He was Harry, smelled like Harry and talked like Harry.
What's with this behavior change?
Hermione couldn't quite say she disliked that. But his eyes quite unsettled her.
Hermione was too lost in her thoughts that she forgot the charm the compartment door and furiously took off her clothes.
What has happened to Harry? Why were his eyes black? Has he indulged himself in Dark Arts? A shiver ran down Hermione's spine. He would never do that, she knew. But what other explanation could be there for his eyes? They changed back to his usual green. She didn't have any idea at all; her extensive knowledge didn't even cover symptoms like that.
So what was going on?
She needed answers.
She didn't realize she stopped undressing as she was still in her brassiere and jeans and snapped out of her daze when the compartment door opened. Someone, probably a male, gave a sound akin to a snarl.
She turned around abruptly and pulled her shirt to the front to cover her assets and prepared herself to severely reprimand whoever it was.
But it was Harry.
His onyx gaze was fixed on the fist where her shirt was clutched as if he wanted to remove it. He took a small step towards her; she automatically took a step back. Her instincts and her eyes told her that he was seconds away from pouncing.
He regarded her in such a lustful and darkened gaze that Hermione felt a knot tightening in her stomach. He was observing her in such a way, taking in every single detail from her face to her body. Hermione felt a blast of anxiety and fear with a little portion of a feminine pride.
"Sorry, but you should have locked it." Harry growled as his obsidian receded to his normal green and turned away and closed the compartment door.
Hermione sank down on her knees and breathed a deep sigh of relief, letting the feeling come back in her legs as she got up and locked the compartment door. That gaze… it knocked her breathless.
Harry panted against the door, relieved that his robes hid the painful hard on he was having. Hermione looked so pretty, pretty didn't even cover it. Her exquisite beauty had no match. Her creamy ivory skin looked so silky soft. Those round and soft curves will fit his hands nicely as he will massage them. Her curvy shapely hips will be on the mercy of his hands when he would be spilling his seed inside her.
Potter, not helping!
He wiped a thin layer of sweat from his face. But one question for sure. Was she always this beautiful? He didn't notice this at all in all these years. Did his mind cloud the reality as he thought Hermione was totally out of bounds when Ron fancied her?
He shook his head and knocked on the compartment door.
"Come in," Hermione said. Harry sheepishly entered, his mind on the Veela mode to appease his mate in any way possible and ran a hand through his hair.
"Hey, Hermione I am sorry-" Harry started but Hermione cut him off.
"It's alright Harry. It was my fault anyway." Hermione said nonchalantly as she sat down. Harry here didn't know that he should feel relieved at Hermione forgiving him or frustrated at the lack of reaction. Hermione, on the other hand, hoped that she sounded as normal as she was attempting to when she looked at Harry's deep frown.
"You have got some explaining to do, I believe?" Hermione continued as Harry took his seat beside Hermione. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed.
"Harry, at least tell me it isn't serious. I am worried, your eyes-" Hermione stopped as Harry clasped her hand in his big calloused hands.
"Don't worry Mya. It's isn't anything serious… yet," Harry whispered the last word, but by their closeness, Hermione heard him. She opened her mouth but Harry cut her off.
"Professor McGonagall will explain it all to you. Fleur will be there too. They will explain it," Harry assured his mate, touching her cheek with the pad of his thumb. His Veela didn't like his mate's distress, but to hell with it. Harry never liked Hermione distressed. Her heartbeat was a little unstable, but he knew that it was out of worry for him. She has always been worrying for him for seven years, but with Voldemort gone, he just wanted to see her happy.
He kissed her forehead and looked her in the eyes.
"I am okay," Harry whispered. Hermione nodded reluctantly, slightly assured by the striking color of his emerald eyes.
"What Fleur got to do with this?" Hermione asked with a frown.
"Everything. Just be patient, everything will be explained," Harry replied and took Hermione's shoulder by his arm and gazed at the Hogsmeade village which was starting to become visible.
Harry walked out of the compartment door, his hands snaking on his Hermione's waist possessively, pulling her closer. He let out a low snarl whenever someone looked at her or even glanced at her, be it a male or female. He glared daggers at a fifth year who gave a wolf whistle to the Head Girl. It took his every ounce of self-control not to tackle him then and there and tear his limbs apart. He glared at the girls who glared at Hermione; one bint was brave enough to shove roughly past Hermione.
Ron's eyes widened comically as he regarded his friends, his eyes stuck where Harry's arm was wrapped securely around Hermione's waist. Luna smirked and nodded at Hermione, who smiled back. Harry looked at them curiously, there was surely something going on between them.
"I am curious. Is there something going on that we should know?" Luna asked in her trademark dreamy voice. Hermione blushed and stuttered as she tried to separate herself from Harry, but his grip was so firm that she could hardly struggle.
"N-No Luna, w-we aren't…" Hermione's blush deepened. Harry smirked at his mate's adorable face.
"No Luna we aren't," yet, hopefully. Harry added mentally.
They walked out of the train. Harry couldn't help but eye-fuck Hermione. Her uniform was normal like every year, but his Veela senses made him see Hermione in a new light. Her skirt was a few inch higher than her normal length, her knee length socks doing justice to the amount of skin she was showing. Her robes were a little tighter so he could make out her perfect curves. Those perfect curves which will bounce when he will pump inside her-
"Hey, Harry?"
"Mm-hmm?"
"I want to talk to Luna for a while, so…" Hermione squirmed as she tried to let go of his hold. Harry let go reluctantly, but smirked as he got a reward to admire her arse as she walked towards the blonde. It soon turned into a small frown when Ron came by his side. He nodded and smiled at Ron, while looking out for Hermione, who was chatting enthusiastically with Luna, Ginny joining them too.
"Mate, what's with you and Hermione?" Ron asked as he saw Hermione happily chatting with Ginny. Harry didn't want to hide it or anything; he at least owed Ron that.
"I am attracted to her, so I am acting on it." Harry said bluntly. Ron ogled at Harry to judge whether he was serious. He was, so Ron narrowed his eyes.
"You know she is my ex-girlfriend," Ron muttered. Harry gave a smirk to prevent a growl escape his lips. She wasn't his fucking property, or anyone's property on that matter.
"'Ex-' is the operative prefix Ron. She is not your property; she will date whomever she wants. And you had hurt her enough, so why bother now? I wouldn't hurt her," Harry said this all in a very light voice and a very hopeful grin to hide his insults. He had a pleasure to see Ron chasten. Good, she never deserved him anyway. He had only made her cry numerous times than he made her smile. Now he remembered, he has never made her smile.
The main cause of her distress is Ron.
And his Veela hated him for that. Still, Harry wanted to keep whatever was left of their friendship.
Ron didn't say anything till they walked to the carriage. Harry heard many gasps from his sharp senses as they met the threstals.
They walked to the table and Harry sat beside Hermione. Hermione blushed.
Isn't he being too intimate…? Then also in the train, he kept giving her lustful stares, he even pulled her onto his lap. Is he trying to be closer, does he want something more than platonic? Or is this just his so-called brotherly feelings?
At that Hermione gave an internal snort. Yeah, I was just like a sister to him anyway. He never showed any interest in her, and she liked him since her first year. She decided she will move on and find someone else. True, she loved Ron for a while, but it didn't work out. They spent most of the time fighting and hurting each other. They decided to call it off, and they were both grateful for it, since they wanted to preserve their friendship.
Ginny and Harry never got together after the war. But that didn't mean she should get her hopes high. She was always attracted to Harry and she found out today that she was still attracted to Harry.
Sorting went by just like that as Hermione was distracted contemplating Harry's strange behavior. Was it related with these new strange changes in Harry physique?
"Hey Hermione…" Ron asked.
"Hmm?" Hermione asked snapping her attention to Ron.
"Do you know what happened in the sorting?" Ron asked with a smirk as McGonagall gave her speech.
"Of course, seven Gryffindors, eight Hufflepuffs, six Ravenclaws and seven Slytherins." Hermione mumbled distractedly. Ron gazed at her in pure astonishment and mildly bewildered stare.
"How can she do that? She wasn't even paying attention!" Ron said in disbelief, Hermione rolled her eyes. Harry smirked.
"That's my Mya," he whispered to Hermione before he could stop himself. Hermione's eyes widened comically. She looked at Harry, who just blushed and snaked an arm around her waist.
She hoped she get her answers soon, otherwise she will go bonkers by his actions. She can't sit with him and like a twit get her hopes high. Moving on after a break up with Ron was very easy. But Harry, he had a special place in her heart. If he even asked her to date him, she would practically squeal and say yes.
"Come on Mya, let's eat," Harry smiled as he grabbed a plate and started plating her food.
"Hey, I can do that," Hermione blushed as she took the plate from Harry. Harry gave it to her without any complaints and shrugged.
"Well, you haven't, so I helped," Harry said, keeping an eye that Hermione ate properly. She still looked skinny after the war. Hermione rolled her eyes but ate.
Harry noticed Ron was looking at them, slightly annoyed but turned to his food, his favorite companion, which could even make him betray his friends like he did during their run, Harry thought bitterly. He may have got himself a brilliant excuse of Horcrux messing with his emotions and seek Hermione's forgiveness, but Harry knew better. He always complained about food, Horcrux or not. Jealousy being another factor that Harry had been observing from their fourth year. Horcrux just served to fuel up his emotions, but that didn't mean that he didn't mean all that he said.
Harry shook his head and paid more attention to Hermione and his food, checking on intervals that she ate properly. He was too busy gazing at his mate that he didn't even notice Ginny's half jealous and half-interested look.
They walked out after dinner and were stopped by Headmistress, Professor McGonagall on the way.
"Potter and Granger, follow me. We need to talk," McGonagall said in her all to familiar stern voice as she walked to the Gargoyle.
"It's good to see you two back at Hogwarts," Professor told them abruptly, her back still facing them, but they could imagine a small smile playing on their Headmistress's thin lips. Harry and Hermione shared a smile.
"It's good to see too Professor," they both said together as they walked up the stairs.
Hermione gazed at the office, a little altered from Dumbledore's style. The office was impeccable like McGonagall's style but she liked the mysterious aura around Dumbledore's office with that different objects, who knows dark or not. But her office was as always, enough to set her at ease. She turned to Harry, who was gazing at her with those black eyes. She gave a little gasp.
Those black eyes always managed to surprise her and scare her a little. Harry gave a little start at her gasp and turned away. Hermione gazed at him curiously but turned too to meet the occupants of the office, Bill being one of them, who were staring quite intently with what seemed like their breaths held.
"Please take a seat Granger, Potter," McGonagall beckoned towards Fleur and a rather beautiful blonde woman who looked a like Fleur. Hermione realized with a slight surprise that it was Fleur's mother. Hermione gave a nod of greeting to both of them as only two seats were free, left side of Fleur's mother and right side of Fleur. She opted for the one beside Fleur.
She looked at Harry surprised, who asked Fleur to shift over a seat. She obliged with twinkling eyes and almost a proud look on her face as her mother and she moved over and Harry sat beside Hermione, looking intently at Professor McGonagall and not meeting Hermione's gaze. Hermione gave a silent huff in frustration, which made Harry catch her eyes, giving her an apologetic look. She narrowed her eyes, he heard that? She turned to McGonagall when she cleared her throat.
"Do you know why are you called her Miss. Granger? Did Mr. Potter say anything to you?" McGonagall asked with her lips pressed in a stern line, but her eyes betrayed her curiosity and a small flicker of amusement. Hermione shook her head.
"No Professor. Harry didn't tell me anything," Hermione answered, feeling a little self-conscious at all the gazes burning holes in her body. She felt like she was the only one unaware of what was going on.
She hated not knowing. And Harry knew that all to well.
Because he saw that quite well and clasped her hand into his big, strong ones and squeezed it once. Hermione looked at Harry impassively.
A horrifying thought suddenly struck Harry's brain. What if she rejects him? Veela or not, would he be able to live that?
No.
She never rejected him, never left his side at his ordeal. Would she do it now? Would she be willing to permanently bind her mind, body and soul with him and him only? He wanted her to, but he can't force her, even if it sounded tempting. She was his Hermione, he just can't force her and hurt her. If he wanted Hermione, he wanted her to be as much of a willing participant in this sacred bond as he is. It was him that was hurting at the idea of Hermione rejecting him for the first time in his entire life. He was incomplete and lost without her.
He just realized how much he treasured her, how much he loved her.
"Do you know anything about Veelas, Miss. Granger?" McGonagall asked with a deep scrutiny in her eyes. Hermione looked sad and devastated when she found herself unable to answer the Professor's question for the very first time. Harry gave a small snicker, now that was Hermione.
"I didn't expect you to, Miss. Granger. I know we aren't provided with the information in our extensive Hogwarts Library," McGonagall assured Hermione. Hermione nodded sadly. Professor smiled her small smile.
"I believe Miss. Delacour, Mrs. Delacour and Mr. Potter would be able to carry on from here?" McGonagall said with the small smile widening for the first time as she regarded Hermione, Harry and Fleur with unhidden fascination.
Hermione cast her gaze at now anxious Harry and smirking Fleur and felt someone clasp her shoulder. It was Fleur's mother as she smiled down at her.
"I believe we have talking to do, dear one," Fleur's mother spoke with a light French accent, a friendly smile with soft blue green eyes staring at her chocolate brown ones. Hermione nodded mutely with a blush and let herself be pulled by the enthusiastic and beautiful lady. She was eager to get her answers and to get away from all the gazes who eyed her like some specimen or a caged animal in a zoo. Bill being one of them with Professor Snape who was quiet this whole time and Professor McGonagall surprisingly included in the list.
But who could blame them? This was the first time they had seen a male Veela interact with his mate. It was so fascinating and adorable, sweetness added as the Veela was Harry and mate was Hermione. Bill followed after his wife and closed the door.
"I always knew they were going to get together," McGonagall said with a proud smirk. Professor Snape sneered.
McGonagall ignored him.
"You know Severus, she always reminded me of Lily." McGonagall said with a faraway look in her eyes. Snape didn't deny that as there was so much truth to it, he himself reminiscing the past. Lily also had a tendency to be a know-it-all too, and Severus always found it quite endearing.
Maybe Potters were ingrained to be attracted to smart, witty and beautiful witches, Snape thought bitterly.
Hermione sat down on the sofa, fidgeting nervously as Harry took a seat on the left while Fleur's mother on her right.
"I don't believe we are needed right now?" Fleur asked her mother with a smile. Fleur's mother grinned and crossed her legs.
"No you aren't Fleur dear, so you can continue your tonsil Quidditch which I so rudely interrupted before," Fleur's mother said mischievously as both husband and wife blushed and excused themselves out of the office hastily. Hermione was blushing as well as she looked over at the classical French beauty. She had glossy brown hair with blue colored eyes. She was so different from Fleur, but she could see some resemblance between them.
"So where were we Miss. Granger?" Fleur's mother asked sweetly as she took Hermione's hand in hers.
"About Veelas, Mrs. Delacour," Hermione replied politely with a shy smile.
"Call me Esperanza, dear" Esperanza said with a soft smile. Hermione tilted her head slightly.
"Only if you call me Hermione," said Hermione. Esperanza's smile widened and she gave a small nod at Harry, to which Harry smiled proudly. Of course, his mate is able to impress anyone. She wasn't the Brightest Witch of Her Age for nothing. She was brilliant, amazing and-and just perfect.
"Harry would like to tell you something," Esperanza said as she looked at Harry. Hermione turned and cocked an eyebrow. She gave him a 'now you have to tell me Potter, or else' look. Harry ducked his head lower and gulped.
"Er… I am a Veela?" Harry said. Hermione frowned at him; he could almost hear the clogs of her brain working. Her frown only grew deeper and deeper.
"How?" Hermione asked Harry in a demanding voice. Now that would explain, he was surely handsome before, but now he had turned handsomer with his skinny figure replaced with those delicious, rippling muscles-
Now is not the time, Hermione Jean Granger!
Hermione raised her eyebrows as Harry stumbled on his explanation, the crease between her brows flattening by the time Harry finished explaining, relieved.
"Oh, so that was all? You are a Veela? Is there something I should know about them?" Hermione asked at still troubled expression on Harry's face. He cleared his throat.
"We Veelas… have mates Hermione, like mates for their life. They react to only that person; hence the changed color of my eyes…like Bill is Fleur's mate. Mrs. Delacour-"
"Just Esperanza, dear," Mrs. Delacour said with a mild admonishing tone.
"Esperanza is Mr. Delacour's mate, who is also a male Veela. Our mate is the love of our life, we can't live without them. So if I don't bond with my mate until 21, I die," Harry finished. Hermione just sat there, shocked and devastated as the word 'die' hit her hard. She blinked back tears.
No, no she finally thought that Harry won the peaceful life he deserved after he defeated Voldemort. She was happy for him that he won't be living in dread anymore. It shattered her heart when she saw that gaunt expression in their Horcrux hunt, like he had given up hope to live. To be happy.
"No, no don't cry Mya. Hush, Mya, please don't," Harry pulled Hermione to his chest, patting her hair, her head tucked below his chin as she sobbed uncontrollably on Harry's chest. He looked at Esperanza pleadingly, to help calm down his mate. She looked at Harry for a moment and shook her head, getting up and giving them their time alone. She gave them one last look.
"I am just outside in the office," was all she said with a small smile and closed the door silently.
Hermione felt like an idiot. Harry needed the assurance and help, not her. But her heart was breaking for this boy, no a man, her best friend for seven years. But here she was crying uncontrollably in his arms. She was being weak and she would weaken him too, with that she tried to calm herself down with a deep breath.
"W-Why a-always y-you Harry…" Hermione said in a broken voice as she calmed down. Harry smiled sadly. Oh how much she wished that she could share the load of pain Harry has experienced in his life. Hermione gathered all of her courage and separated herself from Harry's warm embrace, immediately missing his warmth.
"We'll find your mate Harry," Hermione said in a determinant voice as she sat straight and looked at Harry, she smiled at him reassuringly.
"I will help you, of course," Hermione assured him. Harry sighed. He was slightly distressed by the scent of her tears, so he shuddered when Hermione patted his arm.
"I know who my mate is," Harry started slowly, gazing at her with those piercing emerald eyes. Hermione sighed in relief.
"That's all too better. Is she at Hogwarts? I will help you… wait," Hermione frowned in concentration at Harry's intense obsidian gaze.
They only react to that person; hence the changed color of my eyes…
Hermione gasped as she stared wordlessly at Harry, who was just assessing her reaction with an unreadable expression. She didn't say anything; she wanted to hear from his mouth.
"You are my mate Hermione," Harry dropped the bombshell.
Hermione gazed at the coffee table in front of them. She was Harry's mate, and she didn't even know the meaning behind it, but she knew it was something deep judging everyone's reactions. She didn't know whether to be relieved and happy at being Harry's mate or sad at being the only one for each other, then he was stuck with her. But a huge, very huge part of her was happy to be his mate.
"Oh," was all Hermione said.
"S-So, you are… rejecting me?" Harry asked hesitantly as he ran a hand through his hair. He sounded dejected, like he had been expecting it.
"No!" Hermione stood up and shouted in surprise. Harry looked at her with wide eyes.
"I mean, no Harry. I am not," Hermione said with a blush as she took a seat beside him and tucked a stray curl which often hovered Hermione's face, behind her ear. Harry frowned.
"I don't want to force you Hermione. You don't have to do this if you are just trying to save me. I just can't ignore your wishes okay?" Harry said with mild exasperation. Hermione just stared at him.
"Harry, I just can't let you die, okay? I am trying to save you here, but trust me, I don't mind it one bit. You can't even imagine how I am feeling right now," Hermione said with a smile on her face. Harry relaxed slightly but was still looking at her worriedly.
"Then you should talk to Mrs. Delacour Hermione," Harry said with a soft voice. He was anxious to see her reaction when she comes to know about his urges. Hermione gave him a confused frown.
"It's Esperanza Harry," Mrs. Delacour called from the office. Hermione's eyes narrowed.
"She can hear us… and you can too," Hermione stated with realization dawning on her face. Harry nodded.
"We have sharp senses, just like people with Lycanthropy do. Like we can smell loads of things now and hear even the smallest of sounds," Harry explained. Hermione looked amazed and looked at Harry curiously.
"That's amazing Harry, although I still feel it is an invasion of privacy… but amazing nonetheless," Hermione said with awe. Harry shook his head. You have no idea, Harry thought. As much as he hated this gift and the frustration he had to go through to control his Veela senses, charms and magic for a month, he came to love it the moment Hermione's scent hit his nose, he came to adore it when her arousal invited and intoxicated Harry's mind and senses. He could almost taste it on his tongue, it left him all hot, irritated and largely anticipating to what her come would taste like, would it be as delectable and sweet as her scent is?
"I think I should let you talk with Mrs. De- Esperanza alone. You should have some talk about… er her experiences with a male Veela," Harry rubbed the nape of his neck and got up. He stood there, contemplating something and then ducked and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.
Hermione couldn't help but find it… sweet. She blushed.
"You can borrow the book from me afterwards, if you want to," that was the most stupid concluding line Potter. Of course she wants to read!
Hermione beamed and hugged him in her infamous bear hug.
"Thanks Harry!" Hermione said excitedly. Harry inhaled deeply at the cinnamon scent of his mate hitting his nose. He could bite her now, her pulse point was throbbing so enticingly, like inviting him to bite and make her his forever. He looked at the small mole near her jawline and couldn't resist the urge.
He placed a feather light, but very there, kiss on her mole.
Hermione gasped at the warm but soft sensation of Harry's lips near her jawline. Harry let her go and raced outside the room before she could face him.
Speed… Hermione added to her observation list. She took a deep breath and walked to the office.