Happy 2021!

Here's a new chapter…. With plenty of champagne, bubbles and threats of turpentine accidents…

Draco was at a loss. For the first time in years, he did not know what to do. His life had been so calm, in comparison to the insanity of the war. He had entertained himself with a carousel of women to take his mind off the flashbacks. But it never worked completely. Not that he had thought it would do much good. And now he was thrown another gauntlet. Potter had been quite friendly in the run up to the engagement, but now Draco had his doubts. But when he looked at Potter at the dinner table, he had seen something in the sparkling emerald eyes that made his heart stop. Right in this same house he had seen the same tinge of darkness. In someone without a nose. Even his cursed scars had began to ache.

So, he was rather surprised to see Hermione stroll into the room. Somehow, he had expected that Potter would woo her and have her stay. Draco felt too undressed, too messy for her company. He had just stepped out of the shower – a long cold stint and just the briefest moment of hot water to wash his hair so his skin was still blotchy from the cold shock. If the light in the room had not been so soft, he was sure he looked like a freshly plucked turkey. The low-slung pyjama bottoms were too loose and informal. He should have bothered to put on the matching shirt and dry his hair immediately after stepping out of the shower and not do it the muggle way, first with a towel and then decide whether he even wanted to do something about. In short, he knew he looked like a right idiot, and as he was not her immediate favourite like Potter would be.

''I do like the rather casual look on you, Draco,'' she said, and he felt himself flush, probably an ugly shade of pink under her wandering eyes.

''I must apologise for looking rather dishevelled,'' he murmured. He had been with so many women, but there was never any real pressure. Or real competition from other wizards. Some of the witches who had pursued him were, without a doubt, exceptionally good looking, but he had known their motives. But this was the girl he had had too many teenage dreams about.

''I won't tell anyone that a Malfoy can have a hair that is even slightly messy. And you do look good without a shirt… such pale, delicate skin with just the slightest flush is rather appealing.''

He told himself that it could not be an appreciative glance, that she wouldn't be looking at him as if she were devouring him. If he let that thought consume him, he could not guarantee a gentleman like behaviour. And he wanted to show her that he was more than just a ladies man.

''Is there any chance of getting a bubble bath?'' she asked, still eyeing him up and down.

''Of course, there is. The lady asks and I shall oblige,'' he said and quickly turned to walk towards the bathroom, trying to steady his breathing. The edge of the bathtub had a shelf full of newly arrived bath items that had not been there before. The elegant bottles had golden labels in with elegant calligraphic writing in French. From the interesting selection of bath foams that included interesting scents like Bubblegum and Popcorn, Draco chose one that was a safer bet. What if Hermione did not like her bath smelling like bubblegum? The elves sometimes got in over their heads and would buy unusual items to surprise the masters, but he was not quite sure if this was the case of her preference or creative elf ideas. So, the lavender and orange scented bath foam went into the bath, in a double dose as if there was even the slightest chance that she would call for him while she was in the bath, she would be covered by an endless sea of bubbles and his restless mind was not imagining things he should not be imagining, especially as he had to share a bed with her all night and stay a gentleman.

A soft tap on his shoulder surprised him so much that he dropped the bubble bath bottle cap he had used to measure out extra bubbles to the floor. The wooden cap just clattered to the floor, and he stared into her smiling face.

''Did I surprise you unexpectedly, handsome?'' she asked, a playful grin on her beautiful face.

''A little…'' he said and trailed off, realising that, with her hands on his shoulders, she was guiding him towards the nearest wall of the bathroom.

''I couldn't let you just stand around there, looking so casually sexy,'' she murmured and pushed him against the cool tiled wall.

Suddenly, she was kissing him, and he did not have the strength and wish to push her away. He wanted and needed her and there was nothing, no word at all, about passionate kissing being forbidden by the gentlewizards' agreement he had stepped into.

The kissed for what felt like hours. Draco was thankful for the water stopping spell that kept the bath from overrunning and alerting the elves. He wanted to have all the time in the world alone with his witch.

''I've pushed a bad boy into a corner,'' she murmured contently as she gently nipped his neck.

''I like being in a corner with you,'' he answered, trying to press his backside against the wall and not her. If she had touched that part, then he would not know what to do to still be a gentleman.

''Tell me, Draco, what would we be doing if you were my only fiancé?'' He could see the challenging grin in her face, a true Gryffindor princess she was, through and through.

''I'd be wining and dining you, as one might expect, then I'd shag you until we both can't anymore, and we'd be expecting a baby Malfoy probably in nine months…''

''So why are you so prude today? What is the difference between having just you and also someone else?'' she demanded, pouting.

''It is just so that you can get to know me, as a person who, besides finding you incredibly sexy, also has a variety of interests and personality. I want you to like me, not just for what I can do in bed…''

''You are driving me crazy, Draco. I know I should not be pushing you like this, but you just make me…'' she swiftly turned away from him. ''You make me feel like I have stepped into a cheesy romance movie where the heroine suddenly seduces the unsuspecting lead man and then…''

She tore off her blouse, leaving her only in her bra, black with lacy straps. Draco took a deep breath and steadied his back against the wall.

''I should let you enjoy your bubbles,'' he said, trying to nonchalantly pass her, without looking at her, but at the black marble floor tiles.

''Draco? Can you get me a glass of champagne? Don't forget to get a glass for yourself too and come back to keep me company.''

As soon as the bathroom door shut Hermione let out a deep breath. Had she just pushed the one and only Draco Malfoy against the wall, in his own bathroom and then kissed him like she was on the cover of a bodice ripper novel? Yes, she had, and she did not regret it for one moment. He was just so pliable under her influence, he did not question why she was doing, he was a rather eager participant. She had intentionally challenged him, and his answer made her blood run hotter than ever before. He would have shagged her by now if he had been her only fiancé. She did understand, in part, his motive when being so coy. He wanted her to like him more than just a plaything in her bed. But she already did. He was smart, behaved impeccably well around her these days…

Hermione took off the rest of her clothes. Tearing off the blouse to show off her bra had been a spur of the moment decision. She wanted him to react, to drop his prudish manners and push her against the wall. When kissing him she had felt his rather impressive basilisk, so it was not a question of inability. The rumours, that were gleefully re-published in gossip mags about suspicions that he had tiny family jewels were wrong, Hermione knew she would need to do more research on the matter, but she was certain that she would be entirely satisfied.

The knowledge that she could kiss and touch such diverse trio of men was both empowering and scaring her. She now knew what she had missed out… how many heated kisses could she have shared with Draco in the past years? She had never dreamt of being so brash and bold, like now. But seeing him so close to undressed, in his private rooms just added something… a rush of desire that was not there before. Before she had admired his lithe body in the pool, but she had not acted the feeling of being attracted to the Slytherin bad boy. Now, after being engaged by legal force she had turned into a nymphomaniac, constantly craving touching, kissing and more. She knew she could have vanished his pyjama bottoms in one blink of an eye, but she wanted him to feel at least a smudge of control over what happened.

She sunk into the familiar lush bubbles and the warm water and relaxed for a moment. Maybe she would wake up in a tent somewhere in the Alps, during a rainstorm and wonder what her curious brain had dreamt up. But it wasn't to be, as the bathroom door opened and shut, rather loudly, so she knew for sure that it was not all a complex dream of her manhandling Draco Malfoy.

''I got the champagne you asked for,'' Draco announced, loud enough to be noticed. In one hand, he was holding an awfully expensive looking bottle and in the other, to the horror of her careful self, two long stemmed crystal champagne glasses that he as holding as carelessly as if they were picnic plastic cups.

''Careful with the crystal,'' she squealed.

''We have plenty more down in the kitchen storage,'' he quipped, setting down one of the flutes on the edge of the bathtub closest to her, and the other on the foot end of the tub.

With a few elegant movements he popped the cork, impressive enough to make a suitable popping sound and not hitting anything.

A few moments later her glass was full, and she reached for the drink. It was exquisite. Of course, the fizz offered by the elves had always been excellent too, but this one seemed a notch higher than that.

''Did you just raid your ancient wine cellar for it?'' she asked, trying to see if there were any cobwebs or dust on the bottle.

''This is a rather recent addition to the wine cellar, I got it about a month ago at Harrod's. I buy a few bottles there now and then, it is the done thing for well-off Muggles, so I've been told.''

''You know that you don't have to do everything Muggles do, right?'' she asked while sipping the champagne

''I know that, of course I do, but there are quite a few things I enjoy, including wines and foods that I did not know before. There's an excellent sushi place near my London house, we should get some delivered tomorrow for lunch.''

''So, you don't want to cook for me again?'' she asked and laughed.

''I do but I thought we could spend more time talking and less cooking as I do want to enjoy every moment of your company.''

Hermione could get used to having a handsome man entertain her while she was enjoying her bath. Maybe in time she'd have one not only perching on the edge of the tub but cuddle next to her.

In another end of the manor, far far away from Hermione and her trio of future husbands, Lucius was pacing. The lounge next to his bedroom suddenly felt like the tiniest, most cramped space. He threw open the French doors to the balcony, letting in the fresh night air.

The situation was not as grave as it had been just a few years ago. There were no insane dark wizards and witches roaming the house, it was just Hermione and her three fiancés. Neville was a pleasant boy; Potter could be reined in if required. But it was his own son, Draco, that was the trouble here. It was nothing the boy had done. Nothing at all.

It was more that Lucius had, silly as it might be, hoped that the Ministry's matchmaking would result in what used to be known as a house redemption triad. That happened rarely, even when one looked through ancient history books, but it still had happened, and it would have been such a perfect situation. The main idea of the specific triad was to ensure that a bloodline is refreshed and continued, with one witch for both father and son and to bear all potential heirs.

''You look a bit wound up tonight, my friend,'' a silky voice murmured from the lounge.

''Don't you have some students to scare?'' Lucius asked, with annoyance as he undid the band of his watch, not caring that the solid platinum hit the side table hard.

''Careful with that watch, wouldn't it be a pity if you scratched it? You only have a dozen or so other watches.''

''Severus, what can I help you with tonight? I am rather busy as you know,'' Lucius said and turned towards the painting where his old friend was standing in.

''If only your father knew of your new Muggle things… drifting around in the snow with a car or racing through sand dunes… what would he say?''

''Despite his rather stoic attitudes, I think that he would have learned new ways and found marvel in the unusual things the Muggles have developed. And he was fond of jewellery, there is just so many things a wizard can wear without looking ridiculous, but muggles, they have perfected the art of expensive trinkets.'' Next, Lucius undid his shirtsleeves, dropping the platinum cufflinks next to his watch. He knew that he didn't have to put them away carefully here, the elves would polish and place them back in their boxes in the dressing room come morning. But Severus was not so easy to sort.

This was one of the rare times when he regretted having commissioned the magical portrait by the renowned magic painter Master Hiro. The serious looking artist had interviewed Lucius for hours about Severus and his life, a quill always floating over a piece of parchment noting down every word said. Others, like Minerva and Potter had been subjected to the same lengthy interview, and the resulting portrait, that could move all around Hogwarts and some rooms of the Malfoy manor was so lifelike that sometimes Lucius thought that every moment, Severus would step out of the frame.

''It's the girl, isn't it? She is quite overbearing. I couldn't handle her for one day.''

Lucius poured himself a double measure of his favourite whiskey, and to camouflage the slight tremble in his hand, reached for the ice. Usually putting a massive amount of ice in drinks was his go to technique when drinking with the Russian businessmen, to keep a clearer head as he could not do blatant magic in front of muggles, even heavily inebriated ones. But Severus looked intent on getting under his skin tonight.

''That's why you would not be her match,'' Lucius said defiantly. Severus flicked a lock of his now lustrous black hair. The non-greasy hair was one of the requests that the artist had gladly taken, as it did not interfere with the magic of the painting process and rendering of personality of the portrayal.

''But you wish you were her match. I saw you talk to her… it must have taken you all your skill of remaining stoic and calm to talk like that, calm her down.''

''As you are well aware, she is going through a very stressful time. Marrying three men, one of those being my son. And despite the significant number of future husbands, there is a shocking amount of parents alive and well for all four of them. I wouldn't count the Longbottoms as fully functioning parents. While they are doing well, living in their special ward they, sadly, would not be able to cope with newlywed issues. Augusta of course, is still sound but I somehow don't think she would be the first person Hermione would turn to. So I had to step up.''

''So chivalrous of you, Lucius.'' Lucius did not answer. He knew it was not worth wasting good whiskey by splashing it on the portrait or trying to threating Severus with a turpentine accident at the school.

''I do all I can to make my son's life better an easier now. He deserves it. I got his childhood ruined. Now I must redeem myself.''

''So it is all just for Draco? You don't like her at all?'' Severus smirk intensified.

Lucius focused his gaze on the ice swirling in his tumbler. Of course he liked the girl. More than he should in this situation. It was not right to even think of the what ifs.

''Draco has liked her for years. Back when he was younger he knew I'd disapprove, but now, with my world changed in so many ways I am absolutely for this match.''

''You evaded the question.''

Lucius did not want to look Severus, even though he was just a portrait in the eye. It was too embarrassing to admit that he did find Hermione attractive. Not only because she was a young, pretty woman. But being around her was… pleasant. He did not quite know how to describe it. Many witches, of all ages, including younger ones sought his company. Mostly because of his money or notoriety. But being around them felt like nothing.

Same with Muggles. In the circles he was in, the oligarch, millionaire and billionaire meetings and parties there were swarms of stunning women. He had to manoeuvre carefully there as his business partners, who were often paunchy, grey haired closer to a toad than a prince were jealous that the most beautiful girls tried to grab Lucius' attention and family jewels. He could understand that they saw something they liked. Lucius stopped by the mirror in the room. He was still in good shape, though it was time to ask his physiotherapist and trainer to work up a new workout routine. His hair, that he cherished was still perfect. While long hair was not the norm for most muggles in business, when one had money, one could do what one wanted. He did not need to impress anyone. Others had to.

''Your silence tells me that I am right. You would have liked to have her. If she were your fiancé, what would you be doing now?''

''I would let her rest, feel comfortable around me. Don't look at me like that, I am not a horny teenager. I know how to treat a lady. ''

''So why didn't you try to woo her when she was residing in your numerous summer houses?'' Severus goaded on.

''A good host does not take advantage of his guest. It would be rather rude to do so. Make her feel like she owed me for the chance to stay in my rarely used estates.''

''I don't believe you for one moment, Lucius. At least if Draco does not deliver as he should, then she can make use of you, after all, as Lady Malfoy she would have every right to use you for the sake of the bloodline.''

''Just go and be your lecherous, perverted self somewhere else. You have annoyed me enough!''

Lucius grabbed his tumbler and strode to his bedroom, slamming the door. He could still hear Severus' laughter, but there was no portrait in Lucius bedroom or bathroom. Soon enough Severus would be bored and go flit about the school.

But the last thing that Severus had said irked Lucius. Even though Severus was a half blood, he was well versed in pure blood customs and knew even the smallest nuances. Especially when it came to who could sleep with whom, without embarrassing the house. All these customs had been a good roaring laugh back in the Slytherin common room, but they were still applicable. Naturally, Hermione would likely not know that if she were dissatisfied with Draco in bed she could, without Draco being able to object, just go to his father. It was an ancient rite and there was a snowball's chance in hell that Draco would tell her about it, but the mere thought of it made Lucius blush.

There was going to be no good night's sleep tonight for Lucius, all thanks to the bastard in the painting.

It had not taken Draco and Hermione long to empty the fine bottle of champagne while talking. She could see that Draco had become more relaxed.

''I will need your help to get out of the tub. Wouldn't want to slip and end up in hospital all night. But you can't look. If you don't keep your eyes closed I will spell them shut so tight you won't be able to undo it all night.''

''Such a tease. But I promise not to look.''

''If you do look, I will spank your pale arse until it is bright pink, too.'' She summoned what she supposed was her towelling robe and, a bright maroon one that hung next to a green one. It rested now on the edge of the tub, slightly precariously over the water.

Draco just grinned. He did not look threatened at all. What if he liked getting his arse spanked?

''Close your eyes now, reach out your hand…'' she stood up, making sure to look at him and check if his eyes were closed. This was so childish, there were quite a few spells to make his vision blurry or black out for a few seconds, but she wanted to know if he was going to break the rules somehow. She even waved her hand, but he didn't react. Maybe he was really not looking.

The wall of the tub suddenly seemed so high as she put a leg over the edge and grabbed Draco's arm. Maybe it was just the plentiful champagne that she had drank, but she felt shaky. There was, of course, an elegant mat next to the bath, but as her foot touched it, she still felt like she was on ice. Taking a deep breath, she dared to steady herself and took the step. Suddenly, she was falling and her dripping body crashed into Draco's lithe chest. His arms embraced her wet body and she felt herself blush. His eyes were still closed but a massive smile graced his lips.

''I don't even need to look to know that I do like, so so much, what I am feeling. You should not feel nervous about your body, your breasts do feel fantastic pressed against me.''

She slapped his bum, hard. ''You were only supposed to be helping me.'' Despite wanting to stay like they were, entangled in an embrace, Hermione decided that even in her tipsy state it might be a little too much. She wanted Draco to show some passion and judging from the rather impressive instant reaction she felt from him as they pressed close she knew that while he was reserved, even too polite in his sober state, all his parts were in perfect working order.

Hermione untangled herself from the rather pleasant embrace and put on her robe at lightning speed.

''You can open your eyes now,'' she ordered.

''You could have stayed naked; I can keep my eyes closed.''

''Now shoo, go to the bedroom, and let me get ready for bed. I believe my nightwear is here somewhere and… ''she touched her hair, trying to see if it was an absolute mess. ''I need to dry my hair, too.''

Draco did as he was told and strode off, as casually as he could to the bedroom. He would have wanted to be close to a very, very naked Hermione, but he needed to reduce his rather prominent erection before he could be in bed with her.

Hermione found a dark green silk night dress and a robe. Of course, he could not stick to the Gryffindor colours, how Slytherin of him. The silk was so smooth and buttery that the nightdress felt weightless. It had a relatively high square cowl neck, but the party was really at the back, with just the thinnest straps crossing over her back and the low cut back ending just above her bum. It was classy, but still very sexy. There was nothing overtly provocative about it, it could even work as a summer party dress, yet the thought of slipping off the robe and getting into bed with the rather strong and handsome blond…

The thoughts distracted her so much that she nearly messed up the hair drying spell. It was a spell that she used so often, she should be able to do it at any moment without a problem, but now she was thinking about how well Draco had caught her…

And her spell did not work as nicely as Lucius'. She would have to ask him to teach her how to do it. That man was elegance personified. But she should not be thinking about him.

Draco was her fiancé, and she could do whatever she wished with him. She just needed to scrap away at the polite prudeness.

Thank you for reading! I tried to address the Lucius issue a little… what do you think? Will he be the cause of trouble? Or Hermione?