just Draco. Both of you," she corrected, her eyes lingering on them in a mute caress. Definitely both of them. She'd had enough other lovers to be able to compare, and she knew she was a lucky girl.

Harry's smile turned mischievous. "You think?" With one smooth motion, he aligned himself on top of Draco, cocks touching, grasping both of them in one hand and giving them a few quick strokes. "Come on, Draco. Let's give the lady a show."

Draco moaned brokenly, hips snapping up. "Merlin… You need to stop this, Harry, if you want more."

"More?" Harry's eyes went dark, the look in them changing from playful to predatory at amazing speed.

Draco inhaled slowly, a flush spreading over the pale skin of his chest. Holding Harry's gaze, he tilted his head toward the nightstand where he kept his supply of condoms and lubricant.

Harry went very still. Hermione held her breath. She knew it was a huge deal for Draco to let Harry take him. Some male dominance issue, no doubt, that went far beyond simple concern about the mechanics of the whole thing. Well, she couldn't blame him. It was kind of a big deal, to allow someone else into your body, especially for the first time. And with guys… She herself was quite a bit ambiguous about the act itself, having read far too many warnings about possible infections and injuries to be wholly relaxed about it. Still, Harry obviously knew what he was doing, and she trusted him.

So did Draco, apparently. "Harry. Please. I'm ready."

"You're sure?" Harry was already reaching for the lube bottle, but she had no doubt he'd stop if Draco changed his mind. Not easily, though. She knew he wanted this, had wanted it for months, and she rather admired his patience.

Draco nodded, tilting his hips to allow Harry better access. Hermione kept her eyes on his face, watching the expressions chase each other all over it as Harry touched him again: excitement; worry; defiance; a hint of fear… Instinctively she reached out to take his hand, and he responded eagerly, squeezing her fingers hard between his.

Just then, Harry pushed deeper, making Draco' hips fly off the mattress and his face contort with lust. Hermione craned her head to see, more curious than she cared to admit. Harry was working patiently at Draco, using two fingers now, and Draco moved into his touch with every sign of enjoyment. She turned her attention back to his face, observing the way he bit his lower lip in ecstasy, the fine pearls of sweat appearing on his forehead, and it was the hottest thing ever.

When Harry finally rolled on a condom, applying a generous amount of lubricant, Draco was panting hard, but at the same time she felt him tense up again.

"Relax." Harry's voice was warm, but Draco shook his head.

Hermione nodded. It's not that easy. For a moment, she wondered whether Harry should have used a spell, like Nicolas had done with her. But at the same time, she knew that wasn't an option. With everything that was between those two, everything that had happened in the course of the past few days, this had to be Draco's decision. His choice to let go of the past. His choice to trust Harry enough to open up for him.

"Draco?" Harry had to be nearing the end of his patience, but there was an infinite tenderness in his eyes. "Look at me." He placed a hand on Draco's cheek. "I love you."

Hermione could feel it, the shudder that went through Draco's whole body as he gave in, even before she heard Harry sigh with relief.

"Damn it, you feel so good." Harry's eyes were closed, and he was struggling, doing his best not to go too fast.

Glancing down, she could see he wasn't even all the way there yet, and Draco was already looking overwhelmed, shaking and gripping her hand so tight it hurt. Harry pulled back slowly and applied even more lube. When he pushed back in, he managed to twist his hips just a little, to get a better angle, and this time he slid all the way home in a single, smooth stroke.

Draco moaned, deep in his throat, arching into Harry's first slow, shallow thrusts. "Yes. Please. More."

Harry complied with a breathless laugh, and they fell into a rhythm, uncertain at first, but picking up speed and force until Draco let go of her hand to wrap his arms around Harry instead, pushing him deeper. Harry had one hand around Draco'se cock now, stroking him in time with his thrusts, and they were both getting close, so close she could feel the stutter of their hips and hear the growing urgency in their moans and sighs.

Hermione was almost jealous of their closeness, almost, but not quite, because after all she was here to share this with them, close enough to touch their entwined bodies. Besides, there would be more later, she was sure of it. Harry's words from when they'd talked about their fantasies came back to her. I want Draco. And I want him while he's inside you. The mere idea made her nearly faint with arousal.

Next to her, Draco cried out sharply, and then he was coming, all over his chest and stomach, coming so hard he went rigid all over, his heels digging deep into the mattress. Harry made a rough, strangled noise, and she knew he was there, too, finishing with a few quick, short thrusts, groaning deeply.

The aftermath was…awkward, but less messy than she'd feared. She did her best to keep out of the way, but as soon as they'd cleaned up, she gladly joined their embrace. Draco was unusually quiet and cuddly, heavy and relaxed against her back, while Harry pulled her into the nook of his arm.

"You okay?" Harry breathed a quick kiss on her temple.

"Mmhmmm." She wiggled against him, though she doubted he'd be up for anything much soon. "Just really, really horny."

Behind her, Draco laughed weakly. "I'm sorry. I'd love to take care of you, but right now…"

"It's okay." She reached out for him, twisting around so she could kiss him. "You should get some rest."

Harry grumbled his assent. "Come here."

She gasped when he turned to face her and his hand found its way between her legs. "You don't have to-"

"I want to." He was already sliding downward, grinning up at her cheekily.

With a happy sigh, Hermione lay back, burying one hand in Draco's damp hair, while the other guided Harry's head where she wanted him. Well, then. Who am I to complain?

And once again, suilven worked her beta magic for me, and I'm so very grateful!