Five

It was Thursday and after so many days without seeing Harry, Hermione was starting to get worried. She knew he was okay because he still wrote to her but his messages were short and quick. He wasn't giving anything away and she was worried that it meant he was going to say no.

She realized how boring her nights were without him and she hoped that if he said no, he'd still want to hang out with her regularly, just as friends. Though, that would make it more difficult for her to forget about her feelings

But what if he said no to dating both but yes to her? What if she had to choose? Who would she choose?

She didn't want to go there. Didn't even want to think about that possibility.

"Crookshanks, when did it get so complicated?" she asked her clueless cat, who was busy licking himself.

"Probably when I decided to date my best friend and former enemy at the same time," she answered her own question.

That night she fell asleep in the sofa, clutching a book about sexual positions for three-ways to her chest and drooling into the cushion.

Her doorbell rang at around midnight, startling her out of sleep. She clumsily got up, throwing the book to the floor and almost stepping on Crookshanks.

"Harry," Hermione croaked even before opening the door and finding him standing there.

"How did you know?" he wondered with a smile.

"You're the only one who doesn't use the floo," she explained, rubbing her eyes. She also had this weird feeling that it would be him, but she didn't know how to explain it.

"Yeah, I never liked it." He shrugged.

She smiled at him and he smiled back. After an uncomfortable momento of silence, she cleared her throat and stepped aside to let him in, closing the door behind him.

He sat on the sofa and she followed, both acting a bit awkwardly. He was fiddling with this sleeves while she looked around, trying to think of something to say.

"Are you hungry? I have some leftovers from last night," she offered.

Shaking his head he declined her offer. "Not really, thanks for the offer though."

She waited for him to say or do something, but he seemed still hesitant.

He looked down at the floor frowning and Hermione remembered the book and immediately felt mortified. The book was open to a very graphic page, depicting the woman on her knees between the two men, one taking her from behind while she took the other in her mouth. Hermione blushed furiously. Harry was going to think she was some perverted freak who just wanted to get fucked by two guys

She only then noticed he blushed too, but then the corners of his mouth started turning up and he was trying to hide his smile behind his hand. Hermione felt a giggle scape her lips and they looked at each other like a pair of kids who were too amused by sex and exploded in laughter and giggles.

Harry leaned into her, trying to catch his breath.

"I'm sorry, I don't know why it's so funny," he admitted.

"Me neither," she agreed and then internally appreciated the ice-breaker.

"You know, I had a piece of Voldemort living inside my head for almost sixteen years, but I don't think there has ever been someone who has been my thoughts more so than you in these past few days," he confessed softly, looking down at his hands. "Because I feel deep inside that these decisions could change my entire life, dramatically."

She listened quietly, dreading what could come next, but relishing in the way he always tried to be sweet and soft-spoken with her.

His eyes were bright when he tienes to look at her. "But I think I'm ready for a change."

She opened her mouth in surprise, feeling her insides bubble with surprise and happiness. "Really?"

Harry's smile was beautiful as he nodded. "Yes. I want to try. I trust you."

She hugged him tightly, never wanting to let him go.

"I'm really happy, Harry. But I need you to know that you can still back out any time if you want." Though, she really hoped that he didn't.

"I know," he pulled away with big smile. "So did you talk to him?"

"Yes." She grinned excited, completely unable to contain her happiness. "He's in. It took him about ten seconds to decide."

Harry seemed a bit shocked. "Malfoy... Who would have thought that he'd, you know... Like us. Either of us. And much less both."

"Yeah, it's very surreal... People are going to think we are crazy, I hope you know," she warned, already thinking about their friends.

He looked at her incredulously. "I think I'm used to that by now. Might as well give them something to talk about."

"But not now?" she half asked, half stated. "I mean, I think we should keep it quiet until we figure out if it works or not."

"Yes, that's probably a good idea," he agreed thoughtfully, pushing up his glasses with one finger.

She yawned involuntarily. "Sorry, I'm a bit tired."

He smiled fondly at her. "Is it okay if I stay?"

It brought her even more joy that he was going to start staying with her again. It was ridiculous how much she had missed him this past week.

"You know you don't have to ask. I'll take the cushions to my bed, I really need to buy another pillow," she said, already grabbing some cushions.

"Actually," Harry stopped her, placing his hand over hers. "If it's okay I think I'm gonna stay out here. I kind of miss your sofa." He looked apologetic, like he might hurt her.

"Oh, of course, sorry." She didn't want him to think she assumed they were going to sleep in the same bed just because they had agreed to be more than friends. "Yes, you can stay wherever you want. Let me get you a blanket." She left for her room.

Hermione hadn't considered how things were going to change before the actual dating started. She didn't want it to be awkward, but because of her plan to date one on one first, things should probably remain the same until they talked to Malfoy and decided when to start.

She came back with a few blankets in case it got really cold.

He took them from her with a smile. "Thank you. Sorry for waking you up."

She shook her head. "I'm glad you did. Goodnight, Harry. The remote is right there if you want to watch something." She pointed to the coffee table.

"That's okay, thanks. Goodnight." He gave her a small wave and she wanted to hug him before leaving, but decided against it.

The next morning, Hermione saw the book peeking from under Harry's cushion.

.

She and Harry decided that it was a good idea for the three of them to get together, so they decided on that Friday night. Harry would stay and cook something for them while Hermione worked and invited Malfoy over.

Hermione couldn't wait to tell Malfoy, her excitement giving her a rush of energy all morning until she decided it was enough. She walked up to the tenth floor and stood outside Malfoy's office, breathing in before knocking.

"Come in," came his voice from inside, and when she did, she was greeted with the same relaxed feeling as last time, instantly calming her down and making her want to take a nap for a few hours.

And of course, Malfoy's beautiful face didn't hurt.

"Good morning, Granger." He smiled charmingly.

"Is it still morning? I feel like I've been trapped in here for days," she responded. "Maybe if I had an office like this it wouldn't feel like such a drag." She took a seat in front of him.

"That's what happens when you don't work for me." He winked and she rolled her eyes.

"What about you say 'with me' instead. You're not Minister of Magic," she informed him, because she wasn't sure he was aware of that fact.

"Not yet. Though, if I ran up against you I don't know how good my chances would be."

"I'm not interested in becoming Minister. But that's be an interesting race," she commented and Malfoy smirked.

"What's on your mind today? Are you here to offer me another irresistible deal?" he asked and she couldn't wait anymore to tell him.

"Actually...I'm here to invite you to dinner tonight, if you're free."

"Oh," He exclaimed. "You and me or...?"

She shook her head amd smile, loving how intuitive he was.

He copied her smile, leaning back. "I told you he'd come around."

She had to give him credit. "You certainly did. So, nine o' clock? At my place. Harry's cooking."

He raised one eyebrow and she pointed a finger at him. "Be nice," she instructed.

"What if he poisons me?" he faked indignation.

"Then I'll take over your job and book collection," she answered simply, standing up and heading for the door.

"I'll haunt you for all eternity," he promised. "Every time you tried to read a book, I'll be there, screaming in your ear bloody murder."

"Nice to know. See you tonight Malfoy. I'll send you my address. Oh, by the way, my floo will be closed, so you'll have to knock." She smiled sweetly.

The last thing she heard before closing the door was him groaning loudly.

.

Hermione arrived home before Malfoy arrived, thankfully, as she was able to tidy up a bit and make herself look presentable. She changed into a casual dress and twisted her hair up.

"When does he get here?" Harry asked from the kitchen, sounding a bit too serious.

"Nine. But don't worry, I told him the floo was closed so he'd be forced to walk and knock on the door."

He chuckled. "He's probably fuming."

"It smells great, by the way." She told Harry, who was cleaning up and wearing one of her aprons. "What is it?"

He shrugged. "Roasted chicken and potatoes. I don't know how to make much else."

"That's perfect. Feels like I've only been meeting you two over food. I think it makes me feel more grounded, like it is normal situation, you know." She spotted Harry's glasses on the table. "Harry, your glasses are here."

"Yeah," he said removing the apron and walking into the living room. "They were fogging up every time I opened the oven door. Hey, can you smell this shirt from there?" he asked, sniffing the collar. "I feel like it smells."

Hermione smiled. Harry was nervous.

"No, but if you want I can cast a charm on it." She took out her wand, walking closer to him and flicking it twice. "Here, you smell great."

She placed her wand on the table before smoothing out his shirt like she usually did, but now things were different between them and the mood changed. She couldn't stop and it didn't feel like smoothing out anymore, it felt like caressing. Suddenly there was tension in the air.

"That's just the food," he answered, barely a whisper since she was so close.

"No, it's you too." She looked up, locking eyes with him. He was serious but soft and her heart threatened to beat out of her chest. She had pictured a moment like this thousands of times, and in her mind, she was always the one initiating. But now Harry was leaning in and she was so scared it hurt.

She squeezed eyes shut and clung onto his shirt in preparation, expecting the ground beneath her feet to disappear, but instead his lips on hers were light and barely there, like a wisp of cold air into her lungs, bringing relief and calmness to every nerve on her body.

Harry was trying, testing, using one last chance to make sure this was right and the increased pressure he put into the kiss told her he had found his answer. She finally found the will to kiss back, nipping his upper lip between hers and tilting her head to the right for better access.

A knock on the door startled them, causing them to break apart unwilling. Chests heaving they looked at the door before looking at each other. Hermione's eyes were big and round and she touched her lips unconsciously. Harry looked tense.

Malfoy knocked again. "You know, Granger, believe it or not, standing outside your door is not my favorite pastime. I'm going to send someone in tomorrow to fix your floo."

She sighed exasperated and went to open the door. He looked dashing all in black robes, as opposed to the suits he usually wore to work.

"Good evening." He flashed a sugary smile that almost looked ridiculous on him. Hermione stepped aside to let him in.

"Good evening, Malfoy. Impatient much?" she teased and he ignored her.

"Hello, Potter. Granger told me you're cooking tonight. I didn't know you could cook," he remarked.

Harry seemed to still be recovering because it took him a while to respond. "Yes, well, this is more baking than cooking as it's all in the oven. I barely did a thing."

Malfoy nodded and Hermione led him to the table. "Red or white wine?" Her voice sounded weird to her own ears and she wondered if they could tell.

"White, please." He looked around her place and frowned. "Where are all your books? I imagined your place as having books instead of walls."

"They're all at my parents'. I don't have that much room, plus, I've been meaning to build a bookcase but I haven't found the time," she replied as she fetched the wine and three glasses. Harry sat next to Malfoy and looked a bit peaky.

"Why would you build one?" Malfoy looked like it was completely unheard of. For him it probably was.

"Because the flat it's oddly shaped and I'd have to make it specifically for this. I'm not saying I'd do it by hand, but I still need the time to find the materials, measure, and transfigure everything and then bring the books from my parents. Meanwhile, I have a continually growing stack on my nightstand that's threatening to fall over me one of these nights." She uncorked the wine and poured the three glasses.

"Cheers," She held up hers and they did the same, clinking their glasses together.

The oven timer rang and Harry went to stand up.

"Don't worry, I'm already up. I'll get it." She put a hand over his shoulder and he sat back down.

"Sure? It might be too heavy," he warned and she put her hands on her hips and cocked her head to the side.

"Too heavy?" she repeated.

"Sorry, sorry." He held up his hands and she smiles, pleased. Malfoy was not too successfully hiding his grin.

She left for the kitchen and watched them from afar again. She was too curious as to how they interacted when she wasn't there.

"I thought you had embraced Muggle clothes and suits," Harry wondered, looking at Malfoy's robes.

"Only for work or the pub. Suits are nice, but I still prefer robes most of the time for my personal affairs," he remarked, sipping his wine.

"I guess it depends on how you were raised. Hermione and I never wear robes anymore. I always felt like I was in a costume," Harry remembered. She agreed, they never suited her.

She took the chicken and potatoes out of the oven and carefully levitated it to the table.

"The first, and last time I tried on jeans I almost fainted. Never have my legs felt so horribly abused. And for such a poor cause, they looked terrible." Malfoy claimed and Hermione scoffed.

"You are so exaggerated. It couldn't have been that bad." She placed the tray in the middle of the table and took a seat.

"There are many Muggle things I can get behind, but jeans will never be one. Trust me, it was bad," he asserted.

"It's hard to imagine there's something that doesn't look good on you," she mentioned casually and then remembered that Harry was there too. He had never heard her flirt with Malfoy. Or anyone, for that matter.

They both blushed awkwardly and Malfoy caught the interaction and smirked.

"Why, thank you Granger. And may I say that you look lovely tonight. You too, Potter," He complimented them. The bastard was deliberately trying to make things more uncomfortable.

She cleared her throat. "Harry, it looks delicious. Do you want to carve it or should I?"

"I can do it," he said, taking the knife.

"Alright. Well, I have many things I want to discuss tonight, but before, I just want to make absolutely sure that you're both comfortable and want to continue." She looked at them seriously.

Malfoy rolled his eyes dramatically. "Yes, Granger, I wouldn't have showed up if it wasn't the case."

Hermione faked gasping. "You would have stood us up? Just like that?"

He shrugged. "Maybe I would have sent a letter."

She smiled. "What about you, Harry?" Hermione placed her hand on Harry's forearm.

"I'm good." He answered simply.

"Okay. Well, we probably need a few ground rules, we can each add what we think it's necessary. I'll start…" She trailed off as she organized her thoughts.

"Merlin, Granger. You sound like you're writing a list of regulations." Malfoy commented, looking at her and then at Harry with a smile.

Harry laughed quietly. "Which she probably did," he added and the two of them snickered.

"Very clever. I didn't write a list, I just want this to go right. And that brings me to the first rule; no more last names. From now on it's Harry, Draco and Hermione." She sipped her wine.

Mal…Draco groaned. "That's too difficult. I have been using your last names for the past 12 years."

"I know, but we have to try, it'll help us feel more familiar with each other."

Harry put chicken on both their plates and Hermione started serving the potatoes.

"Hermione I can do. But give up Potter? Potter's like my pet name for him, it's not just his last name." He turned to look at Harry, his lids drooping slightly. "You like it when I call you Potter, don't you?" His voice was low and rough and Hermione saw Harry swallow.

"Um…" Harry was clearly too affected to form words.

"Nonetheless," she interrupted before Draco turned this discussion into something else. "I think we should try at least for a few weeks and after that if you both still prefer Potter, then I guess it's your choice."

He crossed his arms over his chest. "Fine. What else?"

She started eating while she thought. "Well…in order to avoid misunderstandings and jealousy, we need to be one hundred percent honest with each other, talk about the date with the person who wasn't there, ask questions, share fears, you know, be open and willing because if this isn't going to work for someone, we need to know as soon as possible."

"That makes sense," Harry said and almost burned his mouth with a piece of potato.

"Draco?" Hermione directed her attention towards him, who was busy cutting up his food.

"Sure, sure." He agreed without looking up.

"So we each go on two dates before…?" Harry asked her and she finished chewing before answering.

"I don't know what you two think, but what if we each go on four dates? For example, I take Harry out and then Draco, and after, you each take me out individually. That way, we each get to see what the other two would do on a date and see if there's compatibility," she described, hoping they didn't think it was too complicated.

Draco chimed in. "So I would take you out on my date, and then you would take me out on yours? And same with Potter? I mean…Harry. Wow, I feel like one of your Gryffindor friends." He grimaced.

Both Harry and Hermione shook their heads incredulously.

"Yes, that's correct," she confirmed. "Are you on board with that?"

"Yeah, why not," Harry agreed.

"The more dates the better," Draco declared.

"Wonderful. Now if someone would like to add or ask something…"

Draco raised his hand and she and Harry smiled at his silliness. "I have a question. Pott...Harry, was this supposed to be burnt?" He pointed with the fork at one side of the chicken.

Hermione and Harry looked at him and then at each other, silently deciding to ignore him.

"Actually, I do have a question," said Harry, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "How far are we supposed to, um….go, on the date? Like, is there a limit? Should we wait until we're all together or…?" He looked a bit embarrassed and Draco was loving it.

"Oh, um…" She actually hadn't thought about that. "I guess it depends?"

"On what?" Draco interjected. "The way I see it, it is better if we're already somehow familiar with each other individually when the time for the three-way comes. So if things naturally flow on the dates and both are willing, why stop it? At the end of the day, this is about trust and comfort, it shouldn't matter who did what first or why. It's not a contest."

Hermione was impressed and Harry seemed to be as well.

"I think you're right. As long as we don't hide it from each other, there's no point in having limits."

"Good. And how do we decide the order of the dates?" Harry inquired.

"I thought we should just choose randomly, like drawing straws and the two smallest go first," she suggested. She could already feel her hair starting to come loose and she used her hands to try and smooth it down.

Draco shrugged, and Harry nodded, both continued to eat.

"We can do it after dinner," She concluded.

The rest of the evening progressed calmly, with some childish banter from Draco about Harry's cooking abilities and Hermione's hair, and then claiming they were ganging up on him when they countered back.

They ate dessert and then sat on the sofa while Hermione looked for straws.

"Here," She offered them her closed fist with three straws sticking up in the exact same way.

They each took one and she was left with the other.

"I think it's…me and Malfoy. Sorry, Draco," Harry said, looking at the straws on their hands.

"Right. So you two go first. And Draco, since yours is slightly longer, you're taking Harry out," Hermione informed them, already imagining their date.

Draco smirked and Harry smiled. She was so excited and she wasn't even going on this date.

"After that, Harry can take me, and I can take Draco. Then we switch, Harry takes out Draco, Draco takes me and I take Harry last. Correct?" She looked at both of them and they nodded.

"So when are you going?" She directed the question to Draco who in turn looked at Harry. "You're the one planning the date, you should decide." Hermione explained to him.

He thought about it, clicking his tongue and then leaning forward. "How about tomorrow night? Are you free?" He asked Harry.

"Yes, tomorrow works." He replied.

Hermione looked between the two of them and beamed. It was all going so well.

"Don't worry, Hermione. We'll send you a picture from the date," Harry joked.

"Don't give her any ideas," Draco added, standing up. "I should go, I have breakfast with my mother tomorrow morning and then a date." He winked at Harry.

She and Harry walked him to the door.

"Are you staying over?" Draco asked Harry and she turned to look at him, remembering their kiss.

"I don't know yet…I haven't thought about it," Harry said in a neutral tone, scratching his head.

Draco smirked and then placed one hand on her shoulder and the other on Harry's shoulder.

"That's fine. Just don't forget to tell me everything. See you tomorrow, Harry. Goodnight, Hermione."

With a final smile he turned around and walked down the steps.

"Goodnight, Draco." She waved.

"Goodnight," Harry called and then Draco disapparated.

They closed the door and looked at each other.

"Are you? Staying over?" she asked maybe too hopefully and she hated herself for it. It was hard to keep her excitement contained, but she didn't want to push him.

"Maybe. I'm just not sure if we should…kiss, again. Not because I don't want to," he rushed. "But, I kind of want to wait to take you out and do everything properly. Is that okay?" He took one of her hands and she almost exploded inside.

"Of course, yeah. I can't wait." She squeezed his hand.

He looked at her hair and smiled. "You should let it free. It obviously doesn't like being caged." He reached up and removed the pins holding her hair up and it cascaded down in all directions.

"Thanks." She almost giggled. "Do you want to watch a movie? It's still early."

"Sure. Oh, I wanted to ask you about the one with the talking toys. How did they do that? It looks so real." Harry walked up to the movie cabinet and searched for it.

"Computer 3D animation. We were sixteen when that movie came out, I watched it over the summer. Well, I was sixteen, you were fifteen. I'm just realizing I'm going to be the oldest one between the three of us." She laughed, sitting down in the sofa and waiting for Harry to put the movie in.

"True. Is Draco older than me?" he asked, fiddling with the DVD player.

"Yes, almost two months." She scooted over so he could sit with her under the blankets she had brought out.

He sat with the remote and looked at her. "Are you happy?"

She couldn't begin to explain to him how much. "I am. You?"

"Me too." They smiled and then Harry pressed play.

They fell asleep together right there.

Author's notes: Hello and sorry for the late update. My computer died and I have been trying to save what I have already written of this story, but it will definitely keep going. Thanks to divergentofhogwarts and thank you for reading!