Chapter Ten - The Third Bond

Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe belongs to the proverbial Duchess of Magic, JK Rowling, Scholastic, Bloomsbury, Warner Bros and some other high falutin' companies. No matter how much I whine about not owning anything related to the HP universe, other than a few fanfic plots, I do not profess to own - and would never dream of making any money off - JKR's wonderful world... Damn it!

Chapter Ten - The Third Bond

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Friday morning found Harry, again, holding Hermione's left breast. Only, this time, he didn't try and snatch his hand away. This time, Hermione's left hand was gently holding his own to her breast.

This was the third night in succession they'd joined him in bed sans clothing.

Needing to yawn, and not wanting to blow his morning breath all over the back of Hermione's neck, he leaned forward and kissed her on her neck just under her ear, as he'd done before with Daphne. And pulled his hand out from under hers as he rolled away.

If he'd left his hand a moment or two longer, he would have felt her nipple suddenly harden, and seen goosebumps spring up on her shoulder and arm.

Rolling away he was able to flip himself over and onto his left side. And there lay Daphne. She was lying face down with her right arm tucked up and under the pillow and her left arm down by her side under the bedding. Her face was turned towards him. To Harry, she looked asleep with a light smile on her face.

He watched her for a few moments before he slid his hand across her bare back, gently rubbing it up and down. But, never going into a 'private' zone.

After a long few seconds he noticed her mouth twitch and then her eyes flutter open. "Harry," she whined. "You woke me up."

With a smile, he slid his head across and lightly kissed her on the lips. "Good morning," he softly said, as he pulled away again.

She just huffed at him and flipped her head to face away.

As he moved back and flipped back towards Hermione, he felt her flip to face him. And they were suddenly lying face to face. He had only a moment of seeing her mischievous smile before she was pushing his left shoulder back until he was lying flat on his back.

"Arms up, Mister," she commanded.

Dutifully, Harry raised his arms up and over his head.

Once she had him lying flat, she wriggled down the bed a bit and laid her head on his upper chest on the right. "Daphne?" she called. "There's a much more comfortable pillow over here."

Harry lowered his right arm again, to cuddle the chocolate-haired witch into his side.

"Mmph!" Daphne huffed before she flipped her head back the other way to look.

When she saw what the other girl was getting at as Harry looked back at, to him, her rather adorable sleepy face, she smiled and did the same from her side. And Harry lowered his left arm to cuddle her in.

"I'm the luckiest wizard in the world," he sighed.

As he laid back with his eyes closed - and he couldn't see the face of either witch, anyway - he didn't see them silently communicate with each other as Hermione raised her right hand and gripped the edge of the bedding. She grinned at Daphne with her eyes full of mirth. And Daphne silently gave her a look that said she agreed.

A few seconds later, Harry suddenly felt the bedding ripped off him and flung at the foot of the bed. In instinctive shock, he snapped his eyes open and made to reach back for the blankets. However, with his arms around both witches, and they laying their heads on his chest, he was pinned down.

"Whaa?" he blurted out.

"Ooh!" exclaimed Daphne. "That's cold!" And both witches snuggled in closer.

Looking down, Harry could only see the naked forms of both witches. But, even if his eyesight was perfect, he wouldn't have been able to see their 'bits'. All he could see was naked shoulder, hips and legs; and a side shot of derriere.

"Why'd you do that?" he asked, confused at this 'forward' behaviour.

Ignoring his question, Hermione said, "Well, I don't think this is very fair."

"What?" he asked, still confused.

"We're naked and you're not," replied Daphne, as if that was all the answer he needed.

"Well... yeah!" he said. "That's because I didn't know you were going to climb into bed, naked, with me. And, I don't want... you know... him poking you in the night and me getting in trouble for it."

"Well, you're awake, now," said Hermione. "It's not as if you're going to accidentally or unknowingly poke one of us now."

"We're bonded, Harry," said Daphne, lifting her head slightly to look back up at him. "I now know I can trust you enough and know you'll behave yourself if we see each other nude."

"So," said Hermione, as Daphne put her head back down on his chest again. "Can we take these off for you, Harry?" she asked as her finger traced the waist band of his boxers.

With a sigh, he replied, "If you feel you want to. But, only if..." which was as far as he got.

Suddenly, he felt Hermione grab the waistband of his boxers and tug them down a little on his right. They held there until he felt Daphne pull them from his left hip. And, together, he felt the girls pull them down. As they got lower and exposed his privates - thankfully, not embarrassingly in an excited state due to the shock of losing the blankets - he heard both girls give little gasps.

As they pulled them lower he pulled his knees up to help them pull them down and off. He didn't see them get tossed to the floor.

After they laid there, for a short while - with Harry feeling quite self-conscious knowing they were staring at his 'wizardhood' - he stuttered, "You know this is just a little unfair, don't you?"

"Mmm?" Hermione asked, clearly distracted.

"You can see me but, without my glasses and with the way you're both lying, I can't see you."

Both girls giggled a little until Hermione suddenly pulled away and flipped herself right over and away from him. He heard and blurrily saw her raise her hand up to the bedside table.

A couple of tapping sounds later and he felt her flip all the way back over again.

Through his poor vision he watched her fiddle with what he knew had to be his glasses before she reached up and slipped them onto his face. He kept his eyes closed as she adjusted them to what she remembered how they sat on his nose, and felt her pull her hands away.

Blinking his eyes back open he looked down and saw her smiling back at him as she half lay propped up on her left elbow to look down at him. Looking down a little further he could see her right breast completely bare to his gaze while the upper part of her body was pulled away from him a little.

He quickly snapped his eyes back to hers as he felt a most embarrassing reaction begin. And blushing was only part of that.

"Like what you see, Mister Potter?" she coyly asked.

He could only nod his head a little in response, not trusting his voice.

Daphne was doing the same, but she had her left arm up and across her breasts, and was also blushing a little. He could also see just the hint of fear in her eyes.

Laying back again and relaxing, he sighed, "Again, I must be the luckiest wizard in the world. I have the two most beautiful and lovely witches in the world snuggled in to me."

Hermione first, and then Daphne, leaned in and kissed him on the cheek from each side before they again laid their heads on his upper chest.

When Hermione, or it may have been Daphne, began tracing her fingers through the hair on his upper abdomen, he could help but keep flinching and reflexively snorting. It was incredibly distracting.

"That tickles!" he exclaimed.

Both girls giggled back; but at least, whoever it was, stopped tickling him.

With another sigh he said, "As much as I'm really, really enjoying this; we need to get up for breakfast and classes."

"Awww!" mock-whined Hermione.

Pulling his hands and arms back up over his head, he said, "Come on." And tried to sit up by pulling his shoulders in and trying to perform an unsupported sit-up.

The movement failed but was enough for both witches to pull away and lie on their tummies as, on his second sit-up, he was successful.

With a light single smack on both their bare upturned bums, to which they both chirped 'Ow!' in reflex and he forced himself not to perve at, he was able to quickly slide off the foot of the bed before turning around to look at them both.

"That was for teasing me and surprising me," he told them both before heading for his shower. The image of a pair of bare bums in his mind.

As he walked in and closed the door behind him both girls glanced at each other before they rolled over on to their backs.

"Cute bum," Daphne said, before she suddenly blushed and giggled as Hermione did the same. "I don't believe I just said that," she sheepishly said before giggling again.

"Why not? It's true," Hermione giggled back.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

When Harry walked out of the bathroom both girls were already gone. He wasn't sure if he was thankful or sad to discover that. But, he did quickly dress in his full school uniform before going out into the living room to wait for them.

He'd just collected his books for class organised into his bag with his restocked supplies of parchment, ink and quills when, first Hermione and then Daphne, came out to join him from their own rooms.

Both girls then set to organising their own bags while he waited for them on the couch. He watched them for a short while before he suddenly said to them both, "Thank you."

Both girls turned to look at him and Hermione asked, "What ever for?"

"Your trust," he shrugged. "And for demonstrating it. You both did that when you elected to sleep in bed with me, nude.

"And with that... this morning," he stammered.

Both girls blushed a little and Daphne said, "No. It's us who should be thanking you. You promised you wouldn't rush us, and you're being a real gentleman and being quite patient about it all."

He just gave a sheepish shrug and smile in response.

"We ready?" Hermione suddenly asked.

When the other two nodded back the three of them headed down for breakfast. Thankfully, this time as well as the past few days, there was no Ron Weasley trying to track them down and pretend to be their friend. Actually, when he thought about it, except for in class and copping a glimpse of him at meal times, Harry hadn't seen the redheaded toe-rag at all. And it was only once when entering the Hall for a meal did he spot 'Potion Princess' Ginevra.

As they were walking, Harry asked Hermione, "It's your birthday next week, love. As part of my gift to you, I'm asking you if there's anything you want to do on that day?"

Daphne happily squealed a little but didn't say anything else. She just looked at Hermione, expectantly.

Hermione didn't answer straight away. When she did, she said, "It's Friday. I want to spend the evening... just the three of us... from straight after class... just talking to one another. We can even have dinner in the apartment while we talk.

"I want us to talk about ourselves. I know it'll be hard for you, Harry; but, I want us to be open with one another and talk about our lives growing up."

"I'd like that," said Daphne.

However, it was a long few seconds before Harry asked, "I'm willing to do that, love. But, you know it's quite a painful subject for me. Do you really want me to talk about all that sort of stuff on your birthday? It's supposed to be a day for you to be happy."

Harry's response seemed to confuse Daphne, but Hermione understood.

"Yes," she replied. "It'll help us all if we all do that. I know it'll be a difficult subject for you, Harry; as it will, to a lesser degree, be for me. However, I think this is something that will help the three of us. I believe it will help to bring the three of us closer together, emotionally."

Harry sighed and said, "Then, if it's what you want; we can do that." Turning to Daphne, he explained, "My life away from Hogwarts is not the stuff of fiction you think is fact. It's not very nice. Hermione knows some of it already."

Daphne moved in closer and hugged his arm. "I think Hermione's right, though. This would help the three of us. I think we should do it."

"Fine," he sighed. "However, I'm going to buy nice gifts for you both, on top of Hermione's birthday present. I think there should be at least something nice coming out of the evening at the end of it."

When they finally reached the Great Hall, the sad pall that had hung over them from what Hermione wanted them to do for her birthday, had passed. Together, as usual, they entered the Hall and went directly to the Ravenclaw table; again, sitting opposite Luna.

As they were sitting down, Harry noticed that the younger Ravenclaw had made a bacon, poached egg, tomato piece and parsley face on her breakfast plate; and was about to eat it. He couldn't help but laugh.

"I knew you were an artist, Luna," he told her.

When she looked up in greeting, she took one look at the three of them and practically squealed in happiness, dropping her knife and fork. She leaned over, practically bouncing in her seat and whispered, "Both bonds are much stronger now! Congratulations!"

All three bondmates grinned back with Hermione saying, "Thank you, Luna."

"I must warn you, though," Luna said with a firm look at the three of them. "You must initiate the third bond soon. It needs to start to develop or will be cancelled out by the existing ones."

Glancing at both girls, Harry could see both were quite concerned. And Daphne was even a little fearful.

"It's alright," he said to them both, reaching out with both hands to quickly grip the nearside ones of each, and give them a gentle squeeze. "We can get through this."

All three were just starting to build breakfasts for themselves when they were approached by Madam Pomfrey. She handed all three a small note before heading back to the head table.

A little confused, as the Headmaster usually used Professor McGonagall to give them his summons to his office, Harry opened the folded-in-half note to read it.

* # *

Mister Potter, Miss Granger and Miss Greengrass,

In order to ensure your bond is developing as it should, and it is not weakening in any way, I need you to come and visit me in the Infirmary immediately after breakfast.

As your first class is History of Magic, I'm sure Professor Binns will not be upset that you will be a non-attendance for your first period.

Madam Pomfrey

* # *

Refolding and pocketing the note, Harry looked at Luna and said, "Madam Pomfrey has summoned us for a... check up... of our bonds." He glanced at both girls as they were pocketing their own summons and asked them, "Do you two ladies mind if I ask Luna to join us?"

Both shook their heads in response. "That is, of course," said Hermione. "If Luna wants to share with Madam Pomfrey her... unique ability."

Turning back to the other girl, Harry asked, "Luna? Do you want to come with us while we get our check-up for our bonds? We don't have to mention about your... gift... if you don't want to."

Luna quickly shook her head and said, "You don't need to worry about that. Madam Pomfrey is one of the few people who knows. She's bound by her healer oath not to say anything to anyone else about it."

"Then, would you like to join us?" he asked.

With a big happy smile, Luna replied, "I'd love to!" Then, looking serious again, she said, "Maybe you can ask for Madam Pomfrey's help in establishing the third bond. She will, at least, need to know about it. And, she can really help!"

Harry, again, looked to his bondmates before he turned back to Luna and said, "We'll see when we go there."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Together, the four walked into the infirmary about ten minutes after Madam Pomfrey left the Great Hall. She was already waiting for them.

"Ah!" she exclaimed on noticing them. "Thank you for joining me." When she noticed Luna, she frowned a little and asked, "Miss Lovegood? Is there a problem?"

Harry cut in and replied, "She's here at our request, Madam Pomfrey. And, there's a reason for that."

Madam Pomfrey looked back obviously quite curious. "And, what would that be, Mister Potter?"

"I can see their bonds, Madam Pomfrey," Luna replied. "I can see it develop."

Quite surprised the medi-witch hesitated for a few moments before she asked the girl, "Another part of your gift, Miss Lovegood?"

"Yes, Ma'am," she replied.

"Then I've no doubt you'll be a great help," said the medi-witch. She then turned to the three and said, "Now, I need all three of you to hop up on to three of the side-by-side beds so I can get started. Mister Potter in the middle, please."

While the three bondmates moved to comply, Madam Pomfrey turned to Luna and asked, "And how do you 'see' the bonds?"

"There's a silver, almost pearly, aura within and surrounding their natural auras," Luna happily described. "When they're close together I can also see the link between them."

"It's strengthening?" the medi-witch asked.

"Definitely, Ma'am," Luna said with confidence.

Turning to the three bondmates, Madam Pomfrey moved to the bed between Hermione and Harry and waved her wand over Hermione first before turning to Harry and doing the same.

She made a couple of noises of satisfaction and watched things appear over the both of them. "Good, good," she said.

Then she moved between the beds of Harry and Daphne and did the same. "Also good," she said. "However, there's a very slight weakness compared to the bond between Mister Potter and Miss Granger."

She looked down at the pair of them and saw that they knew that. "I take it Miss Lovegood has already told you that."

"Yes, Ma'am," they both replied.

"However," said Harry, after a quick glance at both Hermione and Daphne. "There's an... added complication."

"Well, yes," Madam Pomfrey replied with a slight frown. "It's a three-way bond. I expect..."

"No, Ma'am," Harry interrupted. "There's... something else." He glanced at both of his bondmates to see if they'd stop him. But, both were blushing and looking away. It embarrassed them both, but they weren't going to stop him from saying anything.

"Luna has informed us there is a latent soul bond between Hermione and Daphne," he explained. "She's told us it needs to be initiated and established for our relationship to be a true three-way soul bond; and that it could be harmed if it isn't initiated soon."

At first surprised by what Harry said Madam Pomfrey then frowned and waved her wand over Daphne, before then moving to do the same over Hermione. She stepped back with a look of surprised shock before turning back to look for a few moments at a happily smiling Luna.

When she turned back to Harry she said, "Give me a minute."

She then walked over to the doors, closed and locked them.

Coming back to stand at the foot of Harry's bed she looked at the three of them and firmly asked, "Alright. You know the bond needs to be initiated. What's the problem?"

Grinning back, Harry said, "Probably the same reason why you felt you had to go and lock the doors."

Giving Harry a look of exasperation, she said, "I understand the implications of what it means, Mister Potter. And the effect of society's mores on the three of you about what this would mean."

Looking to all three of them, she continued, "However, the magic of this... together with the very unusual nature of your triad relationship... outweighs those views. The magical community, for the most part, knows and understands this is considered a match made in Heaven. And that a person's individual viewpoint is irrelevant when faced with those facts.

"The three of you need to get over whatever beliefs you have that are negative to such a relationship and, at least, initiate the bond. I have the strong feeling that the bond will develop alongside your existing two bonds without you having to do much to... shall we say... encourage this particular individual one."

Harry looked between his two bondmates and could see both were still conflicted about the third bond. He sighed and rose from the bed.

Once he was standing near Madam Pomfrey, in as best an empathic and commanding voice as he could, he said, "Ladies. Please come here."

After a few moments, and a surprise to Harry, Daphne rose and hopped off the bed. As soon as she began to move, it was the trigger for Hermione to do the same.

Both girls then, albeit a bit reluctantly, walked over to stand in front of him. Both were still looking a little embarrassed and wouldn't look at him, anyone else or each other in the eye.

Harry turned to face Daphne and raised his hands to cup her cheeks, raising her face to look at him. "Where's that brave witch from off the train, hmm?" he softly asked her. "Be resolute." Then he leaned forward and softly kissed her on the lips.

He was glad both Madam Pomfrey and Luna chose to remain silent and quiet.

Looking her in the eyes again, he could see Daphne gather herself and firmly nod in return.

He then turned to Hermione and said, "The Hermione I know is never afraid of learning something new; or taking risks when needed. Show me her." As she looked up, as with Daphne, he cupped both her cheeks in his hand, leaned forward and softly kissed her. Releasing the kiss he pulled back and said, "Be resolute." And she, too, firmed herself and nodded.

Stepping slightly out of the way, he reached out and pulled Daphne in close. "We are bondmates," he firmly said. "We will spend the rest of our lives together. I love you both. And, I know you both are developing feelings for your bond-sister. We can do this; together!"

He then stepped back a touch to give them room. And waited, praying to God and their angels they could get past this. "For us," he softly said.

The next few seconds felt like a thousand years as neither girl moved. Then, almost as if they were of one mind, both leaned forward at the same time. Slowly, very slowly, their lips moved closer together. Then, almost surprising everyone, their lips lightly touched.

Both then pulled back, just a little, as they were both a little surprised by the contact. There was a slight pause; then, suddenly, they both quickly moved forward. Their lips touched, and then melded. Their arms came up to hold one another.

Harry, quickly but as quietly as he could, backed away as they both started to glow.

Neither Luna or Madam Pomfrey, nor Harry, had ever seen a bonding occurring before; even though Harry had been a part of one, twice.

Luna giggled and was quietly and rapidly softly clapping her hands in joy as Madam Pomfrey quietly whispered, "Oh, my!"

The bond between the girls got brighter and developed a silvery hue; almost pearlescent. For Harry, though, he also felt as if he was looking through a silver fog as he watched them. Raising his hands so he could see them, he noticed he, too, was glowing silver.

Not knowing why, but feeling he must, he stepped back forward and wrapped both girls, together, in a firm hug. Then watched as the glow became brighter for a few moments.

As the two girls pulled away from each other, the glow started to fade. They looked in wonder at the other before suddenly blushing and giggling. Harry started chuckling a little in happiness for them both before he said, "That was just... wow!"

"Yeah, wow!" Hermione giggled before Daphne nodded her head in bashful agreement.

Unknown to the three, Madam Pomfrey had moved forward and was slowly walking around their little group hug and waving her wand over them. It wasn't until she moved around into Harry's field of vision that he'd even noticed she was there.

"Well?" he asked.

"Just a minute, Mister Potter," the medi-witch almost absently replied. She was very focussed on what only she could see; or possibly also Luna. The young Ravenclaw was following just behind the medi-witch but stopped following when she was opposite Harry in the hug.

When she saw that Madam Pomfrey had completed her scan, Luna jumped forward and hugged both girls as Harry was doing from the other side.

"Ooohhh!" she giddily exclaimed. "That... was... amazing! I'm so happy for you both. And you, Harry!" And started giggling again; which, then set Hermione and Daphne off again. "And," she suddenly said, "Your original two bonds are also stronger now!"

With a clearing of her throat, Madam Pomfrey called to them, "Alright, you three."

When she knew she had most of their attention, she ordered, "I need the three of you back on the beds. This time, I need you on the end, Mister Potter. Switch with Miss Granger, please."

The three bondmates, albeit reluctantly, separated and returned to the beds. As he was told, Harry moved to the one Hermione laid upon as she moved to the one he was on.

When all three were back on beds, the medi-witch once more stepped forward and began her scans. This time, she focussed mainly on Hermione and Daphne. However, she did also scan Harry.

Stepping back to stand at the foot of Hermione's bed, she said to them, "Well; Miss Lovegood is, again, correct. Your original two bonds are now stronger. And, you've definitely initiated the third bond. Further, the new bond looks like it is linked to the original two bonds, which are helping it establish. It is really quite extraordinary."

"Can the girls expect urgent Ministerial and Gringotts owls to suddenly show up?" Harry asked. "I think both girls would much rather this be kept quiet from the rest of the school population."

"Yes," Hermione fervently said. "Definitely." And Daphne nodded in agreement.

"I have no idea," Madam Pomfrey replied. "Therefore, I suggest the three of you remain in here for a little while. Besides, I'll be able to rescan the three of you before you leave, to see if there's been a change in the strength of the three bonds."

"You expect it to?" asked Hermione.

"I have no idea," the medi-witch replied. "However, the healing community would take back my Mastery if I didn't take the opportunity to find out."

Daphne shot her a sudden look of concern as Harry was glancing across at her. Knowing why Daphne reacted the way she did, Harry said to the medi-witch, "Umm... Madam Pomfrey?"

"Yes, Mister Potter?" she asked.

"We'd... rather you not make things public about our bond," he said. "We appreciate our privacy; and don't want to become the subjects or topic of medical debate. Please respect our privacy with this."

Madam Pomfrey nodded and said, "I cannot discuss your health issues with others without your permission, Mister Potter."

"Thank you," all three said.

Turning to Luna, Madam Pomfrey said, "Miss Lovegood? As you were working to assist me with this, the same applies to you."

"I know, Ma'am," she replied. "They're my friends. I won't breach their confidence."

About forty-five minutes later, just as before the scheduled time for changing classes, the medi-witch ran another scan over the three of them. No owls had arrived with notices.

"Well, the new bond has stabilised a little stronger than I would have expected," she said to them. "You're free to go to your next class.

"However, if you or Miss Lovegood notices any ill-effects, or you notice any feelings of unease or other illness, the three of you are to make your way to see me immediately. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Ma'am," they all replied.

"And, Miss Lovegood," she said, looking at the young Ravenclaw. "You're to send them if you notice anything, as well. If they can't come to me, you're to come and get me. Understand?"

"Yes, Ma'am," she replied.

And all four left the infirmary.

As soon as they were gone, the medi-witch moved to her files and began to update them with the latest information. She then put their three personal medical files together and bound them using a strong privacy charm and alert charm.

"And that should stop Albus from nosing around," she muttered as she moved to file them in her office filing cabinet.

Once they'd left the infirmary, Luna wished them a safe day as she headed off to her COMC class; as the three bondmates headed for their single Charms class.

After Luna left, and before they arrived in the more popular corridors of the castle, Harry turned to them each and kissed them; first, Daphne, and then Hermione. Hugging them both, together, he softly said, "I'm proud of you both," before they separated and continued on their way, hand in hand.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

At lunch, the three went and sat at their usual part of the Ravenclaw table. They'd beaten Luna to their seats, as the younger girl would likely have needed to clean up after handling stuff in COMC.

The three were happily eating their lunches when Luna arrived and sat opposite. "How are you three holding up?" she asked.

"Good," said Harry. "Thank you for asking, Luna."

"I feel... satisfied... complete... like a missing part has been found," said Hermione, clearly thinking about it.

Daphne paused for a few moments in deep thought before she said, "Hermione's right. And, definitely a lot calmer." She seemed to think about it for a while longer before she went on to say, "At least, since... well, since the 1st of September.

"I feel amazing," she continued. "And – loved. I think this is what Della was hinting at, when she spoke with me."

Before Luna could ask any sticky questions, Harry asked, "What do you have on this afternoon, Luna?"

"A double in Transfiguration," she replied, starting to build a sandwich for lunch. "What about you? Potions, right?"

"Potions," he confirmed with a nod. "A double."

"Professor Snape has been a lot nicer these past couple of days, hasn't he?" she asked. "Do you know why?"

"I know the Headmaster has had a very stern talking to him," Harry replied. "As has Professor McGonagall as Deputy Headmistress."

"Mmm," she said, "That may have done it."

Before they finished lunch, another fourth year 'Claw, Su Li, handed Daphne a copy of the assignment given to them by Professor Binns for History of Magic; to which Daphne thanked her very much.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

The afternoon was another surprisingly enjoyable Potions lesson, after which the three made their way back to their apartment.

After they entered and shucked their over robes - they were not needed to be worn for anything but class and the important feasts - the three sat down to make a start on their homework. And, working together, they knocked off two of the assignments in quick succession before making their way down for dinner.

Just before they entered the Great Hall, Harry said to both girls, "Don't forget, you can invite your friends to come and pay a visit in the evenings."

"You should invite Neville," said Hermione. "Building a friendship is one of your tasks, isn't it?"

With a sigh, Harry replied, "You're right. I've forgotten him since we were re-sorted."

"How about we make it a standard invitation for Neville, Luna, Tracey, Blaise and Horace for Fridays," Hermione suggested. "But not for next Friday. I want that just for the three of us so we can talk."

"Are you still sure you want to have that talk on your birthday, love?" Harry asked. "How about we make that for Saturday? Or tonight, and not ask our friends to visit until next Friday, and they can share your birthday?"

"Thank you, Harry, for being considerate," she smiled at him. "However, I too need time to think about how I'm going to share my life experiences with the two of you."

"Not next Saturday, then?" he asked.

She just shook her head with a smile on her face in reply.

Walking in, Harry spotted Neville sitting on the inside side of the Gryffindor table talking to Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas. Ron was sitting opposite with his back to the wall, just listening in but clearly eager to start eating.

When Harry approached, Ron spotted him first and backed off a bit, obviously remembering the last words Harry had said to him on the stairs.

Tapping Neville on the shoulder, Harry asked him to step away from the table for a bit. Which Neville did.

Out of listening-in range, Harry asked the other boy, "How would you like to come and check out our new digs, tonight? We're having a couple of select friends over for a couple of butterbeers and snacks."

Surprised he was asked, Neville replied, "Yeah, sure, Harry. That sounds nice. Thank you."

With an answering smile, Harry said, "Great. Now, we're behind the statue of Professor Whittaker just down from the Ravenclaw tower entrance in the west wing. Know where it is?"

Neville appeared to think about it for a bit; rustling through his memories before he said, "Ummm... sorry, Harry; I don't."

"That's alright," Harry soothed him. "You can walk back with us, then; after the meal. That way we can be sure you know where it is in future."

With a smile masking his look of relief, the other boy said, "That'd be great; thanks."

Just as he was about to head to the Ravenclaw table, Harry said to him, "Oh, and if any Weasley asks where you're going, or where you've been afterwards; just tell them Hermione, Daphne and I don't want them to know in case Ron or Ginevra uses the information to try and poison us with their potions again."

"I'll do that, Harry," Neville replied with a small grimace. "I'm still finding it hard to accept either one of them would actually try to do something like that. It's disgusting. The rest of the House is disgusted with them, too."

With a nod, Harry gave him a pat of manly encouragement on the shoulder before heading to the Ravenclaw table. Daphne, who'd been off talking to her friends at the Slytherin table, joined them a few minutes later.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

After the meal, the girls headed off back to their apartment, after first volunteering Harry to wait back and escort Neville and the others up. Luna went up with the girls.

Only about ten minutes later, Neville came over and sat down next to Harry. "I'm ready when you are," he said.

With a nod of recognition, Harry replied, "We're just waiting on a couple of Slytherins to join us. Daphne's friends."

When Tracey, Blaise and Horace joined them a few minutes later, Harry stood up, greeted them and said, "The girls have already headed back. I'm your escort for the evening."

"In that case, Mister Potter," Tracey said as stepped forward and linked her right arm through to hang on his left elbow, "Please lead the way."

After seeing the other three boys grin, Harry said, "Of course, my Lady." And led them out of the Hall.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

When they reached the statue, Harry said, "Professor Whittaker, here, guards the entrance to our private chambers."

"And diligently, Mister Potter," the statue said.

"And the password is 'Double-H Dee'," explained Harry.

The Professor gave a short bow in recognition and stepped aside, allowing Harry, with Tracey still on his arm, to precede the other three inside. Hermione and Daphne were sitting together on one of the couches, and they had obviously been chatting about something important between them.

As Harry led the others inside, both girls said, "Good evening!" And Daphne added, "Thank you all for coming at such short notice."

"Thank you for inviting us," said Blaise.

Tracey then gave a little bit of a squeal and rushed over to hug her friend. Once she'd backed off, she looked around and said, "This looks nice! It's even bigger than your old one. Give us the tour."

Harry said to the guys, "Join them, if you want. Or, take a load off and have a seat."

Neville went off to tag along with Daphne and Tracey, but Blaise and Horace remained.

Harry went to sit next to Hermione while the other two boys sat opposite.

"So," Harry started, "How goes life in the Snake Pit?"

Blaise grinned back and replied, "That arrogant little tosser, Malfoy, is still fuming over how Daphne is now bonded to you, and forevermore out of his reach with a betrothal contract."

Harry snorted and said, "From what I've learned, that was never going to happen. First, I believe Matthias hates Malfoy Senior's guts. Second, even if he thought of considering such a thing, I think Daphne would likely take her ire out on him before turning her wand to Malfoy Junior."

"That's exactly what would have happened," Blaise said with a smirk. "His problem is, Parkinson overheard him and is giving him Hell for it."

"I thought he already had a contract with Parkinson, anyway," Harry said, a little confused.

"No, Parkinson wants everyone to think that because it's what she wants," replied Horace. "However, Malfoy is not interested in her, that way."

"Ah!" said Harry, understanding. "And what's the common consensus about the changes with Snape?"

"They think he's being blackmailed by someone; possibly, you," replied Blaise. "Is it you who's blackmailing him?"

Harry chuckled and replied, "In a way. I just told Dumbledore he needed to 'muzzle his dog' after one too many of his abuses towards me; or, I was going to talk to the Headmistress of Beauxbatons, when they get here late next month, and apply for a transfer to there.

"I hate using my fame for anything, but my fame is one of the things Snape keeps targeting me about. So, I may have hinted something along the lines of how I'd make sure the Daily Prophet was given an exclusive interview from me about how the so-called Boy-Who-Lived was verbally abused right out of the castle by Snape... plus some other things... and that Dumbledore did nothing to stop it, even after numerous complaints. And that I've decided to make my home in France as a result."

Horace laughed and said, "And that would lead to the witches and wizards of magical Britain wanting to string both Snape and Dumbledore up and then begging you to come back. Of course, the Minister won't hesitate to do so, so long as someone else would take the fall."

"Precisely," smirked Harry. "Of course, all Dumbledore really cares about is his reputation. It would be in tatters after something like that. So, he has no problem... as muggles would say... of tossing Snape under a bus, if that's what would be needed to get me to stay."

While they'd been talking, the girls, followed by Neville, walked out of Daphne's bedroom and into Hermione's.

"What I'm sorry to you guys about is that it means he can no longer be biased in his awarding of points," he continued. "It isn't a big thing, this year, due to the visiting delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang; but, it will have a significant impact on next year."

Horace waved it off and said, "Most of us don't care about the points, anyway. I'm surprised you do."

"I don't," he replied. "However, I care that others do; and they'll blame me for it."

"Only the Slytherins," Horace shot back. "The other Houses will probably laud you."

Just then the girls and Neville came back, crossed the floor, and entered Harry's room.

When they entered, he called for Dobby.

The little elf popped in and asked, "Yes, sir?"

"The girls and Neville have just about finished their inspection of our living quarters and'll be back in a moment. Can you organise some butterbeers, juice and small 'nibblies' for us? Oh, and get us a couch for along the end here for two people to sit upon."

"Yes, sir! Right away, sir!" Dobby shot back before disappearing again.

A few moments later, the required drinks and foodstuffs appeared on the coffee table, just as the other three re-entered the room from Harry's bedroom. Then the couch appeared directly facing the fireplace and between but back from the ends of the existing long couches.

Daphne joined him and Hermione on the couch they were on, while Neville and Tracey took seat on the new couch.

Indicating the food and drink, Harry said, "Help yourself, folks." He leaned forward snagging a butterbeer.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

That night, after their guests had left shortly before curfew, Harry was heading for bed when Daphne called his attention back. "Harry?" she called.

Turning to look back, he asked, "Yes, love?"

Blushing, she said, "It's okay if you don't wear any boxers tonight."

Harry stood looking at her for a moment, and she feared he'd say 'No'. However, he softly said, "If you don't want me to, then I won't."

Then, with a small smile, he walked into his bedroom, leaving the door open.

After going through his usual ablutions, he walked back into the bedroom and moved to climb into bed when the girls walked in. In they walked, hand in hand, and both weren't wearing any clothes. But both were also blushing a little with small smiles.

Trying not to embarrass them he said, "You both look lovely," and made his way to the bed.

As he climbed in, the girls climbed in either side of him, as usual.

Not wanting to, but offering it anyway, he asked, "As the bond between you two has only just been initiated and needs to be built up, does one of you want to switch with me?"

Neither said anything for a moment until Hermione said, "That's alright, Harry. I'm sure the bond will develop on its own, soon enough. Now, roll over onto your left side, tonight.

As he rolled over he felt Daphne slide back as Hermione slid forward. He slid his left arm up under his pillow and draped the right over Daphne's hip to rest his hand on her upper abdomen. He also felt Hermione's right arm come all the way across both of them to rest on Daphne's hip. Irrespective of their state of dress, it didn't take any of them long to drift off to sleep.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Some time in the middle of the night he woke to a most unusual sensation. He was lying flat on his back with Daphne using his upper left chest as a pillow. And he felt her arm laying across his upper abdomen with her hand holding him under his arm near his false ribs on his right. She was cuddling him as if he was a teddy bear, or something.

However, Hermione was also laying with her head on his upper chest on the right side. But her hand was down holding - him. Her hand wasn't moving, nor was it gripping. And, with the way both witches were pinning his arms out behind them. He couldn't use one of his hands to free himself of her unconscious grip.

Plus, 'he' was now starting to take an interest. He quickly thought of horrid and nasty things, and continued to think of them until, without his realising it, he drifted off to sleep again.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

As the next morning was a Saturday, which would usually mean a late lie-in, he expected to wake up with both his bondmates sleeping either side of him. However, only Daphne was lying there, this morning.

Worried for Hermione, he carefully eased himself away from Daphne and gently slipped out of bed. He then grabbed his glasses before pulling out a fresh pair of boxers and donning them. Then, with wand in hand, he left the bedroom to search for her.

He found her wearing just a robe sitting on one of the couches with her head in her hands.

"Hermione?" he softly called to her.

She was quite startled and sat up with a fright. When she realised who it was, she visibly relaxed again and started to blush before looking away.

He walked over to the couch and sat down close beside her. "Love, what's wrong?"

She was still looking away from him as he reached down to take her nearest hand in both of his. He could feel she was a little tense.

"Hermione," he softly called again. "Have I done something wrong?"

"What?" she softly exclaimed whipping her head around to look at him, before she blushed again and, once more turned away. "No, Harry; I have."

"A problem shared is a problem halved, love," he said. "What's wrong?"

"It's embarrassing," she said.

"Alright," he said. "For whom?"

There was another hesitation before she replied, "For us."

"I thought we were trying to get over being embarrassed between us," he said, a little hurt.

"I," she stuttered. "Oh, Harry."

"Come on," he said. "You can do it."

"I woke up a little while ago," she sighed. "Actually, about an hour ago."

"Mmm?"

"And I was... umm... I was... well, I was playing with you. With your... you know."

"Oh," he said with a bit of a quiet chuckle.

She whipped her head back around to stare at him. "You're not upset?"

"No," he smirked. "We talked about this, remember? Accidental touching in your sleep is both expected and sanctioned."

"Yes, I know we agreed that. But, we meant for you," she tried to explain.

"Well, just so you know, I didn't," he replied. "I expect both you ladies, at some time, to touch me in that way in your sleep. I'd be a hypocrite if I wanted a free licence and not grant, or understand the need for, one for both of you."

"But, Harry," she half-whined. "I didn't just touch; I was playing!"

"And what was I doing with your left nipple on that first morning of you sleeping in my bed from the previous night?" he shot back.

She thought about that for a moment, biting her bottom lip, before she replied, "Oh."

"Yes. Oh," he lightly chuckled. He stood up and offered her his hand. "Come back to bed, love. You've done nothing wrong and I'm definitely not mad at you for it."

With a very relieved sigh, she said, "Alright, Harry." She then stood up and followed him back to bed.

When both stripped off, he carefully slid in first and Hermione followed him in.

He felt the best part of it was that, just before she climbed in after him, he again got to see what she had to offer. And he liked what he saw.

As they settled down with a pair of sighs, Daphne suddenly asked, "Where have you two been?"

Startled, Harry quickly turned his head to look at her while Hermione giggled.

"You cheeky minx," he accused. "You led us to think you were still asleep."

"No, you just assumed," she shot right back, still not opening her eyes. "So, what was going on?"

With a sigh, Hermione said, "Well, best to clear the air, I suppose. When I woke up early this morning, I found myself... err... I was... ummm..."

"She had hold of 'little me'," Harry cut in.

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed a little shocked at his bluntness.

"She didn't mean to," he continued, ignoring Hermione's protest. "Obviously, she had one of those dreams and the boundary between dream and reality became... blurred. She was holding 'little me' in her hand and woke up that way; and thought she'd done something wrong."

That had Daphne giggling. "Obviously, you didn't think she'd done something wrong, though."

"Of course not," he replied. "Sleeping touches are accidental touches. We agreed they would happen and they'd be forgiven. Hermione simply forgot that."

"No," disagreed Hermione. "I just didn't think I'd be the one doing the, as you put it, 'sleeping touches' that needed to be forgiven."

"Well, now you know," he shot back. "You're forgiven. Now, can we please cuddle before we have to get up for breakfast?"

"That's a good idea," Daphne firmly stated before sliding over to rest her head on his chest. "I like this."

After a few moments, Hermione did the same.

They were just lying there for a long few moments, just enjoying the loving feeling they each had in each others arms, when Daphne quietly asked Hermione, "What's it feel like?"

"Daphne!" Hermione squealed, pulling away again apparently scandalised.

Harry just cracked up laughing.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ