Hermione's tummy grumbled and she blushed as the two Veelas trotting either side of her laughed. 'I see we'll have to feed you often', observed Cedric amusedly. 'As for myself, I really wonder where she puts it all' chuckled Draco in agreement. The three were making their way to the Hall for breakfast.
Ordinarily, Hermione would've been panicking at the prospect of entering like this. On one side she had a popular, extremely handsome, seventh year Hufflepuff and on the other a popular, extremely handsome and rich, feared Slytherin whom the Gryffindors would not welcome with open arms, regardless of the impromptu house change. They were massive compared to her and they must've looked quite a sight anyway. She was just a shy, little bookworm that followed Harry and Ron around like a lost puppy, though they did dote on her, or sat curled up in some armchair studying.
She suspected that it had something to do with the pheromones they were practically tossing at her. They had informed her of her ability to do so in return. However, instead of making them feel safe and clingier, Hermione's would simply make them more protective and more possessive. Like she had any wish for that, she thought with a resigned sigh. She wondered if Dumbledore had already made an announcement to the students, like he said he'd do. Hermione was highly embarrassed she was going to be babied around them and would have to call them both Veelas 'Daddy' but at least they wouldn't ask questions.
As they went in, it was confirmed. Everybody knew. Most people were looking with a sort of amused pity, others with a teasing glint in their eyes, others outrage and sadness (Harry and Ron) and others with distain (the Slytherin table). She gulped and darted to sit by her friends but a large hand wrapped around her elbow and tutted. Draco led her there slowly, with a cocky saunter that showed everyone he would not be intimidated, nor let them intimidate his girl either. He'd changed into Gryffindor robes and when they finally got to their places, some of her house scowled at him. It was understandable. For years he'd played pranks on them, mostly on 'Potty' and 'Weasel' or the common room. For years though, he'd never taunted her even once-some dormant instinct instead leaving him glaring at anyone who picked on her intelligence or adorable curls. Cedric didn't get so much animosity. Hufflepuff and Gryffindor had always been on good terms.
People goggled for the first ten minutes or so and if not for her fathers's soothing scents she would have been squirming the entire time. She was in the middle of Cedric and Draco. Cedric was taking care of her, placing lots of food on the golden plate in front of her, while she anxiously listened to Draco parry and thrust in a verbal sparring match happening between him and Ron and Harry.
'Leave us alone,' said Draco coolly, 'She's your friend and you should appreciate that I too, want the best for her...though I wonder if this is more about your egos; particularly you Weasel'
Ron turned bright red, spluttering and gasping like an overinflated goldfish. 'You..You...YOU FERRET! You're bloody perverted is what you are! She's your age for crying out loud! Did you even ask her if this was what she wanted?' Seeing Hermione's face, he grinned triumphantly 'Of course you didn't'.
Here Cedric interjected 'There was no choice for any of us. And we are not perverted! This is a perfectly innocent relationship. I'm disgusted you would even suggest such a thing. Wait until you have a daughter, then you'll know how we're feeling, but even then you won't fully comprehend, because Veela blood magnifies those instincts on a massive scale'. His smooth voice was deeply offended and Ron looked slightly sheepish. He'd always respected Cedric.
Draco smirked, cutting up the bacon and eggs Cedric had given Hermione. The action was so obviously second nature, he didn't notice he was doing it. Harry watched, deep in thought. Hermione didn't even seem unhappy around them. She was snuggled up under Cedric's arm, watching Ron a bit timidly (and unknowingly putting out 'look after me and don't let him upset me' pheromones), but that was it.
'Back me up here mate..' The redheaded boy was inviting Harry.
'I dunno...' He said heavily, then came out with 'I think I actually believe them. Dumbledore does, Cedric's too decent to pull a stunt like this and Malfoy couldn't act so caring in a million years'. Harry gestured towards the small group opposite him on the table.
The mated trio were now barely paying attention, too involved in each other. Mione was giggling at something and the guys were smirking, not too wrapped in their banter to point to her plate when she stopped eating. Cedric and Draco seemed more mature than usual. Like proud and watchful parents as opposed to school players. Their friend since first year was remarkably laid-back, more childlike somehow as she emanated trust through even body language and watched them joking to amuse her. Trying to make peace, Harry offered them the jug of pumpkin juice, which Draco took with a smile of understanding, accepting the truce and filling Hermione's goblet up for her. Ron shot the two boys an incredibly hateful look as Mione talked animatedly to them, who were hanging on to her every word, instead of chatting with him and Harry.
Just then, two owls came sweeping to a halt by them. A dusty brown barn owl deposited Cedric's letter on his lap before leaving, and a handsome eagle owl stood majestically, waiting for Draco to untie a letter and a small package from its leg. Hermione petted it, and awwed 'Aren't you sweet?' to the smug thing, until it left. Cedric and Malfoy looked at each other over the top of her head before nodding to an unspoken question. Responses from their parents.
Cedric cleared his throat, then read aloud:
'Our Dear Boy,
We received your letter and have to say we're delighted that you have finally found a mate. We always knew the Veela blood was strong in you, and having a connection with another soul so deep, can only do good for a fine young man like yourself.
Granted, we were expecting a lover though we are equally as happy to welcome a grand-daughter into the family. She sounds like a real treasure and it isn't surprising that you aren't the only one taken with her. We look forward to meeting her, and Draco who also sounds like a very capable Veela to watch over her. You'll have to bring them both home to us, we simply won't take no for an answer.
Our fondest regards, Your Parents'.
'That's nothing!' cackled Draco. 'Hear what my mother sent!'. He proceeded to read in a very accurate, though slightly cruel, overly-enthusiastic falsetto.
'To Darling Draco,
I'm thrilled for you! You simply must bring her to the Manor immediately! Or..it might be a better idea to wait for the upcoming Christmas holidays. Your father and I are ecstatic to have been informed of this milestone which will no doubt, change your life forever and for the better. Veela blood picks out only the best and I can guarantee that she is more than worthy to join the Malfoy family. We're in the middle of preparing the most lavish room in the house for her to stay in! I want her to see this as a home, and love it so much she wants to stay forever! Is Hermione taking the mating news well? I'm sure she is, but at least with the strings your father pulled at the Ministry you have a guarantee she is yours forever. I couldn't have watched you waste away pining had she said no to being with us. I've always wanted a daughter and now I have a delightful granddaughter to spoil! Nothing could please me more! I've enclosed a small gift for sweet Hermione, to convey my feelings of utter joy and gratitude towards her. Lots of Love from Mother X'
Hermione was blushing furiously throughout, feeling overwhelmed by everything. Cedric pulled her onto his lap and Draco unwrapped her present, eliciting a gasp from her, Parvati Patil and Ginny Weasley, the nearest females. Draco beamed as he put the bracelet on for her, doing the complicated looking clasp with ease. It was gorgeous. No words on Earth could describe it. It was made of platinum, which swirled in intricate designs around ornate sapphires, diamonds, opals, rubies and emeralds. It was sparklier than the stars and took her breath away. She was adamant about not being able to accept it and was promptly cut off by Draco telling her it looked beautiful on her and of course she would, she was family. He assured her he would include how much she adored it and thank Narcissa in the letter back. His tone was Daddy Veela firm and she nodded obediently, relaxing against Cedric, examining it in the light. Weaselette and the Patil girl were squealing in excitement for her.
The bell for first lesson rang. For Draco and Hermione it was Potions. Cedric had Charms and looked devasted. He brought Hermione even closer to him, unwilling to let go. It broke her heart to see him so sad.
Draco said 'I know it's hard Ced, but you know I'll take good care of her. I'd die before letting anything happen, you know that too. If it gets too hard to keep away, just pop in. Snape might not be happy, but the teachers have to make allowances now that they know'. He gently prised away Mione. She felt awful to be the cause of his pain so gave him a big hug and whispered in his ear 'I love you...Daddy', when he picked her up. Draco smiled knowingly as they left Cedric behind with a face splitting grin.