A Second Round of Letters

Theo and Blaise were working on paperwork Monday morning, tying up some loose ends, when Hermione's owl dropped a letter for each of them on their respective desks. "Looks like the verdict has arrived," Blaise drawled fingering the envelope as he looked up at his partner.

"Whatever happens, we are still friends," Theo said, confidently.

"Yes, dear," Blaise rolled his eyes, and Theo had to chuckle at that. "Let's rip off the band-aid."

Both men opened their envelopes at the same time, pulling out the hand-written letters Hermione had sent them.

Blaise's read:

'Dear Blaise,

I had a wonderful time with you at the Italian restaurant down the block from my flat. I can't believe I'd never even seen it before. I enjoyed our conversation, and I think, if I were looking for just a sexual partner, you would be a very good match for me.

Unfortunately, I can't be that girl. I thought, maybe I could. I considered it. A one-night stand of amazing sex with someone I shared little with. As pleasurable as that sounds, I think I'm far too Gryffindor for that sort of thing.

I know I said I wouldn't hold your feelings about relationships against you, and I hope you don't think me a horrible liar. I really think the world of you. As friends, I think we could have a lot in common, but sexually, I just need more than...sex. I hope that makes sense.

Please feel free to contact me any time in the friend capacity. I'd hate for this to mean we couldn't explore that aspect of a relationship.

-Hermione'

"Well, I got the ax," Blaise said, "what about you?"

Theo nodded in response. His own letter read:

'Dear Theo,

I think you and I have a lot in common, and I hope to explore that more, if you are up for it. Unfortunately, I think that we'd work better as friends than lovers. I think you could feel it too. Even if we shared a night together, and tried to take if from here, you and I both know only a friendship would come of it, in the end.

That new friendship we've started, I'd like to continue. I hope you are up for that. It would be nice to talk about all the things we discussed on our date at greater length. No pressure, but I hope you'll consider being my friend.

-Hermione'

"It seems we are better friends," Theo said with a sigh.

"Yeah, I got the 'let's be friends' thing too," Blaise said. "I guess it's for the best. She picked me right. It's all about sex to me. She wants something more."

Theo nodded, "I guess she's not totally wrong about us either. She's sexy as hell, but the whole night did seem more friendly than sexual."

"Wonder who won?" Blaise asked. He was itching to call up Draco and see if he did, but knew it wasn't the appropriate time. They'd find out soon enough.

Lucius and Draco were sitting at the dining room table, both reading the Daily Prophet when they received word from Hermione. It was still early, and they hadn't retreated to their offices for work yet. "It seems our mutual mistress has made her choice," Lucius said smugly when Hermione's owl dropped a letter between each of them.

"She isn't 'our mutual mistress'," Draco said, his tone irritated. The truth was, he was terrified that she had picked someone else, but he couldn't voice that and keep up the Malfoy facade of arrogant disinterest.

"Someone seems a little nervous," Lucius laughed. "Let's just see what she's decided shall we?" He seemed to be the picture of confidence, and Draco wondered why his father was so sure Hermione would pick him. Had their date set off fireworks? He didn't want to think about it.

Lucius opened his envelope and began reading while Draco just stared at his envelope.

'Lucius,

I cannot thank you enough for the blue prints to the Ward I hope to open. It was the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me. I also hope to have your continued support in this endeavor because your influence would make this dream a reality, I know it.

As to your bid. I think you know I'm attracted to you. I have been for a long time - since well before it was appropriate, I assure you, I was flattered to find that my feelings were returned. That said, I have to be honest with you. While, I think we could have great sexual chemistry, I don't think we could have much more. You are a bachelor who enjoys that lifestyle. It makes you who you are now. I want you to stay that way. Because of my irritating sentimentality, I need more than that though.

I'll always wonder what one night could have been like with you, but I have to follow my gut in this situation. I hope this doesn't change our working relationship. I respect you, and would love to work with you more at the hospital. Trust me, this was not an easy letter to write. I hope you know that.

-Hermione'

With a sigh he set the letter down. He'd done what he could, and Hermione was right about one thing. He was a bachelor, and he found he did enjoy that lifestyle. He loved Narcissa, but when she died, he decided to move on and be happy. Mostly he was happy with his work. He considered Hermione could be the one woman to change that, but he didn't know. He guessed she made the choice for him.

He looked up and noticed his son still staring at the unopened envelope. "It's not a howler, son. It won't read itself," Lucius said.

"I know that," Draco snapped.

"You really feel something for her, don't you?" Lucius said, wonder in his voice. He'd never seen his son like this before. He assumed she was another conquest for the boy, but it was much bigger than that.

"Of course I do. Do you think I go around bidding on witches I just want to get into bed?" Draco sighed.

"Open it," Lucius said, pushing the envelope closer to his son. "She didn't pick me. She can't possibly say 'no' to two Malfoys." The older man grinned at him. Draco just rolled his eyes and opened the envelope. If she hadn't picked Lucius, that improved his odds.

'Draco,

I can't tell you how thoughtful it was for you to take me to my favorite place. More importantly, I can't believe you remembered me saying it was my favorite place from six years ago. That meant a lot to me.

I'm taking a leap of faith here, but I believe your intentions are true. I don't know how you managed it, but somehow you held feelings for me for years, and I had no idea. I'm going to let you in on a little secret of my own. I wasn't totally turned off by you all those years either. I was drawn to you the moment we met, but as you were an incredible prat at the time, it obviously didn't go far. However, I always noticed you. I just couldn't believe someone like you would ever be into someone like me. I'm plain. I'm boring. I spend time at home reading. You go out on the town with gorgeous witches. I guess I never considered that they were a distraction for you.

I hope I'm not overstepping my bounds by assuming such a thing. I think, after our date, it's safe for me to tell you, I want you. Something about you draws me in and makes me want more. But I'm also confused and scared. I have such strong feelings for you, that grow every day. But I also have feelings for Severus and Harry. I can't explain to you how difficult this is.

So, the only decision I could come to was this: I want one more date with the three of you to give myself the ability to make my final decision. You are, of course, free to refuse and drop out. But, I hope you won't because I really want to see where this is going.

-Hermione'

"So?" Lucius asked eagerly. If he wasn't in the race, he was completely behind his son, especially now what he knew the depth of Draco's feelings.

"She didn't pick me," Draco said, "but she didn't not pick me." When Lucius looked confused he chuckled and explained. "Apparently, she is having a hard time deciding between me, Snape, and Potter. So, she wants a second date."

"Who would have thought?" Lucius said to himself. "She couldn't have picked three more different men."

"Yes, well, it also means that I'll have a heart attack if I lose this to Potter or Snape," Draco said with a shudder. The thought was too disturbing to dwell on.

Lucius scoffed like that option was not even a possibility.

Snape was pulled from his morning lab time by Hermione's owl. He placed the ladle in the mixture that would become a modified Polyjuice and pulled the letter from the bird's leg, opening the envelope quickly.

'Severus,

Thank you so much for the romantic dinner. I didn't know you had it in you. I'm kidding of course. I've always known that, below that harsh exterior, you are a passionate man. Thank you for showing me.

I know you were nervous, and so was I, but I'm glad you let me past the exterior to see you. I had such an amazing time with you, I don't know where to start. You know I've harbored feelings for you for a while. I wish, often, that I'd acted on my feelings. I'd probably be there with you, having a normal sex life, rather than auctioning off my virginity.

Luckily for me, you took the chance and bid on me. I'm so glad we reconnected, and regardless of what comes of this, I hope we don't lose contact again.

That said, I want you to know that this entire process has been more difficult than I expected. There are three great men that I feel close to, and you are one of them. I fear you will not like the other two, but I think it's only fair I be open with you about my feelings. Draco and Harry have also caught my heart and I'm torn. I want you, but I want them too. To what extent, I don't know, yet. That is why I'd like to have another date with each of you before I make my decision.

I hope this is agreeable to you. I'd understand if you decided you didn't want any part of it, but I hope that's not the case.

-Hermione

Snape was torn between smiling and sighing in frustration. He was so close. He could almost feel victory, just to have it taken from him by, of all people, Draco Malfoy and Harry-bleeding-Potter.

He should have known though. Potter was her best friend. She'd never be able to cast him aside without something spectacular on the other end. Draco, too, had been involved in an aggressive mating ritual with the girl since they were children.

On the other hand, in the face of Draco Malfoy, the country's most eligible bachelor, and Harry Potter, the savior of the Wizarding world, he made the cut. That was something to be celebrated.

Harry knew he was Hermione's last date, and he also knew it was a good one. She had no problem with the intimate part of changing their relationship, and he was still trying to calm himself down from the memories of her pressed against him.

Therefore, he was relieved when Hermione's owl finally flew into his open window. Feeding it a treat, he took the letter from her leg and opened it, unable to stop himself. He had to know. So much rested on this letter.

'My Harry,

First and foremost, I love you, and I always will. You are my best friend, my rock, and my inspiration most days. Now that that's said, let me get straight to the point. I know you will appreciate it.

I was surprised at how easily our relationship was able to move into intimacy. Of course, you are an amazing kisser. I felt natural and at ease in your arms. I could easily see myself giving my virginity to you, and it would feel totally justified. You own most of my firsts, why not that?

However, there is one problem. My heart. While it calls to you, it calls to two others as well. I thought this would be easy. I never considered that you could feel so strongly about more than one person, as I never have before. The truth is this. Draco Malfoy, Severus Snape, and you, hold a place in my heart that I want to explore, at least a little bit, before I make my decision.

So, I'm asking for one more date from you, to help me choose. Moreover, I hope you know that, no matter what happens, you'll always be my best friend.

-Hermione'

Harry sighed. Of all people to be in competition with, Malfoy and Snape. It was surreal. But he respected her wishes. If she picked him, he didn't want her to question her choice. Another date wasn't a bad idea anyway. It would give them more of a chance to explore this new kind of relationship.

The responses came in quickly, the first from Harry, who wrote:

Hermione,

I want you to be sure about us, so I have no problem with a second date. I must say I'm surprised by my competition, but I'd really rather not go down that line of conversation.

I love you too,

Harry

The next came an hour later from Draco, who wrote:

Hermione,

Of course I'm game for the challenge. I'm glad you believe my intentions are true. I assure you they are. I feel awkward being lumped together with Potter and Snape, but I always knew you were a strange girl.

Kidding of course. All the best, and I can't wait to see you again.

Draco

She had to wait on Severus's response, but two hours after Draco's arrived, Snape's did as well. He wrote:

Hermione,

I must admit, I was surprised to find that you had as good a time as I did on Friday. I've come this far, I might as well see it through to the end. But do remember the terrible irony if I were to lose a woman to a Potter two times in my life.

Of course I'll respect your choice either way, and I look forward to your owl concerning our plans this week.

Severus

So, all three agreed, and she was grateful for it. Although, she couldn't help but lament how much easier her choice would be if two of the men didn't want to go through the ringer again. Of course, if they felt an ounce of what she felt for them, they wouldn't be able to say 'no'. So, that was a good sign.

She held the three notes in her hand as she Flooed to Ginny's house. And the younger girl was wrapped around Adrian on the couch when she stepped into the living room. Hermione giggled. "It's often expected that you finished the mating ritual before your guests arrive," Hermione said with a laugh. "You know, since you were the one who invited me."

"Sorry," Ginny giggled, giving her boyfriend one last kiss before climbing off his lap. "So, what's the verdict?"

"They are all in," Hermione said. "And they attached available days to meet."

"Oh yay!" Ginny squealed, taking the noted right out of Hermione's hands and leaving the room. She just laughed and nodded to Adrian when he smirked at his girlfriend.

"So, who are the lucky guys?" he asked.

Hermione looked at her feet, "Draco, Severus, and Harry," she said.

"Wow, that's quite a mixture," Adrian chuckled. "Any of them sticking out to you?"

"I don't know," Hermione sighed. "Some times I think, 'it's totally him', then other times, I think it's one of the others. They are just so different, and they pique a different part of my interest."

Adrian just chuckled. "You'll make the right decision, no matter what. In the end, if they care about you, it will all work out."

"Thanks, Adrian," Hermione smiled, just as Ginny came back into the room with a piece of paper.

"Okay, this is how it works," Ginny said. "You'll go out with Severus tomorrow, which is Tuesday. Draco will be on Wednesday. And Harry will have to wait until Friday."

"Another week of this," Hermione sighed. "As much as I want to see them all again, I don't know if I can do another week of this."

"You'll do it, and you'll enjoy it, missy." Ginny said, in a no-nonsense tone. Hermione and Adrian just laughed.