Outcasts | 5 Slytherins 1 Hermione | REVERSE HAREM

XIX

Over the past week, Hermione took some well-needed time for herself, except for her mornings with Mattheo and her nights with one or all of her boyfriends.

Boyfriends .

She still hasn't gotten used to that term. She never imagined she'd be able to keep one, let alone five. The idea seems practically obscene, no matter how right it felt, in the moment.

Mattheo told her to consider what truly being with him would entail. She had taken time to slow down and contemplate what that meant. He required full submission. He wanted to own her in every sense of the word. If she was honest, when she wasn't lost in the essence of Mattheo Riddle, the idea of fully submitting to him was overwhelming. She was beginning to realize he had done nothing halfway. If she agreed to what he was asking, she would be committing to him—to them —as more than just their girlfriend.

They were a cohesive unit, although they also would accept what she was willing to give. But the reality was, she wanted all of them, not just one or a few. Did that make her greedy? Probably. But they seemed to all want her just as much so why did it matter?

Balancing her education and her new relationships had been trying, to say the least. She'd barely had time for much else, being fully consumed by them. She also had been avoiding her friends. She hadn't been ready to have the conversions necessary to explain to them what had been occurring. The reaction to Mattheo alone was enough to continue to put off telling anyone the full truth.

Sitting in her room, she stared at the stack of mail from Ginny. She felt a pang of guilt for neglecting her friend, but she honestly had been dreading what she had to say.

Reluctantly Hermione opened the first letter.

Mione,

I miss you. Ron has been saying some pretty unbelievable things. I'll be in Hogsmeade this weekend. Catch up?

-G.W.

Hermione realized this was sent three weeks ago and Gin had sent two more letters since then. She opened the second one.

Mione,

We missed you last weekend. I hope I didn't do something to cause you to avoid me. Please remember I am not my brother, If you'll just talk to me, I promise to be understanding. Love you.

-G.W.

And the third.

Mione,

It's becoming difficult to not take your silence personally. Ron is convinced you are under an imperious curse, and I'm not sure what to think. Please let me know if you are okay.

-G.W

Hermione sighed, she really should have opened these sooner. Ginny has been worried and Hermione has been getting shagged, how selfish had she become?

She was so scared of Ginny's reaction, thinking she'd be as angry as Ron. In reality, that was ridiculous. When has Ginny ever been anything but a supportive friend? With a wave of relief, Hermione began to write her response.

Gin,

First, I want to apologize, it was never my intention to shut you out. The rumors traveled fast, and my hate post began to pile up. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about telling you the news myself because I didn't want to lose you. This is all new to me and I must go about this correctly. You know as well as anyone how difficult it's been to manage my emotions, and I couldn't bear not having your support. That being said, I'd like to explain everything in person, if you'd let me. Please let me know when works for you, I don't mind coming to wherever you are.