Hermione Granger was very hungry. She didn't see the two pairs of eyes watching in amusement as she out-ate even the weasel, despite being tiny. 'I'm going to the library', she smiled sweetly at her best friends, setting off. This was the cue for the two mystery boys to follow her...
She walked with a spring in her step, feeling carefree. Hermione loved reading and was looking forward to picking out some new books to take out.
Cedric and Draco had cast silencing spells to mute their heavier footsteps as their long strides brought them ever closer to the petite little girl. Then, feeling terrible they had to do it, they grabbed her. Both of them were tall, over 6'2 and had large muscles from playing Quidditch. Hermione was barely 5' and stood no chance as the blonde carefully but swiftly swept her to him and held her little wrists in one hand while the older Hufflepuff forced the potion through her plump shell-pink lips, all in the blink of an eye. They panicked slightly when she choked, but wouldn't let her spit out the small amount of potent Sleepiness Draft. The boys tilted her pretty head back and once she'd swallowed, all the tension left her body and she swayed on the spot. Malfoy scooped up the dropped work and books, scowling at Cedric for picking Mione up before he could.
Hermione was very calm and comfy. She was being cradled against an extremely toned chest, tucked in someone's robes. Smooth male voices were travelling with her and seemed to be soothing her. She couldn't make out the words directed at her, just the adoring sounds.
Draco watched jealously as Cedric stroked the soft pale cheek of their love. He'd have insisted on carrying their princess instead but hadn't wanted to disturb her. They were taking her to the suite Dumbledore had told them they could have. 'Don't worry Draco' reassured Cedric, fellow part Veela. 'There'll be plenty of time for you to hold and look after her too. And she's had plenty of food and Sleepiness Draft, so you can put her to bed if you like'. The Malfoy nodded, mollified. She needed to rest. Tomorrow morning would be hard on her.
True to his word, Cedric let Draco put her to bed. The Slytherin gently took off her shoes, socks and robes. She was wearing underwear and a little pink vest now. He didn't want to invade the privacy of her trunk, so dressed her in one of his favourite old T-shirts. It was worn and cosy, perfect to sleep in. Endearingly, it reached past her knees. Draco chuckled and kissed her forehead before tucking the warm silky covers around her. He reluctantly left her room and got into his own bed. He and Cedric had a room either side of hers.
Hermione woke up the next morning in what she thought was her bed. She stretched happily and snuggled in closer to the covers. Her nightie felt bigger than usual but she ignored it. It smelt differently too. It was delicious, like musky but clean and just...mmm. It made her feel warm and happy. Wait! It wasn't her nightie at all! Or her bed! Or the Gryffindor girl's dorm! She ran to the door and tugged on the handle panicking but it was locked tight and far too solid to knock down (not that she was strong enough to knock the weakest door down anyway). A little window into another room opened immediately. She gasped and backed into the wall, afraid. Malfoy was looking in. 'Go back to sleep little one. It's too early to get up yet darling. Cedric and I will explain later. I'll let you out in plenty of time for breakfast honey', Draco said in the softest voice possible, guilty that she seemed so frightened. Cedric came in and picked her up, tucking her back in. Noting the wide eyes and struggles he calmed her down with an advanced relaxation spell and kissed her nose before locking the door once more and going to speak in the kitchen with Draco.
Draco Malfoy was pacing. This was a disaster. She'd never accept him.
'Hermione's stronger than you think. She'll be fine, you'll see. Maybe she's a little upset and confused right now, but she'll come around when she sees how much we love her and will look after her', stated Cedric.
Feelings poured out of Draco like word vomit, 'Easy for you to say! You didn't see the fear in her eyes when they landed on me-most feared Slytherin in the school...What if she never accepts me huh? Or if she's too angry to talk to me ever again?'. He felt like sobbing.
Surprisingly Cedric managed to calm him down. Draco felt grateful. This was too much for one person to deal with. 'Let's go get her for breakfast', the blonde suggested. The Hufflepuff Seeker agreed. 'Hermione sweetie?' called Draco as he opened her door. Mione was still coming around from the enforced relaxation and was cocooned in blankets so the two of them picked out socks, robes and shoes for her, did her hair and changed her undergarments with a spell once she'd already been dressed by them.
'Whaaa...Wha..What?' she yawned in Draco's arms. His eyes lit up, excited to tell her everything. He took her and sat them in an armchair by the fire. Cedric followed. No one lifted the bubble of calm. She would need it.
Draco took the lead. Not before gulping with nerves, he said 'I'm part Veela, as is Cedric. You are our mate. We feel a powerful urge to protect you and do everything for you. Your well-being is our only concern and directly influences our happiness. You are not my sexual mate, nor his. You are a rare phenomenon. A daughter Veela. The teachers have been informed. From now on, you will not leave our sight. We'll be in charge of everthing concerning you and will do anything we see as necessary to cater to your needs. You won't like this but in accordance with the Protection Act for Rare Magical Part-Human Entities, the Ministry has granted us full guardianship over you for the rest of your life. Anything official, even things as simple as applying for a job, the Apparating Test, Hogsmeade trips... will need our signatures. Not that you'll be permitted a job. We can provide for our little girl. I'm now in Gryffindor, to be in your classes. I knew being a Slytherin would make you unhappy, see. Cedric is in seventh year but Dumbledore is considering putting him back a year and in Gryffindor, to be with you. In the next holidays I'm taking you to the Manor to meet my parents, your new grandparents. We need you to call us both 'Daddy' and be a good girl for us. Otherwise our health may suffer. You're a bright witch, please understand that if the Ministry hadn't given you to us and you'd refused we would have both died from heartbreak'.
Hermione burst into tears, seeing how deadly serious they were. She bawled protests incoherently. They cooed sweetly and rubbed her back.
They released Veela Father pheremones which made her calm down instantly. She buried her head against Draco, breathing in the scent from this morning. The boys, well, men, continued to comfort her. Dumbledore came in and performed the Veela Bonding Spell after reassuring the girl there was no other option and everything would work out.
This provided Hermione with a strong feeling of security around Cedric and Draco, her Veela Fathers. The spell made her feel more affectionate towards them both and she could now sense their unconditional love for her. A permanent side effect was her being more compliant to their wishes, childlike and vulnerable, to ensure a harmonious Veela Father-Daughter relationship, but they would always take care of her. Veelas lived a long time and she was now part Veela too.
They explained more about Veelas and she listened intently on Draco's lap, ever eager to absorb knowledge. They said that:
Veelas have increased magical abilities, making their spells more powerful. Their memories are enhanced and in males, physical abilities like speed and strength. Full Veelas live up to 500 years, part Veelas like them up to 250. Veela mating can be complicated. Mating is not limited to two people. More than one Veela can mate with one person. A Veela can have more than one mate. Mating types are intimate relationships or parent-child relationships. If one mate dies, all connected Veelas perish too.
She scrunched up her face cutely, trying to take everything in. Cedric and Draco chuckled. Cedric assured 'If you need us to go over it again, me or Daddy Draco'll be more than willing but for now let's get you breakfast honey'. He pecked her forehead and they left for the Great Hall.
