Veela Love

Sitting in his Azkaban cell waiting for his trial was not as bad as one would believe. It gave Draco time to think. And think he did. He thought about Hermione Granger and the depths of which he fucked up.

He had resigned himself to death if he were to survive the war. He knew that on his 18th birthday he would present as at least part Veela. He knew that because of this he would have to seal the mate bond before his 19th birthday or die. He had thought that after that night in the manor that he would accept his death. Ever the self-preservationist, sitting in the dark on the hard, cold stone floor he decided he didn’t actually want to die. For a long time he did. He thought death would be easier than living in a constant state of torture or terror. However, somehow, Potter had saved the wizarding world. With the Dark Lord gone, Draco could see a possible future for himself.

This future obviously had to include Granger in it. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that she was his. He knew that on his 18th birthday he would feel the pull that his mother and father had always told him about. So as he sat, he planned. How was he going to make up for everything he ever did or said it to Hermione Jean Granger? He was prepared to do anything.

His plan was simple. He would start by an honest apology, followed by a sincere explanation of why he did all that he did to protect her, and lastly he would grovel.

Malfoy men did not grovel but Draco had every intention of groveling. She deserved more than just apologies and excuses. He knew that she may never forgive him but he would lay it all on the table. Minus the dying if they don’t mate part. He wanted her to forgive him and accept him, not pity him. That was the line he had drawn.

He knew that his birthday was coming soon. He had talked to his lawyer a few days ago. Or at least he thought it was a few days ago. Keeping track of time in Azkaban was near impossible. With that being said the lawyer had come to see him on May 29th. He had told Draco that they had a good case for his release and that some of his classmates were going to testify.

Draco hoped that he would be out by his birthday because he had a witch to convince he deserved a second chance.

-

A day or so later, according to his time, two guards came to collect him. One guard was short and stocky. The other was tall and lanky. They both sneered at him as they unlocked the bars in front of his cell with a complex incantation.

”Get up, scum.” The taller of the two spat at him.

Draco rose slowly. He had been getting more and more tired leading up to his birthday. They led him outside where he saw the sun for the first time in weeks. Draco tried to enjoy breathing in the clean fresh air. He, however, did not get a chance. He was whisked away with a port key straight into the Ministry of Magic.

Once he arrived at the ministry, Draco started to get nervous. His lawyer had told him that his mother had gotten one year of house arrest with her wand being monitored. He knew his fathers trial would be after his. The public would want his father to go to Azkaban. He had been serving a 5 year sentence when he broke out right before Draco’s 6th year. Draco couldn’t help but think that his father would get more than just house arrest.

Draco thought that his own trial may not be so different. He was, after all, the youngest marked death eater. He knew that his attempts on Dumbledore’s life were not going to look good for him.

He was ushered out of the Magical Transportation office where the port key had landed him and the two guards. Entering courtroom 10, he didn't have a chance to look around before he was placed into the cage. Once he had settled into the cage he scanned the room. He knew he would see his mother but didn’t know who else to expect.

The courtroom had stands wrapping all the way around it. There were two doors, the entrance that he was just brought in through leading out into the hallway and the door that led to the Wizengamot chambers. He knew that the members would be filing out of that door soon. He took the time to see who was seated in the stands.

Sitting to his left was his mother, Pansy, Daphne, Theo, and Blaise. In front of him would be where the Wizengamot would sit in their deep purple robes. To his right sat the weasel with a terrible scowl on his face, the twin who lived, and the girl Weasley. Behind them sat the mother and father of the brood. He wondered where Potter and Granger were since they obviously weren’t here. It was not like he expected her to be here. He thought seeing the Weasleys that she would have been with them. Draco scowled and turned his attention to the chamber doors as the Wizengamot members filed out.

As the Chief Warlock entered, everyone in the crowd rose.

The trial seemed to be going smoothly. He had not known until the beginning of the hearing that it was in fact his birthday. Draco’s lawyer told the truth about how he was forced to get the mark. He told the Wizengamot how Draco was only trying to protect the ones he loved from Tom Riddle. His lawyer made a really good argument for leniency. Just as Draco thought he was done, his lawyer started to call character witnesses to the stand. Draco knew that his lawyer was talking to some of his classmates but he did not know that they were going to testify.

First to the stand was Luna Lovegood. She had been held in the dungeons of the manor for a good bit of time. When she took the stand she told the Wizengamot how Draco had snuck her food and water as often as he could. He took her blankets and cast warming charms when he thought he might not be caught. He also would go down and just talk to her and Mr. Ollivander to keep them company. She told the court that she was glad to have been kept in his dungeons as opposed to someone else’s. The thought of Luna being grateful for her captivity made Draco start to feel sick.

Next to the stand was none other than the chosen one. Potter told everyone how he could not kill Dumbledore that night on the astronomy tower. He said that Draco had started lowering his wand when Snape arrived with the other death eaters and killed the headmaster. He also told the court that when he, Weasley, and Granger arrived at the manor Draco would not identify them. When questioned whether or not he thought Draco actually knew who they were, Potter actually scoffed. “He definitely knew it was us. I could see it on his face when he looked at me. Hermione had sent a stinging hex at my face to try and disguise me. But it wasn’t just me there. I know he knew who I was but there is no way he didn’t know who Ron and Hermione were. He has known us since we were 11. When his parents questioned him further on Hermione he refused to answer. He just stared at them with a blank face. We would have died that day and lost the war if he had identified us. They were going to call Voldemort to kill me. He didn’t confirm it was me so they couldn’t call him and we were able to escape.”

Draco had to occlude throughout most of his story. Potter was spouting rubbish about how Draco saved them but Draco knew he didn’t save her. She had been tortured because of him. He did nothing. He was a coward. Bile began to rise in his throat. He looked over at his lawyer, thinking that Potter had to be the last person to testify.

“The defense calls Ms. Hermione Jean Granger to the stand.”

Draco’s world stopped.

No she can’t be here. She can’t want to testify for me… I let her be tortured. I didn’t save her. I am not worthy of her help or kindness. His thoughts were spiraling but through it all he tried to remain composed.

If the feelings he had been having were true he may present some Veela traits soon. But if he saw her it would be all over. He could feel it in his bones. He was not just going to have partial Veela traits. He knew that he may show most since both of his parents carried the gene.

The doors opened. A small breeze blew past her as she stood in the doorway before making her way up the short hallway. He could smell her. Parchment, ink, honey and jasmine. He began to feel his teeth elongating. He had yet to see her fully because of the lighting but as she stepped out of the shadows he took a shuddering breath.

He heard shocked gasps from all around the courtroom. He knew that he had just transformed to some extent. In the back of his mind he could feel that wings that had sprouted from his back pushing painfully against the cage. Nothing mattered though. All he could see was her. All he could smell was her. All he could think was mate.

Hermione stood at the edge of the benches lining the wall, staring at him in shock and possibly wonder. He couldn’t pinpoint exactly what she was thinking.

The crowd was beginning to whisper while staring at him. He only stared directly at her. Narcissa was screeching, “Get him out of that cage! It is hurting his wings!”

The Chief Warlock banged their gavel calling for order. This shocked Hermione from her stupor. She walked swiftly to the witness stand as he tracked her every move.

The Wizengamot were all staring at him and whispering in hushed tones.

The Chief Warlock banged the gavel again. “We may not need your testimony Ms. Granger. It seems that Mr. Malfoy’s case needs to be looked at in a different light, as he seems to be a semi-human magical being. We shall take a recess. During this time we will discuss what is to be done with Mr. Malfoy. Semi-human magical beings cannot be charged with certain punishments, since it can lead to their death. While we discuss please remove Mr. Malfoy and take Ms. Granger back to the witness room-.” The Warlock's eyes glanced between them both.

Just as Hermione was about to protest, Harry came over to guide her out of the courtroom. Draco felt the need to growl at the man touching his mate but bit his tongue.

Once she was gone he could look around again. His mother was leaning heavily into Pansy’s side with tears streaking down her cheeks. She was staring at Draco as if she was seeing him for the first time. He tried to convey that everything would be okay. She nodded her head once, wiped her eyes, and walked gracefully down the steps. He did not know where she was going but it seemed like she had come to a decision on whatever it was she was doing.

Finally the guards opened the cage and he was able to move his wings. He spread them out as far as he could and then tucked them back into his body. He was led to a room next to the Wizengamot chambers. Apparently being a Veela gave him impeccable hearing because he could hear the Wizengamot discussing his situation.

Draco couldn’t believe he had sprouted fucking wings infront of everyone. It was a good thing the press weren’t allowed in for his trial. He knew in the back of his head that something like this would happen to him. It was just his luck. He sees Granger, the only girl he had ever wanted, and not only does he turn into a creep staring at her but he becomes an oversized chicken.

He heard one of the members of the Wizengamot saying that there were protections in place for semi-human beings. He knew that he would not just get off scot-free. He decided that he should just rest while they figured out what they were going to do to him.

-

Narcissa left the courtroom in hopes of finding Ms. Granger. She knew that her son was too scared to tell the girl the truth. She knew he knew how to play like a Slytherin. The problem with that was that Ms. Granger was in fact, not a Slytherin. Narcissa knew that she would appreciate honesty.

She found where she thought the girl had been taken. Looking around and seeing no one she lightly tapped on the door. A muffled “come in” could be heard.

Narcissa pushed the door open, “Dear, how are you?” She questioned looking at the young woman with a critical eye.

“Oh. I - um- I am quite alright. If you are looking for Draco he is not here.” Hermione answered politely even though she was confused on why Narcissa Malfoy was in this room and asking about her well-being.

“Yes, I came to see you.” The Malfoy matriarch replied.

”Oh. I am sorry Mrs. Malfoy, I am not sure why. Is there something I can do for you?” Hermione questioned furrowing her brow.

”Actually I am here to help you. You must know what you just saw in that courtroom
means that Draco is a Veela…”

”Well, yes I had gathered as much.”

“Yes, quite right.” Narcissa cleared her throat. “Draco has known that he may manifest Veela traits since he was a young boy. You see, Lucius and I both carry Veela genes. This has been a well kept secret. I am sure you are wondering why I am telling you this. I want you to know that I am doing this because I love Draco but I also know him. He may seem confident and snarky but he wears a mask. Especially toward you.”

At this Hermione scoffed and said lowly, “A mask.”

Narcissa interrupted, “I am prepared to tell you everything.”

With a nod from Hermione she continued, “When Draco was 11 we told him that there was a possibility that he would have veela traits. One of these traits is the call to a mate. A specific person who is your equal in every way. A person who challenges you and accepts you, who pushes and protects you, who loves and cares for you. We told Draco that because of his heritage he had to keep this a complete secret. Being part Veela makes us technically halfbloods. No one, not even our closest friends knew of my husband's status or mine. You see his mother was part Veela, as was my mother. It is private information held by the ministry alone. We told Draco that blood status does not matter. When you are part Veela you can only bond with one person, ever. But, Lucius knew that Draco could not be seen around muggleborns. You see, Lucius was born into the Dark Lords ranks. His father was ensconced in pure blood beliefs and traditions. Lucius had no choice, just as Draco. You either join or the ones you love suffer. So before Draco’s first year we told him that he had to keep up the ideals of a pureblood heir in front of others. We told him that he would know if he had any Veela traits soon after starting Hogwarts. We told him that he would likely start to realize who his mate was. You see, Veela are extremely misunderstood creatures. Most believe them to be sexual beings but this is a misconception. Veela are faithful to only their mate. As we grow we are unable to find anyone but our mates attractive. Physical intimacy with others is impossible. Draco knew who his mate was since the ride to Hogwarts. It was devastating for him. He felt the pull immediately. He knew that until he was older he had to put on a mask and be who our family needed him to be. Lucius knew that the Dark Lo- Tom was not fully dead. His mark faded but never truly as it should have. We all had a role to play. Sadly, Draco played his part well. He knew that on his 18th birthday he would present, if not some, all of the Veela traits. We tried to prepare him for everything. We did not expect that he would see his mate and turn in front of the entire Wizengamot…” Narcissa looked at Hermione to see if she understood what she was trying to tell her. She knew the girl was smart. She had alway been one step above Draco in school.

Hermione stared at Narcissa searching her gaze for any indication she was joking.

“Are you meaning to tell me that, I, Hermione Jean Granger, Mudblood, best friend to Harry Potter, Order of Merlin First Class, am Draco bloody Malfoy’s Veela mate?” Hermione started to screech towards the end of her question.

Narcissa just nodded at her.

Hermione took a deep breath and began pacing. “Okay so what does that mean for me? I know some stuff about Veela but I am not as educated as I should be. You said that he will never, um,” she blushed and cleared her throat, “be romantically involved with another. So does that mean I can’t either? Do I have any choice in this? I have to be with him? I am sorry if this sounds rude. I know he is your son. I just can’t believe that after all these years of bullying me, you tell me he wants to be with me.”

Narcissa nodded, “Let me answer your questions first and then I will explain a little more. I know you will respect honesty so please do not feel as though I am trying to sway you in any way. You just need the facts. This technically changes nothing for you really. Yes, he will never be with anyone other than you. You however can be. I will warn you that if you ever were to be with someone other than my son, you would be disappointed. Like I said before, Veela are known as sexual beings but it is all for the benefit of their mate. You of course have a choice. He bullied you because his father and I told him that it was the only way to keep you safe. If he was not terrible to you, you would have been a target more than you already were. You should also know that most of the Wizengamot are probably aware that you are Draco’s mate. I am sorry that I am the one to tell you all of this but I felt that you should know.”

”Okay, is there anything else you want to tell me?” Hermione asked in a small voice.

Narcissa shook her head knowing that Draco would be angry if she told Hermione about the bonding needing to be complete before his 19th birthday.

“Well, you should probably get back. I doubt they still need my testimony.”

Narcissa nodded and went to leave. Just before she left she said over her shoulder, “Ms. Granger, I have known for seven years that you were to be my son's mate. You are a formidable witch and we would be lucky if you gave him a second chance. After all, everything he did, he did for you.” And with that she left as Hermione stared after her with her mouth hanging open.

Hermione’s thoughts were all she could hear until Harry came to collect her.