Chapter 2 – Coming Together
The trio passed the next week at the cottage quietly. Hermione continued to heal and the physical marks on her body changed from angry red to shiny pink. The deeper marks on her soul were another matter, but each night she spent wrapped up between Harry and Ron lessened the rawness of the memories. While she healed, they also began to work on a plan to infiltrate Gringotts and search the Lestrange vault. Griphook had reluctantly agreed to help, in exchange for the Sword of Gryffindor.
Bill and Fleur remained somewhat reluctant hosts. Bill would never turn away family, but he still wasn't comfortable with the changes in Ron. He also knew they had worked out some kind of deal with the goblin and that worried him. Bill had worked with goblins long enough to know that they shouldn't be trusted. He tried several times to question Ron, but his little brother remained firm in his belief that the less Bill knew the better. As the number of days increased since the trio sought refuge at his house, Bill had gradually come to accept their unique sleeping arrangement. It seemed that the three friends needed each other's comfort more than anything, and after Ron had told Bill a bit about Malfoy Manor, he could no longer object to their sleeping together. Each time he checked on them they were content, peaceful and all fully clothed. As accepting as Bill became, Fleur was another matter. She still wasn't happy with the situation and she didn't like the fact that the three of them were sneaking around and holding secret meetings in her house. Still, since Bill didn't object, Fleur kept quiet. Her attitude toward the three chilled some, but none of them cared. They were each content with each other and had plans in the works to move the horcrux hunt further. They were happier than they had been in months and the small detail of Ron's miffed sister-in-law barely entered their consciousness.
Several days after they arrived at the cottage, Ron finally felt comfortable enough to go outside and leave Hermione for short periods of time. Ron never went far, always remaining in sight of the cottage, but the time alone allowed him to think and sort out his thoughts and feelings. He never really was away from Hermione and Harry. He felt their light touches even as he wandered the lonely coastline. He still couldn't explain what had happened exactly at Malfoy Manor, but the three of them had somehow been fused together. He could feel each of them as if they were part of his own heart and soul. They never managed the mind speech that he had heard about in a number of wizarding tales, but they had something more. Words never would be sufficient to explain a person's true internal emotions and now he felt those emotions in each of his friends, without the encumbrance of faulty language. When Hermione choked down one of Fleur's potions, he felt her disgust. And when Harry argued with Griphook, he felt the frustration that Harry carefully kept off his face. The three of them had spoken for hours in the silenced quiet of their shared room, discussing what had happened and Ron knew that Hermione and Harry both felt the same as him. Even when Ron distanced himself outside the cottage, they felt his internal questioning.
On his second day leaving the cottage, Ron grew frustrated at his own lack of answers to his internal questions. Without thinking, he drew his wand and cast a quick diffindo at an overgrown clump of dune grass. The result of the simple spell was something he could never had anticipated. Instead of trimming the unruly grass, the entire clump flew in the air as shredded pieces went everywhere. The sand it had rooted in scattered widely, enveloping Ron. As he shook sand and grass out of his hair, Ron looked at the wand in his hand. It had been Pettigrew's and still felt odd in his hand. He didn't much like the wand and hesitated to use it, but now he wondered what it had done. He had barely focused on the spell and yet the results had been monumental. What in the bloody hell was wrong with the thing? Perhaps he should talk to Ollivander. The old man was steadily improving and was now able to sit in the living room and participate in conversation with the rest of Bill's house guests. With that thought in mind, Ron made his way back to the cottage, his head still spinning with questions that troubled his soul. As he neared the cottage, the door suddenly flew open and Hermione was on him with Harry right behind her. They felt his turmoil and were as confused as he was. Hermione hugged him tight and he kissed her long and hard. It was their first kiss, excepting a few glancing brushes that he had placed on her head when they cuddled at night. As the kiss continued, Ron and Hermione felt Harry's arms around them and the presence of his soulmates helped to calm Ron. As he and Hermione separated, he looked at Harry smiling next to him. Ron reached up and placed a hand to Harry's cheek as they traded emotions more deep than most people would ever manage in a lifetime. The trio were so consumed in each other, they didn't notice Bill standing at the window, stunned into silence by what he was witnessing. As Ron's emotions settled, he took each of his soulmates' hands in his and entered the cottage. Mr. Ollivander was sitting in the living room and woke from a catnap when he heard them enter. They sat on the couch across from him and he knew something was troubling Ron. He waited patiently until Ron was able to verbalize his thoughts.
"Mr. Ollivander, I have a question about this wand. I took it from Peter Pettigrew and it's done alright, but I still don't like it. I actually have used it very little. A while ago I was on the beach and out of frustration I cast a quick diffindo at a clump of dune grass. I really wasn't focusing and I didn't put much thought into the spell, so I figured at most I would just give the grass a trim, but instead the clump of grass seemed to explode and shredded into a million pieces. I didn't realize the wand was that strong and now I'm not sure it's safe to use."
The wandmaker said nothing, but held out his hand, palm up. Ron placed the wand in his gnarled fingers and waited for the verdict. Meanwhile, Bill and Fleur had entered the room and stood in the corner, listening. The old man drew the wand up close to his eye and turned it around several ways. He gently stroked it and a few blue sparks flew out of it. He seemed to contemplate it for a minute and then looked up at Ron.
"Ronald, I think to better understand what happened on the beach, I need some more details. Dobby evacuated myself and the others from the manor before the three of you left. After we were evacuated, what happened? I know it was serious and you've tried to keep it to yourself, but I have a feeling the events may be important for my understanding."
Ron took a deep breath. He was initially unsure about what to tell the wandmaker. Then he felt an encouragement from both sides and his hesitancy evaporated. He quickly gave a detailed account of the final minutes at Malfoy Manor, including his still confused feelings about what had actually occurred. As he spoke, Mr. Ollivander's face changed as a slow smile grew. When Ron finished, the old man spoke up.
"Well, I think that explains things Ronald. What you did at the manor was harness elemental magic. It is a rare feat, brought about by either great skill or great desperation. In your case, I think a bit of both."
Ron looked confused, but his mates once again settled him as Ollivander continued.
"Perhaps I should explain a bit. You have most likely heard of raw magic. It is the magic that young wizards and witches employ when they are young and their magic begins to manifest. It is usually harmless and minor. Elemental magic is the other end of the spectrum. It is an uncontrolled harnessing of the pure elements of nature: earth, wind, water and fire. Most wizards and witches require wands to do magic, but elemental magic does not require one. As such, it is a dangerous and untamed magic. Many wizards and witches through the millennia have sought to train the magic. A very few have been successful after a great many years of study. In many cases, the use of elemental magic occurs in times of great peril like you experienced. I am eighty four and have traveled the world in my quest for wand materials. In that time, I have heard of three other instances of sudden manifestations of elemental magic. In two of those cases, the wizards died. I think you were quite lucky to have escaped unharmed. I think though that you did not escape untouched."
Ollivander paused for a minute and reached for a glass of juice on the table next to him. As he sipped, Ron's emotions roiled through him. Then the old man continued.
"No, Ronald, I am fairly certain that your impressive display of elemental magic awakened a hidden well of power in you. Only a small number of wizards and witches have a unique internal well of magic that allows them to become great. The founders of Hogwarts are fine examples. Still, for those few truly gifted, it takes years of training to realize their potential. I believe your experience at Malfoy Manor gave you a large push forward. You see, when I examined this wand, I found nothing spectacular. It is 13 ½ inches, yew and phoenix feather. No, this wand was not what caused the spectacular results on the beach, it was the wizard wielding the wand that caused those results."
As Ollivander finished speaking, the theory he proposed shook Ron to his core. Could he really be that powerful of a wizard? He had never been that remarkable of a student. And if Mr. Ollivander was right, and he had caused that much damage with a simple diffindo, then what else could he do? What would he do? Was he dangerous? Would he be a danger to those around him? His feelings were so violent and raw, that Harry and Hermione were rocked as they sat beside them. Hermione gathered herself first and turned Ron's face to her. She tried to send calming emotions to him as she added words as well.
"Ron, calm down. I know it's a lot to understand, but we'll work this out. I always knew you were a great wizard. Now you know what has happened and you can be better prepared. We'll need to run some training exercises, but you will learn to harness your power and use it for good. I know you can Ron. I believe in you."
Behind him, Harry sent additional soothing images and rubbed Ron's back. Gradually he settled and leaned back against Harry as Hermione leaned forward and kissed him. Ollivander watched the trio with curiosity, while Bill and Fleur stood in the corner trying to comprehend it all. A full twenty minutes passed before he had finally settled enough to speak.
"Well Mr. Ollivander, this gives me a lot to think on. Thank you for the help. Like Hermione said, I guess I need to practice and re-train myself. I still don't like the wand, but it will do for now. Once this is all over, I hope you will reopen your shop so that I can purchase a wand that suits me better."
"You are welcome Ronald. I have no fear that you will master your abilities. And I think I may indeed have just the wand for you when the time comes."
After the talk with Mr. Ollivander, the trio went back outside to talk. Hermione and Harry both wanted to see what Ron had done, so Ron cast a quick diffindo, trying to put as little attention to it as he had his earlier casting. The result wasn't as powerful, but the clump of dune grass he targeted still shredded, it just didn't fly as far. Hermione chewed her lip and contemplated. She felt Ron questioning and lined up her suspicions before she spoke.
"Alright Ron, that was impressive but not as spectacular as what you did before. Am I right?"
"Yes Hermione. I didn't shower us all in grass and sand."
"Still, to see a simple diffindo shred the grass like that was interesting. I wonder, when you cast it the first time your thoughts were elsewhere. Was it the same this time? Did you have the same level of distraction?"
"No. I tried, but I couldn't get it completely out of my head. When I was on the beach before I had several other things on my mind. I was so frustrated I just cast without thinking."
"Hmm, okay, here's my theory. I don't think this new level of power you have is as out of control as you are afraid it is. I think the key is to keep your emotions in check and your intent focused. I think the dune grass explosion earlier was caused by your frustration and your lack of focus. When you think about it, even before today you've been doing small castings around the house with nothing serious happening. Perhaps some drills to work on your focus would be a good training exercise."
"Hermione you're brilliant! I think you're right. So, let's set this up and I'll start practicing."
The trio walked down to the beach, discussing how to proceed. They noticed a lot of driftwood scattered above the tide line and Harry began to summon pieces and line them up. They stepped back about ten meters and Ron focused an incendio spell on the first piece. It immediately burst into flames and was quickly consumed. The strength of the spell was strong, but not out of control. Hermione then had an idea for another test and without warning she grabbed Ron and began to snog him. Harry was rocked at the feelings that poured out of them and then suddenly Hermione pulled away and ordered Ron to cast at the next piece of driftwood. With his mind still reeling, Ron cast the incendio and the wood exploded and vaporized, causing them to jump backward several more meters.
"Hmm, yes, I would say emotion definitely effects your control Ron."
Ron shook his head as Hermione began to outline his next drill.
"Alright Ron, I'm going to come up behind you and do my best to distract you. I want you to focus and try to ignore me. When you are ready, try casting again."
Hermione came up behind Ron, wrapped her arms around his waist and let her hands drift under his shirt as she began to feel his abs. Ron let out a low moan as he exerted all his willpower. Hermione and Harry felt his emotions peak and then settle. A minute later Ron slowly lifted the wand and cast the spell. The wood began to burn, but in a controlled manner. The burn was even less than his first and Ron soon added an aguamenti and put the fire out before the driftwood burned completely.
They continued with similar drills for a full hour and Ron was feeling much better about his ability to control his newfound power. He still wasn't fond of the wand, but he found he could work with it better as his drills progressed. Over the following couple days, Hermione and Harry continued to work with Ron on different drills and his skill increased greatly each day. The exercises also strengthened their bond as they participated in Ron's emotions and communicated their feelings from his casting exercises. They also spent a good deal of time with Griphook finalizing the details of their upcoming raid of Gringotts. They were working hard and often fell into bed together, completely exhausted. Bill and Fleur had given up controlling the sleeping arrangements as the bond between the trio was obvious, even if it wasn't fully understood.
The night before their scheduled leave for Gringotts, the trio left the living room earlier than usual to rest before the next day. When they reached their room Hermione immediately started one last inventory of her beaded bag, wanting to ensure that they had everything they would need. She still felt as if something must be missing, but couldn't figure out what. Her tension about what they were planning to do mounted and Ron and Harry felt it keenly, added to their own anxieties. Finally Ron went to Hermione and wrapped his arms around her.
"Come to bed Hermione, we've prepared as much as we can."
"Ron, Harry, are you sure this is the right thing? No one has ever successfully broken into Gringotts."
Harry joined the two on the other side of the room and put his arms around them both.
"Hermione, we've been over this a thousand times. We know there is a horcrux in the Lestrange vault and we need to get it. We have a goblin helping us, which no one else has ever had. We're ready to do this."
Hermione sighed and leaned against Harry, tilting her head to his shoulder. As she did, her neck stretched, beautiful and pale in the light from the room's single lamp. Ron caressed her neck softly and then leaned in to trace kisses from her jaw to her collarbone. The feeling was delightful and a wave of desire flowed out of her. Ron and Harry both bathed in it as they pressed in closer. Harry leaned in and soon he was kissing her full and hard while Ron continued with her neck. Hermione's hands began to run along each of their chests. Ron was so much taller, with strong, broad shoulders. Harry was smaller, but with lithe strength hidden just below the surface. Harry's hands began to reach for Hermione's shirt tail as he yielded her mouth to Ron. He was on fire and needed them both desperately. Ron was also burning up and briefly exercised the last of his will for a final question.
"Hermione, Harry, are you both sure you want this?"
"Yes Ron, I need you both."
Harry moaned a response as well as Hermione grabbed a wand and cast quick privacy and silencing charms. Then she aimed the wand at herself and performed the contraceptive charm. That was the final affirmative for Ron as he took the wand and cast it aside, diving back into her lips. Soon Harry had worked his way up her shirt and Ron pulled back long enough to allow its removal. Then Harry's hands were on her breasts as Hermione moaned louder. Ron reached out and gently pushed one of Harry's hands back so that he could also fondle her. Harry then took his free hand and reached forward to feel Ron, who began grinding against his hand. Hermione's hands then became busy removing two shirts. She was pushed up against the wall as each of her men continued to fondle her while Ron made short work of the button and zipper on her pants. Harry meanwhile had conquered her bra and her gorgeous breasts were completely available for sampling. Soon Hermione was clad only in her knickers and she demanded that they lose their jeans. First Ron and then Harry took turns stripping down, with at least one of them occupying Hermione at all times. As the trio groped and fondled each other, Hermione began to slide down the wall. Harry and Ron grabbed her and carried her to the bed. They laid down next to her and Ron briefly held back to admire her beauty. His love for her was palpable to Harry, who carefully kept himself to the side and allowed Ron to take the dominant role. As Ron continued to kiss her, he reached down and slowly began to pull her knickers down. Harry meanwhile was busy suckling on her left breast while he had his pants in his boxers, stroking his hard member. As the knickers were finally thrown across the room, each of the men also shucked their boxers. Then Ron dove down and began exploring Hermione with his tongue. When he licked her clit, Hermione jerked and a wave of need poured out of her. Harry had taken over her mouth and inhaled her encouraging moans. Hermione's hands were also busy, with one tangled in Ron's hair and the other stroking Harry. Ron continued to work her for several minutes, licking from her clit to her entrance and back again. Suddenly he and Harry felt an incoming wave as Hermione climaxed and her pleasure rolled through her lovers. Ron's need was desperate and, as Hermione came down from her high, she pulled him to her.
"Ron, I'm ready. I want you completely, but go slow. I've never done this."
Ron kissed her hard before replying. "But what about Harry?"
"No mate, I'll get my time. This first time is for the two of you."
Ron felt Harry's love for both of them and leaned forward to kiss him, before turning his attention back to Hermione. He kissed her neck as he positioned himself. Slowly he began to enter her. Hermione tensed and felt Harry's hands rubbing her chest and belly, calming her as Ron continued to slowly work his impressive manhood into her. When he reached her maidenhood, Ron looked up and silently apologized as he gave one more push and broke through. Hermione gave a small yelp that was drowned as Harry kissed her. Ron remained still as Harry wiped a couple tears off her cheek. Then she began slowly rocking her hips, encouraging Ron to move. He began short, slow strokes, gently testing her. Harry had pulled back to let the two of them enjoy each other. They're eyes were locked as they introduced each other to the joys of lovemaking, learning as they moved. Harry sat back and took his cock in hand, unable to hold back any longer. As Harry jerked himself, Ron gradually picked up speed as Hermione encouraged him. Soon he was pounding her and every down stroke brought a loud moan of pleasure from her lips. Then they all felt the incoming surge as Hermione let out a final scream.
"Ronnnnnn…fuck…yes"
"Fuck yes Hermione, coming…"
Harry sat back and tried to catch his breath as he watched his lovers climax together. The pleasure was overwhelming and he almost joined them, but he couldn't quite reach his peak. As Ron and Hermione finished and Ron slipped out of her, he felt Harry's frustration and did what he knew Harry needed. Ron rolled off Hermione and pulled Harry to him, removing Harry's hand and taking Harry's raging hardness in his mouth as far as he could. He barely started sucking when Harry came and shot his juice into Ron's mouth. Hermione threw her head back, enjoying the waves of Harry's orgasm. When Harry's sight returned, they all settled and each felt a mutual sense of love. They curled around each other and drifted in post orgasmic bliss.
Sometime later Hermione woke after sleeping for a while. She smiled at the memory of her first wonderful lovemaking and looked at the two gorgeous men at her side. They had something unique and special in their love. If she ever had to choose, there would be no choice. Ron consumed her every emotion like she never knew someone could. Her love for Harry was also deep, but different. As she kept remembering, she moaned slightly and Harry woke. Feeling her desire, Harry began kissing her deeply. As Harry's cock hardened, he moved to position himself over her. Looking to the side, Harry saw Ron was waking up and smiled at him. A sense of love and encouragement flowed from Ron as he moved closer to suckle Hermione as Harry entered her. Hermione let out a long, low moan as she felt Harry in her for the first time. He didn't have Ron's length, but his girth stretched her. He went slow and was soon fully buried in her as he began slowly thrusting. Their lovemaking started slow and deliberate until Hermione pulled her legs up and begged for more.
"Harry, fuck I need you, deeper, faster…fuck…yes."
Harry was pounding her and worried it was too much, but Hermione refused to let him slow. Suddenly she came, throwing her head back as a long wail escaped her. Harry felt his release approaching and continued to work her, extending her orgasm. Still he seemed perched on the edge, desperate to come. Then he felt something wonderful. Ron had moved behind Harry and was fingering his tight anus. Harry quivered at Ron's touch and a wave of need poured out of him. Feeling what his lover needed, Ron proceeded to lean off the bed and find a wand. He cast a lubrication spell and coated his raging erection. Then he leaned forward and planted a single kiss on Harry's sweaty back as Harry continued to work Hermione toward another orgasm. Then Ron slowly began to push into Harry's backside. Harry stopped his strokes for a moment, causing Hermione to moan in desperation. The pain of Ron's entry soon subsided and Harry began pumping into Hermione again. At the same time, Ron matched his strokes as he slowly worked his way in and out of Harry. As Hermione squealed and came again, the combined feeling of her clamping on his cock and Ron working him from behind caused Harry to finally come, delivering a huge deposit into Hermione. Harry's orgasm was briefly painful as he clamped with impossible tightness onto Ron, but then the pressure subsided enough that Ron was able to start moving again. Harry stayed in Hermione as Ron gave a few more strokes before joining them in bliss when he released himself into Harry's ass. Feeling Ron's warmth fill him, Harry bucked with another small orgasm and felt himself add a small amount of seed to his previous deposit. Minutes later both Ron and Harry had softened and collapsed on Hermione's sides. The trio was finally spent and able to fully sleep.
As dawn began to brighten the room, an alarm on Ron's watch started to sound. The trio were still tightly wrapped around each other and the watch was in Ron's trousers' pocket across the room, where it lay unheard by the satisfied lovers. Others in the house did hear it and Bill was slightly annoyed as he went to check on them. The wards they had cast the previous night were down and the door swung open at Bill's touch. The sight of the three entwined, naked bodies stopped him in his track as a war of emotions raged through Bill. Disbelief shortly dissolved into anger, then a bit of disgust and more than a bit of arousal. As Bill tried to bring himself under control, Luna joined him at the door and smiled. Then she reached down and found the trousers that were making the horrid noise. Digging in the pocket, she located the watch and turned off the noise. With that done, Luna looked up at Bill and realized how upset he was.
"Bill? It's alright. They're in love and they've been wanting this. I suppose we should wake them. They have a mission to finish."
Luna crossed the room and shook Ron's shoulder. Gradually, Ron woke and startled when he realized Luna was staring at his naked body stretched across his two lovers. Luna quickly calmed him.
"Ron, your watch was making a horrible noise and you didn't hear, so I turned it off. The three of you need to wake up. You have a mission to finish."
"What? Luna, how do you know?"
"I listen. Anyway, the goblin is awake and will be ready for you shortly. I'll go make some food. Good morning Ron. You have a very nice bum by the way."
Luna turned and left the room as Harry and Hermione gradually awakened as well. Ron looked over and saw his brother standing in the doorway like he had been hit with a petrificus totalus.
"Bill, can we have a couple minutes?"
Bill shook his head and a wave of anger hit him. "What? What do you think you're doing like this? Here, in my house. Look at the three of you. I try to be understanding, but Ronald I have limits."
"Bill, I'm sorry if we upset you. We'll be leaving you today to complete our mission. We may die, but we will do so together. Last night was the final consummation of our bond. Now, can I please get dressed?"
Bill shook his head and closed the door. The trio laid back for a moment before Ron kissed each of his lovers and helped them out of the bed. Given their time schedule, they cast cleaning spells on each other rather than taking showers. Then they dressed before turning to the bed, which they cleaned and shrunk back to its original size. They turned and went downstairs, where they ate a quick breakfast that Luna had made. Griphook was already ready and soon they were donning their costumes before downing the polyjuice and leaving for Gringotts.
o-o-o-o
A quick note. As I said previous, this story has been a festering plot bunny for a while. The first chapter is a bit short, but it came to me almost fully complete and begged to be written down. I finished it in about a half hour and posted it immediately to exorcise the bunny. I have received a couple reviews and fmaren posted something that gave me pause. My choice of Ron's magic display at Malfoy Manor has a number of similarities to the same scene in the story 'All In' by holly1492. I didn't realize this immediately and wish to apologize to Holly, as I never meant to plagiarize any of her ideas. That said, this story takes a very different turn and I think will stand on its own, completely unique from hers in the whole. I highly recommend that you check out 'All In'. The story is currently ongoing and those of us who are regular readers anxiously await her regular updates. Thanks for reading my story, I hope you are enjoying.