Well, welll, well...what have we got here? Looks like a chapter! What are Harry and Draco up to? And what will Neville do with Hermione?

Chapter 7

''I could ask you the same, Malfoy. What are you doing out here?'' Harry asked angrily. He was not exactly mad at Malfoy, but he was mad that he had been found out. Found out that he couldn't even sit still in his room for a couple of hours without wanting to check on her. Why had Neville decided to spend the day here? There were so many places to go where Harry couldn't have lurked about in the corners. It made sense, from a logical perspective that Neville would, first of all, introduce her to his work.

''I couldn't stand looking at my work. I just had to get out of the house,'' Malfoy mustered to say with a piece of decorum. ''And as you're here,too, Potter, I assume you used a tracing charm just like I did to see where she was, am I correct? Of course I am.''

''That's none of your business. I can go wherever I fancy,'' Harry huffed.

''You'd give anything for the tiniest peek inside, wouldn't you? I'm surprised you don't trust Longbottom with her safety.''

''I do! I trust Neville! Let's just go sit down somewhere before Neville notices us arguing out here. We don't want to upset Hermione with our bickering.''

At least about this Malfoy didn't want to argue with him so they walked in silence until they found a bench in Neville's perfectly manicured garden.

''Jealous that someone else got her attention, huh?'' Malfoy started.

''Why should I be jealous, the conditions of this engagement are clear and it is only fair that Neville gets his share of alone time.''

''Don't lie. I can see it in your face. For years you've tried to prevent her from getting involved with someone you didn't approve of, especially after the Weaselby fiasco. You even threatened me not to ask her out.''

''That's because you're a cad. I couldn't risk her getting her heart broken once more.''

''Pot, meet kettle or however it goes. You're just like me, Potter. You're even more popular with women than I have ever been. You know, once, during a beautiful evening in France, after a few glasses of wine Hermione told me that she didn't know how to afford to move somewhere as she had no real home to return to because while, as she said, you letting her live with you was nice, she didn't want to interfere in your love life. I told her that she could stay with us for as long as she'd like to. And so she did. I am rather sad that she never made a move on me. It's understandable that she as a muggleborn had no clue how easy it would've been for her to rent. She'd only had to post an ad that she seeks respectable rooms to rent and she would have been flooeded by mail from so many families. Don't look at me like an idiot, Potter. Even before the Ministry came to such drastic measures as to enforce a marriage law, many families knew their chances at having a magical child.''

''But Hermione knew that my home is her home!'' Harry argued, even though he started to feel a bit guilty.

''From what she told me, she didn't think that was the case. So had she posted that kind of ad, trust me, my father and I would've been falling over ourselves to get the owl with the offer to rent her a well below market priced luxury home from the many we have. All because I admit that I do want to see my kid go to Hogwarts and maybe play Quidditch for Slytherin.''

''Why do you even think with one braincell of yours that she would've chosen your offer? That is, in the case that she even would have wanted to move out from Grimmauld.''

''Because the offer would've been unbeatable. That's why.''

''You're a smug bastard, Malfoy. I don't know how Hermione can even stand you.''

''Because she is perfect. She understands me like no other woman ever has. I know, I don't deserve her. None of us really do if we think about it. We're all cowards. You, Potter had the biggest chance if you had the guts to tell her that you liked her more than a friend. Why wouldn't she fall for Saint Potter? Me, the supposedly dark wizard, I had a weak chance anyways and Longbottom would've never squeaked a word about his feelings, just kept on staring at her like a tortured puppy when she was not looking at him. ''

''I didn't want to lose her friendship if a romantic relationship went wrong. I didn't know what I would do without her, okay?'' Harry put his face in his hands. How would he ever manage to deal with the jealousy?

''But now you have her. I am sure you wish you had her only for yourself.''

''That would have been the right way. That was how we were meant to be if I had only tried harder and talked some sense into her that she did not want to be with Ron because he was not right for her. But I didn't. And now I have to find peace with the fact that you, slimy Ferret will kiss my woman too.''

''I am not a Ferret!'' Draco hissed. ''I wish I could just...''

''Just what? Fight me?'' Harry straightened up.

''No. We shouldn't fight. For her sake. Even though by the power of the engagement we can't duel, we could still have a fistfight. But Hermione would be devastated. That's why I won't. Even though you do deserve it.''

Harry felt the urge to do something to Malfoy. Just one tiny slightly dark spell to get rid of his competition. But then he realised where his thoughts were leading. He couldn't let himself be seduced by the dark powers that came so easy to him these days. It was just these two last nights when none of that even wandered into his mind. Because he was obsessed with her. He wanted to kiss her, take her to his room and not come out for days.

''Let's just be cordial. Like we agreed. And think about it. In reality, it is that we belong to her, not the other way around. Even the matching magic knew that we're a bunch of suckers, all for different reasons and we'd be lost without her. So here we are, whether you like it or not. And I will enjoy every second with her. And don't worry, when she is with me, we won't stay at the Manor so you won't have a chance to lurk around corners to see what she is up to.''

Malfoy got up from the bench and walked away, head held high. Harry stopped the urge to hex the bastard and continued to sulk alone.

Meanwhile, Neville had just gotten his breath back from her kiss. It was just so perfect. He couldn't believe it. They were still sitting so close, her on his lap. Now and then she would grab a small bit of food and offer it to him.

''Hermione, there's something I want to give to you,'' he said, trying to get the ring box from his pocket.

''What is it?'' she asked and smiled at him. He had to gather his courage to do this.

''Hermione, will you marry me?'' he said and opened the ring box. He had looked through his family's jewelry vault, looking at items from so many generations and styles, there was one enormous ring with rubies and emeralds that depicted a rose, but he thought it would be too large, especially as there was a good chance the other guys might give her an engament ring too. So instead, he chose a delicate platinum ring with tiny diamonds that made up a daisy, wirh few emeralds to mimic leaves. It was nowhere near as big as the rose ring, but anyone who'd see it would know it was by no means cheap. He did not want to give her a worthless trinket. She was worth more than all the jewels in his vault.

''It's gorgeous! So delicate...'' she ooked at it from all angles after he'd put it on. ''I love it! it's such a lovely ring.''

''I'm glad you like it. It's been in our family since the 18th century and I thought you might like it. Of course if you want something else, we can have a look at the vaults or buy something new.''

''It's lovely. And you chose it for me. You cared. It's so sweet of you!''

Neville blushed. ''I just remember you saying you missed out on a real engagement because of this law so maybe this is a tiny, tiny way to make it for it. I love you and I want you to be happy. I know that you don't love me... but even if you're never in love with me, I will try to be the best husband for you because you have to marry me due to the law.'' He was nearly stuttering and red in the face with shame.

''You're so cute and adorable. I know that in time, I will fall in love with you, because who wouldn't. And you are so sexy too. I know you will disagree but you make me feel hot, and it's not because of the greenhouse. It's because I am sitting on the lap of a strong, smart man who makes me melt.''

Later at the house there were two men milling around near the dining room impatiently.

''Where is she? The elf said that miss ordered dinner at six, but it's already ten past and she is still not here!''

''Yes, that's really shitty. I want to see her at least for a bit. Seems like Longbottom got his hands wrapped around her like a suffocating vine.''

Harry only nodded at that. He checked his outfit in the mirror, making sure that his button up shirt looked good. Malfoy looked impeccable in casual muggle jeans and a tshirt. How did the skinny blond do it, Harry didn't know.

Five minutes later Hermione walked in. It looked like she had tried to charm her hair into some tameness and straightened her clothes, but it was still quite clear from the wide smile and glimmer in her eyes that she had quite enjoyed herself. Neville at least had the decency to look a little ashamed when Harry shot him a glance.

He had to act fast to get to her before Malfoy could and he was not sorry that he nearly tripped up the blond.

''Did you miss me?'' he whispered to her as he pulled her close.

''Harry, I was just gone for an afternoon... And you missed me already?''

''Of course I did. So much.'' He kissed her, without asking if he could. She squealed in surprise but eagerly answered the kiss.

Hermione broke the kiss, far too soon for his liking. If it had been just him and Neville, he would've taken her away to his room. Neville would've not complained, he knew, but the blond git would and so he had to let her go to slide into the arms of Malfoy.

''How was your day, beautfil?'' the smarmy blond asked her.

''Oh it was absolutely wonderful. Hope your day was great too, Draco.'' The blond pulled her close and kissed her too and Harry felt his blood boil.

''You will have so many wonderful days with us, sweetheart.'' Hermione just smiled brightly at all three and let Neville lead her to the dining room, where a relatively large square table was set for four. Neville pushed out a chair for her and helped her sit down and then sat next to her. That left Harry and Malfoy sit on the other side. Harry couldn't complain loudly about this, but he wanted to sit next to her and touch her, even if to just run his hands over her thighs.

But he had to sit pretty and smile as she gushed over Neville's amazing work and clever greenhouses and the worst was that Malfoy added to the chorus and praised Neville's business acumen and risk taking that was successful and put him way above other herbologists.

Harry felt frustrated like a horny teenager. It had never felt like that before. Most women bored him, the taste of a mix of love and fertility potions badly disguised in his cofee was an every day occurence with his short term flings. But with Hermione it was so different. And he liked that. What he didn't like was that he still had three whole days without her full attention to live through. Especially two days at Malfoy manor. Maybe once it was his turn to entertain her he wouldn't leave the bedroom.

Hermione noticed that Harry was quiet during dinner, but he might have some future project on his mind she decided. It was so amazing that Draco and Neville were getting along so well. She had worried a little before whether Draco wouldn't slip up and say something hurtful, but he hadn't, in fact he had been so nice and encouraging to Neville. Maybe all of her boys would get along so wondefully and she would have an odd, but wonderful family.

She kissed Harry and Draco goodnight and soon she was back in Neville's bedroom with the enormous bed. Oh yes, the bed would be fatastic for her plans of seduction. She spotted a pink flowery thing laid out on the bed.

''What's that?'' she asked teasingly. She assumed it was something for her to wear at night.

''We three talked that of course you can have all the clothes you want of your choice, from your stylist or go shopping whenever you want but that we could still... buy something for you that...that might look amazing on you and... I need a shower really quick.''

Neville blushed deep red and disappeared into the bathroom. Hermione smiled. It was adorable how nervous and flustered he got around her sometimes. She knew though that there was passion under the nervous, careful exterior. When they had kissed in the greenhouse, once he forgot to be cautious, his kiss got more intense. She couldn't wait for more. Would she had ever believed she'd have so many men to choose from, when and how she wished? Never in a million years!

Hermione went to pick up the item Neville had got for her. She knew that none of the guys would make her wear only what they wanted, but she acutally wanted to find out how they each saw her. The floral silk was light as air but still opaque. It was a classic cut but a sea of ruffles covered its skirt part. With it came panties of the same material, a standard cut, nothing shocking. Hermione liked it. He had made an effort for her and from looking at the size tag she could guess that it would likely fit her. It was not something she would've thought of buying, because she might have thought that the ruffles would highlight her hips too much, but now that somebody else had chosen it for her, it was definitely worth a try.

Soon enough the sound of a running shower ended and Neville came out. He had dried his hair and he was wearing just a pair of very, very baggy boxer shorts, so loose that they could pass for surfer swimwear. She eyed him up stealthily, she knew that outright ogling would make him retreat like a spooked deer.

Neville really had nothing to be ashamed of. He was not pudgy, his body looked bulky and firm. No man boobs or beer gut. Overall, gorgeous. And that gorgeous man, who was now blushing because he caught her looking, was hers.

She hurried past him into the bathroom. They'd have plenty of time to talk in bed. The bathroom was breathtaking. Waterlily motive tiles on the walls, painted so realistically that it seemed the flowers were just a few steps away. Irridescent floor tiles that looked like a clear lake. It seemed he couldn't let go of the flower theme even in the bath. But it was so well done that she didn't think it was tacky. In the shower, she looked for her typical hair and body care but couldn't find it. Instead, there was an orchid and maracuja set, that smelled wonderful, like a trpical explosion. During dinner she had noticed that the elves serving paid extra attention to everything being immaculate, murmuring under their noses that Longbottom House was worthy. Perhaps that was meant to be towards Draco or the elves here knew she had stayed at the Malfoys' properties so they wanted to show that they were equally good. The bath set showed it, the elves had chosen to not unpack her usual items and replaced them with something else. She was not mad about it, but if the elves were ever out of line she would have to manage them all, as it seemed there'd be quite a bunch of these little creatures if she took into account the numbers the Malfoys had. But that was an issue for another day. Now she had to get out of the bathroom before darling Neville began to worry that she was hiding from him.

She slipped on the nightdress and it fit like a dream, the panties were so light that she didn't feel them. He had really done well in picking this out.

''So how does it look?'' she asked as she came out of the bathroom. His admiring gaze and the fact that his gardening magazine dropped from his hands to the floor was already telling.

''How is my sexy gardener?'' she asked and stepped up to the enormous bed.

''Hermione, you're going to kill me, you know. You look stunning.''

She crawled close to him. ''You know you are very sexy too... I just don't want to scare you with being too forward.'' She wanted to straddle him but felt it would be too much. Neville didn't have as much experience as Draco or Harry had.

''I don't think I am as hot as the gardeners described in Muggle romances. I know about that stereotype because gardening magazines sometimes make fun of that.''

Oh no. Not the self-doubts again. She had to stop it, once again.

''How can I make you believe that you are sexy? You are unique, sp special. I don't want to hear you putting yourself down. It makes me feel bad, as if I am the one who makes you feel this way. I want you to feel happy. And wanted. It will take me a while to get used to this...unusual relationship overall, but you are attractive. I don't want to grope you like some women have in the past. Before you protest that I can do whatever I want, I want you to be comfortable.''

''It's just... so incredible for me to actually be with you. I've dreamed about it for years, but that was just as real as a celebrity crush. You can't imagine how nervous I was buying this nightdress for you. I was just walking in muggle London, to calm myself about this marriage prospect. The Malfoy elves had sent us all an extensive list of likes, needs and exact sizing for clothes and shoes. And then I saw this in the shop window and... I had never before in my life bought anything for a woman. Luckily the sales assistant was so nice and friendly and she helped me find your size. She even praised me that I had come prepared with a size list. I was a bit embarassed. But now seeing you wear it, the nervousness was worth it. If you'd like, we can go back to that shop again.''

''I'd love to,'' she murmured and cuddled closer to him, letting her hand caress his bare chest.

Within a few minutes he had relaxed and was murmuring how happy he was. There was that warmth and need rising within her again and she had to curb it. At least for now. She wanted to train him to be her perfect lover. It was even a plus that he hadn't been with other women. The sexy gentle gardener was all hers.

Morning came too quick for her liking. Neville was holding her so close and she lvoed the feel of his strong body. She wished that his boxer shorts hadn't been there, as the baggy fabric bunched up and added a few milimetres of fabric between them. Hermione realized that she actually couldn't wait to see her men naked. It was such a naughty thought. She knew from the pervious nights' experience that he was rather... impressive. She had not been able to evaluate Draco yet, as he seemed to consciously not grind her and Neville... she didn't want to make him jump by ghosting her hand over his family jewels.

''I have an idea what we could do today,'' Neville said, his voice still a bit sleepy. ''We could go see my parents in hospital, they are doing better now. They'd love to see you. Of course if you don't feel comfortable going there we can just find something fun to do in London instead.''

''If you think it wouldn't upset them to see me, of course, I'll go.''

''They'll love you... just.. maybe we shouldn't tell them yet about our rather... special engagement. They might get worried about me or something. We will tell them in time but... not now.''

''You know them better than I do. I trust you to do the right thing. And they're your parents, I hope they do like me.''

''Even they have asked me when I will finally ask you out, can you imagine that? Dad has even tried to encourage me to do it...but I couldn't...''

Hermione just kissed him. Kissing was a very good way to make him stop saying silly things.

Then she went to what she assumed was the dressing room. It was a bit surreal to think that three years ago she was wondering how she would save up for a deposit for a cheap off Knockturn bedsit, and then she lounged in luxury and now she ended up with not just one, but three well off future husbands.

''I bought you something else too,'' Neville said as he got into the dressing room after her. ''You don't have to wear it, but I thought it'd look great on you and after the succesful purchase at the lingerie store I got this.''

Hermione looked at the hanger. It was again so distinctly his style. Yellow shorts with an intricate pleating at the waist, a silky wrap blouse in sunflower print and flat gold sandals. Very Gryffindor. Very herbologist-y too.

''Let me try it on and see how it looks. Maybe you got it right again.'' As she was about to take the clothes from the hanger, she noticed that he was still standing there, mesmerized.

''Are you going to watch me try it on?'' she asked with a grin. If he was going to say yes she wouldn't have minded one bit. Having so many fiances made her needy. She wanted to feel sexy too.

''Oh no, I wouldn't dare to. I'll just get my stuff and go dress in the bedroom.'' He had flushed beet red as he ran out of the dressing room with a handful of clothes.

Finally, after she had enjoyed his compliments about the outfits they were ready to go to breakfast and on to their adventure. It seemed that Harry was still a little grumpy and Draco tried to hide his jealousy behind a smile.

But it was Neville's day today so she had to pay attnetion to him for now and let the others stew for a little bit. Draco would get his days too. Everything would be equal.

Neville was rather glad that they had agreed to let her have two days to spend with one of them at a time, so that she could get to know them outside of their friendship (as he did think Draco had been a kinda friend to her for a while) and get to know them as romantic prospects. Harry's weakly hidden disappointment about her leaving was in a way a delight to Neville. He knew that if it had been just him and Harry, then it would have been Harry who'd take the lead and back him into a corner. With Draco added to the mix Harry couldn't demand to join and leave Draco alone. That wouldn't be fair and go against everything they had all three agreed upon.

Now it was his turn to entertain her and she did look shocked as they Apparated to a narrow trash strewn alleyway.

''We're going to a supermarket to pick up some stuff for my parents first, if that's okay with you? I had to Apparate us somewhere further away from Muggles, I hope you don't mind that.''

''Ņo, I don't mind at all. I am just... amazed about how you've taken to the muggle world. After all, you're a pureblood wizard and...''

''Why gran raised me quite traditionally, she didn't say muggles were bad, just that we had to always conceal magic around them and blend in. I think we both blend in quite nicely today.''

''We do! I love that your shirt matches my outfit too.''

He smiled. He felt happy even about such little compliments from her. He had chosen to wear a mustard yellow tshirt with jeans and casual backpack to look like another twenty-something guy in London.

He took her hand and they walked into the huge supermarket. He didn't mind the muggles, he was concentrated on the list of things he had to get and he had to stop himself from looking at her all the time. He had seen happy loved-up couples strolling in the store many times and wished he'd have someone to go with him. While more and more witches and wizards became more open minded to using muggle items, he didn't want to have to explain to a witch what a prawn cracker was and why Quality Street was not another location they had to go to. Hermione chatted happily as they filled up the cart with snacks and three large tins of the aforementioned candy, till they got to the book and magazine section.

''Can you pick up all this month's crossword magazines while I check the books on offer. And then pick all the knitting magazines. We don't need the gardening ones, I already have every one of them subscribed.''

Muggles passing them didn't even look back. To them, it was just another couple. But to Neville, it was a dream come true. He loved his parents, but nobody, not even gran, could understand the sadness that he had felt for so long. After he had found that they actually enjoyed muggle snacks and he'd found an old knitting notebook of his mother's in the attic he had started, slowly but surely, bring them more things to do. Turned out they both were mesmerized by muggle thriller, mystery and romance books. Fantasy would make them wail, but a new book by Val McDermid or any of their now favorite authors would gather endless thankfulness. He kept a list of all books he had bought, to make sure there were no doubles. No book went to waste, those his parents had read wandered to the other patients, who also found liking in them, even the care staff would read it and comment on the books. Neville was rather glad that such a little thing could make not only his parents, but also a several others in the Special Long Term Care ward. That's why he put ten new books in the cart too. The supermarket price beat most bookstores he found, it was just a small bonus in addition to the fact that he could get so many things in one shop.

They trudged out of the store with the heavy bags as there was no way to shrink everything without the muggles noticing.

''I love how you know everything that they need and like. You're such a good son to them. Not everyone could do that.''

''While they couldn't be there for me growing up, at least I can enjoy their company for now. They are really better. But they can't leave the hospital any time soon. I tried it, a year ago, thinking that the renovated house won't hold any bad memories. But I found then crying and cowering under and old couch in the attic. Being there just brought up their bad memories. They are safe in the ward, you will see, it doesn't look like a hospital room at all. About three years ago the disused Dragon Burns Unit was converted to house patients needing long term care. I personally know that it was Lucius' donation that did it. He has never advertised that fact. While he's not a perfect person, he is trying to make amends and I respect him for that.''

''I didn't know about that donation. That is generous. And I am glad that your parents feel safe there.''

They were now in the alley, stuffing the purchases into his magical backpack. He pulled her close to Apparate to the next location but he was glad that he hesitated for a moment because she kissed him. It was so unexpected but perfect and he sure would've splinched them into a thousand pieces because the kiss was everything he needed he couldn't leave any part of his mind spare for the amount of concentration needed to arrive at a destination properly.

''You're so sweet and caring. I think you will be a very good husband for me.''

He blushed again. She was just... everything he had ever wanted.

''We have just one more store to visit and then we can go to the hospital. I'm afraid the destination will be yet another alley.''

''I will go anywhere with you,'' she murmured and held him close. He was rather amazed that they didn't splinch and had arrived unscathed.

''This is probably my favorite store to go, as my mom just loves knitting. The store left a message at the cottage, where I have the phone for business purposes that my order has arrived. She ordered enough yarn for two sweaters, one for me and one for dad. She knits beautifully and it makes her happy to make things. Please, if she does offer you something she made, can you take it? Even if it is something that's not your style?''

''Of course, that's the least I can do. I personally don't know much about knitting, but I know it takes a lot of work and effort so if she ends up offering me something, I will accept it.''

''Thank you for being so supportive. I can't put it into words how much it means to me that you understand my situation.''

They entered a fancy looking craft store and had not even caught a breath as two sales assistants chirped. ''We're so happy to see you, Mr Longbottom! We have the sweater kits your mother wanted and let us just show you some new yarns and kits!''

Hermione just stood there on the stoop of the store as two middle aged ladies chattered like two waterfalls and led Neville around the store. She didn't want to but in, there was no need to, as Neville had the situation under control. He nodded knowledgably as they talked about something called a Noro and after he pointed at a sweater on display, one of the ladies scrambled to what it was assumed to be a back room. The other meanwhile continued her sales pitch and showed him what Hermione could see, because she had stepped deeper into the store, some knitting books. The lady returned from the backroom with stack of yarn bags so high that she could barely see where she was looking. The other started ringing everything up, including the books and some more balls of yarn and everything cost a a few hundred pounds. Which was perfectly fine. His mother deserved to get what she liked. And Hermione already had everything. How could she begrudge an ill woman of a bit of yarn when she herself had a closet full of designer items that cost in the hundreds of thousands?

Neville could barely hold the large paper totes stuffed with the yarn and books.

''I know these sales assistants are over enthusiastic, but after all, they want to make a sale. I am sorry they ignored you. I should've told them not to do that.''

''No worries, I don't know much about it anyways. It seems that they do know you well.''

''I come in about one every three months to buy whatever my mom wants. I told them my parents are organic beekepers in the Scottish Isles so she doesn't have time to come down to London and deliveries are unreliable over there. So they don't suspect anything amiss. Mom always enjoys the extras they put in with the order too. I think I am one of their good customers.''

They didn't shrink the yarns, as Neville told her that his mother thought there was something different about them when they had been magically toyed with. So they had to carry them for the ten minute walk to the hospital. Once again she knew that Neville would lead her to the right spot, and they entered the hospital via a backdoor and as they ascended the stairs, the noise and voices from the lobby disappeared.

They entered large double doors and stepped into what looked a long hallway with many doorsd on every side. It looked like some kind of hotel, not a ward. A cat's loud purring distracted her, so she leaned down to pet the feline. Where did the little cutie come from. She nearly jumped int he air when she heard a man loudly yell. ''Alice, I can't believe it! Our son isn't a Hufflepuff anymore!''

What do you think? How will Neville's parents react? Or do you think he should have waited to introduce her to them?