Dragon's Nest

Chapter 4

Hermione POV

The air in the new drawing room became so thick that I felt as if I was choking. Avoiding eye contact with the men in the room I take a look around to see walls lined with bookshelves, a roaring fireplace, artwork that looked like it cost more than my yearly salary, and couches and chairs that looked softer than a cloud.

"Hermione?" I hear Charlie's voice call out.

"Yes" I respond, turning my head to find Theo and Charlie seated on the couch and Draco lounging in the tufted chair across from them. All six eyes following my every move around the room. I make my way to the empty chair next to Draco, facing Charlie and Theo.

"I think we have some things that we need to discuss before moving forward" Charlie says, his voice soft but demanding. "We would love the opportunity to court you properly throughout the next few weeks. I'm not sure what your heats have been like but we have everything here at the Manor that you would need to be comfortable." He pauses before adding, "That is, of course, if you wish to spend your time here."

"And if there is anything that you want that we don't already have we can have it here within a day. You know, if you want it here." Draco quickly adds.

A lump forms in my throat at the thought of them already having these items ready. What if they have everything ready because I'm not the first omega who has been dazzled by this Manor? It's not fair to be upset about this possibility but that doesn't make it hurt any less.

"How- um, how many other omegas have you all helped through a heat?" I ask softly, looking down at my hands in my lap, trying to hold in a whine as I wait for their answer.

Theo immediately picks up on my unease and answers quickly, "You're the first omega that we've invited into our home Hermione."

Charlie and Draco are both looking at me earnestly, willing me to believe Theo.

"Okay, that does make me feel a bit better," I huff, "But I have to warn you, my heats aren't anything special. I've had them medically suppressed for the past two years. It's never been a particularly enjoyable experience for me and I don't want you to get your hopes up for something that might be lackluster."

Before I know it Charlie is on one knee in front of me, holding my fingertips in his hand, "Hermione, there is nothing lackluster about you. I have spent the better part of my adulthood researching everything there is to know about packs, bonding, alphas, betas, and omegas. Having your heat medically suppressed doesn't leave any lasting damage, it just allows you to get through your heat on your own in the most comfortable way. If that's what you're worried about then all is well." He stays on the floor as his words sink in.

I, of course, had also done the research and found the same answers but for some reason hearing Charlie tell me that everything would be alright made me breathe a bit easier.

I squeeze his hand with my fingertips before looking up at Theo and Draco, both watching with rapt attention at what my response will be. "Why don't you show me what all you have prepared?" I ask, a small blush coloring my cheeks.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Draco POV

As we walk upstairs where our rooms and the nest are located I have to tamper down a purr at the thought of Hermione possibly joining us here.

Even the thought of her being in the Manor has me ready to claim her as our own. Looking ahead of me I see her walking hand in hand with Charlie as he talks to her about the restorations we've made to this section of the house and where our rooms are located.

We each have our own private space but we normally end up sleeping in one of our three rooms together. Located in the middle of all of our rooms is the door that has remained closed for too long.

Charlie waits for me to catch up to the group before opening the door. My eyes are glued to Hermione, waiting for any type of reaction that shows if she hates it or loves it.

I would tear everything out of this room tonight if it weren't to her taste.

Charlie opens the door and hits the light switch before stepping aside to let Hermione in.

"Oh Merlin, this is-" She walks in and stops a few steps in "Did you guys decorate this yourselves?" She asks us, still looking around the room, her hand grazing everything as she passes.

I couldn't be bothered to look around, I know what's in here. Antique lamps, set to low light, are scattered throughout the room, some tall and others placed on side tables. Plush chairs and a couch that you can truly sink into line one wall while the fireplace is located on the other. In the middle is an Alaskan king foam mattress, piled high with every high quality soft blanket I have ever been able to find that I felt would be worthy of our own omega. Above the nest was a sheer canopy, not for privacy but more for the comforting vibe it gives while you are laying under it. Pillows of every size and firmness are placed throughout the nest. To the left is the bathroom that contains a rainfall shower and a jacuzzi tub big enough for us all to fit. Theo had wanted a simple clawfoot tub but I told him that it just wouldn't do.

Creating this nesting area was a group effort but it was mostly me who spent hours in here making sure everything was perfect. Had I known that it was Hermione who would be coming into our lives I maybe would have added some bookshelves for her. Does she still read during every second of her spare time? Who am I kidding, of course she does. Her face hasn't shown any emotion other than complete awe but I'm still so nervous I think I could give out a whine myself.

I pull my hands behind my back to try and get some sort of grip on myself before I start yelping like a pup.

"So, what do you think?" Charlie asks softly, aware that I am in no shape to ask questions.

"Guys, this is- this is perfect. I've never had the need for a true nest before with the medication but this is amazing." She pauses her examination of the room before looking at each of us and adding softly, "I think I would love for you all to join me for my heat."

A flush travels from her chest to her cheeks but she maintains eye contact with all of us, Charlie first, then Theo, leaving me for last.

"I don't think I could create a more perfect space for my first true heat, or a more perfect pack." She looks down at her shoes before looking back up at Charlie, "Would that be alright with you all?" She whispers.

Charlie looks at me and Theo, both of us giving a quick nod before looking back at Hermione.

"Let the courting begin Ms. Granger" Charlie rasps out, giving Hermione a wide smile.