Veela Love

Draco knew when they were coming to get him. He had heard their entire discussion. He knew what they had decided. He was not unhappy with the verdict. He was somewhat relieved, though a little nervous.

The door swung open and he was ushered back into the courtroom. As soon as the room came into his view he searched the spectator stands for her. He knew she was back in the room. He could smell her. Luckily they did not put him back in the cage. He instead was shackled using magic suppressant bindings.

Finally his eyes settled on her and she stared back. It was as if she was seeing him in a new light. He was puzzled by this reaction. He thought for sure he would still see confusion on her face. Then it dawned on him, his mother.

Breaking the eye contact with Hermione for just a moment he met his mothers eyes. His mother looked almost proud of herself. He knew that she had talked to her during the recess. He quickly looked back at Hermione who was still staring at him. A shudder went down his spine as he had all of her attention on him. He wanted to get lost in her gaze.

The Chief Warlock entered causing everyone to stand and their eye contact to break.

Draco held his breath as they sat. He already knew the verdict but he didn’t know how everyone would take the news.

“Mr. Malfoy, it has become apparent that you are in fact a non bonded, semi-human magical being. With this in mind we are limited to the punishment we are able to hand you. After careful consideration we have come to an agreement. You are sentenced to house arrest and wand monitoring, ending September 1st. On September 1st you will board the Hogwarts express and finish your last year of school. During your 8th year you will be given the opportunity to complete your N.E.W.T.S. Once they are completed your record will remain but be placed under the confidentiality clause. Your criminal record will have no standing on any career you may seek to pursue. You must register yourself as a Veela with the ministry to prevent any issues that may arise if you or your mate were to be provoked.“ At this they glanced over to Hermione. This caused the weasel to huff and Draco to emit a low growl. Ignoring this, the Chief Warlock carried on, “I would also like to remind you that you are on a short leash with the Headmistress. We do not have any authority to prevent her from expelling you, were you to step out of line. Headmistress McGonagall will be reaching out to you to set up a meeting to discuss your classes. I suggest you take this time to straighten yourself out.” Turning to the crowd they continued, “Before you all leave today you will be taking a wizard's oath to not disclose the nature of Mr. Malfoy’s status.”

The Chief Warlock banged the gavel, “Adjourned.”

And with that the Wizengamot stood to leave the courtroom.

Draco turned his attention back to his mate who was already staring at him as if he were a puzzle to solve. He smirked thinking he wouldn’t mind if she tried. She blushed and turned to say something to Potter who was talking her ear off. This was frustrating that pothead was taking her attention away from him. Annoyed, Draco glared at the offending man. The guards came over and released Draco from his bindings. He knew that his mother would be waiting for him in the stands to collect her and escort her home. Draco however didn’t want to leave without speaking to Hermione.

He was still staring daggers at Harry. Draco tuned in very hard to hear what they were saying, drowning out the rest of the chatter in the room.

”-You don’t know that Harry.” She was saying.

”Yeah, well I don’t like the way he is looking at you. You know Ron hates it as well.” He responded.

”Well it is none of your concern. You need to let me handle this. Mrs. Malfoy said that he didn’t have a choice in the mark. You and I both know how evil Tom was and his.. his aunt.” He could hear her voice break at the end of the sentence.

“Oh, Mione. I am sorry.” Potter put an arm around her consolingly. Draco growled. Hermione turned. Draco stopped and stared into her eyes again.

“Harry, it's fine. I know you are just concerned but you can stop the big brother act, okay. I am older than you.” She huffed. Draco seemed to understand she was trying to appease both of them. HIs jealousy and Harry’s concern.

“I know,” Potter said, rolling his eyes, “Doesn’t mean I don’t worry about you. How about we head home, ehh?” Potter glanced at Draco who was still staring at Hermione.

Hermione looked over at Harry and said, “I want to talk to him before I go. You go on. I will see you in a bit.” Without waiting for a response she descended the stairs walking towards him. His heart began to race as his mind was going over everything he needed to say to her.

Before she got to him the weasel yelled, “Oi, Mione, whattcha doing. Why are you going over there to that ferret?”

Hermione glanced over her shoulder and said, “Ron you know why. And if you don't, maybe call Bill and Fleur.”

Draco was shocked by this. The only Fleur he knew was the part Veela who was a champion in the Triwizard tournament. That couldn’t be who she was talking about.How would Weasley even know how to get in contact with her? And who was Bill?

Seeing his confusion Hermione said, “Bill is the oldest of the Weasleys. He is also married to Fleur Delacour. She is part Veela.”

He just nodded his head dumbly. Hermione gestured for them to go over and sit on the benches at the back of the room. Draco sat down a respectable distance from her even though he wished to be closer.

“So, I talked to your mother.” She started.

”Yes, I figured as much, seeing as how you are aware that I would want to speak with you.”

”Yes, well,” she trailed off blushing. “What would you like to talk to me about?”

Draco cleared his throat and straightened his already straight posture. “Right, well, I was not planning on doing this here but I guess it's as good a place as any.” He looked up into her eyes. “I am sorry. I was terribly mean to you. You never deserved any of the taunting and name calling I hurled at you. Everything I ever called to you was a lie. I didn’t think you had buck teeth or bushy hair. I never cared about your blood status. I was horrible and I am truly sorry. I wish I could tell you that I would change it all if I could but that isn’t true. Everything I did was to protect you. I knew as soon as you walked into that train compartment that you would be my mate. I knew then that I had to be wretched to you. Father and mother had told me that if any of the Dark Lo- Voldemort’s followers knew what you meant to me, you would die. I couldn't let that happen. So I was mean and hateful. The one moment I wish I could change was when you were at the manor. You have no idea how badly I wanted to get to you. I was unable to move. My mother had cast an immobulus spell on me. So I entered your mind. I am sorry if that was an invasion but I had to protect you somehow. If I could not get you away from her, then I would have to preserve your brilliant brain. I know that you can probably never forgive me. I am prepared to do anything you ask of me. If you never want to speak to me again, I will understand. That is what I deserve. Just know that I truly did everything I could to keep you safe. I am sorry and I hope that someday you can give me a second chance.” At some point in his dialogue he had started to fold in on himself. His wings were somewhat shielding him from the courtroom, his eyes were down cast. He couldn't bear to think what her response would be so he sat completely still not daring to breathe.

She sniffled and he looked up, chastising himself for hurting her again. Before he could stop himself he wiped the tear from her cheek. Once realizing what he was doing he drew back quickly with a muttered apology.

”Sorry, I don’t know why I am crying. I guess I just can’t imagine being in your situation at 11. I am sure you were scared. I - um- I think that I need some time to think about all of this. I mean it is very sudden and I think I would like to do some research.”

”Of course.” He responded quickly. “I could - I could answer any questions you have for me if you like. I mean I will do whatever you need. If you ask me questions, I will answer. If you don’t want to contact me, then I understand that as well. You could owl me any time. I mean, if you want.”

“I think I might just do that. Thank you for telling me Draco.” He inhaled sharply at his given name coming from her mouth. He stared at her as she rose.

As she was walking away he said softly, “I would do anything for you, Hermione.”

Her steps faltered but she didn’t look back, leaving out of the courtroom doors.

-

Draco made his way over to his mother and his group of friends who were all waiting for him. Theo and Blaise stood as he approached. Theo was the first one to grab him into a fierce hug and smacked him on his back. After being released from Theo, Blaise wrapped him in a brotherly hug. Daphne was next to embrace him. Finally Pansy hugged him and whispered, “You have so much explaining to do.” Breaking away from Pansy with an embarrassed look he turned to his mother.

”My dragon.” She breathed out before grabbing him for a hug. The last time he hugged his mother was right after the final battle when they knew that the aurors were going to take them away. This hug was just as desperate. He could feel her begin to shake with soft sobs as he tried to rub a soothing hand down her back.

“It’s okay mother. I am here.” He tried to reassure her.

When she finally collected herself, she straightened , letting him go. She picked imaginary lint from his Azkaban uniform. “Come, Draco, let's go home and discuss your situation. You need to put your wings away now so that others do not know of your status.”

”I would if I knew how.” He huffed.

“Well I don’t truly know either. Maybe just concentrate on retracting them?” She suggested.

Draco did just that. He closed his eyes, breathing deeply and tried to will his wings away. Luckily, that worked. When he opened his eyes he saw them staring at him in slight wonder.

Theo cleared his throat, “Alright then. Let’s go.” And without waiting for a response from the others he marched to the exit and performed the wizards oath required. Once everyone had passed through the exit, they made their way to the private floo that was secured for them to use. The ministry did not want to have to deal with reporters in the atrium.

Narcissa followed by Pansy, Daphne, and Blaise all flooed away to the manor leaving Draco and Theo standing at the fireplace. Theo turned to Draco and said, “I knew you were carrying a torch for her but I didn’t know it was the size of the fucking sun, mate.” And with that Theo flooed to the manor leaving Draco alone. Draco took a deep breath before stepping in the hearth and calling out for his home.

When he arrived in the travel parlor nausea hit him hard. He had not traveled magically in months. After righting himself he straightened and looked around to see everyone had already settled into the furniture in the room. He took a moment to look around. The room had been redone. Gone were the dark walls and drapes hiding the windows. The walls were now a pale blue with silver vines. The windows seemed to have been enlarged, letting in extra light. The bookcases on the far wall were covered in literature that Draco was sure had never been in the manor before. The furniture sat in a cozy semi-circle facing the hearth. Draco took a comfortable armchair on the right.

Once he had sat down his friends all decided to start in on him. There was a cacophony of voices to be heard. Pansy was saying something about how she didn’t understand why he didn’t trust her. Daphne was asking about his wings. Blaise was laughing about how he stared at Granger and Theo stared at Draco throughout as if to gauge what he was thinking.

His mother, seeming to have had enough of the chattering, called to everyone to quiet down. After everyone sat in silence for a few moments Draco let out a long sigh.

“Shall I start at the beginning then?” And so he did. He told his friends how his parents were both carrying the Veela gene. He told them that he knew Hermione would be his mate since the day he saw her. He told them how every insult he spat at her was for her protection. At this Daphne and Pansy rolled their eyes. Draco didn’t stop though. He continued on with all of the information he had about his circumstances and ended with that he would have to convince THE Hermione Granger to complete a mate bond with him before his 19th birthday or die. At this everyone but Narcissa looked shocked and appalled. Not wanting to let them start talking about how they thought he should go about that endeavor, he continued.

“I will not be telling her about this fact. I do not want her to feel that she has to do it or pity me in any way. I want her to want me for me. I know I was a terrible prat to her but I am going to try and get her to give me a second chance.“ With his peace having been said the others looked at each other in bewilderment.

Pansy started first, “I understand. I truly get it. You don’t want her to do it out of the need to do the right thing. She’s a Gryffindor and that's exactly the kind of thing they do.” Blaise nodded his head in agreement and after a moment Daphne did too. Theo however just continued to stare at Draco.

”You would die.” It came out as a whisper.

Narcissa sucked in a shaky breath.

Draco locked eyes with Theo. “If she doesn't want me then yes, I will.”

Theo shook his head. “Don’t be ridiculous, of course she will want you. You basically are made to cater to her every will and want. You need a plan. You can’t die.” The desperation in that last sentence hurt Draco. Theo was his best friend, his brother.

”I have a plan and I have already set it into motion.” Draco rolled his eyes at Theo.

”Well let's hear it then Romeo. What’s the plan?” Theo questioned. He heard Daphne ask Pansy who Romeo was.

Draco let out a short laugh. “Alright then. It’s three steps: apologize, explain, grovel.” He ticked them off on his fingers. “I have already apologized and explained. Now I am waiting to see if groveling is needed.”

This caused them all to chuckle. After everyone was quiet again Pansy said, “Foolproof, that one. I think you might need our help. What happens when she does forgive you? What will you do to win her over to being more than cordial?” She raised one eyebrow in question.

”Well I thought I shouldn’t get ahead of myself. I can’t see her accepting my apology. I definitely don’t deserve her forgiveness.” He responded somewhat softly.

Daphne snorted at this. “Oh I’m sorry Draco but you can’t actually believe that. You just told us why you did everything and how it was all to protect her. Not only that but she has to be the most forgiving person I have ever met. You know how many times Potter and Weasley were terrible to her in school but she always forgave them. She will forgive you too. Pansy is right. You need a plan and you clearly need our help.” Daphne crossed her arms over her chest with a huff.

Narcissa watched on with a small smile forming on her lips. She knew that with his friends on his side, Draco would be just fine. She decided she could take her leave to prepare for dinner. “Draco, dear, they are right. Let them help you. Ms. Granger will forgive you and you need to be prepared for the next steps. I doubt she will want to jump into a romantic relationship. Perhaps friendship is a good step. Now I must prepare for dinner. Mipsy is of course having the kitchen elves prepare your favorite. Dinner is at 5. Do not be late. Any of you.” She said, looking around pointedly at the group. They all nodded their ascent. Narcissa dropped a kiss on her son's cheek before leaving.

Once his mother left he turned back to the group.

“Okay, I think she has a point," said Blaise.

“Yeah I agree.” Pansy added as Theo and Daphne nodded their heads in agreement.

“Fine, let’s say she forgives me. What do I do to befriend her?” He asked.

Theo rolled his eyes, “You are such a dolt. You get to know her. You hang out with her. You talk to her about things that don’t truly matter and you talk about the stuff that does. Once you get to know her and she you, then you can ask her out.”

Pansy nodded in agreement. “I think that the best thing to do is just follow her lead. You don’t want her to be uncomfortable. I think you might have to be friends with pothead and the weasel as well.” She tapped her manicured finger to her lips ion thought. Draco groaned,”Do I have to?”

”Yes," agreed Blaise. “Without them you don’t stand a chance. Potter is like her brother. I think her and Weasley might have had a thing.” Draco growled at this. “Chill mate I said HAD. I don’t think they do anymore. He has been in the Profit with one of the Patil twins. Not sure which one, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that Granger is single. You need to make sure that you have them on your side. If you have their blessing you basically have hers. She is too loyal to not care about what they think.”

Daphne nodded and added, “Blaise is right. You might want the girl Weasley too. What’s her name Blaise?” Blaise coughed slightly and said “Ginny, um, Ginny Weasley.”

Pansy snickered at his embarrassment but said, “You need to befriend them and I think we can help. If we are all friendly with them then it might help accepting Draco into the fold. You know safety in numbers and all that rot. Besides,” Pansy continued, “Longbottom is looking quite fit.”

This statement caused the group to laugh again. Leave it to Pansy to have ulterior motives.

“Well I think this is a good plan overall. If anything comes up we can adjust. Draco, mate, you know we are here for you.” Theo said, looking at Draco with earnest eyes.

Draco nodded, “Yeah. Thanks guys. I really appreciate the help.”

“We best be getting ready for dinner. Draco you need a bath. You smell like sadness.” Pansy said with a shutter.

Draco barked a laugh, “Thanks Parks. I will take that into consideration the next time I get out of Azkaban.” With that they all stood and left to travel parlor with lighter steps and a plan.