"Have a seat belle," Esperanza patted the chair beside her. Hermione nodded and took a seat. She politely declined the tea offered to her.
Esperanza silently sipped her tea, looking mildly distracted and placed the cup on the saucer, the light clinking of ceramic filling the room. Hermione fidgeted nervously at her calculating gaze. Harry sounded somewhat strange when he recommended that she should have a talk with her. It was almost like he was convinced, for some reasons that she would reject him for sure. While mildly distracting herself from the burning teal eyes at Harry's behavior, she was broken out of her reverie at the light clinking of the tea cup as Esperanza placed it down on the coffee table.
"Calm down," Esperanza said with a childlike grin. Hermione was so surprised, she sounded so much like Ron that it almost made her admonish Esperanza.
Esperanza leaned back against the chair, a picture of ease.
She surely didn't act her age.
"I-I believe I shouldn't be worried Esperanza? About Harry I mean?" Hermione asked hesitantly. Esperanza looked at Hermione curiously as she sipped her tea again.
"Aren't you worried about yourself Hermione?" Esperanza asked softly. She placed her cup on the saucer and placed it on the table when Hermione gave her a confused look. She leaned towards her, momentarily surprising the young witch as she took her hands in her own and gazed at Hermione intensely, concern evident in her eyes.
"Veelas are sexual creatures Hermione. When the concept of mates comes here, their feelings run too deep for them, they are extremely possessive and lustful for their mates. I am not trying to scare you here; I am just making you aware of these things you must know. Harry's Veela will get… restless to put it mildly, when you interact with males until the Bond. He would want to dominate you; I can see him fighting it. Your scent is the most potent scent for him on this earth. He would only love you and want to Bond with you, which I may inform is consummation and a bite for some of your blood. You would be tied with him when the bonding ritual is complete, a conjugal of sorts. I know because I was here at your place at some point," Esperanza took a deep breath as her eyes glazed with memories.
Hermione quietly took all of this in, eager to collect as much information as possible. She understood it when they talked about Bonding, but when Mrs. Delacour talked like that, it created small amount of apprehension in Hermione's heart, should she be afraid. Many emotions swirled around her, clogging her logical thinking and bordering her to nervousness.
Conjugal… mating… bond… sex… biting…
Marriage.
Sounds terribly kinky.
"Will Harry try to hurt me?"
Esperanza looked surprised at that.
"He wouldn't imagine hurting you Hermione. It would devastate him if he tried to hurt you, which I assure you he would never. If other people try to hurt you, he might kill them. But that's whole another point," Esperanza waved a hand nonchalantly. Hermione gaped at her.
"It's true." Esperanza confirmed. Hermione snapped her mouth shut and rubbed her temples. It was suddenly too much to take in.
"How did you find out that Mr. Delacour is your mate?" Hermione asked curiously even if her voice sounded tired.
"Hmm… He tried to rape me when he first smelled my scent," Esperanza said as if commenting on the weather. Hermione's eyes widened and her mouth fell open.
Esperanza chuckled.
"I was scared and kicked him there! I tried to run away but he healed fast. He started saying that how much he loved me and wanted to make love to me. It took four boys to tear him away and calm him down. He apologized to me later when he calmed down and told me all about Veelas. I was tempted to let him die," Esperanza giggled.
"But then I got interested at the mate for life concept. I thought – why don't I give a try? I decided to date him and here I am, very much in love with my husband," Esperanza said with a fond smile. Hermione wore a small smile of her own.
"Harry didn't try something like that with you did he?" Esperanza said abruptly with a frown.
"Oh no. He was totally normal and chatting with me. He was just staring at me… in lust now that I realize," Hermione whispered as she remembered a rather embarrassing memory of her coming right after Harry left the compartment. She was so aroused when he saw her like that…
Oh no… wait…
Now she was horrified. Did he smell her…?
"Oh… did you feel aroused?" Esperanza asked with a sympathetic look. Hermione nodded with a blush that seemed to stain her cheeks forever.
"That must be the Veela charms dear. Did you feel sometimes when you were suddenly very attracted to Harry? Yes, that must be it. Fleur told me she taught him how to control it. Don't get angry at him belle, he is still learning and can't help it. Young Veelas tend to let go of their control when they are alone with their mate," Esperanza said in placating tone. Hermione's anger evaporated at that and sighed in relief. She decided to ask to the question that had been nagging her mind the most.
"You are a mate. Then how were you able to hear us from inside?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Astute of you. Veela's venom gives us some of their abilities, not much, but somewhat heightened. A Veela's venom can't affect his mate, but it might kill other people or in some cases of uniquely eerie luck, change them to a Veela," Esperanza and Hermione shared a laugh.
"Sure, Harry's luck is like that,"
"He looks so much like his great grandfather," Esperanza agreed. They sat in comfortable silence. Esperanza got up with a rather satisfied look on her face. Silent agreement passed between them and the mood got lighter.
"Let's go back dear one. Shall we?" Esperanza asked sweetly. Hermione gave a nod with a smile, whatever Esperanza was looking for, it seems like she found it. They two women left the office.
"Stop fidgeting Potter, it's giving me a severe headache," Snape drawled in his trademark cold voice, sneering down at Harry. Harry just sighed and leaned back in the chair, thinking better than wasting his energy on getting angry at Snape.
But he couldn't help it! It was the decision of his life going on inside! Plus it was Hermione! If she ever rejected him, Veela or not, he wouldn't be able to live that.
"Calm yourself Potter. I have confidence about this, I think she will accept, regardless your… ahem, issues," McGonagall said with an amused smirk. Harry blushed.
"You two are going to be Head Boy and Head Girl, living in Head Dorms together will ease you and let you think things through this whole year," McGonagall said happily. Harry couldn't help but notice after becoming Headmistress; she started to be more easygoing, trying to set the students at ease. He smiled at that, rather nervously…
…Hang on a moment… rewind Potter.
You two are going to be Head Boy and Head Girl, living in Head Dorms together will ease you and let you think things through this whole year.
So see it technically or eventually, she wants to leave Hermione's virtue, alone in a Dorm, with a randy Veela who just want to jump the bones of his mate. So he will have sleepless nights preventing himself from sneaking in Hermione's room and getting his way with her.
To be brief, she wants Hermione to interactwith him.
…Bleeding hell, he would hurt her!
Before Harry could complain, or even open his mouth in that matter, the door of the office opened, revealing Esperanza whistling and beckoning a shy Hermione inside and gave her a gentle push beside Harry.
Harry frowned, looking at Hermione in concern, her cheeks were tinted rosy and she blinked rapidly.
"Are you alright?" Harry asked worriedly. Hermione snapped her head up; he could hear her heart speed up.
"I-I am fine Harry," Hermione tried to smile. Harry gulped, was he seeing the first stir of fear here?
"Just a little embarrassed Harry. Don't worry," Hermione continued, noticing the dejected look on Harry's face. He nodded slowly, still keeping an eye out for her. Esperanza sighed.
"Ah… young love… I may take my leave Professor; I have to deal with my daughter and my son-in-law. They must be lurking somewhere in Hogwarts premises," Esperanza clapped her hands at the blushing and stuttering couple and smiled at McGonagall, who smiled back and stood up as Esperanza left. Harry snickered as he heard some of her grumblings.
"She was muttering something about hunting them out of broom closets, cussing in French and vowing that she will dig up their grave if she found them in the Library." Harry pressed the back of his hand at his mouth at Snape's glare. Hermione fought a laugh back.
"So let's go and have a look at your dorms, shall we?" McGonagall said in a stern yet slightly cheerful tone and lead the way, Hermione and Harry following behind with curious stares.
The walked to the Portrait of a Mermaid, she swam out of the pond and posed herself seductively on the stone, her long auburn hair covering her chest and flicked her scaly green tail in the water. She looks like Ariel from Little Mermaid, Hermione thought.
"Amelia," McGonagall greeted the Mermaid. Mermaid just nodded and eyed Hermione and Harry – especially Harry – curiously. Hermione, for some unknown reason, didn't like that at all. Alright, she can't just be jealous of a Portrait now, right?
"You can choose the password of your choice. Now being Head Boy and Head Girl, I expect you to promote unity between houses. I believe that you being my favorite students, will fully devote yourself to your duties and set a great example for students. For now, I will take my leave," McGonagall said and walked away. Harry stared at Hermione, who was scowling at the mermaid. The mermaid was winking at him.
"What password for you dear?" Amelia asked in a throaty voice.
"Er… you choose Hermione."
"Concordia," Hermione said clearly. The mermaid pouted at Harry but nodded politely. The portrait door swung open.
Harry waited for Hermione to go inside and then walked inside as well. To say the dorm was nice was an understatement.
It was magnificent, the finest Gryffindor red curtains hung with the fireplace and a big red Gryffindor colored couch placed on a plush and intricately designed thick rug which made Harry almost imagine a combined studying session with Hermione and lots of love making. There was a mahogany dinner table, with a small yet beautiful kitchenette and a fruit bowl placed innocently on the table. There were stairs descending from the two sides. Harry took the left one, while Hermione took the right one.
Harry reached the door of his room, just eight feet away from Hermione's. The golden plating was engraved with black marking: Harry Potter, Head Boy.
It was so prettily done, Hermione could almost imagine her homework sessions at the coffee table on the thick rug downstairs in front of the comfortable fireplace. What surprised her most was the kitchenette there filled with appropriate utensils. She can cook here with her heartiest content. She had worked on her cooking since their Horcrux hunt, determined to improve it, since circumstances could arise at any point of her life. She should know basic survival skills.
She climbed the staircase slowly, reaching the door room which was engraved with blank ink on the golden plating: Hermione Granger, Head Girl.
She smiled, a bit proud and grateful that Professor McGonagall had given her this opportunity, since they are repeating the year. She hoped that it would be a quiet and nice year with lots of reading she could do here in the Hogwarts Library, since it's her last year.
She felt the pinprickle of Harry's gaze and turned to look at him. He nodded at her and went inside.
Yeah, she has some problems here too.
She has to prepare herself. She had to become Harry's lover in all state, mind, body and soul. She won't let him die, for all he had fought; going away in vain was unacceptable.
With a deep breath, she entered the room.
The first thing that came to her mind was that that she was grateful they have done the walls in soft blue. It was a very comforting color, and was a good change from the mind swirling colors of Gryffindor red everywhere. She lightly touched the soft wall with her fingers as she explored the room.
Her trunk was lying on the front of her bed, ready to be at the mercy of Hermione's hands. There was a nice large wardrobe with an elegant vanity table beside her bed, beside that there was a nice bookshelf. There was another door on the left side, indicating the bathroom. Hermione was awed, but didn't feel like exploring the bathroom right now.
She had read about this corner of the castle in the Library. It originally belonged to the Founders of Hogwarts. The real Head Boy and Girl's room were taken by the seventh year students and she knew this dorm was specially created for them. Something also told her it was bigger and beautifully done than the real dorms.
But she was happy with these arrangements. Very, very happy.
She took of her robes and folded them neatly on the bed. Not much in the mood of setting her wardrobe up, she concentrated or a minute and waved her wand in numerous direction, resulting in the clothes neatly folded and placed inside the wardrobe, her beaded bag taking a small secretive corner. She did another flick with more concentration, this time her toiletries and her beauty products set on the Vanity table. Another flick and all of her books went to the bookshelf.
She took her folded robes to the wardrobe and placed them inside, picking up the laundry basket that elves use to carry out like always when the dirty clothes are dumped and placed it beside the bathroom door. (She hated the idea of letting the elves work, but what choice did she have? There were no washing machines in Hogwarts!)
With that done, she unceremoniously jumped on the bed and sighed in contentment, relishing the softness of the mattress.
She thought about the unfairness to the other students when they are provided with the commodities. No, she had earned it, so has Harry.
And maybe they will need a lot of time alone, Hermione thought with a blush staining her cheeks.
She can't tell anyone about this Veela stuff. Harry has hardly had a peaceful life after he killed Voldemort; people pestered him all way along. She was pestered too, and now she felt how Harry used to manage it.
Who knows what bollocks the Daily Prophet will print just to get a piece of the famous Harry Potter? Honestly, they should get a life and leave him alone. Didn't they understand they were just making his life harder? But the world was like that, life was like that, always unfair…
"Hey Hermione?" Harry barged in enthusiastically and stopped midway when he saw Hermione lying with her legs spread carelessly on the bed, her arms splayed and she stared at the ceiling. She gave a nod of acknowledgement to Harry and got up.
She saw Harry giving an appreciative look at her room.
"My room is in green color, can you imagine?" Harry said with a soft chuckle. Hermione nodded.
"You know this color was supposed to be my house color, but Sorting Hat placed me in Gryffindor on my request," Hermione whispered. Harry just stood there, both of them staring into each other's eyes. Harry tentatively walked to the queen sized bed.
"Can I join?" Harry asked with some wavering confidence. Hermione gave him a wide eyed look.
"Or maybe not-" Harry walked back, flustered. Hermione recovered from her shock and berated herself for her mistake.
"Come on," Hermione murmured and scooted. He looked back at her and lied down beside her with a small smile on his face. Both of them stared at the ceiling, comfortable in each others company like they always were. Hermione just thought that things were going to be strange with Harry after the revelations, but they only got closer. She felt more comforted and safe than before, basking his presence and the shower of ease and lightness it provided.
"My room is in the color Sorting Hat wanted to put me in," Harry said softly, still staring at the ceiling, feeling Hermione's shock, but mildly surprised when she didn't comment.
"That doesn't change the fact that you are the greatest wizard I have ever met. Screw Slytherin, I think you are more Gryffindor," Hermione said. Harry grinned and turned to stare at her, his eyes roaming around her face. She smiled. They both stared at each other, observing each other's features closely at the small distance that separated them, discovering new and old things.
The scar was still etched on his forehead like a lightening bolt, the messy black hair still adorably and now very alluringly messy. His aristocratic yet soft features he got from his father with the glittering bright green eyes she had ever seen. Those beautiful eyes always seemed to enrapture her and made her gaze at them forever. She felt more mesmerized by those eyes when he wasn't wearing his glasses. They were so pretty and expressive that she couldn't help but gaze at them in wonder.
Harry noticed every little detail of Hermione's face, taking in her cute nose which was perfectly set on her face. Her rosy lips spread in a small smile as she stared into his eyes. Those chocolate brown with amber specks stared at him with relief and content. Her golden brown locks fell over her cheek slightly, making him want to tuck them behind her ear. That mole was obscured by the silky locks of her hair. He was listening to her breath, comforting him in a very Veela way.
"Harry, Mrs. Delacour told me many things, and also… about your Veela urges to mate with me," Hermione started quietly, but Harry heard her very easily. He held his breath and let her continue.
"Harry, am… am I causing any kind of discomfort for you? I mean… a-are you in any sort of pain? Is it becoming too hard to control?" Hermione shot question after questions, a frown of worry ever present between her brows. Harry exhaled and took a deep breath again before answering.
"You aren't causing any sort of discomfort for me Hermione; in fact it's quite the opposite. About the pain, no I am not. Control… I am controlling right now. You don't want to know what I am thinking right now. But I want to exercise control Hermione, I won't let this Veela shite take over me. I will protect you, even from me," Harry whispered, determination evident in his voice. Hermione grabbed his hand.
"Harry… I want to explore a relationship with you, before we mate. I want to take things slowly. Is that okay with you?" Hermione asked worriedly. Harry froze, which Hermione guessed to be shock and bitter disappointment. She grew a bit dreary.
Harry looked fiercely happy.
"Will you Hermione? We will take things in your pace okay? I would love to be in a relationship with you," Harry grinned. Hermione smiled back, his happiness affecting her. She was relieved, hugely relieved. She has all this time to prepare herself and save Harry.
"Perhaps… it will be bit awkward?" Hermione questioned thoughtfully.
"Yeah you're right… I mean best friends don't really date. We can wait-"
"It's okay Harry. I want to date you. Better start as early as possible." Hermione said hesitantly. She didn't know what would Harry say to that, but the idea of dating Harry was appealing.
"Are you sure-"
"I will say it again, you are a fanciable bloke Harry." she whispered with a smile. Whatever she did, Harry's eyes took the black onyx color she was slowly familiarizing herself to, staring at her darkly. He placed a hand on her cheek and swiped her hair away, revealing her neck. He scooted closer, his eyes never leaving hers. She was a prisoner, captive to his onyx eyes. As much as she loved his eyes which glittered like emeralds, this black onyx eyes made her shiver from head to toe when they looked at her like that, taking in her every small movement. His gazes felt animal, predatory, judging and keeping an eye on her every movement, like she was his only prey. His eyes darted from her hair, to somewhere near her neck, and the gulp she took, then the acceleration of her breath. His eyes only darkened more, blacker than ever when he took the rise and fall of her chest.
Their faces were so close to each other as his eyes never left her; he let his face fall down and inhaled Hermione's neck, slowly. Hermione gave a short gasp and held her breath, shivering again when she felt Harry's slight brush of his nose over her neck. Her breathing paced, the prey instinct taking better of her.
"I won't do anything… please don't be afraid," Harry whispered against her neck, reading her mind. He could hear her heartbeat accelerating and that smell of adrenaline in her blood, which made it all the more enticing. Harry ignored the stinging pain in teeth where the fangs resided. He inhaled deeply of the cinnamon taste again, his Veela reacting wildly through his rattling cage and urging him to dominate and take her. But Harry deliberately took in whiffs of her scent to get used to it and exercise control. As much as hard it was to control, he could not ignore the reactions of his cock.
With his sharp eyesight, he observed the slight thumping of her neck, gazing at it with wonder and lust. He let his index finger trail along the pulse of her neck, where he wanted to bite her the most. He felt the ephemeral throbbing of her pulse calm down at his words, for the first time realizing that she did trust him. Harry smiled against her neck and inhaled again, fisting the sheets to gain control. That mole near a jawline caught his eye and he couldn't resist the urge and placed a kiss there. He felt her heartbeat accelerate, but did not smell fear this time, making him grin rather goofily. He was relieved that Hermione couldn't see his expression right now, the pure unadulterated lust that was dominating his whole facial feature was not a sight to behold, at least for now.
Hermione jerked in surprise at the kiss she felt, not like the light one he gave her the last time at the same spot, but it was more lingering and she could properly feel the texture of Harry's soft lips. As short it lasted, she felt Harry pull away, even before Hermione could calm herself, she felt Harry's peck on her forehead and a whoosh of air with a 'Good Night Mya' lingering in the air.