Veela Love

Chapter Fourteen: Letters From Home

            "Have you told your parents yet?" The question jarred Draco from his daydream (which featured a scantily clad Hermione), and he slipped out of his armchair onto the floor.

"About what?" he asked as he picked himself up.

Hermione looked up at him from under her lashes, and Draco tried not to swoon. Damn Veela. "Me. That I'm your mate."

Draco cursed.

Frowning, Hermione said, "I guess that's a no?"

Draco mirrored her frown. "Honestly, I totally forgot."

Hermione arched an eyebrow. "How could you possibly forget finding your mate?"

Draco rolled his eyes and walked over to her, grabbing a blank sheet of paper and plucking the quill from her fingertips. "I was using that!"

Draco smirked. "Not anymore." He chuckled at her huff. Sitting back down, he stared at the sheet for several minutes.

"Don't know what to write?"

He shook his head. "I don't know what they'll say. Given our history with you..." he trailed off, his eyes wandering to the word carved into her arm. Seeing his glance, she pulled down her sleeve, so it was covered.

"Do you think they'll be mad?" Her voice was low, and Draco would have missed the question if it wasn't for his superior hearing.

"I don't know. Mother will just be relieved I won't die. Thank you for that again." Hermione rolled her eyes. Draco had taken it upon himself to tell her throughout the day how grateful he was she wouldn't let him die. He didn't know how else to show his appreciation. "I'm more concerned about my father."

"But he's in Azkaban?"

Draco sighed. "Yea, he is, but all the Death Eaters aren't. My father still holds some power outside the prison's walls."

He watched the color drain from Hermione's face but was unsurprised when she pursed her lips. "It'll be fine. Write to your family."

Draco nodded and started.

Mother,

I apologize for not having written sooner – so much has happened in such a short amount of time. First and foremost, I found my mate. Not only that, she's accepted me, and I've already marked her. I'm going to be okay.

However, that's the simplified version of my time at school so far. Before I tell you who my mate is, you must promise me that you'll protect her the same as you would me. Swear it.

All my love,

Draco

My darling son,

I cannot put into words how thrilled I am that you've found your other half. Of course, I will do anything to protect her. Who is she?

Mother

Mother,

My mate is Hermione Granger.

Draco

Draco,

I see. My sentiment still stands – I will do anything for her that I would do for you. This does create a problem with your father, however...

I'm sure she's had some adjusting to do, but given how you've already marked her, she must be exceptional. Inform her I will come by on Saturday to pick her up for a girl's day. I've already cleared it with the Headmistress. I'm sure she would benefit from someone who's been through what she's been through. Also, invite her over for Christmas – it's already the end of October.

It'd be best to tell your father now. I'll send a letter tomorrow, you send one tonight.

All my love.

Draco looked up from the letter, which he had read out loud. Hermione was staring at the parchment thoughtfully, and curiosity was swamping her brain. "Hermione?"

"It will be interesting to talk to another mate. I'll learn so much..."

Draco rolled his eyes at her. Her thirst for knowledge was something to behold.
"My mother will be delighted. What about Christmas?"

Hermione shrugged. "It's either your place or the Burrow. But before I decide, do you still live in Malfoy Manor?" Draco could feel her fear at the name.

Draco shook his head. "No, we moved out and into a smaller Manor in France."

"Do you speak French?" she asked.

"And Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and German." At her astounded face, Draco added, "But my German is a little rusty. But we could get by if we ever took a trip."

Hermione blinked at him, and he felt ... pride (?) from her thoughts. "And I'm the one made fun of for my grades!"

Draco laughed. "I am second in the grade, Hermione. It's just that everyone is too scared of me to make fun of me."

"And here you are, a big softie!"

"Only for you, babe, only for you." He winked at her. "So Christmas?"

"Sure, I'll come with you if you promise we can stop by the Burrow Christmas morning."

Draco hated the idea, but at her hopeful face, he said, "Of course."

Hermione beamed at him. "Are you going to write your father?"

"Yea... hand me the quill you're using." Draco reached out his hand.

"Why must you steal all my quills," Hermione muttered as she handed it over.

Draco just chuckled and wrote:

Father,

I've found my mate. She's Hermione Granger.

Draco

He sent off the letter with his owl and prayed whatever response he got from his father wasn't as bad as he feared.