We'll Be The Only Dream You Seek

by Ceilidhchaos

In the summer before 8th year, Head Boy Theo Nott and Head Girl Hermione Granger are dealing with alot of trauma at child soldier therapy camp. Pansy and Draco are waiting for their trials. The four of them end up growing closer over fire whiskey, cigarettes, group therapy and illicit touches. A polyamorous, kinky AU.

12. Veritaserum or Dare

Chapter 12

!Hot smut warning this chapter!

911- Elise

track/3bHZeMMosfnAS633rWpf09?si=1yF4nbm1QTiWtZCd9SQMWw&utm_source=copy-link

The song for the final sequence of this chapter is:

R3HAB, Little Daylight - Truth or Dare track/54uyFEMcG3wnZ1JSRS3QtI?si=TSxBHDXlSBWLJw4aRfH5rw

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Rubbing circles on his back, while whispering soothing nothings to Draco, Theo waited patiently as the other boy slowly got his breathing under control and his tears slowed until they finally dried up.

Theo could admit that he was annoyed with himself for interrupting what could have been the ignition of the tinderbox that was Draco and Hermione's sexual tension. In no way was it his intention to cockblock Draco, but they had a meeting with McGonagall. When Draco was late meeting Theo in their common room to walk over together, Theo had figured that Draco had lost track of time while working with Madam Pince. Had he known that Draco and the Golden Girl were finally about to kiss, Salazar's saggy balls, he'd have stopped to use the loo or something to let them have their moment. He felt terrible, his timing really could not have been worse.

More than that though, Theo was deeply worried about Draco. He wasn't certain if what was going on with him were the symptoms of over-using occlumency or something else that Draco was experiencing. Draco gave no further explanation, shaking his head and arms as if to rid himself of the feelings before standing to follow Theo. As they began to walk, Theo repeatedly looked over his shoulder to make sure that Draco wasn't occluding, but the blonde was clearly not fully present in the moment.

Theo kicked himself for forgetting to ask Cordelia about the dangers of excessive occluding when he had his individual therapy. Merlin, he felt like a horrible friend. He'd been so worried about his own issues that he had let something so important slip his mind. How was he supposed to help Draco if he didn't know what to look for? What was wrong with him?

Draco was stoic as they continued to walk to McGonagall's office. They reached the gargoyle and Theo checked on Draco once more before walking up the stairs once it had accepted the password from him. Draco followed silently, hands in his pockets and head down.

The benefits of being Head Boy were quickly becoming more apparent to him. Theo continually became more and more pleased that he had accepted the position. The private room, access to the Headmistress, and, most importantly, his enchanting Head Girl, had all made the gig seem almost too good to be true. His life did seem to have a history of taking anything good and turning it into shit.

The entrance to the Headmistress's office opened before they had a chance to knock. "Ah Mr Nott, Mr Malfoy," they heard McGonagall's voice greet before they could see her. "Please take a seat. I've been expecting you. Can I offer either of you tea or biscuits?" They both accepted and automatically three sets of cups and a plate of biscuits appeared. The boys quickly fixed their cups to their liking. Draco grabbed a biscuit before dunking it in his tea, making Theo chuckle, in turn making the blonde's ears turn red in embarrassment over his sweet tooth. The colour only made Draco more adorable.

"I understand that you have a proposition for me?" Minerva McGonagall looked at them over the rim of her glasses, assessing them, and Theo found that he really wanted to meet whatever expectations she had of him. He wanted– no, needed– to prove that a Head Boy from Slytherin post-war was the best decision.

"Thank you for speaking with us Headmistress," Theo said, automatically taking the lead. "I won't waste your time, so I'll get right to the point. Forgive me if I am overstepping, but we've noticed that the Galleons withdrawn from our vaults for Hogwarts reconstruction don't seem to be reflected in the resources that you have at your disposal to manage the reconstruction."

"You would not be incorrect, Mr Nott, to assume that. Unfortunately, I have significantly less fiscal control over those funds than was initially promised."

"I see," Theo said. "Well then, if it'd be alright with you, I'd like to offer to provide the Galleons directly to you for rebuilding the school. I mean no disrespect when I say this, but there is no way our paltry crews of students are capable. We just don't have the skillset to accomplish the significant amount of work that still needs to be done before September when the whole school returns. You need more men on the ground, and Draco and I would like to help with that."

"Anonymously of course, Headmistress," Draco said, nervously speaking up for the first time. "I want to pay for the repairs to the books for Madam Pince specifically, as well as to rebuild the quidditch pitch. I'm almost positive that my aunt is the one responsible for burning it to the ground and I would like to make it right."

"I would like to help pay for professional magical masonry crews," Theo stated," as well as the rebuilding of the bridge. I will give you a personal draw on my Gringotts account, whatever the cost. I know Draco feels the same. We would like you to have full access and control of these funds without the Ministry and the Board of Governors getting involved. You know what needs to be done. They do not, and from what we've seen in the short time we've been back, it doesn't appear they're delegating the funds that have been seized appropriately."

While Theo had been speaking, he'd watched a range of emotions cross the Headmistress's face. Shock, awe, disgust (probably at knowing Theo was correct about the use of funds not being used appropriately), and finally settling on pride.

"Gentlemen," McGonagall said thoughtfully, looking between the two young men. "You understand that we would have to keep this between us? Both the Ministry and the Board would frown upon me accepting these funds without their oversight."

"Absolutely," both Theo and Draco responded simultaneously. When they'd discussed this initially, this had been a possibility they had considered.

"Well," McGonagall said, taking a breath to settle herself. "I appreciate your willingness to go above and beyond for the school, the both of you. It really speaks highly of your commitment to your position as Head Boy, Mr. Nott." Theo nodded his head in acknowledgment at the praise. "As well as your desire, Mr Malfoy, to be a better man than your father." Draco's entire body stiffened at her words before also nodding his head. "Suffice it to say, I am very very proud of the two of you."

"Thank you Headmistress," Draco whispered.

More enthusiastically, Theo smirked and shrugged his shoulders in a nonchalant manner, "I have far too many galleons and am well aware of what needs to happen in the next two weeks."

The Headmistress smiled at the two of them. "I appreciate everything you're doing and I look forward to receiving the drafts on your vaults." With that, the boys finished their tea and were again thanked for their willingness to help before being dismissed from her office.

As soon as the two young men were clear of the office, and alone, Theo squeezed Draco's shoulder. "We did it! We sold her on it!"

Looking pleased, Draco smiled back at Theo, "I really thought she would shoot us down. Say some rot about having to follow the proper channels."

Theo scoffed, "Blaise is paying for the cadaver recovery crew. But, I knew the situation was a bit on the desperate side. I just worried that, between our fathers, the money might be too dirty to accept. I'm glad to know that I was wrong."

"I forgot to tell her about the book drive that Mother is organising," Draco murmured, looking at his feet, making Theo feel worried again.

"It's okay, Drake, you can keep that a surprise for Madam Pince."

Walking towards the Head's Dorm, Theo did his best to keep Draco looking at him. He kept him engaged in their conversation by talking positively about what good their Galleons would do for the school. But it wasn't easy. Every smile was forced and Draco seemed to be struggling.

After walking together for several minutes, Theo felt overwhelmingly frustrated with the way that Draco was looking dejected at his own hands, paying more attention to his chipped black nail polish than their conversation. Theo wanted Draco to acknowledge him, to be present, to have the spark of life in his eyes instead of being so bloody apathetic and detached.

Theo grabbed the blonde forcefully and shoved him against the wall, looking left and right to make certain that no one was watching. Finding that they were alone, Theo held him by the throat and gripping him roughly on his hip, he pressed against the blonde with his own body. Draco bit his lip and gasped a little as he arched against Theo's hold.

"Stop being so sad," Theo whispered against Draco's lips, as Draco shuddered in desire under Theo's hands, "You are doing fine and it's going to be okay. Do you understand me? Everything is going to be okay."

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The head dorm was quiet and serene as Hermione sat on the sofa in the suite's common room. She had pulled out her book and was reading away at the falsely-labelled Advanced Arithmancy as she wondered if she really knew enough to start messing about with multiple partners. Heck, she even wondered if she felt confident enough to walk down this path…

She diligently read the chapter about magical attraction to multiple people and how it was actually quite common.

As long as everyone's needs in a relationship are being met, it doesn't matter if there are two partners or twenty. Everyone deserves love, and the complexity of every individual's needs means that sometimes it is easier if there are multiple partners to address all needs, wants, and interests. It is easier to connect with someone who will stimulate you in all areas and aspects of your life. For example, if only one partner enjoys reading, or only one likes to go out to dance, or only one likes to attend Muggle events, then you may need multiple partners in order to meet those diverse needs.

Why feel guilty about the steps that are necessary in order to have those needs met? It serves no purpose other than to detract from your happiness.

People who have complex desires need to match their communication skills to those desires. You can't get what you need unless you ask for it. My number one recommendation for a gentle reader is to ask for what you want, and perhaps then you might get it. If you never ask for what you want, the odds are it will never come to pass.

Sitting alone, it was easy for Hermione to think about her desires, at least the physical ones. Theo holding her wrists, his large hand easily restraining her with just one hand. Pansy running her sharp fingernails over her skin, how soothing and exhilarating it felt all at once. Malfoy's lips centimetres from her own, ready to imprint themselves on her soul.

She sighed, wondering what it would feel like to take both of the male Slytherins at once. To have both their cocks inside her, splitting her in half. She wasn't a virgin, but neither was she extremely experienced. She had never had a threesome, let alone taking two men at once.

She'd been with a couple different men, boys really, but she wouldn't consider her sexual exploits to be especially expansive. Her first lover she'd only slept with that one time, despite the occasional longing looks she'd caught from him. She'd never had this romanticised thought that her first partner was someone she needed to be in love with, and it certainly turned out to be that way.

Her second had been a number of times, but nothing earth-shattering. Given recent events, she was pretty sure that Theo would be a life-changing shag. Malfoy may be a virgin, but he clearly had much more experience than she did as a virgin. The vision of him on his knees in front of Theo had her biting her knuckle anytime it crossed her mind. Her knickers could easily be ruined by what a pretty picture the two of them had made together.

Her fantasies and attraction towards Pansy were a bit more for Hermione to understand and digest. She'd never been with a witch or even kissed one. Pansy, however, made her want to throw out any reservations she had about it. Theo seemed to enjoy kissing Pansy, and Hermione wondered how it would be to have the forceful dark-haired girl giving her that same kind of intense attention.

After that horrible night over Ron's interview with the Prophet, she'd woken up with Pansy's warm breath on her neck and arm draped across her. The feeling of being that close to Pansy had been extremely soothing. Was that something else that she could ask for? Pansy sleeping with her in bed more often? Would it be overstepping some unspoken boundary, asking to have Pansy sleep with her instead of Theo and Draco?

She'd never really slept in bed with anyone other than Ginny and the feeling of being in Pansy's arms could not have been more different. Sleeping in bed with Ginny was like sleeping with a sister or cousin, if she had either of those. They had definitely never cuddled, and Ginny had never made Hermione feel the way Pansy had emotionally. The most Ginny had done was end up with her feet on Hermione's legs. On the other hand, snuggling with Pansy had brought a comfort she'd never known before. Could she muster the courage to ask to sleep in Theo's room with the three of them?

Hermione picked at her nails as she thought to herself, could it really be so simple for her to just ask the three of them? Hey, how are the three of you doing? Oh, good. Say, do you think we could all, oh, I don't know, snog? Would you be open to shagging me, individually and possibly as a group? It wouldn't have to mean anything…it could just be a good time?

The dread began to creep in. What if they rejected her, laughed in her face at even suggesting such a thing? How would she ever face them again if her desire was one-sided? How mortifying would that be for them to know what a slag she was for wanting all of them? She still wasn't sure how she had survived Theo walking in on her touching herself. It's not like they'd really discussed it at all though. Hermione could feel her cheeks going scarlet just thinking about it. Godric, what she would give to see a repeat performance.

And that was how her erstwhile roommates found her. Book opened in her lap, and a blush across her cheeks, lost in rather illicit thoughts. So lost, in fact, that she was oblivious to their arrival.

Theo and Pansy laughed as Draco was dragged behind, his hand in Theo's and cheeks flushed pink. Blaise and Luna followed right behind the trio, Blaise's arm wrapped tightly around Luna's waist as he nipped her neck.

"Heeerrrrmmmmiiiioooonee!" Theo said, happily, finally pulling her attention away from her book. "Just the witch I was hoping to see in here!"

Hermione slammed the disguised book shut as even more heat ran up her neck. Setting it next to her on the couch, she smiled at the crowd who had joined the room. "Well Theo," she said, more breathy than she'd have liked. "I can't imagine who else would be in our suite other than myself."

"While that's true, we are celebrating, so I am happy you are here." Theo disappeared from her side as he ran back towards his room. Pansy slid onto the sofa next to Hermione, their thighs touching, while looking at Hermione's book title. Hermione swore she heard Pansy mumbling something under her breath that sounded like 'bloody adorable swot.' Draco, not meeting her eyes and keeping his distance from her, took over one chair by the fireplace with Luna and Blaise commandeering the other.

Hermione smiled at the new couple as she watched Luna settling on Blaise's lap, their fingers entwined. She was pleased to see that Luna was embracing crossing over the lines the war had drawn. Not that Hermione was surprised. Luna was never one to worry about the perception of others, living her life the way she saw fit and not how to fit herself into the box others made for her.

"Zabini, Luna, good to see you. What's new with you, besides the obvious?" Hermione asked, settling into Pansy's side, finding comfort in the witch's hand resting on her thigh.

"Well, I've just been shamelessly embarrassing Drake and recounting some of our past near-death experiences and most wild stories," Blaise said, smirking at the look of horror that crossed Hermione's face. Pansy must have felt a physical shift in the other witch's body language, as she chose to squeeze Hermione's thigh while shaking her head and rolling her eyes.

"Alright…" Hermione prompted him to continue, feeling safe that Pansy wouldn't mislead her.

"Well, as I was saying, it was at my mother's seventh, perhaps eighth wedding. Anyway, doesn't matter, what matters is that it was a dreadfully boring affair. Mother had consented that I could choose one friend to invite.

"My first choice was Theo, but mother quickly shot that down, as he's always been an agent of chaos and mother said she knew 'that Nott boy' would ruin her wedding."

"Signora Zabini knows me well," Theo's voice made Hermione jump as she hadn't heard him rejoining the group. He passed out tumblers of fire whiskey for everyone, except Pansy who received her large glass of red wine. The floating tray with the two bottles settled down onto one of the side tables.

"Yes, well, even a rock could see that's your key personality trait, Theodore. Anyway," Blaise said, narrowing his eyes at Theo in a warning to not interrupt him again. "When I mentioned Drake's name, mother agreed, because she knew Narcissa would have ingrained years of etiquette lessons into him.

"So, there we are, two twelve-year-olds seated near the head table with my new step-father's family. They kept making comments about what a shame it was that Mamma was bringing a child into the marriage or some other rot, and we decided that we were tired of listening to them.

"Drake and I got up and went wandering around the manorproperty, as the wedding was held at the bloke's estate. He was a bit of a Quidditch enthusiast, so we found his office and the man had brooms. Bloody top of the line, Nimbus 2001, just sitting there.

"Now, we couldn't exactly slip outside with them, seeing as it was December and there was a wedding reception happening between us and the exit. So, we thought we were good enough at flying that we would be able to zip around indoors and nobody would be the wiser."

Blaise paused dramatically and smirked over at Draco, who had buried his face in his hands by this point.

"I'm assuming that is not what happened." Hermione giggled and noticed that her laughter caused Draco to gaze at her with a look that she could only describe as longing.

"Absolutely not," Blaise said, turning his bright white smile on Hermione as he continued. "We made it about half a lap around his cramped office before we ended up flying out into the reception. Draco here took off the top half of the wedding cake just as my mother and her new husband were getting ready to cut it."

The room filled with laughter as Draco shot Blaise a two finger salute. When the noise finally began to die down, Draco shook his head and crossed his arms over his chest. "What this prick has failed to mention is what happened to himself while flying through the reception."

Hermione turned towards Blaise, who was only grinning even wider now. "The woman, the one who was complaining about mother having a child," he began.

"Yes…?"

"She ended up with the punch bowl overturned on her head," Blaise stated proudly, causing the room to erupt all over again.

"I just don't understand how that could be considered a near-death experience," Hermione said, once she was able to catch her breath.

"Upsetting Signora Zabini is taking your life into your own hands," Theo whispered, leaning in against Hermione's side..

"Well, Theo, since you seem to find my own shortcomings so hilarious, why don't you share about that one time in fourth year when I caught you and Drake–"

"Oh, no Zabini. We swore that incident was going to the grave," Theo said, his eyes narrowing and body stiffening.

"I find it hard to believe there's something about the two of you that I don't know, but I can't recall anything that would call for such a reaction from Theo." Pansy's fingers were drawing circles on Hermione's thigh as she spoke, her eyes darting between the three men.

"NOTHING," the two in question said simultaneously, while Blaise only laughed and loudly whispered, "McGonagall in lingerie."

The three girls stopped, mouths gaping exchanging looks before their eyes settled on Draco and Theo who were now bright red in the face.

"Explain," Pansy said, her hazel eyes sparkling with barely contained laughter.

"It's really not as bad," Draco started before being cut off by Theo.

"I propositioned McGonagall with sexual favors in fourth year. Transfiguration has never been my strongest subject. To help me get up the nerve, Draco drew some illicit pictures of McGonagall in some compromising positions. Blaise caught us looking at them after she shot me down."

Hermione and Pansy were left speechless while Luna made a comment that she could see the appeal of an older woman.

"You don't still happen to have these, do you?" Pansy asked, after her brain had finally processed what had been said.

"No. When Blaise walked in on us, we burned the lot and hoped he hadn't seen what we were looking at, but alas, he had. And was sworn to secrecy. Apparently, we should have asked for a wizard's oath." Theo scowled menacingly at his erstwhile friend.

"Somehow, this isn't surprising at all," Hermione said, blinking as she pictured fourteen-year-old Draco and Theo sitting on their four poster beds looking at boudoir illustrations of their now Headmistress.

Pansy couldn't stop laughing as the story finished, Draco narrowing his eyes at her. "Fine, fine, just so I'm not left out here." She cleared her throat, sitting up and clasping her hands in her lap until all eyes were on her.

"When we– Theo, Draco, and I– that is, were six," Hermione could hear Draco's groan at the mention of his name. "Our mothers had instructed us that we were to stay pristine in these ghastly all-white outfits for a stuffy garden party. At one point, we ran off from the nanny elves and ended up under a table eating pastries with jam. The three of us emerged from beneath this tablecloth looking like we had been directly involved in a murder. Red jam everywhere." Theo was roaring with laughter at the memory, while Draco still looked mortified.

"Posy Parkinson, Narcissa Malfoy, and Sybilla Nott were horrified and unbearably embarrassed at their progeny. I think Mrs Bulstrode and Mrs Goyle made some comment about how their children were so much better behaved than we were. I think I still have secondhand embarrassment for our poor mothers."

Looking around at his friends, annoyed, Draco asked, "Why, pray tell, does everyone's most embarrassing moment involve me somehow?" Causing even more chuckles from their friends.

Luna smiled, reaching out and patting his arm closest to her reassuringly. "I don't get embarrassed, not for myself anyway, sometimes for other people, so you can rest easy there." Hermione wondered what it must be like to be so comfortable in your own skin that you were never embarrassed.

Hermione could easily think of dozens of times that she had been embarrassed just off the top of her head. Some of which she definitely didn't want to share with a room full of Slytherins. Even if they were being friendly right now, there were no guarantees that they wouldn't turn on her later. But they'd been fairly forthcoming, so maybe she should share something less…?

"Second year, I brewed Polyjuice potion and accidentally used Millicent Bulstrode's cat's hair. And once transfigured, my head turned into a cat's, and I had a tail for days until Madame Pomfrey could set me right. It was mortifying. I had to miss class and stay in the hospital wing until I was all sorted out." The words flew out in a rush, and Hermione clasped her hands over her mouth. That was not the story she'd intended to share!

"Hermione," Theo purred, leaning into her ear. "Is Polyjuice a frequent thing with you? Seems like you find all kinds of uses for it." Hermione blushed at how much closer he'd gotten. She could smell him; the clove scent from his cigarettes was intoxicating. Would her Amortentia smell of cloves now?

"Ever use it in a more…experimental manner?" His voice lowered even more, so that only she could hear him. "Or is it just voyeurism that gets you excited?" Hermione blushed a deep scarlet and tried to stammer out a response, but was saved by Blaise's musings, unaware of the conversation between her and Theo.

"I've always been fascinated by the idea of potion use in the bedroom, but I've never had a partner quite adventurous enough to try Polyjuice or lust potion with."

"I have both those in my trunk," Luna said in her dreamy voice. The look on Blaise's face at Luna's announcement was a mix between awe, hunger, and admiration.

Pansy drank deeply from her glass of red wine, smiling at Hermione in a way that made her core feel warm and her face flush. "My preferences definitely lie in the direction of tying my partners up," Hermione's stomach twisted as she gulped. "Or down, just depending on my mood." The other witch leaned in, her lips brushing the shell of her ear to whisper, "And then once I have them how I want them, what happens next depends upon their preferences. I find consent," Hermione thought she might die at Pansy's tone of voice, and her knickers were definitely wet, "very attractive."

Theo laughed, on the other side of Hermione, clearly listening. "Consent is very hot."

Concurring, Luna said, "Consent is critical to functional sexual lives and ethical non-monogamy."

Blaise looked a little shocked, "I didn't know that you were a non-monogamy advocate like Theo here, Luna."

Luna giggled before cupping Blaise's cheek affectionately, "Who do you think introduced Theo to the idea? Although I admit he has been a lot more successful with the execution than I have ever been. I've never been able to find more than one person at a time willing to put up with my eccentricities. Regardless, it is something I find very desirable and hope to one day find more than one person who is interested in me at the same time."

"Luna, you shouldn't talk down about yourself like that," Hermione stated. "I am pretty sure that that is one of those all-or-nothing cognitive distortions that Cordelia was talking about. You are perfectly lovely and anyone would be lucky to date you."

"But not you," Luna said, looking at Hermione, her large eyes meeting Hermione's slowly blinking.

"Not me what?" Hermione stuttered.

"You wouldn't want to date me," Luna said matter-of-factly.

"Um…well…if you were going to date a witch, wouldn't you want to be sure that she liked witches too?"

Luna made a sound of agreement and leaned back into Blaise.

"I don't know,'' Pansy drawled, her finger drawing circles on Hermione's thigh again. "There is something…attractive about the idea of breaking a witch in. Being the first girl to make her cum with my mouth, teaching her how to touch another woman," Pansy purred and took a long sip of wine, then let her tongue run over her lips in a way that caused Hermione's eyes to widen. She could not seem to look away for the life of her.

"Pans," Draco sighed, leaning his head back, closing his eyes. "You are going to make Theo combust if you keep talking like that."

"Maybe that's the answer to your Polyjuice quandary, Theo, " Pansy said, looking over the top of Hermione's head at him. "Maybe we Polyjuice you into a girl," her eyes flickering towards Hermione, "and I can break you in."

Leaning over Hermione's lap, Theo kissed Pansy's neck and whispered something in her ear that had Pansy giggling in delight. Hermione both wanted to know what they were saying and did not want to know. Being positioned between them was suddenly equal parts the most erotic and nerve-wracking thing she'd ever been apart of.

Honestly, why did Slytherins always have to be so sexual? About everything? Drinking with Gryffindors definitely didn't always lead to these kinds of candid discussions concerning sexual preferences. Well, except maybe when drinking with Parvati and Lavender. Even then it was more likely to be a discussion on the virtues of various penis shapes. Never had she heard them mention the idea of using potions sexually or being with another witch or multiple partners.

The sudden and unrecorded thought of Lavender, brought back the image of her dead milky eyes and torn out throat in the corridor during the Battle. How Hermione had run by her in such a hurry that she had not even bothered to check if she was alright. Hermione didn't even realise when she emitted a low choking sound. Everyone in the room turned their attention to her, as Hermione's eyes widened in horror.

"I'm just going to head to bed," Hermione quickly rose, not even bothering to say goodnight. Disappearing into her room, she left behind the book that was not, in fact, about Advanced Arithmancy sitting in the common area.

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Pansy woke in the morning feeling as though she ought to have accepted Theo's offer of a sober-up potion before going to bed. Her head was positively throbbing and she felt abominably thirsty as well. She rolled to the left and found the boys already missing as she stretched out, but the light coming in the window was the pink of pre-dawn rather than the stronger light of full morning.

As Pansy pulled herself into a sitting position, she found a sober-up, a hangover potion, and a pepper-up along with a glass of water with a little slice of lemon in it. A little note from Theo was also there, but that mostly consisted of her name surrounded by hearts that were charmed to fly around the piece of notebook paper.

Merlin that man was ridiculously adorable, she thought, kissing his script before picking up the glass of water.

Pansy wondered where they had headed off to so early in the morning, but shrugged the question away. She drank her potions and the entire glass of water and rolled over, happy for once to be able to stretch

Laying there, looking at the canopy Theo had charmed to have Draco's constellation twinkling down at them, Pansy wondered if Hermione was alright. The other witch had left the rest of them so suddenly last night. What on earth could have set her off? Pansy thought, though knew the littlest things could make her fall into an uncontrolled panic. For instance, she found the sound of dripping water exceptionally stressful, one of many reasons that she was sleeping here rather than in the dungeons.

She quickly found herself nodding back off, her body desperate to get another hour or two of sleep before the emotional roller coaster of whatever Cordelia had planned for today's group therapy.

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In the vein of desperation, Draco and Theo were already upstairs in the Head's Bathroom. Gasping and moaning into one another's mouths under the waterfall of a shower, they couldn't get enough of the other. Theo's hands ran through Draco's dripping locks, while Draco's hands caressed Theo's chest and back, like a man possessed, trying to stroke every inch of the other man's skin.

Theo nipped at Draco's lower lip and invaded his mouth with his tongue, bringing them chest to chest, their erect cocks rubbing against one another and drawing hisses that were expelled into their wild sloppy kisses.

"Fuck Drake, Fuck," Theo kissed down the blonde's neck, sucking hard at a spot that he knew would be hidden later under his shirt. Theo revelled in his possession of Draco through the act of leaving marks on his lover. If anyone else came across that perfect porcelain skin, they would know that Theo had been there first. The purple proof of his teeth in Draco's pristine throat made his cock ache even harder as he ground himself against the blonde.

How did he end up here, with Draco, the man of his damn dreams? Feeling the warm shower water rolling down his flesh as his desire rose to meet it, this was everything. It was the exact image that he used to wank to, never believing that he could actually live it. The entire scene was almost too good to be true, as Draco pressed his own throbbing length against Theo.

"Theo," Draco gasped, panting in desire. "Please touch me, please. I need you to touch me."

Theo pulled back to fix Draco with a naughty smile. "How about I stroke your cock, dragon, and you stroke mine?" Theo could feel Draco's cock grow even harder against his belly at those words. "Like the sound of that do you, love?"

Draco nodded and his hands travelled down Theo's chest, over the texture of his glamoured scars and burns that could not be disguised from his nimble fingertips. A nipple was pinched in surprise, causing Theo to moan in pleasure, a "Yes!" burst from his lips, unbidden.

Theo cupped Draco's cheek with one hand, kissing him deeply, putting his whole heart into this one kiss. Meanwhile, his other hand grasped Draco's thick, hard length, stroking his shaft. Rolling his palm over the head, Theo then wrote runes for love and desire on his lover's frenulum with his thumb. Draco's entire body vibrated under Theo's ministrations, his hands frozen. His grip was so tight on Theo's hips that there was no doubt that fingerprint-shaped bruises would be left behind.

As much as Theo loved the idea of bearing Draco's mark, he growled to get the blonde's attention. "Dragon, don't forget about me," his voice low and commanding. "My cock is twitching for a release too." Theo punctuated the last by tightening his hand and speeding up the rhythm.

"Oh," Draco huffed. "S-sorry, y-yes. Feels so good Theo. So good. Hard to think…uhn…" Draco shook his head, attempting to collect himself and began to run his hands over Theo's cock with much less confidence than when he had sucked Theo's cock the last time they'd fooled around.

"Tighten your hand, love," Theo instructed, thrusting his hips. "Just the same as when you wank. If you like it, assume I will too."

At his instructions, Draco did as he was told. Theo's mouth opened into an 'O' shape, "Oh fuck, yes, that's it, that's it. Keep up that rhythm, love. Fuck, you feel so good around my cock… Perfect hands…so very good, such a good boy…yessssssss!"

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Outside the bathroom, holding her towel to her chest, Hermione could clearly hear Theo's gasps, moans and words of praise for Draco...Malfoy…Draco.

Bloody Hell. Just call him Draco in your thoughts, Hermione. Especially since you are being a depraved voyeur...again.

The moans inside seemed to be reaching a crescendo and Hermione bit her lip as she felt her wetness at the sounds the men were making. Her knickers were so wet that her slick had started to drip down her thighs, but Hermione was too preoccupied to notice.

She touched her breasts and nipples lightly under her housecoat and was deeply tempted to rub herself, and curl her fingers inside her wet core, but the thought of getting caught by Theo twice in one week would just be too mortifying to risk. Instead, she rushed back down the stairs to her room and shut the door as quietly as she could. Throwing her housecoat off, and ripping away her ruined knickers, she touched herself.

She let the sounds she'd just heard repeat in her mind as her fingers slid inside her. As Hermione licked her lips, she could only imagine what Draco and Theo had been doing to each other. She imagined, instead of her small fingers chasing her release, it was two much larger hands. Their rings would feel cool against her warmed skin, Theo whispering to her what a good girl she was. Hermione's fingers picked up the pace, her other hand rubbing circles against her clit, until she was cumming with a yell. Panting, she imagined silver and sapphire eyes watching her this time, as she fell apart.

She could just see the lustful smiles they would both wear if she let them in here to watch her touch herself to completion. Would they want to touch her cunt? Would Theo ease that large cock inside her, or would he slam into her and stretch her all at once? Was it true that Draco really was a virgin?

Her body tightened, she imagined what it would be like to be his first. To teach him to do all of the little things that she liked, as she slid down his length. Show him how good it felt when she clenched her walls around him as she came.

Fuck, Hermione could feel another wave of desire flow through her and started to imagine more detailed scenarios. Laying on her back, she imagined that Theo plunged into her again and again as he held her legs spread wide. Draco, his blonde hair falling into his eyes as he sucked on her nipples, just the way she liked. Her fingers moved faster, then right as she was about to orgasm for the second time, her mind supplied a vision of Pansy Parkinson in black lingerie. The witch leaned over her to nip her lip and the vision whispered with Pansy's silky voice, "There you go, be a good girl, now cum!" At the command in the fantasy of Pansy's voice, Hermione's back arched and she cried out mindlessly as her release took over.

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Outside her room, with a towel wrapped around his hips and wet hair hanging in his face, Theo felt his cock twitch. It seemed that his dorm mate was also forgoing Silencing Charms today.

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Cordelia seemed in a particularly perky mood this morning, and Pansy was pretty sure that meant that they were about to be tortured by working through some of their worst trauma.

How bloody thrilling.

While the potions and a bit of extra rest had improved her attitude somewhat, Pansy found all this 'feeling' business disconcerting. She'd much rather tie Theo to a wall and make him bleed for an hour or two, but that unfortunately seemed to be off the table, at least until her trial. The whole thing was just a disappointment flavoured sundae with frustration sprinkles. And not the fun kind of frustration either.

Pansy settled in her seat between Theo and Luna while Cordelia waited for everyone else to be seated. Once Hannah and Susan had sat, being the last two they were waiting on, Cordelia clapped her hands and began, "Good morning and welcome to the group. As always, I'm so glad to see each and every one of you have made it. Now let's just jump right in," she said, looking around to make sure everyone was paying attention.

"Today we are gonna talk about your last year here at Hogwarts, and how it made you feel. For those of you who weren't able to be with your classmates, we are going to cover your unique struggles as well." The sound of chairs groaning as people awkwardly adjusted themselves was the only acknowledgment that the group had heard their healer.

Yes, the perky mood was explained.

"I know the events of the past year were very traumatic for each of you." The life line scrolls flew out of Cordelia's bag and floated above each of their heads. Pansy reached up, snatching her scroll from the air holding back a scowl. She kept reminding herself that she had to participate, otherwise she was risking Azkaban. "But, this is part of the hard work we have to put in. Pretending that you're all fine does no one any favours. Maybe it's easier to do that right now, but later those wounds will still be festering. Our goal is to try and heal as best we can, and part of that is acknowledging what happened to you and then putting your broken pieces back together to form your new normal."

Everyone was looking up at Cordelia, truly one of the very few adults in her life that Pansy trusted. Her smiles were warm and her movements were calculated. Only, they weren't calculated for how she could use them, as they had been with so many adults in their lives before. No, Cordelia made sure that everything she did was purely for the benefit and healing of the group of, well, children, even if they were technically adults.

Susan sat up straight, holding her scroll tightly in her hands. She cleared her throat and kept her gaze on one of the newly constructed walls as she spoke. "My aunt was killed early on in the school year, but things were so tense that we couldn't even have a funeral. My mum wanted to pull me out of school and go into hiding, but by that time, my father couldn't get an international portkey. So, we stayed put. My parents decided staying in Britain was safer if we tried to stay publicly neutral."

Hannah, next to the auburn-haired girl, took her friend's hand for support before her words were muttered out. "My mum was murdered by Death Eaters at the beginning of sixth year, so I was pulled out of school and did private tutoring for the rest of that year. Because of that, I really missed a lot of what happened in sixth year. When I was forced to come back last year, it was a real shock. Dumbledore was gone. Snape Headmaster. The Carrows teaching Dark Arts. It was like a nightmare I couldn't wake up from. Honestly, every day since my mum was killed until the war was over felt that way. Some days still, I wake up wishing that everything had been a nightmare and that my mum was still with me, even if it's been almost two years."

Dean Thomas was next, Pansy's eyes fluttered over to where Draco was sitting. She wanted to get up and hold his face to her chest, tell him that none of what happened was his fault, but she knew now wasn't the time for that. She turned her attention away just as the Gryffindor began, "I spent most of last year on the run. I was held prisoner at Malfoy Manor and we were at an Order safe house for a bit, getting patched up. Then came back here just in time to hide in the Room of Requirement until the Battle. I don't really have a lot to share about how Hogwarts was last year, since all I saw was the room for about a week before it all ended."

Cordelia held up her hand, to pause the exercise. "Can anyone tell me what the fight or flight response is?"

Hermione's hand shot up, making Pansy smile warmly at the witch. Salazar help her, she was turning smitten for Hermione's swotty ways.

"The fight or flight response is an automatic physiological reaction to an event that is perceived as stressful or frightening. The perception of threat activates the sympathetic nervous system and triggers an acute stress response that prepares the body to fight or flee." Hermione answered the perfect text book definition after Cordelia had nodded for her to speak.

"That is absolutely correct, now do any of you notice how that might fit all of your individual situations? You were all living in a prolonged high adrenaline state last year with a war raging on around you. Whether at Hogwarts dealing with the Carrows, or on the run, each of your bodies were under exceptionally high levels of stress."

"I stood up to the Carrows, constantly using my privilege as being a member of the Sacred 28 to try to get them to stop having us torture first years. Usually they just ended up torturing me instead, which I was fine with," Neville said.

"I'll go then, yeah?" Draco said, trying and failing to portray aristocratic indifference to the whole discussion. Pansy tried to catch his eye to give him an encouraging smile, but he wouldn't look her way. "Let's see, instead of trying to push back against the bigotry I was raised with, I just went along with it. I saw with my own eyes just how brilliant Muggleborns could be, but still called them derogatory names to make myself feel better. That flight or fight rot, no I just turned myself over to a madman. Did his bidding even." Pansy's mouth fell open at Draco's self-loathing. While she knew that was how he felt, it still cut deep to know that he took so much responsibility for actions that he was forced into. Before Pansy could get her thoughts out, Cordelia silenced the younger witch with a warning look.

Pansy crossed her arms, huffing as Neville spoke up. "Yeah, but I know a lot of the older Slytherins helped. You shouldn't be disparaging yourself. I know you pretended to use the Cruciatus on people, hell I saw you do it too. I don't even know how many first and second years. Don't pretend you didn't. Several of the first years confided in me that it didn't hurt when you did it. How you also talked in their heads and told them to pretend by screaming and shaking. That's bravery, Malfoy."

After getting a nod of approval from Cordelia, Pansy scoffed at Draco's look of surprise at the praise. "You were the only one able to apparate within Hogwarts," she spat at him. "How many people did you apparate into the hospital wing last year? Demanding that they and Pomfrey all keep it a secret?"

"You brought me food and blankets when I was being held prisoner. If you want to pretend you are some sort of a villain, that's your prerogative, but it's not really an accurate representation of reality, is it?" Luna said, her head tilting to the side as Draco blinked in shock.

Becoming more detached by each passing moment, Draco sat utterly still as though unable to absorb what he had been told until Cordelia walked over to Draco and whispered something in his ear. He nodded at her and she patted him on the shoulder before continuing around the circle.

"Hermione?" The healer said, turning toward her, "do you want to share some of your experiences from last year?"

Hermione's small hands grasped onto the hem of the jumper she was wearing. She tugged at it, stretching out the forest green material. "It was perhaps the worst year of my life for a lot of reasons," she whispered, her voice so low Pansy had to lean in to hear her. "I don't even know where to start. I knew, as soon as Dumbledore started those private lessons with Harry in sixth year, that he had a mission for him. That I would have to go along, ultimately hunting bloody horcruxes. Everyone knows what those are now, but then we had no idea really. I had to obliviate my parents, to keep them safe because even when I begged The Order for help I was turned down." Pansy saw a large rock appear on Hermione's lifeline scroll that floated in front of her.

"The Death Eaters attacked Bill and Fleur Weasley's wedding, and Greyback almost got me."

Pansy saw another stone appear on Hermione's scroll.

"Breaking into the Ministry to get one of the horcruxes, where we were nearly killed. Sure, the mission was successful, but then we were stuck with the bloody thing for months because we had nothing to destroy it with. It was an insidiously evil thing."

Pansy watched a series of small stones appear on Hermione's scroll as she continued to speak.

"Nagini tried to eat me and Harry in Godric's Hollow on Christmas after we visited his parents' graves for the first time. Oh, and I broke his wand, can't forget about that."

Pansy noticed that Hermione was still covering for the Weasel, not sharing that he had left her and Potter during the search. He really didn't deserve that kind of loyalty. If she ever got her wand on him she'd make him pay for hurting their Golden Girl. Pansy was surprised at the protective territoriality that she felt when she looked at Hermione's downtrodden face. She really needed to do something more in order to make that girl hers, theirs.

Her gaze flicked to Theo, who was looking at Hermione with wonder and admiration in his eyes, his hands clenching. Pansy knew he was hoping to not have to share some of the torture that his father had done to him last year with the group. But with what Hermione was sharing, she was setting the bar high and Theo seemed to know it would only be fair to disclose his own personal hell.

Hermione's jaw snapped shut as she shook her head, not that Pansy could blame her for not wanting to say any more. Cordelia must have agreed, because she was clapping her hands to draw all eyes on her. "I think we've made a lot of progress today and we can continue it more with the rest of the group on this difficult topic next week. For now, work on your journal entries, going back to yesterday's cognitive distortion and what comes to mind when you think about last year."

Pansy moved so that she was sitting next to Hermione, giving her more casual touches. Bumping against her she smiled when the witch looked at her. "Come on, the least we can do before continuing this depressing exercise is get a snack."

As the two witches went over to the snack table, Pansy held Hermione's waist as she reached around her, making certain to lightly stroke the other girl's arms and hips. Hermione let out a soft gasp when under the pretence of grabbing something Pansy's knee slid between her legs for just a moment. That breath was all it took, however, because when they went back to their seats to do their journaling, Pansy noticed that Hermione's pupils were blown, her breathing was a little erratic and her hands shook. Pansy hid her smile as Hermione kept sneaking glances at her.

Yes this was all coming along beautifully.

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How was Pansy's campaign of a thousand touches going? Great, fantastic even, so much so, that she was desperately frustrated and needed it taken care of. She had tried to get Theo's attention as the group was ending, but he had disappeared.

Pansy grabbed Draco by the wrist and signalled for him to follow her.

Draco and Pansy slipped away from the others, and ducked into one of the abandoned corridors and were hidden behind a tapestry in one of her favourite alcoves. Throwing up a silencing charm, Pansy smiled up at the blonde before running her finger along his chest. "On your knees, Draco."

"Uh, yeah. Yes." He said, dropping so that his face was even with her belly. Merlin, he was tall.

"Good boy," she praised, running her nails across her scalp. "I'm going to teach you how to properly pleasure a woman, Draco. Would you like that?" His silver eyes never left hers as he nodded his head. "Tsk, tsk, tsk, that's not how our consent works Draco," she cooed, patting his cheek. "'Your words, use them."

"Yes, Pansy, I would like that very much." Draco said, gulping at the realisation of what was about to happen. "How should I, that is, am I using my fingers or just my mouth?"

"Good," she purred. "Now lift my skirt." Pansy instructed the man on his knees in front of her. With nimble and eager fingers, Pansy felt the soft material shifting against her bare thighs as Draco exposed the thong she was wearing.

"I want you to get me off with just your mouth, do you understand?"

"Okay," he answered as he timidly moved his mouth so that he was hovering over her cloth-covered mound.

Pansy gripped his soft hair in her hands and yanked his head back. "Confidence, Draco. I want you to make me cum on your face, show me why you're named for the dragon constellation. This is good practice for when you get the opportunity to put your cock in a woman, always always make her cum at least once if not twice with your mouth before you even consider going farther."

He nodded his head, understanding the instructions before he pulled aside the damp material. Pansy was already wound up, and while typically teaching wasn't something she enjoyed, there was something about teaching Draco that was getting her hot and bothered. "Use your tongue. Lick my slit as if you're a starving man and this is all the sustenance you're getting."

Draco began to lap his tongue through the dripping centre, making Pansy's head fall back. "Hmm, such a good boy you are." When Draco began to suck down, Pansy purred. "You're fucking me with your mouth, yessss," she hissed as he found her clit.

"That's the spot, suck on it, Draco. Build up the tension in my body, by teasing and stroking me with your mouth. Hm, yes, don't be shy. I'm going to cum on your face, Draco. Now don't be shy about letting your nose and chin touch me."

She couldn't stop the moan that slipped from between her lips as he did as he was told. Hands tangled in his hair, she manoeuvred his face exactly where she needed him. "Lick, Draco. Use your tongue and lick meeeee." Her breath caught just as his wide tongue slid up her folds and met her clit. "Suck down on my clit, it's the little button at the front, Draco. Right where my cock would be if I had one. Oh yes, very good. Now, make me cum on your face." Pansy commanded and Draco did exactly that.

Holding his face in place so that he wouldn't move, Pansy ground her pelvis against his face, chasing her release. She was so close, the tightening in her abdomen growing stronger, until…"Dammit Draco, fucking hum while you suck!" And as the vibration from his sounds was the push she needed and her thighs were shaking as she finally reached her orgasm.

As soon as she finished, she looked down at the man still on his knees in front of her. Patting his cheek with her hand she sighed. She smiled at the look of her juices dripping down his chin through his golden blonde facial hair. "Good boy," she cooed.

Yes, Draco had potential.

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"I was disappointed that this wasn't the book on Arithmancy that I was wanting to read but imagine my surprise," Hermione heard Theo saying as she climbed through the head dorm entrance. "When it was so much more interesting."

In her hands were three envelopes that she'd just received at dinner, but had decided to bring them back to her room to read. "What are you talking about, Theo?" She asked as she glanced down at the book in his lap, recognizing it instantly. "Oh…"

"Oh is right. Now tell me, Hermione," Theo said, standing and moving towards her. "What would make you interested in learning about polyamorous relationships?"

Making a snap decision, Hermione decided to follow the book's advice and vocalise her desires. "There's a few people I'm interested in and this is all new to me. I'm doing what I know best in order to find the information I need to help me: research. Cordelia lent me the book after my individual session after I told her that I was interested in multiple people." She smirked as Theo's face morphed from teasing to a stunned understanding.

"Is that so?" Theo asked after he'd gotten use of his voice back.

"I thought it was obvious, but yes. Three different people if I'm being completely transparent," Hermione told him with a wink, making Theo blush. Oh, I'll have to do more to have this effect on him again.

Hermione smiled at him as she moved to the kitchenette looking at the return addresses. George, Fleur, and Ginny had all written to her, and honestly she was shocked it had taken them this many days since Ron's interview had been published.

"Tea?" She called out to Theo who was now settled in flipping through her book.

"Please."

Hermione carried a tea tray back over to the sofa where Theo was completely absorbed in the text. She settled onto the cushion closest to him, figuring that if she'd already admitted she was interested might as well go all in.

She made up her cuppa and ripped over the first letter, from George. The sound must have caught Theo's attention because he looked from the book and saw what was in her hand.

"Oh, sorry. Here, I can give you some privacy to read those if you'd like." He said before Hermione could unfold the missive.

"Oh." Theo couldn't have been more different than Ron who would have read each of the notes over her shoulder whether she wanted him to or not. "Actually, would you mind if I read them aloud to you? They're from the Weasleys and if I'm being honest I think I could use some support to get through them."

Theo blinked a few times, as if he were trying to think of the right thing to say. "It's just that I don't want you to feel like you have anything to prove. Those are your private letters." Hermione smiled at him and shook her head.

"If it doesn't make you uncomfortable hearing them, then I think I really would like you to listen." As Theo nodded his head in agreement, Hermione finished unfolding her first letter, then cleared her throat.

Oi, Mione.

Read what Ronniekins said to Skeeter. I've been in contact with The Prophet with a few short letters explaining how things really were, trying to get them to print a new story. I wasn't able to do an interview though.

I'm sorry I haven't been in touch, but I wanted to check on you nonetheless after that bloody catastrophe of an interview.

If you need to take a break from Hogwarts, you know where to find me. No need to send notice beforehand.

Love you,

Georgie

Hermione couldn't help but smile. She'd always felt that out of Ron's siblings she had the best connection with Ginny, but the twins were a close second. Even though they'd teased her rule loving ways, they'd always been so kind to her. She'd have to pray to any deities to help Theo and Draco if they were to give this a go, as she hoped they would. George would no doubt assume a protective big brother status towards her, especially considering what was going on with her and Ron.

"That wasn't bad," Theo said, taking a drink from his cup.

"No, George has always been a lot more level-headed than people gave him credit for. The next one is from Fleur."

"Fleur, as in the French Triwizard Champion?"

"Hm, oh yeah," Hermione said as she opened the next envelope. "She's married to Bill, the eldest brother. He's a curse breaker for Gringotts."

"Very nice," Theo said, as Hermione unfolded the next letter.

Hermione,

Bill and I have just read what Ronald said in The Prophet, and we wanted to check in to see how you are doing. We're utterly disgusted and disappointed in Ronald's behaviour, knowing that he's pulling you along, even if it's from a distance, in his poor decisions.

We have contacted The Prophet with an accurate account of what has truly happened since the war and how you've been nothing but supportive of the Weasley family as a whole.

If you want to come stay a night (or several) at Shell Cottage, just to get away, your room is always ready for you.

Give Luna and Dean our love.

Fleur

"She knows Luna and Dean?"

"Oh, uh, that's where we all escaped to after we left Malfoy Manor…" Hermione trailed off watching the knowing look settling on Theo's face. "Fleur is the one who healed all of us with Luna's help. I was, well I was a bit of a mess after, well everything…anyway, the last letter is from Ginny." Godric, she was happy that it was Theo and not Draco sitting with her. The blonde probably would have dissolved into a panic attack at the reminder of the time that she had spent bleeding on his drawing room floor.

Hermione quickly opened the letter and saw two pieces of parchment falling out. She instantly recognized Harry's handwriting and rolled her eyes. Why would he bother to send his own note to her when he could piggy back off Ginny's missive.

Mione,

Is what Ron said true? Just, wow. I thought we were friends, you know? I don't want to believe that you were just using us, but, I don't know.

Gin

And Harry's accompanying note, she quickly read without explaining who it was from first.

Hey, can I floo call you Saturday at 6 in the Gryffindor Common room? - Harry

I'm not even living in GRYFFINDOR tower, you nitwit, Hermione thought with a huff.

"Um, wow," Theo said, looking at her. "Those are supposed to be your closest friends?"

"Yeah," Hermione murmured.

"Well that's pretty bloody fucked," Theo sighed, sitting the book and his tea aside and stood reaching for her hand, "come on, lets go out on the balcony and have a smoke and not talk about this at all."

Smiling, Hermione took his hand, "Thank you."

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Knocking on the door, Draco felt his heart in his throat yet again. He was not in the mood to sit through another individual therapy session.

The door opened and Cordelia stood on the other side, smiling at him. "Draco, I'm so glad you're here."

"Yeah, well, I guess. Should we get started?" He asked, not wanting to waste anymore of his day than he had to.

"Oh, certainly. Tea? Biscuits?" She asked as she gathered up the same pad of paper and muggle pen she'd used the last time they'd talked.

"Both, please." If he was going to suffer through this, then he might as well get something sweet out of it.

Once they were both settled with their drinks and snacks, Draco took a breath steadying himself. He picked at the biscuit, letting the crumbs collect on the plate.

"So, Draco. What would you like to talk about today?" Draco looked up at the older witch, with her kind eyes. He knew what he needed to talk about, but was admittedly nervous to discuss the intrusive thoughts rolling around in his mind. Afraid that it will reflect badly on him for his trial, even though he said he didn't care if they chucked him in Azkaban, the reality was that he really didn't want to end up there.

Still, he needed to discuss something meaningful. These sessions weren't just to feel better about what he had gone through, they'd be reported to the Wizengamot. Hell, it was even possible that they would become public records since it would be part of the evidence.

"I guess we can start with what a shit show my life was starting with when I came home from fifth year. My father was imprisoned, and we had a new house guest that was constantly threatening to kill either myself or my mother." Draco looked into the cream colour of his tea, always so much lighter because of how much milk he prefered.

"Hm, you seem like that's what you want reported, but there's something else I think you need to talk about first." Cordelia prompted, and Draco looked up into her dark eyes. As he looked into those open and warm eyes, Draco could feel good carefully constructed walls breaking.

She wasn't someone who looked at him as a tool she could use. She looked at him like she only cared about his well being. This woman, this healer, she didn't care about his vaults. She didn't want him to take over his family's holdings. She didn't view him as the son of Lucius Malfoy, to her, he was just Draco.

And just Draco was breaking, and Cordelia was here to help hold him together. No strings attached.

And that's how the dam broke open.

"My father used unforgivables on me when I disappointed him, I'm not even sure how young I was the first time it happened. It only got worse once I started at Hogwarts. Yes I was in Slytherin, thank Salazar that there hadn't been any doubt about that, but I kept coming in second to Hermione, a Muggleborn of all people. I was constantly a disappointment to him."

He looked back down at his hands, he couldn't keep eye contact when he admitted this next part, and Draco knew he couldn't stop it. "How could I not come in second to her? The Golden Girl? Brightest Witch of Our Age? She came in as an outsider, and damn if she didn't take the world over. She proved every day that everything I had ever been taught about Muggleborns was a blatant lie."

"That must have been very difficult for you. Recognizing that bigotry and pureblood supremacy is based on falsehoods is very difficult when you have been indoctrinated into it your whole life."

"I suppose," Draco murmured.

"How do you feel about your father now?" Cordelia inquired, "He's due to get the Kiss isn't he?"

"Yes. Before the end of the year," Draco stared at the climbing vines over Cordelia's office window, "I think…that I will be grateful when I know I don't have to worry about him hurting me or the people I love anymore."

"Draco, that's a very valid feeling. Thank you for sharing with me. I know it's not easy."

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Between therapy, meals, and late night drinks with her dorm mates, the last few days were blurred together. It was becoming their new routine, new normal. Their newly formed friend group looked forward to the evenings, and all the drunken flirtation that took place then. Hermione knew she was going to meals and attending therapy, but for the life of her she couldn't remember what was happening at either. Her thoughts were utterly consumed with the feel of Pansy's touches, the way Draco's eyes watched her every move, and the smell of Theo.

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Theo, Dean, Seamus, Neville and Blaise were all out on the balcony, joints being passed between them as it drew later. Theo couldn't help but smile at his odd group of friends. Four weeks ago, he never would have imagined adding three Gryffindors into their circle. Then again, four weeks ago he was so piss drunk he didn't even think to bathe regularly.

No, this was not expected, but it was good.

"Here you all are, who brought the spliff?" Draco asked, stepping out into the cool night.

"Nev, apparently being a Herbology genius pays off. You could sell this, maybe that's your future career path. I can see the headlines now, 'Snake Slayer turns Drug Dealer' has a nice ring to it."

"Shea, I think you're stoned." Dean said looking at his boyfriend trying to hold in a laugh.

"Yeah, you're probably right." Seamus said, taking another puff before handing it over to Draco. "Who else is coming tonight?"

"Lu is supposed to come up after she gets done helping with some little birthday party. It's for one of the Hufflepuffs whose brother in Ravenclaw died during the battle. She said they are doing something small with cake and tea down in the Hufflepuff common room." Blaise said, being stoned he could hide the love sick grin that spread across his face while talking about the Ravenclaw. The man was completely smitten.

"Lu?" Draco asked, deeply inhaling. "Isn't Luna a short enough name?"

As if summoned by the mention of her name, Luna's head appeared in the doorway to the balcony. She smiled looking first at Blaise before she turned to Neville and blinked slowly as she surveyed him. "Is that my special blend you're smoking?" She asked, breathing in heavily before opening her eyes. The blonde girl let out a breathy gasp as she smiled holding her hand out expectantly. "No, this is new. Neville, mmm," she said as she took a drag from the spliff Dean passed to her. "Oh, it's got a bit of a bite to it. Hm, yes, I like it. Add this to my next order, please."

"You seriously are selling this?" Theo asked, a joint hanging out of his mouth as his eyes squinted as the sting of the smoke billowing upwards.

"What, no I'm not selling it. I just like growing it and trying new things." Neville said, as he deeply inhaled his next hit. "Herbology is relaxing, getting stoned is relaxing, I guess it just made sense to do both."

"Shame, you could make a fortune selling this." Theo said, breathing in again.

"Theodore, you're the Head Boy and you're encouraging Neville to sell drugs to school children! I thought you all were smoking cigarettes, not pot!" Hermione's voice cut through the air. Theo looked up to see that both Hermione and Pansy were back from dinner and looking onto the balcony.

"Theo will go down in history as the worst head boy, won't you darling?" Pansy said, lifting her wine glass to her scarlet lips.

"I'd argue that after the year everyone has had it would be more irresponsible to not encourage the student body to regularly get stoned." Theo said, sending a wink at the two witches.

Hermione rolled her eyes as she disappeared back inside, most likely to get her nightly glass of firewhisky, and Pansy only shot him a smirk before following. After the group finished off their smokes, they joined the two women in the common room. Just as Theo had predicted, Hermione had one of his crystal tumblers in her hand sitting angled towards Pansy.

He enjoyed watching Pansy reaching up to caress Hermione's cheek, only for Hermione's tongue to dart out and lick at her bottom lip. Salazar help him if he ever got to be intimate with those two together. Just seeing them interacting so innocently made him ready to combust.

"What is everyone drinking?" Blaise asked as he headed towards the kitchenette with Luna following behind him.

As everyone called out their drink orders to the couple, Theo quickly moved to the sofa to slide into the seat next to Hermione. He relished in being able to make a Hermione sandwich with Pansy, the only way to make it better would be adding Draco to their mix. It was with that thought, that an idea formed in Theo's mind.

"You know what," Theo said, turning to the group, "let's play a game."

Groans could be heard from Draco, but Seamus and Blaise whooped in excitement.

"Let's go around and say what our desires are, kinda what we want our futures to hold." Theo said, looking between Hermione and Draco.

"That's less of a game and more of just a topic, don't you think?" Seamus asked, happily accepting the double firewhisky from Luna.

"Call it what you want, I'm stoned," Theo said, waving his hand to show he really didn't care.

When no one spoke up at first, Dean let out a heavy sigh as he took a drink from his beer. "Fine, I can go first, you know my Gryffindor bravery and all. I suppose, I just want to be able to be with Seamus without our families making things impossible."

Next to Dean was Seamus, who looked to be deep in thought after giving his boyfriend's hand a squeeze. Theo understood what Dean meant though. All those years, wanting Draco and knowing he had to keep his distance because of their fathers. It was a strange torture having to pretend that Draco was nothing more than a friend, when really he was everything he wanted.

"I'd like to be able to live together in England or Scotland. Maybe get a decent job at the Ministry or a Diagon Alley shop doing something dull where I'm not likely to get killed." Seamus finally said, only stopping to throw back his double shot. "Harry suggested coming to do Auror training, but I honestly can't think of anything worse than dealing with Dark Wizards after all this."

"Cheers to that," Blaise said. "I think I've had enough of Dark Wizards to last a lifetime." Theo noticed that Blaise's eyes looked a bit haunted, perhaps thinking about a Dark Witch that he loved with all his heart.

Blaise continued, "I think I'd like to open some decent restaurants, maybe in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, take care of my vineyards. My step dad's been teaching me tattooing, but I think I'd like to do that a bit more as a hobby than a vocation. I don't want people telling me what to ink, I want to have total creative control, and if it were a job I wouldn't."

"Oh, I'd love a tattoo, Blaise," Luna sighed, dreamily, looking at the Italian man with hungry eyes. "I think I'd like to travel. There are just so many places I have never been that I'd love to see. New creatures I could find, the world is brimming with all types of undiscovered things."

"I really want to take over for Professor Sprout as the Herbology Professor. Get married, and have a family. If I could have any dream, it would be for my parents to be cured of their Cruciatus damage. Getting them back would be, I don't know, just amazing."

A murmur of agreement went around the room. It was now common knowledge what had happened to Neville's parents, and it was a fate worse than death. Really, it was no wonder that was where the Gryffindor's mind had gone.

"I don't think I have any dreams," Theo heard Hermoine quietly whisper next to him.

Pansy turned towards Hermoine, resting her hand on top of her thigh. "Come on," she cooed, "there must be something you want."

"Umm, finding my parents in Australia and restoring their memories, I guess?"

"See? I knew there had to be something." Pansy's praised, making Hermione blush an adorable shade of red.

Draco shrugged, "I can't have any dreams, not till we find out whether I am going to spend the rest of my life in Azkaban or not."

Dean, Seamus, and Neville looked appalled at Draco's cynical statement.

Neville schooled his shock, "Is that even likely, Malfoy? I mean they have to know everything that you did against Voldemort's wishes, right?"

Draco pointed a finger to his chest, "Youngest Marked Death Eater. Son of Lucius Malfoy. Let Death Eaters into Hogwarts. Dumbledore's attempted assassin, even though I couldn't do it. That's enough for a lot of people. I'm amazed I'm not locked up already."

"That's some bullshite, mate," Finnigan said, shaking his head as another double shot slid down his throat.

Theo looked and saw Blaise and Luna exchange a significant look.

What was that about?

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"The name of the game is Firewhisky or Dare. Remember there's veritaserum in the whiskey, and no Pansy, you cannot just drink your wine." Theo announced, pulling the bottle from, honestly who knew where. Knowing Theo, it very well could have been thin air.

It was Friday night, and with no therapy bright and early the next morning, thea group had shifted from the heavy topics into that of real drinking games.

Draco, Theo, Pansy and Hermione were all piled onto the couch, practically all on top of one another. Blaise had Luna on his lap, while Seamus was sitting in the other chair with Dean at his feet. Neville was there, still having a drink with the group, but when veritaserum and Dare came up, he made himself scarce. He admitted he wasn't sure that his tentative relationship with Hannah would survive Truth or Dare with the Slytherins.

"I really think she might be the one, guys, so I don't want to muck it up," Neville said, passing several rolled joints to Theo and tucking one behind his own ear for the road. "Have a good time!" He called, showing himself out.

Theo explained that the firewhisky was dosed with veritaserum by Pansy who went and reclaimed her vial from the dungeons earlier in the day. Hermione couldn't help but smile at the thought that they'd pre planned this, because she knew Pansy had been avoiding her old dorm room.

After spinning an empty bottle, Pansy started the game off by smiling and saying "Veritaserum or Dare, Theodore."

"Truth." Theo announced confidently, taking the shot of the veritaserum laced whiskey sitting in front of him before grinning at the others.

Dean asked first "What's the most debauched thing you have ever done?"

"A threesome with two boys from Durmstrang. I was an absolute cum slut that night. It was mind blowing. Literally, I blacked out from the orgasms." Pansy laughed uproariously, Draco blushed and Luna looked positively intrigued. Hermione wasn't sure whatba cumslut was exactly, but she could guess and her guesses were very naughty indeed.

"Okay, Truth or Dare Finnigan, '' Theo said.

"Dare," Finnigan said.

"Say something dirty to the person on your left."

"Say what? Something to Dean?"

Theo merely shrugged his shoulders before sitting back as he watched Seamus think of something. The Irish man turned towards his boyfriend and leaned in, whispering something in his ear that made Dean's eyebrows raise.

"Hey, no fair, I wanted to be able to hear that." Theo protested.

"Should have included that in your dare then, mate. Truth or dare, Hermione."

"Truth," Hermione stated confidently, taking her shot of the veritaserum whiskey concoction.

"What is the most expensive thing you have ever stolen?" Seamus asked her.

"Helga Hufflepuff's drinking cup from the Lestrange vault. I destroyed it shortly after stealing it." She answered before looking over Theo's lap at the blonde Slytherin. "Truth or Dare, Draco."

"Truth," he responded nervously, Hermione let out a breath. Fueled by copious amounts of firewhisky gave her the unabashed ability to ask the question she'd been dying to know the answer to.

"How is it that you are still a virgin? What about the Slytherin Sex God rumors?" Hermione asked, and as the veritaserum kicked in, she could have kicked herself for her thoughtless question. It really was rather rude, but she'd been so curious.

A light blush decorated his porcelain cheek as the answer was pulled from him. "Fifth year was a bit stressful for me, then sixth year was a bloody nightmare. I was supposed to do some father-son brothel excursion with Theo and his father, but my father went to Azkaban instead. Can't say I was sorry based on Theo's awful stories from that trip. Then last year I spent most of my time trying not to die or preventing others from dying. There just has never been a good time."

"You really don't pull punches as I recall Granger," he said, absently rubbing a small scar on the side of his jaw that she'd never noticed before. "And for the second part, if anyone is the Slytherin Sex God, it's Blaise."

The Italian man toasted and said "true true," as he smiled down at Luna who had a lustful look in her eyes. Hermione wondered if they had consummated their courtship yet.

With his question answered, Draco turned to his friend, "Truth or Dare Theo."

"Truth, of course." He said, taking another drink of the veritaserum laced whiskey.

"What are your top three turn-ons?" Hermione could feel herself perking up, excited to hear the answer to this question for herself.

"Bondage, dominance over partners that are not Pansy by extension that means submission to Pansy," he winked at the dark-haired witch, who smiled seductively back at him, "and semi-public sex."

"Truth or Dare, Hermione."

"Dare," she said, not wanting to risk any more of her secrets being spilled.

A grin slowly spread across Theo's face, making Hermione wonder if she'd made a grave mistake. "I dare you, Hermione Granger, to take Draco's virginity. Tonight."

"Theodore, what the bloody hell!" Draco yelled at his friend, his face turning even paler than it normally was.

Letting the firewhisky speak for her, Hermione looked up through her lashes at the blonde. Isn't this something you've dreamed of? She asked herself. "Is that okay with you, Draco?" she asked timidly, biting her lower lip.

With the veritaserum still flowing in his veins from the last round, the answer to her question was pulled from Draco. "I would like that more than I like breathing."

He covered his mouth with both hands, terrified at the fact that the veritaserum was still in his veins. "Granger, you don't have to do this." He said, quickly trying to give her an out, "You can change your mind and do the truth instead."

"And what if I don't want to change my mind?" Hermione purred, gaining confidence from his truthful answers. She'd known they had an attraction to each other, but it was a whole other level hearing it coming from his mouth. Draco's eyes grew dark as the pupils swallowed his mercury irises leaving only the tiniest amount of grey behind.

Climbing off the couch, where she'd been squished between Theo and Pansy, Hermione stood so she was in front of Draco. He looked up at her with a frantic mix of bewilderment and desire. Taking him by the hand, she led him into her room, the door closing behind them with a click.

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