October 2008
"And how's everyone else? Has Charlie come home then or did I miss him?" Hermione asked into the speaker of her Blackberry as she crossed the street, ready to be out of her heels and taking a shower.
"I'm afraid you did, he's not here. Since the divorce, Bill has had Charlie staying over at the Shell Cottage whenever he visits anyway, so he stopped by to say hello and have dinner before they left for some sort of event. I think they'll both be gone for a few days. Did you have a safe journey?" Arthur asked, still speaking a bit louder than necessary, but Hermione was pleased he was getting used to the house phone she suggested they install at the Burrow. Someone finally had the idea to create a protective charm for electronics so they don't go haywire around magic.
"That's a shame, I'll see if I can catch them when I get home. And I did, yes. Prague is beautiful this time of the year. I'm just coming up to my hotel so I'll let you go. Will you say hi to Mrs Weasley for me?"
"Of course I will. And Hermione?" he got her attention again. "How many times must I ask you to call us Molly and Arthur? As far as we're concerned, you are one of our own," he pointed out.
Hermione hesitated before sighing. "I know, thank you, Arthur. I just, it's been a tough time with-" she paused, not wanting to talk about the death of her parents in Australia just a couple of months back. They died never knowing they had a daughter and though she had grieved the loss of them after the war, it felt like she had grieved again in the last month. "Anyway, I have the tickets I promised to get, to the muggle aquarium. I'll owl you the details for our next trip," she promised and soon ended the call as she crossed Old Town Square and headed for her hotel.
It has been more than seven years since the Final Battle and life and the British Wizarding society were finally settling down to what she would call an easier existence. The Ministry was still working on final restructuring since the war, and though she thought she would be working there herself, she ended up working for Gringotts instead and life was rarely ever boring. Though they had never actually gotten together with Ron after the fateful but rather lacking kiss in the heat of the battle, she remained a part of the Weasley family, just like Harry, and she even started really introducing Arthur to the muggle world with a monthly trip to museums, galleries, around the city and to muggle shops. He now managed to blend into the crowd with his clothing these days, finally learning to dress much better with muggle fashion. Though his bold combinations of pink shirts and polka dot ties were quite unforgettable in their own way.
She sighed, breathing in the autumnal air, and enjoying the sound of the Czech language around her. Prague was one of her favourite cities and while she didn't mind the impromptu trip her boss sent her on, she was sorry to have missed Charlie's arrival in the country. It was true in the end what Skeeter had written about her. She had a thing for freckles and red hair, it just wasn't directed at the Weasley most expected her to pine after.
Charlie was certainly a handsome man, solid frame of muscles and tattoos forged from years of wrangling beasts, and though many underestimated his mind, he had a fierce intellect and near eidetic memory when it came to information about dragons and many other creatures. Unlike most of his siblings, he was a Prewett more so than a Weasley, his hair short and curly and so very red, like looking into the heart of a flame. He has been her crush since fourth year when she spoke to him briefly about the dragons used for the Tournament. Even then she had loved the spark of excitement and delight in his soft blue-grey eyes. But he has always been geographically unavailable with his work in Romania. Knowing he was staying at the Shell Cottage only made her think of the freshly divorced eldest of the Weasley men as well.
Bill was a whole other league. Brave, incredibly skilled in his craft, knowledgeable, but ever since the attack also passionate and somewhat more on the wild side. When they landed at Shell Cottage, it was Bill who healed her until she was recovered enough from the torture sustained at Bellatrix' hands. While his wife treated the others, Bill had worked on a counter-curse for the ugly slur carved into her arm that was poisoning her blood and making her even weaker after the endless rounds of Cruciatus. She owed him her life. He was a Weasley through and through, his pale coppery locks and intense cerulean gaze making her feel like prey in the best of ways. Ahd when they glowed golden with the wolf within, she wanted to run and be chased.
She had exchanged letters and spoken often with them both over the years when it came to work, and enjoyed meeting them during Weasley Sunday lunches where they debated creature rights, curses and mysteries, or the latest from Bill's case work at his private curse breaking business. Bill and Charlie were brought up with the manners of their father and worked hard to support themselves and their parents as well. They were both admirable and attractive in different ways, and she took every chance she got to enjoy their company.
It was a bit pathetic, to be holding hope that they would ever see her as anything but Ron's friend. And it wasn't like she hadn't tried to date, it's just that no one ever felt quite right. Her magic never accepted anyone the way she had seen Arthur and Molly pulled close together and sharing a bond even after so many years and seven children. Sure, they had hardships but their love was practically palpable in the way their magic reached for each other when they sat or stood close. Even Harry, who was happily engaged to Theo Nott of all people, was beyond happy. His magic had always been so strong, but after defeating Voldemort he had to actively work to channel it during his Auror training and through grounding. But one touch from Theo, even just a hand on his shoulder to calm him down, visibly soothed his powerful magical aura. Was it too much to ask for that kind of connection?
She shook her head to stop such intrusive thoughts and headed in, marvelling at the fin de siècle architecture and beautiful detailing. She smiled at the concierge who quickly switched to English when she began speaking, looking unimpressed.
"How may I help you?" he asked, looking at her down his pointed nose.
"I have a reservation for a Deluxe Single room, under the name Granger," she offered, getting her passport ready.
He typed away on his computer, a soft sound from his throat drawing her attention. "I have no booking under this name. Do you have proof of booking?" he looked at her pointedly.
Unimpressed with his attitude, she pulled out the printed email with the confirmation number. He glanced over it and typed in the reference code. "Ah yes, we do not provide room bookings through this website anymore so your booking is invalid and not registered on our system."
Hermione looked at him speechlessly for a moment before gathering herself. "I wasn't notified of this at all, the payment has been processed, I have confirmation from my employer."
"Then you will have to take this up with the booking provider. I can't help you," he said and looked over her shoulder at the next person in line in clear dismissal.
Hermione pursed her lips and drew out her purse. "Very well, I would like to book a room in that case."
He raised an unimpressed brow. "We are fully booked for a conference so you will have to find alternative accommodation-"
"Hermione?"
She startled and came face to face with the very man she least expected to see here. "Charlie! What are you doing here?" she asked, allowing herself to be swept into a gentle hug, pressing her face into his firm chest for just a moment as she breathed in his familiar scent of ginger and bonfire smoke.
"I'm a keynote speaker at the conference. Are you here for the programme too?" he asked curiously.
"Yes actually, though it seems someone didn't process my booking correctly," she turned to look at the concierge pointedly.
"That surely can't be right," Charlie looked at the man with a frown.
The concierge's attitude completely changed and he looked a little nervous. "Unfortunately the booking was not made through a verified site so it wasn't processed. I can assure you this is no fault of the hotel, ," he tried to pacify the man whom he realised was one of the VIP guests.
"I think we would like to speak to your manager," Charlie said calmly, his arm wrapping around Hermione's hip in a clear sign that he was not leaving her until this was resolved.
Hermione knew she could have taken care of this herself but she couldn't help herself feeling just a bit of schadenfreude at the man's stuttering. "I'm sure that isn't necessary-"
"Good afternoon, my name is Klára Němcová and I am the hotel manager. How may I assist you?" a smiling woman appeared beside him and motioned for him to move aside. They were a somewhat comical sight as she barely reached his shoulder but instantly commanded attention at the reception desk from all employees.
"There appears to be an issue with my room reservation. It has been booked appropriately and paid for, but I am told I don't have a room," Hermione handed all the information over.
The hotel's manager reminded her a little bit of Hannah Abbot, curvy and cheerful, short in stature but clearly respected judging by the concierge's badly concealed grimace.
"Miss Granger, please accept our apologies, this appears to be an internal error on our system and your room should have been available. Unfortunately we are fully booked and the only compensation I can provide is a full refund at this point," the manager offered, her apology genuine.
Hermione was at a loss and resolved herself to finding a new hotel but she felt Charlie's large warm hand squeeze her hip gently. "You can stay with us. We have a large twin room booked, I'm sure we can make a squeeze."
"We?" she asked, wondering with dread whether he was traveling with a partner.
"Hey, are we checked in already- Hermione!" Bill appeared beside her, his handsome scarred face stretching into a surprised but pleased smile as he reached down to kiss her cheeks in greeting, the height difference between them even more stark. "What are you doing here?"
Hermione noticed everyone behind them staring at the situation which appeared to be getting rather out of hand. "I'll explain later and let you check in," she offered, trying to pull away and get out of the queue.
"Nonsense," Charlie shook his head and set down his own booking confirmation and their passports. "We'll all check in to our room and I'm sure the hotel staff would be only too happy to allow us to host you with us, and perhaps provide you all meals for free to compensate for this...mishap," he looked at the concierge pointedly.
The manager looked all too pleased at the Solomon-worthy resolution and booked them all in with the requested all inclusive requirement and her final apologies, likely pleased to be rid of them.
"Really, I couldn't possibly. How will we even fit?" Hermione protested as they steered her towards the lifts.
"We'll make it work," Charlie shrugged as they climbed into the lift.
Bill's hand twined around hers momentarily as he took her bag and leaned casually against the mirrored wall. "You won't mind sharing with us, will you? Afterall, we've shared before," he offered, referring to their time during the war.
"Of course not, I just didn't want to impose," she tried not to fidget between their tall frames. She was positively dwarfed by them both, though in different ways.
Bill was all lean and tall at 6'6", making her short 5'4" stature quite a height difference. Though slimmer than his siblings, there was no mistaking the sinewy build to his body. Charlie was the shortest Weasley man at 6'1" but was easily twice as broad as his brothers, taking up plenty of the tight lift space. There was nowhere to move, though she couldn't say she wanted to complain at feeling their body heat so close.
"You never do, we know each other too well for that," Bill chuckled, the sound throaty as he smiled at her in that enigmatic way of his that made her heart beat just a bit faster.
She turned back to face the front of the lift and could have sworn she heard him breathing more deeply, as if he was breathing her in. She wondered what her body told his enhanced wolven senses, feeling a light blush rise on her cheeks.
"So, what brings you to the conference?" Charlie asked, leading the way out of the lift as he looked up and down the corridor and stepped aside for them to pass before motioning to turn left.
"Work. I'm taking over as Head of the curse-breaking division at the London branch in the next two months and wanted to visit this conference for personal learning. I haven't had the chance in the past three years, it's been too busy, so I'm soaking up the learning now," she admitted.
"That's incredible, congratulations!" Bill smiled brilliantly. "The goblins must have forgiven you for that stint in the war if you are being offered a promotion like this," he pointed out.
Hermione snorted in an unlady-like manner, covering her mouth in mortification when they both laughed. "Sorry, it's just that they hardly have a choice. We both know you and I are the only two people in the whole of magical Britain with specialism in blood wards and heritage ward restoration. If they don't promote me at this point, I'm walking, and the only worse thing than promoting me would be to lose me to the Department of Mysteries whom I receive an annual invitation from," she pointed out.
Bill grinned. "That's the vicious vixen we know and love," he teased but the spark in his cerulean gaze made her blush only deepen.
Charlie opened the room doors and they stepped in, turning the lights on and looking around the beautiful luxurious room. It was clean, spacious and- only had one massive bed in the centre of the far wall.
"Errr not to complain because this is actually easier than twin beds but still, can they get anything right in this place?" Charlie muttered with disbelief.
"Clearly not," Hermione ran a hand through her wild curls. She was not sleeping on a bed with both of them, not a fucking chance, she would ruin her knickers in five seconds flat and do something stupid like touch one of them. Or both... "It's fine, I'll take the floor or something," she shrugged out of her coat with resignation.
"Nonsense, the bed is large enough for all of us, we'll just have to squeeze in. Heads up though, I do snore," Charlie grinned, trying to lighten up her nerves as she was clearly a bit weary.
Hermione shrugged as she stepped out of her heels and dug her toes into the plush carpet with a groan of relief. "Doesn't bother me," she admitted and headed for the balcony to check out the view.
The Weasley brothers exchanged a look as she disappeared through the curtains. It may not have been planned but they were certainly not going to look a gift hippogriff in the beak. Hermione Granger has grown into an intriguing woman, and as it so happened a couple of times before, they both enjoyed her company and desired her. They'd shared women in the past, mostly for a night or two, but this was different. There was something about her that called to both their magic and perhaps this would be a chance to make something happen.
"The view is gorgeous!" She called to them before her head popped through the curtains. "I can't wait to explore more of Prague before the opening dinner tomorrow. Have you both been here before?"
Charlie nodded. "We've tracked most of Europe together over the years, meeting between Egypt and the surrounding North African countries, and Romania and its neighbours until we worked our way around through most of the continent and the Mediterranean."
"You'll have to tell me more about your travels then," she smiled and returned to the room, trying to decide whether she wanted to eat at the room or in the restaurant.
Bill sensed her mood and headed for the table, flipping through the manuals until he came to the restaurant menu. "I'm starving. Fancy ordering in? They do some great traditional dishes here," he offered, seeing her shoulders relax a notch.
"Yes please," she agreed and they picked out their meals before Bill placed their orders with a quick call.
Hermione and Charlie in the meantime unpacked all three of their bags, their clothes hanging neatly in the wardrobe with Hermione's dresses on one side and the men's distinct wardrobes on the other. Charlie took the top three shelves which were too tall for her, for their foldables and underwear, and she was grateful to have the lower shelves, though a soft blush rose on her cheeks when she placed her favourite black lacy bra on one of the shelves and he winked at her cheekily.
Dinner thankfully arrived soon and they settled around the table to enjoy their food and a pint of local beer each. She reached for her glass, wiping the condensation with her thumb before taking a hearty sip, sighing with delight much to their amusement.
"I never took you for a beer person," Bill commented off-handedly as he pushed up the sleeves of his jumper, revealing strong freckled and tattooed forearms that had her crossing her legs for comfort. For a man who was turning 40 in a month's time, he was in fantastic shape, a few wrinkles lining his face around the eyes but barely any hint of grey yet, his magic and part-wolf metabolism slowing down the aging for sure.
She forced herself to relax as she picked up her fork to taste the cabbage and duck. "I've enjoyed wine when I was younger but picked up a taste for the occasional beer when I travel. And when in Eastern Europe, I'll have the occasional absinthe," she admitted before drawing them into a conversation about their travels.
It felt almost like a date, sitting across from them both around the small round table, the atmosphere almost intimate in the waning light of the day, but they put her at ease and made her laugh so much she had to set her fork down.
"So you...actually chased her for it?" she managed around her giggles, wiping the stray tear of amusement from the corner of her eye before it could fall.
"I was there at the time, I can vouch for just how hideous the thing was. We never understood why she stole it in the first place. Dragons are usually so clever, though not sure what this says about her sense of style," Bill snickered.
His brother nodded. "What is a bloke to do? She could have swallowed it or worse, used it for her nest. Can you imagine forcing your way through the eggshell and the first thing you see in your nest is a fugly pink and brown argyle jumper? Poor little Ridgeback would have been scarred for life," Charlie grinned, making her laugh even more at the ridiculous tale.
Her laughter seemed to please the Dragonologist as his scarred brow lifted in amusement. She managed to get her laughter under control before reaching for the last of her beer. "The two of you will be the death of me, I swear," she chuckled as they lapsed into comfortable silence.
Bill patted his flat stomach before sitting back in his chair. "Anyone fancy walking off the carbs?"
Charlie nodded, always happy to be on the go. Hermione however shook her head, covering up a yawn much to their amusement. "Sorry, I'm beat. It's been a hectic week and portkeys are exhausting so I'm just going to take a shower and rest up if you don't mind."
"Not at all, we'll let you settle in," Bill nodded and they grabbed their coats before heading out.
Hermione put their dishes back on the tray and wheeled it out of the room to air out the room before grabbing her toiletries and pyjamas. The hot shower helped relax her tired body and she gently scrunched some oil into her curls to keep them hydrated before changing for bed. She didn't usually bring much in the way of pyjamas, her black cotton shorts worn and her long-sleeve henley soft and comfortable. She looked at the bed hesitantly, not sure how to approach it. The trick with magical hotels was that the rooms were enchanted against tampering, to avoid exploitation of the facilities with additional guests without fee. That meant she couldn't even transfigure something into a bed or a sofa to sleep on.
With reluctance, she slipped into the bed and kept to the left side edge, wondering whether the brothers could be happy to share like this. They didn't seem to be the least bit worried or bothered to share close quarters, something she picked up early on. Everyone thought the twins were the closest, and they likely were, but Bill and Charlie were inseparable despite their geographical challenges. She could practically see the way they relaxed around each other, and was glad they had a best friend in each other.
When the Weasley men returned, it was a couple of hours later, with a surprise trdelnik for desert, only to find her asleep with a book resting on her chest. They cast a silencing charm around her to not wake her with their puttering and Bill gently extricated the book from her hold, placing it neatly on her bedside. Her breathing was soft, mouth hanging just a bit open as she turned on her hip and sighed contentedly. He pulled the covers higher up on her shoulders and went to take his turn in the shower before they climbed into bed. By mutual agreement, Bill slipped in next to her with Charlie on the other end of the bed and went to sleep themselves, hoping tomorrow would bring them a chance to get closer to her.
"Sorry I fell asleep on you again, but this is delicious," Hermione hummed as she tore off another piece of the cinnamon trdelnik with delight.
She was mortified to wake up in the morning with no recollection of falling asleep or their return to the bed. Careful as she could, she had to extract herself from Bill's hold around her waist without waking him, sneaking into the bathroom for her morning ablutions and to dress.
When she came back to the room, Charlie was on the phone ordering breakfast, and Bill was stretching out in bed still. They weren't even trying to show off but Gods was she noticing them anyway. Bill was only in a pair of boxers, revealing a pale and freckled complexion all over his body. His chest like his face was scarred from Greyback's claws but after so many years the skin had smoothed out a bit and the puckered scars had settled. He had a few tattoos, half sleeves of shapes and runes woven into the design, and on his left pectoral a small ouroboros, dark and vivid, unmoving.
And Charlie was no less of a sight. Before he headed off to the shower, he dropped the bathrobe and she was treated to the expanse of slightly tan skin, sculptured and broad from the hard physical work. He had scars and burns that littered his body without any hint of self-consciousness. He was a Dragonologist, his injuries were obtained in the field. They were a part of him as much as his fingers and toes. His back and arms were covered in tattoos, a beautiful Hebredian blinking at her, letting out a soft puff of smoke.
She didn't even realise she had reached out when her fingers caressed the dragon's spine, and it shifted in its place with enjoyment, letting out soft puffs of smoke contentedly. It was only Charlie's chuckle of amusement at the ticklish touch that brought her back. After she apologised profusely, he just turned back around to look at her and winked before heading for the shower. Just as his brother, Charlie carried an ouroboros on his chest in the same unmoving design. Hermione was intrigued. But for the moment, she refrained from questions and rather watched his gorgeous arse move, glad Bill didn't notice just how hopeless she was around them both.
As sitting down with breakfast truly was a safer option, she offered to look after it while both men got ready for the day, happy for the distraction.
Bill grinned, reaching for another sausage. He ate a hefty meal but unlike some of his siblings, ate slowly and with manners. "So where would you like to go today? Have you seen much of Prague before?"
Hermione shook her head. "I was traveling over the Christmas period and had a layover here for a few hours, so I saw the Old Town square and the hall. The astronomical clock is so incredible! And I had just enough time to also pop over to Karluv most. So this time I've come prepared and called ahead to the Baroque Library at the Klementinum, they have a muggleborn managing the hidden magical section. She offered a private viewing when I told her who I was," she smiled and sipped at her tea. "And I can't wait to see the Vyšehrad Codex, the Coronation Gospels from 1085. And I think I'd also like to see the castle and the Golden Lane. The history of alchemy in this place, and the Rudolphine heritage are just fascinating!" she beamed before realising she had gone onto one of her rants that usually bored people to sleep. "Err, sorry, didn't mean to go all nerd on you."
But they were both listening to her intently as she spoke. "Not at all. We haven't actually been to the Klementinum. Mind if we tag along?" Charlie asked leisurely as he sat back and patted his firm stomach.
"Sure, I would love the company," she agreed and once they were ready, they headed off to town.
And while she would have been happy to explore by herself, having the two men with her proved to make the experience amazing. They made her laugh as they talked about their last time in Prague during the pride month, while they explored the beautiful Golden lane, and ended up having lunch at the cosy Castle Pub and Restaurant, trying out more traditional dishes. They made their way back mid-afternoon to get ready for the evening programme that officially opened the conference.
They graciously let her use the bathroom first, taking the time with her unruly hair until her curls were beautiful and bouncy, the caramel highlights at the ends making her honey skin even warmer. She attached her favourite little nose-ring and carefully pulled on her sleek black dress before exiting the bathroom, looking through the jewellery she brought with her to decide what to wear.
It was only a few moments later that she realised the room was far too quiet. She turned around and found Bill leaning on the balcony with one of his Russian cigarillos, and Charlie taking her in with a darkened gaze.
"You look beautiful," he complimented, taking in her every curve.
"Thank you," she turned back around to look through the jewellery, trying to not show just how much she felt the weight of their gazes on her.
"I always thought amethysts suit you," Bill offered as he stepped back into the room, giving her a final look before heading for the shower to take his turn.
Her hand hovered over the small rubies she got as a gift from Harry and Theo for her last birthday, but slipped on the small amethyst studs and matching necklace, the warmth of the gold and soft purple of the stone beautiful against her skin.
"Maybe I should wait in the lobby, let you both get dressed," she suggested as she slipped on her heels and picked up her clutch.
Charlie stood beside her, a small frown on his forehead but he nodded a moment later. "Where can we find you to escort you with us? I arranged for you to be at our table, we think you'll enjoy the company," he offered.
Hermione bit her lip subconsciously, unsure of but decided a drink before dinner couldn't hurt. "I'll sit at the bar by the lobby, wait for you there," she promised before slipping out of the room.
There was only so much she could take and watching them take turns walking out of the shower, likely topless, would be far too much for her ardent libido. It has been a while and Morgana was she so ready for a good orgasm, but it wasn't like it was an option with those two… She paused in the lift, realising she wasn't even trying to think of just one of them. No, she desired both, and couldn't actually imagine just taking one of them on the offer anymore.
If the day sightseeing around Prague had shown her anything, it was that she enjoyed both of their company so much, it really was difficult to not think of them as a package. She managed to settle on one of the bar stools with a muttered steadying charm, and ordered a honey and ginger margarita, sighing at the first sip of the fortifying liquid.
She tried not to fidget, a habit she hadn't shaken off despite turning thirty last year, with both nerves and excitement. The conference would bring the greatest minds of Europe together and cover such a breadth of knowledge on warding that she was determined to attend every seminar she could. The one she wanted to avoid was on utilising creature magic or actual magical creatures in warding design, but having gotten the full programme, she had to attend as Charlie was one of the key panelists. And if anyone was going to stand up for the rights of creatures and argue for not utilising them in warding, it would be the Dragonologist who had to watch a very sick and blind dragon die after centuries spent underground at Gringotts in agony.
She finished her drink and looked around the bar to people-watch when she caught their approach from the corner of her eye. They were a vision, both in a black tux as per the evening dress code. Bill looked like a predator, tall and lean as the soft black material moved with his frame effortlessly. Charlie was on the other hand fitted very well, though if he flexed his impressive biceps, she feared for the seams.
"Don't you both look dashing?" She offered and picked up her clutch, hoping she would make it off the stool without falling on her face.
She needn't have worried at all, as her free hand was caught by Bill and Charlie gently took her elbow as she effortlessly slid down to the ground without damaging her dress.
She offered a grateful smile before she found her hold on a forearm each, and was led towards the large hall in the middle of a Weasley sandwich.
"This is a bit of an attention drawer?" She ventured, more a question than an actual statement.
"Oh we are under no illusion that whether with or without us, most of the room will be looking at you this evening," Charlie grinned and threw her a small wink as they entered the room and walked right down the centre to the front table.
Hermione kept her back straight and her amused smile minimal but the soft compliment nearly made her blush. Bill pulled out the chair for her and she settled between them, the three of them last to arrived at their table.
"Dr Weasley, how very good of you to join us. I look forward to your lecture this year," an aged man of a rather short stature offered Charlie in greeting.
"And you, Master Szabó," he replied in kind. "You will remember my brother, Bill," he motioned to the eldest Weasley who exchanged a pleasant greeting with the man before turning to her. "And our dear friend and date for the evening, Madame Hermione Granger," he introduced, raising a couple of brows around the table but Master Szabó only looked amused at the cheeky introduction.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Madame Granger. Are you by any chance the same Granger who wrote the article about the breakthrough in warding stone utilisation for vault inlays?"
Her smile only grew in excitement. "Why yes, that is myself. It is such a pleasure to meet you, Master Szabó. Your work in the field of hereditary lay line warding and family blessing is so innovative," she offered and they got into a debate before the starters even arrived.
Bill chimed in occasionally with his field experience and Charlie was content to sit back and listen as it wasn't his area. But the spark of intellect and desire for knowledge brightened up Hermione's whole face and that was something neither man failed to see. As they finished their desserts, Hermione felt an arm rest across the top of her chair and leaned back to it comfortably when she felt the heat of Charlie's body across her shoulders. The space was well ventilated so a bit of body heat helped to warm her up despite the mass of people around them. She managed to hide her startlement when she felt a hand on her thigh, not too high, nothing too scandalous, but affirming its presence and hold on her nonetheless.
She turned to look at Bill who was the perfect picture of ease as he conversed with the Hungarian Master of Wards, his large hand gentle as it squeezed her thigh and his thumb rubbed a soft spot soothingly. It wasn't a demand, but he was seeking to hold onto her in some way. Charlie merely offered her a warm smile when she turned to look at him and she understood they were both not just staking their territory but letting her know they both considered her their companion for the evening.
She sipped her sparkling water, avoiding the wine as she'd already had two glasses and that was her limit for polite company. She felt a hot breath on her neck and ear before Charlie's words rumbled softly against her skin. "Is this alright? Are you having a good time?"
She turned her head towards him, their faces but a breath away as she responded softly. "I'm having a wonderful time, thank you," she acknowledged, seeing his grin widen.
Bill must have overheard their conversation as his hand squeezed her thigh in response and his fingers slid a little further towards her inner thigh, holding onto the curvy flesh almost possessively.
She was grateful there was no dancing or she would have been tripping over herself. Her cheeks flushed a little at the attention and she saw out of the corner of her eye as Bill took a deep breath and his thumb caressed her knee. He must have smelled the reaction of her body to their touch. She was glad for the foresight of wearing a little daily pad because her body was ready, her inner walls pulsing at the thought of being with these two men and their strong touch.
As they stood up to head back to their rooms after the official evening programme, Hermione felt the loss of their touch keenly as she accepted a kiss to her knuckles from the Hungarian Master who appeared to be about as tall as she was, so also completely dwarfed by the two Weasley men and their stature. With a promise to speak over breakfast before the first lectures, they headed up to their room and Hermione slipped into the bathroom with her pyjamas the first chance she got.
She carefully took off her jewellery and sent it to its case before removing her make up and clothes and slipped back into the comfort of her shorts and henley. She wondered whether taking care of her desire quickly would be useful but Bill would probably be able to hear her or smell the completion on her. Still a bit too warm and looking once again like her regular, plain self, she entered the room, only to find the lights out everywhere but the two little lamps on their bedsides, and both of the men topless and waiting for her in bed. On either edge, with just enough space between them for her.
Hermione had had a few close encounters in her life, most of them during the war. But this whole business with just one bed for the three of them was a whole new type of dilemma.
"Ready for bed?" Charlie asked as he lounged back, his tattooed torso making her itch to trace the ink lines with her tongue.
"Promise at least one of us doesn't bite," Bill offered with a small amused smile though his voice had gone a bit hoarse as his cerulean gaze took in her legs in the tiny shorts.
"Er, did you...want me to sleep on the edge? I don't want to take up too much space," she offered, still not sure if she was reading the situation correctly.
"Does it look like we want you to sleep on the end of the bed?" Charlie asked pointedly and pushed the duvet down to their hips before he patted the space between them. "Wouldn't want you to get cold when you can be warm between us, if you'd like."
A clear invitation, but left for her to accept or decline.
Finding some of her Gryffindor courage, she climbed up onto the bed and shuffled herself between them, stretching her legs out atop the duvet at the feel of their heated bodies surrounding her.
"Hot isn't it?" she mumbled, picking at her thumbnail nervously.
Charlie cast a quick cooling charm and she sighed in relief, turning to smile at him in thanks.
"We generally find that cooling charms are the way when sharing the bed with a beautiful woman," Charlie replied, his gaze intent and taking in the gentle swell of her chest.
What?
"So you've shared a bed with a woman before...together?" she asked to clarify.
It was Bill who responded this time. "We've found since we were young that bar a couple of exceptions, Charlie and I share the same taste in women, as we share many things in life," he admitted. "Does that bother you?"
She thought about it for a moment, a frown marring her brow before she shook her head. "No, it makes sense. You're close, and I think I rather like that," she finally answered.
"Good, because we've been both dying to find out how you taste," Charlie's voice rumbled close to her ear and she leaned into the fluttering kiss that landed on her neck. "Unless you object?" he paused, giving her room to decline.
As her eyes fluttered open again, she noted they were both still and clam, waiting for her consent. She had no doubt one word from her would stop their advances. But why should she deny herself this pleasure and closeness with the two men she desired?
"No objection here," the words were soft but confident, and not a moment too soon as Charlie pulled her into a searing kiss, forcing a groan of appreciation from her as he coaxed her mouth open and deepened the kiss a moment later.
She rolled towards him, pressing against the firmness of his body, hands finally roaming the magical tattoos that wriggled beneath her touch in excitement. Her back arched when long callused fingers traced her spine, followed momentarily by soft lips trailing a path up to her neck. The sensation of both men touching her at the same time was making her mind fog over and her body hyper-aware of every touch, every caress, and throbbing with need. As Charlie's lips continued to devour her, she felt Bill's warm breath puff against her ear.
"We will have you whichever way you want to have us...taking turns with that dripping little cunt of yours," he hummed, his fingers caressing the curve of her cheeks before nudging her thigh a bit higher on Charlie's waist to access her warm honey beneath her already soaked shorts, "or one of us filling those pretty lips of yours while the other makes you shatter into pieces.."
Hermione's nails dug into Charlie's shoulder, making him hiss into the kiss and pull away to look at her glazed eyes and already unruly curls wild with the magic that rose to dance across her skin.
It was like feeling a soft current, not painful but making his own magic rise within. His gaze flicked up to Bill who nodded, feeling it as well. They had hardly begun and their magic was already rising to greet each other and entwine, she was meant to share herself with them.
"I want you both," the soft, panted words cut through the quiet moment they were sharing.
Charlie's bright gaze flicked to her as he tried to understand what she was asking. His brother however beat him to it. "Together?" Bill asked, his hand caressing her soft fold, making her squirm as he trailed a moist path with his wet fingers up the valley between her cheeks to caress her other entrance.
"Yes," she nodded, looking over her shoulder to catch his glowing golden gaze. "If you'll have me," she added, wondering whether this was not the way they preferred. She was single but no blushing youth. She'd had her fun and though she'd not been with two men, she knew what she enjoyed and what she wanted. The stretch would probably push her to her limits but she wanted every second of it.
Bill leaned down and caught her lips in a brief kiss hindered only by the angle of her position. "I want to see you ride Charlie first. Trust me to do the rest?"
Hermione nodded and turned back to the Dragonologist, pulling him into another heated kiss. She felt his callused hands pull her up onto his body, her thighs accommodating his lean hips and enjoying the contrast of her soft curves. With a whispered spell her sleeping attire disappeared, as did Charlie's sleeping thousers, his heavy length nudging her wet folds as it settled beneath her on his belly.
She had wanted to take her time, explore them both thoroughly with her lips and tongue, but her body was eager and wanting. Charlie wasn't the patient sort either, especially with this gorgeous woman laying atop him. His work-roughened hands felt coarse against her soft skin but he couldn't help but reach for the swell of her waist and her hips, grabbing a handful just atop her cheeks as he hauled her higher up, landing with his chin between her small perky breasts.
They were soft and already puckered with the anticipation of pleasure, round brown pebbles just begging to be sucked. And how could he not when she tasted delicious?
She shuddered at the feel of Charlie's tongue on her chest as Bill's slim digits caressed her soaking folds and rubbed languid circles around her clit until soft whimpers of pleasure left her lips. She had no idea the sight she made, her body clenching hungrily to be filled for the curse breaker's sight.
He tugged her hips back down until Charlie was notched just at her entrance and she wasted no time and rubbed her hips over his hardened length before lifting up enough to guide him in. She cried out softly as her muscles stretched around the girth welcomingly. He felt incredible, not too long to hurt but wide enough to stretch her in ways she hadn't experienced in a while.
Rising up, she felt only the tip still within her and Bill's hands on her hips guided her roughly down to take Charlie all in once more. She cried out at the pressure, eliciting a groan of pleasure from Charlie as she clamped down around him at the sensation of being so filled.
With a dark groan, Charlie thrust upwards just as Hermione was sitting over him and her soft cry only fuelled his own desire as he buried into her wet heat. She was exquisite, the feeling of her walls around him overwhelming and not enough at the same time. He wanted more and felt his magic rising to the surface of his skin to greet hers.
Bill watched her hips pick up pace, her body seeking the pleasure it had so yearned for. He caressed her spine and muttered a few cleaning and lubrication charms, seeing her back arch at the sensation of his magical caressing her so intimately. She was close, he knew it, and by the frown of concentration on Charlie's face, he knew it too. But if she came too early, she would be too sensitive for the next part so he gently pressed down on her shoulder blades until she slowed down and lay atop Charlie's chest.
She let out an impatient little meowl but a light slap to her rear settled her, the rosiness in her cheeks deepening at the pleasurable sting. Her magic lit every single nerve in her body and the pleasure she was reaching for with Charlie was on the tip of her tongue, but she knew she needed to relax for the next moment.
A soft cry of pleasure was torn from her throat as she felt Bill's hot breath across her cheeks and his tongue pressed flat against the small puckered opening just above Charlie's still hard length filling her. Charlie groaned in her ear as the tip of the slick muscle managed to catch him at the base and gripped onto her hips tighter to still her little eager thrusts.
After what felt like long minutes of the teasing touch of the slick tongue, Bill finally pulled back and replaced his tongue with a slick finger, pressing through the clenching opening. She took a deep steady breath and arched her back a little, leaning into the touch rather than pulling away, welcoming it with a relaxed spine and eager heart.
Charlie looked up at Bill and panted softly. He could feel them both, Hermione's body gripping and quivering around him. Only a thin wall of flesh was separating them. Bill's grin was positively predatory as he pulled out gently and pressed back in with two of his long digits this time, hooking them slightly to press into her sensitive walls filled by his brother. Charlie groaned at the touch and Hermione pressed back against him with a soft cry, clenching around the long fingers as they hit one of her tender spots.
"Now...Bill, now…" she panted softly as her fingers dug into the sheets beside Charlie's head, her lips reaching him to kiss him heatedly through what she knew was coming.
Bill took his time, stretching her a little more until he was satisfied she could take him and carefully settled behind her, making sure he was well lubricated before starting to press inside the loosened opening. The blunt head of his length pressed past the slight resistance of the guardian muscles and Hermione tensed, her back straight as a rod as she willed her body to accept him.
Charlie cupped her face gently and pulled her gaze to his own. "We've got you, love, breathe...and let our magic do the rest," he coaxed gently as he allowed his magic to tangle with hers.
The sensation made her back arch in pleasure and she took a few panting breaths, relaxing around the intrusion and allowing Bill to press forward steadily until he was fully seated. For a moment, stillness settled over the room and its occupants as they took time to breathe and enjoy feeling each other so close, so intimately.
"Please...move…." Hermione whispered as she braced one of her hands on Charlie's shoulder and turned her head to look at Bill, seeing the wolf within him swell to join their coupling.
Bill was the first to pull back a little and thrust back in gently to set a rhythm between them. She was jolted against Charlie's form with each thrust as far as Bill's grip on her hips would allow before she felt an answering thrust from Charlie as well. It took them a few tries to find what felt right, her hissed protest at a wrong angle stilling them until she adjusted her seating and pushed back against them both. But soon they found their stride and began thrusting in and out of Hermione's body in turn, tugging her in both directions and making her nearly lose her mind with pleasure. The initial dull ache of Bill's entry had soon abated and though she was so sensitive she was ready to burst like a supernova, she held onto them both with her body for as long as she could, not wanting them to stop.
Bill's magic, earthy and comforting, reached for hers and tangled with the tendrils of magic flickering around her form, making her cry out at the intensity of their connection. They were joined by body and mind, a triad of power and desire, or unfulfilled potential, until she finally couldn't take anymore and shattered at the flick of Charlie's thumb to her clit.
She couldn't see, could barely hear their cries of completion along with her own as the magic dancing around them shone bright enough to blind them all in its intensity. It felt as if she had fallen apart and was put back together one cell at a time around her magical core all the way to her toes.
Once she was able to breathe again, she slumped against Charlie's chest, nuzzling the ouroboros and the huffing Chinese Fireball resting over his pectoral. It puffed a cloud of soft grey smoke before closing its eyes contently as she rested her cheek against the firm sweaty muscle. She felt exhausted and yet jubilant at the same time. Her body throbbed and ached but in ways that only made her realise just how much she had wanted them both in her life and sharing her body, kind and very being.
She felt them gently separate from her and a soft sound of discomfort left her before she was soothed and a couple of pain-relieving potions and water were carefully guided to her lips to drink. She took them without checking, trusting they would take good care of her as she succumbed to exhaustion and fell asleep surrounded by their body heat.
She stirred to the feeling of gentle kisses travelling across her shoulders and neck, and stretched her tired and sore body with a soft sound of protest. The twin chuckles brought her out of her drowsiness and she realised she was held by the two men she had desired for so long. Last night rushed back to her and she buried her face into Charlie's chest to hide from the world for just a bit longer.
"Hey...how are you feeling?" He coaxed, trying to get her to join them in the morning light as well.
"I'm okay, tired and sore but feeling good," she hummed, startled by the magic she felt twining with her own. It was like being caressed in the most intimate and loving way she could imagine. "That's new. It's like I feel your magic…" she mused, turning to touch Bill's chest, over that curious ouroboros tattoo. It was then that she realised there was something new on her wrist - her very own magical tattoo of the symbol. "What is this? Why do we all have this? How-"
Bill pressed a finger to her lips gently to stop her questions and offered a small smile. "It is the symbol of an eternal bond. Charlie and I are brothers, we will always love each other platonically but we hoped there would be a witch out there that would balance our magic and share our lives together. Our tattoos were a commitment and appeared on Charlie's twenty-first birthday. They have been there ever since as a promise for us to seek a partner together," he explained, his thumb caressing the magical tattoo on her wrist, the delicate black details. "Last night, when we were all joined together, our magic connected and recognised each other. I believe we were bonded," he pulled her hand up to rest on his chest to feel him and his magic.
She closed her eyes to process the news and felt the strong heartbeat and magic pulsing beneath her palm. It was true, she could feel him so close. Her mind reached out to him without the need for uttering 'legilimens' and she caressed his mental shields tenderly until they dropped and she saw her own face and felt the love he held for her.
She withdrew carefully and looked at Charlie who caressed her spine, allowing his magic to connect with hers fully. It was a wonderoud feeling, one she had been yearning for, and now she had not one but two men who connected with her so deeply. A part of her was trying not to freak out at the complication of being in a triad - would there be jealousy? They were bound to argue at some point, and how would it even work with Charlie being in Romania?
"I know this is very sudden," Charlie broke through her intrusive thoughts, "but we'll take it as slow as you like, get used to each other and being together. I am transferring to the local Welsh reserve. I managed to secure some funding and transfer of two rare species to Britain to accommodate their need for a specific climate. I'll be here, and we can all make this work," he promised.
"And I'll sell the cottage and look for a home for all three of us," Bill added. "Some place that will suit us all, a safe space for us to enjoy our bond," he promised.
She looked at them both and decided that if ever fates were giving her a helping hand, it was with this beautiful bond. And somehow knowing they were in this with her all the way calmed her anxiety and she allowed herself to feel their love and warmth as she settled back between their forms. "I'd like that. I've wanted you both for so long, and though this is faster than I expected, I can't wait to be your partner," she promised. "But first, any chance for breakfast?" she asked as her stomach rumbled hungrily.
Bill chuckled and pulled her into a quick kiss before Charlie did the same. "Whatever you feel like. Today is just the start of our lives together," he promised.
And she couldn't wait to find out how the rest of their days would be once they got home. For now, Prague firmly remained on the top of her list of favourite cities in the world. It would after all always be the place where they found their way to each other.
Fin.