Here's a new chapter dear readers! In this chapter, Hermione also managed to squeeze a word or two out of Neville, and we shall find out more about Harry. Happy reading!

Chapter 4

Harry Potter used to be proud of his ability to keep cool in any situation. But seeing his Hermione snuggle Draco Malfoy took all the patience he ever had to not run to her and tell her that she was sitting there with the wrong guy. He had never felt jealousy over other women. But back then when she was all over Krum had been the time when he couldn't explain it. Now he could explain it. And he knew he would have to get used to her going to not just one, but two other men who were her husbands with the same rights as he was.

They had all grudgingly agreed not to fight and show jealousy and anger among them, for her sake. The last thing she needed in this situation were three men fighting each other, within the 'do no harm to others' rule of the law's stipulations. Even though in his mind's eye Harry did imagine pushing Malfoy from the seat and taking his place. Harry noticed that Neville was also not too happy to take in the sight of the reformed snake cuddled close to their woman.

''The elves have already set the table for us and prepared the food so we should be going,'' Harry said, trying to feign calmness. He knew that he could not look away either as leaving too soon or looking away would make her nervous too, but seeing her stroke Malfoy's hair for a second before getting up was another test for his composure.

Before Malfoy or Neville could interfere, he grabbed her hand and smiled. ''I hear the elves have made your favorite, orange duck for the main tonight. They're so excited about you being home. Toffee is more elated than I've ever seen her, she kept popping in and asking me whether I am sure you'd like this or that.''

This small talk effectively kept her attention on him, Harry knew that she loved the little creatures so much and it was a much better way than telling her to only look at him and not at the other guys. He had told the elves to set the small table so he could sit next to Hermione and the others had to sit facing them. His hand went automatically to her knee. He liked having the freedom to touch her, even if so innocently.

Neville was easily hooked into leading the table conversation. All it took was asking him about his new greenhouse and the endless lecture began. It was good that way. She was distracted and asking Neville questions and it took the focus away from Malfoy. Or Draco. They had all agreed to be on a friendly first name basis but it was a hurdle that Harry had to yet overcome. The food was surprisingly excellent, it seemed that Toffee had pulled all the stops to make it happen, though Harry didn't want to eat really. He wanted to drag her to his room and be alone with her.

But for her peace of mind he did eat and let his mind wander to what would happen when they got back to the bedroom. Would she want to kiss him again? She had already kissed him once, so why wouldn't she do it again? He didn't want more than that, at least tonight. It would be too soon to think about having sex, he wanted their first time together to be special, without the stress of the first day of a surprise engagement. Had only he been her match it might have worked out differently but… the buts and ifs were no use. He had asked the Unspeakables and other high ranking ministry officials whether a match could be changed and the answer from all inquiries was no. Even when he pleaded on her behalf. It was in truth on his behalf, because sharing was not easy, but he did not get his way. Sometimes even Harry Potter was defeated. By bureaucracy.

''Neville? Can I have a word with you, after dinner?'' Hermione asked. Neville nearly dropped the piece of Victoria sponge that he had on his fork.

''Of course! Anything you want, Hermione.'' Neville managed to answer confidently enough.

With that, Harry's plan to have her attention only for him alone were shattered. Of course, he understood her need to talk to everyone. Neville had a right to her time just like he or Malfoy had. Perhaps it wouldn't take too long, Neville was not a great talker, it was possible that he'd just mumble a few words and Hermione would soon be coming up to the bedroom.

After the plates were cleared they all got up, and Malfoy walked up to her confidently.

''Good night, darling. If you need some good company, you know where to find me,'' Malfoy said and hugged her.

''Oh you, I have plenty of company,'' she said but hugged him back and pecked his cheek.

''I'll wait up for you, Hermione,'' Harry said and smiled at her and turned to leave. All he really wanted was to grab her hand and tell her to just come along with him, to ignore the others. But he couldn't appear like a brute, not now when he was close to be her favorite of all three.

Hermione followed Harry with her gaze and felt slightly ashamed to admit to herself that he did have a very nice backside and he moved beautifully. Draco's cheekiness was also nice in a way. He seemed quite sure of himself and his charm. He did have a lot of charm, and his build was also nice, much leaner than Harry's but not a gaunt, unhealthy leanness.

And finally, there was Neville. Over the years he had turned into a strong, broad shouldered man. He didn't look fat, not in the slightest. He was just broader and bulkier than the two others and he was looking at her with a deer in headlights look.

''Where would you like to sit while talking? We can go to the living room or the library or your room. You haven't said much today so I want to make you feel comfortable. I promise I don't bite.''

''I guess the living room would be fine,'' he said but still kept his distance.

She walked to the living room without taking his hand, he hadn't offered and she didn't want to make him more nervous. She needed to get to the bottom of things and hear his perspective.

''Please, come and sit next to me, Neville. I want to know if I have upset you in any way.''

He sat next to her, trying to leave a bit of space on the narrow seat. It was clear to her that he was not as confident as Harry and not as eager as Draco for her company, but as the match had chosen him, too, for her as her husband there was nothing she could do.

''Upset? You haven't done anything.'' Neville was still not looking at her, he was looking at his shoes instead. What had happened to the man who had just minutes ago talked about his work so enthusiastically?

''I just feel like you're unhappy. I know this match is a stupid situation that changes our lives so dramatically. Is there anyone else you're missing? Someone you love and can't be with now that we've been matched? I know that at the ministry you guys said there's no one, but maybe you just didn't want to share that with everyone publicly.''

''There's no one. No girl, no guy, nobody. Do I look like someone who'd have someone pining for me?''

He was still staring at his shoes. She decided to put her hand on his shoulder first.

''Why wouldn't there be several people? You're brave, smart, strong. You have a fantastic business.''

''But I am nothing like Harry or Draco. ''

Why was he still ignoring her? She knew that this way she was getting nowhere with him so there was nothing left but to start a radical move and get his attention without him being able to look away. Before he could realize what was happening, she had wiggled her way into sitting on his lap and pushed his back against the back of the small couch.

''No more looking at your shoes, Neville. I want you to look at me. And if I have to sit on your lap to get you to look at my face, then I damn well will. Of course you're not like them, you're unique!''

Neville swallowed nervously and tried to look at her.

''Be a Gryffindor and tell me what is on your mind. Are you happy or devastated about this marriage?''

''Probably there's no man in this world who'd be devastated about having to marry you.''

''I think I can name a few,'' Hermione added.

''I'm rather on the list of the happy ones. You're perfect, Hermione.''

''Now you're exaggerating a little...'' she murmured and touched his cheek. He had become so flustered from her straightforward interrogation. Her matches were all so different. Each man had his own kind of appeal and Neville's shyness was adorable. It made her wonder what he'd be like in bed. Her mind was again swerving into a direction she didn't want it to go, but she knew that she now had to live with the fact that she was suddenly wanting a lot of male attention.

''You know, everything we guys do is for you. We don't want you to be upset about this situation as we can't change it. So I thought that I better stay quiet, just in case you didn't want to talk to me. I know that you have to pay equal attention to each, but I don't want to steamroll you into anything.''

''Oh Neville, I know you never would. I just want to find out everything about you. As I was away for such a long time, we didn't get to talk much and I am sorry about that. You do matter to me, always have, and don't think you're less important to me. I have to wrap my mind around everything still, but you can and should talk to me whenever you want. I was thinking that the next house to stay at should be yours.''

''I'd love that. There is so much I'd want to show you.''

''Now that's an answer I wanted to hear. Tomorrow I and Harry will be out an about I suspect, but the next morning after it's your turn.''

''I can't wait, really.'' He said and got even more flustered.

''Even if I crush you by sitting on your lap like this?'' she asked and grinned.

''You can do whatever you like with me.'' he said in a whisper.

''I shall keep that in mind. I think I need a bit of beauty sleep though. You sleep well, too.''

She got up, happy with herself that she had not gone on about how impressed she was by his chiseled biceps and strong thighs. It was nice to have such different builds at her disposal. It sounded like something a hussy would say in her mind, but it was true. Neville had a slight tan, probably from working outside with his plants. Draco's marble skin would likely show any scratches if she ever gave him some.

She skipped up the stairs in a good mood. Maybe this would work out, even if only led by her sudden rise of neediness.

She didn't knock as she entered the bedroom and what she saw made her pause. Any other day she would have excused herself and bolted. Harry was lounging on the bed, his hair wet from the shower, wearing only some rather tight cut briefs and reading a magazine. His briefs were not as tight as Draco's budgie smugglers but they still showed that he had a very nice definition, he had worked out lots and lots it seemed. Not she had ever really paid attention to that in the recent years, besides the fact that he had gained some mass and was not the scrawny, nearly starved build that he had been during their unlucky camping in the forest of Dean.

''The bathroom's free. If you'd like I can run you a bath.''

''I think I will be fine with a shower tonight,'' she said, averting her eyes. He was after all dressed normally for the situation, she didn't feel like she had a right to demand that he put on some long pajamas. It was his bedroom after all.

Slinking into the bathroom was the best escape from perusing his body over eagerly.

The massive shower stall, a cube of glass, already had her favorite bath items in a basket next to his items. There were no soap suds anywhere, no mess like she'd expect from a man. No dirty socks and clothes anywhere. For a moment she could imagine that she was somewhere else, perhaps a hotel bathroom.

The water did relax her a bit. There was a pile of fluffy towels waiting for her and her beauty routine lotions and creams were artfully arranged on a shelf next to one of the two sinks. The elves had really done all they could to make it look like she had lived here forever. On a small bench there was a pair of colorful pajamas that she didn't recognize, but they were her size and brand new. She loved the silly cow spot print bottoms and the slogan feeling moo-dy with many chewed up flowers printed on the spaghetti strap top. Harry had remembered that she loved silly nightwear and he had got some for her. It would be rude not to put them on, even though they were a good bit tighter than the usual silk long pajamas that she had worn in the recent years.

Hermione came out of the bathroom slowly, hoping that Harry was still engrossed by his magazine so that she could slip under the covers on the unoccupied side without being noticed by him. But as soon as she was back in the room, he turned to look at her and his magazine floated and landed on his nightstand.

''You look beautiful. I thought you'd like something funny. Draco and Neville also got you some pajamas, I don't know what kind, but we thought that maybe you'd like our picks. We're not as good as your stylist, but...''

''Since when do I have a stylist?'' she asked, not letting him finish the sentence.

''Since a few months after you began to live at the Malfoys'. They didn't know how to provide Muggle clothing for you that you'd like, so they found a distant squib relative, Amelie, who just happens to be a stylist.''

''What? I never asked them for anything like that….why'd they do something like that...''

''i know you didn't, but it is what they wanted to do for you. I love your new outfits, they suit you so well. Don't chew out Draco about this, I think we should continue using Amelie's services.''

''I thought it was the elves who had bought the clothes somehow...they never told me...''

''It'd be quite hard for an elf to walk into a Chanel boutique in Paris and ask for a dress.'' Harry smiled.

''indeed. And I do love the clothes, though I know that realistically, I could never afford that...''

''You can. I have money. The guys also have money. Do you so little faith in our financial abilities that we won't be able to provide all the clothes you want for you?''

''Of course not, but...''

''Come sit down on the bed, please...'' Harry asked softly. ''When I say you look beautiful please don't question that. I mean it. You are what matters to me.''

''Harry...'' she tried to start and objection but stopped. Instead she sat down on the edge of the bed, further away from him. Away not because she was scared of him, but because she didn't know what she would do to him, if she just got into bed right next to him. He did have a gorgeous body, and her mind was telling her about all the things she could do to him.

''Remember the time when we were alone in the forest during the war? After Ron had left us?''

The question surprised her. What was he trying to talk about? He didn't look upset, she saw as she tried to sit so that she could see him while talking, but decided against contorting herself in a twist and just climbed into the bed, resting her head against the pillows. If he was going to talk about the war then there was very little chance that he'd ask her to kiss him. If he did, she would kiss him. Not because the law obligated her to, but because she wanted to know whether kissing him a second time would feel the same as the first.

''I do remember. We were exhausted. We hadn't eaten anything much for days...''

''And it was cold, so I asked you if we could give up the watch and just cuddle close in the bunk for warmth for a bit. And that bit turned into a very long sleep, I think we slept for well over a day.''

''We needed the rest. Interestingly enough, no snatchers got near us during that time.''

Harry reached out his hand and took hers in his, gently. ''Us being alone… intensified my crush on you. I wanted to tell you how much I needed you. I wanted to feel you as close to me as possible. But I didn't and there are several reasons for that. First of all, I feared you would just agree in the spur of the moment, because we were in a war and death was imminent. The second reason, what could've been the worst thing imaginable was that Riddle could use you and a child we might have conceived as a tool. For whichever of his nefarious plans. As you know, throughout history, the invading side often spared women, especially pregnant women, so the thought of you at their mercy was just...''

''Contraception charms are quite effective...'' she tried to reason. If Harry had asked her to be with him like this, would she have agreed? Yes, because it was Harry… and not out of obligation.

''I'd read a bit about magic at times of war, obviously not whole tomes like you do, and there was one think that stood out to me that I'd remembered. Magic has a way of self preservation in times of war. It might have been, no matter what charm we'd used that you'd still have conceived because the magic would have wanted to be passed on, no matter the circumstance.''

''I've read that too...''

''That's why I didn't say a word. But the locket, it knew what I craved. It knew that I wanted your attention, that I wanted you.''

Hermione gasped. ''When I caught Ron in bed with the women, he said that he is finally showing the locket where he's at. That he is not second best. That I wanted him. And many others...''

''It's still no excuse for what he did to you. I wanted to punish him for doing such a horrible thing to you, but you told me that I shouldn't. I have always listened to you, Hermione. He did suspect that I liked you more than just a friend for years, and when the locket showed him what I wanted… he couldn't accept it.''

Hermione blinked back tears. During the break up, Ron had told her that she'd be begging him to take her back, because he was better. Better than anyone else, because who else would be interested in her. It was quite a nasty break up, where Ron also called her easy for dating Viktor. It was no wonder that she had been just barely to have a few sentences of small talk with Ron, who was now married to Lavender, one of the girls she had caught him with, and lived full time in America.

Harry's friendship with Ron had also significantly deteriorated after the romance's break up so it all made sense now that seemingly out of nowhere Harry would appear and whisk her away from the now rotund and balding Ron and his wife who didn't hide her disdain towards her to meet some people who wanted to have a word with her.

''I'm sorry that he didn't appreciate you like he should have. I should have never let him even mutter a word about how you would be running to him like a puppy once he declared that he wanted to date you. That you'd be lucky to have him. I should've socked him right into the face for that. But I didn't. I knew about your crush on him and I respected that.''

''I thought we'd all have a perfect happy ending. Me and Ron, you and Ginny...''

''She was not a good match for me. She was a bit starstruck and she always talked about how she wants to have a big wedding but her eyes were on other guys. I realized I had very little in common with her. Ron did chew me out after I broke up with her, about how I broke her heart, but the truth was that I only destroyed her dream of being Mrs Potter. You were the one doing everything for me, no matter how tough the situation got. You were the one who figured out, after our long rest, that we could just loot the freezers and pantries of some remote muggle farmhouses for food and put a tiny confounding charm on the device itself making the owners think they had decided to clean it out after a power outage. Such tiny, insignificant magic didn't alert the snatchers as it is so simple even a first year can do it without detection.''

''I don't know why I didn't think about doing so earlier…. It was so obvious!''

''You couldn't have, nor I could have, simply because we were exhausted. The long sleep helped us. I know I felt guilty about taking people's food, but a few dusty cans of tuna and freezer burned chicken is not a huge loss when these muggles and many others could have been subjected to a life of horror had you not helped me do what I had to do. Without you we all would be dead now.''

''You're overestimating my input, Harry. I'm not that important…''

Harry pulled her closer to him, so close she could feel the warmth of his skin against her. It was such a nice feeling.

''You are important. I'd do anything for you, even go through that again just to save you. But now I want to be selfish. I want you to like me. More than just your friend. I know through the years we've all changed. And I hope I have changed for the better, especially looks-wise.''

''You know you're gorgeous, Harry. And it looks like you work out lots, you're perfect.''

''But the big question is – do you like how I look? Do you think I am sexy?'' he asked and she trembled when his hands were just slowly going up and down her back. It did feel so good and he was not doing anything much, he was not groping her by any means.

''Yes, I think you're sexy, after we kissed I couldn't stop thinking about you, I felt obsessed. I know it is not the potion that you gave me, that one was really harmless and even an average first year could brew it, but it is so not me to think about how I should just grab you and kiss you again.''

''It's magic,'' he murmured and kissed her shoulder, just ever so lightly. Nothing that would leave even the slightest mark, it was all so fleeting. ''Our magic wants to be together. That's why our match percentage is so high. The Unspeakables gave me a booklet about that, I'll give you it so that you can read about it, but I felt the same as you. I knew you needed to think things over, you needed to talk to the others, too, but I wanted to just drag you up here and kiss you.''

''There's a book that explains what I feel?'' she asked. Of course she had to know.

''Yes, there are quite a few about that. The booklet had a bibliography so you will find them all, I am sure.''

''So I am not going crazy by wanting you?''

''No, not at all, my silly beautiful, perfect witch. But you might drive me crazy if you don't kiss me now.''

And so she did. Now she knew what he felt, how he had felt about her for years. There was no other witch he was thinking about right now. And it was just perfect. Every moment of the kiss. Every moment her hands wandered over his body. It felt so good and he never asked for more. She was not yet ready for more than kissing him, but she knew that with a man as intoxicating as Harry, she would want more in no time at all.

Please leave a review if you like this story! All reviews are appreciated. What do you think will be next? Would you want to be in her place? Yes or no?