Letters

"So, how about that Granger article," Nott said, leaning back in his chair at lunch that Wednesday. A certain group of young, rich, Slytherins made it a point to get together for lunch every week, mostly to rag on each other about girls they'd been seen with, stock options that had failed, or any other thing they deemed embarrassing.

On this particular lunch, Theodore Nott, Adrian Pucey, Blaise Zabini, Greg Goyle, and Draco Malfoy were focused on the article about Hermione in Wizard Weekly.

"Who could miss it?" Greg laughed. "She was the only thing on the newsstand anyone could look at in my office. Wonder how many bids she'll get. I wish I had that kind of money," He lamented.

The rest of the table was rather quiet, causing Pucey to burst into laughter. "Let me get this straight, all three of you are bidding on Granger's virginity?" he asked, looking at Blaise, Theo, and Draco.

"You're bidding?" Draco cried at his two friends. "You barely even know her."

"Oh, yes, and your relationship of name calling and fisticuffs is really a storybook romance," Blaise rolled his eyes.

"You don't know anything about it," Draco pouted, as only a Malfoy heir could.

"Guys," Adrian cut in, "if you are really going to take this seriously, and try to worm your way into Granger's pants, it's not just about the money. She's got to pick you. And as someone who sees the Lioness on nearly a daily basis, I'm not sure you are what she's looking for." His smug smirk irked the three contenders, but they remained silent.

"Wonder who else is in," Goyle said, feeling a little jealous of his richer friends.

"I know my father is," Draco sighed. "Apparently, he's had his eye on Granger for almost a year."

"Wow, this could get ugly," Nott said. "Well, let's all agree that whoever she choses, and it's likely she will chose one of us, as we are the best options, we won't let it affect our friendship."

"Wow, Nott, spoken like a woman," Blaise rolled his eyes again. "Fine, I agree that if she choses one of you, I won't take it personally."

"I will," Draco said. "Granger is mine."

"Come on now, Draco," Adrian tried. "If you are the one she wants, she'll pick you. If not, it's really not Blaise or Theo's fault."

"It's just a good thing neither of you have a hope in hell," Draco said, his tone lightening and Blaise and Theo just chuckled.

"Always the spoiled brat, Draco," Adrian laughed.

"A Malfoy always gets what he wants," Draco said confidently.

"So does a Zabini, so watch it," Blaise said. "Besides, doesn't that saying apply to your father as well?" he asked, watching with amusement as Draco turned red with anger.

"My father doesn't have a hope in hell," Draco informed him in a clipped tone.

"Let the best man win," Nott said, extending his hand. Reluctantly both Blaise and Draco shook it in turn, at well as each others.

"What if she doesn't pick any of you?" Greg asked.

Blaise, Theo, and Draco just laughed in response.

Hermione had been working an 18 hour shift and she was exhausted. At least she had two days off before her next shift.

"Hermione, wait up!" Mark, her favorite Healer's assistant called to her as she was headed to the elevator.

"This came for you when you were with your last patient," Mark said, handing her a lone white rose with a note attached.

"Who..."

"It was delivered. I don't know who it's from," Mark said, already knowing what she wanted to ask. "It's been checked for curses. It's clean."

"Thank you, Mark," Hermione smiled, sniffing the rose before entering the lift. As she was alone, she slipped her finger under the lip of the envelope and pulled the note from it.

Hermione,

You don't need to bother with the bidding. I'd be more than willing to fund your medical ward, and give you the night of your life.

Lucius Malfoy

Hermione's heart skipped a beat as she read his name. She'd never in a million years believed that Lucius Malfoy, one of the sexiest and most successful men in the Wizarding community had ever considered her shaggable, let alone would be willing to totally fund her dream for the chance to be with her.

She shook her head, leaving the lift and walking toward the Apparation station. She couldn't call off the bidding. It really wouldn't be fair. Besides, she'd already decided this process would be a good way for her to try out her dating skills and get to know new people.

She quickly Apparated to her living room, and went to her desk to jot out a note to Lucius. It was kind of him to send her a gift, but he'd have to go through the same process as everyone else if he wanted to be with her.

Severus Snape was sitting in the Malfoy drawing room with a cup of tea, explaining his new line of aromatherapy perfumes to Lucius. They'd been friends since their Hogwarts days, but Lucius still forced Snape to come over and explain his products before he'd buy them for the company. He always bought, he just enjoyed watching his younger friend squirm.

"...as you know, I could care less about such things," Snape went on, "but women seem to enjoy the line."

"That sounds fine," Lucius said, but he was quickly interrupted by a beautiful owl tapping on one of the windows. "Excuse me," he said, getting up to retrieve the note the owl was holding.

When he returned to his seat, letter in hand, he smirked and opened it. He had a feeling he knew who it was from.

Lucius,

Thank you so much for the lovely flower. I appreciate the gesture, and the enhanced scent charm you attached to it. I also appreciate your offer, but I must decline. While I'd be more than willing to entertain the idea of a night with you, you must go through the same process as every other bidder.

I hope you make the cut because I must admit I'm intrigued.

Hermione.

Lucius smirked to himself. That girl was something else. "What are you grinning about?" Snape asked, his voice irritated as usual.

"I take it you've read the article on Miss Granger in Wizard Weekly?" Lucius asked, though he didn't know a single man in wizarding England who hadn't.

"Yes," Snape answered, his tone cautious.

"Well, I attempted to circumvent the 'bidding' process," Lucius laughed to himself. "The little minx is stubborn though."

"You are bidding on Hermione?" Snape asked, his voice now horrified.

"Since when is she Hermione to you, Severus?" Lucius asked, an amused look on his face. Then a preposterous idea struck him. "Are you bidding on the virginity of one of your old students?" When Snape just scowled at him, Lucius laughed out loud. "You little pervert."

"I'll have you know that Miss Granger and I share a history. While you were deep in Voldemort's clutches as a spy, I was working closely with the Order. She wasn't a child then, and I wasn't her teacher, and I...noticed." Snape shifted uncomfortably.

"Well," Lucius said, sobering up, "I guess I'll have a little competition. To tell you the truth, Draco and his little friends are probably planning their approach as we speak. I'm not threatened by them. I've seen Draco with women. He hasn't learned the fine art of seduction. He relies far too much on his looks to get willing witches into bed."

Snape rolled his eyes but Lucius continued. "His friends, while attractive and wealthy, are in no better position than him to woo her. It will take skill that only age can provide."

"Or history," Snape countered.

"True, but on that front, I'm afraid Draco has you beat. And if Potter throws his hat in, your history will look like a blip on the radar," Lucius said.

Snape had to concede that point, but he had to try anyway. "Fine, then let the best man win," Snape said, looking up at his longtime friend, challenge in his eyes.

"Wow, Severus. I don't believe I've seen you this serious about something since Lily," Lucius commented.

"I never have been," Snape muttered, taking a sip of his tea.

"You're bidding on her!" Ron shouted at the top of his lungs in Harry's sitting room. He'd come to his friend for comfort about the whole situation with Hermione, but found Harry unwilling to give any. In fact, he basically told Ron he got what he deserved and that he was more than willing to pick up the pieces Ron left.

"Yes," Harry answered confidently. He knew if he could just get Hermione to realize he wanted this, and that it wasn't some kind of pity thing, she'd pick him. Maybe they could live happily ever after. It was cheesy, but he didn't see a future with anyone else but her.

"You're all bloody mental," Ron sputtered.

"Look, I don't like the route she's taken, but I care about Hermione. I let you have your chance with her because you liked her first, but now that she's single and looking for someone, I'm not going to stand off to the side again. You don't own her, Ron," Harry said calmly.

"I can't believe this," Ron said, running his hand through his hair in a frustrated manner. "I swear the whole world had turned upside down." He was muttering to himself more than to Harry, and he looked on the verge of a nervous breakdown. "I mean you think you know people. Then you wake up and they've all gone mental."

"Ron," Harry said, his voice firm. "What did you expect? Did you think it was normal that a perfectly healthy girl wouldn't have sex with her boyfriend for six years? Did you think a relationship like that could last? Did you think fucking girls behind her back was going to work out?"

"I don't need this," Ron huffed, knowing Harry was right, but he didn't want to hear it. No matter how wrong he'd been, Hermione was doing something worse, and Harry was playing right along with it.

Harry just sighed and watched his friend leave through the Floo. He didn't really care what Ron thought anyway. They'd never been the same since Ron walked out on them in the middle of the forest on the Horcrux search.

Hermione stuck by him though. It had been hard not to tell her that he was attracted to her in those days when they were alone. He didn't know where the feelings came from, but they started toward the end of their sixth year. It was still a confusing kind of attraction, but it was there all the same. He just hoped Hermione would see reason, and choose him in this ill begotten auction.

By the end of the two weeks, Hermione was exhausted. Not only had she doubled up on shifts in order to take some time off in the pursuit of the right guy to lose her virginity to, but she was also being swarmed with letters and gifts at work.

Her boss found it charming, so she wasn't reprimanded, but it was becoming too much. She didn't even have room in her flat for all the flowers she'd received, and she'd be happy when it was all over, which should be soon. She and Ginny were meeting that night to discuss the highest bidders and write letters to inform them they'd won the chance to woo her.

Hermione felt silly about it. She'd purposefully asked Ginny not to give her any details about the money offered or any hints to high bidders because she wanted to be surprised. Although, given the gift she received from him over a week ago, she wouldn't be surprised if Lucius was in the running.

Using her large brain to put two and two together, she assumed his son had put in a bid as well. He had sent her a large bouquet of lilies that were charmed never to wilt. She'd be lying if she said they didn't make her grin from ear to ear for the rest of the day. As confused as she was as to why Malfoy would be interested, it didn't mean she wasn't intrigued to see if he made the cut.

"Hermione, hurry the hell up!" Ginny called the second she entered her house through the Floo. Adrian was there and she shot him a questioning look.

"Oh, no," Adrian said. "Ginny's been doing this for almost two weeks and won't tell me anything. I'm staying to find out the final result."

"Fine," Hermione sighed. The whole world would find out anyway. She was the most famous woman in wizarding England. The press followed her everywhere, especially lately. "So, what's the verdict?" Hermione asked her friend, slipping into the chair next to Ginny.

"Well," Ginny said, jumping up and down excitedly in her seat. "You received five thousand bids..."

"What!" Hermione cried. "I didn't even know there were five thousand men in Wizarding England!"

"Like I was saying before the freak out," Ginny said with a chuckle, "the lowest bid was 100 galleons and the highest bid was 15 million galleons." Hermione's breath caught in her chest. 15 million galleons was about 75 million pounds! "I won't tell you who bid that," Ginny continued, hoping her friend wouldn't hyperventilate.

"I'd just like to point out that I was the one to tell you how valuable your virginity was, Granger," Adrain said smugly.

"Yes, and this only proves how insane all men are," Hermione said, trying to shake the thought of so much money from her head. "So, who are in the top tier?" she finally asked.

"I thought you might want to read what they had to say, as well as knowing who they are," Ginny said, pulling out six envelopes. "There are six, and they all wrote you a kind note. I've removed the information about how much they bet, but the rest is intact."

"Letters?" Hermione asked. She hadn't considered that they'd send her a message along with their bids. "Okay," she said, feeling a little awkward about reading the in front of Ginny and Adrian. "Who are they?" Hermione asked. "I'll read them when I get home, but I want to know now."

"Me too," Adrain said, eagerly. Ginny just rolled her eyes at her boyfriend and handed Hermione the letters one by one. "Blaise Zabini, Draco Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy, Theodore Nott, Severus Snape, and Harry Potter." Ginny said, watching Hermione's expression grow more and more surprised with each name.

"B-bu-but..." she stuttered, holding the letters in her hand.

"Wow, sounds like it's a bunch of snakes in the pit. Oh yeah, and Potter," Adrian said, grinning brightly. Ginny elbowed him in the ribs, but he grinned still. He was happy his friends ended up in the top bidders. It should make for very fun lunch next week. Not to mention, Hermione did need a little Slytherin influence in her life.

"Go home, read them," Ginny instructed "come back here tomorrow when you've informed them they made the cut." Hermione just nodded dumbly before walking absently to the Floo and taking it to her house.

She didn't even remember making herself a cup of tea until she sat down in her favorite chair and began drinking it. She wanted to read the letters, but there were at least two she wasn't sure she was ready for. Had Snape and Harry really put up millions of galleons to be her first lover? It seemed so unlikely. And yet, their names were staring back at her from the pile of letters.

She moved those two aside, deciding to focus on the more innocuous ones. Blaise Zabini. She'd seen him a few times in the hospital since they'd left Hogwarts. He was an Auror now, and often brought criminals in when an arrest went south. He was quite beautiful. There was no denying it. His dark skin and blue eyes contrasted each other well, and he was built like a God, she was sure. He had his pick of ladies, as he was a brave Auror and independently wealthy, so why was he propositioning her? She opened the letter, hoping it would provide some insight.

Hermione,

I realize we were never friends, and we certainly don't run in the same social circles, but when I read Skeeter's article on you, I couldn't get you out of my head. You've always been quite beautiful, at least since fourth year, and I never could understand why you settled for Weasley.

I'd love to be the person to show you how wonderful your body can be and react. You are a beautiful woman who deserves to be pampered and worshiped. I'd make your first time unforgettable, and who knows, it could lead to more.

I hope you'll forget about the years we spent at Hogwarts. I was never actually mean to you, I know, but I never was anything to you. That was my own ignorance, I assure you. Enclosed is my bid of XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. One night with you would be worth every Knut.

Yours,

Blaise Zabini.

Hermione let out a deep breath. Well, she'd always known he had a way with words when it came to the ladies, but she had to admit, being on the receiving end of it was delightful.

Next she went for Theodore Nott's letter. If she were being honest with herself, she was not overly attracted to Theo, but he'd always been friendly to her, even in Hogwarts. He was a little short, and fairly skinny, even as an Auror, but not wholly unattractive. As Hermione promised herself this would not be a solely superficial pursuit, but one where she'd try to meet a good guy, she put her judgments aside and opened his letter.

Dear Hermione,

It must be odd to receive a bid from me. We don't know each other well, but I'd very much like to change that. I can't believe what that git, Weasley did to you. If you were my girlfriend, you'd never catch me in another witch's bed. Why would I need someone else when I had Aphrodite to myself?

Your article was quite riveting. I believe I read it five times before I began writing this. I particularly liked the pictures of you by the pool. You are quite stunning. Don't let another man ever make you feel differently.

I've enclosed by bid for XXXXXXXXXXXXX, and I want you to know that a night with you would be well worth it. I hope this money will help you achieve your admirable dreams.

Sincerely,

Theo

Hermione smiled. He was sweet. He's always been the most mild mannered Slytherin she'd known. Even if she didn't pick him, she hoped some sort of friendship could progress between them.

With a sigh, she moved onto the next letter. It was a toss-up between Draco and Lucius and she decided to open Draco's first as her curiosity was piqued. A little known secret, actually totally unknown secret, was that Hermione had always been attracted to Draco Malfoy. From the first moment she laid eyes on him, she thought he was beautiful. But then he'd been an arrogant ass, and that sort of ruined it for her. As they grew up, he was a thorn in her side until around sixth year when she discovered he and his father were on the side of the Order all along. Even then, the tension was too much to break. She'd often wondered if it was sexual tension, but threw the thought out of the window when she saw how many girls Draco brought to his bed. She bit her lip in anticipation as she opened his letter.

Granger,

I must say that I'm wholly impressed with this utterly Slytherin tactic of trying to lose your virginity and make a pile of galleons at the same time. Are you sure you were sorted into the right house? I always thought, after I heard about the little blackmail you held over Rita Skeeter, that you might have been a better fit for our house.

Then again, the stupid founder of Slytherin was too short sighted to see the value of Muggle-born witches and wizards. I'm sorry to say I was just as woefully ignorant for a time. The fact of the matter is, Granger, you could kick any other witch's arse, pureblood or not, in pretty much every aspect of life, magic or otherwise.

But these are things you already know. What I want to discuss is this auction. Do you really need to put these other guys through the ringer when you know that I'm the best choice. I've wanted you since we were kids, and really, I could show you the best night you could ever dream of. The XXXXXXXXXXXX that I'm bidding is a drop in the bucket to what I could offer you if you asked me to.

I hope you will seriously consider my proposition because I am being completely genuine here. I hope to hear from...and see you soon.

Always,

Malfoy

Hermione felt her heart beat faster in her chest and wondered if she should consider the strange butterflies in her stomach to be a sign that maybe he was someone she was interested in perusing outside this silly bet business. She shook the thought away, deciding to give everyone an equal chance. Pulling out Lucius' letter, she took another sip of tea before she started reading it.

Miss Granger,

I was more than shocked to discover you were so unsatisfied. I must admit, I never thought Mister Weasley was a good fit for you. You are so strong, beautiful, brilliant, and kind. You deserve to be with a man who can appreciate and cultivate these attributes.

I'd be more than willing to show you how a woman should be treated by a real man. I have skills far beyond the boardroom that I'd very much enjoy showing you. I fear that you may have been neglected all these years and I must admit that XXXXXXXXXXXXX is a very cheap price to show you everything I can do.

I hope you won't consider me too forward, but I've fantasized about you on many occasions. You are simply not a witch one is unaffected by, I assure you. Had I known how unsatisfied you were at home, I'd have put in the effort to court you properly, but you beat me to it. Please consider my offer and the fact that I have more than enough money to fund any of your humanitarian endeavors should you need it.

Always yours,

Lucius Malfoy

Hermione couldn't help but smile. He was such a gentleman. It was refreshing to have someone speak to her like an equal and with such eloquence. Ron's notes rarely used three syllable words. While Lucius was gorgeous, wealthy, and charming; she wondered if he might be too old for her, but quickly pushed that thought aside. She'd been more than attracted to a man only slightly younger than him before. Which brought her to Snape's letter.

She had been more than shocked that he bid on her. Sure, she'd felt the chemistry between them in her Order days, but she assumed she must have been delusional because he never tried anything nor did he contact her for much after the war, with the exception of help with a potion once in a great while. But here, he'd put in a bid on her virginity and she wondered if she'd misread all his signs long ago. Opening his letter, she noticed it was much shorter than the rest.

Miss Granger,

While I think this idea of yours is ill-conceived, I couldn't, in good conscience, not send in a bid. I think you know I care a great deal for you, even if I'm unable to express it the way men like Lucius or Draco can. Enclosed is my bid of XXXXXXXXXXXX, I hope it's enough for you to even consider my offer.

S.S.

Her head was spinning. He cared for her. Did she still care for him or was it a adolescent crush that had run its course? She had to admit that she felt butterflies in her stomach at the thought of reconnecting with him, but was that attraction or desire to see the man she looked up to so much? She didn't know, but she guessed she'd be finding out soon.

Speaking of confusing feelings, she picked up the last letter and sighed heavily. Harry. It was insane that he'd done this. Sure, he had plenty of money. And he probably would have donated it to the hospital without the promise of sex if she'd asked him, which she had too much pride to do, but even after his flip out over the auction, he'd bid on her.

Why? Did he want her like that? Was Ginny right? Or was this just a way to save her from sleeping with someone else? She guessed there was only one way to find out and slipped his letter from the envelope.

Hermione,

As much as I could wring your neck for doing something like this, I must admit it has opened an opportunity for me to tell you something I've wanted to tell you for years. I don't see you as a sister, like I thought I did. I've wanted to be with you for the last seven years. I was jealous of Ron, and I always wished you had chosen me instead.

I bid XXXXXXXXXXXX on you, because if this is the route you want to go, I'm more than willing to throw my hat in the ring. Before you begin hyperventilating about our friendship and how this could ruin it. I see two options here: 1) You choose me after meeting with all the losers. I prove to you that we can be sexually compatible as well as emotionally. Then, I give you the first of many great nights together like I've always imagined. 2) You can decide that I'm not the one you want. Perhaps you don't return my affections, but I'll know I tried. That's all I want, is a chance to try. I promise I will not let it hurt our friendship. You are the most important person in the world to me. I couldn't let you go if I tried.

I'm just asking you to consider it. Meet with me in a 'non-friend' setting and let me try. If you don't feel the same, I'll bow out. I promise. Just consider my offer. I will be waiting to hear back.

Your best friend always,

Harry

Hermione wiped a few stray tears from her eyes. She didn't know why she was crying, but she imagined that finding out that six of the most eligible bachelors in England were pining for her was a little overwhelming. Especially for a girl who thought her looks were only slightly above average to begin with.

She'd have to set up some sort of 'dating schedule' for lack of a better word. She'd have to meet with the men individually to get to know them better before she could make her decision. Grabbing a piece of parchment and a quill, she set about writing each of them back as well as a quick note to Ginny about her plans. It was likely going to be a long couple of weeks.