Chapter 27
Champagne Supernova - Oasis track/6EMynpZ10GVcwVqiLZj6Ye?autoplay=true
CW: drug use
Theo sat up groggily as a huge bear Patronus roared in front of his face. It took him a second to remember where he was: their room above the tavern in Knockturn Alley, not back in the Heads' Dorm in Hogwarts. He was missing his bed, that was for certain. These cushioning charms were not cutting it.
"Lord Nott, you have two hours to have Mr. Malfoy in the Ministry Atrium for his press conference. Do not be late." With the message delivered, the bear ran through the air and out of the building.
"Oh, to be a Patronus," Theo yawned, rolling over and kissing Draco on his neck. "Dragon, hey, love, it's time to wake up. You've got two hours to be back at the Ministry for your press conference."
Draco groaned into his pillow, before rolling himself over.
"Can I borrow some of your muggle clothes?" Draco asked, leaning forward to capture Theo's lips, "If I am going to express my disdain for all things Pureblood, I want to look the part."
Theo's eyes twinkled in merriment, "Oh, I have just the thing."
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Draco took a long drag of the cigarette that Theo had given him and saw the flashing of cameras.
Show Time.
He dropped the cigarette and crushed it under the heel of Theo's dragonhide boots.
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Draco's solicitors were all present and had set up a podium and a table next to it for the press conference. As much as he was dreading this whole experience, Ms. Wright and her team certainly had the set-up logistics under control.
Mr. Penworthy was frantically going over notes and shoved them into Draco's hand.
"These are the key points that you need to address. Everything you did, you are very sorry for. You don't believe in any of the ideals of Voldemort or Pureblood Supremacy. You intend to abide by all the terms of your probation and make a positive impact on Wizarding society."
"Easy to do when that's my plan," Draco's eyes went over the lines in the solicitor's precise handwriting.
Penworthy smiled encouragingly. "Now, there will be a short question and answer period once you finish speaking. Try to keep your answers concise. Yes. No. If anyone asks anything inappropriate, Ms. Wright or Ms. Achidan will step in and say 'our client has no comment on that matter', so that you don't have to."
Draco nodded, looking up at the crowd. Theo gave him a thumbs up from the back row.
"Let's do this."
Penworthy positioned him five feet back from the podium. Then Ms. Wright walked over in front of him to the podium. Draco felt a bit like a doll or a puppet, but he was going to play his part to perfection.
Using the sonorus charm, she put her wand to her throat. "Greetings, esteemed members of the press and the public. I am Mathilda Wright, Chief Solicitor for Mr. Malfoy. He will be making some brief remarks this morning. Then we will allow a few questions about his statement or trial as long as they remain within the bounds of decency." At that last remark, Ms. Wright clearly stared at Rita Skeeter meaningfully until the garishly dressed blonde nodded almost imperceptibly.
"Without further ado." Ms Wright gestured to him and he stepped forward.
Draco took a deep breath and looked out at the sea of unfriendly faces, his eyes searching for Theo, who mouthed "look at me." Draco did. He let the crowd melt away and he kept his eyes trained on Theo. Theo who loved him no matter what. Theo had moved heaven and earth to make sure he didn't go to Azkaban. Draco could always count on Theo, even in this moment.
Pressing his wand to his throat, Draco said, "My name is Draco Lucius Malfoy, heir to the Ancient and Noble Houses of Malfoy and Black. I want to begin by expressing my deep regret about my involvement in the war. I never wanted to hurt anyone and those that I was unable to save will haunt me for all my days. I am grateful for war heroes such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, and Luna Lovegood who spoke out yesterday at my trial. It is due to their conscience and devotion to justice that I am speaking to you today rather than being sent to Azkaban."
"I would also like any of the first years who signed the letter that was read at my trial yesterday to know that I knew without being told who each and every one of you had to be. Your identities and background didn't mean anything to me while the school was under brutal rule of the Carrows. All that mattered was that you were innocent kids who needed to be kept from harm. I appreciate that you were grateful for my intervention, but it should never have been needed. You should have been safe at Hogwarts and, through my own initial actions, you were not."
"I am in complete disagreement with the views promoted by the Dark Lord - Tom Riddle - and my father, the current Lord Malfoy. Muggles are not endangering the Wizarding World. Muggleborns do not steal magic. There is no truth to Pureblood supremacy. Magical power and blood status are in no way linked. In fact, we all know that many Pureblood families have only one child these days and some of the heirs of the Sacred 28 have so little magic as to barely be called wizards. Arranged marriages and incestuous relationships between cousins have crippled the Pureblood community."
"Pureblood supremacy beliefs are further proven wrong because the most powerful witch of our age, Hermione Granger, is a Muggleborn. For many years, my father would beat me for admitting that she was better than me. I admit freely that Ms. Granger is superior to me in all things academic and magical. I'm only grateful that she doesn't have an affinity for Quidditch."
A small smattering of laughter went through the crowd. Theo's reassuring smile was Draco's focal point, everything else faded back again. Draco focused on Theo's lips and continued with his prepared remarks.
"In conclusion, I never wished to do any of the things I was ordered to do and did everything I could to delay them. I hope that the Wizarding World will show me the same mercy as the Wizengamot has. I will do my best to contribute in a positive manner to the future of the Wizarding community, using the wealth of my House for philanthropic goals above and beyond those required by my Wizengamot probation. Thank you. I will now open the floor to any questions."
"Are you wearing Muggle clothing, Mr. Malfoy?" A reporter with a Witch Weekly badge called out.
"Yes, far more comfortable than wizarding robes I would say. I'm given to understand that I am wearing an Italian made leather coat. I can check with my stylist on the maker if you like. The denims are Versace." Theo's grin at being referred to as Draco's stylist was so happy that it took Draco's breath away for a second and he had to take a deep breath to focus. Draco turned slightly so the reporter could see the leather jacket and the black denims that he'd borrowed from Theo. Her cameraman took a few photos.
He wished he would have had Pansy paint his nails this morning, but he and Theo had left the girls to sleep in the now well-warded rented room. They'd looked so exhausted and sweet curled up together.
"You've been ordered by the Wizengamot to provide two blood heirs," Rita Skeeter called out, "Can we expect an engagement announcement to a girl from one of the Sacred 28 families? I had understood that, prior to going to Azkaban, your father was in talks with the Greengrass family. Will that be announced soon?"
"There is no marriage contract between myself and either of the Greengrass daughters," Draco stated flatly, failing in his quest not to occlude. Cordelia would be so disappointed in him. "Nor do I plan to pursue a contract with any other Pureblood family at this time."
"Does that mean you'll be seeking a Halfblood or Muggleborn bride?" Skeeter looked at Draco with a feral glee that made him deeply uncomfortable. The last thing he needed was this woman trying to interfere with his private business. He had Hermione and Pansy to think of. Theo too.
"When I set an engagement, that information will be sent to the Prophet and Witch Weekly as is customary upon the finalisation of the marriage contracts." His occlumency was weak after a summer of attempting to prevent himself from using it and he started to feel the anger at the reporter and her invasive questions bubbling up inside him. He needed to keep himself under control in front of all these reporters, regardless of how difficult it was.
Waving her quill in excitement, Rita Skeeter started to add a follow-up question, but Ms. Wright cut her off.
"We'd like to thank everyone for joining us today. If you have any further questions, you can send them to our new office of Wright, Achidan, Osborne, and Penworthy which is now housed in Diagon Alley. We'd be pleased to correspond with any of you on our client's behalf for the purposes of your articles."
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Hermione and Pansy woke up in each other's arms. Pansy placed small kisses on the tip of Hermione's nose.
"Good morning, Mi," Pansy whispered. "We appear to be alone in this big bed together. Whatever will we do with ourselves?"
"Where are the boys?" Hermione asked, her hands trailing over Pansy's trim waist before brushing a stray tendril of hair out of her face.
"Draco had that press conference this morning," Pansy replied, "So I imagine there?
"Shouldn't we be there as well?" Hermione's nose crinkled in confusion.
"Absolutely not," Pansy stated with confidence, "Not unless you want to be on the front page of every publication in the magical world next week, along with the conjecture about why exactly you testified on his behalf. I think they made a good decision not bringing us with."
Hermione still looked doubtful. "Do you think we have enough time to shower together and for you to braid my hair before we leave the hotel?"
"Oh Mi, I always have time to take care of you," Pansy kissed the brunette deeply, her hands tangling in the curls and they forgot for a few minutes about anything but each other's soft lips and smooth skin and the sound of their whimpers breaking the quiet in the darkened room.
Hermione was dazed with the sweetness of Pansy's kisses. When Pansy rose and led Hermione to the bath, Hermione could only follow.
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Once under the relative warmth of the shower head, Pansy put Hermione's palms on the dark tiled walls. She spread Hermione's leg with her knee. She loved the visual of Hermione like this, in submission. There was something particularly seductive about it. The Gryffindor Princess was such a fiery witch that her obedience was something to treasure, the way Theo's obedience was.
Pansy adored that they handed their power over to her.
She swore to herself that she would never take such gifts for granted. Who else could say they had received what Pansy had from her lovers? No other witch, that was certain.
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When Draco and Theo returned to the White Wyvern, the girls were nowhere to be seen, but their laughter could be heard along with running water.
"Are they being naughty?" Draco asked with a smirk, his lips expressing his delight in a way that made Theo want to nip Draco's bottom lip.
"Sounds like it," Theo grinned, "Let's let them enjoy their girl time for a bit." He flopped down onto the bed. "How do you feel now that you are finished with one more requirement?"
Draco leaned against the bedpost, "I don't know. It doesn't seem real. That I'm not going to Azkaban. That I get to be here with you and Hermione and Pans. That the future holds Quidditch, books, painting and sex. Do I deserve all that?"
"Of course you do, dragon," Theo pushed himself up on his elbows. "And even if you aren't convinced that you deserve it, can you be convinced that I do?"
"Theo, you deserve the world." Draco replied, crawling onto the bed with him. Theo pulled him in for a passionate kiss, his arms wrapping around Draco's shoulders.
"You look so good in muggle clothes, Drake," Theo murmured against his lover's lips. "I don't know how I'll keep my hands off of you for the rest of the day."
"Do you need to keep your hands off me?" Draco put his forehead against Theo's, his hands getting lost in Theo's curls.
"In Diagon Alley, I do," Theo sighed, "Unless we want to get attacked by those that find it offensive. Yesterday those bigots in the Ministry were bad enough. Let's not add being openly queer to our problems."
"I find that I prefer the Wizarding World less and less," Draco huffed, his hands travelling over Theo's arms and chest.
"There's homophobia in the Muggle world as well," Theo pointed out.
"But aren't there things…places that are safe in the Muggle world?" Draco asked, uncertain.
"I suppose," Theo kissed Draco again, Hermione's moans from the bathroom making him smile. Pansy was certainly taking care of their princess in there. "Sometimes, I wish we could stay like this forever. Somewhere safe and isolated, just the four of us."
"That's the dream, yeah?" Draco responded, allowing himself to truly imagine a future like that for the first time.
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After emerging from the shower flushed and replete, Hermione convinced them that they needed to go shopping for school supplies before they did anything else.
"We have our shopping lists from McGonagall," Hermione pointed out, "Why not just get the shopping out of the way?"
"Well, I'm not leaving our things here unattended. If I did and things were stolen, I would only have myself to blame honestly," Theo pointed out. Casting a charm that sent all their things flying about the room back into their trunks, Theo shrunk the trunks and put them in his pocket. He tucked his wand away into a hidden pocket in his coat, a self-satisfied smirk on his face.
"The lack of adequate lodging in Wizarding London is kind of appalling when you think about it," Pansy pointed out in annoyance, slipping on a black heels to go with her short black dress.
"There is more lodging but they won't rent to us," Draco interjected, bitterness in his voice.
Hermione made a disapproving noise, but refrained from sharing her thoughts.
Diagon Alley had been eerily empty when Theo and Draco had come back from the Ministry that morning, but now it was mid-morning and the streets were crowded with others doing their back to school shopping.
Draco couldn't help but catch the looks of hate on people's faces. He wanted to be anyone else, maybe he should have had Hermione cast a glamour on him, but that could violate his probation, he wasn't sure. He would have to ask his Probation Auror or his solicitors. He didn't want to inadvertently do anything that would get him sent to Azkaban.
The four of them managed to get measured for their new robes with very little fanfare at Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. The sales girl sniffed a few times while measuring Draco, but Theo's status as Lord Nott and the galleons that he paid to the shop owner got them all served and back out onto the street in record time.
"You know usually it's me that gets treated like I have a disease in there," Hermione pointed out. Draco looked abashed at her comment, knowing that he and his mother had been guilty of treating Hermione poorly in that same shop on more than one occasion.
"Now you are a war heroine, most shops will fall all over themselves to have your patronage." Pansy laughed. "Where to next?"
"Magical Menagerie to get some treats for Crooks," Hermione said. "Then the apothecary for potion supplies and Flourish and Blotts."
Inside Flourish and Blotts was where they were first exposed to crowds as Diagon Alley began to fill with a lunch rush.
Inside the bookstore, when Draco was tripped by a man with a cane, kicked in the shin by a sneering child, and someone else dropped a book on him while browsing; he bore all of it with good graces.
When they were browsing the Arithmancy section, a man started screaming about Draco.
"This man is a murderer! Someone should call the Aurors!"
Hermione handed off her and Draco's texts to Theo and dragged Draco outside away from the increasingly aggressive mob of wixen in the book shop.
"I never thought folks in a bookshop were about to attack someone before." Hermione chewed her lip pensively.
"About to? Hermione I think I have a lump from the book on 8th century Masters of Scrying. It had to have been twenty centimetres thick." Draco rubbed at the back of his head, wincing in pain until Pansy cast a healing spell on the small cut that she found when she ran her fingers over his scalp carefully. They waited for Theo to emerge from the shop, but their reprieve from the comments and the glares was short lived.
"Filthy bloody Death Eaters - walking the street like decent people." An older wizard sneered at Draco and Theo. The man began to pull his wand when Hermione stepped between them.
"You may wish to put your wand away, sir." Hermione hissed, showing her teeth in a display of ferocity. "It wouldn't be bright to hex a war heroine, would it?" Hermione's hand was on her own wand. "My body count is higher than any of the Slytherins behind me. I don't think you want to chance it."
The man backed away quickly, his hands raised. His eyes wide at the sight of the Gryffindor Princess defending Draco Malfoy.
"Did you enjoy the fear in his eyes, Mi?" Pansy whispered into her ear.
"Unfortunately, yes," Hermione sighed. "I'm not sure if you all are a terrible influence or if I'm just much darker a witch than I like to admit. We've basically finished our shopping. Why don't we go to Muggle London? We can have some fun where no one knows us." Hermione cajoled, desperate to get away from the aggressive behaviour that they were being faced with in Diagon Alley. "We have two days til the Hogwarts Express leaves and we can get an actual nice hotel in Muggle London. Noone knows who we are there."
That it was only a matter of time until someone from the Daily Prophet showed up and started taking photos went unsaid.
Theo clapped his hands with excitement, "I've visited Muggle Rome and Venice with Blaise, but I've never been to Muggle London, let's do it!"
"Do we need to get muggle money?" Pansy asked. "I've never had any." She exchanged apprehensive looks with Draco.
"Gringotts will exchange galleons for it, I always had to do the reverse with my parents in order to do my school shopping," Hermione pursed her lips. "So they have to do it the other way as well. I'm not sure about the exchange rate though."
"Hermione, darling," Theo laughed, his voice low, "The goblins have all the money, there's hardly another option. They can charge what they like."
"Also, I'm not sure they'll be keen on me coming in. I did break in during the war after all." Hermione fiddled with her jumper hem.
"Only one way to find out." Theo dragged her by the hand with Draco and Pansy following close behind. Draco watched the witches and wizards on the street, surveying every movement hoping to keep the three people that he cared about safe.
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"Lord Nott for the Noble House bank account manager," Theo said, effecting his most pretentious Pureblood stance. His arms were crossed and he looked at the Goblin in lazy disregard.
"Do you have public banking business, Lord Nott, or would you like a private business room?" The Goblin asked, shuffling papers.
"Private business if you please," Theo sighed as though this should have been obvious. "I have Heir Malfoy and Miss Parkinson who will need assistance as well."
The Goblin finally looked up at Theo and his companions. "And Miss Granger?"
"I've just hired her as a Muggle world liaison. I trust that won't be a problem? I understand that there is money to be made amongst the Muggles." Theo raised an eyebrow imperiously.
"Not a problem at all, Lord Nott," the Goblin stated. "Follow me, please."
"I told you there would not be a problem," Theo flashed Hermione his devil-may-care grin. She rolled her eyes at him, earning yet another grin. Their escort opened a door into a room that Hermione had no idea was there. The room sparkled with white marble and was dominated by a large wooden table.
"Gnarlak," Theo greeted warmly. "How's the family?"
The Goblin awaiting them in the office looked down his nose at Theo and pushed his small glasses up. "Lord Nott. To what do I owe the pleasure?" He made it sound as though it was anything but a pleasure. His intonation was flat and he did not even bother to acknowledge Theo's query about his family.
"I'm planning to spend a few days in Muggle London. I need funds and a way to access more funds while out and about. I plan to do some shopping and potentially some investing."
Gnarlak nodded, pushing a red button on the table. Another Goblin poked his head in. "Bring me the Nott account ledger and have Bourilda enchant one of the black cards for Lord Nott's use."
Hermione choked at the mention of the black card, struggling to imagine the amount of galleons that Theo must have in his vaults. Draco looked over at her at the noise that she made and she didn't say anything, just shaking her head at him. She'd grown up well off and her mother's family had been well off, but Hermione was nowhere near the financial level that Theo Nott was.
"Heir Malfoy requires the same and how much longer until he can claim his lordship?" Theo neglected to sit in the chair that was available to him.
"Do you three consent to the discussion of bank business in the presence of each other and the Muggleborn witch?" Gnarlak asked.
Theo, Draco and Pansy all said, "Aye" in an eerie synchronicity. Gnarlak nodded, before making a notation in the book in front of him.
"Your father ceded his title upon his entrance to Azkaban, Lord Nott, but Lord Malfoy has not done so. Heir Malfoy," Gnarlak directed his attention to Draco. "You will be able to claim your Lordship when your father dies. I believe the Kiss is scheduled for December nineteenth. We can set an appointment for a few days later to do the transfer spells. Lord Malfoy's signet is being held at Azkaban and they won't transfer it back to the bank yet, despite our requests. You will also need access to Muggle funds, Heir Malfoy?"
"Please, Gnarlak." Draco answered, earning a raised eyebrow from the Goblin. Gnarlak pushed the button again and requested both the Malfoy and Parkinson account books be brought to him.
A smaller Goblin, groaning under the weight of a huge ancient book, entered the room and placed it on the table. Another Goblin came in with a golden box that popped open to reveal a shining black credit card with Theo's name printed on it, "Theodore T Nott, Lord Nott."
Well that was going to get him a certain level of service in the Muggle world. Between the black card and a noble title on it, he was assuredly going to be fawned upon by customer service staff.
Gnarlak annotated in the book as he spoke, looking over the numbers in various columns that seemed to update as Hermione watched. She already knew that Theo was wealthy but there were a lot more zeros than she had originally imagined.
"We've also had Muggle identification made for you. It puts your age at eighteen as that is the Muggle age of adulthood. It has a mild confundus on it, so muggles won't look too closely at it. You may need to show the Muggle identification along with the black card in order to spend your galleons as Muggle pounds. We also have three thousand pounds here for your needs that may not accept the card payment. I am sure Ms Granger will advise you on when the paper money is needed versus when to use the black card that is linked to your vaults." The Goblin looked at her with dislike.
She nodded, swallowing awkwardly.
"Heir Malfoy is also eligible for the black card primarily due to the funds in the Black trust account that Lady Walburga Black opened for him prior to her death, but Miss Parkinson is not eligible for that sort of access. Miss Parkinson, your trust vault is beneath the threshold, do you wish for some Muggle money rather than the card?"
"What's my current balance on my trust account?" Pansy asked, her long sharp blood red nails tapping on the table to the annoyance of the Goblin who scowled.
"Thirty thousand galleons which is one hundred forty seven thousand Muggle pounds at the current exchange rate." Gnarlak stated.
"Pans, I can more than cover anything that you might want in Muggle London," Theo offered.
"Mi, how much money do you think is reasonable for a two day holiday in the Muggle world?"
"Unless we are going to all the designer shops, I can't imagine you needing more than two thousand pounds." Hermione did not think that she would ever get used to the fact that money was no object to Slytherins.
"I can always need more money," Pansy smiled. "I'd like to withdraw the equivalent of a thousand galleons, Gnarlak."
The Goblin notated into the various giant dusty tomes and then awaited the delivery from the other goblins who brought more golden boxes to the Slytherins.
When faced with the stacked bills that they were all receiving, Theo, Draco, and Pansy exchanged looks of shock. Hermione sighed and conjured wallets and money clips for the boys and a bill fold for Pansy, and a small cross body purse. They watched as she slid their identification cards and credit cards into the slots and organised the cash into the money clips. She charmed them all against theft and loss and handed them back to the three confused Purebloods.
"Will that be all, Lord Nott," Gnarlak asked, frowning at Theo.
Theo looked at Hermione who nodded, unable to think of anything further that they needed from the bank at that point.
"Yes Gnarlak, thank you for your time this afternoon. Heir Malfoy and I will owl the bank to set up an appointment for December." The Goblin nodded and gestured for them to leave the private room.
The four of them filed out of the office and as they exited Gringotts, Theo turned to Hermione and asked, "Alright Hermione, where are we off to now?"
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Hermione and the Slytherins apparated into King's Cross. Platform 9 ¾ was silent and eerie in the early evening. No crowds of families, no shouting children, just the empty platform in the heart of one of the busiest parts of London.
"Pull out our trunks, Theo," Hermione commanded.
"But they are shrunk down," Theo looked at her in confusion.
"We'll look odd checking into a hotel without luggage," Hermione pointed out. "Muggles are all about appearance. Things need to fit their expectations, especially if we go somewhere posh, and then they tend to go along with most things."
Theo nodded in understanding and pulled out their trunks sitting them on the platform and restoring them to their proper size. Hermione transformed each into expensive looking suitcases similar to ones that her mother's best friend had brought once on a shared family trip that they'd taken.
"You're all wearing designer muggle clothes, aren't you?" Hermione asked, and then sighed, before transforming her clothes into a simple grey suit. She'd look like Theo's assistant, but that was fine. She sort of was acting in that role for the moment anyway.
"Alright...okay," Hermione started. "So this is what we are going to do -"
Once she explained the taxi, how long it would take and what to expect, her three lovers were looking more nervous instead of less so she determined that it was time to just go for it as more explaining wasn't going to make this any better.
When the cab driver asked her what hotel they were heading to, Hermione blanked for a second and then said, "The Savoy." It was fancy enough to appease the Purebloods, Hermione was certain of that. And they should have a suite that could accommodate the four of them.
Draco stared at the taxi in awe until Hermione took him by the hand and pulled him inside. She motioned for them to mimic her buckling in her seatbelt, which she did slowly, and discreetly cast several cushioning charms on their hard plastic seats.
Pansy looked out onto the streets of London with amazement, holding Theo's hand tightly, while he grinned in excitement at Hermione. Draco's leg shook, his anxiety apparent as they rode in the chequered cab.
"When we have to come back to King's Cross, the hotel will probably arrange a transfer for us, so we won't have to take a cab that time." Draco nodded absently and Hermione squeezed his leg trying to reassure him. "It's a short ride."
The cab pulled into the drop off of the hotel, dominated by columns, a huge fountain and staff who made quick work of the bags and had them on a trolley. Hermione smiled kindly at one of the porters and whispered, "Lord Nott," she inclined her head at Theo, "Doesn't have a reservation, but just returned from out of the country and doesn't want to travel all the way to the estate. Are there any vacancies?"
"Oh assuredly miss," the porter replied. "Especially for a member of the nobility. Are you his assistant?"
"Yes," Hermione sighed as though put out. "If I had known this was the plan, I would have made reservations in advance."
"Far be it for us to know what they will want though, miss." The older man smiled in commiseration. He looked over at the Slytherins who were hiding their nervousness with the look of bored ennui that one would expect from aristocrats.
"Indeed."
"Please follow me, your lordship," the porter bowed to Theo. "The front desk will get you taken care of straight away."
The Slytherins followed the man into the pristine and sparkling lobby and were led to the desk. Theo was clearly intimidated and Hermione remembered that while he had been to Italy with Blaise a number of times, he'd always stayed at Blaise's estate.
"Miss Granger, can you assist me?" Theo asked in a tone that made it an imperious command. She rushed up to the counter with him, as though she was afraid of losing her job.
"Lord Nott would like a suite, ma'am," Hermione smiled at the receptionist.
"We'll need an identification card and a credit card please." The receptionist typed on the computer in front of her while Theo pulled out his wallet and handed Hermione his cards. The receptionist took one look at Theo's black credit card and nodded. The Savoy was a luxury hotel, they were used to guests with Theo's level of wealth. There was no awe in her expression, only acceptance that they could afford to be here.
"Thank you, Lord Nott." The receptionist kept typing. "How many days will you be staying with us?"
"Until the morning of the first," Theo stated, examining his fingernails as though terribly bored.
"Thank you," she continued. "Do you -"
"I'd like whatever suite is best," Theo interjected, cutting off the receptionist. "Galle - Pounds are no object." His lips twisted at his near slip with terminology.
"I understand…Well it appears the Royal Suite has just had a cancellation and is currently available. It's fifteen thousand pounds per night."
"I doubt I'll notice," Theo replied, his voice oozing privilege and wealth.
"Of course, sir." The receptionist typed a bit at the computer and took the cards, swiping and offering a pin pad for Theo to autograph. "Your signature please sir. And how many keys will you like?"
"Four please," Hermione said, trying to be extra sweet in proportion to Theo's poncey behaviour. She was barely able to keep herself from rolling her eyes and calling him a prat.
"Of course," the receptionist said again.
She handed Theo back his cards to which Hermione whispered, "Put those away before you lose them."
"Yes Miss Granger, you know I love it when you tell me what to do," Theo remarked, not bothering to lower his voice. The receptionist didn't say anything, but her lip twitched as though she was fighting a smile.
Hermione blushed and looked back at Draco and Pansy who were looking around with that same bored indifference that they had been attempting since they had arrived at the hotel.
"Miss Granger, you take the keys, please." Theo ordered in one of his most commanding tones.
"Of course, your lordship," Hermione replied demurely.
"Your room comes with a butler service and a number of other amenities. Would you like me to -"
Interrupting, Theo bit out. "What I'd like is to relax in my room briefly before I go out for the evening, so can we speed this up?"
"Of course," the receptionist motioned for a man in a full tuxedo to come to her. "This is Reginald. He'll be your personal butler for the duration of your stay."
"Reginald, Lord Nott and his entourage will be in the Royal Suite until the first." The butler smiled and bowed.
"This way, your lordship, miss."
"Draco! Pansy! Come along. We have our room." Theo called.
Pansy gave him a glare that could have frozen piping hot coffee. "Theo darling, remember I tell you what to do, not the other way around. I'd hate to have to remind you."
Theo laughed. "Threaten me with a good time too." The butler and the receptionist kept the same polite expressions on their faces, reacting not in the slightest to Theo's inappropriate comments.
Their private lift led to an upper floor that was dominated by their giant suite. The Purebloods all seemed to have no problems with the lift and even Hermione had to admit that it was much safer than the terrifying lifts in the Ministry.
The butler opened the door, revealing opulent rooms and Hermione barely held in a gasp at the beautiful view overlooking the Thames. She tried to pretend that this level of decadence wasn't stealing her very breath.
"Is there anything further you would like, my lord?" Reginald asked. "There's a bottle of champagne on ice in the dining room. Shall I order dinner for your party?"
"We'll have a late dinner," Theo stated. "For now we need our luggage, because we are going to be going out."
"Of course my lord," Reginald turned and the trolley with the porter entered with all their things.
Hermione handled the porter, letting him know that they didn't wish for their bags to be unpacked and to place them all into one of the two bedrooms that the suite offered. If the porter thought it was odd that the four of them were all using one bedroom instead of splitting between the two available, he was too well trained to show it.
"Thank you Reginald," Theo smiled. "We will most likely be back late, mildly intoxicated, and I will definitely want something to eat then. If you could have the kitchens prepare a selection of what they consider their best treats and bites, that would be ideal."
Once Reginald had bowed and left the room along with the porter, Theo turned to everyone, "Alright my darlings, let's get dolled up because we are going out!"
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Theo insisted on taking "the tube" to a gay bar after he learned that there was one only a few stops away. Draco was horrified by the entire concept as Hermione explained to them what they needed to do to travel in that manner.
For the experience Theo said. Theo who was wearing a sparkly button down shirt and tight black jeans, his custom belt buckle highly visible, the snake entwined through the letter "N." Theo who oozed confidence about this foray into the Muggle world.
Despite the fact that Draco desperately wanted to visit a place where it was socially acceptable to touch Theo, the method of transportation was not something that he was enjoying. Draco thought that he was going to be physically ill the entire time. He held onto the pole above his head with white knuckles as the train jerked and started, the smell of muggles' sweat and the less than immaculate train made his skin crawl.
Once they emerged from the strange subterranean train, they had to go through a filthy white tiled tunnel that eventually led them out into the open air. Draco was so grateful to be out of that dungeon-like place. It was nothing like the Slytherin dungeons, it felt strange and frightening. The smell was unpleasant and Draco sucked in the fresh air desperately and tried to pretend as though he was fine. He could do this. Theo had saved him from Azkaban, so Draco could learn to cope with Muggle transportation and culture if it made Theo happy.
He looked at Hermione's content expression. She was thrilled to be on this outing as well, to be their guide into the world that she was born into. Draco needed to take a breath, remember Cordelia's coping skills instruction, and keep it together to make those he loved happy.
This was not too much to ask of him.
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Hermione and Pansy were both in short black dresses with heels and tight chokers. They held hands as they waited in the line to get into the club. Pansy put her arm around Hermione's waist and her deep red lips stretched into a smile.
Theo was clearly enjoying having his hands on Draco, pulling the blonde in for a kiss and grinning at Pansy over his shoulder. The line was filled with other men showing casual affection. Pansy marvelled at it. The Muggle world was so different from the Wizarding world. She couldn't imagine what the reactions to this sort of thing would be in Diagon Alley, but she didn't think they would be good. Especially when she considered who they were, the Slytherin witch who tried to betray Harry Potter with her arms around the Golden Girl would cause a riot.
If people learned about Draco and Theo it wouldn't cause much of a sensation as long as their affection was kept private, although no member of the Sacred 28 touched their spouse with anything approaching tenderness in a public setting. It just wasn't done, but that wasn't the life that Pansy wanted for herself.
She looked into the Gryffindor Princess' smiling face.
That wasn't the life that she deserved either.
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One of the bouncers came down the row and pulled them from the line. Hermione couldn't miss the way the man admired Theo and Draco, and she knew that they were the reason that the four of them were getting in quicker as opposed to her and Pansy.
She wished that she'd cast extra cushioning charms on her heels, the one was really not cutting it. After forcing Hermione into one of her dresses and thigh high stockings, Pansy had gone a little overboard on the Sleek-easy Potion and the makeup. Hermione had rarely worn so much, even the night of the Yule Ball, but Theo and Draco had been full of compliments and that was quite the ego boost.
The whole goal of tonight was to have a good time. Pansy and Draco deserved a chance to celebrate their newfound freedom and to enjoy the anonymity that the Muggle world allowed. On this side of reality, they were just a group of posh young people out for a night on the town. There was no one about to hex Draco or to get in Hermione's face about the company she was keeping, and they were extremely unlikely to run into a reporter from the Daily Prophet. Here there was nothing for Hermione to do but have a good time.
It was a real change of pace, no one to rescue, no problems to solve. No Harry to save.
Oh to be young and without responsibilities for once in her life.
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True to Gnarlak's word, the Muggles barely looked at their identification cards and their wrists were summarily stamped with an indistinguishable mark that made Draco stiffen when the man put it on his inner wrist.
"It's proof you've paid to get in," Hermione whispered. "Nothing nefarious, you can wash it off later." She squeezed his shoulder and the four of them made their way indoors.
The inside of the club was all flashing lights and deep vibrating bass. Theo loved it. It reminded him of one of the festivals he'd been to with Blaise. He squeezed Draco's hand to reassure him, noticing that Draco was struggling not to occlude. Draco hung onto his hand like a life line and Theo thought that he could probably get used to this. Maybe they could live in the Muggle world full time after they finished Hogwarts. It didn't seem that difficult to navigate.
Money always made things easier and Salazar knew that Theo had plenty of that.
Draco's arm wrapped around Theo's waist as they headed further inside and Theo hated to appreciate Draco being uncomfortable, but if it meant that Draco willingly touched him in public like this, Theo couldn't help but bask in the warmth of his dragon.
"Here!" Hermione pointed to a table that wasn't taken, it only had two tall chairs, but with a little lift from the two boys, the girls were placed in them.
"I'll go get some drinks," Theo offered. "Draco, stay with our girls and keep them safe while I'm gone."
Theo could hear Hermione complaining that she was perfectly capable of keeping herself safe as he headed over to the bar. Her indignant tone made him smile.
This outing was exactly what he had needed. Choosing a drink from the specials list at random based only on its name, Theo gave a few bills to the bartender hoping that they were enough and took the drinks back to his lovers. He cast a nonverbal sticking charm to the glasses so that he didn't drop them all over the floor and embarrass himself.
The place was crowded already, full of men touching each other and women on each other's laps.
Muggles may not be the same as wizards, but fuck if this place wasn't magical.
"Alright, loves," Theo smiled as he passed the drinks to the other three. "We have to start tonight off with a celebratory toast. This is the first day of the rest of our lives together. We beat the Wizengamot and Azkaban and we're not going to take that or each other for granted."
"To escaping our responsibilities!" Hermione added.
"To Aurelia Selwyn," Pansy chimed in. "We couldn't ask for a better probation Auror."
"Officer," Hermione corrected.
"À votre santé!" Draco coughed as he drank from the glass. "Theo, what is this? It's so sweet!"
"The bartender said it was called a sex on the beach." Theo laughed. "I think I love it."
"Are you sure there is alcohol in this, Theo?" Pansy asked, sipping the brightly coloured cocktail. "It tastes like juice."
"Yes, Pansy," Hermione answered. "It absolutely has alcohol. Don't drink it too fast."
"Yes, mum," Pansy responded dutifully, giving Hermione a mock salute with desire bright in her eyes.
Hermione's answering blush was so endearing, that Theo leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, before turning to Draco.
"I have to use the loo," Theo said to him, kissing him lightly on the earlobe. "Guard my drink and I'll be right back."
Theo surveyed the club and saw a corridor with an icon of a man and a woman that glowed bright blue and pink in the darkness.
Once he found the appropriate door after a few tries, Theo found a room that smelled horrendously of piss and seemed to only contain a small sink and row of urinals. Theo was disconcerted to discover a dark-haired man leaning against the wall.
"I can tell you're new here, pretty boy, how about I show you how to really make this night special?"
"Alas, my boyfriend will frown on me shagging someone random while in the loo." Theo smiled and went to move past the young man.
"You misunderstand me," the man said, holding out a little bag with a small pink tablet in it. Theo's eyes widened, he'd taken something that looked similar a few years ago with Blaise.
"How much," Theo asked, chewing his lip as he awaited the answer.
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As Theo returned to the table, he found that everyone was on their second drink, empty glasses stacked on one side. Theo drank his first drink quickly, his mouth already dry from the pill that he had purchased in the bathroom.
It wasn't his first time experimenting with Muggle party drugs and he knew that they never affected wizards quite as strongly as they did Muggles. Someone should really study why that was sometime.
He finished his second drink with the same alacrity, watching as Draco and Pansy were taking in the surroundings. This place was the antithesis of every Pureblood ball and party that they had ever attended.
"Come on, let's dance." Theo took Draco by the hand, while Pansy led Hermione further into the club where there were even more flashing lights and the floor was obscured by the same kind of smoke that came from a well brewed potion. Theo smiled in delight at Draco's hesitant enjoyment of all the new experiences, lacing his fingers with Draco's as he brought him deeper into the dance floor, keeping an eye on their witches as he did so.
Theo felt so good, every touch was magnified several fold. When Draco grabbed the back of Theo's neck to bring Theo closer while they were dancing. Theo nearly came in his pants. Muggle drugs were incredible. Draco's fingers ran through Theo's curls, the fingertips tracing his scalp.
It also felt amazing to be dancing like this with Draco in public. Theo's knee slid between Draco's and Theo's hands ran over his beloved's body. Draco's lips were just above his, they shared their breath. Theo felt as though lightning was flowing through his body. It was unbelievable that such open public pleasure-seeking was possible in the Muggle world.
Theo basked in the hedonism of the moment, committing it to memory for all time as Draco ran a thumb along his jaw and kissed him.
Finally.
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Hermione struggled to find her footing, dancing in heels. She'd never been out dancing like this, her muggle friends had drifted further and further away from her as she'd gotten older and she hadn't put in any effort in maintaining those friendships, spending the majority of her summers and Christmas hols in the Wizarding World. She'd put all her eggs in the Ron and Harry basket. Look where that had left her, all alone.
She wasn't alone though anymore was she?
Pansy twirled Hermione about and pulled her in close, her nails sending goosebumps all up and down over Hermione's arms. They came close together and Hermione pecked Pansy's lips in a light kiss. Pansy grinned at her. Hermione would never have imagined that she'd have this in her life, another witch kissing and touching her, making her feel wanted. She peaked at the boys through the crowd and the smoke machine and they were all over each other.
"Gods, they are so bloody fit," Pansy murmured, following Hermione's line of sight. "This place is amazing." Pansy turned Hermione around so that she could grab the witch's hips and bring her skin to skin against Pansy's front. Pansy used the access to kiss her way down Hermione's neck as the music thumped in time to their heart beats.
"When we get back to the hotel, I can't wait to watch the two of them do all kinds of naughty things to each other and to you, Mi," Pansy nipped at Hermione's neck, while Hermione moaned lowly, the sound lost in the noise and the crowd.
She could feel that her own panties were wet.
Pansy's hand spread wide on Hermione's abdomen, a claiming touch. Hermione looked up to see other women looking at her with a leer that had been reserved for boys like McLaggen before and some others just admiring.
Pansy's lips were at her ear as the dark-haired witch rubbed against her body. "Definitely some appreciating stares, Mi. Too bad, we've already caught you. You're in bed with snakes now."
Hermione couldn't hold back the whimper as Pansy's teeth found her throat.
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Draco was so hard from rubbing against Theo that he was actually aching. He was enjoying the gay club since he's gotten used to the lights, thumping music and vibrations anyway. The one light that changed colours to green and lit up the smoke at his feet looking far too much like someone casting an Avada Kedavra was almost too much. He gripped to Theo and thank Salazar that his gasped "Daddy" had been swallowed up by the noises around them.
It had to be getting late and Draco was ready to go. It was wonderful to be able to kiss Theo in public, but he was ready for a more private celebration of his freedom.
"Theo, can we go?" Draco asked in Theo's ear, his hands holding Theo's hips tight. Theo nodded and grabbed a hold of Hermione as they left the dance floor, dragging Pansy along with them back outside.
"Can we please not take the tube back?" Draco asked, as they emerged into the cool London night.
"So needy, my dragon," Theo pinched Draco's arse with a grin. Draco blushed, unable to believe that Theo would do such a thing in public. The Muggle world was such a different place. Draco was having a hard time absorbing that this was actually real.
"I'll find us a taxi," Hermione laughed, dragging his hand down the street. "Come on!"
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Theo wasted no time ordering room service when they returned to the hotel. Reginald had stayed up expecting their return and the food was brought quickly: a selection of charcuterie, tea towers with various treats, and a few different dinner entrees. They all picked at the food, even Draco who had a tendency not to eat when he was stressed. Theo kissed the chocolate from his lips, fed Hermione berries and poured water for Pansy at her request. The suite he'd taken was full of sumptuous fabrics and bright colours. Theo was amazed at how luxurious Muggles were capable of making the place without any magic. The time and effort it must have taken was immense. He wondered if he could sell Nott Castle and live someplace like this indefinitely, the Nott vaults were pretty bottomless after all.
His body still felt as though every inch was tingling from the pill he had taken earlier. He wondered how long it was going to last. He didn't feel completely inebriated, he just felt good, like everything in life was made of pleasure instead of suffering for a change.
"Time for the bedroom?" Draco asked, taking a bite of a final lemon tart and licking his lips. "Please?"
Hermione had already taken off her heels and was rubbing the soles of her feet. "I'm absolutely ready to be off my feet for the night."
"Mmmm," Pansy agreed, walking toward the rear of the suite with Hermione and Draco following behind her.
"It's time for the Champagne because we are still celebrating!" Theo declared, holding up the champagne bottle dripping from the ice bucket as he walked into the bedroom wearing nothing but his trunks, his clothes had been abandoned piece by piece throughout the suite. His shoes by the chaise, his trousers over the back of a chair, his shirt on the floor in front of the door to the ensuite.
He still felt flushed, but he was ready to enjoy this perfect moment between the four of them.
"What did Blaise once say? That the proper way to drink it was off a woman's breasts." Theo giggled, earning a confused look from his lovers. "Let's find out if it really does taste better. I think Hermione will be the perfect vessel. Strip off the dress and bra, princess and sit on the edge of the bed…Leave the stockings." Theo licked his lips at the sinful picture that their princess made perched just so.
Pouring the champagne slowly over her clavicle onto her full naked breasts, Theo watched Draco lick at the bubbles that flowed over Hermione's bronze skin. Pansy licked the Champagne that pooled into Hermione's navel. Hermione gasped and mewled as her skin was licked and sucked, tongues and mouths fully making her go wild with desire.
"I think Blaise was right," Draco popped off Hermione's nipple. "The skin of a beautiful woman really invigorates the flavour of the Champagne."
"Fuck!" Hermione quivered as Pansy laced her fingers with the other witch's. "Do you have to be so bloody posh all the time?"
"Absolutely," Draco replied, smirking up at her with her nipple in his mouth which somehow didn't manage to ruin the effect.
Eventually the two mouths could not keep up with the pace at which Theo was pouring the expensive bottle of Champagne and a cool rivulet ran down past Hermione's navel and between her legs. She shivered.
Pansy chased the liquid with the tip of her finger, causing Hermione to writhe and Draco to hold her at the small of her back. His large hands forceful and his rings cool on her skin.
"Our girl is wet," Pansy clucked her tongue."Is it the champagne or is it for us? I believe that I'll have a taste to find out." Her lips pressed against the fabric, before she moved it to the side to give herself better access. Her lips and tongue drank in Hermione's arousal as her ears basked in the sound of the witch's moans. Theo dripped the last of the Champagne onto his tongue and attacked the column of Hermione's throat with his lips.
Hermione's breath was coming in swift desperate pants as her three snakes took complete control of her pleasure.
"Shouldn't we be spoiling Draco?" Hermione nearly sobbed out as her core pulsed under the onslaught of Pansy's experienced tongue.
As Theo took his place holding Hermione up, Draco pinched her nipples, looking up into her flushed face, as her swollen lips fell open.
"Who says that I don't feel spoiled?" Draco murmured, before he claimed her lips with his.