November 2, 1997
London, England
She had woken to Harry lightly snoring in a large chair next to her. She shivered as her body recovered from the loss of control she had. Gabrielle felt extremely guilty for threatening people like that, but her emotions had been all over the place yesterday.
Seeing Harry in the light filtering in through a set of curtained windows helped to center her.
Feeling the urge to relieve herself, she got out of bed. Her nice blue dress was nowhere to be seen, most likely discarded with the damage done to it. She was in a rather nice pajama top and bottoms that were a little big on her. Probably Renee's then.
When she opened the door, she looked around, unsure where she was. If Harry was here, she was pretty sure she was still at his house, but where in the house.
"If you want the bathroom, it's two doors down on the left," a tired sounding voice came from behind her.
She turned to see Harry rubbing his eyes. "Were you up all night?"
His hands stretched up and her eyes involuntarily watched his shirt pull tight over his chest and pull up to reveal the bottom of some hard abs. "Renee said you may need me if you had a bad night."
The heat that rushed through her was equal parts attraction for his body, the way he cared for her and her guilt about yesterday. "T'ank you," she told him.
He put his glasses back on and regarded her. "You don't have to thank me. Renee took care of you right after you passed out."
She gave him a shy smile. She was starting to realize he was modest to a fault at times. "Down the hall?"
"Two doors to your left. I'll be getting ready in my room, just across the hall when you get back."
When she got back, she found some jeans, an undershirt and a thick sweater. All a little large and she had to shrink the pants. When she opened her door, Harry was leaning against the door frame of the open door across from her. When he opened his arms, she rushed into them, happy he held her tight. The fact he hadn't run was worth more than anything she could ever ask of anyone.
"I'm sorry about yesterday. Are people upset with me?"
"You have nothing to apologize for. Moody tries to press buttons to make sure people can operate under pressure. Renee said you were only protecting me," he told her in a very understanding tone.
She nuzzled into him, hugging him tighter. "And you were protecting me. Are you better?"
He nuzzled his face against her head. The intimacy of their actions calming her more than anything ever had before. "Getting there. How about we go get a late breakfast and then we need to get back to Hogwarts."
She took a step back, looking into his eyes. His green eyes were more settled than yesterday. They were the more confident and sure eyes she loved about him. As she looked in them, she thought she saw some of that fire yesterday that had helped to calm her. Today it brought up the fire within her to a pleasant warmth. "You are sure you are good?"
"Oui, my little ballerina."
She didn't fully believe him. It was the first time she had ever felt that from him. "You are hiding something. You cannot fool me, mon petit ami."
He leaned in and kissed her on her head. "I am not trying to hide anything. Not from you. You need to understand a few things first."
Her eyes probed his. There was no falsehood in his belief in that statement. She nodded eventually and they made their way down the stairs. When the door to the kitchen opened, she was greeted by her maman.
"My little golden bird, Renee told us what happened and I had to come," her maman rushed out as she moved to hug her.
Sirius and the other man with green eyes were in the kitchen.
"Maman, I am so sorry. I lost control," she told her maman.
Her maman hugged her tight. "It sounds you were still rather restrained after what happened yesterday. Harry, thank you so much for helping Gabrielle."
He ran a hand through his hair. "It's what I should do. Non?"
She felt the now familiar fluttering at the pride in her Harry. Her maman let her go and moved to Harry to hug him. "Non, it is not what many would do." She kissed him on both cheeks and Harry looked a little abashed. She liked him like that.
"Where is Renee and Papa?"
"Renee will be back this afternoon and Papa couldn't come. There is an emergency session of the High Council this weekend."
That was news that had Harry looking at her just as curiously. "Why?"
"The council is looking for more funds to increase the Aurors, Hit Wizards and Magical Reversal squads. A proposal is going to the members in about two weeks," her maman replied.
"Is this because all the attacks and the rumors?" Harry asked.
Sirius nodded his head. "If you can stay for a bit, we can go over what we talked about last night. Your fiery little veela could use some catching up too."
As guilty as she felt about last night, she bristled at the comment. "Fiery leetle veela! Moi will show you..."
Harry put a hand on her arm and she stopped. "Old mutt, I don't think it wise to rile my girlfriend right now."
Sirius chuckled. "It can't be worse than Renee."
"Renee can not burn you. Moi can," she said with some venom in her voice.
Sirius winced and the other man chuckled. "I told you not to rile either of them up. Harry looks ready to beat you too."
She looked at Harry and saw the hard look he was giving his godfather. "I will warn you now not to play with fire," her maman told Sirius.
She took a few breaths and turned to the other man. "I 'ave not met you. Gabrielle Delacour," she offered.
The man got up and bowed, a rather low bow. It was the first time she had seen anyone this close to her Harry do that. "Remus Lupin, Miss Delacour. I am sorry we were not allowed to introduce ourselves last night. I know Dora wanted to meet you. Harry has talked about you quite a bit."
She quirked an eyebrow at him and he returned an easy smirk. "Nothing bad?"
"Rather sappy if you ask me. Please, sit. Have some breakfast. Dobby," Sirius called out as she sat between her maman and Harry.
"Are you better?"
"Yes, maman. I do owe an apology..."
"Non, you don't," Harry said next to her. "Moody was way out of line last night."
Apolline had a very sour note to her voice. "Oui. For a man with his reputation, he should know better than to threaten a veela-blood like that. Never mind that you are a Delacour."
"I will make sure he understands, Apolline," Harry assured her mother.
Mr. Lupin leaned over to Sirius. "What are they saying?" he whispered.
"Just talking about how Moody is going to get his arse kicked on Wednesday," Sirius replied, not keeping his voice low. The man seemed to be enjoying how the three of them were talking through their unhappiness with Moody.
A house elf in a knit hat, a dark green stripped shirt and odd socks put a plate piled with food before her and Harry. She recognized the elf from just after the stomach growled at the smell of the heavy English breakfast foods, but she didn't really care today. Her body needed food after yesterday.
"Thanks, Dobby," Harry said next to her.
"Oui. T'ank you, Dobby," she replied.
"Dobby is happy to serve the Miss of the Great Harry," he replied. She raised an eyebrow and Harry just shrugged as he took a large bite of toast. They would talk about this later.
Neither teen was bothered while they ate, both having spent large amounts of magic the day before and needing the sustenance to help their bodies recover the spent energy. All the while, Gabrielle followed the conversation between Sirius, Mr. Lupin and her maman.
Some of the newspaper articles that she had heard of over the last two months were brought to the front. She was not one to care much for the news, but had heard of the giant and werewolf attacks and the disappearances, but she had thought that just normal, as bad as they were, given some of the countries they happened in. They were all countries her parents had told her to avoid. Places like Albania, Poland, the Crimea region and a few others were known to be more wild or corrupt still. The fact they were all worried about it had her finally paying attention.
Harry finished first. She wasn't even sure if he had tasted any of it with how fast he ate, and then sat back. He was soaking in what was being discussed and looked pensive. About the time she was done, actually using the toast to soak up as much of the egg yoke as possible that was on the plate, Harry leaned forward.
"So, with all this going on, anyone have any clue who that was yesterday? They must have been skilled to get through my outer walls like Aunt Andi said," Harry put to them.
She looked at him. That had not been mentioned.
Everyone took on a very worried expression. "I am not sure. I think Dumbledore might have recognized him in your memories, but he isn't saying anything, only to keep an eye on you," Sirius responded.
Apolline did not look pleased. "Hee knows something and did not tell you?"
"Dumbledore is that way. He keeps a lot of stuff close to his chest and usually has a good reason," Sirius answered.
"I still say there was something familiar about the guy," Harry put to them.
"I am lis'en to w'at you are saying, but I don't understand," Gabrielle put to them.
Harry sighed. "I already told her we would tell her everything," Harry informed the two men across the table.
"And Apolline?"
He looked to the woman that looked more like an older sister in her early thirties to Gabrielle than her nearly fifty-year old mother. A point he only knew because Gabrielle had told him. "From the way you talk with Sirius and Remus, I assume Sirius has told you everything, Apolline?"
"He has told me what he feels comfortable with but has said some of it I would have to ask you," she replied.
Harry nodded. Gabrielle was looking at him with concerned and pleading eyes. She had a sense Harry's life had been different at one time and she needed to know. He sighed and over the next while, he told her about his first year and his Professor Quirrell, who turned out to be Voldemort.
It was the first time she had noticed the slight puckering, as though made by fire, around his fingertips when she looked at the hand in hers. They had not had enough time for her to so idly notice that yet.
It was horrible what had happened and what could have happened if Harry had not been as brave, or she had to agree lucky, as he had been.
Then there was the basilisk and a boy that used a book to try to come back from the dead. A boy that had grown into Voldemort.
"Surely you must jest? More than twenty-meters?" her maman had asked.
"The goblins measured it at seventy-two feet eight inches. Uhm, a little over twenty-three meters," Sirius spoke up as she looked at Harry open mouthed.
"'ow did you survive the venom," Gabrielle was more concerned with that.
"Phoenix tears. I still have some of the scars on my arm," he told her as though it was nothing.
"Mon Dieu!" she exclaimed. The books she had read when younger about her man were shadows of the real thing.
"I had some other choice words when Harry told us that the first time," Sirius interjected.
Remus just shook his head. "He never should have been down there in the first place."
"Non, he shouldn't. How did the Headmaster miss all this?" her maman questioned rather angrily.
Sirius snorted. "We have had many words. Dumbledore was doing too much. Between being Headmaster, Chief Warlock, Supreme Mugwump and a few other titles, he had just been spread too thin. If you notice, he now only officially carries the title of Headmaster"
Her maman still didn't look pleased, and neither was she.
"That isn't all though," Harry said and she glued her eyes back onto the green ones that were regarding her. He finished his tale of the basilisk and then into Seigneur Black.
By the time he was done, she had sidled next to him and was holding his arm as tight as she could. She was not about to lose him to all these crazy adventures and madmen trying to kill him. Her maman was just looking at her Harry while his godfather and Mr. Lupin were nursing cups of coffee or tea.
"Now we know the Death Eaters are active again and whomever that was yesterday was most likely involved with them," Harry commented.
"I am not letting them get you," she replied fiercely. If she had known all this, she would like to think she would have reacted differently yesterday. She wouldn't let him be in that situation again. "You are mine."
Harry chuckled and kissed the top of her head. "As you wish, my little ballerina."
She flushed a little as her maman cleared her throat. Gabrielle just realized what she had said. The veela-blood, her other self, was feeling extremely protective and possessive at the moment.
"I can see that. You hold him much tighter and he is liable to lose blood to his arm," her maman said with a soft smile before becoming serious. "Harry, I sense you did not tell us everything, but many wizards, many times your age, would not have survived what you just admitted too. Alain and I shall do all we can to help." She nodded to Sirius.
Gabrielle's flush brightened at her maman's words. She didn't move or lessen her grip. "I should have put in to get my NEWTS done over Christmas and join you this year," Harry spoke up.
She whipped her head up to look at his face. Before she said anything, Mr. Lupin replied. "Harry, you are where you belong for now. I know you are of age, but you should spend the time to get top grades in your NEWTS. You have to compete in the tournament. We all know you can't afford to have your magic bound or something else for a year. You also have Gabrielle. Would you leave her there on her own?"
"Of course not," Harry responded right away. "I should be getting out there to help you find all of Voldemort's Death Munchers though. Maybe even find his shade."
"You should be in school and let us worry about this. It is not your responsibility, pup," Sirius tried to talk her Harry down from what ever course he had decided on. She felt his determination.
"Harry, I agree with your uncles. There are older and more skilled wizards out there to deal with this. I would also feel better for you to be at Hogwarts to keep an eye on our Gabrielle," her maman encouraged.
Gabrielle wanted to tell Harry she would be fine, but instead she muttered, "Don't leave me."
The soft look he gave her let her know he would do as she asked. She felt guilty for it, but she needed Harry. She had been denied him too much in the last few months and she couldn't take it to be separated again so soon. She was unsure if that was her or her other self or both.
Harry moved his arm and she let it go so he could put it around her shoulders. "Never," he whispered only loud enough she was certain she was the only one to hear it in the large room.
Her heart swelled at the admission. She heard the truth of his statement. How had she won his heart already?
The adults around the table all looked at them. Harry pulled her to him and she put her head on his shoulder. "I will be going back to Hogwarts. Next year I am applying to the ICW though. You aren't going to say anything about that."
Sirius held up his hands. "You are your own person, pup. I won't tell you what to do. I have already told Dumbledore and the others I support you."
"You have no opposition here," Mr. Lupin spoke up.
"W'at are you doing in the ICW?" she asked.
"If I can't get into the academy then I am going to be looking for an internship. I want to become a Detective or an Unspeakable to root out the last of the Death Eaters," Harry told her.
She bit her lip. It was close to what she wanted to do. She wanted to work in the Unspeakables as well. It was probably the same type of internships.
"Alain is putting in for a few more Aurors and interns to help with his new role as the ICW Head of Magical Coordination starting just after Christmas. His office will have a small detachment to do some of what you wanted," her maman commented.
She sat up and turned to her maman. "I want to do this on my own!"
"There is no issue with getting a leg up at times," her maman replied. This was an argument started last year.
"Apolline, I appreciate your offer, but I would prefer to do this on my own as well," Harry added.
"Pup, you should talk to Alain before you say no," Sirius added.
They both looked to Sirius. "I know what the Order has said about me taking up some of the offers out there, but how would it look if I jump over other qualified candidates or those already in line?"
"I understand how you feel, but if what is happening escalates more over the year, having you in the second most important office for the possible upcoming war is not a bad thing," Sirius replied. "I also understand Alain is a powerful politician. It is an opportunity you should not pass."
Harry pursed his lips. She had not thought of it like that. Well, until today she hadn't really had an inkling of anything like this. After a moment, she looked to her Harry. "Per'aps we should talk wit' papa."
His eyes searched hers for a moment. "Fine, we will talk with Alain."
-oOo-
Hogwarts, Scotland
Harry walked into his rooms, eyed his favorite chair and sat in it heavily. The last twenty-four hours had been tiring. Gabrielle and him had reluctantly separated when her Headmistress intercepted them on the walk up to the castle. She was required to go off to the Beauxbatons carriage for a bit, even after she had given Madam Maxime the letter from Apolline stating she was not to be denied access to Harry.
He was hoping Gabrielle would take David up here later. He wasn't sure he wanted her walking by herself. Yesterday was still bothering him.
About five minutes after his door had closed, a knock came.
"Come in," he called.
The door opened and his curly haired best friend came in. "Where have you been! McGonagall said you had to suddenly leave yesterday," she demanded as she walked up and took the chair next to him.
"It's great to see you too," he snarked. "Luna, you don't have to sneak out, you can come in."
The blonde Ravenclaw gave him a big smile as she walked into the room. Hermione wasn't a large girl, and Luna was even smaller. "Hello, Harry. I wasn't sure if this was a party or not."
He chuckled, always enjoying the way Luna saw things. "Friends are always welcome."
With a smile, she went over to Hermione and the brunette let out a 'omph' as Luna unexpectedly sat in the chair, half on Hermione's lap and her legs over his best friends.
"Luna," Hermione admonished with a slightly red face. The blonde just put her head on Hermione's shoulder.
"I do not think we need keep this a secret from Harry. Besides, I like hearing your heart," Luna replied, moving so her ear was against Hermione's upper chest.
Harry laughed at Hermione's crimson face. "Luna, your bloody brilliant."
"Oh, hush," Hermione snapped at him. "Don't encourage her." He didn't miss how Hermione let her arms wrap around Luna. "Now, what happened to you? Madam Maxime wasn't happy when you didn't return at nine-thirty last night. I heard her talking with Professor McGonagall in the entry hall when I went to meet the Slytherin Prefects on patrol last night."
He sighed. "How much does Luna know?"
"I know many things, but I am not sure I know what you are asking about," Luna replied.
He chuckled as Hermione rolled her eyes. "You know I would never tell anyone your secrets without permission."
He nodded. "Are you serious about Luna?" he asked.
Luna sat up enough to look at Hermione's face. Hermione looked down at Luna. After a moment, a small smile spread over her face. "Yes," she said in a small voice. The trademark dreamy smile of Luna came to her face before she lifted up to peck Hermione. "I am serious about her too," Luna replied.
"I told Gabrielle everything about Voldemort and our first few years. You should tell Luna later. Hermione, someone tried a legilimens attack on me yesterday. I had to go back home and have Aunt Andi check me out."
Hermione gasped and Luna lay her head back on Hermione. "Are you alright? You weren't hurt or breached, were you? What about Gabrielle? She was with you?"
He spent a little bit telling them about the man and what Gabrielle and him had overheard this morning. Even about the possible offer for next year. Hermione's mind was in overdrive as he finished.
"You are sure you recognized him?" Hermione asked.
"I don't know. There was something familiar but I can't place it. It's driving me mental," Harry replied.
"Daddy always says if you try to focus too much you will miss the little things. Have you thought why he seems familiar?" Luna asked.
He frowned. "No, I haven't." He rubbed his scar. They all sat in silence for a few, Luna starting to twirl a bit of Hermione's hair in her finger.
"How about the possible internship? Sirius has told you how high up they are and you did say you were considering taking up the Potter's seat again when you turn twenty-one," Hermione gently pushed.
He nodded. "I need to get my Head-of-House straightened first. The Wizengamot is still dragging its feet because we can't find a will from my parents. The goblins had recognized me so I can get into all my vaults, but technically Sirius is still my regent. At this rate, I won't be able to claim everything until I am twenty-one."
"If that is the case, then what harm would it be to work for Gabrielle's father for a few years? He could teach you a lot," Hermione pushed.
He let out a breath. "I know. I think Gabrielle and her maman have been arguing about that for a while. She wants to get into the ICW but doesn't want her papa to help her."
"Is it really bad if the seat may be yours anyways some day?" Hermione said to him before planting a kiss on Luna's head. Harry smiled at them before sighing.
"I don't want her for that," Harry told her.
"But it is part of the package. You've told me what Sirius has said. Do you not want Gabi?"
"I don't think it is not him wanting his girl, I think it is that he doesn't want the attention," Luna told them. Luna was way too perceptive most of the time. Hermione agreed with her, he could see it in her eyes. "Harry, you can do as much good learning to fight the politicians as you can those that harm people. Is it better to find a way to support a hundred people to fight and save others, or is it better for you to save a hundred people on your own? If each of those you supported save ten people, then you just saved a thousand."
He blinked a few times at the golden hair girl curled up on Hermione. Hermione was looking impressed at her own girl.
"She has a point," Hermione endorsed Luna.
"Thank you." Luna moved and kissed Hermione on the chin. Too bad they couldn't be themselves in most other company. Harry had to admit they were cute with each other.
"Bloody hell," he griped, knowing Luna had a damned good point.
-oOo-
Beauxbatons Carriage, Scotland
"GABRIELLE!" David called out as she walked away from Madam Maxime and towards her room. She needed a shower and a clean pair of her own clothes. She loved Renee, but this jumper was just too big on her. She kept having to pull it up over a shoulder.
David rushed up to her and took her in a hug. "We got word that Madam Delacour had come because you were hurt. Was it Harry? Was it something else? Madam Maxime has been besides herself. Her Champion missing the day after she was named! Then the announcement in the British and French papers. I thought you had been taken, that he was going to use you for your veela-blood."
She had to push David off, her face a little stormy. "Harry did no wrong to me! Don't you ever suggest that, David Renault! Something happened yesterday and Harry had to find his godfather. I went with him. I did not hurt myself," she told him looking around. "I did lose my control." She still felt guilty of that.
His eyes widened. "Oh. Gabrielle, tell me you didn't hurt him! Why did you lose control? That is not like you. Your cousins I could see. But you? Did he do something you didn't want?"
"David, you suggest one more time that Harry would ever hurt me or do anything inappropriate, I may just lose control on you," she snapped. She knew David was probably just saying it out of worry, but she was not in the mood to take it.
"I'm sorry, Gabrielle. I just didn't know what happened and when your mother was said to be in England, I just thought the worst," he confessed.
She let out a breath. He was only caring for him. "David, I will tell you what I can in a bit, but I really just want to take a shower, get changed into my own clothes and then go up and see Harry. I am not leaving his side after that until I am required to be back here at ten tonight. I don't care what Madam Maxime says about it. Tomorrow I start focusing on the clues."
David eyed her for a bit. "I am not leaving you either."
"You are welcome to come, but after dinner I am claiming my boyfriend for myself. Oui?"
"Oui," he reluctantly agreed. She appreciated how much he was trying to look out for her, but she was not going to be denied Harry. "You should read this."
David held out a copy of the La Nouvelle République.
Gabrielle took the French paper and looked at the headline. Beauxbatons and Hogwarts Champions, Competing and Courting. A tournament tradition.
She looked at the article quickly. This must have been what her maman had said would be released. It was a declaration of Harry's and her intentions, while making it out to be more a friendly competition between them. It also highlighted other tournaments when those in a courtship, betrothal or even marriage competed against each other. Her maman was an expert at trying to head off opposition and leading opinion of them.
"Was there something similar in the Daily Prophet," she questioned.
"Non, not yet. But Madam Maxime said there was in Italy, Germany, Sweden and Norway. I would expect most other papers reporting on the Triwizard Tournament to do the same in the next day or two. Your maman is good," David replied.
Gabrielle smiled, feeling a little more settled, especially after what she had learned not long ago. She hugged David. "Thank you. I need to get ready."
David returned the hug. "You are my friend, Gabrielle. I will always be there for you."
She rushed her shower, put on a warm long sleeve shirt, a thick lavender coloured knit sweater, jeans and thick woolen socks. She was finding it cold today. It was probably her body still recovering from yesterday. It could take a veela-blood a while to recover. She was not as close to the Veela as her maman, and she had not been ready to let the full fire out. A true Veela would take minutes to hours to recover. Her maman was hours to two days. Fleur had once gotten so angry and let her fire go so hot and long it had taken her five days to recover. Gabrielle was hoping she would feel back to normal by tomorrow. She had only called it up, but had not really used it.
Gabrielle brushed her hair, dried it and then plaited it. Maybe Harry would like to kiss her neck again, even if it was mostly covered by her shirt and sweater...
David was waiting against the wall across from her door when she opened it. "Madam Maxime will not let you go around without your beau or someone else escorting you right now."
She rolled her eyes. "Merde," she whispered, upset.
Gabrielle did not fully remember how to get to Harry's and Hermione's rooms, but she felt him, so she let her sense of him guide her. It wasn't long to find the broom closet. David gave her an eye. "Should I wait out here for your rendezvous to be over?"
She gave him a nasty look. "I do not have need to find myself in such places. Harry has a much higher opinion of where we should kiss."
David laughed. "It looks like a broom closet to me."
She shrugged. "Orion's Bow."
It was satisfying to see David's face when she opened the door. "Beauxbatons does not do that."
"I miss Beaubatons too, but there are some things here that are better," she told him walking into the passage.
"Like Harry?"
She held her chin up. "Like Harry," she agreed.
The call of, "It's open," came before her third rap on his door ended.
She opened the door to find Hermione with a blonde girl on her lap. She recognized the girl from the Ravenclaw table they sat at. "Luna, you can get off," Hermione whispered.
"I don't think Harry's Gabrielle or her friend will mind," the girl named Luna responded.
Gabrielle giggle. "I do not mind, 'ermione." She moved over and Harry let her sit on his lap. His wand came out and a third chair appeared between them.
"Sorry, David. My lap is only big enough for one," Harry told her friend. Hermione snorted while she giggled again. Luna smiled. Now she was with Harry again, she felt much better all the sudden.
David shrugged. "I do not care to risk myself against the harpy if I try."
She sat up straight, her voice high and incensed. "HARPY! You bastard!"
David laughed as he sat.
"What did they say?" Luna asked.
"I am sorry," Gabrielle said calming down. David would be the only person she would ever allow to get away with such an insult. "We are not trying to be rude."
"It is alright. If you are happy talking in French, I do not mind," Luna replied.
"I will start teaching you," Hermione offered.
"That would be very nice. I am Luna Lovegood," the girl suddenly said.
Gabrielle reached out a hand. "Gabrielle Delacour. I take eet you are t'e girl 'arry 'as told moi about?"
"I think I need to give you an English lesson later," Harry whispered to her in a teasing tone. She flushed a little. Talking was not what she wanted to do later when they are alone.
"Hush," she ordered.
Harry chuckled and the blonde girl gave them a pleasant smile. David just laughed. "I try to tell 'er t'hat," David said in an even more accented English. "David Renault, Mademoiselle Lovegood."
Gabrielle felt her face heat up.
"Gabi speaks just fine. I can remember how horrible your French was just two years ago, Harry," Hermione spoke up.
"'e still speks like a peasant," Gabrielle added.
Harry and David laughed. "As you say," Harry shrugged.
She liked how Luna leaned into Hermione and copied her. David smiled at her. "Eef I am to spend time weeth you, I need a le copain," David told them.
A small part of her felt guilty, but she was not going to give up Harry.
"I like that we do not hide who we are here," Luna spoke up.
Hermione looked a little reticent. "Luna, would you sit with us tonight?"
Luna smiled. "You never have to ask," Luna told her and pecked Hermione.
It was a pleasant afternoon. The Great Hall that night was only bearable to have Harry at her side. Esme and another boy, Nourdine Marin, joined them. It was rather enjoyable. She was not used to so many looking at her like she was a person. Two girls, Parvati and Lavender, who came off as gossips, sat next to Hermione. They eyed Gabrielle as though apprehensive of her. She was used to those looking at her enviously or with hatred for what she was, or even other girls looking at her with lust, but not as though they were apprehensive. It was something new.
When Harry pulled her away from everyone to go back to his rooms, she laced her fingers into his and walked as close as she could.
She waited until they were in his room and his door closed before Harry asked, "Are you sure you are alright?"
She took both his hands in hers, looking down to rub her thumbs over the back of his hands. "I am fine when I am with you," she told him, looking up.
"Then I will be there whenever you need. What time do I need to have you back?"
"Never," she told him, knowing she would never be able to get away with that.
He chuckled. "How about ten?"
"How about never," she countered.
He pulled her in and she pulled her arms to her chest and let him wrap his arms around her. She shifted so her cheek was on his shoulder. They stood like that for a few. Now they were alone, what they had talked about earlier was really starting to get her. "Does he really want to kill you?"
"He has tried three times."
She didn't say anything, she didn't like that he unwrapped his arms from around her until he pulled her over to one of his large chairs. When he pulled her down into his lap, she lay her head on his shoulder. She wanted to kiss him, but at the same time she was bothered.
Harry sighed. "I didn't tell you everything," Harry told her.
She knew he hadn't. Her maman had called him on it earlier. Could anything be worse than three times Voldemort had tried to kill Harry or the fact the darkest wizard in who knew how long still wanted her Harry? And there were signs the supposedly dead man was trying to come back? "I am not leaving you or letting them get you. You are my Harry. Can you tell me another time or is it something that needs to be known right now?"
He kissed her on the side of the head. "We can talk about it later."
She pulled up her legs, curling up into Harry. She had done this with her father when she was younger, needing to feel safe and protected. Doing it with Harry was different. She felt safe and protected, but she also felt treasured in a way she never had before by the way his arms wrapped around her. He had stayed by her bed last night to make sure she was safe and to ensure she wouldn't try to hurt anyone.
It was very comfortable to be curled up with him like this. For the first time all day it felt like warmth was seeping into her body.
"Harry?" she asked.
"Yes, my little ballerina?"
She smiled at the warmth in his voice.
"Do you really understand that I love you? I mean who I really am does. I know we haven't spent much time together, but my other self, my veela side, knows it will only ever want you. Do you really mean it that you will never leave me?" she spoke into his chest, afraid to meet his eyes. It was her largest fear. Even over her new fear that she would lose Harry to the Death Eaters or some ghost of Voldemort.
He held her close to him for a moment before moving a hand to her chin. She let him pull her head up and met his eyes. "Gabrielle, the night of your recital I was up all night thinking over what your mother told me. I decided then I would see this out until you decided you didn't want me. I meant it that it felt like something was missing when I didn't get to see you for two months. I don't ever want to be separated like that again." He took in a breath, his eyes orbs of green flames full of a dozens of emotions. "I love you as well."
Her heart swelled in her chest. There was no lie or reticence in his voice. "I will always want you," she told him. She didn't wait to move in and he met her lips. It was soft and sweet. There was a loving tenderness that had her melting into him. When his tongue sought hers, it wasn't the hormonal induced lust for the other. This was slow and it felt like Harry was trying to tell her how he felt for her. She got the message and returned as much emotion as she could. For the first time since she had met him, it felt like her two selves had melded together again.
The kiss continued for minutes. Her hand moved to Harry's chest and she felt how he must work out through his jumper and shirt. She let out a moan of need when his hand moved down her leg to her waist. The way it left a trail of warmth had her shiver.
Harry pulled back a little. "Are you cold?"
She smiled. "I am warming up," she told him. Last time they kissed like this, he had kissed her neck. This time she wanted to kiss his and he groaned as her lips moved down his slightly stubbly chin.
"Gabrielle?" Harry said her name in a husky way that sent a thrill through her.
"Oiu, mon amour?" she enquired.
"Can I touch you?"
"Oui," she whispered into his neck as she kissed him, not fully understanding what she had just agreed too until his hand made a slow trek up her side and his fingers traced the underside of her chest before his hand gently cupped her tit. She moaned into his neck, her mouth open and just letting her breath wash over him. The heat it brought to her body was not uncomfortable, but it was bothersome. She shifted and rubbed her legs together, enjoying the way his hand tried to hold her entire breast in his hand, but not succeeding. She moaned even deeper as he gently massaged her. It felt that she had too many clothes on with her knit sweater, her thick shirt and bra.
"Is this alright," he asked nudging her head and she moved to meet his lips.
"Oui," was the only way she could reply before she forced her tongue into his mouth and just about attacked him with the heat in her body.
She continued to moan as he ran his fingers down her other tit. She was shifting in his lap, feeling something pressing against her leg. Her knickers were starting to become damp. "'Arry," she whispered to him.
He backed up, pulling his hand away. "To much? I wasn't trying to..."
She pecked his lips. "Don't stop," she told him reaching for the hem of her knit sweater. She was feeling warm. Very warm. Harry was too. Harry gave her a grin that had her crashing her lips onto his as she struggled to get her sweater off. Harry had to help her and she grabbed the hem of his jumper and pulled it off. Her veela-blood was starting to lose itself in the feel of her mate and she wasn't protesting.
While he was taking his jumper off, she moved so that she was straddling his lap. "This isn't too much," she asked, afraid she might be being too forward, but it felt right.
"Non. I just don't want to push you," Harry told her.
She smiled before taking his face in her hands and kissing him. She had had dreams like this when they had been separated. The feelings he brought out and the feel of his hand on her were nothing like when she had done it herself. She let out a deep moan that rattled her body when both his hands took a breast each. Her forehead rested on his, her breath a little short and sounds of pleasure she never thought she could make came out of her as he played with her nipples.
Gabrielle wasn't sure how far she would go, and was debating if she needed a tour of his bedroom when a knock came at his door. She growled at the source, especially when Harry moved his hands to her waist. He took out his wand and twirled it. "What is it," Harry called out, sounding out of breath and his chest moving like hers.
"Harry, is Gabrielle still with you?" The muffled voice of Hermione came to them.
He let out a long breath. She wanted to see how much farther they might go before she was satisfied. "Yeah. Who is looking for her?"
"Madam Maxime. She wanted Gabrielle back at nine."
"Bloody hell," Harry muttered. He looked at the watch on his wrist. "It's about quarter past."
"I don't want to leave you," she said, her body starting to cool down. She sat her bottom on his knees, wrapped her arms around his neck and put her head on his shoulder.
"I know, my little ballerina."
She was about to tell Hermione to get lost when the deep voice of Madam Maxime came to them. "Gabrielle, everyone has a curfew of nine for now after yesterday. I am not going to give you any special permission even if you are Champion."
"Merde! I am seventeen. I can do what I want," she said angrily into Harry's chest. He smelt so good.
Harry sighed. "You should go for the night. I will see you tomorrow. I can meet you at the carriage in the morning if you want."
"I don't want to leave." Her voice was a little whiny.
"Gabrielle, now, please," Madame Maxime demanded.
"Just a moment," she called back. "You will meet me at seven-thirty?"
"Whatever time you want."
She sighed, put her sweater back on and found her cloak. She did not have a pleasant look for her Headmistress when the door opened. "Madam Maxime, we did not know you gave her a curfew of nine. I was going to have her back for ten," Harry said to her Headmistress.
"Maybe you did not know, Seigneur Potter, but I know I told Ms. Delacour. Also, being in a courtship is not enough to allow you to be in a gentlemen's room like you were."
Her face flushed. "I think I am old enough to decide where I go and what I do with my boyfriend. Harry, I will see you at seven-thirty," she snapped, upset for being interrupted. She knew if she didn't storm off now then she would turn back around, jump into Harry's arm and not return to the carriage tonight.
-oOo-
November 3, 1997
Hogwarts, Scotland
Gabrielle sat next to him, her leg pressed against his as they ate. He had a copy of the Daily Prophet in his hands. Gabrielle was leaning over to read it. The headline story was about the three Champions, detailing who they were, why they were probably chosen and information on the three schools.
He was surprised that it was written so well. The Prophet was not known for printing so many facts or not to throw in some spin to it.
The one that had really caught his eye was the headline in the bottom right corner.
The Houses of Potter and Delacour Announce a Courtship
Harry looked at it for a moment. It wasn't untrue. He had no intentions of letting this beautiful girl go, but it was much more forward than he thought. She put down her pastry and took his hand in hers. It was undeniable now, not that he ever would have denied it before.
"Madam Maxime would like us to try your classes today, to see if they will be comparable to Beauxbatons. If they are, we will all take courses here. It should be enjoyable. I hear your Professors are rather skilled," David was talking with Hermione.
"We have a rather busy schedule today. Herbology, Charms, Arithmancy and Runes," Hermione told them.
"I have Ancient Magics instead of Runes," Harry reminded her.
"I should have done that," Hermione told him.
"You liked runes and charms crafting more, remember?"
"Yes, but I didn't realize you would be doing wards and ritual magic this year," she replied.
"I am also doing Arithmancy with the fifth years," he reminded her. "I will only be with you for Herbology, Charms and Ancient Magics this morning."
Gabrielle nodded besides him. "What is the rest of the weeks schedule? We have our Governmental Class tomorrow afternoon."
Hermione perked up. "Governmental class? What is that?"
"It is rather boring," David said across from her, "But any of us wishing to work in the French Ministry or the ICW must take the class. It goes over the structure and how things work, as well as a history of both organizations."
"Oui. I also take it and a Law class. Papa would like if I were to take up the Delacour seat in the ICW and the Assemblée Wizard Constituante," Gabrielle informed them.
"Why don't we have anything like that?" he asked Hermione.
Neville was sitting with them this morning, having come down early, like he always did on Mondays. Herbology was his favorite class so he liked getting there early. Neville pointed a muffin towards them. "It is usually passed down through the family and most families hire tutors from a young age. Gran finally agreed this past summer was the last time I needed to do that."
He pursed his lips. "Like how Sirius has been trying to teach me."
"I would like to have a course like that. I am applying to the Ministry in the spring. I am hoping to get into the Magical Cooperation Department so I can work with you and Gabi when you go to the ICW," Hermione added.
"I can ask Madame Maxime eef you can join," David offered.
Hermione beamed. "That would be wonderful."
"I am going to miss you next year," Luna said besides them. Almost all her friends were sitting in their group and most were seventh years.
Hermione took Luna's hand under the table. "I will visit you as often as you like. You will be able to go into Hogsmeade any evening or weekend you like."
Luna gave a bright smile.
Harry squeezed Gabrielle's hand. "It would probably be best for me to join you in those classes."
The look she gave him was surprise and then she bit her lip. "Papa would like you to know that stuff."
"And you?"
"I plan to be at your side for a very long time," she told him with a smile.
They were about to leave when Lavender and Parvati sat after Neville got up and walked a few Beauxbatons students away to Herbology. Both looked a little disgruntled. Harry sighed, having a good feeling he knew what this was about.
"Good morning, ladies," he said, feeling Gabrielle's grip tighten.
"What is this," Lavender started, putting the paper down on the table and pointing at the article that had offended her.
He looked at it. "I believe that is a formal announcement that I am courting Gabrielle."
Lavender didn't look impressed. "I thought you promised to tell me whenever something big like this was happening! I would have loved to write this up!"
"Eef you notice, my maman announced eet," Gabrielle said in a cool tone.
Lavender looked up and paled a little as the way Gabrielle's dark-blue eyes lightened some. "Oh," Lavender said. She looked back at the paper and then at Gabrielle. "Oh, I'm sorry, Ms. Delacour. This is a formal announcement."
Dean joined them. "I told you so."
"Morning, Dean. No Seamus or Ginny?"
Dean snorted. "He doesn't have classes until charms third period so he's sleeping in and Ginny ran off to finish some assignment."
Parvati spoke next. "Are you two betrothed?"
Lavender perked up, obviously hoping to get a scoop. Gabrielle's grip grew a little tighter. Harry was thinking after last night and this weekend, he was going to have to talk with Sirius, and probably Alain, much sooner than he thought he might. "Not yet, but probably some day," Harry replied.
Gabrielle smiled broadly. "I am sure my maman will release somet'ing w'en we do."
Lavender looked crestfallen.
Harry threw a bone to her though. "I promise to let you know before it is announced and give you an interview. Lavender would like to be a reporter and she has already helped to keep the rumors accurate at least," he explained to Gabrielle.
Lavender brightened significantly. "Oh, can I get pictures and everything?"
After a moment Gabrielle nodded. "That is agreeable." Turning to Harry, she went on in French, "We should head to Herbology, non?"
"Oui," he replied.
"We'll talk to you later. You two coming?" he asked Hermione and David.
Dean joined them, having Herbology as well. On the way, Hermione asked, "Are you to better? You looked really upset when I had to show Madam Maxime to our rooms last night."
He sighed. "I will be."
"Non. I am still upset with my Headmistress. I was not ready to leave and she should not have forced me," Gabrielle replied.
David shook his head. "Gabrielle, you know she is only trying to keep you safe and she is responsible for us while here, even if we are of age."
Gabrielle stuck her chin up. "I was perfectly safe and with a responsible party."
David snorted while Hermione rolled her eyes. "Safe enough it took a few minutes to be presentable?" Hermione goaded
Gabrielle sniffed. He felt a little heat come to his neck. "Gabrielle was safe in my arms."
"I bet she was," David gave a pointed response. "And I assume it was just arms?"
"What are you all talking about," Dean asked, looking at Gabrielle, his eyes a little glazed. He felt a little like calling him out, but at least he wasn't drooling like Dean had over the summer, and like everyone else, he was trying to treat Gabrielle as normal as possible. Maybe things with him and Ginny were going well. He hadn't really paid attention.
"Nothing important," Hermione answered.
It was a rather interesting Herbology class. Eleven Beauxbatons students joined them, effectively making the class a third larger. Most understood English well, and spoke as well or better than David.
Esme sat with Gabrielle, Neville and him. She was one of the few weak English speakers, so Gabrielle and him found themselves translating for her a bit, and Neville asked quite a few questions about what they were saying.
Hermione was fairing only a little better with David and two other boys from Beauxbatons in front of them. One of the boys, just a little taller than Hermione and with light brown hair, kept asking her questions and talked only in French.
"Michel speaks better English than I do," Gabrielle whispered into his ear.
"I doubt Hermione will offer him lessons like I give you," he cheekily whispered back.
She giggled and he loved the sound. Her whispered reply had him wanting to drag her out of class. "Will those lessons include how to use my tongue?
"Most definitely," Harry whispered back. Gabrielle gave him a wink.
"Very good, you four. Mr. Longbottom, can you show them how to remove the muscle strands from the stalks?" Professor Sprout asked.
"Yes, Professor," Neville replied, taking the still wriggling vine of the Devil's Snare. If certain parts weren't good for potions, Harry would burn the lot. Esme moved in closer, letting Neville take her hands when she struggled a bit.
Gabrielle raised her brow. At the end of class, she took Harry's arm and pulled his ear lower. "Neville is not affected by my allure? I noticed a few getting in trouble with their plants while looking at me."
Harry frowned. He had been so focused on what they were doing, he hadn't seen the other eyes on her. It was probably best that way. "Apparently not. Neville has always been a good guy and treated everyone well."
Professor Flitwick was overjoyed to see the Beauxbatons students come to class. By far this and Transfiguration would be the most crowded. Thirty-two of the forty students in their year were here, as well as twenty of the Beauxbatons students.
They sat towards the front. Harry thought it would be another nice class until Draco and his lot took a table next to them. Harry hadn't sat yet, and gently pushed Gabrielle onto the other side of him so she was between him and Hermione. David, Ron and Lisa were behind them with Sue Li, Mandy Brocklehurst and Michael Corner before them.
"They let things like that in here," Draco muttered just loud enough for Harry to hear.
He clenched his jaw. The prat had left them alone much of the last year or more. He thought ignoring the blonde boy would be best for the moment.
Pansy sat next to Draco, with Nott on the far end. His goons sat behind him. "Draco, can we sit on the other side? I don't want to be near that thing," Pansy said a little louder.
Nott cast them a glare and Harry clenched his fists. Gabrielle had stiffened besides him.
"Perhaps the oaf Hagrid should keep his beasts tied up. Wouldn't want to get clawed again," Draco replied, standing up.
"You care to repeat that," Harry said in a flat voice as he turned to look at them. Draco flashed a shit-eating grin for a brief moment.
"Why would I care to talk to a blood-traitor and half-breed lover like you? I'm already dirty enough being here," the boy said in a low voice. The class was loud as everyone found their seats and Professor Flitwick was conversing with a few of the Beauxbatons students.
Harry had his wand come to his hand and Gabrielle grabbed it. "'Arry, non. Eet is not wort' dealing with uneducated peasant w'o knows not 'is betters."
Draco's nose flared and his eyes narrowed. "Betters? I will show you betters, you flea-infested harpy."
Harry was about to throw Gabrielle off him when Professor Flitwick called out. "There is no need for language like that, Mr. Malfoy. Five points and detention tonight with me. Mr. Potter, put your wand down before I do the same."
"Yes, sir," Harry said, putting his wand on his desk.
Draco looked livid at them before evening out and putting on an indifferent mask. The boy had changed since his father had run, but he was still the arrogant, pureblood prick he always had been under his new veneer.
The group moved two rows over to some empty desks.
"You said you would ignore him this year. What are you doing goading Draco Malfoy like that?" Hermione hissed at them.
Her hand on his arm felt warm. "That is a Malfoy?" Gabrielle said with some disgust and incredibility. "Mon Papa is allies with the Malfoy's from the Alsace on the Assemblée Wizard Constituante. They never spoke to us like that."
Harry turned to see Gabrielle out of the corner of his eye. He felt confused now. Hermione looked just as surprised on the other side of Gabrielle.
"Quiet down everyone," Professor Flitwick called out. "I would like to welcome our guests today, who will be joining our class for the next few weeks, and hopefully the rest of the year."
"We shall talk later," Gabrielle told him, looking upset in the direction of Malfoy. Harry wasn't sure he wouldn't put the boy through a wall if he said anything about Gabrielle again today.