The sun bathed Mount Olympus in golden light, the marble courtyards shimmering like mirrors. Harry sat in the open-air temple, surrounded by his companions and the goddesses Artemis, Athena, and Hera. The conversation was light and easy, laughter punctuating the air.
"It's incredible how far you've come," Artemis said, sipping from a chalice of ambrosia. Her usually stern demeanor softened as she regarded Harry and his group with a rare smile. "Few mortals—no, few beings at all—could hold their own against Zeus."
"It's because I've had excellent teachers," Harry replied, his smile as warm as the sun above.
Athena nodded approvingly. "And an adaptable mind. You've embraced divine logic and magic faster than I anticipated."
Hermione, sitting beside Harry, leaned forward. "He does have a habit of exceeding expectations."
Daphne and Tracey chuckled, while Fleur's fingers brushed against Harry's arm, her expression proud and affectionate.
Even Hera, known for her reserved nature, contributed to the warmth of the moment. "It's been a long time since mortals have graced Olympus with such promise."
The camaraderie was interrupted by a loud bang as the temple doors flew open. Everyone turned to see Aphrodite stride in, her every movement exuding sensuality and confidence. Her golden hair caught the sunlight, and her form-fitting toga swayed with every step.
"Aphrodite," Hera began, frowning. "What is the meaning of this?"
The goddess of love paid no heed. Her sapphire eyes locked onto Harry with an intensity that made his companions bristle. Before anyone could react, she closed the distance between them, her stride as smooth as flowing water.
Harry blinked in surprise as she stopped in front of him, her lips curving into a mischievous smile.
"Aphrodite," he started, his tone wary. "What—"
Before he could finish, she slid onto his lap with practiced grace. Her hands rested lightly on his shoulders, and without a word, she leaned in and kissed him deeply, her lips soft and insistent.
Harry's eyes widened in shock. The kiss was bold, overwhelming, and undeniably skilled—Aphrodite's expertise as the goddess of love on full display.
The room erupted in chaos.
"Excuse me?" Hermione's voice rose, laced with indignation.
Daphne's icy glare could have frozen molten lava, while Fleur's hands tightened into fists. Tracey, usually the meekest of the group, stood up, her expression stormy. Even the goddesses reacted; Artemis's hand twitched toward her bow, and Athena narrowed her eyes in disapproval.
Aphrodite pulled back from the kiss, her smile unrepentant. "Oh, don't be so serious, everyone. It's just a kiss. A bit of fun."
Harry, regaining his composure, gently but firmly placed his hands on her waist and moved her off his lap. "Aphrodite, that was… unexpected."
The goddess shrugged, her expression entirely unbothered. "Can you blame me? A mortal with your looks? I couldn't resist."
"You should have," Daphne said sharply.
"I second that," Hermione added, crossing her arms.
Aphrodite tilted her head, her amusement only growing. "Oh, my. Are you all jealous?"
The girls exchanged glances, and an unspoken understanding passed between them.
"Jealous?" Fleur said, her tone deceptively calm. "Not exactly."
"No," Daphne added, a hint of mischief creeping into her icy demeanor. "But we do think you need to learn a lesson."
Within minutes, Aphrodite found herself seated on a conjured marble chair, her wrists bound with glowing golden ropes that even she couldn't undo.
"What is this?" she asked, her voice a mix of surprise and intrigue.
Hermione leaned down, her tone as sweet as honey but with a sharp edge. "Just a little reminder that not everything revolves around you, Aphrodite."
Fleur smirked, her fingers brushing against Harry's arm. "You like watching, don't you?"
The goddess's sapphire eyes widened, but she said nothing.
"Oh, I think you do," Daphne added, her voice low and teasing. "That's why you barged in here. You wanted to see how we'd react, didn't you?"
Tracey, emboldened by the others, stepped closer. "Let's give her what she wants, then."
The girls leaned into Harry, their actions playful but undeniably affectionate. Fleur pressed a kiss to his cheek, while Hermione rested her head on his shoulder. Daphne's fingers traced patterns on his arm, and Tracey held his hand, her grip firm.
Aphrodite's gaze flickered between them, her breathing quickening.
"You enjoy this, don't you?" Hermione said, her tone triumphant. "Being on the sidelines, watching love and passion unfold."
Aphrodite swallowed hard, her cheeks tinged with pink. "I… It's not—"
Fleur interrupted her, her French accent adding a lilting cadence to her words. "It's alright, Aphrodite. We understand. You're the goddess of love, after all. It's only natural."
The goddess's lips parted as if to protest, but no words came. Finally, she sighed, her shoulders relaxing. "Fine. You're right. I do enjoy watching. It's… fascinating. The dynamics, the emotions."
"There's no shame in it," Daphne said, her voice softer now. "But perhaps next time, don't interfere."
Aphrodite nodded, her usual confidence replaced with a rare moment of vulnerability. "I suppose I did overstep."
The tension in the room dissipated as the golden ropes vanished. Aphrodite stood, smoothing her toga. She gave Harry and the girls a small, genuine smile.
"You're quite the group," she admitted. "Perhaps I underestimated you."
Harry shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Just remember—respect goes both ways."
Aphrodite inclined her head, her usual mischievous glint returning. "Duly noted. Until next time."
With that, she sauntered out of the room, leaving the group to exchange amused and exasperated glances.
"She's a handful," Daphne muttered.
"You can say that again," Hermione replied.
Harry chuckled, pulling his companions close. "At least now we know what makes her tick."
The group laughed, their bond stronger than ever as they prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.