Finally, a new chapter! We are still at the Manor... and Hermione feels the heat... bad, bad girl... is all I can say!
Hermione walked into the lush bedroom and looked around at the over the top decor. There were just so many elegant, fancy details that just added to the elegance of the manor itself. It seemed that every room was a presentation of wealth and power, even though she could tell that the majority of things and fittings were not the ancient, antique items, but newly acquired possibly Muggle designer items, like the Versace logo on the curtain sashes. Draco had bunched up the duvet over his lap, the forest green silk covers in disarray.
And the most concerning thing was that the stunning Slytherin looked so worried.
''What's wrong, Draco?'' Hermione asked, walking about the massive bedroom slowly. She did not want to blatantly show off her nightwear, but it was such a gorgeous piece of silk and she wanted to get a reaction from this truly stunning man.
''I apologise for the... the issue in the bathroom,'' Draco said slowly. ''It shouldn't have happened and I am truly sorry for being inappropriate. I have taken the appropriate measures to control it.''
''That's a pity. I was quite impressed by your snake. I could have helped you a bit with that...''
Draco flushed deeply red. He had of course, imagined how it could have been, but there was still the thought in the back of his mind that he had a lot of competition. He did not want to be just someone she could ravish whenever she pleased. It was absolutely her right to use him for her own pleasure as much as she wanted, but what if, what if she chose him only for that. That there was no redemption for him otherwise. Just an eager snake to ride whenever she wanted, but all the love and attention that he so craved from her would go to Neville and Potter. He still couldn't manage to think of him as 'just Harry' as there was still that feeling of darkness about him.
''You will have plenty of chances for that,'' Draco said, trying to sound content and calm. He knew that he was weak for her and if she even said a word, he'd strip for her... and not just strip. He'd humiliate himself for her if that was what she wanted. Years of craving her attention had done a thing to his mind.
Hermione got into bed, ignoring the perfectly placed pillows that were placed for her and leaned over Draco. It was a pity that her night dress was not low cut to entice him with her cleavage. She did not know what it was about him that drove her crazy, she felt like a Veela in heat.
''What do you want to do tomorrow?'' Draco asked, trying to avoid her lustful gaze. ''We don't have to go to London tomorrow if you don't want to, we can do anything that comes to mind... the only thing I'd prefer is not staying here as the other two could lurk about and... and I am selfish and want to have you all for myself.''
''So you want me for just yourself?'' Hermione asked, grinning. ''Well you do, tonight. I would've never thought that I'd be in bed with the Draco Malfoy, in his own ancestral rooms.''
''Sorry to spoil your dreams, the original 'heir suite' of furniture has been moved to our tiny manor in Snowdonia. I'm afraid to squash your dreams, but this bed is from Harrods, just like all other furniture. Lucky for us, muggles do have the same taste as Malfoys do.''
''You're becoming once again far too sensible. I liked you more against the wall in the bathroom.''
Harry was feeling his magic burst and bubble up again inside his body. The longer this engagement went on, the less control he seemed to have over his emotions. The deal he had cut with the other guys was so logical. None of them would make moves on her, bed her before the wedding. But all he, Harry Potter, could think about was vanishing every little piece of clothing from her delectable body and having his way with her. How many years had he dreamed about this exact thing.
He tried to write a few notes for his upcoming customer requests for magical security, but could not focus. His eyes went blurry. His hands shook. There were ink stains on the paper he was writing but he tried to continue on, till the paper and quill caught fire. Accidental magic was hard to control these days. He put out the fire, making sure that the table was not too badly damaged. The room felt like a cage to him despite its spacious sitting area where the now scorched desk sat, and the large, inviting bed. He burst out of the room, slamming the door with a thunderous whack. He didn't care who he woke up.
Harry run down the stairs, not looking where he was going and crashed into a large potted plant with a loud thud that made him fly down more steps. He laid at the bottom of the stairs, on the ornate Persian carpet and and still felt angry. Not angry at the stupid flower pot, the thing was not at fault for what he was feeling.
''Harry, dear Merlin, what on earth happened?'' He saw Neville rush to him, dressed in just baggy underwear. He did not want a reminder that Neville was also not an eyesore, Hermione would surely enjoy his broad shoulders and bulging biceps.
''I stumbled,'''Harry said lamely. That was the truth, technically. Though the stupid flower pot was to the side of the stairs, not dead center and if he had been looking even for a second he would have seen it. But no, the anger was too much.
Neville reached out a hand. ''Need a hand?'' Harry groaned but got up without help.
''I heard you slamming the door and wondered what had happened. Then I saw you running around like a madman and decided to come look what has happened to you.''
''Nothing has happened!'' Harry yelled and expected Neville to flinch or back off, but he did not.
''I don't believe you, Harry,'' Neville said calmly. ''Why don't we go raid the kitchen for a late night snack and some good scotch? You don't look like you're in a state to do anything sensible anyway.''
Harry wanted to curse Neville. To do... something. His logical brain understood that Neville was not at fault at all. It was all the ministry's doing. And Harry's own fault, too. If he had decided to seduce her as soon as the war had been over, then he wouldn't be in this mess. But of course he had concocted this hare brained plan to make her jealous by bring all the witches who showed interest in him home. He'd thought that she'd see what a stud, what a desirable man he was and tell him off for whoring around. But no, instead she had decided to leave him to his privacy, the absolute opposite of what he really wanted.
Then of course he'd been a right arse making sure that no one could get with her by threatening the Malfoys and making it difficult for people to meet her. It was not a done thing to pop into someone's residence, especially if that witch was not the owner or tenant of the place but just a guest that stifled courtship attempts by most pureblood wizards their age. They were modern, enlightened but the manners instilled in them by their governesses and mothers still remained. One could not just show his interest, not just in dating, but marriage by inviting himself.
Of course, Malfoy could have ignored his threats and wooed her, but once again, the well raised purebred manners shone thru. The one opponent even Harry slightly fretted was Lucius Malfoy himself. He was a cunning dark wizard, slithering around life with more grace than a Basilisk. The older man had managed, much to Harry's surprise and disdain, even sneak himself into the muggle world, schmoozing with the wealthy and powerful as if he had always been around them. Harry had tried to obtain proof that the elder Malfoy was using magic around muggles, but there was none of it. The old snake did everything by the book. He posed no threat to muggles or wizards and just kept on showing off all the ways how he had learnt to fit in with the people he used to hate it so much.
Nevile dragged him down to the kitchens where some smart elves had already laid out various bottles of spirits, tumblers and plates of canapes.
''Sit down, Harry,'' Neville said with a growl and Harry did as he was told and took his spot at the marble kitchen table. Everything in the kitchen was immaculate, so clean that even the neatly aligned pots gleamed like diamonds. In a corner of the kitchen two massive double door American style fridges hummed along. Harry remembered how much he'd squeeze the elder Malfoy to adapt magic to run muggle appliances, especially around elves.
''I am not backing down from this engagement,'' Neville said. ''No matter how much you'd want that. She's the love of my life. I know you might want to duel me about that, and I gladly will. You're my friend, Harry, but Hermione is more important to me than you. I've felt your magic rise up and crackle around your room all day. You're mad and working yourself up to be even madder but it won't solve anything. You think Hermione will like you more if you're running about like a madman?''
''I didn't ask you to back down,'' Harry said, knowing that it was an absolute lie. He wanted both of them to just back down from the marriage, no matter the consequences for them. It would be quite pleasant to see Draco Malfoy rot in Azkaban, even if for such a slight offense that did not hurt anyone and he'd look splendid in the new striped prison uniform.
''You don't have to say it out loud, it is clear to me that it is what you want. But again, you won't get that. You were an absolute twat to her. I mean, you got to know that what you did was wrong. If you held a torch for her, why did you bring a slew of women back home? You wanted to make her jealous, eh? What a heinous way, I thought better of you, Harry, I really did.''
Neville gulped down a whole two fingers of Malfoy's finest whiskey in one go.
''At least I have gained some experience,'' Harry said, also downing a shot. ''Unlike you. You've probably seen naked women only in magazines.''
''You know what, I am not going to justify myself to you, Harry. There's an old saying that quality goes over quantity. You shagged your way through half of the wizard world like a man-whore. I am not condemning that, but don't get at me about my choices. I'm going back to my room. You can sulk alone on your arse all night for all I care. You think you're the great saviour and no one else can do what they like. It's time to wake up, the war's long over and done and life goes on. And I want my life to go on with Hermione. The fact that I have to live with her two other husbands is just something I have to get used to. But I won't sulk.''
Neville walked out of the kitchen without looking back. Harry poured himself another shot. Perhaps getting blackout drunk was the answer to subdue his anger. Neville was right. He was a scumbag. In which world was it possible to make someone jealous by having them see you with someone else?
xxx
Draco pretended that he was asleep. He wanted to appear as if he was nonchalant about having this woman that had been the star of his teenage wet dreams in his bed. She had foregone any decorum and snuggled against him, as if she had been doing that for ages. He tried to still his breathing, to not give away the fact that his body was buzzing with excitement.
''Draco, you're not very good at faking being asleep,'' Hermione said and he tried, once again unsuccessfully, to remain calm and not react to her hand caressing his arm. It was just his arm, nothing too sexual yet at the same time, he was enthralled. He loved her touch, the way her fingers danced over his skin. She was not trying to arouse him, at least this much he guessed but if she ever did try to seduce him, it wouldn't take her too much effort.
''I am just trying to remain as proper as I can be... our engagement is... is already something that must be quite hard for you and I don't want to push my affections on you, as if I had any right to those.''
''You have a right as my very soon to be husband,'' Hermione said with a grin. ''I am not repulsed by you, quite the contrary, I am intrigued by you. And your gorgeous body. I was trying to sleep but my mind kept on cutting back to the memories of you in the pool, swimming in your tiny swimwear. Such graceful movements... I wonder if you're just as graceful in bed with it.''
Draco's cheeks flushed, he could feel his body heat up. He had not expected such questions from her. Harry had threatened him and Neville with repercussions if they interfered with her comfort zone.
Hermione turned on the bedside lamps with a swish of her wrist.
''Why are you blushing, Draco? I heard you were quite the adventurous type, not shy at all.''
''I'm not shy,'' Draco said, taking a deep breath. That was the truth. He'd enjoyed a lot of female company. He loved the feel of a gorgeous female body under or above him. But he did not want to be used as just her sex toy in this marriage. There was the risk that no matter what he did she would only see him as the man-whore that he had been in the past.
Hermione still felt a rush all over her body. It was not just the champagne that she had so copiously drunk in the bath. It was the power that she held over the handsome Slytherin. He was the greatest mystery in her trio of husbands. The playboy who was suddenly prude and not eager to play. An absolute oxymoron.
''You know that when we're married, you will have to shag me several times a week. Does that make you nervous?'' she asked, running her hands over his flushed pale cheeks. ''Or maybe I am not attractive enough for you?'' That final question was something that lingered in her mind too. Maybe he was going into this sudden marriage as a pureblood usually would - with enough decorum to accept an arranged marriage but no true emotion and passion along with it.
''Hermione, you're the sexy witch who did not pay attention to me. All these years. I was an arse at school, later I hoped I had atoned for my mistakes but still... It seemed like I was invisible to you, when all I wanted was your attention. And I am aware of the law's requirements. I just worry...''
He paused and looked away. ''I worry that the law is making you be with someone you don't want to be - especially me. I fret that you will just suffer through it and I... I will be just part of your daily struggle when you'd wish me to be in Azkaban.''
''There's nothing making me touch you now, is there?'' she asked as her hands ran over his sides.
''Perhaps the champagne? What if it got to you and in the morning you will be full with regrets?''
''I can hold my drink pretty well. And even so... I am still very much aware of where I am and what I am doing. I felt... I felt like I wasn't appealing to men. But now I have a mini-harem and it is... and incredible feeling to have such gorgeous men at my disposal, mine alone. Especially someone as experienced as you.''
''It's not about experience, Hermione. I feel giddy like I am seventeen again when you are in the same room as me, and now I am trying very hard to be the gentleman that you deserve despite your teasing.'' He let out a groan as he hands trailed the waistband of his pajama bottoms.
''I think there's quite a nice snake hiding under that silk,'' she said as her hand brushed over him.
''If you continue like this you will get a result that might embarrass me,'' he said with a groan. I don't want you to think that I can't last. But I can hardly control it right now and...''
Hermione grinned.
''I don't mind if you lose control, Draco,'' she whispered in a sultry way. ''I'd be curious to see...''
''Hermione, I don't want our first experience together be a disappointment to you. You might end up thinking that I...''
''Do I loook disappointed?'' she asked, then tried to touch his snake again. Draco felt the tingle of the gentlewizard's agreement over him. He had sworn that he wouldn't do anything explicitly sexual with her. Blasted Potter and his rules!
''I need to excuse myself to the bathroom,'' Draco said and ran for the bathroom, warding the door with silencing charms as he went in.
He knew that he was disappointing her with this action, but there was no other way. She had teased him so recklessly and he had tried his best to remain a gentleman but it was an impossible task. He tore off his clothes and touched his heated, eager snake. If only he were the sole husband to be for her, he'd be eager and proud to please her right away. But now it was all a mess, worse than the sticky mess forming on his hands.
xxx
Hermione was brooding. She was in fact, mad. Not disappointed about what Draco did, dashing off to the bathroom like a terrified gazelle. She was mad at herself for letting her own actions get out of hand. Just a few days ago she was fuming about having to marry three men and now... now she was eager to get her hands on a very nude and aroused Draco Malfoy. The thought of seeing him fully nude was enticing to her. She'd eyed him like a piece of candy for years and years, but never made a move to get to know him more than her well mannered elegant host.
Suddenly, there was a loud banging on the door. Hermione jumped up from the bed, wondering what the ruckus was all about. Elves would never knock, just pop up quietly, trying to deliver the messages quickly and unobtrusively. So it had to be a human, though probably not Neville. Neville was a calm and quiet person but the one hammering on the bedroom door was far from it.
''Good that you're up,'' Harry slurred as she opened the door.
''What are you doing here, Harry? Why aren't you in your own room?'' she asked, taking in her disheveled best friend. He was still wearing the clothes he had on for dinner, just now the shirt was askew, his trouser belt was undone and he was visibly drunk.
''I thought I'd come and rescue you from the snake. He's not good for you.''
''Harry, you're drunk. You should go to bed and sleep it off. Why did you get so drunk?'' she asked, as he took a stumbling step towards her.
''Because I am jealous, that's why! Why did you not notice me earlier, when we lived together after the war?''
There was a crackling, like an electric gadget shorting as he touched her. ''Why didn't you?'' he asked, his green eyes teary.
''Harry, you were always so busy with everything. And you had plenty of dates. What was I supposed to do, tell you to not bring anyone back to your own house?''
''Yes! You were supposed to tell me off. Tell me that seeing me with all these women made you jealous... that you... that you wanted me just for yourself only.''
''We need to get you back to your own room, Harry. You need to sober up to be sensible again.''
Suddenly, Harry grabbed her into a tight embrace. ''Take me to bed,'' he whispered, trying to be seductive but it was rather funny sounding because of his slurring.
''That sounds like a good plan. Let me help you get back to your room. I can even tuck you into bed and make sure you're safely asleep.''
Harry grinned and there was the electric hum again. ''That sounds nice. I'm better than Malfoy.''
''Now now, be quiet. I won't let my husband talk shit about each other.''
''Sorry, not really sorry,'' Harry said.
''Draco, I need to step out for a moment, but I won't be long.''
Hermione dragged a drunk and happy Harry back to his room, swatting away his wandering hands. She did not want any affection from him when he was this drunk. He needed to have a clear head for that, and right now he was very far from that.
They stumbled through the elegant halls of the manor till they reached Harry's room.
''Now, Harry, it'd be best if you just got into bed and rested. You will feel a little worse for wear in the morning but that's what you get when you drink more than you should.''
Harry's hand groped her silk clad bum as he opened the door to his room. ''You could stay with me tonight,'' he offered. He began taking off his shirt, but missed quite a few buttons. Hermione decided to step in and undid the buttons that he could not.
''Don't forget to take off your shoes before your trousers,'' she warned as he was already fumbling at the waist of his jeans and would surely get stuck with his sneakers.
She untied the shoes and let him kick them away. Then his legs got tangled into the puddle of the trousers and she had to help him with that again.
''Please don't get drunk like this again, soon. I don't like it when you're so drunk, Harry.''
''I don't like being so jealous and lonely. I thought being engaged means not being alone...''
''You won't ever be alone, even after the wedding. And it is not just about me. It's all for the greater good, wasn't that what you told me?''
''It is,'' he said, pouting and began to lower his shorts.
''No, you can leave those on for now,'' Hermione said. She was of course curious about how he looked completely nude, but this was not the right moment or mood for that. She did not want to spoil the impression of his wand by his drunken state. She had read that drunk wizards would often be unable to get it up and perform so seeing it all floppy and limp for the first wouldn't be what she wanted.
''Do I look handsome at least? Even when drunk?'''
''Yes, Harry, you're still handsome, just a bit too drunk for my liking. I've always thought you're a very good looking guy.''
''But you still went for Victor!'' he pouted.
''What are you talking about?'' Hermione asked, confused. Viktor did not have anything to do with this. It was so many years ago as well. Hermione had loved Viktor, he was her first true love and she had broken his heart into a thousand pieces when she chose to fight the war with Harry and not stay safely in neutral Bulgaria.
''I thought that as a Triwizard champion you'd notice me. That you would decide that Ron was not all that amazing in comparison. But no, you were wooed by the star player. Not that I'd begrudge you but... it hurt.''
''You were into Ginny and Cho at the time, there's nothing to do with me in that.''
''I did that to make you jealous! You were only looking at Ron, and I was thinking - what does he have what I don't? I've always tried to grab your attention. That I am not just the saviour of a war I didn't start but also... also just a guy who is incredibly into you but could never dare to show it. I wouldn't have lived it down if you had laughed in my face at my confession. I wanted to be with you, but I wanted to be your best friend too.''
''Harry... you know I never noticed that. And Viktor... I loved him, so so much, but I gave up any happiness I could have had with him to fight beside you.''
''I want you to be with me now. I want to be your favorite husband,'' Harry said, his voice tinged with some whining.
''You will be my husband in a matter of days. And you can become one of my favorites.''
He smiled and sat on the bed. ''You can sleep with me tonight if you want to,'' he asked ever so sweetly.
''I can tuck you in, but I have to be elsewhere tonight, Harry, that was what you all agreed on beforehand, didn't you?''
''When we agreed on this, I never thought I'd be missing you so much.''
''Now, Harry, lay down and I will tuck you in.'' Surprisingly enough, he obliged as Hermione fluffed the pillows on the massive bed and he rested his head on one immediately.
''Love you so much, Mia. Please don't be mad for me being so stupid tonight.''
Hermione's heart ached. He did look so sweet and angelic in that moment. So innocent. And him using their private, secret nickname was something special too.
As soon as his head hit the pillow his eyes glazed over and he was asleep within a minute.
Hermione closed the door to his room softly and turned around to be on her way to Draco's room as Neville's soft whisper stopped her.
''I apologize for Harry if he said something nasty or mean. He was out of sorts all night and I thought a drink would calm him down but the fine spirits the elves here dished up made him only angrier. He probably didn't mean it, but if he did something... I will make sure he never does it again.''
''Oh Neville, it was okay,'' Hermione said, turning around to face him. He was wearing a t shirt that he had most likely haphazardly thrown on within the last minute as she could see the seams were outside and snuggly fitting boxers. Her eyes wandered over that spot as she fondly remembered the hot and firm staff that had been nudging against her in bed.
His gaze caught hers and his cheeks flushed deeply. ''Is there anything wrong?'' he asked, nearly stammering. ''I should have put on more clothes but I was in a rush, I wanted to see you for a minute to apologise for Harry and...''
''There's nothing wrong that I can see,'' Hermione said with a grin. ''You undervalue your looks. And your package, too...'' His cheeks flushed even more, he was beet red now.
''Neville, you're a handsome man, you know that, don't you? You're so fit and sexy.''
Hermione embraced him, feeling a warm calmness wash over her again. It was his calm, supportive strength that she needed so much, especially after Harry's unconstrained, nervous magical energy tonight.
''I am still so, so worried about my lack of experience. What if you feel like I am not good enough?'' he murmured, his face hidden in her shoulder. ''What if I am the worst in bed?''
''You won't be. And it is not a competition, Neville. So far I know that you have everything working just fine to please me. I liked the feel of it when you were snuggled close against me.''
His breathing got shallower and his heartbeat sped up so much that she could hear it. She loved having this effect on him. He was a handsome man and he wanted her. And she wanted him. She had not considered Neville in a romantic way previously, but now she wondered why she had not seen his advantages.
''I promise that I will try my best to be a good husband, not just in bed. I want you to feel good about being married to me. That despite the law... you still don't feel trapped.''
''I don't feel like I initially did. I thought it would be all bleak and terrible for me. That I was put into a terrible situation with men who had other flames and who were losing their freedom to love who they liked. But now... now I feel like each of you wants to be with me.''
''I have always loved you, Hermione. As a friend. As an unrequited crush. No one was ever good enough for me because they were not you. And I feel so happy now that we're engaged. I know that perhaps you might not have chosen me under normal circumstances as I was just so, so afraid of telling you how I felt. But seeing my ring on your finger is my dream come true, more than my dream come true. I am blabbering like a fool now.''
''No, what you're saying is so lovely. I will do my best to be a good wife for you. I will have to get used to some things, like having three husbands when I didn't even have one boyfriend before, but I think everything will work out nicely. You're lovely, despite his drama, Harry is lovely, and Draco is not that bad either. But I will need to figure out a way how to spend time with each of you individually.''
''I can be free any moment you ask me to - my gardening business is important, but I will make you a priority, so even if it is short notice, I will be there for you no matter what. I can work all night or early morning to make up for the incomplete work but you are who matters the most. I want to have your attention as much as you can give it to me. ''
''Neville, you're just wonderful. I should get back to Draco's room... it wouldn't be fair to leave him alone, especially after the ruckus caused by Harry. He tried to get into Draco's room, I hope Harry won't be drinking so irresponsibly in the future.''
''I will keep an eye on him for that. Good night, my love. I hope you sleep well. If you need me for anything, you know where to find me...''
Hermione kissed his lips, gently, careful not to overwhelm him but he was ready for the kiss and answered with eagerness. She had to end the kiss as she knew that if she stayed even for ten more seconds she would be making out with Neville in the hallway like a madwoman.
She was halfway back to Draco's room as she stopped to admire the vision of a man walking down the stairs. The lord of the manor was unaware that anyone was there. His platinum hair was loose over his shoulders, a silk robe so dark green that it nearly looked black brushed his strong shoulders , showing off his toned torso and abs, with just slightly loose boxers in a matching color covering his modesty.
She was still staring when she finally noticed that he was now well aware of her presence.
''Hermione, is everything alright? Has anything happened? I was not alerted of such... however... if it was Draco who did something...''
''No, no, Draco did nothing. There was an issue with Harry but I have resolved that now. He can be a little volatile at times.''
''Is that so?'' Lucius asked, looking like he was discussing the weather or any mundane thing, not his famous future son-in-law.
''He got a bit drunk and then he got jealous and banged on our door... I had to solve the situation before it escalated. Luckily Draco was in the bathroom during that moment so I avoided a duel.''
''I think Draco can of course look after himself in a duel, but you are right. Harry can be a little unpredictable and we would not want to scorch my new handmade Persian carpets, now would we?''
''Of course not,'' she answered, still covertly inspecting the body of her future father in law. He was not one of her three, she had to remind herself, but he had that natural attractiveness that drove women wild. Even in barely a wisp of fabric he commandeered attention and respect. And of course, even in such casual, even private lounge wear he still looked elegant.
''If there are any problems at all, Hermione, you know that you can come to my rooms and ask for my assistance. I have altered my wards already to let you pass without a hitch. You may, of course if you wish, send an elf to notify me...''
''You are so kind to me, Lucius. Always looking out for me. I would have never thought that... that you could be looking after me, especially with my heritage.''
''I've learned from the errors in my past and I have attempted to make amends. Perhaps... you ought to go back to Draco and tell him that there is no imminent duel. I shall proceed to my midnight snack. And before you worry that the elves are up all night waiting for me, I have ordered them to leave a selection of my favorite snacks in the fridge. That is much quicker than asking an elf, making it worry about pleasing me and having to wait while the elf re-makes the food, trying to match up some imagined expectations I might have. ''
''That's very nice, Lucius. I shall get back to Draco and won't stop you from your snack. I shall see you at breakfast then, I assume?''
''Of course,'' Lucius said and walked past her on the wide staircase. He did catch a glimpse of her back and regretted looking. The sight of her wild curls bouncing on her shoulders, with the ribbon labyrinth on her back... it was a lot to take in and still keep composure. Of course her silk nightdress looked proper from the front, as proper as fine silk on a curvy body ever could look.
He knew it was ridiculous to feel so attracted to his son's future wife but there he was, standing in his kitchen and hoping that the sugar free ice tea that he had requested would cool him down. She was so unaware of the effect she had on people, it was no wonder that Potter had been clinging to her side like a bloodsucking tick from the first day he met her. He was just a too brash, too dense boy to immediately go about wooing her. And he was curious what the outburst of Potter was like, but he did not want to pry the information out of her, it would make it apparent that he was interested in the drama caused.
But the truth was that while Harry Potter was often a very sweet, sometimes overly righteous wizard, he also had a massive amount of uncontrollable magic that could explode if something were to happen so Lucius did not intend to trigger that, at least not in his house.
And if it had come to a duel between Potter and Draco, Lucius knew that he would have had to step in as Draco was not quite equipped to handle a wizard of that caliber, especially enraged and drunk, in a duel. Everything would have been so much better if it had been just a familial triad, not this nonsense with the two Gryffindors. He held no ill towards Neville, but he had reason to be cautious about Harry. So much power came with a lot of responsibility. And so far, he was not quite always handling it correctly.
''Why do you look so flustered, my friend? Did you trip on your stupid robe?'' Severus asked, grinning.
''Severus, I told you to behave, have I not? What do you want again?''
''I just enjoy watching this soap opera unfold, my friend. Even your facade is slipping, Lucius. The girl is impacting you more and more.''
''Nonsense. I know what I am doing. Especially now. All I care for is Draco's happiness. You're thinking that I am so selfish that I would attempt to steal away his wife?''
''When you're allowed to do it, is it really stealing?'' Severus asked, looking like the cat who got the cream and the canary.
Thank you for reading! What do you think Draco is doing after Hermione's relentless teasing? Poor Draco, just trying to prove himself and... Are you mad at Harry? Let me know!