Hello dear readers! Here is another chapter for you, quite a long one even!

Neville was tossing and turning in his bed. He couldn't fall asleep and had been trying to get his racing mind to calm down for hours. Hermione. Every moment he could not live without thinking about her. This match was like a dream. He would wake up and it'd be just another silly dream.

But he had held the official match letter from the ministry in his hands. He was going to be married to her. Married to the most perfect witch in existence, who would never want a man like him. She was too good for him. Smart, gorgeous, brave. He had observed her from the sidelines for years. She was his friend, she'd chat with him for hours about homework and he loved her company. He didn't want to lose her friendship as he was sure that would have happened if he had told her that he wanted to ask her out.

However, he had noticed, also by observing people, that Harry and Draco also had watched her like hawks. They didn't let any other men near her. He, Neville, hadn't been seen as a serious threat for her affections so they had let him entertain her during the ministry functions. But as soon as someone had began to flirt with her, like an athlete or some heir of whatever line, Draco or Harry would appear seemingly out of nowhere and distract her away from the possible admirer. Neville thought that it was a bit hypocritical of these two to do it. They themselves lurked around, did not confess their romantic interest to her, yet smoothly shooed her away from any potential love interest.

Neville knew that he himself was nothing special. In school he had barely passed several subjects, especially Potions. He was not good at sports and could fall off a broom even if it was on the ground. Thankfully, he had grown out of the chubby kid body into a stronger, bulkier build and developed some muscle thanks to lifting and carrying around hundred pound bags of mulch, earth and other greenhouse necessities that needed to be brought in by hand, sans magic to not affect the sensitive magical plants. But he knew that he was still not good looking enough to be seen as attractive by her. He didn't have Draco's perfect hair or Harry's winning smile.

But the Unspeakables had said that he is her match, no doubt about. And that she was so special that magic itself demanded that she have three husbands. And he was one of the three.

He had decided to wait till it was his turn for her attention. It was clear from the start that Harry was the one leading the pack, once again. So it came as a great surprise to him that Hermione had wanted to talk to him, only him. When she had sent the others away he had been even more nervous. Did she want to tell him how horrified she was that she had been irrevocably matched to someone like him? But she was so sweet, like she had always been, and this time it had even felt better. And she had asked whether he was upset about the situation. He had wanted to yell at the top of his lungs that he was happier than ever before.

Of course he had thought how it would have been if he had been her one and only match. What would she think then? He wasn't as rich as the two others, but after the war he discovered that he had a surprising amount of assets and that he'd inherited some money and real estate from distant relatives that had passed away, including some cousins he had never met but who were also related to the Lestranges. He had known that putting all his money in his rare plant venture might make him lose everything, so he had heard, from Harry no less, that Lucious Malfoy was looking for safe and possibly profitable projects to invest. It had been nerve wrecking to write to the man, but the formal but friendly response letter had been surprising. After seeing just his little and quite weak tiny sapling of the Golden Apple tree Malfoy had only asked how much he needed for the project, not asking about risks and returns and just wrote a check without blinking. The contract that arrived in the mail a week later was just as loose, with very weak repayment clauses and just the option that Malfoy had to be the first investor approached for new projects. It was incredible. His own lawyer had never seen such a risk-free contract so Neville signed it and ever since then, his venture was going uphill.

And he had even found a way to help people directly through his business. The plants were so sensitive, no elf or wizard could care for them as accidental magic could destroy the plants' delicate own magical abilities. That's where the ministry's Reconnect with your squib relatives initiave came in handy. Many families still wanted nothing to do with squibs but many squibs wished they could live within the magical world. So he'd found two twin brothers who were relatives of the known Death Eater Evan Rosier. Nice young lads, squibs who never felt quite at home in the muggle world and were looking for work with wizards. They were perfect workers. Eager, hardworking, they adored the elves at Longbottom house and were fascinated by the magical plants.

Neville thought Hermione would love them. If it was just him as her husband she'd still have nothing to worry about, there was plenty of money for anything she'd need and the library at the recently renovated Longbottom House was just waiting for new books.

Hermione. Everything he did, he had done with her in mind, even when he knew that it was senseless to think about a woman who was so out of his league that she'd never spare a thought for him beyond friendship.

Of course, there had been other women who wanted his attention. Hannah Abbot had been hopeful, but he just didn't have any feelings for her really. She was a nice girl, but when she had kissed him he didn't feel the slightest bit of excitement. She was crushed by his polite rejection, but he couldn't bring himself to want Hannah as a love interest.

After an article in Witch Weekly had appeared praising him as one of the most promising business minds in Europe, more women paid attention to him, but their approach was just not what he wanted. The thought of being cornered by some women and having his crotch grabbed was still putting dread in his mind. He was not that kind of guy, he didn't want to be just a piece of meat to someone.

Hermione crawling into his lap was a different thing entirely. First of all, he had dreamed about something like that happening. That one day she'd realize that he was worth her time. That he would do anything he could for her even though he was not a star athlete like Krum or the savior of the world like Harry.

Last Christmas at the Ministry Grand Gala he had been close to showing Hermione what gentleman he was. Someone had spiked the slightly alcoholic punch with something much stronger as the evening dragged on and Hermione had become more giggly and pointed out that he was a great dancer. And that she liked his strong arms. Neville wanted to take her home. Not to take advantage of her tipsy state but to show her that he could host her too. His plan was to take her to Lonbottom House, offer her his tshirt as a nightshirt and let her rest in the most beautiful guest room he had. Then in the morning they'd chat over a nice breakfast, an elf would fetch some of her clothes from Grimmauld, she'd be amazed by his greenhouses…

But his plan was foiled, out of nowhere, by Harry, whose arms Hermione fell into and joked something about Seekers. Neville tried, for once, to stand up to Harry and say that he could take care of her and Harry could go and talk to people again, but Harry had shot him down that Hermione needed to get home and that was what was important.

But now he would have a legit reason to take her to his house and Harry couldn't squeak a word about it. And this time, it wouldn't be the guest room, it will be his bedroom.

The feel of her on his lap. It was something he'd never forget. Her hand caressing his cheek. It was all so innocent, she hadn't done anything much, but all he could imagine in his mind over and over again was how would it have been if she had kissed him. Even if just a brush of her lips on his.

He jumped out of his bed and went to his suitcase. There, under layers of clean clothes was a tiny box. The engagement ring he had picked for her. He opened it and looked at the deep red ruby set in the gold facing. Would she like the ring? Would she even want to get a ring from him?

He took the box and stumbled back to bed, letting himself imagine that she'd love the ring and kiss him eagerly.

The harsh morning light woke him up, his hand stiff clutching the ring box. He scrambled out of bed, hoping the bathroom he shared with Draco was empty. It was. Neville hoped the warm water would help him wake up and look more refreshed. His mind wandered again to Hermione but his daydreaming was cut short when he knocked over a bottle of something that was not his but Draco's. That guy had so many products! Maybe that was why his hair always looked so perfect Neville wondered. But even grabbing Draco's entire shampoo bottle wouldn't make him better looking.

Neville knew that he just had to be a better version of himself to catch her attention more.

Hermione was blissfully happy cuddling Harry and she had no idea of Neville's turmoil. All she could think of was Harry. His firm body next to her, his lips nibbling her neck.

''I have a nice day planned for us...'' Harry murmured. ''I could stay in bed all day with you, but I thought you'd enjoy what I've planned.''

''What are we going to do?'' Hermione asked eagerly.

''Let yourself be surprised… I just thought of something relaxing, so wear comfortable clothes suitable for walking around in London.'' He got out of bed and went to the walk in closet. Hermione stretched, feeling quite happy. Any stress was gone. She was not worried about her future. What could go wrong when she had her Harry?

''Do you want to go out or lounge like a cat all day?'' Harry said smiling. He had just pulled on some jeans and was holding a t shirt. Goodness, he looked fantastic shirtless.

''I suppose we told the others that breakfast would be served at ten so I should get up...''

She did drag herself out of bed and went to search for underwear first.

''What about these?'' Harry asked, holding up a pair of lacy red boyshorts.

''How did you find them?'' she asked and grabbed them from him.

''They were in the other drawer next to mine. All I wanted is to help.''

''You perv. You wanted to know what my undies look like!''

''That's true, can you blame me for being curious?'' he said, making big puppy eyes at her.

''Now shoo, a girl needs to get dressed for once.''

Thankfully, Harry did leave her alone long enough for her to get dressed. He was just waiting for her outside the walk in closet.

''Have I told you that you look gorgeous?''

''We need to get to breakfast, Harry. Spending the night with you was lovely.''

Harry was quite amorous all the way down the stairs. It was wonderful to see this relaxed, playful side from him.

Draco and Neville were waiting in the living room. They seemed quite tense so Hermione rushed to them.

''Good morning, beautiful, '' Draco said and engulfed her in a hug. ''I hope Harry didn't snore like a sawmill.''

''No, he didn't. Did you get some sleep?'' she asked and noticed that Draco did not seem to want to let her go.

''I did, but I think I will sleep better when you're next to me.'' She smiled and disentangled herself from Draco.

''Neville, come here,'' she urged. She knew that the shy Gryffindor needed a bit more encouragement as Draco's obvious flirting might make him feel insecure.

He did come to her, a bit unsure, so she engulfed him in a hug and kissed his cheek.

''How are you?'' she asked, wanting to hear something good.

''I am good, thank you,'' he murmured and she pulled him closer to her.

''Misstress can we be serving breakfast now?'' Toffee's chirpy little voice broke the moment between her and Neville. It seemed like he had wanted to tell her something but hadn't dared to. Maybe she had just imagined things.

Hermione could not imagine the turmoil that Draco was going through. Seeing her come into the room with Potter, holding hands before she realized and letting go was quite a hard hit for him to take. He knew that it wasn't logical, that feeling of wanting to just smash Potter's face but he still had that feeling. So on the outside he had to stay aloof, not show that he had a so much jealousy flowing in his blood like he never thought possible. Why did Longbottom get a kiss but he hadn't? It was unfair! As an adult man he couldn't stomp his foot and have a tantrum.

So he had to sit through the breakfast, asking potter a billion questions about what they were going to do when out and about. It did annoy the Gryfindork but he didn't let it show. Longbottom was sitting there with a blank expression, probably also jealous. Sweet Hermione was smiling at all three, saying that it is wonderful that everyone gets along so well.

The breakfast was over soon than Draco would have liked and Hermione and Potter were out of the door in a flash. She didn't even take time to say goodbyes to the two sad remainers, but he could understand why. Women were always so captivated by Potter. He had seen it, time and time again, at all kinds of social events. While many were drawn to the Malfoy money and notoriety, it seemed Potter could attract any woman he glanced at.

In the hushed private talks at many pureblood events there was talk that Potter could go crazy and become the next Dark Lord. There was something about Potter that was similar to Riddle – the presence of an overpowering amount of magic. From Riddle, one could never know what to expect and a Crucio was just a daily thing for a slight wrongdoing or no fault at all.

After the war, Draco had pored over tomes about how magic can corrupt and many authors suggested that if a person of exceptional power was not in some way limited to access their magic they might not developed to their full extent. It became clear why Dumbledore had put Riddle in a muggle orphanage and made sure that Potter resided at his muggle aunt's house.

Both of them had horrible childhoods, all thanks to Dumbledore. Even back in the day some family would have gladly fostered a half-blood child, just as there was quite an uproar that Potter could not be taken in by a good magical family.

After the war Potter had not started gathering followers, like he could have done easily or tried to overturn the political process in the country. And now, maybe he would not do that. In the books Draco had read, it was said that such power could be well anchored and used for good. Such anchoring could happen if the exceptional one had a strong positive family.

Until the marriage law, Potter had no family as such. Sure there were a few friends, a lot of acquaintances, but nothing that would pass for a family. And now there was an instant quartet of a family with at least three children, if not more, in the foreseeable future. it'd ensure a close knit bond, as it did not matter who the biological father of a child was, any child is Hermione's and Potter would do anything to protect her.

In a way it was quite scary to be related to a potential new Dark Lord, but on the other hand, it was also an immense political advantage. Nobody would speak bad about the Malfoy family because nobody would dare to anger Potter.

And Potter was a surprisingly calm man for the amount of magical power he had. Sure, Potter had threatened him back in the day, but in the weeks after the match announcement, when they were preparing to tell Hermione about it, Potter had been so reasonable most of the time, only getting worked up when he thought about Hermione's feelings.

At these moments Draco had unwittingly flinched, not because he thought Potter would do something to him, but because it was a subconscious response from the war. If Riddle got worked up then anyone in the relatively near vicinity would feel it. But all Potter did was raise his voice when saying how he did not want to make her cry and that the other two also should not.

Potter had also come up with some rules – Hermione would decide where she wanted to stay during the engagement, she would not be made made to worry about wedding planning right after signing the agreement as she did need a week to acclimatize to the new situation and therefore none of her three fiances should pressure her for sex. Even if she felt like she wanted to, it'd be wrong of them to take advantage of her.

While Draco had agreed to these rules, he still wanted Hermione. He didn't want her to be Potter's only.

The day dragged on for Draco, every minute seemed like an hour. He knew they had said they would eat lunch in town, but Draco's mind was wandering towards thoughts of Hermione, away from the worries that Potter could be the next overlord.

She did look so happy this morning. Hugging her close was just just wonderful. He hoped that she would choose to come to the Manor next. Potter had had his two nights visit time then.

The numbers on his reports seemed to blur but he tried to pretend to work, sitting in the living room as it seemed closest to the entrance door. His room upstairs was too far to hear her arrival and bounding down the stairs like a puppy to greet her would not make an impression of him being calm and collected. Coming out of the living room seemed more graceful somehow.

And then after what seemed like forever he heard voices in the hallway. He nearly swept everything off the table as he got up. There was a hushed conversation and Draco decided to wait for a few seconds before showing his face. Deep breaths. A relaxed posture. He couldn't look like he had been waiting for her return all day.

Suddenly, the door opened and Hermione stepped into the living room, carrying a fabric tote that seemed to be brimming with books.

''I'm just going to put some books in the library. I didn't want to disturb your work. Looks like you have plenty of paperwork to go through.''

''That can wait. There's nothing more important than you.'' He quickly took the bag of bricks, err, books from her. ''Show me where we shall put them.''

Hermione chatted excitedly about the visits to bookstores she had done today, how fantastic the British Museum was and how she had succumbed and bought six books there. Most the books went into the shelf for history and architecture but one book, a heavy tome with plenty of pictures was something about Hadrian's Wall that she wanted to leaf through again. Draco steered her towards the day bed, the single chairs scattered in the library did not suit his purpose.

''I don't know why I feel so tired now,'' she said and yawned. They were sitting next to each other, not quite in the way he had wanted, but was better than sitting away from her.

''You were out and about all day,'' he said, sensing his chance to get closer to her. ''Why don't you lay down here and chat with me? There's still some time till dinner anyways.''

He hadn't been sure whether she'd agree to that suggestion, but she did. He helped her get comfortable against plush back of the daybed and as soon as she was situated there comfortably, he slipped off his moccasins and laid down to face her, not too close just yet.

''Draco...'' she said, trying to protest something, but there was nothing to protest, really. He had not kissed her like wanted. He was just laying there next to her.

''Yes, darling? You know I missed you all day. I had work to do but I… ''

''Why would you miss me?'' she asked in wonder.

''You see, there's a gorgeous witch I am engaged to. It just so happens that she has two other fiances, but it does not make me less jealous and only more eager for her attention.''

''Is that true? You want my attention?'' She seemed slightly uncertain.

''There is no use for me to lie to you. Only a fool would not want your attention. I was wondering all day where you were, if you even spared a thought for me...''

''But you knew where I was. I was perfectly safe with Harry.''

''Of course, I know he'd keep you safe. That's not the issue. It is just my mind wanted to know all day how it would be if you kissed me. It's all up to you, what you want to do with me, but I can still daydream about it.''

''You want to kiss me?'' she asked in wonder.

''Do you even have to ask? Of course I do, I just don't want to surprise snog you.''

Hermione blushed. It was the cutest blush he had seen ever. He had seen many women fake blush in his company, but their reactions were played and repeated over and over on all kinds of men. But Hermione was blushing genuinely. She did move a few inches towards him.

''I am not used to kiss guys when I want,'' she mumbled. ''But you look so gorgeous, and I don't know why these days have turned me into a nympho who wants to snog you all three on sight...''

''You want to because your magic knows that you should because we want you. I want to kiss you so much.''

He leaned a little forward and kissed her, very gently.

As Draco's lips touched hers, Hermione felt like a cloud of butterflies erupted within her. Why did it feel so good to kiss Draco, too? She had thought that kissing Harry felt so good because they had such a long history, so many experiences together, but Draco's soft lips were captivating too, in a different way. As her hands raked over his back, she wished his pristine button up shirt was not there. In fact, her mind was telling her that she should ravish the man until she was spent and satiated. So she broke the kiss too early for her liking but she had to. It wouldn't be proper to do it in the library. She had never had sex in the library before. Not that she had had a lot of sex recently.

''Draco...just…. Wow...'' she mumbled.

''You don't have to stop, you know,'' he said and wiggled closer to her. ''We're engaged and I am more than willing.''

''I… just...'' she didn't know how to tell him that in her mind, she had already undressed him.

''Seriously, is there anything about me you don't find attractive? I know we are still in the engagement phase, but it is so short, just two weeks overall so I can't change it immediately, unless it's something like a haircut...'''

''What?''

''I know that you're stuck with all three of us, and I don't want to be the ugly one in your view. I know I am not perfect, no one is… but still, I don't want you to just let the conditions of the law be fulfilled but only accepting it all as inevitable.''

''Draco! What nonsense are you saying? You're gorgeous, don't get a new haircut, I love how your hair looks now at shoulder length! I just had to stop myself from ravishing you right here. I don't know what is happening with me, but I just feel so needy. And you're a good kisser, a bit cautious, but good. I am not supposed to want so many men.''

''Who says you're not supposed to? You know that in this relationship, you have all the power. You can decide who you want to spend time with. I wondered all day where we're going next. You must see the Manor, it's now beautiful, all new renovation and furniture and...''

''I promised Neville I'll come to his place tomorrow morning.''

''Of course.'' Draco said and tried to hide his disappointment.

''I have the choice, but I have to give each of you equal attention. I know that you want to show me your home, too and I want to see it. I just thought spending two nights at each place at first would be fair.''

''It is fair. Still, I can be jealous if I want to, right? I want to take you to my room and have you all for me.''

''I might just chat your ears off,'' she warned.

''So what? I'd risk that. Anything for you.''

Draco was so sweet, it seemed they could chat about anything and everything. Hermione loved touching his hair, with the intent to make it look less perfect than usual. They were frolicking around on the narrow daybed as the sleeve of his shirt hitched up and revealed his Dark Mark. He froze the moment she saw it.

All these years she had not noticed it on him. Especially not when he was swimming as her brain was more concerned with the fact that his trunks had to be painted on, as no fabric could fit so tight.

Even when he wore short sleeves she had been too busy to pretend that she had not just seen him swim and the mark had never caught her eye. Perhaps it was because he didn't make her think about his past much. All three years he had been cordial, extremely polite and she guessed that he had been beyond just friendly and Hermione was a firm believer that people could change because she had not heard one demeaning word coming from him or his father's lips during these three years.

''I am sorry that you have to be with someone as tainted as me,'' Draco whispered and tried to get up, but Hermione pushed him back.

''You're not like that, anymore. I know from your trial, the things the madman did to his followers. I know you were doing all you could to protect your mother.''

''But I still couldn't! How could I have known that her own sister would curse her… I hate what the war did to everyone, no matter the side. I saw others back then trying to cut through the mark to get rid of it, but that was to no avail. It would just come back in another spot. Father even went to a muggle tattoo removal specialist but… it won't go away. I have been thinking about trying to cut it out now as the madman is dead but… what if it comes back?''

''Don't hurt yourself, please. It's a sign of your past, not your future. We all survived this so that our children don't have to live through something as terrible as we had...''

''I can cover it up. I forgot to put in my cuff links this morning...''

There was such a vulnerability in his eyes. Hermione knew that he usually tried to be cool and careless, but she could only imagine what horrors he had truly suffered. Covering up the mark would make no difference, it would still he there. But what mattered to her was finding out what Draco was like as a person in private. Being captivated by his super tight swimwear was one thing, but knowing what made him happy was another, so much more intimate thing that she wanted to know.

''No, you will not cover it up intentionally. All these years I didn't even notice it was there. What matters to me is your behavior and choices now, like how will you fit in this marriage situation….''

She didn't want to let him start yet another self depreciating talk so she kissed him. More than willing, that thought came to the forefront of her mind and she kissed him far more aggressively than before. He was her fiance, and he wanted her. That was what mattered. And she did want him, why should she ignore that want when even the law was on her side?

Kissing Draco felt different than kissing Harry, but it was another captivating, all encompassing need that overcame her. He smelled so good, his timid response to her aggressive kiss only urged her on and she boldly groped his arse. Such perfection! Firm, round, perfectly fitting into her hand as she greedily kneeded it. His groans of pleasure were also so appealing. She was just kissing him and he was already so affected by what she was doing that she was sure that when the time came to ravish him she would enjoy it immensely. Just three days ago it would have never crossed her mind that womanizer Draco Malfoy had the hots for her.

''Dinner is ready.''

Harry's announcement broke her magic moment. ''Do you always have to go look for me, Harry?'' Hermione grumbled and let Draco get up. She would have rather missed dinner as Draco was far more tempting than whatever Kreacher could come up with.

''Of course I have to look for you, that's better than letting Toffee burst into tears over how she must have done something wrong if you don't want to eat.''

Hermione realized that Draco had managed to slink away somehow, without her noticing.

''It looks like you're adjusting quite well to the engagement,'' Harry murmured and offered her his hand to help getting up from the daybed. With his help she did get up quickly and pulled into his embrace.

''I missed you already,'' he murmured as he nuzzled her neck.

''Weren't you just replying to some letters just now? I put the books on the shelves and...''

''Maybe I should have put off the replying until tomorrow as then I won't get as much of your attention as today. I know that you have to be equal to all of us but I am still a bit jealous. I have to step up my game because if I slack then I won't be the one you're making out with in the library….''

''You want to make out with me in the library, Harry?'' she asked him, grinning widely.

''Yes, and everywhere else… but before the elves come chase us to the dining room, let's join the guys. I still have you in my bed tonight, sweetheart.''

Harry then just dragged her to the dining room, without even the tiniest kiss. The man drove her crazy, she wanted to snog him till he could barely breathe, but he just smiled at her knowingly during dinner while Draco and Neville where discussing how many new greenhouses should be built at Longbottom house.

The second night with Harry was even better than the first, and once again morning came too early, she didn't want to lose the comfort of being cuddled so close to Harry's strong frame. But she had to get up after Toffee popped into their room to wail that the bacon is rapidly getting colder.

Neville was quiet during breakfast, it was hard to get a word from him but Hermione thought that it was probably because he was worried about something he'd wanted to show her.

They flooed into a rather nice looking large parlor and Hermione realized that she had never actually visited Neville's home.

''Can I show you our room?'' Neville asked, looking absolutely flustered.

'' Of course,'' Hermione said and grabbed his arm, letting him lead her.

They had reached a set of grand stairs and he stopped as if he had been stunned.

''Dear girl, can you give a few minutes to an old lady?'' Augusta Longbottom's voice boomed from the top of the landing where she was standing like a statue, dressed in a gaudy brocade suit.

What does Augusta want from Hermione? Does Neville know it? What do you think? I love reading reviews, so don't be shy, add a review! Thank you for reading and stay tuned for the next chapter! Love, Lucia.