Oh dear, there finally is a chapter. A lot of drama... but what do you expect with so many handsome fiances?
It was so unexpected. Harry Potter was such an intense, incredible kisser. She could feel the torrent of his emotions flooding over her, he was so lost and needed her.
''What do you think you're doing, Harry?'' she asked in a moment where the kiss had stopped for a few seconds.
''I'm kissing my fiancée.''
''You scared the heck out of me, making me suddenly lift up in the air. I thought I was hit by a curse!''
''That was accidental magic. I didn't want to scare you, but I was getting ready for dinner and thinking about you. And I guess my magic just took the chance to grab you when you were passing my door.''
Hermione could not be mad at him. Harry had not known that she would pass by his door and after all, nothing terrible happened. He had not intended to grab her.
''I'm sorry if I scared you. I missed you so much today, wondering what you were up to, if Draco's behaving…''
''Harry, why would you be worried? You know that Draco is to be trusted, and the engagement contract that we all had to sign prohibits any harm… you're being ridiculous…''
''I know I am… I am just so overwhelmed with emotion. What if you end up really liking just one of us, and think that I am an ugly toad who you had to marry by law?''
Hermione could smell a hint of scotch; he was not incredibly drunk but it was impacting him a little. Her Harry was usually calm and collected, at least before the whole marriage fiasco, so seeing him tear up was a big sign of something wrong.
''Harry, take off your shirt,'' she demanded and tugged on the hem of his black polo shirt.
''I can change into another shirt if you don't like this one, I have a few different ones…''
''Just let me take this off…'' she said and in one swoop removed the shirt, messing up his elegantly styled hair at the same time. Hermione had noticed that he had tried to look nice for dinner, but it was not what was needed right now.
''So, tell me, where is that ugly toad you were talking about?'' Her hands were running gently over his fit torso. He was not as lithe as Draco, but that was logical as even through her sexually frustrated haze she had noticed just how run-crazy the Slytherin had become.
''What if you're just tolerating me because of the law? What if you resent me?''
''I could never resent you, Harry. And how could I only tolerate you? We have been through so many things together… and well, many witches would say that you are a rather breathtakingly handsome wizard.''
''But you never told me I'm handsome,'' he pouted. ''I thought you'd notice my nicer clothes, my efforts to make my hair neater, but you never did.''
The truth was that she had noticed, how could she not. After the war he had at first still been wearing some random scruffy clothes but then it seemed he had realized that in fact, he had enough money to buy new things and not raid the old clothes chests in the Grimmauld attic.
But how could she say something? He was her best friend who had kindly allowed her to live in his house, with free room and board. How could it be appropriate to tell him that yes, V neck shirts looked great on him, especially dark green ones that brought out his eyes. Or that the first suit he had ordered at a Saville row tailor had looked so breath-taking that she had to do a double take to see why someone so well dressed would break into the grand Harry Potter's house.
''I did notice that, of course I did. But how could I tell you that you did actually look very appealing in the morning when you still had that sleepy look about you…''
Her train of thought got lost once she pulled him closer. The scent of his body, along with some expensive cologne was intoxicating. His magic was drawing her in like a whirlpool, swirling around her and enveloping her in a torrent of emotion. Harry was not holding anything back; he was not holding back and every touch made her want more and more. He was participating, kissing her neck, but letting her have her fill.
''Hey, Harry, are you ready to go to dinner?'' Neville popped into the door. What he saw took his breath away. There was a flood of jealousy raging thru his veins, yet he could not look away. Hermione was kissing shirtless Harry and it looked so beautiful. He knew that he was interrupting a private moment, but something within him wanted to be included.
Neville felt like he had been stunned on the spot when Hermione broke the kiss and looked at him.
''You're the one I wanted to talk to, before I got distracted.''
Harry's eyes flashed in anger at him, yet Neville stood his ground. He wanted the attention of the beautiful, disheveled, sexy and incredible Hermione right now.
''Come closer, Neville,'' Hermione demanded.
He followed her order like a puppy. He could tell from Harry's posture that it was not what the Boy Who Lived wanted, but Neville knew he had to be brave now. Brave enough to be engaged to this beautiful woman that he had loved for years.
''Now, take your shirt off.'' Once again, he did not question her demand. Looking straight at her, he unbuttoned the shirt, waiting for more directions. She beckoned him towards her with a wave of her hand, smiling as he took slow steps towards her. Harry tried to pull her back into his arms, but she kept an ever so slight distance.
''I remember hearing that this getting to know each other period is about what I want and need, isn't it so?''
''Yes, all you want,'' Harry murmured.
Her hand reached out to touch Neville's chest, just a little over his heart. He immediately felt like he was melting. Helpless. He was ready for all her orders. Within moments, he was lost to her kiss.
The knock on the door sounded like a clap of thunder.
A well-dressed elf stepped into the room, unphased by the happenings in front of him.
''Lord Draco be asking when Lady Hermione wants dinner to be served. The kitchen is waiting for her orders, as everything has to be perfect.''
Hermione looked at the elf like a deer in headlights. She broke free of the embrace.
''I guess dinner can be served soon. I need to powder my nose.'' She ran out of the room into the hallway, well before Harry could suggest to just use his bathroom.
Two Gryffindor wizards stared daggers at the elf, but the creature did not take much notice of them and just popped away.
Hermione was just running, running somewhere. She was quite embarrassed. How could she let her lust take over? She could still feel the warmth of the two men next to her, even though she had been the one fully dressed and they were shirtless. It felt so right to be kissed and caressed by both of them. Every little touch made her feel an electric-like zing. She had never thought she would be snogging two handsome guys at once. Never say never, her brain reminded her. If the elf had not interrupted it might have been that she would be cavorting naked with the two, as they both were so eager and not coy like Draco.
Sweet Merlin, what would Draco think? Would he think that she intentionally excluded him? Her mind flashed through a hazy image of kissing all three men. She was in massive trouble.
Her previously logical, scientific mind had switched to being obsessed by men. Obsessed by dragging them to her bed. Why did they have to be so handsome? It was not just the pleasant flow of magic when she touched their bare skin. It was also the sight. Soft skin, toned muscle, rapidly beating hearts.
It was nothing like Ron's clumsy pawing of her. Or the quick, useless rutting that had resulted with some others that she did not even want to think about. These experiences had led her to believe that sex was nothing exciting, that it was part of a relationship but not so mind blowing like described in romance novels.
At Hogwarts, girls would swoon and giggle over Veela romance novels, about how irresistible these magical creatures were, but to Hermione, right now, her fiancés were far more addictive.
In her careless run towards her room or somewhere, she was stopped by bumping into someone. She someone had long, blond hair. Lucius. He smiled down at her benevolently.
''Hermione, darling, what has happened? You look upset…''
''It's nothing, really,'' she tried to hedge but from his gaze she could tell that he was not buying it.
''Did the boys do anything to upset you so much? If they have, I can deal with them… they should know better…. But they are hot headed young ones, two Gryffindors thrown in the mix as well…''
''No, no, they didn't do anything wrong. In fact, I am the one that did something that's not right…''
Lucius took her arm and guided her towards a small cozy sitting room. It made perfect sense to talk in privacy. She didn't want to risk the chance of the boys overhearing.
''It all happened so fast! One moment I was on my way to have a quick chat with Neville and the next I find myself absolutely lost snogging both Harry and Neville. Two at once.''
The slightest flush rose in Lucius' cheeks, but within a few seconds it was gone.
''And the most overwhelming fact in this is that I liked it,'' Hermione rambled, running her hand through her hair, and making it even messier.
''It seems to me that the magical matching is working well, I assume that the gentlemen were eager to follow your lead,'' Lucius said slowly, keeping his tone soft.
''Yes, they were, and I don't know how far I would've gone if not for the elf…''
''The elf?''
''He knocked on the door and asked if I wanted to delay dinner. I got so embarrassed that I ran away.''
''Ah, it must have been Turnip. He is such a stickler for perfection. At least he had enough decorum not to pop into the room. I shall speak to him about behaving better. I apologise for my elf's misbehaviour, he should have waited and informed the kitchen.''
''Please don't punish him. It seems the elves in all three houses are trying to upstage each other and maybe he was just a little overeager.''
Hermione had begun pacing the room. In the gilded mirror on the wall she saw her reflection and gasped. She looked flushed, her hair was the biggest mess she had seen in ages, even her clothes were just the right way askew to tell it was not just from a long day out and about. And her future father in law was seeing her like that! What a mess!
''These days we have changed elf discipline in our homes, as you well know,'' Lucius said calmly. ''If an elf is not up to the standard we expect, they get a stern talking to and other elves supervise them until their behaviour is reasonable again.''
''That's good. I mean, I already knew that. I am just so embarrassed…''
''Nothing to be uneasy about. When the first rumours about the possible law began circulating, many old, lecherous men thought that they could rig the system to get young, pretty wives to do their bidding. I know men well into their seventies who talked about bagging a broodmare.''
Hermione shuddered. Such horrors were unimaginable. All three of her men were so great, each in a different way. And none of them were lecherous. At most, Draco was too chivalrous.
''I do hope that my son behaved well today and showed you that he is worth your time now,'' Lucius said. Hermione was not quite listening as she tried to smooth her hair somehow. Hair spells she knew took a while to cast, and the potions often ended up a sticky mess. Why couldn't she have perfect hair like the Malfoys did?
''I can assist with your hair, if you allow me to,'' Lucius' soft whisper made her stop tearing at her tangled curls. She nodded and watched in awe as her mess of hair transformed into perfect, organized curls.
''How did you do it so quickly?'' Hermione asked, in true awe of his skill. ''Is this the secret how you keep your hair perfectly styled, with no flyaway strands in sight?''
''I found these grooming spells in an old French beauty book; they are little known but work better than elf magic. In business, it is always good to look smart.''
Lucius was hovering behind her, at a very respectable distance. He was within arm's reach, but it was clear that he wanted to be appropriate. Looking at his graceful features in the mirror, Hermione's treacherous mind once again suggested that he was also a good-looking man. She would not have minded being matched with him based on looks.
''I also know some spells to even complexion in a wink. There have been times in my life where I needed to look unphased, even when I was in turmoil inside. Of course, your situation is different, but…''
''Please, that would be extremely helpful right now. I want to look as if nothing has happened…''
It went against her Gryffindor honesty, but she did not want to go into the dining room still so flushed as if she had just now stopped a snogging session. Even though that was quite true.
A light breeze of gentle magic waved over her and her flushed face turned into the perfect glowy complexion. Even her clothes were straightened like they had come from the press.
''It is a lot to ask you, but could you attend dinner with all of us? I fear I might blurt some silly things and ruin the dinner… I am just so out of sorts, but you are a perfect conversationalist.''
Hermione saw Lucius contemplate. He could really help her out in this pickle, as she knew she could just put her foot in her mouth and ask Harry how he had even dared to think that she wanted to be snogged into oblivion. And how his debauchery had made her drag sweet, innocent Neville into this.
''I was about to have dinner in the winter garden, looking through paperwork, but if you wish for my attendance, I could not reject the invitation.''
''I would be so grateful if you could attend. Should we inform the elves about you attending? And tell then we are ready for dinner?''
''They should already be aware. And if they are not, they are able to rearrange the table seating in seconds. I hope that I have eased your nerves a slight bit.''
When they walked into the dining room, Hermione gasped at the cascades of flowers all around the room. It looked more like a wedding reception than a simple family dinner. Though could one really call the ostentatious room with baroque furniture and glittering in guilt call simple?
The boys looked a little surprised to see Lucius walk into the room, but none of them said a word. She could see a bit more discontent in Harry's face, but he did not voice his emotion.
The table setting had an additional place added in seconds and the dinner could start. Initially it was slightly strained, but just a few minutes passed, and Lucius managed to get the boys roaring with laughter about some of his adventures in muggle business.
Hermione still could not settle her nerves and tried to find solace in the fine wine served with the food that looked like the elves were trying to apply for a job as the chef of a Michelin star restaurant. To her dismay, Draco did not top off her wine glass with every course. As there was a selection of different wines with each posh food, the wine glasses were just half the usual serving. Harry or Neville would help themselves to a bit more of the fine tipple, but Draco somehow did not let the bottle travel towards their side. Instead, her glass of sparkling water was always replenished.
The dinner was a complete success, one could say as there was not one awkward moment. Only after dessert had been finished, when Lucius courteously bowed out and left, there was silence.
''Harry, Neville, can I speak to you two for a moment?'' she asked and noticed how Draco left with a huff. Something had made him unhappy and she did not know what it was, but she had all night to find out. Dealing with three men was quite a task, but she would get to them, one by one. Maybe being a little huffy would make Draco sweeter.
Harry grinned, probably because of the slight drunkedness from the wine, but Neville suddenly looked pale, like a ghost.
''I'm sorry if I made you embarrassed, '' Neville said, with a grim face. ''That is the last thing I wanted.''
''Nev, you were not at fault,'' Harry said. ''It was the silly elf who had no manners. I told him that if he disturbs the mistress again about such insignificant questions, he will get a few lectures by Kreacher.''
''Harry, the elf was just trying to help. I hope you didn't make him too upset.''
''It's not about the elf, is it?'' Harry asked, coming close to her.
''I guess I got a little distracted,'' she admitted.
''I could gladly distract you again,'' Harry offered and tried to kiss her neck.
''No, we need to talk seriously. I can't get distracted like this. I don't even know what came over me in your room. I've never done something like this before.''
She felt the pull of Harry's magic, it was ever so strong again. She could feel, even without touching him, even with taking a small step away from him, that he wanted to be close to her again. It was a different kind of energy that she had felt from him before, this was needier, more demanding.
Harry took a small step back. ''The ministry officials said that the best matches would have the strongest reactions to each other, but I never thought that it would be so strong. When we were just kissing today…'' he stopped, to think and take a deep breath. ''I had not experienced anything quite that when we all kissed.''
Harry flushed and then grinned. ''Of course, we could repeat that to check.''
Hermione slapped his shoulder. ''Now, behave yourself. Wasn't all this supposed to be about what I want? This is so new and overwhelming to me.''
''Sorry, Hermione, you know how I get heated up about things so fast. I just missed you all day,'' Harry said and looked sheepish.
Hermione smiled. She knew her Harry, the Gryffindor ready to rush into action, always first to the front lines. It was endearing, but also frightening in a way. He wanted her. Had wanted her for years. Yet she had not noticed him.
''Could I have a moment to talk to Neville alone?'' She didn't want to solve that conundrum right now. She did not want to risk being distracted by Harry's magic once again. Just in a few days she would be giving all of her attention to him, so today was meant for getting to know Draco.
''Of course, you can,'' Harry said, ''but you know where to find me if you need me. After all, the blond git might just be useless.''
Harry sashayed out of the room with a grin. Silly bastard.
Neville just stood there, a deep red blush still on his cheeks.
''Now you're the one I wanted to talk to,'' she said.
''What did I do?'' he asked nervously.
Neville felt like fainting. What if she wanted to let him down gently, in private and tell him that he was not right for her and she would not want to get married to him, that she'd changed her mind and Harry was so much more appealing to her… what if… so many negative thoughts swirled in his mind. He knew it was ridiculous and if she had had any complaints about being engaged to him, she would have said so, before signing the contract.
''You are just so amazing, and kind. Yet you told no one about what you did for Draco.''
Suddenly, she was stroking his cheek. Even though he was likely flustered like the idiot that he definitely was.
''Why didn't you tell me about this? About how you healed his cursed wounds even though you did not have to.''
Neville thought back to the day he had seen Draco collapse, with a river of blood streaming through his white shirt. For a moment, he had been stunned, as if the war were back, with people and injuries piling up. But this time, it was only one person, struggling to get up. So even though at that point, Draco was just a tolerable acquaintance, Neville sprung to action to see how he could help. It was obvious that if there had been a healer-approved treatment for whatever affliction Draco was suffering, the Malfoys would have paid ever so handsomely for it and solved the problem. But it looked like there was not. As Neville laid eyes on the pattern of the wound, he immediately knew whose handiwork it was. That insane woman had no qualms about doing something so horrific to her nephew.
Neville continued his tale of how he had decided, in the spur of the moment, to try his experimental wound salve on Draco. It had been just a hunch; he had not imagined it could undo so much damage, but it had. Hermione was staring up at him with such adoring eyes that he felt like he was walking on cloud nine. But her being there with him, her hand caressing his cheek was the dream he had wanted so much, but never had thought it would come true. The more he talked about his experiment with the salve, the more she cooed and praised him. If he had known that this story would elicit such a reaction from her, he would have told her this earlier. If he had had the courage, it seemed that just the moment that he had worked up the smudge of courage to talk to her, somehow Harry would appear out of nowhere. t
''I could stay with you tonight,'' she murmured. Neville wished that he could just do as she wished and take her to his room. But this was a moment where once again, his Gryffindor honesty kicked in. It would not be fair to Draco. It would be a break of their gentleman's agreement that they each got two nights with her to let her get comfortable. After the wedding though… then he could just lure her away, with his stories of dangerous plant digging that made her gasp in awe.
''Draco must be already wondering what kept you away so long…'' Neville tried to say with enough confidence to make her stop being so deliciously close to him.
''But he's such a prude…'' she complained, and in any other situation, Neville would have laughed so much he'd have to cry. Draco Malfoy being called a prude was unheard of.
''He is just trying to make you feel comfortable. Let me walk you partway to your room.''
If wishes were fishes, Neville thought, then he'd be her only fiancé. Then he would do anything she wanted, and even though he lacked the practical experience, he guessed that he heated gaze was a signal for her desire to have him wear significantly less clothing.
But he knew that there'd be no time for any of that as Draco would surely go searching for her, and so would Harry. And having two angry wizards, ready to use creative curses on him was not something Neville wanted to experience. He was in for the long haul. After the wedding, things would be different. Then they could not say a peep about being unfair as then it would be up to the gorgeous Mrs Longbottom to decide when she wanted to devour him in the greenhouse, conservatory or sitting room.
''You look so handsome when you're a little bit flushed,'' she whispered, and he wished that he was not such a Gryffindork.
He ever so slowly led her towards Draco's wing, he was well aware of the Manor's layout due to his frequent visits for Draco's treatment and meetings with Lucius.
She kissed him, suddenly, nearly making him faint as they reached the wing. His knees nearly buckled as her was overwhelmed with emotion. The kiss ended far too soon for his liking, but he could not demand more. She just grinned at him and turned to enter Draco's rooms.
Neville happily trotted back to his room, wondering what he could do to surprise her next time he had her full attention. His delightful thoughts were disturbed when Harry's door cracked open and he saw the thunderous expression on his friend's face.
''What took you so long?'' Harry demanded, though he looked like he had found another bottle of wine.
''Hermione wanted to have a few private words with me,'' Neville said, trying to not act affected by Harry's attitude. He knew his friend had a rough upbringing, and usually Neville allowed a lot of slack when Harry clearly misbehaved. But when it came to the love of his life, he could not let Harry walk all over him.
Harry huffed.
''I love her and I want to spend time with her. She is amazing, from the first moment I met her. Unlike you, I have never hurt her.''
''I never hurt her!'' Harry growled.
''You made her feel like the third wheel while you were too busy riding the fangirl train. You could have just told me you wanted her out of your way, and I would've gladly obliged. I had ten bedrooms collecting dust while you sent her off.''
''She wanted to do some research, and that is why she went away. And you just would have used the chance to get your paws on her.''
''I could have gone with her, be there for her, protect her and help her find the creatures.''
''And get her into your bed, right?'' Harry asked and Neville saw the green-eyed wizard feel up his wand in his sleeve.
''I love her, I knew that if only I had the chance to show her that I am not the clumsy boy she used to know, but a smart, accomplished wizard she might be interested in me. And yes, I loved having her in my bed last night.''
In a flash, Harry's wand was poking harshly into Neville's throat.
''If you make even one misstep,'' Harry hissed, ''I will make you pay for it.''
Neville stepped aside, keeping his eyes trained on the wand. He knew that he had not broken the gentleman's agreement all three of them had made and Harry's drunk escapades were to be barely tolerated.
''I will be watching you, too, Potter. You better count on that.'' With that, Neville stormed to his room. He knew at least a dozen plants that could make Harry suffer and no one could detect. The only reason why he did not go straight to preparing the mix of doom was Hermione. She would be so upset if she found out he had attempted to poison Harry, even a little bit, not to death.
Thank you for reading! If you liked it, please consider a review. If you have any extra nice ideas of what Draco could pick for her to bed, let me know :)