"So, you're friendly with Malfoy now?" Harry asked when he sat next to Hermione for dinner the same evening.

Hermione looked up from her current book with a frown. "Should I not be? I've known him since we were eleven. We studied together throughout college. He's our coworker now, too, so why shouldn't I be friendly with him?"

Harry put his hands in front of himself to stop her tirade, "I just meant I didn't realize you jogged with him, is all. I've been meaning to talk to you about it all day."

Hermione looked at him for a moment then slowly answered, "I'm sorry. I got defensive. Yes, I'm friendly with him. I think we're friends, but he's a strange person, so I don't really know how to act around him."

Harry frowned at his mashed potatoes, unsure how to ask what he wanted to know. "Do you… you know… like him?" Harry finally said with a pink tinge to his cheeks.

Hermione laughed, "Sure I like him, but not like how I think you mean. And anyway it wouldn't matter if I did." She lowered her voice and leaned closer to him to finish, "I'm fairly certain he's gay, Harry."

Harry stared at her in disbelief. "What, uh… what makes you think that?" He asked hesitantly.

She looked at him with a nervous expression, "Well we did go to college together you know."

"Of course I know that. Ron made mention of it at least once a day for a full year, if I remember correctly."

She laughed, "Well I was only there for three years with him but not once was he ever in a relationship. The rumor was that he had a secret boyfriend who broke up with him the summer after I graduated. My friend Sally told me he was an absolute wreck for the whole year. He still seems a little sad, even now so I guess the boyfriend meant a lot to him."

Harry put an expression of thoughtfulness on his face but was inwardly laughing like a maniac. Hermione would be going through one hell of a ride in her relationship with Draco. With Malfoy He frowned and corrected himself. "That seems like a silly jump for the rumor. Him not being with a girl doesn't mean the person in the secret relationship would be a guy, right? Do you really think he's gay?"

She blushed slightly and answered, "Well, he turned down so many women that even I noticed. Remember how much I hated being in classes with him?" Harry nodded. "Well I purposefully ignored everything about him for a whole year. A few months into that year, his mysterious singleness…. Well, it was practically all the girls talked about. I couldn't ignore it anymore. He was like the most sought after male in the school, but he would just politely turn everyone down.

"When I realized he was truly just there to study, I started to study with him. Harry, he never even looked at a girl. So it seems like he must be gay or asexual or something. I think he's only ever been rumored to have dated Parkinson, but I don't know if he ever really did."

Harry saw an opening, "Well if you don't know that much about him, don't you think you ought to get to know him better?"

"Harry that's a great idea! He can accompany me to your party for Hannah's pregnancy!"

"We're having a party?" Harry asked, puzzled.

"Oh I guess she forgot to tell you when she told you…"

"You knew about it before I did?" Harry asked, sounding peeved.

Hermione blushed and ducked her head, "Oops."

Harry glared at her for a moment. He couldn't be truly angry, as he was currently holding a secret from her about Malfoy. "Fine, bring him to the party. It'll rib on Ron, though."

Hermione wrinkled her nose in disgust, "He's coming, too?"

"Well, I actually don't know, since I only just found out about the party in the first place," he gave her a stern look, "but I assume Hannah would invite the whole Weasley clan, since they're always invited to our parties."

"Well, as long as he doesn't try to speak to me after last time." It wasn't bad enough that when they had broken up, Ron had acted like the biggest idiot on the planet, he continued to exist, and insisted on talking to her every time they saw each other as though they were best friends.

She gave Ron no indication that she was interested in anything he said, but he insisted on talking at her every time as though they were catching up. He even followed her if she tried to just walk away. He kept talking if she turned away and struck up a conversation with someone else. "Does he actually think I care about him?"

"I think he expects you'll be polite and give in to what he wants. I don't think he knows that that's not being polite, that's being a doormat."

She laughed. "I'll ask Malfoy if he wants to go. Maybe if Malfoy is there, then Ron will fly off in a rage and leave before I want to kill him or insult him."

Harry laughed with her. "I'm glad that your priorities are in order."

She laughed with him and they moved on to talking about Harry's upcoming child with the ease of an old friendship.

Draco could hear her musical laughter at the other end of the staff table as he sat down. He was coming in a bit late this evening, and so was seated next to the edge of the table.

"Getting on well, Draco?" asked a voice next to Draco.

He glanced at the owner of the voice and vaguely recognized the woman next to him. Wasn't she the apprentice for Hagrid? "Some of the students are a bit behind, but I'm sure they'll catch up very soon. And how about yourself?" He asked, wondering what in the world her name was.

"Oh, you know, just trying to keep up with it all. So many names to remember!"

Draco smirked, "Yes, I'm having difficulty with it as well." He hesitated then said, "You seem to be doing better than me, though. My sincerest apologies, for I have forgotten yours."

"That's quite alright. I'm forgettable. My name is Jean."

"Right, I'm sorry. You're the apprentice for Care of Magical Creatures, correct?" Draco asked, unsure of what else to say. He began to eat while she answered.

"Yes, that's me. Hagrid is a good teacher, I think. He's really showing me a totally different way to handle the creatures than how the University taught me. I mean, the University says to pretty much just treat them like they're zoo animals and not have a relationship at all with them. Like, who would have thought you should learn the mating schedules of…" Jean kept going, but Draco was distracted.

Hermione was looking around nervously from near the door to the great hall. When she saw him at the table still, she almost made to come back in, but changed her mind, waved, and then left. Draco was very confused. Did she need help? He could feel her nervousness through their bond. He didn't know what was making her feel that way, but he couldn't do anything to help her or even just find out what was causing the feelings without seeming creepy. He was fairly certain the emotions had something to do with him, but he also had a sense she was headed to her room, which was the opposite direction from his. He couldn't even follow her without becoming a stalker.

He was interrupted from his thoughts by Jean nudging him gently in his side and saying, "Is she your mate?"

"I- what?" Smooth as ever Draco, he thought. "I'm sorry I missed what you said."

Jean smiled broadly, "Oh I know. You haven't been listening for some time now. I asked if she was your mate."

He looked at Jean uneasily. Was it that obvious? "What do you mean by that?" Came out automatically. He definitely wasn't going to answer without having an idea of how much Jean knew.

"Well, you're part Veela, right? I mean, it would explain the perfect hair and perfect skin and even the aura of confidence. I mean if I'm wrong tell me, but there's a very high chance there's a Veela in the castle, given some of the ingredients Hagrid is collecting for you."

Draco cleared his throat. "I… Yes, alright. Yes to all of it. I did not want it to become public knowledge."

Jean looked at him for a split second then in a lower tone said, "How have you not told her? I mean it has to be agonizing. You're already what, 20?"

"22."

She gasped and looked at him sadly, "You poor man. Why haven't you told her?" Before he could even begin to answer, she interrupted herself, "Wait, I'm sorry, that's really invasive of me. You don't need to answer that. Um, is there anything I can do to help make it easier for you?"

Draco sighed wearily. He took another bite of his food, which he was sad to discover tasted like ash in his mouth. "I suppose you're one of few in this castle who would actually understand. No. There is nothing you can do. I'm working toward telling her. It's just… difficult."

"I can't even imagine. Is… is it alright that I know? I won't tell anyone, obviously, but… I'm really sorry. I guess I just… I was so proud of myself for figuring it out, I didn't stop to think how you must feel about it."

He smiled sadly at her, "You are very suited to Care of Magical Creatures."

She flushed, "Thank you."

"Don't be sorry that you were proud of yourself. In the future, I would advise you to think about what you could do with that kind of information. Not all creatures want to be confronted with their own inner demons, half breed or otherwise. Think if I had been a werewolf, for an example. Would it have been advantageous for you to point it out in some way?"

She looked down, ashamed and also thinking. "No. It wouldn't have unless it was near the full moon, and even then I don't need to say anything. I would just need the knowledge."

He smiled, wishing for the millionth time he had been different as a child. Wishing things could have been different. "This is a lesson Hagrid will never explain, but it is one you should know."

She looked at him gratefully, "Thank you Professor."

"Well, as my appetite has been put off, I shall bid you a good evening, Jean." He smiled at her to make sure she didn't worry about upsetting him and headed off to his rooms.

When he opened the door to his suite, he caught the unmistakable odor of his father's aftershave.

Draco's heart stopped.

Shit.

He wasn't prepared.

He knew he needed to see them but he just wasn't ready. He needed to figure out what to do and say and how to explain everything. "Father? Mother?" He heard his mouth calling out.

"We are in your sitting room, my son," His mother called, sounding happy and healthy and alive.

When Draco rounded the corner, he saw his father seated in a side chair with his cane in one hand and a book from the coffee table in the other. He was looking over his reading glasses at Draco. His long hair loose on his shoulders and dressed in- what else- all black. He had no expression on his face.

Then Draco's mother pulled him into a hug and he realized he was at least a little excited and happy to see them. "Hello mother," Draco said as he hugged her back. She smelled like her flowery perfume just like she always did. The lavender dress she wore with a matching wrap was becoming on her, even though it seemed a bit large on her thinner frame.

When she pulled back, Draco was sad to see how much she had aged in her stay at Azkaban. Fine lines had appeared on the once smooth forehead and crow's feet marred her beautiful eyes. "I'm glad to see you, Draco," She said after a moment.

"And I, you, mother." He left her embrace to shake hands with his still seated father. "Father. It's good to see you. Is your knee still paining you?"

"More than ever," Lucius answered. "We've not come to speak of my knee, son. Sit down, we must speak with you."

Draco sighed wearily. "Let us at least have some tea. Elves? Tea please." The tea tray appeared and he made the tea to his parents liking quickly. "Mother," he said as he handed her chamomile with honey. "Father," he said as he handed him his peppermint with sugar.

They both nodded their thanks from where they sat. Draco poured his own chamomile and added sugar while his father said, "Now Draco, tell us of your mate."

Draco sipped his tea, unsure how to start. "My mate... " he hesitated. What would they say? Would he be cut off? Would they disown him? He sighed and put down his tea cup. "My mate is Hermione Granger."

His mother frowned slightly and his father started. "The girl third of the golden trio? The mu…" He lowered his voice, "muggleborn?"

He nodded. His parents eyes met. "She's quite lovely, Draco." His mother said, hesitantly. "Have you spoken to her since you discovered she is your mate?"

Draco looked between his parents, confused. "Yes. She went to college with me. She is the History of Magic Professor here at the school."

His father leaned forward, "You're mate… is Hermione Granger?" His expression intense.

"Lucius, do keep up. It doesn't matter who she is."

"I'm just amazed he is so lucky as to have one of the most famous witches of this century as his mate." Lucius said. "It will be an amazing match." Draco was shocked to see tears in his father's eyes. "What an addition she will be to the Malfoy line."

Draco looked at his mother for an explanation for his father's strange behavior. Narcissa was looking equally confused when she met Draco's eyes. "Lucius, darling, are you alright?"

"I'm just imagining little blonde curly haired grandchildren and," He sighed dreamily.

"Oh, right." Narcissa said, "His medication for his pain can make him a bit… funny sometimes. I've forgotten. That's why we always gave it to him at night." Narcissa went to sit next to Lucius on the arm of his chair. She smiled sadly at Draco, "We've been without medications for a long time. There's a lot of side effects to remember. Please forgive me for upsetting you Draco. Would you like us to visit another day?"

"No mother, you have not upset me. Nor has father. I understand. Hermione is… well I have not spoken to her about being my mate."

In unison his parents shouted, "You haven't?"

Draco rubbed his forehead. "I know. I should have." He stood and paced as he continued, "It's not bloody fair, is it? None of this is. I want her to be able to see me- no love me- without the aide of pheromones. She is a wonderful, smart, kind, and compassionate woman and me being Veela makes all of those thing become selfishly mine. She won't be able to have male friends easily without me becoming jealous. Her best friend is male, need I remind you."

"Draco, she's your mate!" Lucius said, looking angry, his earlier oddness seeming to have faded due to the shock. "It's her destiny to be your wife! None of these arguments matter! You must marry her!"

"That is a terrible curse for her then. Can't you see she would probably accept me and marry me just because she couldn't bear to see anyone suffer? Not because she wants me. Not because she cares for me. She would go through the motions because it's the right thing to do."

"But, Draco, darling, she would be easy to marry then, don't you see? Her compassion works in your favor, so simply explain it to her and all this suffering will end!" Narcissa said, sounding more agitated.

"I don't deserve any of it, don't you see? I've done horrid things to her and her friends and even stood by while she was tortured! She has scars that are my fault. There is nothing I could ever do to make up for that! How could she ever ever forgive me? How could she ever actually love me after all that?"

"She will." His father said softly, clasping his mother's hand in his. He seemed to be a little more emotional, as he had been earlier. "She will because she is your mate. She's not just a random person who is chosen for you Draco. Your magic sought out the most perfect match for you in all the world. If she is speaking to you at all, then she has already either forgiven you or at the least moved past it." He shook his head, as if to clear it. "The hesitation is going to kill you, my son. You only have until your next birthday to mark her, and you know it. You're already starting to weaken, are you not?"

Draco looked at his father, stunned. Never in his life had his father uttered a supporting word to him and here he was trying to give him dating advice. Never mind, I sound like a bloody teenager. "Only slightly. My magic is only just beginning to fade."

"If you weaken significantly, you risk exposing what we are to the Wizarding world. Our family has worked very hard to never show that we are Veela."

"Yes, father. That has worked so well for us in the past," Draco said sarcastically. He thought it to be a bad time to bring up how many people currently knew they were Veela.

"I believe your father is right Draco. Do the two of you at least have a cordial relationship?"

"We do, mother. But, you are both acting like I'm never going to tell her. I have already decided to tell her. It's just a matter of when." This was the first time he realized that he really must tell her. He was being a coward and taking away her choice no matter what he did. He sighed, sitting down again.

"It won't be as difficult as I'm sure you imagine. Hear me, Draco," He looked attentively as she continued, "You must marry her, and soon. Else you end the Malfoy line."

"I hear you mother." He said, reciting one of his oldest lessons.

She seemed to hesitate for a second before continuing, "If you won't act," She glanced at Lucius, "We will have to force you, as unhappy we will be about it."

"Force it?" Draco asked, confused.

"You're potion is the only thing keeping you sane," Lucius said, looking sad. "If we have to, Draco, we will destroy your whole store room."

"You can't!" Draco said angrily.

"We can and we will. You are our only child Draco," His mother said coming to stand in front of him. "I don't want to, and neither does your father. All we want is for you to live.

"I will live," Draco insisted.

"You're not seeing reason, Draco. You must marry her before you start to weaken significantly." She touched his face and Draco pulled his head back sharply in anger. She sighed. "You have made it clear you're going to act. Think of this warning as incentive to act sooner."

"None of this is fair, and I have no idea how I will tell her that she belongs with me. We have so much history that I don't know how to begin."

His mother took Draco's hand in both of hers, "Start with an apology for taking so long. But you must marry her Draco. She doesn't truly have a choice. You would only be giving her the illusion of choice. You've made it clear you don't want her to be manipulated into the marriage but there is absolutely no choice in the matter."

Draco sighed, resigned.

She smiled at him sadly. "How is it you've grown more handsome since I saw you last?"

Draco smiled, feeling sad and angry but still loving his mother. "It's a reflection of your own beauty shining back at you," Draco answered, finishing an old tradition between them.

"Come along, Lucius. Let's get you home," She said, helping him to his feet. "We will come for another visit soon, Draco. Please keep us up to date on your mate, won't you?"

"Yes mother," Draco said with a sigh.

A/N: Well, this is certainly turning out a bit dramatic, isn't it? Not to worry, though. The story will start getting more lighthearted coming soon. Thanks for the reviews, follows, and favorites too! Drop me a review and let me know what you think so far!