Chapter 4 - The Letters
Dinner of all of Draco’s favorites had just concluded when Topsy popped in.
“Master is having a letter. Topsy brings it as soon as he gets it.” The elf said as he held out a roll of parchment.
“Thank you Topsy.” he said to the elf and with a pop Topsy was gone.
“Who is sending you letters already?” Theo asked.
“Not sure. No one knows I was released yet.”
Pansy looked up, “Maybe it’s Granger?”
Draco drew in a breath. “I am going to bed. I will see you all in the morning.” Without waiting for a response he turned and walked to his rooms.
He entered his sitting room and sat quickly on the chaise lounge. He unfurled the letter. He read it through twice.
Is this a good sign? Does she want to know this because she is going to give me a chance? He thought as his heart soared at the implications. He didn’t want to get his hopes up so he squashed that feeling down.
Grabbing a quill and parchment he wrote back.
Hermione,
I will answer all of you questions. As I said before, anything for you. I will only tell you the truth from now on. I am so sorry I lied to you when we were younger.
The pull is like a string leading me home. When I am near you I feel like I am bathed in sunlight. I want to make sure you are happy and safe. When we are apart, as we are now, I feel empty. I feel the need to follow my string home to you. I know that may sound intense but I will only tell you the truth.
I did believe in pureblood beliefs before I met you. My parents had always hoped that it would not rub off on me when they discussed these things with their acquaintances. I was always a sneaky child. I would listen at the door of my father’s study. I believed what he said to be how he felt and how I should feel. I stopped those beliefs when they told me of my heritage.
My parents never believed in them to my knowledge. They were Slytherins and as such they have always known how to be self-preservationists. Everything they did was to keep us safe.
I was not disappointed you were my mate. I was disappointed that I would never be able to be your friend. I knew I would have to watch you from afar. That is what was disappointing, never you.
My parents were not pleased that I would have to treat you so poorly. They worried for my future, having to push you away so fully. They have always just wanted to protect me and make sure that I was happy. They were never disappointed you were my mate though. I think that they were proud that I would be with someone as fierceAnd smart and loyal as you.
I don't think that I know how to answer your questions on how I might feel. I would like to think that if I was not Veela and you were not my mate I would still find you. My feelings for you are genuine. You are my equal in every way. I don’t see how me being Veela changes that. I hope that answered your question.
I think that what we do now is whatever you want. I want you to be comfortable and happy. I would love to get to know you and your friends. I would love for you to get to know my friends and I. But only if that is what you want.
I hope that I have answered all of your questions. Please write to me if you have any more.
Yours always,
Draco
He reread his letter twice before deciding that it was acceptable to send. He glanced at the clock on the wall and saw that it was still an appropriate time to send it. With that he called for Topsy and asked him to send the letter with the fastest eagle owl they had to make sure she got it tonight.
He grabbed a book from his personal bookshelf on the back wall and settled down to read it.
-
The next day at breakfast Topsy appeared with another letter. Excusing himself, he left the conservator, heading to his rooms. Once there he read the letter she had sent him.
Draco,
Thank you for answering all of my questions. I think it would help me to understand who you are if you told me about yourself. I mean I know we have known each other since 11 but your mother said that you were wearing a mask. I would like to know who you are without the mask. Tell me about your childhood maybe?
Hermione
How was he supposed to respond to that? It was so vague. He thought he knew what she meant though so he wrote.
Hermione,
My childhood was happy. I spent my time playing with my friends, Theo, Pansy, Daphne, and sometimes Crabbe and Goyle. I played with my house elves, and before you say it I will not be freeing them. I love them too much to cause them heartbreak. Please do not ask it of me because if you do, I of course will, but I don't want to hurt them. They were my friends when I was young.
Theo is my best friend. He has spent most of his life here at the manor. He has his own rooms. Pansy and Daphne have always been close friends but not like Theo. He is my brother.
I always enjoyed flying. Some of my best memories are of flying with my father. I was devastated when I was unable to play quidditch the past two years. It has always been something I did when I needed to clear my thoughts.
My mother and I both enjoy gardening. She mostly enjoys growing flowers but I enjoyed the use of the plants. We would garden as she would ask me what the properties of each plant were and what they can be used for.
I have always had a knack for potions. Severus is my godfather. He had been training me to be his apprentice for several years now. I never got the chance to thank you for saving him. He is still in St Mungo’s but mother has assured me he is making a full recovery. I planned to get my mastery in potions before everything happened.
My favorite color is honey brown, like your eyes. Before I met you it was blue like the sky.
My favorite book is The Picture of Dorian Gray. It changes sometimes but I always seem to come back to it. I have read Hogwarts: A History 6 times. All of them because of you. You always carried that book around and it helped me feel close to you. I hope that doesn't sound too odd.
I would like to know more about you if you want to tell me about your childhood too? Only if you want though.
Yours always,
Draco
That night she responded.
Draco,
Thank you for telling me about your childhood. It sounds like you were so loved.
My childhood was quiet. I didn’t have many friends because of my accidental magic. My parents always knew I was different but they loved me. When I was in kindergarten I set a bush on fire. This kid, Todd, had pushed me over and took the book I was reading. No one knew how it happened. My parents came to get me and I cried telling them that it was all my fault.
I always loved books though. I could get lost in them. My dad used to push me on this swing we had in our backyard. My mum would read aloud to us as she sat under the tree. We were always so close.
My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I have read Hogwarts: A History more times than I can count. My favorite color is green but not like Slytherin green, more like olive green.
I used to think that I would work at the ministry. I don’t know if that is still what I want to do. I feel like I have already been working for the ministry since I was 11. Sometimes I feel like I deserve a break from being depended on. I have never told anyone that… so all of that to say I don’t know what I will do after Hogwarts. I have always loved transfiguration and charms. Maybe I will get a mastery in one of those.
I am glad you have Theo. Theo is like my Harry. Harry was my first true friend. We are always there for each other. I think that you two might actually get along. I hope that we can get our friends together like you mentioned. It’s a good idea.
I have learned more about house elves and I wouldn't ask you to free them. I know that their magic is linked to the family magic. I do hope to push better legislation on the care and treatment of them though. You don’t punish or let them punish themselves, do you? I would not like that at all.
I have never really been a fan of quidditch or flying on brooms. Well I actually don't care for flying on anything. I am scared of falling.
I am looking forward to this year but I am nervous about N.E.W.T.S. How are you feeling about returning? I wonder how McGonagall is going to go about having 8th years since we are all of age.
I heard that some of our class are not returning. If you had the choice would you still return?
Hermione
Draco was glad to have some insight on Hermione’s childhood. It worried him that she talked about her parents as if they were no longer around. He didn't want to pry but he couldn't deny he was curious. And what did she mean about flying on anything… she had flown on something other than a broom? He decided he would write his letter tonight, then send it in the morning. If he was lucky she would respond before lunch.
Hermione,
I am so happy you have been writing to me. To be honest I thought for sure you would never speak to me again. I wouldn't blame you if you didn't. I am however eternally grateful for your letters.
I would never dream of hurting the elves. We do not allow them to punish themselves.
I have not put much thought into our return if I am being honest. If I had a choice then I would have returned if you did. If you had not, I would not. That is the honest answer. I have thought for so many years that I would never have the opportunity to show you who I truly am. I am so glad that I will be able to now.
I am also nervous to return. I am sure you can guess why. I believe that most people will not want their children going to school with a death eater. Most students will either hate me or fear me. I hope that is not the case but I don't want to set myself up for disappointment.
Tell me more about your interest in charms and transfiguration.
Yours always,
Draco
Their letters continued for the weeks following his release. Through them they learned about each other. Everything from what their favorite subjects were to what they are looking forward to about 8th year, and even silly things like childhood nicknames.
He knew that she was living with Potter at Grimmauld place, a Black family home. This didn't bother him as much as he thought. Ever since Hermione told him that Harry was like her brother, he wasn’t feeling as jealous. He of course was still jealous that Potter got to see her everyday, where he hadn’t seen her since his birthday.
One thing they did not discuss in their letters was their time during the war. Draco knew that they would eventually have to talk about it but he wasn’t ready yet. Hermione did not seem keen on bringing it up either.
On August 15th, Draco had his meeting with Headmistress McGonagall. It had gone better than he had expected. It seemed that she had been told of his status and Hermione’s as his mate. She had actually apologized to him for not helping him when he had been tasked with the murder of Albus Dumbledore. McGonagall told him that the 8th years would be getting their own dorm rooms and common room. She told him that she expected great things from him and even wished him good luck with Hermione.
Draco left the meeting feeling shocked and relieved. At least he had the Headmistress on his side. He knew that he had a lot riding on how this year went. He was just ready for September 1st to come.