Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any affiliated characters. I just happened to come up with the plot for this ship. All credit to J.K for her amazing universe that she allows us to play in.
Many thanks to Ihrin for her beta work on this chapter. Updated: 10-21-16
Warning: Rated M. Cursing, sexual innuendos, lemons and fluff ahead. Basically what you would expect from a romance novel nowadays.
Music is my muse:
Song for this chapter: Sooner Surrender, Matt Nathenson
Lyrics: Sooner surrender. And our love will count for everything.
Love of a Mate
Chapter 9
Surrender
Draco sat up, sweating and shaking, fully aware that his mate was dreaming about him somewhere. He slammed his hand down on his bed and pulled himself up and into a cold shower. He was falling to pieces, not at all sure how much longer he could possibly keep his sanity while his mate remained away from him.
He had known that touching her, seeing her, and smelling her would probably be painful. He had not known how much it might literally kill him. He worked tirelessly on controlling his raging hormones and the ever-present urge to find and finish bonding with his mate. He had been separated from her too long and he feared his sanity was now at actual risk.
He slammed his head on the shower tile and took long, deep breaths as he attempted to calm himself. He could feel her and that she was upset. He yanked at his hair, unable to resist testing the link between them.
"What is wrong, mate?"
OooOooOooO
Hermione was lying in bed, trying not to cry as the dream slowly washed away. She was left with such incredible longing that she was sure her heart would break.
She had dreamed about their time together in sixth year. They had talked- they had spent so much time talking- and she had learned all his secrets. She wiped at her eyes as she thought of the years she had passed him in the hall or sat with him in class and not spoken to him. It made her sad, all that lost time. And then they had found each other and she had discovered that he was her northern star. When she was with him, she felt complete. Every single time she had spoken with him, it was like another piece of her had fallen into place.
She sighed as she thought back on all those times he had just sat and talked with her. How had she been able to spend that much time with him unnoticed?
She smiled a bit as she realized that everyone must have thought she was really addicted to studying. But she hadn't been studying anything they taught in school; she'd been studying Draco Malfoy.
There had been so many firsts with him. The first time he'd given her a genuine smile. The first time he'd laughed with her. The first time they kissed. The second time they kissed. She flushed and ran her hand through her hair. They had done rather a lot of kissing, it would seem.
She remembered more about the book he had lent her. There hadn't been enough information for her so she had spent what seemed like weeks in the restricted section of the library searching for answers.
She took a deep breath, reliving the last moment of her dream which she was sure was more of a flashback then an actual dream.
They had been in the Room of Requirement, in the room she had been dreaming about all this time. She had been showing Draco her notes, trying to get him to talk to her about their choices. She had simply not believed that they couldn't possibly have options. It had been around Christmastime and she had been so scared.
"I knew I couldn't live without him," Hermione whispered, stroking her mark absently.
Ginny walked in, clearly having just showered, and stopped to look at her friend. Ginny's face grew concerned as she got a better look at Hermione, who appeared to be quite upset.
"'Mione, what's wrong?" Ginny asked, sitting down on her bed and watching her friend closely.
Hermione breathed in a shuddering sigh and shook her head mutely, feeling her angst and sadness crash through her all over again as she collected herself enough to explain.
"I've been dreaming about sixth year. We talked- we spent so much time just talking. He is so brilliant, Ginny. He wasn't at all intimidated by me and he was actually turned on by my intelligence. The book he gave me... it didn't have enough answers. I spent what must have been weeks looking for any other answers in the restricted section. I would share my notes with him and kept trying to find some way to keep us together, some way that we could work. It didn't matter in the end- what I found. There was still the war and we had our parts to play."
Ginny nodded her face troubled. "That had to be really hard on both of you, 'Mione," she said softly, "impossibly hard."
Hermione wiped at her eyes. "We could communicate telepathically. He did it yesterday. It's an amazing feeling- like we are connected somehow. I can't explain it."
Ginny's eyes went wide. "Really? Wow."
Hermione nodded, her face showing her grief. "I had to have somehow known that I'd lost him. I've felt a terrible emptiness and I blamed it on the war. I think it started when we did the forgetting spell. It's not like a typical memory charm. We only got to make love twice, Ginny."
Ginny gasped, her eyes filling with tears. "Oh, 'Mione, I am so sorry. Did you remember that?"
Hermione shook her head. "I suppose I am remembering things because I knew more somehow and he confirmed some of it yesterday. I know for a fact we only made love twice." Hermione rubbed her forearms, chilled by an utter sense of loss and despair.
Ginny was silent for a moment and then said, "Tell me about this spell. Why did you do it?"
Hermione took a shuddering, slow breath. "It was my idea to do the spell. He didn't want to; he was really angry about it." Hermione wiped at her face. She started sweating as the memory washed over her again. "I compelled him, Ginny. I knew he couldn't deny me anything I truly wanted and more than anything at that time I wanted him safe. It was so important to me. It seemed so simple at the time; just keep him safe and it will all work out somehow."
Ginny nodded, her eyes full of tears. "You love him."
Hermione nodded, wrapping her arms around herself. "I did... I do."
Ginny sighed, her eyes going soft. "So you did the spell?"
Hermione nodded sadly. "I did the spell but I added to it. I made him take an unbreakable vow of sorts, insuring that he couldn't betray himself by trying to protect me."
Ginny shook her head, her face showing her shock. "So Fleur was right. That went against his nature."
Hermione nodded, starting to look a bit sick. "I hurt him, Ginny. I could feel it in the dream, how hurt he was. I feel it now."
Ginny sat up. "But he forgives you. I mean, he kissed you yesterday. You said he wasn't upset with you."
Hermione looked past Ginny and shrugged. "I suppose so, but now I worry. Is that just because he has to?"
Ginny looked confused. "What do you mean?"
Hermione felt a sob break through her and shook her head. "The compulsion from the bond. He doesn't really have a choice but to forgive me. I don't like that. I forgot what I did. There was no time to feel regret or remorse but I feel it now. I shouldn't have forced this on him like I did."
Ginny stood up and walked over to her friend. "You did what you had to in order to protect the man you loved. Hermione, you saved his life. You kept him safe."
Hermione shrugged and then said weakly, "I need to get into the shower. It's the ball tonight."
Ginny moved away and nodded. "Will you be okay? Shouldn't you owl him?"
Hermione shook her head, wiping at her eyes. "No, I need to think about this."
OooOooOooO
She was in the shower when she felt her mark tingle and then she heard softly in her head.
"What is wrong, mate?"
Hermione sighed and thought her reply as hard as she could. "I remember Draco, and it upset me. I remember what I made you do. It hurts, knowing I hurt you."
"We both were hurt. But we lived."
Hermione sighed heavily and wiped at the tears still leaking out of her eyes. "But we lost so much time."
She felt him sigh and then he said very clearly, "We have time now. Let's not waste it on regrets. Look for my owl."
OooOooOooO
Later that day she was in the banquet room watching as the elves rendered her useless when Ginny rushed in, holding a velvet bag in her hands and looking excited.
"'Mione, this came for you!"
Hermione excused herself and walked over to Ginny, taking the bag and then moaning softly. "Oh, I have a bad feeling about this," she said softly.
Ginny laughed and shoved her toward a small room so that they'd have privacy. "Open it. This is going to be great!"
Hermione glared at her friend and then slowly opened the velvet pouch, allowing its contents to spill out.
Both of the witches gasped in awe as they looked at a large teardrop pink sapphire, strung onto a necklace made up of diamonds as big as pearls.
"Oh, Merlin!" Ginny said in awe as she took in the necklace.
Hermione nodded and then pulled a note out of the pouch.
Will you wear these for me, Mate?
Ginny sighed dramatically and fell against the wall. "Oh, where can I find a wizard like him?"
Hermione smirked at her friend. "You adore Harry."
Ginny nodded but winked. "Well, he needs to step up his game. This necklace is going to look amazing with your dress. Quick! Put it back in the bag, stick it in your pocket, and seal it shut!"
Hermione laughed but did as she was told and then she rushed out, going back to her checklist but with a rather goofy smile on her face.
He had sent her a necklace and it was stunning!
OooOooOooO
Later that evening as she quickly got ready and sat to allow Ginny to slather some Sleekeazy onto her hair and twist it up carefully. She sighed as she fingered the necklace now on her neck.
"Do you think he will like my dress?" she asked nervously.
Ginny giggled. "He will love it, 'Mione. You look stunning. I am kicking myself for not going shopping with you and Mrs. Malfoy."
Hermione looked at her friend in her beautiful, velvet blue dress and smiled. "Ginny, you look amazing. That dress makes your hair almost glow. It's breathtaking."
Ginny smiled and then shrugged. "I think I will come in second to you tonight, happily. Here, stand up and take a look."
Hermione stood and peered into the full-length mirror that Ginny had charmed onto the door of the small room they were changing in.
She fingered her sleek curls and tilted her head, looking at her updo in the mirror. Ginny had swept it up into a side bun and left some ringlets trailing down over her shoulder. Her necklace was on full display and her makeup was tastefully subtle.
"I love it," Hermione gushed, turning to hug her friend happily. "I would be utterly lost without you, Ginerva Weasley."
Ginny giggled and nodded. "I know you would. Now go and double-check everything for the twentieth time while I do my makeup."
Hermione set off at once, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor as she rushed out, only to be met by a whole host of house elves who clearly had everything under control. She was shooed away by the elves and wandered over to the bar where the vampire Sebastian was setting up his bottles, whistling. She had to admit that he was rather dashing. He was wearing dress robes and had a flush to him that made her think that he'd probably fed before he arrived.
His eyes twinkled at her and she walked over. "Ah, the Veela mate," he said in his accented English.
Hermione flushed and put a hand over her mark, though it was hidden by the curls Ginny had left hanging down.
"How do you know?" she asked curiously.
He smiled at her and shrugged. "You smell like him," he said, tapping his nose. "Werewolves will know as well, but don't worry yourself. We stick together, us magical creatures. You secret is safe in this crowd."
Hermione smiled thankfully and gestured to the bar. "Do you need anything else?"
He smirked at her. "The redhead's attention?"
She laughed. "She is taken."
Sebastian snapped his fingers, looking forlorn. "A man can wish," he said, not sounding too upset.
Hermione grinned and shook her head. "Well, I am off to check on the food."
"That should annoy the elves," he said with a chuckle.
Hermione rolled her eyes and rushed off to his laughter.
OooOooOooO
By the time the guests were arriving, Ginny was adamant that they would always hire house elves from now on. Everything was done and all the two witches had to do was greet people as they arrived.
Hermione was speaking with a witch from France when she felt her mark tingle and heard softly in her mind:
"You look good enough to eat, my mate."
Hermione turned around and let out a little gasp as she saw Draco leaning against a wall, his eyes burning her with their intensity.
The witch looked amused when Hermione turned back around and then chuckled softly. "I would go and let him smell you before he causes a scene," the witch said with a wink.
Hermione started at that statement but nodded, moving swiftly over to Draco who grinned at her as she sighed at him. "Does everyone in this room know that we're mated?" she asked quietly.
Draco shrugged, his lips still grinning. "Probably," he said simply. "You smell like me and they can sense the Veela magic in you."
Hermione sighed again, looking a bit embarrassed. "Have they always been able to tell?"
Draco tilted his head thoughtfully and shrugged. "I don't honestly know. They might have, or it just might be noticeable to them now because the spell is breaking."
Hermione nodded and smiled at him, her hand going to her necklace. "Thank you for letting me borrow this lovely necklace," she said in a whisper, flushing a bit.
He nodded and looked at the sapphire nestled just above her breastbone. "It's not borrowed, love. It's yours."
Hermione shook her head in shock. "Oh no, Draco. I couldn't possibly keep such an expensive gift."
Draco rolled his eyes and stepped forward, settling his hand over hers at her neck. "I had it made for you, Hermione."
She knew her eyes were wide and she looked gobsmacked. "Draco!"
He snorted and grabbed her hand, placing it on his arm. "Introduce me to Ginny. I haven't seen her since school."
Hermione went silent and then sighed. "Harry will be with her," she said carefully.
Draco shrugged. "I know. We will need to confront him sooner or later," he said pragmatically. "Might as well be in public where he can't make a big scene. As long as the weasel isn't here, it should be fine."
Hermione grunted in annoyance and pinched his arm. "Mind your manners, and no. Ron couldn't make it."
"Pity," Draco said with a sneer.
Hermione sighed and waved at Ginny who turned and grinned, pulling Harry along to meet them halfway.
"Draco!" Ginny said in excitement, rushing forward with Harry alongside.
"Miss Weasley," Draco said with a slight bow.
Ginny giggled. "You know Harry, of course."
"Potter," Draco addressed him, his tone not unfriendly but certainly not friendly.
Harry gave Draco a hard stare and said, "Malfoy. What are you doing with Hermione?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Being a dear, sweet wizard and greeting you," Hermione said coolly as Ginny snorted.
"They are an item, Harry," Ginny said, her tone exasperated. "It's a story I might tell you if you mind your manners."
Draco snorted. "Funny, my witch just told me the same thing."
Ginny looked at him curiously. "What? To mind your manners?"
Draco inclined his head, looking bored. "Of course."
Potter growled a bit but stopped when Ginny stepped on his foot, hard. "Knock it off. Draco is important to Hermione and- trust me- you don't want to cross her over it."
Harry went red in the face but gave a curt nod before he turned stormy green eyes on Hermione. "I will expect an explanation tomorrow."
Hermione waved at him. "You are not my father, Harry Potter. However, if you would like to have lunch and catch up, that would be delightful."
Draco growled but quieted when she gave him a quelling look.
Ginny rolled her eyes and pulled Harry along. "Come on, we need to make the rounds."
Hermione turned with a raised eyebrow to look at Draco. "You can't still be jealous of Harry Potter?"
He flushed and swept her up into his arms. "Jealous of the time he has spent with you," he admitted sheepishly.
Hermione smiled at him. "You are important to me, Draco Malfoy. I may not remember everything yet but I know that."
She put her head on his chest and hugged him tightly as they danced, taking in his body heat and scent. When the dance ended, she looked up to see him looking a bit embarrassed.
"I was supposed to introduce you to my mother first thing and instead I danced with you."
She smiled widely. "I have met your mother, but I would love to see her in her dress."
Draco turned her, tucking her into his side and ignoring the interested looks from much of the ballroom as he glided her over to where Narcissa was holding court with Sebastian.
"He is a ridiculous flirt," Hermione said with a soft laugh.
Draco grunted and cleared his throat. "Mother," he said in a exasperated tone.
Narcissa turned with a smile and a glass of wine. "Ah, Draco, my love. I knew the bar would be a wonderful idea. I am so grateful Sebastian could fit the ball into his busy schedule," she winked at the man who grinned at her as he handed another witch a glass of wine.
"Popular enough with the older witches," Draco said in her head, causing her to giggle.
Narcissa narrowed her eyes at her son, as if knowing what he had done and smiled down at Hermione. "Hermione, dear, you look ravishing."
"Thank you. You did a fantastic job picking out my dress and your son sent me the necklace."
Narcissa smiled widely and nodded. "I shan't disown him then, for it is a lovely necklace."
Draco snorted softly and asked Sebastian. "How many glasses has she had already?"
Sebastian smirked. "I will never tell."
Hermione had to cover her laugh with her hand as mother and son had a bit of a stare-off before Narcissa turned away, obviously deciding to ignore her only son and smile back down at Hermione.
"How is everything going?" Narcissa asked, looking around with a pleased expression. "The elves did very well; everything looks wonderful."
Hermione smiled happily. "We've sold out! We're having to turn people away at the door. I can't understand it. We've never had such an amazing turnout before."
Narcissa's eyes flashed with glee. "I might have mentioned the ball to a few people."
"A few hundred people," Draco confirmed with amusement.
"At one hundred galleons per person and our stash of wine and firewhiskey to keep them happy, you will find it is well worth the price," Narcissa said with a delicate shrug.
"Thank you again for all of your help and donations," Hermione said sincerely.
Narcissa waved. "Oh think nothing of it, my dear. Now, off with the pair of you to dance the night away. I've already spoken with Miss Weasley and told her that I would be happy to help if anything comes up. You deserve some time to enjoy your youth, Hermione."
Hermione's eyes went wide as Draco bowed to his mother. "Mother, I adore you." Then he swept her up and away and did indeed dance the night away with her.
Notes:
I think we will find out what happens at midnight next chapter. Shouldn't we?
Thanks for the reviews and favorites and follows for this story. I hope you liked the chapter.
Cheers,
Cjean