HarryPGinnyW4eva: thanks! I've been wanting to write about the other Veelas for a long time! Haha

CallaRose4ever: thank u! I'm glad you're enjoying this

Magic-Saphira: Thank you! And no, there'll be no sequel. I want to focus on writing another dramiones

dadadada.t: thank you! Your words mean so much to me

We've reached the chapter we've all been waiting for (including me). It's a little bit longer than usual, but I don't think there will be any complaints about that haha

Enjoy!

*Warning: mention of blood*

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Full Moon

Hermione glanced sideways at the huge clock hanging on the wall and swallowed as she met Draco's piercing gaze again.

He was sitting across the table, watching her with a serious face. The two of them had been chatting quietly at dinner, avoiding mentioning what was going to happen soon after.

But the conversation had gone awry as soon as her nerves took control of her body.

Hermione cleared her throat, her fingers tightening around her glass of white wine. She had never tasted such a delicious one.

"The full moon rises in five minutes."

His expression didn't change, though his grey eyes narrowed.

"You're scared."

Hermione chewed on her lower lip, hoping the treacherous pounding of her heart wouldn't give her away. She finished the last of her wine and Draco sighed, averting his gaze to the window.

"You don't have to do this, Granger."

"I want to," she assured him, clearing her throat again as her voice trembled. "I'm afraid of the unknown and this isn't something that I can learn about reading books," she added in a whisper.

He snorted, rolling his eyes.

"Who needs books when you have Pansy."

"What?"

"Nothing," Draco stood up, stopping beside her. "Do you want to see the house?"

Hermione nodded, accepting his hand and following him down the corridors of the Italian villa. She let out a tension-filled sigh, trying to relax so Draco wouldn't think she was having second thoughts again.

Just as she had suspected, at the back was a natural waterfall that fed a small lake which was home to hundreds of creatures, from fish to grindylows.

Vineyards stretched as far as the eye could see and the cellar in the basement was filled with wines that were over a hundred years old.

Her face lost colour as she discovered that what she had drunk was worth more than what the Ministry paid her every month. Draco laughed at her expression, promising to give her every bottle of that vintage.

The rest of the house was decorated along the same modern lines as Malfoy Manor, though it wasn't as extravagant. It was only two storeys high and Hermione was sure that she would be able to remember where each room was the next day, especially that small circular library that she couldn't wait to sit in and try out her translator spell.

Draco let go of her hand as they reached the last door on the upper floor and clenched his fists.

"This is my room."

Her heart skipped a beat. Hermione nodded, wringing her fingers. She stepped across the threshold as soon as he opened the door and smiled at how much it looked like his room at Malfoy Manor. White tones and wooden furniture, a stone fireplace and a huge Slytherin flag hung on one of the walls.

Draco advanced towards the bench where their two suitcases sat, opening his. Dozens of pockets unfolded and he reached into the largest one, pulling out a small glass bottle and returning to her side.

"I've brought this for you," he commented, placing it in her palm.

Hermione stared at the colourless liquid swirling inside with a frown.

"What is it?"

He looked away and scratched the back of his neck.

"A potion I make for Pansy."

Hermione looked up, noticing the small blush spreading across his cheeks.

"Is it a contraceptive potion?" she asked, turning the bottle in her fingers.

He nodded, his gaze still fixed on the only balcony in the room.

"I've improved the formula and there's no need to take it every day," he muttered, his hands in his pockets. "Once every four weeks is enough."

"Draco, that's amazing," Hermione uncapped the small vial and downed the contents in three gulps. "You'll sell thousands of doses in your new shop."

She'd never tried the contraceptive potions they sold in Diagon Alley before, but Ginny claimed they tasted like shit. Draco's had a sweetish taste that was very pleasant.

He snorted, hiding his blush behind his bangs.

"If you say so."

He looked back up at her and gave her a small smile.

"Relax," he kissed her forehead and stepped back. "I'm going to take a... a shower."

Hermione set the empty vial on the desk and pursed her lips.

"I suppose I should take a shower, too."

"Okay."

Draco opened the door to the room and she furrowed her brow in confusion.

"Where are you going?"

"You can use mine," he replied, pointing a finger at the second door in his room. "There's another bathroom down the hall."

Hermione clasped her hands in front of her body, squeezing them together before speaking.

"You can...you can shower with me if you want."

His throat bobbed as he swallowed.

"Not today," he shook his head and stepped out into the corridor. "I need a moment alone."

She sighed.

"Okay," Hermione walked over to her suitcase and opened it. "Don't be long."

Draco looked her up and down as a crooked smile spread across his face.

"I'll be right back."

He disappeared without another word, leaving Hermione alone for the first time since they had arrived at his family's villa.

She pulled out the nightgown she had bought with Ginny a few days earlier, blushing at the sight of it.

Her friend had assured her that Draco would be breathless if she wore it, though she had doubts that something so thin and see-through would suit her.

With a final sigh, she opened the bathroom door and locked herself inside.

After a longer-than-normal shower, Draco returned to his room a little more relaxed, wrapped in a dark blue bathrobe.

The thought of Granger and what they were going to do together made his stomach clench.

He frowned when he didn't see her sitting up in bed and swept his eyes around the room, gasping once he found her.

Hermione was out on the balcony, leaning against the marble railing with her curls flowing softly behind her back. Moonlight fell on her and streamed into the room, spreading silver sparkles across the walls.

And her body was covered in a black cloth that did not reach her knees and left very little to the imagination.

Draco pulled the last vial of invigoration draught from his suitcase and downed it in one gulp as he watched her. He still found it hard to believe that she was really there and that everything wasn't a cruel, Dementor-induced dream.

"Fuck," he hissed, leaning his shoulder against one of the bedposts. "Are you trying to kill me, Granger?"

She turned around with a surprised expression and reddened when he couldn't take his eyes off her. Draco took a deep breath and let the air out very slowly, extending a hand in her direction.

Hermione was soon at his side, entwining her fingers with his. He could still sense that she was very nervous, just as he was.

He wrapped his arms around her, pressing her against his chest and burying his nose in her curls.

"Breathe," he whispered in her ear. "We've got all night."

Hermione pulled away, lifting her chin to look into his eyes.

"Kiss me."

Draco obeyed, parting his lips and nipping at hers softly as he kissed her. The spark he felt every time their lips made contact ran through his entire body and he pulled her against him tighter, growling when her hands went up to his neck and she tangled her fingers in his hair.

Kissing Granger was easy, he could do it for hours without getting bored of it. His heartbeat calmed slowly, letting his thoughts return to the forefront of his mind.

Draco broke the kiss as he remembered what he should have done long before that moment. He pressed their foreheads together and closed his eyes, grimacing.

"Fuck."

Her fingers continued to stroke his blond locks as they both caught their breath.

"What's wrong?"

Draco swallowed.

'Shit, shit, shit.'

He held one of her hands and pulled her to the edge of the bed, making her sit on the mattress.

"There's something I want to tell you," he confessed quietly, working his jaw. "I've tried several times, but I'm a coward and I haven't done it."

She squeezed his hand.

"You can tell me anything."

"I know," Draco released her and turned around. "Give me a second."

Hermione nibbled on her thumb nervously as she watched him reach into his jacket pocket for something. After a few seconds, she had him close again, sitting next to her.

Draco cleared his throat.

"You know that the bond between a Veela and his mate has the same implications as a wedding."

She nodded. She remembered that conversation.

Draco opened his hand, revealing what was hidden inside. A small, square, black box made of velvet.

Hermione held her breath and looked back at him with wide eyes. He grabbed her right hand, opening the box and letting it rest on her palm.

Her heart skipped a beat as she looked inside.

"I want... I want you to be mine officially too."

Hermione blinked, her gaze flicking between his face and the silver ring whose diamond reflected the moonlight.

"It doesn't have to be now. It could be in a few months, or a few years," Draco added, shifting uncomfortably when he didn't get an answer.

She opened her mouth but no sound came out and he cursed under his breath, shaking his head angrily.

"Shit. Potter said to get down on my knee."

Hermione grabbed his arm before he could move.

"No! No, Draco," she set the box down on the mattress, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and sitting on his lap. "It's not necessary."

Hermione closed her eyes and leaned in, trying to show him everything she felt and couldn't put into words with that kiss. Tears threatened to appear but she managed to control them, kissing Draco with all her might.

He pulled away a few inches.

"Is that a yes?"

She nodded, pressing her lips to his again. She felt his smile against her skin as he spread kisses along her jawline.

"It can be a Muggle ceremony or a magical one," he whispered against her neck, kissing and sucking until Hermione shivered. "Your choice."

"And which one do you prefer?"

Draco shrugged.

"I don't care as long as you're there."

Hermione felt like her heart was going to pound out of her chest. She couldn't stop smiling.

He took the ring out of the box and placed it on her finger.

"I'm engaged. And to you," she said, raising her hand to look at it. "I can't believe it."

Draco held her hand, kissing the ring as he stared at her.

"You're more than my fiancee, Granger."

He grabbed her waist and Hermione squealed as she fell backwards onto the mattress. He laid down beside her, running his fingers through the fabric of her nightgown.

She sighed when she saw that his eyes had lost the warmth they had whenever he looked at her.

"Are you occluding?"

Draco twisted his lips.

"Just a bit," he admitted in a whisper.

His fingers found the buttons on her right side and unbuttoned the first one. Hermione held his face in her hands.

"Stop doing that."

He bit the inside of his cheek and undid another button.

"Trust me, Draco," she asked, kissing him and brushing her lips against his as she spoke. "Trust us."

She knew he was afraid of being too rough if he let his instincts run wild, but Hermione was sure that his Veela side was too protective to hurt her.

Draco closed his eyes and let out a long, heavy sigh. When he opened them again they had changed colour.

His silver irises swept over her face with concern.

"Will you let me know if anything is too much?"

She nodded and he relaxed his shoulders. His left hand reached down to her navel area and tugged at the lace garment, tearing it to shreds.

Her heart pounded as Draco threw the black pieces of fabric to the floor. He placed his hand on her again, making her skin burn with each caress.

Hermione could feel his warm and wet breath against the curve of her neck. She gasped as his fingers slipped between her legs, pushing aside her underwear.

"What are you doing?" she asked in a breathy whisper.

Draco grabbed her chin, claiming her lips.

"Taking my time with you."

"But..."

The urge to speak left her as soon as his hand found her core. Draco kissed her deeply, growling every time she made a sound and wrapping his other arm around her waist.

It wasn't the first time he touched her, though he was doing it in such a way that Hermione couldn't stop shivering. Something like fire was building in her lower belly, increasing with each movement of his fingers.

One of them slowly pushed deep inside her and her breathing hitched. Draco groaned against her lips as if he was feeling the same pleasure she was.

"Mine."

He pulled his finger back, still kissing her, and Hermione arched her back.

"Like this?" Draco asked, adding another finger and thrusting.

She sighed, unable to open her eyes and with her hands buried in his hair.

"A little softer."

He changed the pace and Hermione wrapped her arms around him tighter, holding back moans.

Draco stopped just at the best moment, pulling his hand away. She opened her eyes, ready to protest, but felt silent as she watched him remove his bathrobe and stand completely naked beside her.

His ever-so-pale cheeks flushed at her scrutiny and he kissed her again, his fingers curling around the clasp of her bra.

He tugged, pushed, and tried several times without success.

"Fuck," he hissed through his teeth in frustration.

Hermione giggled, letting out a laugh as Draco shot her a dark look.

"Let me help you."

She reached a hand behind her back, unclasping her bra and letting it fall to the mattress. He roamed her body with his gaze and his pupils dilated.

Before Hermione could say anything his lips were pressed against her neck again, moving down and leaving kisses and nibbles on each of her breasts.

She gasped as they continued their way down.

"Wait!"

Draco rested his chin on her belly, watching her through his lashes as he slid her knickers down, tossing them aside.

"Close your eyes."

Her pulse quickened. Hermione swallowed, maintaining eye contact.

"You too."

Draco chuckled and nodded.

"Alright."

Hermione closed her eyes and dropped her head back onto the pillow, clenching her fists at the insecurity that plagued her mind.

All her doubts vanished once his lips reached that sensitive spot.

"Oh!"

Hermione gripped the sheets, squirming with each flick of his tongue and moaning as two fingers moved in and out of her while Draco licked and sucked, testing different pressures until he found the one that made her legs tremble.

She covered her mouth with a hand as she felt all the tension about to break and moaned in desperation as spasms coursed through her body, seeing an explosion of colours behind her eyelids.

She was no expert, but that orgasm was the most intense she had ever felt.

Hermione opened her eyes, trying to catch her breath as his kisses travelled up her body again. She smiled when she saw his silver wings spread out on either side of his body.

He had transformed.

Draco buried a hand in her curls, licking his lips.

"I've wanted to taste you for a long time."

Hermione blushed helplessly. He was always more direct when he was in his Veela form.

"Can I touch them?" she asked, pointing to his wings with her gaze.

Draco smirked.

"I thought you'd never ask."

Hermione reached out and brushed his feathers, pulling her hand away when Draco hissed.

"They're very sensitive, Granger."

Something twitched against her thigh, confirming his words. Hermione tried again, tracing the outline of his right wing with her fingertips.

Draco closed his eyes, groaning softly as his whole body shook.

"Now I understand why Veelas don't let anyone touch their wings," she whispered, stroking the left one with her other hand.

One corner of his lips curved upwards and he leaned over her, resting an arm on either side of her head and positioning himself better between her legs.

Hermione held her breath and gripped his shoulders. He kissed her, tracing her lips with his tongue as he pressed their hips together.

She hissed at the first twinge of pain.

"Slow," she asked in a trembling voice.

Draco stopped and kissed her forehead.

"Sorry."

When she opened her eyes, she saw gold and silver sparks flying from their skin and swirling around them. Draco continued to whisper apologies against her skin as he slowly pushed deeper into her.

Hermione stroked his face, gasping as their bodies came together completely. It hurt, but it was bearable.

"I'm fine, Draco."

He tilted his head, watching her expression, and tugged at his bottom lip with his teeth. Hermione flinched at the sight of his fangs.

"I... I have to..."

She nodded.

"Do it."

Draco let out a shaky breath. He blinked, his silver gaze wandering between her eyes, and dipped his head into the curve of her neck.

His lips left a few kisses first, moistening the skin, and her whole body tensed at the feel of his teeth.

It was quick and more painful than anything they'd done up to that point. She gritted her teeth, holding back a scream as his sharp fangs pierced her skin.

The sparks of magic around them exploded, enveloping them in a blinding flash.

Something warm and wet trailed down her collarbone and she detected the metallic scent of blood. Draco pulled his fangs away, kissing and licking her skin until there wasn't a drop of blood left on her.

He looked back up at her and smiled.

"It's done."

The effect of the bond was already visible on him. He looked much better and the tremors that had been with him for weeks were gone.

She smiled back and tugged on his hair until she could kiss him.

"You can move," she whispered against his lips.

Draco held her in his arms and rolled his hips back and forth, paying attention to her moans and moving faster and faster.

Hermione gasped as a new wave of desire swept through her body, leaving her breathless.

'Hermione. My Hermione. Mine.'

She opened her eyes as she heard his husky voice in her mind. The pleasure was so intense that her vision blurred.

He was still kissing her desperately, panting harder and harder.

Hermione broke the kiss.

"I love you."

"I love you too," Draco murmured, biting her lower lip to stifle a moan. "Fuck... I can't."

She knew what he meant because she felt the same way. His arms curled around her and Draco groaned into the crook of her neck as his fluttering wings wrapped around them.

Hermione felt the intensity of his pleasure and gasped, shuddering under his body with each spasm of her core.

She had been wrong before. This was indeed the most intense orgasm of her life.

Draco didn't move until his breathing slowed, propping himself up on his elbows so he could look down at her.

"It was..." He swallowed, letting out a sigh. "It was amazing."

Hermione pushed the damp strands of his hair back, looking into his eyes.

'Draco.'

Draco froze and his eyes widened.

'Can you hear me?'

He blinked in confusion.

'Granger?'

She nodded.

"Do you...do you hear my voice in your mind too?"

Draco was still staring at her with his mouth open, completely paralysed.

"Did you know this would happen?"

A knot formed in her stomach at the thought that he had lied to her again. She felt a surge of panic that wasn't hers, and Draco shook his head.

"No, Granger," he held her face carefully, looking into her eyes. "I swear, I had no idea."

"I believe you," she replied, giving him a reassuring smile.

Draco let out a sigh of relief and rested his forehead against hers.

"I've heard you calling me Hermione."

He arched an eyebrow.

"Since when do you call me by my given name in your thoughts?" she asked with an amused expression.

"Since I woke up with you sleeping on my chest."

That was not the answer she had expected. Hermione felt tears well up in her eyes and hugged him, hiding her face in his neck.

Draco rolled over until he was lying next to her.

"I'm so bloody lucky to have found you," he whispered, kissing her forehead again and again. "Hermione."

She smiled and closed her eyes, enjoying his warmth and the softness of his feathers.

When Hermione opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Draco's face just a short distance away.

He smiled.

"Good morning."

"Hello," she yawned, stretching her arms out. "How are you feeling?"

His smile widened. There was no trace of the dark circles under his eyes.

"Better than ever," his expression turned serious. "And you?"

Hermione sat up on the mattress, wrinkling her nose as she felt a slight soreness between her legs.

Draco got out of bed and walked over to his suitcase. He was wearing his blue bathrobe again.

"Have you been awake long?" she asked when he returned to her side.

"A while," he said, placing another grey bathrobe over her shoulders and leaving an orange potion on the sheets covering her legs. "Drink this."

"What is it?"

"It helps with the soreness," Draco replied, looking away as he blushed. "I used to drink it after Quidditch."

Hermione uncapped the bottle and sniffed the contents before drinking it.

"How many potions did you bring?"

"Just a few," Draco looked back up at her with a big smile curving his lips. "Are you hungry?"

Her stomach answered for her and he let out a laugh, standing up. His silver wings popped out of his back and Hermione gasped in surprise.

"I can control them now," he added with a smirk. "Don't move."

He shot out the door, which was half open, and she shook her head as she laughed. Hermione got to her feet, finding that the discomfort was almost gone, and blanched at the sight of several dark stains on the sheets.

She took her wand out of her handbag and waved it until they were as good as new. She tied her bathrobe and was reaching for some slippers when his arms grabbed her, pulling her off the balcony and flying towards the roof.

She screamed in fright.

"Draco!"

He landed on the red tiles laughing and Hermione elbowed him once he released her.

There was a tablecloth spread out in the middle of the roof with various types of fruit, juice and coffee. Draco sat on it and tugged at her arm, making her fall into his lap. She couldn't help but smile at his good mood.

Hermione picked up a glass of orange juice and took in the view as she took a sip.

"Wow."

His arm came around her, pulling her close to his chest.

"I know."

Hermione looked up, watching him bite into an apple. She looked straight ahead again and sighed.

'I don't want to leave.'

Draco squeezed her hand.

"We can come back whenever you want."

She shook her head, chuckling softly.

"I don't understand how I do it."

"We'll learn to control it, Granger," he said, offering her an apple. "There's no hurry."

Hermione accepted it, taking a bite.

'We have all the time in the world.'

She smiled as she heard his voice in her mind and turned to look at him. He waited patiently until she finished eating and raised an eyebrow, tangling one of her curls around his forefinger.

"Does the offer of a shower together still stand?"