A/N: Lena2244, here's your answer. : )

Luna titlted her head to the other side and studied the brunette across from her; she had seen the signs for years but didn't think it was her place to interfere. Until now, at least.

"Well, I don't know why you are so mystified." Luna's airy tone always made Hermione feel at ease, but now it was almost spooky, "He always had the Veela traits, and his appearance is a big indicator as well. He has always been charming when he wishes. My father and I spent one summer studying lineages to sew if they were connected to Kincurs, his family being one with some Veela heritage. A great-Grandfather, I believe.."

Hermione blinked and shook her head a moment, trying to think clearly, "But me?"

Laughter burst from the petite blonde as she shook her head and shrugged, "I wouldn't have thought of anyone else, honestly. You are superior to all other women simply in raw power, and your desire for knowledge is something unrivaled by even some of our greatest minds. Why not you?"

Why not? Hermione could list a dozen reasons why no male would choose her as a mate. Then again, this wasn't exactly a choice - male Veelas typically selected a mate and never let them go.

"The whole situation is just….unreal." She said hesitantly, "It's never something I ever considered as a future. I'll just be his slave the rest of my life?"

Luna laughed again, snorting as her forehead hit the table, "Sweet Sundragons, Hermione, what have you been reading? You think being the mate of a male Veela is a slave? Burn those books."

Hermione crossed her arms and felt her cheeks heat redden as her friend controlled herself.

"Forget everything you read. None of it will help you in this situation. Being a Veela mate is no different than any other bond." Luna explained, smile still playing on her lips, "I think in this situation, you are quite different from others. You have the soulmate bond with a Veela. It is decided within the first year of life and it's the magic that chooses. The magic wants a strong connection, the rotation of the earth dictates it."

"Wait, what?" Hermione couldn't seem to get the whole situation in perspective. Malfoy is a Veela, that much she knew. What that meant to her - she didn't know.

"Hermione, take a breath. You are attracking Hijinks with your panic. They just make it worse." Luna waved one hand to shoo them and settled in the seat, "Listen to me. First, you don't have to be his mate. But without completing the bond, you will be miserable for the rest of your life."

"Seriously? What if I get married to…I don't know, Ron?" She was still trying to figure out what she was supposed to do.

"I mean, you could, but you wouldn't be happy. You would die sooner, too."

"Thus far it all sounds awful, Luna."

"You want the good? Accept him and complete the bond. You will be happy for the rest of your life. You will never want for anything, because he will always make your wish come true. You will be challenged, supported, and loved, for a very, very long time."

Silence descended in the room as the two girls sat there, Luna's previous words laid bare. Hermione took a breath, "So, it's my choice?"

"Of course. His too. In a way. Soulmates are rare, but pre-destined - you two were literally made to be together. Since birth, you have been preparing for him, and he for you. All through school, you were drawn to each other, unable to stay far for long. Come to think of it, that may have been one reason being on the run was so difficult for you. And why it was so easy for them to capture you. Perhaps fate knew you had to be close again." Luna drifted off, eyes unfocusing somewhere in the distance.

"But it's a choice?"

"Oh, yes. He could have refused to give in, though I suppose he's already done that for years and the Veela in him compels him. But he could also have taken you somewhere and you never would be found, so he's doing quite a good job." Luna looked at her friend, "You don't have that aspect of it, which gives you more choice. He will never be able to marry, have a child, or continue life without you. You are able to do those things without him, but you won't be happy. I think that makes you not only lucky, but extremely powerful."

The look in her eyes caused Hermione pause, and she pressed a hand to her chest. The sudden vacuum feeling in her chest was painful, and she again looked around the room for the male Veela they were discussing. A part of her was irritated that he was eavesdropping, but his presence soothed her. Until now…now there was a gaping pain that was spreading through her body.

"How…I mean, what…" she asked, not entirely certain of what she was asking.

"Hermione, you need to talk to him. At least to work out some details." One eyebrow raised as she continued, "You both plan to be here for the year, right? You can't spend every day feeling like this."

She stood, patting Luna's hand before slinging her bag over one shoulder and leaving the library. As she walked through the halls, her hand automatically pulled out the map and scanning it, she saw the everyone was occupied, leaving the halls empty. It was a long trek to the lake, giving her time to think about what she had just learned.

Still unable to process the thought: Draco Malfoy is a Veela - HER Veela - HER mate - HER SOULmate, Hermione stopped at an outcrop over the lake and settled on the grass. The air was cool and fresh, the dampness of the lake drifting up to her.

The weirdest part? Probably that it's Draco Malfoy, and her. How did he get over the fact that she's muggle-born? Does he remember that her parents are both muggles? She received a modest reward after the war, but she isn't rich by any definition. He can't stand her friends. He has always hated her.

As Hermione sat, she watching the birds and animals play by the edge of the lake. In the distance, she could spot Hagrid walking around his hut and into the forest, where some creatures - probably Firenze and his buddies - were amongst the bushes. The world was still moving, other people getting on in their lives.

If she was completely honest with herself, being around him was a natural high that she couldn't get enough of.

Malfoy's mere presence made her spirit lighter, even when she didn't realize it. Images of the last few days played in her head, of him reminding her to eat, to take a break, to go rest. He was considerate of her, and she wondered if this is who he could have been all those years. If they weren't who they were, would things have been different?

"Granger."

Hermione startled, turning to see him standing far from her. She had been so lost in thought that she didn't register his presence.. Her chest burned, and she brought one hand up to rub at her sternum. She motioned for him to sit.

He ambled over, but didn't take the spot next to her as she expected. Instead, he crouched behind her, settling in the grass and pressing his back to hers. Immediately she felt relief, and the burning pain began to dissipate.

"So, you okay?"

"You were listening in, what do you think?"

Silence. Though no words were exchanged, their heads tipped back, meeting halfway. Both stared at the sky, colored by the late afternoon sun.

"I'm sorry it's me." She finally said, feeling her eyes well with tears. He was trapped with her, the only person un the world he could be with.

"I'm not."

"No?"

"No."

His voice was strong and firm, definitive. There was no doubt in her mind that he was being honest with her. He was sure of himself and his feelings.

She felt her tears escape, leaving wet trails down her cheeks.

"I'm muggle-born."

"You are."

"I'm best friends with Harry Potter."

"You…are." He said, sounding a litle put off.

"My parents are muggles."

"I know."

"You hate me."

"I love you."

The world stopped spinning - then he inhaled deeply and repeated it, "I love you. I love your unruly hair, your endlessly deep brown eyes, your smile - buckteeth and all. You always smell like parchment and flowers. I love you, muggleborn, best friend of Harry Potter and a Weasley, witchy daughter of muggles, Hermione Granger."

The tears now streamed down her cheeks, and her head fell forward. This was like a movie, like one of those cheesy romantic films her mother had enjoyed watching.

"I-I-" She stuttered, trying and failing to speak, "I think it's too much for me. I feel like I'm in a dream. I don't know how to feel about any of this."

Hermione felt him shift, standing, and closed her eyes, waiting to feel his presence fade.

"You don't have to say anything. Just be you. I'm not going anywhere, Granger." He circled her still form and knelt in front of her, one hand going to her chin, "I've had months to come to terms with this. I think I've been in love with you for years. All I ask…is that you give me a chance to prove myself to you, to earn your love, to earn your respect."

She was silent, listening to his words, feeling a sensation flow through her with his voice.

"Come on, we can go to the library and work a little. The elves will pop in with some food soon, and it's just what you need. Come on." He grasped her hands, pulling her upright in front of him, and she slowly turned back towards the castle. As she walked, she felt Malfoy walking slowly and methodically feet behind her.

It was about the time she reached the massive doors to the castle that she became exasperated with him. Spinning around, she planted her fists on her hips and glared at him, "Why are you following me like some kind of bad stalker? Just…get up here."

A whisper of a smirk played on his lips as he took a few large strides and stood next to her.

"Yeah." She stated, "This is weird."

They continued up to the library, getting a few curious glances from anyone they happened across. Thankfully, it was only a few teachers they didn't know too well. Still, Hermione felt agitation building in her, annoyed that they reacted like that, and annoyed with herself because she did understand why they would draw attention.

The library was silent, and they separated to opposite corners, working in silence. Hermione tried and failed to keep her attention on the task at hand, instead, she played in her mind his words. He loved her? She felt quite dumb, both for not realizing sooner and for not being able to compartmentalize all these feelings that were spiraling inside her.

A full hour passed before the elves' loud crack echoed throughout the room. Hermione ignored the arrival and continued sorting books - shelve, repair, destroy. Her motions were automatic, her body simply moving while her brain raced around her skull.

"Granger. Come eat." Malfoy said, leaning against the shelf at the end of the row, one leg bent around the other. She smirked, "Oh, thank you. But I'm fine. I'm going to keep working."

He growled softly, so she barely heard it, then spun and vanished. Mentally cheering her win, Hermione wasn't paying attention and yelped when strong arms lifted her in one smooth movement.

"Listen, okay, I'm not going to let you neglect yourself just because you can." Malfoy growled, and she waited until after he deposited her on the bench to respond, "I'm not going to tolerate you just picking me up just because you can."

He nearly smirked at her as he rounded the table and sat before his tray, picking up his fork and motioning for her to do the same. He paused, looking at her intently, "Let me take care of you, please. It's the only thing I can think to do. I'm not…I just have to. Even if it's the smallest things."

Then he picked up the Catcher in the Rye and began to read, leaving Hermione to do the same. It was only a few minutes before she gave in and flipped the ancient tome next to her open, glancing down at her plate and taking a tentative bite of her fruit salad.

She continued to glance at him throughout the time it took them to eat most of their lunch. Her heart pounded as she considered his words today, wondering if, like her, he was compelled to be honest with her. "Malfoy, do you tell me…truthful things…because you want to or you have to?"

He had looked up at her voice, and was now frozen as an animal under crosshairs, processing her words. Then he sighed, heavy with meaning, "I am compelled to be honest with you, because you are my mate." Her heart skipped a beat at that- his mate. "I cannot lie to you, Granger. Even if I could, I have no reasons to lie- to you or anyone."

Hermione watched as he returned to the book, and thought about his words. So far, he was a completely different person than before, so why did she have that rock perched in her gut, waiting to fall?

Malfoy finished the novel and put it down carefully, pushing it across the table towards her before leaning back. His arms stretched over his head and his back bent backwards, lifting the hem of his shirt up and she almost choked as a sliver of skin appeared.

"What did you think?" She asked him, watching him carefully as she set down her fork and folding her hands together in fron of her face.

"I liked it." Malfoy answered, "Though the guy is crazy nuts."

As they debated the book, she noticed that the sun was setting slowly outside of the window. She was nervous about ending the day, wondering if she would wake tomorrow to discover this was all a dream. Banter was exchanged as the sky darkened, and the elves popped in and out with dinner. After a small meal, Hermione pulled some blank parchment from her bag and rifled through the clutter accumulating on the tabletop to find her fountain pen.

"We need to make a list of the sections that still need to be done." She stated, putting the restricted section towards the bottom. Next to it she listed a few professors that she believed would be helpful. As she scrawled Neville and Eddie too, Malfoy snorted and she looked up.

"Are they really necessary?" He asked, disdain painting his tone. Hermione smirked at him, feeling pleased that she was able to do it without laughing. In a quick motion, she waved away his words and began glancing about the room, checking off completed sections and jotting down areas that still needed work. When she finished, she tossed it across the table and sat back with her arms crossed, waiting for him to read it.

"This works, though I still think that these two are…unneeded." Malfoy said, tapping the paper and putting it on the table, "But I think that the restricted section should be saved for last. We could do it first, but it won't mean much if we get sidetracked by whatever is waiting for us there."

Hermione propped her chin on her hand, staring out the window. He was an enigma, this person. She wasn't entirely sure about his intentions, but she was almost prepared to jump. If only she could work out her thoughts and figure some things out.

"We're finished for the day, yeah? Uh, I'm going to head down to bed. See you tomorrow?" He said, standing and grabbing his bag. She nodded, shuffling some papers into a pile before following suit, grabbing her bag and walking towards the door. Malfoy was only a step behind her, but remained there for enough time that she felt as though he was keeping his distance again.

"Seriously? Get up here." She called over one shoulder, resisting the smile that threatened to break free. He was next to her a moment later, raising one eyebrow in her direction.

"You know," he began, keeping his voice very low, "when we are mated-" she tripped, and his firm grasp pulled her back upright, "we will be stared at all the time. I'm just giving you time to….adjust."

"When?" She questioned - didn't she have a choice?

"...when."

Hermione sighed as silence fell between them once more, comfortable and familiar, now. He seemed so sure, now, that she would…accept him.

"Sleep well." He said, lifting one arm and dropping it before walking away. Hermione watched until his shadow was no longer visible and turned toward her own portrait hole.

"'mione!"

As Hermione walked into the common room, she was shocked to see Harry and Ginny lounging on couches. Between them was a sullen Ron, arms crossed and a pout aimed at the fireplace. Ginny flew to her feet and raced over, wrapping her arms around the brunette and nearly choking her.

"Oh, my stars!" Hermione exclaimed, feeling lightheaded, "Gin, back up, I can't-"

"Gin." Harry stood and came over, grabbing his tiny girlfriend and yanking her off, tossing her on the couch.

"Harry!" Hermione hugged her friend tightly, feeling wonder at his new build, his new beard, and the twinkle in his eyes that she remembered so well.

They settled into the furniture, Harry talking animatedly about Auror training. Ginny interupted at times with her own associated stories hearing about the adventures at home. Ron sat stoicly, lips pursed together and brows furrowed.

"Ron." Hermione said, trying to get his attention, "Come on, now. You know it wasn't…I'm not…"

He refused to budge, and she found herself wondering why he was even here if he wasn't here to see her.

"Okay, so what are you guys doing here?"

"Well, Harry and Ron got a two-day vacay for completing a training exercise in record time, so we decided if would be best to come see you! It's been a month, and letters just don't do the same thing." Ginny answered, grinning at the boys, "And, well, Harry got your letter and we thought it would be best to check on things."

Hermione stared at her friends, unsure of whether to be furious or grateful. She took a breath, then looked at them. "I wanted to do it one-by-one, but I've discovered more information that will most definitely change, well, everything."

They gave her their full attention, even Ron, who sat up and looked at her with curiousity. She gulped, feeling apprehensive. Why was everything happening today?

"Okay, um. Malfoy is a Veela." She blurted out, carefully watching their faces. Ron scowled, immediately disgusted by the mention of his name, while Harry seemed confused. Ginny squealed, "I knew it! He was such a prat but damn if he didn't look good doing it."

"What does that mean to us?" Ron's voice was laced with malice, leaning forward in his seat as though prepared to leap.

"Well…." Hermione felt as though she was about to drop a bomb, "The thing is…" she was going to say it, "it's…um..there's…another…uh, aspect…" big fail, try again, "that may…uh, mean that…."

Ginny suddenly jumped to her feet, gasping and pointing at Hermione, her mouth opening and closing without sound. Harry reached up and pat her back, chuckling at her, "Words, dear."

"You're his soulmate…aren't you?" Ginny whispered, hands clasped tightly in front of her, "Veela soulmate. Oh, it makes so much sense."

"What? No way!" Ron exclaimed, finally leaping to his feet and gaping at the two girls.

Hermione refused to allow her eyes to leave Ginny's, and she watched as the young girl began to smile. Ron was pacing behind her, and Harry was scrambling to his feet and spinning his head wildly trying to catch up.

"'mione? I'm right, aren't I? " Ginny's voice was still at a whisper, waiting anxiously for her friend to answer.

"'mione?" Harry asked, "What is she talking about?"

"No way, absolutely not, are you bonkers?" Ron snapped as his sister, still pacing and wringing his hands.

"Yes."

Ginny squealed, jumping in place, "Oh, Hermione!"

"Yes? Yes, you're Draco Malfoy's SOULMATE? Oh, bloody hell. Just grand, 'mione, just so grand. That vile little ferret? You frigid stuck-up - " Ron suddenly lost his voice as Harry shoved him into the staircase, forcing him to sit.

"Mate, I'm warning you."

Ginny finally moved, perching on the table in front of her friend, watching the tears slowly roll down her cheeks. A tissue appeared in the redhead's hand and she dabbed at the wetness.

"Gin, what's this all about?" Harry asked from across the room where he was still watching Ron, "Why do I feel like I'm missing something?"

"Oh, right, I keep forgetting you grew up muggle." Ginny giggled, tucking the tissue away, "Soulmates are rare, whether Wizarding or Muggle. But a Veela soulmate is so rare that they are practically famous. The last couple was nearly two hundred years ago."

"How do we know it's true, then?" Ron interupted, "Maybe Malfoy is trying to pull something."

"Shut up, Ronald." She said to her brother, "what would he gain from this? He is well aware of his history- why would he put so much work into it? And, you know, Malfoy would have been aware for at least the last…"

Ginny trailed off as she made the connection - "He tried to save you at the manor!"

"He tried to kil her!" Ron shouted, "He stood there while they tortured her!"

The redhead turned slowly and looked at her brother, a little put out by his attitude toward something the was considered a great honor, "Ronald, be quiet. You know as well as I that this is happening- you need to accept it. Go complain to mum and dad - you're just bitter."

Harry waved his arms wide, "Oi! Gin, why would he be bitter? You jealous of Malfoy, Ron? Wait, are you dating Malfoy now?"

Ginny frowned, "Harry -" she spun to face Hermione and took a step back, "'mione. I don't know how much you've read and researched, but Veela soulmates are fated, destined, determined. You have been granted one of the greatest wishes, and fate calls for it to happen. Ron is upset because there is not one thing he can do to change the facts. He is who he is, and you are special - like, beyond the brightest witch of our age - special in a way that only Malfoy will ever be able to keep up with."

She looked at Harry, "Ron's upset because the minute Hermione came into this world, she belonged to Draco Malfoy. She will always belong to Malfoy."

"I don't belong to anyone!" Hermione protested, immediately feeling as though she was lying, "I'm me. I'm not property!"

Ginny waved a hand and snorted, "Not like that, brightest witch my butt, and he belongs to you too. Parkinson must have lost her mind when she found out. Well, if he told anyone. I haven't heard it, so it may be the best kept secret."

"I'm sorry, 'mione." Ron said, standing up and swaying a moment, "I'm…"

He turned and walked up the stairs, feeling a rock in his gut at the thought that he had truly lost her. He knew Ginny was talking truth, and knew that Hermione was never his - she was always meant to be with Malfoy. It still hurt.

Harry left his post and crossed the room to sit on the couch, "So, Gin, since you seem to know everything, what does all this mean?"

"Well, not much." Ginny smiled before dropping onto the other couch, "'mione can do whatever she wants, live her own life, have her own friends, just like any other relationship. The only real change would be that she finds herself in his bed more than her own!"

Both Hermione and Harry coughed as her words, eye wide and mouths agape.

"What?"

"Oh, calm down. Jeez, such prudes. I just mean, from this point forward, you and Malfoy are a thing, yeah?" Ginny laughed at them before she shrugged, "Dating, engaged, married. You and him. Forever."

Hermione froze, her mind going completely blank. She had done research, and read everything she could find, and even talked to Luna. But…nothing had really prepared her for this - for a lifelong commitment - for…marriage- to someone who not only tormented her throughout school but was part of a group who wished her dead?

"Oi! What?" Harry still looked confused.

Ginny took pity on him, "Veela soulmates are so rare, and determined within the first year of life to another magical being that is most compatible, within the same age- at least that's what is known. There is very little record, but it is usually needed at a time magic needs a boost. The ferret recently came of age- right at the last term- for his Veela to be more active. They will benefit from being with their soulmate, and fade without them. In all of the times this has happened, the Veela only recognizes their mate after the activation, but it is always someone they have known for a long time. The Veela will then begin to demand the care and love of their mate. The soulmates have always been together, and stay that way for a long time- extending their lifespans to revitalize the magic. Hermione isn't under a spell or being Veela hypnotized- she has always been in love with him, it's only that now there is a chance to open that door, and fate did."

"'mione, we all love you, and will always love you. But I beg of you to let go of the past and give the ferret a chance. All witches dream of discovering they have a soulmate, and a Veela on top of that. You hit the boyfriend buffet, the jerk jackpot, the lover lottery." Ginny spoke softly, one hand resting on Hermione's knee, "I'm sure it's scary, but this is such a good thing. Trust me."

Hermione sniffed, smoothing her hands on her jeans and leaning back, red eyes directed at her friends.

"I'm scared."

"Of what?" Ginny was now leaning back in her chair, feeling more at ease now that Hermione seemed collected, still excited about this development.

"What if I get hurt?"

Scoffing, Ginny leveled her eyes at the brunette, "He can't hurt you. He would sacrifice himself before he would allow anything to hurt you, including himself. If he had any trace of malice towards you, his Veela would have demanded to be sent to Azkaban."

"Then why didn't he save her at the manor?" Harry asked quietly, remembering the night vividly, "if he could have-"

"That's something only he would know." Ginny told her boyfriend, "but I would bet the Burrow that something interviened, or someone, because otherwise Malfoy could have taken on Voldemort himself and won."

Hermione tapped one finger to her temple before pointing it at Ginny, "His mother used imperious on him."

Both of them were taken aback by her statement, and Hermione fell silent, thinking about Ginny's words. His behavior tracked with what she was hearing, and he had yet to give her a hard time even. Had he been fighting his feelings for her? Why is he now acting on them?

"But me?" Hermione echoed her words from earlier.

"Why not? Magic doesn't care about blood status, it doesn't look at your friends and family and interests. This is what has been from the beginning. Magic itself determined that you and he are meant to be. Perhaps it was fate that got in the way, needing you and Harry to defeat Voldemort first. Now, things have calmed down and you both have an opportunity to explore this new….world, life."

"So you think I should give him a chance?"

"I think you should give yourself a chance. This is not something to be scared of." Ginny said, "You both are here all year. Get to know him. Get to know the man he is now."

A/N: I never liked Hermione/Ron pairing, but I'm also not a fan of Ron bashing, so he may seem a little different, but mostly because he's adjusting to this new development..