A/N: Hello people and thank you so much for your support! A special little alternate Power of Love Post-Hogwarts turn. More parts to come.
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Harry looked betwixt Elaine and Corene as the two finished dressing. It wasn't because of the sight they made whilst doing so — which was something he'd never not appreciate — but the sheer fact that this was his reality now. Months ago, days ago, hours ago even, he wouldn't have so much as given this a thought; it was impossible, right?
Apparently not. Somehow, as he looked between the two tall slender, dark-haired beauties, he recognised this was his life. Their friends, the people they've met with, the Ministry, all would have to grow accustomed to it just as he would. He hoped for their sake it was something they could do without delay or problems needing to arise.
"Enjoying your show?" Elaine called over her shoulder to him, her eyes peering at him in the mirror. As if to accentuate her point, she wiggled her hips as she pulled up the skirt she'd chosen for the day. Corene, likewise, did something similar, however, hers was done with far less showmanship as she simply turned to give him an 'optimal' view, bent over, and slid it up in an instant.
He had to say, he didn't mind either way, and he'd certainly not complain about either show given to him. As far as he was concerned, now that he'd agreed to give this a go — as any bloke would — he reckoned he might well go and enjoy the benefits.
"Ready," Corene said, turning on her heels so as to look at Elaine, her hands folded and behind her back; she looked professionally cute… and he didn't care if that wasn't a thing.
Elaine, meanwhile, fixed the blouse she'd chosen and turned her back to Corene, motioning towards a necklace. In an instant, Corene glided across the floor, her hands moving aside Elaine's hair until her deft hands latched the necklace rightly on. She made to move away from Elaine, but not before the latter said something, and so Corene leaned forward first.
Harry watched as Elaine turned her head and caught Corene with a kiss, the latter witch giving in immediately for the fleeting seconds of said embrace. When it was over, Elaine simply turned to look at him, a smirk on her face and a slight flush on her face.
"You have a necklace to wear as well, lover. Won't you let our Corene put it on you? She's very helpful."
He looked over to the aforementioned Corene, and when he saw her eyes on his, her head cocked to one side and her long hair flowing freely down her back all the while she looked at him, her face downcast… the demureness alone was enough to win him over, but Merlin. Harry wasn't sure how he'd not seen it before, but Corene truly was beautiful, her dollish looks and demure expressions always so appealing.
Her flush was just like Elaine's too; it'd go down her cheeks, down her neck and to the top of her breasts — sometimes, even the valley below. That lattermost option was always his favourite.
"Come here," were all the words that Harry needed to say to have Corene coming over to him, tentative and graceful as ever, her expression, whilst a near-mask of nothingness, still conveyed a sense of demure shyness; it was so rare to see that it made him meet her halfway out of impatience. Once they met, he led her over to the nearest chair, whereupon reaching it he took a seat so that she could latch the necklace. It was strange, being so close to somebody he'd called a friend for so long, but now, they were more than that. It'd be normal, she desired it even, if he were to kiss her.
Corene's deft hands did as they were asked, latching the necklace and once done, she stood before him with her hands folded before her. Her eyes were found his from behind that curtain of dark hair and darker eyelashes, and when he made to stand, she stayed put, her hands starting toward him for all of a second's time before they settled back to the space before her.
"Corene?" he asked, gaining her attention as she looked up, her eyes staring directly into his.
"I would like to kiss you if you'd be agreeable."
Harry blinked, looked over at a giggle-ridden Elaine who seemed very supportive based on her amused expression, and then he all but shrugged. He reached out his arms, letting them come to settle on Corene's hips and from there, he pulled her close until her slighter form was flush against his own.
"Hi."
Maybe it wasn't the brightest he'd ever been, but what could any bloke ever hope to say when he was face to face with a beautiful witch who asked to snog him? He reckoned there were very few, if any.
"Kiss?" Corene brought a hand, pale and with nails painted dark blue, up to her face to tap her lips.
That was all the encouragement he needed to hear before, with one last lingering glance at Elaine, he leaned in to kiss her. When his lips met Corene's, her hands came up, finding purchase not by grasping his shirt as Elaine might do, but by finding his hands. When they did so, hers kept a solid hold of his as she stood atop the tips of her toes.
As he kissed her, Corene's gentleness was startlingly different from Elaine's passionate, rough embrace. With the latter, it was almost like wrestling, but Corene was so sweet, and the little noises she'd make conveyed a thought he'd long had about her; she was adorable, and he very much wished to hear those noises she was making in perpetuity.
Mayhaps he'd become a touch depraved, or maybe, he'd simply given into the desires of the two Witches. Whatever it was, now that the beast had been unleashed so to say, there was no caging him up again. Corene was as much his now as Elaine was, and he'd be delighted to kiss her for as long as she'd like.
That turned out to be for nearly thirty seconds, off and on, until Elaine finally interceded.
"As splendid as this is to witness, my loves, we're soon expected at the Ministry and we shan't disappoint the people," Elaine gestured for the two to follow after her after a small burst of magic saw Corene and Harry separated — gently — from one another.
Harry righted his shirt immediately, running a hand through his hair a few seconds later. He reckoned he didn't look quite as respectable as he previously had, but one glance at Corene told him that was well worth it. There she was, a beautiful, vibrant blush spreading across the entirety of her face, her eyes downcast and her lips, vaguely upwards in the smallest of smiles; what truly made him swallow and walk away from her, was the sight of her aforementioned lips, swollen and bright.
Merlin, did he want to kiss her again… but time wouldn't allow it. Not until he was in his office with her for a 'report' and maybe Elaine would need to sit in with them to ensure she was informed.
No, Harry chastised himself after adjusting his pants, Corene gliding past him with a look over her shoulder that made him want to close his eyes or push her up against a wall. Not these thoughts.
"Hurry, Harry," Elaine called, her arms on her hips as Corene continued past her. When the latter was further away and Harry nearer, she whispered to him. "My turn."
And outshot her hands, finding purchase in his hair; they'd definitely be late.
Harry was faced with a very serious issue upon arrival. Elaine had been his for a very long time, and they'd always been very openly affectionate regardless of where they were. Be it a kiss in a crowded hall, a hug in the midst of Diagon Alley, or a quick series of pecks in the atrium of the Ministry, nothing had ever stopped them from being so openly loving towards one another, and he imagined nothing would.
Except for now. Right now, he didn't have a clue what the hell he should do. Should he still hold Elaine's hand? Should he take hold of Corene's considering she'd just started, well, dating him — was dating the right term? These were but some of the questions flying about in his head, and none of them would be solved before Elaine did as she wished, like she always did.
She moved to his right side, took one of Corene's hands, and placed it in his. Elaine returned to her original spot on his left afterwards and promptly took hold of his other hand. Evidently, the questions that had previously bugged him didn't seem to so much as trouble her as she started walking, forcing him to do the same — Corene had started as soon as Elaine had.
He couldn't help but hold his head up high as he walked past various people, the majority of whom would look, look again, and then quickly look away. It was likely a very queer sight, the three of them made for, but nobody would say much about it, would they? Elaine and he had taken out Grindelwald, invested thousands upon thousands of their own Galleons into the revitalization of the country as a whole, and saved countless lives.
But Merlin, even if he knew there'd likely be few dissenters, it didn't help the nervousness he felt; it was like he'd just started dating again, even if that was far from the case. As he walked, hand in hand… in hand… he couldn't help but let another troublesome thought enter his mind. Who did he kiss? When should he know?
Harry had such thoughts as he followed Elaine and Corene into the office, a very newly-made one recently set beside his with Corene's name on it; it wasn't hard to convince her to work at the Ministry when both he and Elaine ran it. The office was abuzz with activity, from aides, support staff and their personal Aurors, to the occasional advisor milling about and speaking with the aforementioned people.
"Harry!"
Aster's voice called from his office door, the boy leaning against it with a bright smile — Harry was happy to see such a look from his friend considering Reinhard's still recent passing.
"Morning, Aster," he called back. "Fancy a coffee during our morning's meeting?"
"You know I do," Aster said with a grin as he looked over at Corene and Elaine. He blinked at them, his eyes falling to their hands, and then his eyes returned to Harry. The boy opened his mouth, made to speak, paused, made to speak again, and then shook his head before turning around, and returning to his office with his hands seeking out his eyes.
Harry wouldn't be exaggerating if he'd say a thousand galleons would be a worthy price to know what his friend was thinking at that moment in time.
"Curious."
He and Elaine each looked over at Corene upon her single word being spoken aloud.
"Aster's been struck dumb," Elaine said with a roll of her eyes, before a mischievous sort of look set in. "I imagine he'll think of you in a new light, Harry. He'll likely be asking you about how you've found two witches with which to spend your time."
"Agreed. Most will think you a prophet of love-making," Corene said with a nod, her stoic visage gazing at him and a moment later, cocking to the side. "I would be willing to find out."
Silence.
More silence.
Harry turned to look at Elaine, who finally huffed and shook her head. "You're coming with me," she said to Corene as she pulled the girl by hand away from Harry. "I'm going to teach you how to properly enthrall him, lest you continue to do as you are. It sta…"
Eventually, the voices of the two drowned out, and Harry, finally, sought out his friend, Aster. Since his earlier reaction, he'd wanted to speak with the other guy, and so he walked on over to Aster's office with a grin on his face, imagining the words the other bloke would say. Reinhard's would have been equally as comedic, Harry liked to imagine.
"Aster?" Harry called through the archway a few seconds before he entered the aforementioned's office. "You good mate?"
"Am I good?" Came Aster's response as he walked back into the main portion of his office. He pointed accusingly at Harry once he was far enough inside the room, his eyes narrowed. "Are you good, Pev? You've come in holding hands with Elaine and Corene both, what're you thinking? How'd you do it? Why hasn't Elaine gone mad?"
Aster seemed nervous, inquisitive, and most of all, suspicious; the look on the boy's face conveyed he thought there was a chance it was a joke. To be fair, Harry had thought the same, initially. Once he'd found out the two had snogged and just what Elaine had meant by sharing, that changed a fair bit, as one could imagine.
"Beyond good — grand, I'd say," Harry answered cheekily, before addressing the next few questions. "And I didn't come in holding hands with either of them. Elaine walked over, grabbed my hand and put it in Corene's, then she took hold of my other one, so you'd probably ask her what she was thinking. Me? I went with it, yeah? What bloke wouldn't… it also wasn't really me, it was more Corene and Elaine's idea."
Aster narrowed his eyes at Harry, disbelief clear to see. "Right."
"Serious," Harry swore as he finally took a seat in one of Aster's grand chairs. "I woke up only yesterday and this wasn't how things were. In the span of a day, I've found out they both had this idea."
"Huh."
Aster's response was pretty similar to Harry's. Disbelief, followed very shortly thereafter with the lack of what next to say. There was a reason the two were good friends.
"Believe me, I still think this is a dream and you lot are all in my head. Seems too good to be true," Harry said, pinching himself for good measure; it hurt, so he reckoned that old tried and true method might not be wholly accurate.
Especially on account of how fuzzy his head felt… then again, that could be through a lack of oxygen. Elaine had been especially affectionate the previous night.
"Alright. Yeah. A dream," Aster clapped his hands together and strode quickly over to his desk, whereupon reaching it, he took a seat and levitated over the first of many parchments, to Harry. "Let's get the reports over with then, there aren't too many."
Harry grabbed the first of many to come and started in on it. He'd go and see Corene and Elaine afterwards, conveying the important bits of what he and Aster would scan through.
Maybe I'll check in on Corene's seduction again too. Elaine did say she was going… no, Harry shook his head and focused harder on the page in his hands. Not right now, self.
Merlin, was his mind stubborn.
"Right, I'll see you… later," Aster said, pausing with his eyebrows furrowed and his eyes still narrowed as he looked at Harry.
Harry, now standing up as he made to leave his friend's office, simply smiled and gave a small wave to the other bloke. "See you later, mate. I'll be by before I leave."
Aster returned the wave and retreated back whence he'd come, to the back, private section of his office wherein he kept a majority of sensitive documents; it was under guard, under ward, and under a creature of Elaine's choosing. Harry hadn't asked about the lattermost creature's species or other information save for whether or not it'd be safe to house in the office.
As Harry walked through the main portion of his and Elaine's section of the Ministry proper, he watched, a smile on his face, as the many others went working all about. They'd given him and Elaine looks just like most everybody else had, but theirs had been quick and the Aurors amongst them, well, most hadn't so much as glanced up.
I can only wonder what the Prophet or Witch Weekly will have to say… wait a minute, didn't Elaine say she had a meeting some few months ago with the Prophet?
Harry found himself blinking and standing still, momentarily stopped in his walk to Elaine's office, as he thought of what that meant. Maybe he was reading too much into it, or maybe, Elaine had taken so much thought beforehand; what if she'd already ensured nothing condemning was published?
I hope she bribed them with galleons and not threats… no telling though, is there?
He shook his head with a huff and pushed through the entrance of Elaine's office. Like his, it had three separate rooms within, and each was closed; Harry didn't fancy checking the lot of them, so he called out to the empty first room.
"Elaine?" he asked, closing the door behind him. "Corene?"
He heard a shuffling beyond the centre door a second before it opened seemingly of its own accord. Elaine called out to him a second later, if that, her voice carrying melodically.
"Enter, lover~"
Harry paused for a second, looked down at himself, straightened his collar and then moved towards the sound of her voice. In seconds, he was inside the room with the pair who were labouring away on a table, a series of parchments laid out.
That wasn't all, though. Corene had 'adjusted' her outfit just as he'd done when he'd entered, but whereas he'd straightened everything out, she'd done quite the opposite. Corene's topmost button of her blouse was undone and the garment she wore underneath, was slightly exposed as a result.
"Would a second have been more appropriate if I'm trying to seduce you?" Corene addressed him, her head cocking to the side and her hands folding atop the table atop a map.
Uh-huh.
"A second what? Button? Huh?" Harry blinked as he looked betwixt the inquisitive Corene and grinning Elaine. It seemed the latter found this amusing, confident as ever whilst the former was all but studying him; she'd already made it clear how much she desired some hands-on experience as well.
"Yes, a second button. Elaine thought it'd be too blatant, so I redid it after previously undoing it. What might your opinion be? How do you suppose I'd best sedu—"
Elaine tutted, strolling on over to Corene, giving the girl a kiss on the forehead, before she moved over to Harry to kiss his cheek. "You can't ask him, Corene, then he'll be expecting what next you do and that's seldom fun. I'll give you further instructions later this evening when Harry's otherwise kept busy by something."
Harry wanted to object. He had to admit, he was very curious as to what these instructions looked like, and who knew, maybe he could offer the occasional tip, right?
I wonder if they snog as often as we've done.
He sighed to himself and shook his head, that old, brutish, caveman-side of his brain activating… and to be fair, he couldn't blame it. Knowing the two kissed previously was a torturous sort of information to possess.
Corene nodded once at Elaine and stood up straighter, her hands sliding downwards, off the map and to the edge of the table where they remained. Her eyes returned to Harry, but he recognised her face was more professional a moment before she spoke. "We're discussing the rapid growth Elaine's attempting to start and the break-up into counties, for a more direct rule of all citizens thenceforth."
"It'd be a way for us to remain involved in all of their lives regardless wheresoever they are," Elaine said before pausing to grin at him. "We're also discussing other such matters, though I needn't bother you with them sans saying they'll make life immensely easier."
Corene nodded at those words, and then she started speaking again; it was all business for quite some time thenceforth, until, the day came to an end. And then it was decidedly anything but business happening within Elaine's office.
When Harry, Elaine and Corene had finally withdrawn from Elaine's office, the main centre of their wing was mostly quiet and empty, the majority of their staff having gone home. The trio, meanwhile — especially the witches — were flushed or breathing heavily, as if they'd just given some long-winded speeches, but one needn't guess as to why their breathing was truly so heavy.
The few people that glanced at them quickly glanced away, a couple snickering to themselves, a few looking away embarrassed and a few, one really, that looked away whilst shaking their head. Harry didn't much care for any response from the public. This was his life, and they weren't breaking any sort of law, he reckoned Elaine and Corene would go so far as to make it legal with how many wizards were dead from the fighting that'd taken place.
It might even be legal already. Who knows how many old, obscure laws still exist, yeah? If anybody could find them too, it'd be Elaine and Corene. Merlin knows how they do it.
Harry gave a few nods to those they passed that he recognised, like a couple of the Aurors that oft accompanied him and Elaine before he took his leave from the office centre. As he walked, hand in hand in hand with Elaine and Corene, he felt the same stares they'd had earlier in the day. Unlike in their office, those who looked at them stared for longer than most would consider appropriate, himself included, and of the views he saw, the prevailing one seemed to be of embarrassment or shock; most looked more of the former than he felt.
When he chanced a little glance over at Corene and Elaine, he wasn't the least bit surprised to see that neither of them seemed to remotely care as to what those they passed, thought of them. Elaine's nose was held aloft in the air, and Corene's visage was as it oft was, without expression or emotion sans a stoic gaze enhanced with dark, kept eyebrows.
Even now, looking between the two, Harry couldn't put aside how similar they looked. They were pale, tall, dark-haired and could make many of the same faces. It was almost as if the two were mirrors of one another, with one, Corene, being prettier and softer whilst Elaine looked sharper, more dangerous, maybe.
"... that right, Harry?"
He blinked and looked over at Elaine. When she caught his eyes, her smirk told him she'd said something clever or inappropriate meant for his and Corene's ears.
"Huh?"
"Engrossed in thought," Corene said to him from his other side. "Are the stares bothering you? Strange. You should be accustomed to them by this point."
"I do quite enjoy the attention we're provided. Royalty oft is gossiped about or worshipped wherever they walk, and what are we if not royalty?" Elaine waved to those she passed with her free hand, her posture perfect and her smile, the epitome of charming despite the words she'd just spoken to her pair of favourite persons. "It's so very enjoyable."
Harry wasn't quite sure he agreed with her, not with the attention they were always given; he'd never been a fan of that regardless of where he was in time. Be it here, or from whence he came… though the idea that he was seen with two beautiful, powerful witches was one which he enjoyed. It certainly gave him a boost to his confidence.
"They're not bothering me," he finally said, answering Corene's question as he turned to look at her. "It's just a bit strange, is all. Elaine, I assume you've seen to the papers?"
"Me?" Elaine placed the hand which she'd been waving a moment ago on her chest, an offended look coming to her face. "You think I'd do something so sinister as to suppress freedom of speech for our own political gains and security?"
Harry simply blinked at her. He didn't think an answer of any kind was all that necessary, but Merlin, did he shake his head in an effort to hide his laugh. Elaine was Elaine, he accepted her for who she was and curtailed her worst habits, but at the end of the day, there'd always be a bit of that domineering, apex politician that resided within her.
"Doubt."
Corene's one word had him openly laughing, garnering more attention for the happy co— triple… throuple? That'd be an issue going forward.
"Diagon Alley has certainly changed. Old Maxus has done a good job clearing it up," Harry said as he, Corene and Elaine stood together, their eyes taking in the sight that was the reformed and restored Diagon Alley; the side alleys were abuzz with life, and the main street itself, one could scarcely walk without bumping into another.
The three were only afforded such a grand view on account of where they were standing, that being amidst a balcony in the grandest inn of the area. One that granted the viewers line of sight all the way to the steps of Gringotts. The sight of so many happy, safe people and restored buildings alone was enough to tell Harry just how much good they'd done even if good could sometimes be illegal.
It was all worth it. They'd made this possible.
"Harry," Elaine said as she stretched, cat-like in her gracefulness. "Would you kindly escort our Corene down the stairs? I've something to see to if I'm to ensure my plans for the evening are to be kept to."
He cocked his head at her — stopped a moment later when he realised Corene did the same — but all the same, he looped his arm through Corene's. "Don't be too long, love."
And like that, he was off with Corene, the two heading to the staircase she'd mentioned.
"Question."
Harry looked over at Corene, now dressed in a new apparel; a casual dress, green and embroidered with gold, and trimmed in black. Her hair, as always, was long and flowing down her back.
"Yeah?" he asked after a few seconds when he realised he'd been nought but staring at her.
"Might I delay you a few seconds longer than our travel would otherwise take?"
He furrowed his brows at her in response, unsure of what she meant. "Wh—"
Corene stopped, twisted on the balls of her feet, and stood atop the tips of her toes in a second flat, her hair moving wildly. By the time he understood what she was making to do, her lips, soft and red and so overwhelmingly sweet were on his own, moving slowly, cautiously; Corene-like, he thought as he smiled into their kiss.
That continued in the entrance to another doorway, the alcove thereof more specifically, for nearly a minute, the two taking momentary, quick breaks for air before resuming their kiss, deep and passionate. With the torchlight illuminating Corene's face, her dark hair constantly brushing against him, it was as if he were having a wonderful dream.
It was only when she separated, a smile on her otherwise stoic face, that he realised he'd actually gone and snogged Corene in some inn on Diagon Alley. A week ago, a day ago even, he'd never have thought this possible, and now here he was, with her, and Elaine was encouraging their affection eagerly.
"You know," Harry said when the two resumed their walking, Corene's breathing uneven and her chest rising and falling in the most alluring of fashion. "I don't think you need any more instructions from Elaine on seduction. You're perfect the way you are."
She cocked her head at him, that smile growing slightly larger, and the flush of her cheeks not subsiding. "Flattery," she said. "Continue. Elaine's love for it is finally understood."
Harry laughed and pressed a kiss on Corene's forehead in much the same way Elaine had earlier. "If it's flattery you want, I should tell you I've always found you cute. I imagine Elaine's probably said much the same."
"Correct," Corene's blush seemed to grow redder even if her face maintained nought but that small smile. "Appreciated. Since first we met amidst Diagon and Knockturn alleys, I thought you were visually appealing enough that I thought you'd be the wizard I wished to propagate with. I did so enjoy your reaction to the shop for creatures we ventured to — most seldom care for those with whom they have no relation."
Oh, right, Harry thought as he recalled that which she was speaking of. That old pet shop, I think it was. The man hadn't been doing that great of a job, and I'd commented on it. Corene, however, had acted on it… that's a long time. Wait. Did she say propagate? Merlin, it's always kids with them.
He couldn't help it as he felt hotter, his shirt more constricting than it'd previously been and the heat of the inn suddenly far worse.
"Careful," he said, relief nearly flooding his tone as the staircase came into view.
Corene turned to him, her head cocked to the side and her hands slowly reaching toward him. "Might you carry me? I worry my dress is too long and flowing for the stairs and I needn't risk a fall."
Her dress wasn't that long, but after checking it — and her shapely rear — he figured there was a chance it could end badly, and so he nodded. "Come here."
She needn't be told twice as she approached him, her arms quickly finding his neck as he hefted her into his arms, the bridal style his choice of carry. With her face close to his, her eyes reflecting the fire of a nearby torch, she seemed a creature of the night that came to steal men away from their witches.
"Kiss?"
As she'd done before, she tapped her lips, and Harry was more than happy to oblige.
After a small amount of time spent kissing… only a few minutes in that little alcove that'd quickly become his favourite alcove in their history, the two were downstairs. Neither looked too ravaged by the other and as they made it to the main hall of the inn, they found a young man motioning them.
"Deputy Minister, High Advisor," the boy near their own age greeted, a nervousness about him that made Harry nearly chuckle, were it not for his manners. Corene, on the other hand, cocked her head at his presence, her face a mask of neutrality; any sign of happiness from their earlier snogging session was well gone. "Please, follow me."
From there, the guy who'd not so much as given his name raced through a series of twists and bends, all of which had ornate tapestries or animated portraits scattered throughout, until he reached a grand set of French doors — Harry knew as much because of Corene. If he remembered right, that slight weirdness she had in speaking came from her French origin.
It was also the reason she and those close to her hated Grindelwald and his forces. He'd all but destroyed the Carrows' countrymen.
Harry let out a low whistle when the worker pushed open the doors, revealing a huge banquet hall with carved marble pillars, wondrously made tables and a spread of food atop a centre table lit by nought but candles. Elaine had planned quite the celebration for their throupling; he was still working on the term too, but he reckoned that was the best he'd do.
As the other bloke took off at speed, leaving Harry standing with Corene, he reached for her hand, stopped, and finally, grabbed it. It was almost like a Muggle machine with how strangely he stopped and continued. As for the reasoning, it was what he should do — did he loop his arm through hers? Hold her hand? Pull her close as a lover might in the privacy they now possessed?
That final idea sounds grand.
"My lady," Harry said with a grin as he gazed at Corene, "May I have the pleasure of escorting you?"
Corene's smiled tilted upwards, her eyes focusing on his, staring into them with a gaze so piercing he swore he could see her very soul. "I would like that. Please," she presented a hand, cocked her head and gazed up at him, her eyelashes batting and her curtain of hair partially concealing her.
She'll be the death of me.
Harry took her hand and brought it up to his mouth, where he kissed the back of it whilst staring into her eyes. When he let go of it, her lips lowered for a fraction of a second, at least until he wrapped his arm around her slender shoulders and pulled her close. It took nought but that for one of the rare, highly-valued Corene-type smiles to appear, and as soon as it did, he felt immediately gratified. Rapturous, even.
Together, the two walked through the entrance of the banquet hall and found themselves immediately within an intimate, cosy space with furniture that likely cost months upon months of Ministry expenses were they to buy it. In other words, it was highly reminiscent of his home in the classic beauty and items within. As for the table itself, the cloth seemed ancient and beautifully woven, displaying a battle he knew not, and the food atop the table seemed a display that'd cost most people a year's wage at the least.
Elaine's gone and outdone herself, she has.
"Your seat," Harry said as he pulled out a chair, the one on the left of the head of the table.
Corene curtsied after withdrawing from him, the motion being incredibly well-practised and graceful. Before she sat as he thought she'd do, she danced to him on deft feet, stealing a kiss.
Naturally, it was then that Elaine rejoined them.
"How terrible a thing it is that I have not a camera to capture this moment for all eternity."
She strolled in not a second after speaking, her steps long, confident and her visage pleased and smug. Whatever she'd seen to had most certainly gone in her favour, and when she saw him with Corene, it seemed to assure her that she was, once again, right in her actions. As Corene made to withdraw from Harry, Elaine leaned past him, one hand holding Corene's blouse to steal a kiss from her just as Corene herself had done to Harry.
After that kiss, one that Elaine seemed to give in much the same passionate and aggressive way that she oft did to him, she let go of Corene. With the latter girl's face flushed as she took her seat, Elaine turned to Harry, but he beat her to it. He pulled her close, one hand settling on her arse as he leaned in and planted his lips upon hers.
The kiss was a back-and-forth game of contention, each wrestling for control before, ultimately, Harry took it. When she made to withdraw, he grinned and pulled out the chair on the right side of the table for her, which she took with a coquettish look over her shoulder.
A few seconds later, Harry took the seat at the head of the table, and looked between the two witches, each with a flush that only added to their natural beauty.
Life was wicked.
After a small amount of time spent in privacy, the trio was, once again, joined by the young man who'd led him and Corene here. He came to ask if there were any requests, desires or the like, and whilst the effort was appreciated, the poor bloke looked shocked half to death on account of what he'd interrupted; that being Harry giving a small kiss — light snog worked too — to Corene who'd then get attention from Elaine, the two taking pride in turning the other girl's breathing laboured.
In an instant, the unintelligible words of the other bloke were said, not understood, and he was off, just like that. Harry and Elaine couldn't help but laugh as he fled the room insisting on levitating refreshments out to them.
"Well done, Harry," Elaine said with a wink as she leaned over in her chair so as to slit closer to him. "It'd seem we've embarrassed somebody out of the room."
He snorted. "At least it's here instead of at the ministry. Could you imagine what'd be said otherwise?"
"Nothing that'd get around," Elaine assured him, confident as ever. "I hope you're ready for this very evening too. I've got plenty left to teach Corene and I'm certain she'll be putting some of it to practical usage quite soon."
When he took a glance over at Corene to see what her reaction might be — and to check if her chest was still heaving from their efforts — he swallowed. Of course, the girl looked as demure as ever, her hands folded in her lap and her back straight against her seat, but the flush had grown redder yet. It went down her cheeks, her throat, and lower, dipping down the valley of her breasts.
We really worked her over. The thought made Harry puff his chest out if only ever so slightly, and not in a manner that he'd forced; it was subtle, but Merlin, the spike of pride that he felt wasn't.
"Yeah?"
"You'll soon see," Elaine responded, the slightness of one of her feet brushing up and down his closer leg.
Harry reckoned he would, and as they ate, finally, in relative silence, he couldn't help but think as to what the evening would bring. Genuinely, he was relaxed and at peace, the stress that oft came with the various jobs they did at the Ministry gone, replaced with the pleasantness that was the company of his two witches and… he paused.
"What's that haze?" he asked, his hand already searching out his wand.
Corene tapped his hand, one of her deft, soft-moving ones already so very close to him. "Incense."
He took a deeper breath, trying to place just what the scent was that lingered in the air, but he couldn't. Simply put, it smelt flowery and sweet, and it wasn't half as heavy as it most oft seemed to be.
"My apologies, my loves," Elaine said, speaking to the pair whilst her eyes focused on Harry's face. He watched as she paused, taking a breath that saw her tongue dart out and take an errant piece of chocolate from their sweet-covered fruit dessert. "I thought it enjoyable to put a form of incense on for us. There's another in our suite, but there's one last stop to be made before we bed down for the evening."
Emphasis on bed, huh? He looked between the two girls, and when Corene met his eyes, a pretty and small smile forming whilst Elaine looked at him predatorily, he figured just how the night would end.
After no small amount of willpower spent reigning himself back in, Harry addressed Elaine, wishing to put his curiosity to rest so that he might focus on the two beauties beside him once more; he simply couldn't do so when Elaine left comments open-ended. It was Elaine, after all, and lover as she might be to him — more even — he still needed to keep her on a leash of sorts.
The physical kind, well, she'd probably enjoy that a bit too much or try and turn the table on him. He'd not be surprised if either happened.
"Where to, then?" he couldn't help but ask as he slowly, and unevenly, rose to his feet. He'd had a bit too much firewhiskey than he thought he had.
"We'll nought but go to the nearby ice cream shop. I saw it was entirely average and normal and thought it an interesting time to share with one another now that peace has finally come," Elaine stood and with a wave of her hand, unwrinkled her dress; she did the same to Corene and Harry seconds later, a smile resting on her face as she looked them over. "I can picture the many faces of jealousy already."
Harry knew what she meant. All of those gazes had been filled with varying emotions wheresoever they went, and whilst many seemed embarrassed or tried to look away, there were others that looked jealous and some that even seemed contemptuous. Surprisingly, the lattermost looks were oft sent by those that were Muggleborn whereas the most devout of Elaine seemed to be old blood. It made him think there was a precedence or something of that nature regarding marrying multiple witches.
"Ice cream," Harry mused aloud with a small smile forming on his face.
Normal indeed.
Harry walked out with each arm looped through that of another. On his left walked Corene, deft, quiet and observative, and on his right, Elaine, confident, loud-speaking and the picture of perfection in every meaning of the word. Now, naturally, with him walking the two ladies, the throuple found themselves to be at the centre of attention of just about every person they passed, with their status not doing anything to help them very much.
If anything, the Minister, Deputy Minister and High Advisor walking in so intimate a fashion simply brought them more stares from their many subjects. He supposed it shouldn't be all that surprising, and it shouldn't have been in the Ministry either — he'd been stared at just about all his life, but these weren't the typical stares.
"Merlin's beard, Elaine," Harry said, blinking as he looked at one of the copies of the Prophet that littered Diagon Alley. It wasn't because of the garbage-quality 'news' that oft riddled it either, but the fact that front and centre, was a wizarding photo of the three walking together in the Ministry and the title?
'Gaunt, Carrow and Peverell; Our Saviours.'
He supposed he'd been right earlier when he assumed she'd already gotten to the tabloids. Nonetheless, it was impressive and made ordering and waiting for their ice cream more bearable when he realised most would support them.
We've done more than just about anybody's ever done for them. I guess it shouldn't be quite so surprising, but I'm still bracing myself for those dissenters who'll always be around.
"We're going to sit out here?" Harry asked, gesturing to the gathering crowd as they pointed, whispered or otherwise looked at the Ministry throuple.
Elaine shrugged. "I see no reason not to — I know you're not fond of being observed by so many, but the people love us, Harry. Without us, they'd not have a future, and now we've given them the very best future they could ever be given."
Harry took another look at the crowd and as he did so, he figured he'd give a bit of showmanship. He waved to them, smiling and the looks he got in response were almost uniformed. Most returned his wave, some looked away, embarrassed they'd been caught spying, and few began to leave, disgust or something else on their faces.
It was just about when he turned back around, a privacy charm put up by Elaine whilst he'd been waving, that he saw — not heard — a person push through the crowd until they were at the very front of it. Well, persons, he supposed, and not singular when two more followed after them.
Druella; Aster's older sister, Daphne Oleander, and Abraxas. He'd not seen the lattermost of the trio for quite some time, and as for the other two, seldom did he speak with them, be it in person or by letter, the latter, of course, being more oft done. The three were looking betwixt Harry, Corene and Elaine with varying looks on their faces.
Harry zoned in on Druella's reaction first; the older girl looked incredibly amused as she looked between her companions and the throuple, with no sign of annoyance or dislike on her face. Since Hogwarts, she'd always been doting and kind, and to some degree, protective, especially of Aster. He reckoned she'd probably be the most neutral about it… assuming she didn't tease him relentlessly.
Next, he looked over to Daphne. As he looked at her, he remembered the words Elaine had said to him only the last night. It made him look away from her far more quickly than he'd looked away from Druella, but not before noticing her apparent lack of interest — though her side eye didn't go without being seen as it traced him — and possibly even to some degree, annoyance.
Finally, and most amusingly, was the reaction of Abraxas. Harry had never gotten on very well with the bloke, he'd even reckon Abraxas was jealous back when it'd been nought but he and Elaine in Hogwarts. Thus, his expression of poorly masked anger, his eyes staring daggers at Harry, was one the latter boy enjoyed.
"Join us," Elaine said, her tone leaving no question as to whether it was an invitation or something else.
Druella, of course, minded Elaine's words not and marched right on over to Harry, whereupon reaching him, she gave him a big hug. Oblivious or not remotely caring about the gathered crowd beyond them, she did the same with Corene and went so far as to hug Elaine too, albeit not as long or overbearing.
Daphne and Abraxas whilst that had been happening did nought but sit at the table with the throuple, each waiting for whatever it was that Elaine had to say… and whilst that was happening, Harry'd be honest, he quite zoned out — the matters weren't of importance, and the whole while, Elaine was simply making a show of their new relationship, especially toward Daphne.
He couldn't help but snicker.
By the time their impromptu ice cream date turned small gathering ended, darkness had begun to fall across Diagon Alley. Torches, naturally, began to burn, as did the many lanterns that littered the various paths, some more so than others; one thing that could be universally agreed upon, was that Diagon Alley made for a much prettier sight at night than it'd ever make in the day.
It was so incredibly warm and cosy-looking, the historic buildings standing proud and restored.
"Back to the inn, is it?"
Elaine, her hand in his behind Corene's back as the slightly smaller girl was squished between them, nodded, her eyes catching his as she leaned forward to look past Corene. "I think that'd be the perfect way to end the night, wouldn't you, lover?"
He did, and he smiled as he gave her a nod in return, his eyes and hers each falling to Corene betwixt them. Whilst one would oft be hard-pressed to read the girl, he figured Elaine and he each could see just how content she was between them. It pleased him and reminded him a great deal of that time they'd sat with one another before a fireplace with hot chocolate and the flames lighting them.
It'd been a very fond memory back when she'd nought been more than a friend. He figured he could find a few ways to make it sweeter now that they were more… maybe cuddling on the same chair with that same hot chocolate as before.
"As much as I like the walk which we're taking," Elaine paused and grabbed him and Corene each, apparating sans a second's notice, the group returning to physical existence in their suite. "I'd much prefer to get to the sweeter portion of our evening. Wouldn't you say, Corene?"
Corene looked up at Harry, and without so much as looking at Elaine, she nodded once. "Agreed," she stood up then, on the tips of her toes as Elaine moved to stand before him, and pressed a kiss to Harry's lips.
Elaine did so as soon as Corene let up, and off and on they'd swap, occasionally 'getting lost' for a few seconds between exchanges.
Not for the first time, Harry reckoned he was one of the luckiest blokes to live, and he was glad despite all of the extra attention, to have his witches… he just had to hope he'd survive their affection.