Hermione woke to the bizarre sensation of someone massaging her scalp. Deciding that she didn't want to open her eyes Hermione hummed happily and relaxed back against the warm body behind her. When the sensation of someone rubbing up and down her arms was added her eyes popped open. Upon seeing the face of Adrian, she remembered her predicament and relaxed somewhat. The rubbing of the arms stopped, and Adrian's hand came up to lift her chin and plant a kiss on the tip of her nose.

"Where's Greg gone?" she asked. Then blushed because she hadn't even said good morning yet. Adrian smirked, and Marcus let out a snort.

"He had to go to the Ministry to work out a few things with his parent's estate. That will take all day but he's going to get an owl and wand as well… so you'll be able to be in contact," Marcus supplied pausing slightly when screwed her nose up. She was about to reply when the door burst open at two red heads appeared. Between them, they carried a giant plater filled with all kinds of food. From fruit to bacon there was everything Hermione could have ever imagined.

"We thought you'd like to have breakfast in bed. It's already later than you normally get up, so we figured you must have been exhausted," George said.

"Not that we blame you after the night you had. And we want you to have lots of energy for today," Fred continued.

"No telling what Malfoy senior has planned, figured lunch would be a fig leaf on a dot of truffle oil knowing those fancy types," George replied.

"And knowing us Weasley types you must have guessed something like this would happen, mum didn't raise us not knowing how to cook," Fred finished. The deposited the now floating try above Hermione's lap and bowed, blowing her a kiss each as they left. Hermione figured that they were heading to work. Now that food was there Marcus and Adrian were far more alert. Marcus selected a piece of toast and Adrian helped himself to a croissant. A bunch of nearly fluorescent green grapes called to her from the huge pile of fruit. She also took some scrambled eggs and a chocolate chip pancake that had a scoop of ice-cream melting on top.

"This is all I'll have honestly. You two help yourselves. Eat as much as you want," She said popping a grape into her mouth with a grin. With that the large amount of food was very quickly reduced to half the size. All boys were the same when it came to food.

"So what time is it? I normally get up at about 6:00 am so I'm guessing it's around 7:30/8: 00 am?" she asked around a mouthful of pancake.

"Kitten I hate to break it to you but it's 9:30 am," Adrian said. The panic she was experiencing became apparent as soon as the words left his lips. Marcus reacted first.

"Easy now. It's not like to have to go somewhere else to get ready," he said shrugging one shoulder, completely oblivious to Hermione's growing scowl. Adrian, however, did notice and wisely moved the attention from Marcus to himself. Wise, only because he had a solution.

"Remember I can help you get ready. I knew Lucius wanted to take you looking for houses, I organised an outfit while you were trying on clothes last night. See it won't be too bad, and you got a well-deserved sleep in. Oh… what's that?" Adrian asked gesturing to the white envelope perched on the edge of the serving tray. With the chance it was from the twins, Hermione cast a wand-less detection charm much to the surprise of her companions.

"I'm not imagining it right? You really did just cast a charm without our wand?" Marcus asked. His food abandoned as he looked at her in disbelief. Hermione just shrugged.

"A wand wasn't a hundred percent guaranteed during the war. I had to make sure that I could protect everyone somehow. Not to mention I still need the correct wand made for me. I'm still using Bellatrix's," she nodded her head towards the nightstand where the black and bent wand sat. Hermione knew that she needed her own wand, but she didn't trust the new 'ministry ordained' wand testers. More than a few times she had seen and corrected the miss-matches herself. No one knew about the secret wand facility that she ran through her bookshop unless she specifically chose to help, even then the people were bound to secrecy with and an unbreakable vow. Peeling open the envelope carefully she saw the glittery lengths of unicorn hair that she had been allowed to harvest. Again, a secret that she had kept, her and the unicorns of the forest of Dean (that she had discovered while there with Harry) had come to an agreement allowing her to take one from each of them every 50 years. Twenty-one beautiful strands, enough to make forty-two wands, she did have a business to run after all. The intensifying gaze of her bed partners distracted her from her treasure and her eyes got big with innocence.

"What? It's just a little hair," her voice matching the feigned innocence in her eyes. Both men just shook their heads. Adrian ruffled her hair before getting out of bed and stretching, this gave Hermione an eye full of one of the most sculpted stomachs she had ever seen. Noticing her distraction and not wanting to be out down Marcus kissed her quickly before getting up and removing his shirt and flinging it at her head as he made his way to the bathroom. Hermione was torn between staying in the soft warmth of the t-shirt and the allure of what she figured was a killer back. Peeking out she wasn't disappointed, but she only caught a glimpse before he disappeared. Turing to Adrian with a small pout she vanished the food she hoped she'd managed to get to the kitchen and got up as well. She grabbed the wand and cast a scourgify charm, deciding she didn't need a shower. Once satisfied that she was sufficiently clean she cocked an eyebrow.

"Alright, Adrian. Dress me," she spread her arms wide and grinned.

The gauzy black button-down shirt matched beautifully with the emerald green hip-hugging skirt that Adrian had paired it with. The slight ruffle on each sleeve made it look less corporate while still being sophisticated. Adrian spun Hermione under his arm and dipped her, moving close to nuzzle in her neck making her laugh and squeal.

"Knock it off Ade, it tickles," she said still laughing, he stopped nuzzling and chose instead to drop tiny open mouth kisses up from her collarbone to just behind her ear. Placing his lips gently on her pulse point he pulled back slightly to whisper in her ear.

"If you didn't have to leave I don't think I'd be able to let you go." with one final kiss he set her upright and spun her to face him.

"Well, how do I look? Ready to go house hunting with a Malfoy?" Hermione asked breaking free from his grip and doing a spin.

"You look exceptional, though I must say I prefer you in jeans. Muggles did get those right," Blaise said, his voice causing the heads of Adrian and Hermione to swing in his direction. Leaned up against the door jamb with his arms folded the martial of his shirt stretched tightly over his form drawing Hermione's eye. Adrian chuckled.

"Looks like your escort is here. Don't drool too much on the way Hermione," he said placing his hands on her shoulders and moving her in the direction of the door. The movement broke Hermione out of her ogling and she blushed deeply.

"You are going to impress the starched socks off Lucius," Blaise said as he tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and lead her down the stairs towards the vast entrance. Still getting used to being in the manor as a guest rather than a prisoner Hermione chose to nod in response and continue to memorise her surroundings. The charming and regal furnishings completely at odds with her last visit. They reached the door without her noticing and Blaise got her attention by tucking a stray few strands of hair behind her ear, chuckling when it immediately fell back out. "Always a little bit of rebel in you though isn't there." She poked her tongue out at him when a cough drew her attention.

Lucius stood near the front door cane in hand. He had on robes of a slightly darker grey than his eyes which made them appear as if they were glowing. She smiled a toothy smile that he couldn't help but return.

"Good morning Pet, I trust that you have been well looked after since I saw you last night," he enquired quietly reaching to take her hand and plant a small kiss on her knuckles.

"I have been, thank you, Lucius. I trust you slept well," she replied her ears getting warm from the attention he was paying her. He nodded in response and gestured towards Blaise as she still had hold of his arm,

"Oh right, thanks for the escort Blaise, I guess I'll see you eventually…" she trailed off frowning realising that she didn't know when she'd see him next. He smiled and tilted her face towards his.

"You'll see me tonight Cara, I'm the designated sleepover partner for this evening," he told her and placed a chaste kiss on he still frowning lips. Before bowing slightly at the couple and darting away before Hermione could process what he had said. It didn't take her long to catch up though.

"Did he us say that he was designated sleepover partner? I swear you lot are worse schemers than Harry, Ron and I were in school. Honestly didn't it cross your mind to ask me or even inform me of your plan?" she uttered irritated in Lucius' direction. He shrugged, and she felt herself go stiff with indignation at her concerns being snubbed.

"We came up with what we thought was best and fair through this time where you can't be on your own for more than an hour, we also didn't want to trouble you with trying to come up with a solution. Yes, you are dangerously smart, yes you are exceedingly mature, but you are also copping the brunt of a vicious law and as your magically matched partners we would like to take that brunt alongside you. There is no need to shoulder this alone Hermione, we are all here and willing to help you, whatever it is that you need," he finished by tucking the same stands of hair back and narrowing his eyes when they wouldn't stay put.

Gobsmacked Hermione didn't reply or protest as he swept her out of the house to the apparition point. Nor did she comment as he pulled her close to his side and apparated them to a small lane near Diagon Alley. She finally regained her senses and hauled Lucius back he nearly lost his balance as Hermione flung her arms around his neck his hands automatically went to her hips and he was hunched to accommodate her lesser height.

"Thank you, I've been basically distraught over this, thank you for reminding me that I'm not alone even though I know I'm not I never seem to realise. I really appreciate you taking the time out to tell me again," she mumbled into his neck. She released him, straightened his robes and took his hand, gesturing for him to lead the way as she pulled the slightly dazed Malfoy out of the alley. He took her to a small quiet café where they immediately fell over themselves two serve the well-known pair.

"What can I get for you today?" the waiter asked, quick quote quill poised and ready after they'd looked at the menu for a few moments. The men both looked at Hermione to order first.

"Can I please get the smoked salmon and cucumber salad, no dressing but extra lemon wedges please," she said becoming amused as the waiter gushed about how wonderful her choice was.

"I'll have the grilled chicken with roasted leek and parsnips thank you. And we'd like a bottle of semi-sweet white wine if you please, chilled." Lucius said closing the menu as the waiter scooped them up with promises to be back almost immediately.

When he got out of hearing Hermione couldn't hold her laugh in any longer causing Lucius to raise his eyebrow in a very Severus like manner. She just shook her head.

"So how are you finding being a part of a harem?" she asked as the wine was being poured.

"I believe I am adjusting well, considering. I never thought I'd be in this situation. It helps to have Severus as we've always been friends. The Lupin man is growing on me too. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to be friends with all of the husbands, I remember most of them in nappies, but I believe the group will be a cohesive functioning family unit," Lucius said before taking a sip.

"I know what you mean. I feel like I've had so much to do with some of them that was the exact opposite of a romantic relationship that now, it's quite weird to be so drawn to you all. The age gaps don't bother me, mind you. I've never seen any of my partners in the role of father figure, same in that apart from Harry I suppose, I've never seen any of the others as a brother. But again with Harry, it's different, we've been reliant on each other for so long that it seems quite normal to continue in this direction. I know now is too early to tell but do you see yourself being happy with me? I just… I just don't want to have everyone miserable. I want you all to be happy, with the situation, with the thousands of children I have to produce, to be happy with me." Hermione trailed off and picked at the salad that had been delivered in the middle of her little admission.

Lucius hadn't started eating and in fact looked at the young woman with sadness in her eyes. She was wonderful, she couldn't see that and was so drawn in in herself doubt that she didn't even realise that the spell ensured that the dynamic of the groups is a happy one. He leaned across to still the hand with the fork that was pushing a chunk of salmon around her plate.

"I seem to be needing to reassure you a lot already, but I want to remind you that we didn't just fall into your lap. You used an ancient spell that is designed to bring together people who are going to be well off together. The adjustment period is a given but we all will be more than happy with one another as time goes on. You needn't doubt yourself so much, Hermione." With that, he removed his hand and cut a chunk of chicken to start his meal.

"You know what, you're right Lucius. I must be more confident in myself, I helped defeat Voldemort for Merlin's sake. If I'm strong enough to that then I can do this… just promise that if I do this, stop believing in myself, doubt it all that you'll remind me of what I said today." She nodded. A few moments later Hermione let out a groan that startled Lucius from his next bite. Her fork loaded with a hunk of pink flesh disappeared between her lips and she groaned again.

"You seem to be enjoying that," Lucius said shifting slightly in his seat, the groan reminiscent of not meal time activities.

"You simply must try it, it's heavenly," she replied hoisting another forkful and pushing it in his direction. He ate what she offered and as the salty meat burst over his tongue he let out his own groan causing Hermione to giggle and blush all at once. "See it's wonderful isn't it." He showed his agreement by taking another bite from her plate with his own fork making Hermione burst out in full laughter. He grinned at that in a very un-Malfoy like way and basked in his ability to make her laugh. They finished their meal in relative silence, him offering a bite of chicken and then both claiming they preferred the salmon. It ended with them both smiling at the clearly overwrought waiter and leaving arm in arm.

The first house was large and grey. The walls, the floors, the ceilings, even the windows filtered the light into the room in a dull, lacklustre fashion. Cobwebs were blasted away and then would reappear moments later. The space, though large, had been broken down into so many rooms that it felt more like a school dormitory than a possibly loving home. Upstairs hadn't fared much better, with twenty bedrooms crammed in there was hardly enough space in each for a single bed let alone other furniture. Every room smelled like dust causing Hermione to sneeze more than once and ended with Lucius hand her his monogrammed handkerchief. Unimpressed with the entirety of the house Hermione decided to move quickly to the second option that she had chosen over lunch.

It looked like the manor, too much so for Hermione's taste. Pallid render covered the outer walls, big roman pillars holding up the exterior entryway. Much too large. Even with all her husbands and all the children, there were four floors that would turn out to equal over 90 rooms. They really didn't need that many. Even though it was a lovely large house Hermione still couldn't picture herself in it. Sighing she looked over to Lucius as she sat on a large flat step next to a pillar.

"I'm sorry Lucius, I know you liked it, but I don't, I wouldn't be able to spend my life there. I just don't feel right here," she said knowing it was a lame explanation, she couldn't help the way she felt. Lucius remained standing but lifted one side of his mouth in a half smile.

"Hermione, we are doing this to find something you are comfortable with if you find something that you like then that's what we get. In addition, I'd like to remind you of our lunchtime conversation," he said kneeling before her and taking her hands. He was doing a good job at keeping his end of the bargain.

"Ok, let's keep going. How many more are there?" she asked. Hermione had moved to stand and was looking out over the view. She missed Lucius small but happy smile, he as quickly becoming addicted to making her happy. Remembering she had asked a question he looked down at the papers in his hand. Two of the seven had been crossed out.

"Five to go. Let's get a move on its already 1 pm." He placed his hand on her waist and pulled her close to his side. The apparated away to house number three.

Too small. It had about ten bedrooms and smelt like ammonia. It was immediately got crossed off the list. House number four took her breath away.

It was hard for Hermione to believe that a house could be three stories, sprawling and un-imposing all at the same time. It was grey like the first house but the big textured bricks gave it a dappled effect rather than a flat one. The top tier was roughly rendered in cream, giving it distinction from the other two. Old fashioned wrought iron and wood shutters covered the windows of the first and second floor. There were four windows on the second level and three on the first, and that was just on the front. There was ivy climbing halfway up the second floor and stretched from corner to corner in thick coverage. She was already smitten.

The house was situated on a hill overlooking a deep ravine and surrounded on all other sides by forest. The forest to the right of the house was joined to the main path by a 200-meter flat rock trail. She turned back from the view to look at the veranda. It was the length of the front of the house and was held up by six poles. They were square and also covered in thick ivy. There was a wrought iron fence connecting the poles about Hermione's waist height.

The front door was thick, darkly stained oak with two vertical windows with dark purple tinted glass in a mosaic pattern. The glass changed from purple to blue and green. The door handle was brass and there was a matching brass door knocker in the shape of a dragon's head.

"Fitting," she muttered trailing a finger down its snout before dropping her hand and pushing inside the house.

Hermione and Lucius stepped into a grand foyer. The floor was black marble with a white fleck. There was a massive staircase directly across from the front door made of the same wood as the door is made of. There was a door each side of the staircase and one on each wall. According to the plans, she had read there was a kitchen behind one of the back doors and the other held storage space. The storage room leads to a series of four rooms and two bathrooms. On the left wall was a sunroom. The right side was a massive wrap around garage.

Lucius led Hermione up the stairs which opened into three hallways. The left hallway held ten bedrooms and three bathrooms. The same of the right. The third hallways held a door that had stairs to the third floor. The top floor had 16 bedrooms three shared bathrooms and one room with an ensuite.

All walls were a light grey-blue, with white mouldings. The two upper floors were carpeted in matching thick soft grey material.

They made their way back downstairs to explore the kitchen. It was a strange mix of traditional and modern. The floor was white marble as were the countertops. The splashback was made of many small translucent square tires in black, grey and white. All the wooden cupboard doors were darkly stained. The sink and fixtures were copper. There was a matching preparation island in the middle of the kitchen and a narrow door leading to a spacious dining room.

A visit to the sunroom was next and if Hermione hadn't been infatuated with the house already she would have paid outright for this room alone. It was large, and two walls were dedicated to two large bay windows. The other two were bare except for the doorway.

Hermione turned a few slow circles in the middle of the room, a huge smile on her face. Lucius stood near a window watching her.

"You know Hermione I think you might be in love," he drawled taking a few steps closer. His comment stopped her twirling, but her smile stayed strong.

"I think you might be right. I adore it. There are enough rooms, enough space, we can add, we can decorate, I can con…" she was abruptly cut off by Lucius placing his finger on her lips.

"Now Pet, you needn't sell me on the place. I can see your mind working at a hundred miles an hour already. I don't think we need to see the rest of the places do you?" he asked smiling with one eyebrow raised. With his finger still against her lips, Hermione nodded then pulled back.

"How long do you think it'll take for the deal to go ahead? I'd like to be in before the wedding…" she looked away and a bright blush reached her cheeks. Normally strong and in control, Hermione was so caught up wondering why she felt like she was a first year again that she didn't notice Lucius move closer. She was forced to notice when he slid two fingers under her chin and lifted her eyes to his. Why was everyone doing this to her? Then all thoughts fled as his lips pressed into the corner of her mouth.

"You need to relax Pet," he murmured his lips still touching her skin drawing goose bump up on her skin. The second time he pressed down, his lips made full contact with hers. Hermione's arms came up of their own volition and wrapped around his neck. His hand curled around her hip and pulled her closer. His teeth lightly pulled her bottom lip and the sensation cause Hermione to gasp allowing Lucius to sweep his tongue against hers. He backed her up against the empty wall as he continued to entice her tongue into moving against his. His hand trailed down her thigh and made to pull her leg up around his hip but encountered a deterrent.

"Damnable skirt," Lucius they had their foreheads pressed together and they were breathing heavily.

"I'll make sure Adrian dresses me appropriately next time," Hermione managed to get out, causing the them to start laughing. Drawing away and straightening up they summoned the witch that in charge of this property. They quickly signed and got their authorisation pushed through the goblins at Gringotts and Hermione had the deed to her new home within two hours.

At 4 pm Hermione and Lucius Apparated back over to Malfoy Manor to tell the others that she had gotten her… their new place. They were met at the door by a concerned looking house elf.

"Master! You're home, Kara has been waiting for Master to get home. New Missy you must come right away, they wait they do. Quickly master and new Missy, quickly," the house elf babbled as it took Hermione's hand and dragged her along. Not one to be left behind in the moment Lucius grabbed Hermione's other hand and was pulled along by the surprisingly strong elf. They made their way and came to stop in front of the room that made Hermione's skin crawl. Never the less she squared her shoulders and entered with Lucius at her side. Only a few feet into the room she stopped and gasped softly.

"Why are you here? What do you want? Tell me, I'll…I'll make it happen, please just, just let them go."