Valentine's Day

January 5th, 2008.

The pale winter light filtered through the windows in the parlour of #12, Grimmauld Place. Grey drizzle enveloped London. Hermione could see soggy holiday wreaths still hanging on the doors of the houses across the street. She edged the blue Victorian chair closer to the fireplace, but the blazing flames did little to make her feel warm and cosy.

Ginny entered the room, a black lacquer tray with a tea set and cookies floating before her. It smoothly descended on a small mahogany table between the highback chairs. Ginny sat down across from Hermione’s and flicked her wand. The chartreuse green teapot poured the steaming tea in the dainty cups, and Hermione took one of them.

“I really can’t continue like this, Ginny. Hiding and sneaking around - it’s just so…” Hermione stirred the sugar in her tea.

“So sordid.” Ginny sipped her tea glumly. “If they catch you and Harry at it, the Daily Prophet will have a field day. Next would be Draco and me. Tycoon and Quidditch Star: Draco Malfoy and Ginevra Potter, Wife of Famous Harry Potter. Imagine the headlines.”

“They have almost spotted us. At L’Artiste Nouveau. That old Gilmore hag from the Magical Artefacts office was in the main room. She wasn‘t too nearsighted to notice the Deputy Head of the Auror Department and the Chief Aide from the Magical Law Enforcement strolling by.”

“You absolutely had to lunch in a private room in that trendy restaurant. A mere three blocks from the Ministry!”

“It was Harry’s idea, not mine, Ginny.” Hermione mumbled, chewing on a cookie. “Don’t divorce him over it, please… You‘ve got the kids after all.”

“I’m no better than you, Hermione.” Ginny stared into her almost empty cup. “I wish I didn’t stay in the same hotel with Draco at that Puddlemere United - Chudley Cannons game near Liverpool. It’s just that - that…”

“You don’t have to tell me…” Hermione took a sip of her already cold tea. “I know what a charmer my husband can be. We went too far with that Polyjuce thing the year before the last.”

“And the boundaries sort of blurred.”

“I have no idea how to end it with Harry.” Hermione paused. “I mean he‘s such a special friend for me, but it was totally wrong for us to lapse into having sex. If I tell him to stop it, would we keep our friendship like before? I‘d like to be honest with Draco too, but how?”

“If Harry finds out I shagged Draco, he’d go ballistic,” Ginny sighed. “You remember what a hard time we had before we finally got together. With all those hot bachelors swarming around us, the pretty Holyhead Harpies celebrities.”

“Draco would go nuts if I admit my affair - he’s so possessive of me.”

“And very protective too, Hermione,” Ginny nodded. “He loves you dearly, I know that. You and your children mean so much to him.”

“Harry is the same about you.” Hermione waved her wand. The teapot levitated and refilled her cup. “The only way to tell the boys and end the whole mess is to present them with the fact that they’re bonking each other’s wives.”

“Maybe something like us both having dates with them and suddenly getting exposed? Like a wall disappearing between us?” Ginny bit her lip thoughtfully.

Hermione contemplated the fire for a while. “I think I have an idea that might work… and save our marriages too!”

“What?”

“How about you and me having our dates at Jupiter et Juno at the same time?”

“Our favourite elf bath lodge? Oh, yes, they have phantom walls that can divide rooms and disappear on a command. But how would we get our men there?”

“Let’s make it a special occasion,” Hermione clapped her hands. “Valentine’s Day is only a little over a month away - we could book the Pearl Chamber now and set everything up in advance.”

“And…” Ginny’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “We’ll have the elves divide the room. You and Harry will use one half of it, and Draco and I will take the other part. When we get wrapped over each other‘s husband, one of us would have the wall between us disappear and voila! Our hubbies wouldn’t be able to say a word about us cheating on them.”

“Imagine their faces,” Hermione guffawed. “The whole thing would be over in an instant!”

“We’ll have to hide their wands so they won’t duel each other!” Ginny did a little jig in her chair.

“Let’s go and celebrate our idea at JJ now!” Hermione sprang to her feet.

******

The marble lobby was almost empty except for a small group of burly wizards in sports robes with six-packs of goblin ale. An elf in purple robes behind the ornate mahogany counter shuffled through parchments.

“Yes, you’ve booked the Jasper Room, Sirs.” The elf poked his long finger in one of the parchments. “Club Russo package - sauna, felt hats, birch bunches, massage and in-suite bar. One hundred twenty Galleons total.”

One of the wizards placed the Galleons on the counter. The group padded past the gilded effigies of Jupiter and Juno, and disappeared in a shining marble corridor to the left.

“How are you doing, Mrs. Malfoy and Mrs. Potter?” The long-nosed elf beamed at the ladies. “You’re fortunate today - your favourite chamber is available!”

“Good afternoon, Mr. Tiff. We’d love the Pearl, as usual.” Ginny flashed her Quidditch poster smile at the elf.

“Massage, refreshments, incense, anything else?”

“Just the refreshments, no massage - Ginny?” Hermione glanced at her friend.

“Lavender incense, please,” said Ginny. “One hour?”

“All right, an hour,” Hermione agreed. “I’m meeting Draco and the kids at five.”

“Excellent, Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Malfoy!” Tiff flicked his curved fingernail, and a quill started dancing on his parchment. “Luscious Cranberry Cocktail, as usual?”

The friends nodded. The quill started scribbling again.

“That’d be sixty-five Galleons, Mrs. Malfoy and Mrs. Potter.” Tiff beamed at the ladies again. “Miss Cosette will show you to the Pearl Chamber.”

Cosette, a diminutive elf in pink robes, waved her hand at the white door and it slid away soundlessly. Pale pink pearl panels with inlaid silver arabesques decorated the chamber walls. The floor and the figure-eight shaped pool in the middle were covered with salmon-coloured marble. The faint smoke of the incense was rising from the ornate silver pots in the corners. Pristine white towels and terry bathrobes lay neatly folded on a side table.

“Am I right, this room could be divided in two?” Hermione asked Cossette. “We’re contemplating a small party with our husbands for Valentine’s Day.”

“Oh, yes!” The elf clicked her fingers and a pearly pink wall appeared in the middle of the room, transforming the pool into two smaller round basins. “You only need to say the simple incantations to make the wall appear or disappear.”

With the second click of Cosette’s fingertips the wall vanished. “Would you like to book the room now? We fill up quickly for Valentine’s Day.” A small notepad appeared in the elf’s hands.

“Okay, should we do it right after the workday is over at the Ministry?” Hermione looked at Ginny. “Harry and I get off at five. Draco is pretty much a boss of his own.”

“All right, five-fifteen would be great. An hour and half, Hermione?”

Hermione hesitated, then nodded, and Cosette jotted their reservation down.

Hermione watched the pale green and blue waves swirl around her body in the pool. The tranquil warm substance, smoother and thicker than water, gently caressed her skin. She touched a white pad on the edge of the basin, and faint steam rose to her face, saturating her cheeks with refreshing moisture. A couple of feet from her, Ginny basked in dark amber streams reminiscent of liquid honey. She dipped her hair in them, so the magic of the elf beauty lotion would make them shiny and full.

“Honestly, I have no idea what we’d be doing for an hour and half,” Hermione said and trailed her fingers in her potion. “I guess, forty minutes would be more than enough.”

“Just to be safe. In case someone’s late or something.” Ginny squeezed the liquid out of her hair. ”Let’s map out the whole thing.”

“Okay. I guess, I’ll tell Draco that I have a late meeting at work.” Hermione paused. ”I’d suggest that he’d book the restaurant for six-thirty or so. If no one is killed, my beloved scoundrel and I would be still able to make it.”

“I see. You’ll propose Harry to have a quickie here after work. A special surprise for my bastard,” Ginny chortled. “I’ll tell him I’d need to cover an event for the Daily Prophet or something like that. Get him to make arrangements with me sometime after six-thirty. Given that no one gets maimed.”

“All right. We’ll work the details out later, Gin.” Hermione sighed. “Tell me the truth, you aren’t too upset with me, are you?”

“Well… So many times we were on the brink of it.” Ginny summoned a glass with the cranberry cocktail from a small ornate ivory table and took a long sip. “You spent months with Harry in hiding in the seventh year. Remember, you said there was some… er… tension between you both from the start. So no big surprise here.”

“And you kissed Draco at Hogwarts while Harry, Ron and I were hunting for the Horcruxes.” Hermione reached for her glass on the rim of the pool. “I guess, each of us was attracted to the both boys at the same time. We need to be more disciplined. With our kids, publicity and everything…”

“I only wonder…” Ginny paused thoughtfully. “That magical marriage bond that you and Draco took - I thought it would reveal the fidelity breach between you both, right?”

“Well… I used a neutralizing charm, “Hermione muttered. “Besides, it was only a few times - not a whole lot, really. I detected it on Draco‘s part, as you know.”

“You’re the brainy one, as usual, Hermione.” Ginny set her glass aside and touched the white pad on her side. The potion around her turned translucent white and the scent of vanilla mingled with the soothing lavender. “I’m not even jealous. I know you’re happy with Draco - he is the right wizard for you. And Harry is perfect for me - with all his quirks and everything.”

“I’m not green-eyed either. We’ve been through so many things together, and we always could work it out. I forgive my man too much, really.” Hermione conjured more ruby-coloured cocktail in her glass. “You’re my most trusted friend, Ginny.”

“And so are you for me, Hermione.” Ginny slowly rubbed her arms in her potion. “I only hope we’ll survive Valentine’s Day all right.”

“Same here.” Hermione studied her toes in the gurgling liquid. “The more I think about it, the more nervous I get.”

******

February 13th, 2008.

Hermione picked up a bulging file from her desk. She knew Harry was very likely to be alone in his office at this time in the morning, reviewing his documents and schedule for the day ahead. She strolled out of her office and headed down the corridor.

“Good Morning, Mrs. Gilbert,” Hermione nodded to a colourless middle-aged secretary in sombre dark brown robes, who was busy directing several quills scribbling different documents on her desk.

“Good Morning, Mrs. Malfoy,” the witch smiled. “Mr. Potter has just been in. I assume he’s expecting you all right.”

“Of course, as usual.” Hermione smiled back and pushed the door open.

Harry lifted his head from his parchments as Hermione placed herself in a leather chair in front of him.

“What’s up?” He shuffled through his documents and reached for a brochure distractedly.

“Here are the records on the Goblin Liquor Licenses settlement.” Hermione deposited the heavy file on the sprawling desk. “Working hard today, Harry?”

“It never ends. Goblins are still all the same.” Harry crossed his arms behind his head and leaned against the black leather of the chair back.” You didn’t really have to carry this stuff all the way here by yourself.”

Hermione edged her chair away from the desk, stretched her legs in Harry’s view and gave him a small smile. She had put on her new black high heels today.

“Oh… Something’s coming up?” A familiar twinkle appeared in his green eyes.

“Sort of.” Hermione twiddled a strand of her hair. “I’ve been thinking of Valentine’s Day. I think Ginny has got an assignment tomorrow - the interview with those German Quidditch players. Around the time we finish our work... ”

“Yeah, she told me today morning,” Harry’s voice did not sound very cheerful.

She gave him a long look. Did he suspect that something was going on Ginny’s part?

“Well, I thought I could treat you to a small surprise after work, Harry. Draco is going to be late after his work, apparently.” Hermione arched her bosom slightly, and his eyes lingered on it.

“Let me check my schedule for tomorrow, Hermione,” Harry smiled wryly and walked around his desk to her chair. He placed his hand on her breast, and Hermione felt a familiar warm wave rising in her. She always admired him and his manliness turned her on. Draco and Harry - her desire for them both was her guilty pleasure, and she already felt a little sad about having to let Harry go. But it was the duty of basic decency.

“OK, let me know then,” Hermione stared into his eyes. She got to her feet and her lips touched his mouth. He kissed her back lightly and ran his hands down her sides. She swayed her hips at him as she walked towards the door.

Her cellphone rang the minute she stepped into her office. Hermione, Harry and a few more Muggleborn officials, appointed under Shacklebolt’s reign as a Minister of Magic, had brought the Muggle technology to the Ministry of Magic. Some die-hard veteran bureaucrats still insisted on smudging their faces with soot while making Floo calls but the younger generation embraced high-tech. Draco and his mobile were practically inseparable - Hermione had to launch a whole campaign to squelch his habit of taking the BlackBerry to bed every night.

“Hermione?” Predictably enough, it was Ginny calling. ”So… What did Harry say?”

“Said he’d check his schedule for tomorrow. How about Draco?”

“I called him just now but he was in a middle of something. Didn’t even listen to me, said that he’d call back later.”

Lunchtime rolled around but nothing came from Harry. Hermione called his office only to encounter the voicemail. She began worrying about tomorrow’s plan in earnest.

In early afternoon an inter-departmental memo landed on her desk. Hermione could not believe her eyes. Harry was calling a meeting for her and several people from the both of their departments at precisely five o’clock on February 14th. She poked her head out of her office and saw that the persons listed looked distinctly despondent. Hermione dove back into her abode and grabbed her mobile.

“Harry, are you nuts already? Look at the people’s faces!”

“What faces? I’m not in your department right now, sweetie.”

“Don’t call me sweetie! Why did you have to schedule that meeting after work on the Valentine’s Day?”

“Well, Shacklebolt was here right after lunch. Some issues cropped up, you know, Hermione.“ His mumbling was far from convincing. Hermione hit a button and cut the call off. The next minute she was dialing Ginny’s number.

“Gin, your workaholic husband is off his rocker officially!” Hermione groaned into her phone. “He’s called a meeting after work on Valentine‘s Day!”

“Your bastard is no better, Hermione,” retorted Ginny. “Draco has just fed me a really long story about some investors coming to his office. The bottom line: he isn’t available till after six or so. Do you think I should believe him?”

“Well, if he has a second mistress, I’m going to kill him!”

“Hermione, please don’t divorce him over it,” Ginny pleaded. ”He’s too fabulous a husband to ditch!”

“I don’t care how good he is!” Hermione kicked her chair.

“Hermione, calm down, please,” Ginny put a whine in her voice. “I’d just call JJ and reschedule our spa session.”

“All right, try it. We’re lucky if they aren’t full.” Hermione’s temper began to subside. “Call me back, okay? Where are you now?”

“Home, working on the drudgery for the Prophet as usual. I’ll call JJ now.”

Hermione set her phone on her desk and tried to concentrate on her work. She picked the easiest documents out of the stacks on her desk but still had a hard time focusing on them. In less than half an hour her cellphone rang.

“So what, Ginny?”

“They’re booked to the hilt.” Ginny sighed. “Maybe a restaurant instead?

“A restaurant?” Hermione asked incredulously.

“Yes. You could come with Harry as a couple to the place. And I’d bring Draco at the same time. Of course, everyone would be fully dressed but still some effect.”

“All right, call around, please, and make a reservation for six-thirty. Better than nothing.”

Hermione put her mobile in her pocket. Hours passed, people came into her office and left, but no response arrived from Ginny yet. Hermione glanced at the wall clock. In fifteen minutes she’d go to the ground floor lobby, Apparate home and try to call her friend from there.

Suddenly, the phone went off in Hermione’s robes. She gave a jump and her knee collided with her desk painfully.


“I’ve reserved a table,” Ginny exhaled into the phone.” Everything is full, imagine that.”

“I imagine it, Ginny.” Hermione settled back into her chair, rubbing her knee. “It’s Valentine’s Day after all. What’s the place?”

“Glad Morsels. I figure it isn’t much to speak of, but still something.”

“Glad Morsels? I hate fish-and-chips, Ginny!”

“Nothing else was available. The next best option was McDonald’s.”

“Oh, a Valentine’s Day date with fish-and-chips - I can’t believe it…”

“Harry will be fine, I know him.”

“I doubt Draco‘s into a cheap beer.”

“I don’t have to tell him at the start,” chuckled Ginny. “A few hot kisses, you know.”

“Don’t you dare to seduce my husband!”

“But what exactly are you doing to Harry at work?”

“Okay, you made me blush right here on the phone. I forgive you everything. Are you planning on anything before blessing that Morsel joint with your presence?”

“Er… I think - please don’t get angry, okay?” Ginny paused. “I guess Draco would ask for a quickie.”

“Well, I’d expect the same from Harry.” Hermione suddenly visualised her husband bonking her best friend, and felt the wicked moisture seeping into her knickers. Embarrassed, she pushed the thought away. “I only hope he won’t drag you to our place.”

“Don’t worry, he never does that, Hermione. I trust you won’t do it in our bedroom either.”

“Of course, I won’t. Harry never took me to the Grimmauld Place. Thanks a lot, Gin!”

Hermione finished the call and stared blankly at the screen of her cellphone. What a screwball Valentine’s Day it was going to be... She sighed and headed to the exit.

Draco arrived home about half an hour after Hermione Flooed in. She was reprimanding Scorpius, or Skip as they called him, for his attempt to fly on his broomstick up a chimney, when Draco strode in and planted a kiss on her cheek. Then he patted his son’s soft curls, and the boy showed his broken broomstick to him. Hermione watched him squat in front of Skip and repair the toy with his wand. Rosie came out, dragging her black-and-white kitten in her hands. She thrust her pet on her Dad’s lap, much to her younger brother’s dismay, who poked the kitty with his broom. Hermione couldn’t refrain from an amused chuckle, when Draco waved his wand and the broomstick started tapping on Skip’s head. The way her husband talked and gestured made Hermione’s heart melt. She tried hard not to think about the upcoming Valentine’s Day.

******

February 14, 2008.

The children were still soundly asleep. Hermione tucked in Skip’s covers and stroked Rosie’s blond curls gently. She tiptoed out to the hallway, and headed downstairs to the breakfast room. Her heart was heavy with trepidation.

Draco was already there, sipping his coffee and munching on his favourite apple-cinnamon muffin. The new pin, goblin gold with black agate insert, adorned his tie. Hermione found it in a quaint antique shop a few weeks before. She picked up a dainty pale blue box by her plate, carefully opened the package and took an elegant crystal vial out of it. Fleur Celeste, a famous and wildly expensive veela perfume. She smiled and gave a long look to her husband. His face bore the trademark Malfoy grin but Hermione noticed a hint of tension in his silver eyes.

“The pin is so unique - I love it.” He got to his feet and gave a hug to his wife. “Dinner out tonight, sweetie?”

“The perfume is marvellous.” Hermione did her best to act natural. “I’ve reserved a rather quirky place - just for fun. Seven-thirty. Could I call you after six or something? It‘s a little surprise for you.”

“Sure, my beautiful lady.“ His hands lingered on her waist as if he was uncertain about letting her go. Was Draco feeling guilty about having a date with Ginny?

The first thing Hermione noticed when she arrived at her office, was a small oblong golden package sitting on her desk. She unwrapped it. Sure enough, it was a gift from Harry. A perfume in a dark blue box dotted with tiny goblin gold stars. Le Spectateur Nocturne. The same second Hermione’s cellphone rang.

“How are you?” Ginny’s voice piped from it.

“Just fine. Looking at the perfume I found on my desk. From Harry.”

“What perfume?”

“Le Spectateur Nocturne.”

“Geez, he gave me the same. It’s the latest trend - there’s a three-month long waiting list for it. The Prophet even did a feature on it, remember?”

“Yes, there was something about it in the paper. Not much creativity on his part, though.” Hermione fiddled with the perfume box. “Did you receive anything from Draco?”

“Yeah, I’ve got an owl just now. Another perfume. An ungodly expensive one, of course.”

“What kind?”

“Fleur Celeste.”

“Same as mine,” groaned Hermione.” How’d you feel about it?”

“Murderous,” was Ginny’s blunt response.

“Don’t kill your husband yet, please.” With a wave of her wand, Hermione sent off her gift for Harry, a stylish dragonhide case for his glasses. “He’s got tons of redeeming qualities, believe me!”

The day dragged on. The last meeting was a slow torture for everyone except Harry who displayed a keen interest in the prospects for improving collaboration between the indigenous giant tribes in Silesian Mountains and the British dragon hunting regiment recently dispatched to the area.

When everybody had finally left the room, heaving sighs of relief, Hermione came up to Harry who was busy directing the exhibits back into file boxes.

“Sweetie, I’ve got something reserved for you.” She produced her most bewitching smile. “We’d need to get there at six-thirty - that would give us an hour or so before I meet Draco.”

Harry looked over his shoulder and quickly cast a locking charm on the door. “We’ve got about forty minutes - how about a little shag?” He put his arm around Hermione’s waist.

“Where? I guess not here, Harry…”

“No, not here. Let’s Floo to my place - Ginny’s certain to be out till seven-thirty or so.”

“Your place?” Hermione didn’t think it was a very good idea, but no other options came to her mind. “You told me once that you’d rather not do it at home.”

“Today’s an exception, my dear.” Harry’s hand was caressing her back, and Hermione’s stomach fluttered a little.

They Flooed into the parlour of number twelve, Grimmauld place, and Harry led Hermione upstairs to one of the guest bedrooms.

Muffliato. Harry waved his wand.

“What do you need that for?” Hermione wondered, as she began unbuttoning her robes.” No one’s home, right?”

“Just to be safe, darling.” Harry pulled her down on the bed.

“I see.” Hermione glanced around. One of the walls had completely been emptied of the decor. The framed photos were stacked in a corner. “Why are the pictures taken down?”

“Ginny has been redecorating lately.” Harry’s lips touched Hermione’s cheek and trailed down her neck, sending small shivers of excitement down her spine. He gently pulled her half-unfastened robes away, revealing her beige silk blouse. Hermione wished she could surrender to his skilful caresses but she had a hard time loosening up. She wove her fingers into his untidy raven-black hair while his hands were busy taking her clothes off.

When she had only her lacy bra and knickers left on, Harry’s cellphone rang. He mumbled something into it and tossed the mobile on a bedside stand. Hermione glanced at the alarm clock on the same stand - they were to Apparate to that Morsels joint in mere twenty-five minutes. The situation called for more drastic actions. She promptly stripped of her underwear and stretched on the bed. Harry’s darkened stare took all of her in while he speedily divested himself of his clothes. He flopped down on the bed and his fingers assaulted Hermione between her legs. She arched her back, sensing her beginning arousal. He was so good at it, he could get her on in no time. Hermione edged closer to Harry’s strong body.

His hands were now on her waist. Harry pulled her on top of him abruptly, and Hermione obeyed. The inside of her thigh brushed against his arousal, and he gripped her tighter. Then she pushed herself onto him, and the familiar sense of his fullness sent waves rippling through her insides. They settled into a steady rhythm, his hands holding her close to his torso, and her tits brushing against his chest with each his thrust. Hermione already knew they won’t be able to make it to the restaurant. Hey, they could afford to be a little late. Just try to relax and enjoy the moment…

“You’re a little tense, darling…“ Harry whispered. His fingers twisted her nipple, and then the other, sending jolts of pleasure through Hermione’s body.

“Harry… My day’s been so busy…” She closed her eyes and rode him, trying to focus on her sensations. His hands fondled her breasts, making her arch and sway. The desire for him was now filling her to the brim. Oh no… More, more…She was so lucky that both her husband and her lover knew so well how to unleash the wanton minx in her…

His arms pulled her really close to his chest and their lips touched. She lifted her heavy lids and met the intent stare of his green eyes.

Whoosh! A hissing sound filled the room for a few seconds, and then she heard something. A woman moaning, and a man responding in a short grunt. The voices were strangely familiar…

Still in the firm hold of Harry’s arms, Hermione turned her head in the direction of the sounds. The sight made her heart sink to the bottom of her stomach. She wiggled frantically but couldn’t break free of Harry’s professional Auror deadlock.

The empty wall was gone completely, revealing a perfect view of the bed in the adjoining bedroom. Two naked bodies were entwined on it. Hermione’s dazed stare met Ginny’s wide open eyes while Draco was pumping fervently into her, oblivious to the presence of his wife on top of Harry. Hermione made a desperate attempt to jerk away from her lover only to end up under him, his stiff cock still inside her. His lips and tongue ravished her mouth. Harry kept thrusting into her mercilessly, and all she could do was let him drive her totally over the edge. Her heart pounded madly and her thoughts became a jumbled mess as the sensations of her overheated flesh took over her conscious. She exploded around her lover’s member, and he climaxed on top of her in less than a minute. Then they slumped together, sweaty and panting.

“Quiet, Gin, can I talk to my wife after all?” Hermione heard the drawl that she knew so well. “Aren’t you great, my darling?”

She wiggled out from under Harry and saw Draco still holding Ginny down on the bed, his palm over her mouth and his grey eyes fixed on Hermione.

“Aren’t you real bastards?” Hermione hissed, her shoulders still in Harry’s iron grip.

“Ouch!” Draco jerked his hand away from Ginny’s face. “You bitted me!”

“Serves you right!” Ginny had now broken free and was sitting on the bed. “Where’s my wand?”

“And where’s mine?” Hermione asked loudly, writhing against Harry’s body.

“No wands for you now, girls!” Harry’s voice boomed behind Hermione’s back. “Don’t you think we’d rather make it alive and sound through the day?”

Draco crossed his arms on his chest. His silver eyes surveyed the witches lazily. Hermione wanted to vanish into the thin air on the spot.

“Oh no, Ginny - but it was so… so unexpected,” stuttered Hermione. Her eyes met her friend panicked stare again. Suddenly, the both of them broke into hysterical giggles. She felt Harry relaxing his hold on her arms. “Oh - Draco… please…”

“I - I’m so sorry, Harry,” whimpered Ginny and shifted away from Draco.

“I guess we’d better take care of our wives, Draco.” Harry gave Hermione a pat on her back, got up and joined Ginny on the other bed. The same second Draco flopped down next to Hermione, his hands pulling her into his lap. Somewhat relieved, she settled against his torso, and his fingers stroke her stomach tenderly. Still, she couldn‘t get over her shock yet.

“A drink for your nerves?” wondered Draco.

“Let’s have some tea,“ Ginny jumped at the idea, evidently from a sheer embarrassment. “Harry, please get it and some cookies too- I’ve got no wand!”

Soon a tray landed on each of the beds, and the teapots poured the piping hot tea. Draco proffered a cup to Hermione, and she gratefully accepted it.

It was incredibly odd to sit here in the buff and sip her tea in her husband’s arms after making out with her lover in front of him, but Hermione’s jitters already began to subside. How good they didn’t make it to Glad Morsels…

Harry took a big sip from his cup and gave Draco a long look. The latter glanced at both Hermione and Ginny, then stared back at him.

“Shouldn’t we all be going then?” Harry questioned a little uncertainly.

“Going where?” wondered Ginny.

“Well, we’ve booked a spa for all of us. Your favourite one,” said Harry.

“You mean Jupiter et Juno?” Hermione asked uncredulously.

“The fabled Pearl Chamber that you’re so fond of, Hermione,” smirked Draco.

“I can’t believe it…” Hermione didn’t know what to think of it all.

“To be honest, I’m already hungry,” Ginny griped a little.

“We’ve got a dinner ordered in the Pearl, Ginny,” was Draco’s gallant reply. “Wine and everything.”

“And the candles too,” grinned Harry.


In less than an hour, all four of them, in fluffy white bath robes, were sitting around a carved ivory table loaded with food. Flickering candles cast the warm glow on the cherries and strawberries, heaped in crystal bowls, and the slices of succulent ham and smoked salmon, laid out on silver platters. An elf in a long blue gown appeared with an ornate tray holding several bottles of wine and gleaming goblets.

“Our special for the Valentine Day, ladies and gentlemen! Amoretto di Sesso Gioioso - the true elixir of Bacchus blessed by Cupid!” The elf bowed his head, and the tray landed on the farther end of the table next to the big bowl of steaming couscous. Harry got up and picked one of the bottles. Draco strolled around the table and joined him. The elf bowed again and disappeared.

“Never heard of this wine,“ Ginny murmured to Hermione. “And I’m in the same room with our booze columnist at the Prophet.”

“If our blokes paid a fortune for all this, it’d better be good!” Hermione plucked an juicy cherry from a bowl, and glanced at Draco and Harry who were scrutinizing the bottles.

“Wonder which potion exactly they laced it with,” Hermione heard her husband muttering on the other end. She directed her attention to the mouth-watering shrimp salad on her plate. Her nerves were now more or less back to normal, and she was really hungry. Ginny indulged herself in a generous serving of couscous and salmon.

“… guess they aren’t really angry with us,” Hermione overheard Harry talking low to Draco. She pricked up her ears.

“No Bat-Bogey Hexes for you so far,” Draco whispered back. Hermione and Ginny exchanged glances.

“No yellow canaries for you either, mate,” was Harry’s almost inaudible reply.

“Wait till we get home, Harry James Potter!” Ginny quipped loudly from her end.

“I haven’t ruled out the birds either, Draco Abraxas Malfoy,” Hermione joined her friend.

The men’s eyes shot in the direction of the women. A sly smile crossed Draco’s lips.

“We’d better enjoy the dinner,” Harry winked to Hermione and Ginny, as he strode around the table with a bottle in his hand. “Some wine, ladies?”

“Sure.” Hermione snickered and raised her goblet. “Hope it’s the right one for this salad.”

“A perfectly appropriate choice, I assure you,” Draco drawled into her ear as he settled next to her and wrapped his arm around her waist.

The rose wine was indecently rich in taste and aroma. Hermione, already a little dazed from the food and incense, felt the luscious warmth of it travel down her throat and envelop her insides. She snuggled against her husband’s side. After his third gobletful of the wine Draco began kissing her flushing cheeks slowly. Hermione found his lips and their mouths fused together. He was getting hard under his terry bathrobe, and she sensed her beginning arousal too.

From the corner of her eye she noticed Harry freeing Ginny’s shoulders from her robe. She turned her head cautiously and saw his hand fondle Ginny’s round breasts, his forefinger and thumb rubbing her hardened nipples. A hot wave rippled through Hermione’s lower parts. She felt Draco’s fingers undoing the belt on her own waist. Her eyes darted down and stumbled upon her man’s hard member sticking out of the folds of his bathrobe.

“Oh no…” she mumbled, struggling against her libido that was sucking away her last sense of propriety. “Not here, Draco…”

“I can’t - I must have you now,” he breathed feverishly. His robe flew to the floor, and she let hers slide off her shoulders. Draco got to his feet, his tall lean body in everyone‘s full view. Hermione hesitated a little, and he scooped her up impatiently. Lost in the dreamy fog of pure lust, she gave in to his will and let him carry her into the pool, a mere few feet away from Harry and Ginny.

The iridescent swirls of warm potion gently tickled their heated skin. Hermione could see Ginny settled on the edge of the pool, her legs dangling in the streams. Harry’s face was buried between his wife‘s creamy thighs. Her absent gaze travelled towards Hermione and Draco. Seeing them watch her husband tend to her pussy, Ginny arched her back, showing off her tits, and kneaded them with her hand shamelessly. Hermione felt a throb coming on in her lower belly. The same second Draco latched on to Hermione’s nipple, biting and tugging at it. His fingers slid into the gentle whirlpool of the potion between Hermione’s open thighs. He pinched her clit hard, which made her jerk with pleasure and part her legs even wider. She was craving madly for him to take all of her.

Draco drew back a little, and Hermione, not willing to let him go, cupped and pushed her breasts forward to bring herself closer to his tantalising mouth. Instantly, he resumed ravishing her tits. Hermione’s stare slid away to the other couple. Ginny, her eyes heavy-lidded, was now riding Harry, who was reclining in the pool. His lustfully dark gaze met Hermione’s. Never had Hermione felt so wanton and full with lascivious desire.

Draco pulled her deeper into the gentle streams, and she moaned as his bursting member thrust into her pussy. His lips were on her face, and she wasn’t paying attention to anything beyond them two anymore. Every slightest touch of his on her skin, over-sensitised by the potion in the pool, sent her into a new spiral of pure relish. She could feel every muscle of his trim body. They played their own game of tease and pleasure for their friends to see, ratcheting up their tempo, reducing it to excruciating slowness, then her jamming hard on him and making him retort with a gusto, and him banging her again and again till she’d slump in her submission to him, only to perk up and attack his sensitive nipples with her manicured fingernails precisely the second he allowed himself to slacken a little. And then, at last - the revelry of them becoming a whole, inseparable in their lust and love, shaking and quaking in their ecstasy.

Hermione opened her eyes and inhaled the musky scent of Draco’s damp hair. He was still on top of her, breathing soft and tender words into her ear, and it was marvellous. The aphrodisiac wine made for an unbelievably intense and long lovemaking. She whispered her gratitude to her wizard, the man she loved so much and whom she wanted to feel great too.

Draco rolled off her and settled in the tranquil waters next to Hermione, his hand resting on her soft stomach. Harry and Ginny, equally spent and languid, were lying in each other’s embrace in the opalescent streams. Ginny’s wet cinnamon red hair were plastered over Harry’s arm wrapped around her shoulders. His fingers traced the line of her jawbone, and Hermione couldn’t help but notice how handsome a couple they were, enraptured in their love.

The potion swirled, its iridescent colours mingling and parting in spiral streams. The slumberous atmosphere in the room was thick with the vanilla and sandalwood incense. Hermione’s body was incredibly light and sated. She looked into Draco’s grey eyes and knew that he felt the same.

“Quite a Valentine…” Ginny muttered. Harry guffawed.

“Bloody fucking kinky,” grunted Draco and rubbed his chest.

“Language, hubby.“ Hermione’s mental fog already began to scatter. Her pleasure was truly immense but Hermione wasn’t sure how to handle this wholly unexpected development. She looked at Ginny and saw the same uncertainty in her eyes too. The men didn’t seem to be bothered by what had happened but they had also drunk way more than their wives. That elf wine was worse than the strongest firewhisky ever known.

“Care to meet for a lunch tomorrow, Gin?” Hermione asked when they were already dressed and ready to leave. “Girls only?”

“Sounds good, Hermione.” Ginny was equally eager to discuss their new situation in private. “How about the Three Chopsticks? I’m in a mood for sushi.”

“Some dissection is in order, obviously,” Hermione heard Draco’s sardonic remark. The same second he put his arm around Ginny’s shoulders and led her away. Hermione strained to hear their conversation, but failed because Harry moved in front of her.

“How about a dinner after work tomorrow, Hermione?” He grinned brazenly. “L’Artiste Nouveau, as usual. No late meetings after work, I promise.”

“But - but…” Hermione didn’t know what to say at first. Harry apparently needed to sober up first. She peeked over his shoulder and registered Draco talking to Ginny sweetly. What was her dear hubby up to? Hermione took a breath. “All right, let’s do it. I’d really like to have a talk with you.”

“Fabulous, sweetie.” Harry pulled her closer and planted a big kiss on her mouth. The taste of the Amoretto was still present on his lips. When Hermione wrestled out of his embrace, the first thing she noticed was the smug expression on Draco’s face. He was now standing right next to Harry. For Merlin’s sake, what’s really going on?

Back in their bedroom, Hermione undressed, slightly dizzy after the wine. The kids were staying with the Granger grandparents, and she saw no need in putting on a nightgown. Her body felt wonderful after the sex and spa. Draco was already in their oversized bed, leafing through a magazine idly. She admired his good looks, as she climbed next to him. Still, certain things were nagging at her conscience.

“You - you really don’t mind Harry’s asking me out for dinner?” she asked tentatively, watching his face for the reaction.

“Why? I’ve asked Ginny out tomorrow too,” he stretched his body lazily. “It’s only fair, my dear.”

“Oh… What place then?” Hermione had a hard time processing it.

“L’Artiste Nouveau - I think everyone likes their food.”

“You mean everyone?” she asked incredulously. “So, is it going to be in the main room or in a private suite?”

“That’s up to you and Ginny,” Draco’s voice was thick with tease. “Whatever you decide between yourselves during that lunch of yours.”

“Did you and Harry set it all up to fuck us both together?”

“What else did you expect? By the way, Ginny threw us for a loop when she told Harry about that interview of hers. We had to modify the plans on the run.”

“The interview was just a ruse, Draco. We - we actually had some sort of a revelation planned too.”

“Ginny told me later it was a date cover-up but Harry had already called that meeting!” Draco rolled with laughter. “The hardest part was to drag her to her own home for the shag!”

“It’s so wicked…” She fiddled with the edge of the duvet.

“Didn’t you enjoy it today?” Draco’s mischievous eyes were fixed on Hermione. “C’mon, be honest about it!”

“Oh…” Her face was getting hot. “Sort of… Are you really comfortable with it?”

“I’m damn comfortable with it, Hermione,” he laughed again. “Don’t forget to put on those cute nipple rings with emeralds for the dinner, ok?”

“Those favourites of yours!” Hermione snuggled happily against Draco. “I definitely must write down the name of that wine.”

He kissed her on her forehead and put the lights out with his wand.

****************************************************************

Author's Note: Hope you enjoyed the twist... I should note that the mention of the kiss between Ginny and Draco refers to my new fanfic that I started sketching out. It will cover The Deathly Hallows and a period after the Battle of Hogwarts (canon-compliant except the Epilogue). New plot bunnies swarmed in my mind right away, and I decided to make the Tales of Two Couples series to corral them. I plan to finish Lust, War and.. Love? before posting my DH sequel.

Now I understand that I'm giving away what would finally happen to Hermione, Draco, Harry and Ginny in the long run. Hope it wouldn't spoil your reading too much...

The short story titles to come next (my time permitting) are:
- April in Paris, takes place after Valentine's Day. PWP, if I manage to write it OK. Ideally I'd like to post it in April. :-)
- Splitsville, set well before Holiday Treat. Involves three divorces, two marriages and one Ron Weasley. Drama, of course.
- House-Elf Rights, set before Holiday Treat too. The Malfoy in-laws, the Granger clan and Aunt Petunia - all taking a keen interest in house-elves. General Humour. :D

As always, your comments and critique are very much appreciated! Thank you for reading and reviewing!