Muggle Therapy

a/n: I wrote this about 2 years ago I think but never published it because i wasn't sure if it sucked. I'm a little anxious and a touch embarrassed but here it goes. As of now it's a one shot.

Hermione sat reading on her favorite overstuffed chair in her living room next to the window. The rain from the storm tapped against the glass while the fire warmed the space. She took a sip from her glass of dry red wine as she turned the page. She looked toward the door, hearing a very faint knocking. She was not expecting anyone, especially at this late hour, but her wards would not allow anyone with malicious intent to even breach her apartment building. She set her book on the side table and walked to the door, answering it. Soaking wet, looking down at her through untamed blonde bangs, stood Draco Malfoy.

"Granger…" he choked on a sob.

Hermione looked into the hallway for the presence of anyone else and stepped aside to allow him entrance. She had seen Malfoy on occasion since the end of the war. He kept her on retainer as a private researcher for his company and had been on the board of various post-war community rebuilding charities with her. She knew him to be a decent guy, just quiet. He was cleared of all charges from his involvement in the war but it seemed he was still a prisoner to some of his own demons. He donated exorbitant amounts of money to rebuilding efforts. He even used his own time and energy to help rebuild Hogwarts.

He never had a seething quip for anyone these days. He hardly spoke at all. He stayed in the background and cut checks. Every so often, people who hadn't agreed with him being cleared would attack him on the streets and he just took it, never pressing charges, even when it landed him in the Saint Mungos. Seeing him at her door was not a normal event, however.

She shut the door behind him and moved to take a look at him, searching for injuries. She didn't see any blood, but he continued to silently sob, dripping rain water onto her tile entryway into a puddle. She could smell the firewhiskey on him and she began to understand. She sat her wine down on the mantle near the door and slipped her wand from her sleeve. She cast a silent hot air charm on him, leaving his robes dry and warm.

He sniffled, trying to cease crying, feeling embarrassed to be here sobbing like a lonely Hufflepuff. "I'm sorry. I.. I…" Hermione gently placed her hand on his left shoulder.

"Shh, not to worry. Why don't you take off your shoes and go have a seat on the couch. I'll get you some hot chocolate and a Sober Up potion." She went into the attached kitchen and poured milk into a cauldron shaped mug and cast a warming charm on it before adding coco. She accio'd the potion and sat both in front of him on the coffee table.

"I don't want that," he said in a flat tone.

"Ok. Rude, but ok," she said, observing his downcast eyes. He shook his head side to side.

"No. I don't want the Sober Up potion. I can't say what I need to if I'm sober. I've been trying for years and all that ever comes out is nothing." He sniffled again and took a sip from the mug. He met her eyes and found her sitting forward on her chair, wine glass in hand, waiting for him to speak with no judgement in her eyes. " I see it every single day. Again and again. I see her torturing you, your blood dripping, I hear your screams and I hate myself. I was so scared. I should have stopped her. I should have killed her right then. I'm so sorry. I'm so so sorry."

After the war, Hermione had spent nearly a year seeing a squib who had opened a practice in London specializing in muggle therapy. She understood where he was coming from. Most witches and wizards didn't even realize there was an option of mind healing. She set her glass down and moved to rest on her haunches in front of him on the floor. She was silently watching him, not really knowing what to say and sensing he had more to. "I knew it was probably rubbish by that point. It was self-preservation by that point." She stayed silent but looked at him quizzically until he continued for her. "Blood purity and supremacy." He let out a small laugh, "I could either conclude that there was no such thing or admit that I am an absolute failure to my family for being reduced to second in almost everything, every year, by a bushy-haired know-it-all muggleborn witch." She smiled a little at that, noticing no malice in his voice. "But that day," his voice was barely a whisper, "...your blood, it was just like mine and I knew then that there was no going back to being able to believe I was better for any reason. I'm sorry for everything I said and did before the war and I'm sorry for everything that happened during it."

Hermione took his hand in hers and spoke softly, " Malfoy, I want to have this conversation with you, but I want to have it with you sober. Can we do that?" He pouted but picked up the potion in his other hand and downed it. Still holding onto his hand, she saw his eyes clear and felt him tense as he realized his situation. "Do you still mean everything you said?" His mouth was tight and his eyes were cast firmly on the floor but he nodded his head once in the affirmative. "I'm glad," she said quietly. "Now listen closely, there was nothing you could have done to stop Bellatrix without signing the death sentence for you and your family. You did the right thing. Don't for a second think that I didn't notice you casting those numbing charms on me at the time either. You did everything you could. Because of you, I made it through that with my mind intact. Because of your quick thinking, we went on to find and destroy more of Voldemort's horcruxes. I forgive you. I forgave you a long time ago. We were kids, you were a bully with a bigger bully at home. I didn't understand then, but I do now, and I forgive you. Look at me Malfoy." He looked up at her and she wiped the tear tracks off of his face.

"Draco." He said so softly it was barely audible. She looked confused but figured the position must still be working and confirmed that yes indeed, his name was Draco. "No, I know my name Granger. I'm just asking, can you call me Draco. Please." Her hands still on his face, she smiled.

"Only if you call me Hermione." He smiled and shook his head in agreement. She kissed his forehead in a comforting gesture, just like she would Harry or Ron.

From that day, Draco and Hermione developed a close friendship. It was separated from Harry and Ron but just as intense. She had tried more than once to join her friends together but as always, Ron was the proverbial wrench in the gears. Harry became very accepting of Draco and they ended up developing a close friendship as well.

--

Most of the generation of "War Kids" had remained single. Some paired off like Ernie McMillan with Hannah Abbott and Cho Chang with Terry Boot. They felt time was too short to waste it alone. Most though, poured themselves into fixing society as a whole and weren't ready to settle down yet at barely 25. Now that the majority of the pureblood elders were either dead or in Azkaban, the younger generation was in no rush to tie themselves to another simply to carry on the bloodline. Finally, the pureblooded children were able to think for themselves. Dating became casual and free. It was what felt right for their generation. Many of the older generation had an opinion on the matter. Very few said much these days. At the press conference for the 3rd anniversary of the end of the war, one such citizen loudly voiced their opinion that speaker Pansy Parkinson was a whore for her lewd behavior. Security came out to contain the situation but Pansy held up her hand and asked that the wizard explain exactly what lewd behavior he was referring to. He said that she was seen in the Prophet going out with three different wizards in as many weeks. She went to dance clubs and drank too much when she went. Pansy apologized that he felt that was lewd and went to continue with her speech regarding the advancements since the war. Hermione was having none of it. She stepped forward from her seat on stage and whispered in Pansy's ear. Pansy cleared her throat and announced that in light of recent events "war heroine, Hermione Granger" had a few words that were of utmost importance.

Hermione stepped to the podium and addressed the audience made of mostly reporters and older socialites there to "show support".

"Good evening. I apologize for having to interrupt our esteemed speaker Ms. Parkinson but it appears that somewhere along the lines we missed a critical lesson." The audience looked puzzled, some simply rolling their eyes at Hermione being ever the student. Hermione wore a floor-length, sleeveless, figure hugging black dress that sparkled in the light. She smiled at the audience and cast a finite incantatem on her glamoured arm. Quickly revealed were puffy and inflamed letters spelling "Mudblood". A collective gasp was emitted from the audience. "You like that do you? It appears that many of you seem to either have forgotten or never realized what it meant for us to be child soldiers in a war that the older generation failed to finish. This was not our war, it was yours. You who sit back in your comfortable chairs and had the means and audacity to avoid it. You who judge those whom you do not know for behavior you do not understand. Sir," She said, addressing the man who spoke to Pansy. "Where were you on May 2nd 3 years ago during the final battle?" A bit ashamed he answered her that he had been having dinner with his family, listening to the broadcast about what was happening at Hogwarts. "Pansy dear, would you please come here next to me." Pansy took the space next to Hermione. "Do you mind if I use you for a little show and tell to these lovely attendees?" Pansy, realizing that Hermione had a mission, nodded her head bravely and awaited what she feared would be utter humiliation. Hermione transfigured Pansy's purple mermaid tale gown into a two piece that showed her midriff. She audience awaited Hermione's point. She cast a finite incantatem on Pansy's midsection and angry claw marks were revealed on her sides and stomach. Gashes long healed but still scarred. "On that day, Pansy here was fighting alongside people like Theo Nott, Blaise Zabini, and Draco Malfoy - Death Eater children who were desperate to get away from that snake faced freak, fighting with the Order of the Phoenix to end him. These marks in particular were from Fenrir Greyback at the command of Voldemort when he used Legilimens on her and found her loyalties less than solid to him one month before the final battle. As she and I fought next to each other, her wounds repeatedly tore open again, and yet, she did not stop." She thanked Pansy and returned her dress to its former state. She called upon others in the audience who fought in the war that agreed to let her use them to show the others what war really had been for them. Injuries in all forms were put on display to a horrified crowd. By the end of Hermione's display there were very few dry eyes in attendance. She finished with a staggering statement. " I did not fight in a war to sit here and let you run a psychological train on the people who fought and protected you. If not for those people who you feel you have the right to criticize, you would be dead, I would be dead, Harry Potter would be dead!" Many of those with so much to say are the very ones responsible for letting a very powerful and very crazy wizard run amuck. Let's not forget the reasons we are here. We are here for those people that I could not parade in front of you today. Those people who didn't have the chance to heal. We are here to give our respect and share our memories for those like Tonks and Remus Lupin who died in battle, Dobby the House Elf who died saving us from Bellatrix when Ron, Harry, and I were captured, Lavender Brown who was killed by the same person that left Pansy scarred. You would be morning Pansy today for the same reason if she had not pulled through and yet because she was so strong you think you have the right to pass judgment on her. Let us not forget our esteemed Headmaster Albus Dumbledore who died to save those same Death Eater children alongside the rest of us. He would be absolutely ashamed of you. Those remnants of the war that were shown to you tonight are most certainly not the worst of them, not even I would dare show you the ones that left us crippled and damaged beyond repair, we left with our pride intact after all. Everyone here who has contributed to efforts to rebuild are appreciate. Remarks against those you sent into battle are not. Please remember the next time you feel that you have the right to open your mouth against those for something that does not concern you at all, that you will sleep restful and wake up refreshed while the other person likely will toss and turn, crying, trying to escape the nightmares, the memories left with us from war. It is not your place now, nor ever, to chastise someone for the things they do to cope or for the activities they choose to pursue. We earned our peace, I suggest you take a good, hard look at yourselves and ask the question: Have you?"

With that Hermione cast out the lights on the stage and illuminated the exits. She left to the private area behind the stage to compose herself.

--

Later that night, Harry, Hermione, Draco, and Pansy went back to Hermione's flat with a couple bottles of wine. Harry took Hermione's favorite chair and Draco took the couch while Hermione and Pansy went back to her room to change. Hermione handed Pansy her bag with extra clothes and began looking through her own clothes. "I'm sorry I sprang that on you." She whispered.

Pansy looked at Hermione who had tears in her eyes and pulled her to sit on the bed with her. "Don't be. At first I was scared to be humiliated but I tried to scrounge up some of that Gryffindor courage you guys leave everywhere. In the end, I wasn't humiliated at all. I felt almost proud of them. You were something else. You never seem to accept that injustice just happens. You always need to do something about it. I never could have stood up to a whole park full of witches and wizards like that. You stood up for every last one of us, especially those who started on the wrong side of the war." She hugged Hermione tight and was held tight in return. Pansy and Hermione had become close through Draco. As Draco and Pansy were both accepted by Harry and Hermione, Ron began distancing himself. He didn't hate them anymore but he still struggled. Especially with Pansy after she offered to sacrifice Harry during the final battle. She was terrified. Harry forgave her and he felt Ron should move on too but he was always a bit lazy in that department.

Hermione and Pansy changed into short shorts and cami tops. Pansy was sleeping over and Hermione refused to dress like a nun just because someone was in her house, even if it was the Boy-Wonder and Slytherin's Most Incorrigible. Pansy sat on the arm of the overstuffed chair, leaning against Harry with her arm resting on the top of the chair. Hermione sat on the floor next to Draco's spot on the couch and across from Pansy and Harry.

"Hermione, can you please clarify something for Draco and I?" Harry asked in a very sophisticated voice.

"Oh great," Pansy said, "They started drinking without us!"

"Go on Harry, what world truths do you require explaining tonight?" She said as she took a sip of her wine. It warmed her tummy when it settled.

"Did you-" Harry said.

Interrupted by Draco, "Or did you not-"

"Pipe down Drakkey!" Harry said, making Pansy giggle. "Or DID YOU, actually say that you wouldn't allow them to "run train" on us all!?"

Hermione blanched. "Oh my gods. Tell me I didn't!" Harry leaned into Pansy's side laughing hard.

"She didn't confirm Potter!" Draco shouted above Harry's laughter.

Pansy patted Harry's head and laughed at him. "Yes, you did, My. I don't know what it means though. Is that a muggle thing?" Hermione put her head in her hands dramatically. Mumbling something that sounded a lot like "Oh, Fuck me!".

Draco looked up from Hermione with a smirk on his face. "Pans, you're familiar with trains, yes?" He asked in that snotty draw.

"Obviously." She did not feel amused with his condescension.

"Think of an actual train - one goes over the tracks, and then another. Now, say these trains were friends of some arsehole and the tracks were you. Understand?"

"Hermione! Did you tell those people your weren't going to let them gangbang us!?" Pansy said, laughing at her sweet friend.

"Bitch, I might have." Hermione played defensive. They laughed at their bookworm. "Ugh, the Prophet is going to slaughter me tomorrow." Draco stood and went to Hermione's desk. "Need me to get you something?"

Draco replied, "No, I know where you keep your parchment. I'm going to try some damage control with my contact at the Prophet. " He was protective of her since that first night and he wouldn't mind throwing a few galleons at the press to keep it civil for her.

"Don't bother hun. I don't much care what they print about me anymore. I'm sure it'll blow over anyway. You know in fourth year some anonymous ass hat spread untrue rumors to the Prophet about Harry and I. We survived that just fine." She looked a little accusatory toward Draco.

"Hey!" Pansy said, looking miffed. "I helped with that! Don't let all that feistiness get wasted on fucking him. Spread the love." Harry's eyes got wide and Draco's mouth opened slightly as if to ask "What the fuck?"

"Pansy!" Hermione shouted at her! "Shut it! Shhhhhush up." Hermione had a glass or two by now and was appropriately flushed.

Harry looked excited, "Are you and Draco together???" Draco laughed and answered no for her.

"Why on earth would she be fucking me Pansy? We best friends, not lovers." Draco asked.

Hermione looked at Pansy, pleading for her silence. "As if you need to be together to get a little relief. Sex can be a great way to blow off steam. Isn't that right, My?" Hermione's face was on fire with embarrassment. Harry had a huge smile plastered on his face.

"Are you telling me that our innocent little girl likes casual sex? Man, I would love to be that guy. If it's true someone would have spilled the beans by now though." He looked deep in thought and then excitedly said "That means it has to be someone in this room!! It's not me so that means it must be Draco. Wait, you just said-"

"Believe me mate, if it was me, I would be all too happy to tell you. I'd rub your nose in it scarface." Draco and Harry looked contemplative. Hermione looked like she would like to bury herself alive.

"Ahem!" Pansy demanded.

Harry thought about it and turned to Draco. "Is it possible My would have sex with Pansy to blow off steam?"

Draco smiled wide, "Only if I'm in heaven. My?"

Hermione threw her hands down from her face. "Fine! Ok! Yes!! I have needs too you know! I carried your arse through the horcrux hunt Harry Potter and I will not be shamed by you because I need a little distraction from time to time to decompress. Witches throw themselves at the savior every day. You know who throws themselves at Harry Potter's Brain?? No One! No one says, 'Hey girl, you look stressed, can I interest you in an earth shattering orgasm.' Pansy offered to help and it works to relax me so fuck all of you. Especially you, Pans. You are so in for it tonight! I can't believe you told them!!"

Immediate Pansy quipped back, "Don't threaten me with a good time Granger." Draco and Harry looked shocked. Pansy licked her lips in anticipation. Her long laid plans were finally coming to fruition. Just a little more and those too idiots would be giving Hermione what Pansy knew she needed; Adoration, a self-esteem boost, acceptance, and some damn fine dick. Hermione stood with her arms crossed, one hip stuck out and feet firmly planted. She was defensive and the tension was rolling off of her. Harry looked to Pansy in silent question and she winked back at him.

Harry stood from the chair and approached her slowly. "Hermione, I am not trying to make you feel ashamed. Not even a little. I'm a firm believer that as long as it doesn't hurt anyone, we should do whatever we want. Especially when it comes to being able to relax and let our guard down. She looked up at him, his green eyes honest and captivating.

"You mean it? She asked.

"Yes of course." He wrapped her in a hug and she blew out a breath, releasing some of the tension in her body. " I just wish you would have told me."

"Why? I was embarrassed. I didn't want my best friends to think less of me."

"I couldn't possible think less of you. Obviously though, I wish you would have told me because I'd love to help out." He said. Slipping one hand down to her hip. Steeling himself, he bent and kissed the base of her neck tenderly. She let out a small gasp and waited a moment before she stepped away.

"Harry we can't" She whispered.

"Oh. I'm sorry.. I…"

"No it's not like that. I mean you know you're a damn sexy wizard but you're my best friend. I couldn't imagine my life without you if this came between our friendship." Harry looked rejected and glanced at Draco who knew if she turned Harry down then there was no chance for him either. It was Pansy who came to rescue the boy's hopes.

"My, Draco and I have been best friends for years. We used to fool around, especially during sixth year. Times were stressful. We stayed friends. It didn't take away from our friendship, if anything it added to our closeness. If we started seeing someone, we just stopped, but he was always able to give me the comfort I needed. We haven't slept together for two or so years but it's not because anything happened, we just haven't. Giving and receiving comfort with your best friends is an amazing experience. If nothing more than for educational purposes, you should give it a shot."

Hermione looked hard at Pansy analysing her words. "You said best friends. You mean as in more than one at once?"

Pansy knew she was so close, she had to play this right. She knew Hermione would love a foursome, as freaky as that girl is, the more people to get comfortably depraved with, the better. She just scared easy in matters of the heart, or the body for that matter. "Yes, friends with an S. It just means more pleasure, more letting go. Think about it, it could be very normal." Pansy stepped up to Hermione, she slithered her hand around to Hermione's lower back and held her close. "There's nothing to be afraid of. See, just like always, me and you." Pansy slipped her other hand under Hermione's shirt and wordlessly vanished her bra. She grazed the side of Hermione's breast and she shivered in pleasure. She rolled her nipple, squeezing and teasing it. "Instead of just this though…" She turned her hips to open them up to Harry who was a few feet away. He was noticeably hard. Draco stayed silent and gave no clues as to what he was feeling as his legs had been crossed. Hermione smiled at Harry just a little, letting him know that she was welcome to his presence. He stepped close to her side and slid a hand to her backside and squeezed. "She has an amazing arse doesn't she Harry?" Harry mhm'd deep in his throat, continuing to massage her.

"She always has. I've walked behind her for years wishing to get my hands on it." He moved behind her and grabbed each globe with his hands, kneading them. "My, if you let, I'd love to be here to help relieve some of your stress. Even if you did throw it back in my face that you carried me through the horcrux hunt." He laughed and she smiled at him.

"Ok Harry, we can give it a try." She moaned as pansy pinched both her nipples hard and then slipped her shirt over her head.

"Wouldn't it be nice if Draco came over here and sucked on your tits?" Pansy asked her.

Hermione noticeably stilled. "Pansy," she whispered, "Draco doesn't want to do that, he doesn't find me attractive." A growl was heard from the couch as Draco stood from the couch and dropped to his knees in front of her.

"That's bullshit My. You should know that by now. I would die a happy man if you allowed me to suck your sweet tits into my mouth." Hermione gave her head a small shake yes and moaned loudly as Draco put his hot mouth around one nipple and rolled the other in his hand.

"Harry, I don't think she realizes the effect she has on you." Pansy said watching from a few paces away. He immediately pushed his hard on against her, relishing the feel of being pressed against her cheeks. She moaned and suddenly wanted more than the demure fondling she was receiving. She grabbed Draco's arm and motioned for him to stand. She took both wizards hands and called over to Pansy.

"Let's go Pans. Time we all get thoroughly re-acquainted." Pansy squealed in excitement. She followed behind the three, taking a drink out of the bottle and casting a spell to extend the bed.

Pansy was the unofficial coach for the night, moving everyone into place and directing the flow until Hermione got annoyed with her continued input and asked Harry to kindly place his dick in her mouth to shut her up. After that, Pansy was putty in their hands.

--

The next morning an owl tapped the window with the Prophet. It woke Draco and he took the paper, giving the owl a treat. Hermione woke up and left Harry and Pansy still sleeping heavily in bed. Draco had on his black silk boxers and Hermione put on Harry's large T-shirt. They smiled a little shyly at each other and walked to the living room. Hermione summoned two coffees knowing Draco prefered it. He motioned for her to sit next to him.

She leaned against his arm and asked, "Are we ok? I mean, I know you guys said it'd be fine, I'm nervous though."

He grabbed her hand. "We are very ok. Still best friends. I still respect the fuck out of you. Nothing to worry about. Although, I may have pursued you earlier had I known how mind blowing of a lover you could be. "

"Promise?" She asked in a small voice.

"Promise. Let's check the paper and see how bad the damage is."

They unfolded the paper and the headline on the front page read: WAR HEROINE, HERMIONE GRANGER, SIMULTANEOUSLY REPRIMANDS 300 WIZARDS

"It could be worse," She said. "Oh look, the article is written by Daphne Greengrass."

As they read the paper, they were pleased to find that while the incident was viewed as a failure, it was deemed to be such because of the judgemental wizards and Hermione was being heralded for standing up to them for the real victims of war. It also showed that the donations to the War Orphans Charity which was highlighted at the event had been so substantial it tripled their funding goal. Guilt could be a very motivating force.

Harry and Pansy left after breakfast, everyone feeling gloriously relaxed. Hermione received several owls from various news outlets requesting an interview. She also received many thank you notes from fellow War Kids. More than one expressed that they wished there was a way to carry on about their business without all the attention. One owl in particular caught her interest and she showed it to Draco.

To Hermione Granger

From Daphne Greengrass

--

Daphne Greengrass was happy to help spin the story in a positive light. Like most of her contemporaries, someone always had to put their two cents in. Colleagues of the older generation made snide comments about how she should be married by now with children and settled down. This was personal for her too. It was easy for them to pass judgment when they didn't have the creepings of war in their dreams every night. The memories carved in their skin just beneath glamour charms. The hollow loss of family and friends. The wizarding world isn't a small place, many people were able to go about their daily lives while others took up the fight, while she and her sister clawed at survival. Her parents money would have been a nice cushion, something to fall back on since she wasn't "settled". However, after Astoria's suicide, Daphne made her peace that she was an orphan. What her parents expected after offering the two of them as a gift to the Dark Lord, she can't be sure, but she couldn't accept them as family anymore.

She admired Hermione for always trying to uphold justice, even if it was uncomfortable. She wanted to do something. It wasn't much but she had a little power working at The Prophet. She sat at home after writing her article that night, blunt in hand, sitting on the floor of her living room, propped against the wall. She inhaled deeply. It calmed her spirit. The anger had not dissipated over the years, she just learned to manage it. This helped. This let her sleep. She decided she needed more. She needed to do something, anything to help too. She went to her large desk and began jotting ideas down. After a solid brainstorming session she pulled out another piece of parchment and began to write.

Dear Ms. Granger,

I hope you will find the article to your liking. I personally appreciate what you have done and continue to do for those of us left discarded after the war. I'd like to thank you over lunch and discuss a few ideas with you regarding the healing of our people since no one else seems interested in us for more than shaming and entertainment. I request that, at your discretion, Draco Malfoy also be present as I feel he would have useful input and a much needed skill for fundraising. With the people's attention on the Prophet I feel I may be able to bring awareness to some of what we are facing and be able to provide direction on a wider scale. I will be at Tomasso's in Diagon Alley today at noon. I humbly request your accompaniment.

Warm regards,

Daphne Greengrass

She would send it first thing the next morning. She sealed the letter and placed it on the counter and headed for her bedroom hoping for a peaceful sleep.

--

Hermione and Draco walked into Tamassso's at exactly noon and the hostess ushered them to a small back room where Daphne was seated with a glass of white wine and a small collection of notes.

She stood when they entered and she hugged Draco and firmly shook Hermione's hand, thanking them both for coming.

"It's no trouble Daph." They gave their orders to the server. "Hermione tells me you have some ideas you would like to discuss." Draco easily lead the conversation.

"I do. One in particular actually stems from an interview you did with Parvarti a year or two back, Hermione."

"The one discussing where we each can go from here?" Hermione asked, unsure of the point.

"Yes, muggle therapy was one of the methods you suggested. The article was pretty vague but I did some research and apparently there's a very large field of muggle therapy, even just for the mind. One of the methods is referred to as 'group therapy' and it involves individuals with similar situations who get together and just talk about it with a professional." Daphne jumped straight in. " I know that just talking about it isn't going to be good enough but I think it's a place we should start. The Muggles have 'Support Groups' which doesn't necessarily even need a professional, just guidance."

Hermione appreciated Daphne's enthusiasm for the subject. Mulling over the idea, she began jotting down notes of her own.

"We really don't have a platform where we could meet up and just vent. Ideally, we could have a safe space without the influence of people who weren't a part of the war. Possibly, we could even teach some coping mechanisms and work through some of our individual traumas."

"Ideally," Draco said, mimicking her. "That sounds like a workable idea. I couldn't help but notice though Daph, that your letter specifically mentioned my fundraising abilities. Meeting up in a location to talk could be easily accomplished with very little funding. We could do it in the Manor gardens. Is there another idea on your mind?" Draco drawled, quick on the uptake. Before Daphne could answer Hermione interjected with a scoff.

"Let's be real, no one wants to sit to talk and have tea while the literal headquarters of Moldy Voldy looms overhead."

"Solid point." Draco admitted. "You know, I've done a lot of work to get rid of that man's presence from my home but I guess I can see how the memory might still be traumatizing." Their food arrived and they began eating.

"I was actually thinking it might be really nice to have somewhere we all know that we can go and just exist." Daphne took a deep breath and continued. "Everyday I put a glamour over parts of my body just in case my shirt rides up or just in case someone might see what they left behind on me. Everyday I hide who I am now, not because I am ashamed, but because I am so tired of hearing what everyone else has to say about it. Sure, some people are nice enough 'Oh, honey those look terrible, I'm so sorry you had to go through that.' Sometimes though it's 'That's what you get for being Death Eater scum.' and I wasn't even a Death Eater, I was just born into it like the rest of us. It might take a bit of fundraising to get it off the ground, but Draco, think about it, wouldn't you pay to go somewhere where you can just be yourself? Not the polished Master Malfoy, but fucking Draco, man. Dark mark, sectumsempra scar, it isn't flawless but it's you now. Why should you have to hide?"

"She's not wrong Drake. We aren't the ones who did this to us. We were just War Kids. Unfortunately, we are the ones who have to hide these parts of us to make other people comfortable. I'd love to go somewhere and see everyone comfortable in their own skin, not glamoured skin, but theirs. Plus, how significant might it be for our healing, for our self confidence, to see how beautiful we all are in our war torn bodies. We survived, those marks should be trophies. Even if not on display all the time, shouldn't we have somewhere where we can let go of the stigma? This is an awesome idea. Think, we could limit access to only those of us who served in the war, not necessarily just those of us in Hogwarts at the time but all of us who were truly affected. We could put a jinx in a membership contract to make sure what happens in the club stays in the club. That means no more exposes on how so and so got trashed again, just a safe space for all of us to deal with this shit. Offer sober up potions and safe areas where one could...express themselves. All without the grueling input of the media magnifying everything we do, vilifying us."

Draco could already tell, Hermione was all in. It isn't a bad idea. It even has the potential to be quite lucerative as well as actually be helpful. He would need to really think of the implications. "You both have really valid points here. It's a lot to think about. Daph, I assume you would be able to handle any marketing of a support group and/or private veteran's club?" She nodded in agreement. "And My, you would be able to work up a jinxed contract and invitation list for potential members?" Hermione was already noting names and nodded vigorously. "How did you come up with these ideas?"

Daphne chucked lightly. "Well, I was, how did Hermione put it, expressing myself last night night with a little herb and just got to thinking about what I really would want if someone could help this whole thing. What's second to the idea of actually being normal, becuase that'll never happen."

--

It took a fair amount of planning on Draco and Hermione's part but the idea took flight about a month later with the first meeting of of the "Support Group for Veterans of the Second Great Wizarding War" or "SGV". It was a handful of people, Draco, Harry, Pansy, Daphne, Ron and Ginny Weasley, Neville Longbottom, and Katie Bell. They were just a few but everyone expected the group to grow.

The meeting took place at 7pm on a Thursday in a bi-level building that formerally housed a department store. There was a card table of light refreshments and a circle of chairs. Harry and Ron placed aura grade privacy wards up when it was time to begin. The meeting was highly publicized but not open to reporters or anyone who was just curious.

Hermione thanked everyone as they took their seats. They began the meeting with a binding oath to never mention the details of someone else's testimony outside of the members in attendance and promised a nasty curse should the oath be violated. She explained that no one is required to speak but anyone is welcome to do so in an orderly fashion. She laid out the mission of this endevor which is to provide a supportive and understanding environment with likeminded individuals in an effort to overcome the traumas of war. She emphasized the importantance of compassion, empathy, and building one another up. Hermione explained that this was a safe space to freely express one's frustrations and opinions. She then opened it up to the group asking what they hope to acheive by participating in SGV.

"I want somewhere where I can be unapologetically me." Daphne started.

"I'd like to learn just how I'm supposed to be dealing with everything. Like, do you guys have nightmares like I do? How do I deal with the crippling sadness?" Neville looked ashamed.

"I'm sure nearly all of us have nightmares, Nev. We're going to be learning some healthy coping mechanisms. It might be a slow process but please feel free to also see a trained mind healer. I have the contact information for a squib who is a mind healer trained in muggle methods. She's been instrumental to my personal healing and I recommend her very highly" Hermione softly encouraged. "How about you, Pansy?"

"Honestly, at this point I'm not sure. Sometimes I just want to bitch about the grief I get all the time for whatever my latest public sin was. Can I do that here?"

"For sure, we definately don't want to dwell on the negative but this sort of interaction is something that we all face frequently so it is certaintly relevent. I'm sure we can all relate." Hermione assured her. "Ron?"

"I'm here to support what you're trying to do, to help everyone. Right now, that's all. I don't want to talk."

"Ok, well I want you to know how grateful I am that you are willing to support this. If there comes a time when you have more to say we will eagerly listen." Hermione wasn't upset. It was honestly more of a mature response than she originally aniticipated.

The rest of the meeting went off without a hitch. Everyone who was so incline contributing in their own way. After about an hour some of the group went out for drinks and some just went home. Pansy insisted on taking Neville out for a few to loosen him up. Ginny and Katie went along to unwind after some heavy discussion durring the meeting. Ron and Daphne each went home alone. Draco and Harry made sure Hermione got home safe.

--

Walking in to her flat Hermione thanked Draco and Harry, offering them a drink. They accepted, sitting down next to the fire. Hermione sat at the end of the couch, Draco laying out on it, putting his feet in her lap after toeing off his shoes. Harry sat on the floor taking off her shoes for her. He began rubbing her feet and Draco made distressed animal noises until she started rubbing his feet.

"How do you guys think it went?" Harry asked, kneeding the arch of her left foot.

"It went really well for the first go I think. We had a good turn out. I really hope we will be able to use this as an effective medium for helping people." Draco said, happily sighing as Hermione pulled on his toes releasing little pops.

"I'm a little worried. I didn't want to discourage the group that was going out because they're all reaching out but I'm nervous this will result in negative publicity regarding the group." She let go of Dracos feet, gesturing as if the words were appearing on a marquee and using a deep voice, "Local Veteran Support Group, Just Another Reason for Them to Get Drunk?"

"Yikes." Draco said. " Well let's hope for the best. No sense in stressing over it yet. But if you must…" Draco sat up and pulled her on to his lap. "Maybe let us help you work out some of that stress." He grinded up against her letting her know exactly what he had in mind. She giggled and blushed. "What do you say Har? Do you need some stress relief?" Draco leaned Hermione forward until her hands were supporting her weight on the floor on either side of Harry's lap. Harry didn't say a word as he appreciated the view down Hermione's blouse.

"Bit of an awkward position, Harry. Could you undo the zip for me?" He quickly undid the zipper on his trousers and slid them down until his hard cock popped up. Hermione leaned forward and licked the tip, savoring the liquid that gathered there. "Mmmmm." She moaned as she slid him into her mouth. Draco took the opportunity to reach forward under her skirt and start gently carassing the lips of her pussy. She could feel his length brush against her but he only used his fingers. He pushed and pryed. He dipped a finger just inside to tease her while she gave Harry a slow and sloppy blow job. Harry started to thrust against her mouth and Draco palmed her pussy. He inserted one long digit and began to throughly finger fuck her. Harry grabbed a handful of her hair and she loved the way he fucked her face. Nothing made her feel as alive as being used and toyed with at the same time. Draco picked up pace, paying special attention to her clit. She was moaning and gagging and both gentleman took in the powerful sight. She was beautiful. Harry was getting close, thrusting eratically. Hermione was on the verge. Draco placed his thumb on her puckered asshole and applied a little pressure. She came, thrashing wildly. Harry came all over her face and hair. Beautiful. Hermione was a little dazed as Draco pulled her back onto his lap, the blood rushing from her head while she was coming down from her orgasm. Harry stood, admiring his art. She was his little Jackson Pollock right now and he adored her for it. He checked the time and sighed disappointed.

"I'm so sorry, but I didn't realize how late it is. I have to be up for work in 5 hours. I hate to cum and go," he winked and finger gunned, "but can I leave you in Draco's capable hands and get you back next time?" She smiled and nodded, still pretty dazed. Harry left to apparate home.

"You know, even covered in another man's cum, you are absolutely breathtaking." Draco wispered in her ear. She shuddered as a chill ran through her. She turned around in his lap and smiled.

"You're too sweet. Let me go wash this off my face and come back to give this some attention" She grinded against his now very stiff length. She went to get up but Draco pulled her back down.

"I'm going to go home tonight, but know it isn't because I don't want you. I think I just need some time to think something through." Draco's soft voice was so kind. She didn't feel it as a rejection but she wasn't really sure what was going on. I'll owl you tomorrow, love." With that he helped her up, kissed her cheek in a clean spot and left swiftly out the door.

Hermione was left in an empty room, satisfied but so confused. "The fuck?" She wispered to herself.

--