Chapter Text
Harry rushed through the house, picking up and trying to get everything in order while trying to pack his belongings to move in with Hermione.
She had been released from the hospital a week ago, and like promised, Hermione moved into her new estate. Charlie was already there with her, and it made Harry anxious that she was getting closer to Charlie. He was not jealous per se; it was just he had been in love with Hermione for so long that he wanted to be her first in everything.
Maybe he was being a wanker, but he didn’t care. He would burn the world to ash for Hermione if she only asked him to.
“Slow down, Harry,” Remus said with a laugh. “This is Hermione ; you need to relax.”
Harry stopped midstep and frowned. “I know it’s Hermione, but this relationship—I’ve wanted her for so long, and now I have her. But it’s because of this stupid fucking law. Does she love me, too? Will she? I don’t think I could survive a loveless marriage, Remus.”
“Relax,” Remus said and touched his shoulder warmly. “Hermione already loves you. Not in the way you’re hoping, not right now. But you know how our little Hermione is. She puts everything she is into anything she does. I know it’ll be the same for her marriage to you, too.”
“But—Charlie…”
“Yes, Charlie is going to bond with her, too. But don’t you think that Hermione has the capacity to love both of you as she should? Look, I hate this fucking law, but the one silver lining is you got Hermione out of it. I could scent that you were attracted to her, but you were in an impossible situation. You stepped back for her to make her happy. This is why I know your marriage will be successful. You’d do anything to make her happy, Harry. I know she’ll do the same for you and Charlie. Triads are sacred in our world. It’s a magical number, as you know. The Unspeakables ensured they did matches that would work, not fall apart. They want permanent bonds, Harry. Not just something to produce children.”
Harry deflated and bowed his head with a sigh. “I know,” he croaked. “I just—.”
“Enough, pup,” Sirius said, walking into the room. “Hermione and Charlie are here. Teddy is entertaining them now.”
“She’s here!” Harry’s voice was a squeak, and Sirius chuckled.
Sirius kissed Remus on the lips and wrapped his arm around his waist. “It looks like our pup is growing up,” he said.
Remus smiled and returned the hug, leaning his head against Sirius’.
Harry was happy for Sirius and Remus. They had found love after the war. He had learned that they had loved each other for years but thought their love would be forbidden. Remus did love Tonks, and they had Teddy, but where did that leave Sirius? Sirius didn’t move on as Remus did. He waited for him, and now he had him.
Was that what it was like for Harry? No. Hermione didn’t love him yet, not like that. But Remus was right; she would. Hermione loved him as her best friend, which should help their marriage. She didn’t love him as a brother—he had asked. She told him he was her other half and best friend.
He had made a joke, trying to garner more information when she had said that. “Shouldn’t Ron be your other half?” he mused.
She just wrinkled her nose and shook her head. She told him that while she loved Ron and wanted a future with him, they didn’t have the same bond she had with Harry. This appeased him if only a tiny amount. He wanted to shake her, snog her, and shag her at the same time.
‘Look at me,’ he thought. He wanted her to see that he was in love with her but was terrified at the same time that she would notice.
“Pup?” Sirius said, snapping his fingers in front of him. “You coming? Supper is ready.”
Harry blinked back to the present. He could spend all day thinking of Hermione and never get bored.
“Yeah,” he said and rubbed the back of his neck. He banished his dusting rag and rubbed his hands together. “Let me get washed up, and I’ll meet you there.”
Harry took the stairs two at a time, went to his room with an ensuite bathroom, and washed his hands. He splashed water on his face after removing his glasses. He shook his head when he looked into the mirror and braced himself on the sink.
“You’re a lucky bastard, you know it?” he murmured.
He yelped when his eyes moved to the right and saw Hermione standing there. She looked so fucking beautiful. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders, curling around her breast. The dress was a deep red and flared around her legs. A small black belt circled her waist. Her shoes and tiny toes poked out of the black sandals and were painted red, too.
He chuckled and put on his glasses, drying his hands. He turned to her then, trying to get his racing heart under control. “Hermione,” he breathed. “Not that I don’t appreciate how you look, but isn’t it too early for your summer dresses? It’s freezing outside.”
He stepped into her personal space and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Hi,” he breathed.
She placed her hands on his shoulders and smiled up at him. She had a healthy glow, and her eyes sparkled with an emotion that Harry couldn’t quite place. “Hi,” she said back and kissed him on the cheek. “The weather is garbage outside, but since I was travelling by floo, I dressed as I wanted. You know I love my sundresses.”
“I love them on you, too,” he said.
“You do?” she asked, surprised.
“Of course I do. I love anything you wear. You’re beautiful, Hermione.”
She blushed, almost matching her dress.
“Would you mind if I gave you a proper kiss? We are bonding in two weeks, but I want to kiss you.”
She cleared her throat and licked her lips. Harry followed the motion with his eyes and then flicked them up to her eyes. They had become half-lidded, and she gave a slight nod. “I think I would like that,” she said. “I would—we should be compatible, right?”
“Turn that beautiful brain of yours off,” Harry said and tugged her closer. “This is us, Harry and Hermione. I’ve been—look, Hermione. I love you not only as my best friend but something more. I have for years.”
She pressed her delicate finger to his lips as he continued to babble. His words were cut off as she dragged her finger away and replaced it with her warm, soft lips.
Harry swallowed his fear and canted his head to the side, and swiped his tongue against her lips, hoping beyond hope that she would allow him to give him a proper snog.
She poked her tongue out and opened up for him. He sighed into the kiss and pulled her flush against him, trying to keep his cock under control. Just kissing her was like he had come home, had gone to heaven and died a happy man. His fingers tangled into her curls and deepened the kiss.
“Hey! You’re kissing Auntie Hermione,” Teddy pipped up, tugging on Harry’s jumper.
They jumped apart, and Hermione gave a nervous laugh. Harry felt as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped on him, and his cock fled to Japan.
It was a good thing, Teddy interrupted, because Harry was having such naughty thoughts about Hermione, all the positions he wanted to try with her, and wondered what sounds he could pull from her.
He ruffled Teddy’s hair, as it was turning from red as Hermione’s dress to the same honey brown colour hair as hers. He knew that Teddy had a crush on Hermione. He thought it was cute.
Hermione let out a silent breath and then reached for Teddy. “Come on, Teddy. Can you escort me to supper?”
Teddy gave an exaggerated bow and then offered his arm. It was a good thing Hermione was not that tall. She looped her arms with Teddy’s and smiled at the young boy.
As they left the room, she turned her head and looked at Harry. He thought it was telling that she was looking for him. He trailed behind them and watched as her hips swayed, enjoying the view. He tried not to think too much about it because he was trying his best to be a good man for her and not one that sexualised his wife. But, Godric, he had wanted her for so long it was difficult not to.
When Hermione was settled between him and Charlie, he noted that they both had put their hand on her upper thigh and kept it there. She didn’t shoo them away, which gave Harry hope for their future together.
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“We should talk,” Hermione said as she, Charlie, and Harry arrived at the estate. “All of us.”
Charlie and Harry looked at each other. Charlie looked nervous, but Harry looked concerned.
“There’s nothing to worry about,” she said with a small laugh. “Come on, let’s sit and talk.”
They trailed behind her, and she motioned for them to sit across from her on the couch. She felt lonely sitting alone, but she had some things to get off her chest before they started their lives together. She spoke to Kingsley about Charlie and Harry getting new matches, but they had refused when she was unconscious. Getting pregnant might be an issue, but being a Healer, she knew it was still in the realm of possibilities. She just prayed that she could. She needed and wanted to be a mum. She had been working herself to the bone for far too long with no relief. She kept going because her goal was to bond with him and start a family.
That didn’t come to fruition, which, in hindsight, was for the best. She was glad she found out what a wanker he was before they bonded. Honestly, how long did he think he could keep this charade up? Would he eventually tell her when it was too late and ask her to form a triad with him and Lav Lav? She couldn’t stand the bitch before, and this didn’t win any points, either. Lav was selfish, and she proved it by what she did. She could have him.
“You wanted to talk?” Harry said gently.
She cleared her throat and squared her shoulders as she folded her hands in her lap to keep from shaking. “Yes,” she said. “It’s nothing bad; I just thought we could discuss our expectations with this bonding. This will be permanent, and I don’t think it’s a good idea to figure this out after we bond. We know each other, which should make it easier, but there may be something that I can’t do or provide.”
Charlie nodded and sucked his bottom lip into his mouth. “I see,” he said. “I know our relationship was different when you were dating Ro— him , but now we are expected to bond. I had some time to think about it. I’ve always been attracted to you since you’ve grown up but tried to forget about it because you were meant for someone else. Now, though, I can explore those feelings. I’m not dating anyone, and I wasn’t when this law came out.”
He swore under his breath about the law and then locked eyes with her. “Although I think the law is fool-hardy, I’m glad. I know that if we were left to our own devices, you and I would never get to be together. Same with Harry. I know Harry well enough to know that he wouldn’t have said anything because he was his best friend at the time.”
“True,” Harry mused. “As I told you before, I’ve loved you for a long time, Hermione. I knew in my heart that we would never be together, so I tried to start relationships, but they never felt right because something was missing. I wish I had waited for you, but you and I,” he said, pointing between them. “Never would have happened if the law hadn’t popped up. You and Ron were my best friends. I know that sometimes I was a real wanker siding with him against you, but Ron’s ego was fragile as it was, and I didn’t want any more arguing. I’m sorry, and I hope you forgive me for that.
“You know that Charlie and I are not virgins as you are. As I said, I didn’t wait for you because it was an impossible dream. I’m sorry. We don’t think differently of you because you are. We get it. You’ve always done things in order. Regarding the bonding and this marriage, I’m open to discussing whatever you need to get off your chest.”
It didn’t bother Hermione per se that Harry had slept with other women, especially Ginny and Pansy. What bothered her was she hadn’t known that he had or was in love with her. The pain he must have felt seeing her and him together didn’t sit well with her for some reason. Did she make a mistake for giving it a go with him? Should she have tried with Harry instead?
Probably.
Could she change that?
No.
With a sigh, she said. “What I wanted to discuss was our sleeping arrangements. I don’t like the idea of sleeping alone if I’m married. I also don’t like the idea of one of you being left out in the cold. This is a magical marriage; it will be the three of us. I don’t think you two fancy each other—.”
“No,” they both said.
“That’s what I thought. So, it may be awkward at first, but I think we should all sleep in the same bed. Of course, there will be times you can have alone time with me, but in general, I want us to be together because when we have children, naturally or by adoption, I don’t wish for them to see that one of their dads has to sleep in a different room. I want them to see that we are one unit.”
Charlie looked thoughtful as he canted his head to the side to look at her. She swallowed her fear and met his gaze head-on. “I see what you’re saying, Hermione, and it makes sense.”
He looked at Harry and asked, “Would you be willing to share a bed with me and Hermione?”
“As long as you don’t have an issue sharing a bed with Hermione and me ,” he smirked.
“Cheeky,” Hermione laughed.
Harry chuckled, and Charlie tipped his head with a snort.
“We need to add you to the wards, but would you like to see our chambers so you can unpack? There is plenty of closet space; if not, I’m sure the house can accommodate you.”
“The house?” Harry asked with a furrowed brow.
Hermione was a bit uncomfortable, ”Yes. My estate is sentient.”
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The first night they all slept together was odd but not unpleasant. Hermione had offered for all of them to share the bed as long as they didn’t try anything.
That was easy enough. He was stressed about today. He was going to the Burrow and helping his father pack up all his belongings. He wasn’t sure where he would live, nor did his father, but his father didn’t care. He was furious with Molly and Ron and wanted out.
He was going to break the bond.
The rest of the Weasleys would gather as well and help sans Ron. He wasn’t sure where the wanker was today since he was released, and honestly, he didn’t care. His father raised them to be loving and honest with their partners; it appeared that Ron nor his mother didn’t get the fucking message.
He wished his dad would boot out his mum and keep the Burrow, but his dad, being the kind man he is, said that it was best for Molly to have it because she had never worked and had no money…now that Hermione stopped paying her and Ron.
Charlie smiled at the witch in his arms. Her arms looped around his middle, and her head was pillowed on his chest. One of her legs was hooked to his. Harry was behind Hermione, spooning her, his head lost in the mass of her curls.
She mumbled in her sleep and tightened her grip on him. He was used to getting up early. It was only 4:30 a.m., but it was time to get up and prepare for his day. He needed to floo call Greg and see if he needed any help at the reservation. He should have been there, but this was more important. Greg will be joining them next week for the move. The new groundskeeper was already taking over, so why should Charlie be there to step on his toes?
He kissed her forehead, and she moaned once again in her sleep and burrowed into his chest. Her fingers flexed against the fine hairs on his chest, and he curled his fingers with hers lest she start accidentally yanking them out. “Morning, darling,” he rumbled.
She blinked up at him, tipping her head to look. “Morning,” she whispered and then covered her mouth.
“Everything alright?”
“I might have morning breath and didn’t wish to offend you,” she said.
He tugged her hand away and brushed his lips against hers. “I don’t care. We will bond soon and see each other at our best and worst.”
“That’s true, Hermione,” Harry grunted, lifting himself on his elbow. “Besides, we have lived together before. The tent, remember?”
She rolled her eyes. “This is much better than the tent, Harry,” she said.
“True,” he mused, “but the point stands. We have lived together for months.” He kissed her cheek, rolled out of bed, and moved towards the loo.
Harry would be joining them at the Burrow today, too. They needed to tell Hermione, and soon.
“Let me get dressed, and I’ll meet you in the kitchen for a spot of breakfast. I don’t know why you’re up so early, but let’s start our day now that we’re all up.”
She kissed his lips and rolled onto the other side of the bed, and slipped out.
Charlie was dressed by the time Harry exited the loo.
He was fully dressed, too. “Where’s Hermione?” he asked.
“Kitchen, I think.”
“Do you know where that is?” he asked with a raised brow.
Just then, a pop was heard, and a small house-elf appeared. “My names is being Cisley. The Little Mistress asked me to help you find her.”
Harry raised a brow. “I didn’t know Hermione had a house-elf,” he said. “She doesn’t think they should work for families.”
Cisley tsked and grabbed their hands and were whisked away. “I’s been with this land for many, many , years. The Little Mistress is a good Mistress and takes care of us.”
Hermione chuckled from her spot at the kitchen counter, pouring some coffee. “Thank you, Cisley. I appreciate you going to get them for me.”
Cisley turned and winked at Hermione and popped away.
“I just made toast and coffee,” she said, pointing to the plate on the counter. “You can help yourself. I don’t usually have the elves help me with tasks I can do independently, and I would appreciate it if you do the same.”
“I can cook,” Harry pipped up, grabbing a toast.
“I can, too,” Charlie said as he snagged a cup and poured some coffee.
“Good,” she said with a small laugh. “Because I’m pants at it.”
“I don’t know, Hermione. Your mushroom stew was delicious while we were on the run,” Harry said with a smirk.
Hermione snorted into her cup, rounded the small bar, and sat at the table. “I was thinking of going to the office today,” she said. “I have loads of paperwork to get through.”
“I don’t know; Healer Fords said to take it easy until after we bond,” Charlie said. “Wouldn’t that be going against Healer’s orders?”
“I won’t be seeing patients today,” she said. “Just reviewing some cases for Michael. He’ll be there to keep an eye on me.”
“Don’t worry, Charlie. I know where her office is, and we can check on her once we’re done.”
She raised a brow and looked at the pointedly. “What are you two doing today?”
Charlie felt the heat reach his face and hesitantly took a sip of coffee before speaking. Harry was floundering, and Charlie knew it was up to him to tell Hermione the news.
He reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “All of us are going to help Dad pack,” he said. “He’s breaking the bond with Molly and is moving out.”
Hermione sucked in a sharp breath, and Charlie squeezed her hand as she tried to tug it away. “Listen,” he said. “Dad talked to all of us about it, and he thinks it’s for the best. He can’t trust Molly or Ro—him anymore. So, he’s moving in with Bill, Fluer, and the girls.”
“At the cottage?” Hermione asked.
“Yeah, the twins don’t have any room, and Percy and Audrey are looking at buying a place. Harry and I just moved in here, and Ginny is with her snakes.”
Hermione shook her head. “No. Arthur will come here. We have plenty of room and land. Besides, Fluer is expecting baby number three soon.”
“That’s true, but Bill was insistent. We don’t want Dad to go to the Leaky until he gets a place.”
“Why does Molly get the Burrow,” Harry mumbled.
“Too many bad memories there now,” Charlie said. “Besides, Molly has never worked so that she couldn’t find a place.”
“Then, she should move in with him ,” Hermione growled.
Charlie grinned, and it widened. “No can do, buttercup. R—he can’t afford Lav Lav’s place now that you stopped the funds. I guess they will move into the Burrow and help care for Molly. Lav has to get a job and is fit to be tied.”
“As she should,” Harry said. “This was their doing. Serves them right.”
“Have Arthur come here,” Hermione said firmly. “I can’t stand the thought of Dad being crowded with Bill and Fluer.”
“He’ll argue the point,” Charlie said.
“Do I need to go to the Burrow today and knock some sense into him?”
“No,” he said with a laugh. “Okay, I’ll talk to Bill and Dad about it.”
“I’ll pop by the Ministry and speak to Kings about adding most of your family to my wards. It will make it easier for them to check on them. Also, the contractors will be here tomorrow to start the village for the sanctuary.”
Charlie let go of her hand and clapped them together. “Excellent. I can’t wait to get them started.”
“Instead of just a mess hall there, I was thinking we could put in a pub for your men and women, too,” Hermione said. “Make it a real village feel. We are so far away from everything. I can ask Grandfather what else we should put down there.”
“Just donating the land is enough, Hermione,” he said. “There’s no need. My men and women will be fine. They are used to having just a mess hall.”
Hermione raised a brow at him and pursed her lips. “I was thinking of adding some muggle touches down there for them. They need some downtime, Charlie and shouldn’t have to travel so far. The village will be far enough away from us that it won’t make a difference.”
He sighed and knew there was no point in arguing with her. He had known her long enough to know that face when he saw it. Her mind was made up.
“Okay,” he grunted. “This is your project, too. We can all speak to the contractors tomorrow.”
“Even me?” Harry asked, surprised.
“Mate, we are in this together,” Charlie said. “This will be our home, and I know you and Hermione might pop in and want to see the dragons occasionally.”
“Yes!” Harry cheered and downed his coffee. “Come on, Charlie. Let’s get a move on so we can get your Dad settled.”
“Why the rush?” Hermione asked.
“Because I can’t wait for tomorrow. There is a surprise for you.”