April Fools' Birthday

Author's Note:

Margaritama kindly gave me the Polyjuice prank idea for this story. Thank you, margaritama!

This story is best read after Splitsville, Holiday Treat and Valentine's Day, since those stories lay the ground for the events in this fic.

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

Percy scanned several parchments in his hands, then directed them to a shelf with his wand. All in all, his prospects were promising this year. After several years in a mundane, albeit useful in the networking sense, position of the Chief Supervisor at the Floo Regulation Authority, he was seeing the light in the end of the tunnel. He caught the first glimpse of it at the recent office birthday party for Martha Jerkins, the Senior Undersecretary to Kingsley Shacklebolt, the present Minister. Tarquinius Gollywopps, the Head of the Magical Transportation Department, casually wondered over the cocktails if Percy had ever been interested in a more encompassing involvement in the matters of the Magical Transportation Department.

Percy quickly made a couple of inquiries at the same party and was very pleased to discover a nice juxtaposition of circumstances:

a) Archibald Stinkin, the Head of the Council of Magical Law planned to retire this year to spend more time with his great-grandchildren, which was an euphemism for finally parking his one-hundred-twenty-year-old bones in a cosy armchair in front of his fireplace;

b) Armanda Kasson, a perky witch in her mid-fifties with magically enhanced body curves, was being promoted from Deputy Head of the Magical Transportation Department to the Head of the Council of Magical Law;

c) Hermione Malfoy, the Chief Aide to the Deputy Head of the Magical Law Enforcement, declined the proposal to advance to the position of Deputy Head of the Magical Transportation Department;

All of the above put the position of the Deputy Head of the Magical Transportation Department well within Percy Weasley’s reach. A couple of subsequent lunches out with Tarquinius Gollywopps upped Percy’s chances considerably.

But there was a potential danger to his promotion which needed to be eliminated. It was Harry Potter, the Deputy Head of the Auror Department. More exactly, it was his brother-in-law’s dubious relationship with Hermione Malfoy. Arguably, they were very close old friends. Nevertheless, when you stopped by Potter’s office and Mrs. Malfoy happened to be sitting cosily in one of the large black leather armchairs by Harry‘s desk, it hardly evoked a vision of a platonic friendship. Percy strongly suspected that the potential loss of the proximity to Potter was the true reason for Hermione’s gracious declination of the highly prized position in the Magical Transportation Department. Her official explanation was that she would find better application for her talents in the field of Magical Law Enforcement, but every seasoned bureaucrat knew not to put too much weight on statements like that.

In short, the more or less well-veiled affair of Harry and Hermione was a bomb waiting to go off. One could be always certain that in the race for the position of the Deputy Head of the Magical Transportation Department someone would attempt to play the Potter-Malfoy sex scandal card and effectively smear the Weasley name. Ginny’s attitude worried Percy a good deal too. She seemed to be completely oblivious to her husband’s possible adultery. Furthermore, his sister was excessively friendly not only with Hermione, which could be understandable, but also with her raffish husband, Draco Malfoy.

Hermione Malfoy, nee Granger… Her racy union with Draco Malfoy, the only heir to the Malfoy fortune and a former Death Eater, was firmly on the list of backup staples for the Daily Prophet’s gossip column when nothing happened at the moment but a new issue had to be sent to the printing press.

Percy recalled his recent small chat with Hermione in a hallway on Level Two. One would never imagine that a bookish girl in shapeless Hogwarts robes would transform into such a titillating witch. Her husband’s rakishness definitely rubbed off on her. With her you couldn’t help but think of the pleasures hidden underneath her formal office clothes. What did she have that drove every male within a half-mile radius off his rock? Her attire was never too revealing or suggestive, unlike Romilda’s too-tight, too-short, too-low-cut outfits. But Ron’s girlfriend was easy to handle - anyone could label her as a strumpet and treat accordingly. Not that his brother was extremely smart about picking such a woman for himself.

Hermione was not so simple. By all measures, she had certain class and style, but it was the tiny hints that could make the mind of a perfectly normal, law-abiding wizard veer off the road upon encountering her. A small pendant nestled deep in the V-cut of her dress blouse, sleek black pumps showcasing her shapely feet and calves, an elegant bracelet sitting snugly on her feminine wrist - it all was in almost imperceptible details. Many times Percy found himself appraising her bosom during an important meeting. Even Tarquinius Gollywopps, who was well into his 90’s, sounded crestfallen when he mentioned Hermione’s lack of interest in working directly with him.

Thank Merlin, Percy’s dear wife, Audrey, was of an entirely different sort. She was perfectly academic in her looks, proper and safe to be with, and Percy never had to hyperventilate upon noticing a bloke ogling his spouse. Audrey’s highest passions were her husband, their two daughters Molly and Lucy, and Comparative Runic Literature which she taught at the highly renowned private wizarding college in Suffolk.

Something had to be done about Harry and Hermione. Percy remembered Ron’s unwavering affection for Mrs. Malfoy. Could his brother distract her from Potter until Percy secured his promotion? Although a war hero, Ron was only a Senior Auror, and the Daily Prophet didn’t pay much attention to the rank-and-file Aurors unless they were killed on duty and then interred with lots of pomp. Besides, the affair would be too nascent to attract much scrutiny. Percy would then do the part of talking to Ginny to set her wits straight.

******

Ron swallowed a bite of his sandwich. Normally, he hardly bothered to keep Percy company for lunch, but this time his brother was eager on having it with him.

“What I observe about Hermione is that she seems to enter a phase of certain restlessness in her marriage,” Percy droned, while sipping his tea. “I’m chiefly concerned about Ginny since Harry and Hermione are apparently inclined to neglect their marital obligations…”

“You mean Hermione is about to cheat with Harry on Malfoy?” Ron cut his brother short. “And what do you want from me?”

“I would want you to help preserve our sister’s marriage and prevent a press scandal,” Percy said eagerly. “It’s obvious that Hermione might need some friendly direction.”

“Ah…” Ron mumbled. “Do you want me to talk to Harry?”

“How about demonstrating a little attention to Hermione?” Percy leaned back in the uncomfortable metal chair. “She is very much available, Ron.”

Ron gave his brother a long look. “Doubt she’s really interested in me. After Malfoy with his fortune?”

“She spoke very favourably of you the other day.”

“Well…” Ron pondered Percy’s words. Hermione seemed a bit friendlier lately, but most of their interactions were in Harry’s company. The old longing, that he’d been pushing away for years, stirred inside him again.

“Do you plan to attend George’s birthday celebration?” wondered Percy. “I believe the Malfoys are invited but Draco usually opts for regrets with the Weasley gatherings.”

“I’m coming to the bash, Percy. Not sure if Romilda would want to show up. Mum keeps giving her scathing looks every time.”

“You’d do better without Romilda.” Percy flicked his wand and his empty plate disappeared. “Especially if Hermione attends the gathering without her spouse. It‘s a simple matter of perseverance, Ron. Witches always love the romantic devotion. I would strongly advise you to be discreet, though.”

The brothers parted in the Atrium of the Ministry. Ron arrived at his Level and walked down the corridor to the Auror Department. He couldn’t get Percy’s words out of his head, although he was sceptical that Hermione would want to hook up with him. But who would know? If her marriage was rocky, she could have changed her view of things…

Ron remembered that Romilda wanted him to take her out to dinner tonight. He wasn’t very keen on it. Her idea of a good life was chiefly eating out, and then bar-hopping into the wee hours of the morning. She was bloody good in bed, but the party life was wearing him out. In addition, Romilda began dropping heavy hints all over the place that it was time for Ron and her to tie the knot. Which Ron wasn’t ready for yet. He still missed the hearty dinners that his ex-wife, Megan, used to cook, and, at times, her warm, homey comforts.

Merlin‘s torn pants, if it was Hermione, and not Romilda, would he want to marry her? Years ago, his answer would be yes. Now he wasn’t so sure. Ron was making a better than good living, and his share in Weasley Wizarding Wheezes brought very nice dividends, but he hardly was a match for Draco Malfoy. Still, he had the same yearning for Hermione…Blimey, he could still see that good old Hermione Granger beneath the fancy looks of Mrs. Malfoy. She was always cordial with him, always kind and helpful, and she had the special intelligence and warmth to her which was essentially Hermione. And, by Merlin, she was sexy…

Ron shuffled through documents on his desk, then picked a clean parchment and a quill. In five minutes a note flew out of his cubicle and to Hermione’s office. He suggested a quick drink in a pub across the street after work. In about fifteen minutes an answer flitted in. She accepted. Ron’s heart skipped a beat. Blimey, he had a chance… He glanced around, made sure no one was looking and conjured a mirror on his desk. Ron scrutinised his face in it. He was a good-looking wizard by any account. He squared his shoulders - the regular Auror exercise routine and Quidditch in his spare time kept him in a bloody good shape. Ron remembered the passionate kiss Hermione gave him in the Room of Requirement years before. Then he recalled how after the end of the war that Malfoy scum essentially shoved him aside to take Hermione, and it made Ron want revenge even more. What a fool he was to give up Hermione then… He would be much wiser this time and do his best to win the woman he always desired!

Ron winked at himself and picked up another blank parchment from his desk. In less than fifteen minutes a note was owled to Romilda to tell her that he was going to work until late tonight.

*****

“You don’t think you’ll make it to George’s birthday?” Hermione questioned. She kicked her slippers off and curled up on a big couch in the parlour. Rosie and Skip, otherwise known as Scorpius to the public, were already in bed, thank Merlin. “I know it’s on a workday, but I’d really like your company there.”

“Because you’ve been too chummy with Ron, and now you don’t know how to get him off your back?” On the other end of the couch, Draco yawned and stretched his long legs. “Why does George want to have his big bash on Tuesday afternoon?”

“Well, it’s his thirtieth birthday, and he apparently wants it to be on April Fools’ Day. Harry and I are taking the afternoon off - it’s all right. But Ron is practically stalking me at the Ministry, and I’m already fed up with it. It puts me in such a compromising position!”

“Dally less with Harry at work, Hermione. You’re too sexy for the others not to get envious,” Draco smirked. “We’re better off keeping our foursome a strict secret.”

“I’m not that good at playing Slytherin, you know.” A cellphone rang and Hermione summoned it with a flick of her wand. “It’s Ginny. I guess some planning for our Paris weekend.”

“Can’t wait for the grand shag. My hello to the redhead vixen.” Draco summoned a book from a side table and began reading it.


“You know what?” Ginny’s voice was thick with rage. “My dear brother Percy stopped by our place today. I was home alone, except for the kids.”

“Well, he’s bonkers over his dream promotion.” Hermione basically dodged Percy Weasley at the Ministry after the admonishment on marital infidelity he gave her in the elevator. He was lucky it was in the morning and she didn’t want to attract more attention by casting her fabled yellow canaries on him.

“He said I wasn’t a good enough wife for Harry, and if his promotion falls through because of Harry’s sex scandal, it will all be my fault!”

“Did Percy make it out of Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place, alive?”

“Partially. Mum just made a Floo call to tell me to grow up and stop casting Bat-Bogey Hexes on my brothers. Guess what - Ron was at The Burrow for the dinner.”

“Are Charlie and Bill with his family coming for the birthday?”

“They all are already at The Burrow. I heard Bill tell Ron to stop chasing you and sort out his own women first. Ron got mad at him for his siding with Draco.”

“I didn’t know Bill knew about it all.”

“I had coffee with Fleur the other day, that‘s why. George already promised to Stun Percy and use him as a mannequin at one of his shops if he doesn’t stop harassing me.”

“Something about the two Weasels being gits?” Draco raised his eyes from the book. “Send Ron to Ginny then.”

“It’s Weasley, not Weasel. Percy’s bothering Ginny.” Hermione took the mobile off her ear and turned to Draco. “You absolutely must come to the party, otherwise I’ll hex Ron publicly and ruin the event.”

“Let me call Harry.” Draco summoned his BlackBerry. “I’d love to watch you curse the guts of Ron, but an Auror backup won‘t hurt.”

******

The large and airy sitting room in a newer house in the village of Ottery St. Catchpole was filling with people fast. Every time the front door opened, a brightly coloured balloon above it exploded loudly. Some guests halted in their tracks, some ducked to the side, and some, like Percy and Audrey, bolted outside. Most of the people inevitably had a good laugh, hugged the grinning George by the door and proceeded to the sitting room. Fred cheered and waved at everyone from his portrait on the wall. Lee Jordan chatted amiably with him and Fleur, and Mum was busy helping Angelina in the kitchen. Ron could see them through the door from the adjoining dining room. He already stole a few canapés there, and was now sitting in one of the large chairs by the window. Lucy, Molly and Fred, George’s son, were playing in the corner of the room under the supervision of Bridget, Lee‘s wife, and Grandpa Arthur.

“Are Megan and Sammy coming?” Mum surfaced in front of her youngest son. “I see Romilda isn’t here yet.”

“Megan’s working today, and Sammy’s at childcare. Romilda isn’t feeling well, Mum.”

“You could’ve brought Sammy then - he shouldn’t miss out on the family.” Mum turned around and departed for the kitchen. Ron knew that his mother still held out for a reunion of him and Megan, but did he need to tell her that his ex started seeing a bloke named Thaddeus Wimple? Ron disliked the wizard from the first sight.

A violently red baloon blew up loudly, as the entrance door opened again. A few screams and giggles, then Skip ran into Angelina’s embrace and Rosie squealed upon seeing Victoire, Bill and Fleur’s daughter. Hermione didn’t look very cheerful, though. Ron wondered if she was about to break up with her husband again. Hermione pecked George on his cheek, handed him his gift, and sat down in a chair next to Ron’s.

“Draco isn’t coming today?” Ron asked and leaned back in his chair.

“No - he’s busy,” was her strained response.

A poisonously green baloon exploded and Ginny came in. James and Al promptly joined Fred, Molly and Lucy in the corner.

Percy set his glass on the coffee table and surveyed his sister. Ginny was definitely downcast, and, most notably, she ignored Hermione completely.

“Harry isn’t coming - something terribly important at work, Mum.” Ginny said pensively to Mum who came out of the kitchen. Percy was all attention now. He knew full well that nothing especially important was going on in the Auror Department to prevent Harry from attending the event. The signs of a marital rift in the Potter household were apparent.

George gave his sister a pat on her shoulder, and she followed Mum to the kitchen. Percy picked up his glass and went there. Now he needed to comfort Ginny and probe what to expect. The fact that neither Harry, nor Draco came to the party was hopeful.

Percy found his sister helping Angelina put appetizers on round silver trays. The same moment a balloon blew up again, and everyone waved to the Longbottoms as they came in, and to Oliver Wood who followed them with a brightly coloured large box in his hands.

“You were so right, Percy… I’m so sorry about hexing you the other day,” Ginny muttered to her brother. Percy couldn’t believe his ears. His famously strong-headed sister was apologizing to him!

“Well, my dear, everyone saw it coming. I understand you were upset and very emotional then.” He drew closer to Ginny, who sent a cheese platter to the dining room with her wand.

“Don’t say, Percy.” She sighed. “Harry says he’s sorry but, of course, you understand…”

“Am I right it’s Hermione?”

“Yes - yes.” Ginny shot a look, that evidently was supposed to be a glare, in the direction of the sitting room. Percy turned his head and saw Hermione talking to Ron. They now were side by side on the couch.

“I do hope you’ll reconcile with Harry. Unexpected things happen, Ginny.” Percy refilled his glass with butterbeer. “I have to admit that Harry often does not have the best judgment but I am certain you could work it out.”

“Oh, I hope so.”

Lee Jordan and George came into the kitchen, and Fred ran in after his father. Angelina handed the child a slice of an apple and he darted back to the sitting room. George gave Percy a sardonic look, which made him want to evaporate his younger brother. His interference at this point was the last thing Percy needed.

Ginny glanced at George and Lee, then turned to Percy. “Should we go to the garden? There’s a gazebo there.”

Ron looked at Hermione. She was definitely sidling up to him. He studied her delicate profile and wished he could draw closer and kiss her. Apparently, the dizzyingly expensive box of chocolates that he sent to her office last Friday made the right impact. Would it be all right to ask her if Draco already moved back to the Manor? Upon second thought, Ron decided to hold it.

“Want a drink, Hermione? I’m going to get more butterbeer in the kitchen,” he asked and was rewarded by her nod and faint smile. She was so tense today, he noted. Probably had had a giant fight with the bloody Malfoy.

Fred made a face at Ron from the portrait, which he ignored. He entered the kitchen, walked past Mum and Angelina, who were now chatting with Hannah Longbottom, her little daughter Jennifer clinging to her leg. He set two glasses on the countertop and reached for the pitcher with butterbeer. The same second George arrived at his side, and Ron wasn’t too pleased by it.

“If you really want to hit on Hermione, I’d suggest you both go to the gazebo in the garden,” George grumbled in his annoying big-brother tone.

“Thanks for the advice,” Ron gnarled back and left for the sitting room. If George didn’t want it to get too public, the gazebo in the back could do it. Besides, Hermione could get more relaxed in the privacy there… Blimey, it wasn’t a bad idea at all!

Hermione was talking to Oliver, when Ron sat down next to her on the couch and proffered the drink to her. She accepted it gladly, and for a while the three of them chatted about the upcoming Puddlemere United - Holyhead Harpies match. Her thigh was pressed against Ron’s leg, and it thrilled him a good deal. He wondered how her soft lips would feel on his mouth, and it made him eager to get over with the conversation and leave for the gazebo.

Finally, Oliver was distracted by Neville and Bill, and moved to their corner. Hermione shot a glance at Ron, as if not sure what to do next, and he instantly knew that it was time for him to act.

“Care for a stroll in the garden, Hermione?” Ron asked. “It’s so crowded in here - the kids and everything.”

“Sure,” she literally beamed at him, and her fingers touched his arm lightly.

The day was cool and sunny. Tender green mist shrouded the trees, awakening after the winter. Percy and Ginny sat down on a wrought iron bench outside the gazebo. He could see that his sister was on the verge of crying.

“I know Harry can be really stupid, Ginny,” Percy said in his most consoling tone. His sister stared dejectedly at the bed of crocuses in front of them. “But it’s important to avoid the scandal.”

“You mean, just hush it up and pretend nothing has happened?”

“Well, I could talk to Harry and help him sort things out. He’s quite short-sighted when it comes to his career, and he needs to be more cautious with the office politics,” Percy kept talking. Finally, his sister was listening to him! “You need to be more selective with your girlfriends. I always doubted Hermione’s intentions towards you and Harry.”

“I know, Percy. I never expected her to shag my husband.”

“Now you know her true personality, and it’s time to restore your marriage, Ginny.”

“But how could I do it?” Ginny stared at Percy’s face. “After what Harry did?”

“Ginny, you might be angry and bitter at Harry but at this point it is not wise to break up openly. I agree it was very dumb and short-sighted of Harry to become involved with Hermione. I don‘t dispute the fact that he‘s a complete and profound jerk.” Percy put his hand on Ginny’s shoulder, and she did not resist. “However, a public scandal could jeopardise us all career-wise - Father, Ron and me.”

Through the semi-transparent shrubbery Percy noticed Ron and Hermione approaching the gazebo from the other side. Her arm was wrapped around his elbow, and their bodies were pressing against each other. Thanks Merlin, he and Ginny didn’t go inside the gazebo, Percy thought. Everything was progressing nicely. He made a mental note to remind his youngest brother to be more discreet at the Ministry and take their budding romance outside the workplace.

Ron saw Percy and Ginny on the bench on the other side of the gazebo, and pulled Hermione away. They walked out of their sight and to the opposite side, where another bench was located. Hermione followed him obediently. What an angel she was today... Neither Megan, nor Romilda could match her.

“The Malfoys were always the real scumbags, Hermione,” Ron said. “If not for their money, they’d be still in Azkaban.”

“Don’t say,” Hermione sighed. “Draco could be so difficult at times.”

“Draco is the lowliest person I ever knew.”

“Not so lowly, though.” Hermione flinched noticeably. Ron quickly put his arm around her shoulder, and she cuddled closer to him.

“Well, he can be bloody smart about things, but I always saw his real worth. Know what?”

Hermione gave him a curious look, which made Ron smile.

“I want to punch Malfoy right in his face like I did during the Battle of Hogwarts. For making you suffer.”

“Ah… How brave of you, Ron…” her voice trailed off.

Ron hugged her closer, and she did not resist. What a wonderful day it was for him. Her rosy lips were beckoning him and her amber eyes were imploring him. He leaned towards her. She met his eager mouth and they joined in a deep kiss. Ron didn’t want to let her go. Never, never.

Merlin’s torn pants, she was so good at snogging, Ron couldn’t believe it. Their tongues touched each other, and he eagerly skimmed the insides of her sweet lips, slightly pulling her head up to his level. He closed his eyes. His hand slid up her side and rested on her soft breast. She did not respond, and he squeezed it tentatively. Was it getting smaller under his hand? He pressed harder and his palm met a strangely flat chest, which puzzled him a little. His eyes still closed, he tried to shift away, but her embrace didn’t let him out. Blimey, she had such strong arms for a witch…

Ron’s eyelids flipped open. Horror filled his insides instantly - he was staring into a pair of pale grey eyes.

Percy was hugging and patting Ginny on her back as she sobbed into his shoulder, her face buried in the fabric of his robes. He gazed into the space and wondered how long it would take his sister to return to her normal state of mind. Nevertheless it was a very favourable development. He had to be patient and make sure the things would take the proper course. It was rather peculiar that his petite sister had grown noticeably heavier and wider.

Percy glanced down at Ginny’s head and frantically jerked away. But an iron grasp over his shoulder held him in place. The long red hair had turned short and raven black, and the person was none like his sister.

“Well, Percy, let me get my glasses,” he heard the baritone. He was holding Harry in his arms. More exactly, Potter was holding Percy hostage in his one-hand Auror grip while his other hand rummaged in the pocket of his too-small robes.

“April Fools!“ Ginny and Hermione tossed the Invisibility Cloak aside and sprang up behind the railing. The view from the gazebo was priceless. Percy sat still, his mouth gaping, as Harry released his hold on him and came up to Ginny who was rolling with laugh. On the other side of the gazebo, Ron was already on his feet and mumbling unintelligibly, while Draco, in his wife’s too-short robes, surveyed him smugly. Hermione choked with laughter, as her eyes met Ron’s. He turned crimson red, and Draco barely had time to block his Stunning spell.

“Ron, if you touch my husband, I - I’ll hex you!” Hermione shouted, and Ron glared at her. “I’m sorry - it was drastic but we had to put an end to it somehow!”

“You’d better lay off my wife, Ron.” Draco waved his wand at him lazily.

Ron jerked his head and bolted around the gazebo to follow Percy, who was hastily retreating to the house.

“I - I think I should go in and check on the kids. Here - here’s the bag with your clothes, Harry and Draco” Ginny said, once she managed to stop laughing uncontrollably. “Boys, that was fabulous!”

“First, how’s about the reward that you promised us?” Draco drawled, leaning against the gazebo railing. “I’m not into men, after all.”

“Right now?” Hermione asked, and her eyes wandered from one wizard to the other. Warmth spread in her lower abdomen at the thought of what they could do to her and Ginny, but the time and place weren’t quite right. “I think we should have some decency. Aren‘t we having that Paris getaway in two weeks?”

“I’m sure George wouldn’t mind,” Harry supported Draco. His green eyes met Hermione‘s and made her wish that they weren‘t at George‘s place. “It’s been quite a while, Hermione. Think of it - I’ve just listened to Percy‘s unbiased opinions on me!”

“Only a quickie - I really need to recover from snogging your brother, Gin,” Draco said huskily. Ginny shot an amused glance at him, flipping her long cinnamon red hair back.

“It‘s my brother‘s birthday after all!“ she said and turned towards the house. “Some other time, boys.”

“You‘re right, Gin. Let’s go in. The men could change into their clothes in the gazebo and come in then,” Hermione agreed.

The witches didn’t even have to enter the house - they were greeted by Angelina on the back porch.

“Sorry, we’re tardy,” said Hermione. “Are the kids okay?”

“They’re great. Grandma and Grandpa have them all right now. You’d better take a stroll out there - Ron is murderous. Bill and Charlie are dealing with him. Percy is nearly comatose - Audrey is all over him. What did you do to them?”

“A bit of soul talk,” smirked Ginny.

“A little snog,” Hermione answered.

Angelina chortled and went back inside.

Hermione and Ginny returned to the gazebo, where the two wizards were already dressed in their proper clothes.

“So what?” Draco twiddled his wand. Harry sat on the gazebo railing.

“I guess, you win,” admitted Hermione. “Angelina told us to have a walk while Ron and Percy recuperate.”

“Harry told me there’s a wizarding inn a few miles down the road.” Draco winked at the ladies. “Let’s try it for a change.”

“I’d rather do no swinging - we are too well-known in this area,” Ginny pointed out.

“All right, no swinging,“ agreed Harry and shot a glance at grinning Draco. The sight of them both, so manful and gallant, made Hermione’s desire crescendo. She glanced at Ginny and detected the hidden fire in her eyes too. Maybe they could manage a swing sometime soon?

The men insisted on a stroll to enjoy the weather. The cool breeze was refreshing, and the warm April sun shone gently upon them, as they walked leisurely, not talking much, to the small village inn. There the innkeeper, a ruddy-faced wizard, beamed at them and summoned his smiling plump wife to show the two couples to the rooms. A few witches, sitting in the lobby, turned their heads when they all strode past. Ginny was right, Hermione thought. The Potters were quite well-known around here.

The hostess opened the door, and Hermione entered a small but neat room with a large vintage-looking bed. Draco followed her inside.

“You’re crazy, as usual,” Hermione smiled at her dashing husband. “We could do it just fine at home.”

“It’s more fun this way, isn’t it?” Draco reclined in an armchair next to the bed. “A striptease, Hermione? I‘m in the mood for it.”

“All right.” Hermione unbuttoned her clothes as she slowly moved in a circle in the small space between the door and the bed. “Take your robes off too.”

“Want to see what‘s going on inside my trousers?”

“Exactly,” Hermione already divested of her long robes and was now wearing a knee-length pale blue silk slip. She hiked the lacy hem up her side teasingly and began pulling down her sheer tights, stroking her thighs gently. His darkened eyes were fixed on her hips, and it aroused Hermione. She glanced at his lower body and his trousers were very visibly tented there.

She gave him another seductive look over her shoulder, as she got rid of her tights. Draco reached for his robes on the bed and started rummaging in the pockets.

“What did you forget there?” she asked curiously.

“Turn away and don’t look at me, sweetie,” he requested, with a very obvious mirth in his voice.

Hermione shrugged and turned her back on him. She pulled her chemise over her head and swayed her backside at Draco. Apparently, her hubby was up to something.

She stood in her bra and knickers for a few minutes. Hermione already contemplated turning around to see what Draco was doing, when she sensed his hands on her shoulders. Then they slid down and unfastened her bra. She moved her shoulders and it fell to the floor. Hermione closed her eyes. His fingers were now teasing her nipples, and he was breathing down her neck. She was getting so hot and wet between her legs…

“You’re awesome, Hermione.” The sound of his voice gave her a start. “April Fool!”

“Harry - you and Draco took a second dose of the Polyjuice potion in the gazebo!”

“Of course,” was his laughing response. “It’s been a long time since we shagged, Hermione.”

She swung around and Harry, whose only attire was his glasses, pulled her after him on the bed. His hand was inside her knickers, fondling her, and his lips ravished her nipples.

“You - you’re impossible,” Hermione nearly choked with laughter, wiggling out of her knickers. Harry jerked his head up, and his mischievous green eyes met her stare. He edged up her torso and his mouth met hers. She surrendered to his eager tongue, and to the unexpected caresses from him. His hands roamed her body, keen to feel all of her. And every part of her - her tensing nipples, her heaving breasts, her quivering pussy, her swelling clit, her gyrating buttocks - loved his earnest groping. His slightly bear-like grace was so endearing to her, and she submitted to his strong body. Her hand reached down to please him more. His cock felt hard and solid in the cradle of her palm, as her fingers closed around it.

Harry growled, pushed her hand aside, and, in an instant, he was inside her. The suddenness of his move made her gasp. Then he was pounding her evenly and forcefully, and she wanted him to keep going at it, her cunt embracing his robust cock. A wave of pleasure coursed through her each time he hit her sensitive centre, and soon her nether parts were throbbing around him hard and fast. A sudden sharp thrust of his, then another - he shouted her name, spilling himself inside her, and in a few seconds she spiralled into her ecstasy in his embrace, his face lodged in the crook of her neck.

They lay across the bed, their feet dangling from the edge of it.

“You’re much sexier than Percy,” Harry joked and picked up his glasses from the crumpled bedspread. Hermione chuckled happily.

“Poor Percy - I’d love to see his face tomorrow at the Ministry,” she said and summoned her clothes. “And Ron - I feel so guilty for having him snog Draco.”

“Ron earned it. You made it clear to him that you weren’t interested but he kept forcing it on you.” Harry got up, Accio‘d his garments from the room next door and sent Draco‘s clothes to him. “The whole department gossiped about those chocolates he sent you last Friday!”

The four of them Apparated onto the front steps of George’s house. Draco, his hand set possessively on Hermione’s waist, pushed the door open. She glanced at him and strained not to chuckle at his smug swagger. Hermione teased him with a rub of her hip against him, and her husband almost purred like a tall blond tomcat.

“You’re just in time for the cake,“ George met them with a wide grin. Then he leaned closer and whispered, “Thanks a lot - you’ve tamed those two brothers for good!”

“Well, your plan turned out brilliantly, George,” Harry snickered and crouched to greet James and Al scampering towards their father. Ginny rested her hand on her husband‘s shoulder, smiling contentedly.