HP: Dance of the Veela

November 1, 1997

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry was at Professor McGonagall's door just before nine. After his morning run and an hour of homework, he found his mind starting to drift. He had a date with Gabrielle in a few hours. As he thought about that, his mind drifted back to last night.

Gabrielle had told him he was the first person she had ever really kissed, but it did not feel that way. She was the best kisser, by far, out of the three girls he had kissed. Hermione, though not interested in guys, was a passionate kisser. She liked it slow and with feeling. Hermione was a romantic at heart. Not surprising with the collection of books she kept for fun reading. Books very few knew about. Harry would have been happy with her if it had worked out.

He was glad she was his first kiss.

Ginny was good, but she was more domineering and liked to show off before people when she could. It is not to say Harry hadn't liked her kisses, or her roaming hands, or the way she didn't stop his hands from roaming, but soon after they had started to date, he felt like it was more of a game to her. A way to show people that she had caught the 'Boy-Who-Lived'. A statement like that was what had led to their ultimate breakup. He knew Ginny liked him, and he had liked her, but she couldn't get over all those years of looking at him as this big hero. A hero she liked to show off. How many times had he felt like eye candy for her?

Having kissed Ginny had prepared him to realize when someone liked him for him.

Gabrielle felt like she was giving as much of herself as she wanted from him. She didn't expect anything from him except for him to be Harry. She liked others to know he was hers, but she didn't want to advertise by snogging him everywhere she could. When they kissed, it was hot and heavy at times, but slow and languid at other points. It was a mutual thing, like two dancers that thrilled in the other's company.

He swore his lips still tingled from last night. He felt how happy she was to be with him and in his arms. He didn't want to stop or let her go, but again, he had. He also didn't find himself shy to want to touch her, or the need to have his hands roam and grope. No, he was taking it at a pace that felt comfortable to him and one that Gabrielle did not seem to complain about. It was something that surprised him.

From what he had learned about Veela or Veela-blood over the last few months, it didn't seem natural for a man to control himself like that. Don't get him wrong, Gabrielle was the most beautiful woman he could ever remember seeing, and he did want her body, but there was more. There was a need for a deeper connection.

His thoughts were pondering all this when Professor McGonagall approached her office. "Nice to see you on time, Potter."

Harry straightened up. "I try," he told her nonchalantly.

She shook her head. "If you hadn't become as studious as Lily, I would say your godfather had been a bad influence on you the last few years."

Harry laughed. "Who said he hasn't?"

She snorted. "If you were Sirius' true godson, you never would have made Head Boy. No, you are more like your parents. Come on in," she told him, opening her door.

Harry came in, proud of the comparison, and sat at a chair that was very familiar. "I don't know, Professor, I think I spent more time in this chair being in trouble than not my first few years. Guess it's good I'm my father's son."

"That is true, but I never wanted to expel you," she replied.

He had heard the stories from Sirius and Remus about how she had threatened all the Marauders with that a few times a year. "I hope to keep up those high expectations."

"You have taken your godfathers and fathers poor humor though," she told him dryly. Harry just grinned. "Would you like some tea? I think we will be here for a while. I wanted to give you your Champions package, go over what I expect from you and then the Daily Prophet will have a reporter showing about one to give you an interview for the papers tomorrow."

"Joy," Harry muttered.

She didn't comment and took a thick envelope out of her draw. "You will find your rulebook, any information about the first task the judges have prepared and a questionnaire. Please return that to myself by tomorrow after dinner."

"Yes, Professor."

"You cannot directly ask any Professor or anyone involved in the tournament how to get through a task or any questions as to what might be in it. All your Professors can help you learn new spells or give you other information you ask, again, as long as you don't ask how to complete a task or what is in it," she told him.

He nodded. He knew that rule already. "I am allowed to talk with my peers and others, correct?"

"Yes, Potter. That is perfectly legal."

He took the package and opened it. "If I were to practice or prepare with another Champion, is that allowed? I don't remember anything about it in the rules posted for the last tournament."

"As far as I know, there is nothing against it. Though, I am unsure if there has been another tournament where the Champions have been in your situation."

"Eight."

She blinked at him as he took out the sheets and looked at them. "Eight what?"

"There have been eight other times were either a betrothed or married couple have competed, but none in the last hundred and thirty years," Harry told her. He had spent a lot of time researching this last year when Sirius had been surprised he might want to enter.

She snorted. "I should have known you would have looked all this up. How far back did you go?"

"I have read, or at least looked at, every tournament. All one-hundred and thirty-eight of them. I have all my notes. The last tournament was a lot less dangerous than the others, and the organizers promise the same this time," Harry responded.

She shook her head. "I must say, Potter, you have shown one of the largest turn-arounds in my career. I thought your father was impressive, but I must say you have topped that in spades. Lily would be impressed."

Harry answered a little abashed. "Thank you, Professor."

"I would also like to say I am very proud of you. Head Boy and Champion this year. Quidditch Captain the last two. Nine OWLs. I expect you to work hard and keep up your excellent representation of Hogwarts."

"I will, Professor."

"Good. Now, if you need any changes in your schedule for the year to accommodate your practice or studying for the tournament, I would like a written request and why. I would also like to inform you that with the final event scheduled to occur just after NEWT testing, you will be given a waiver and be able to take your NEWT's in July with the other witches or wizards that are doing additional or make up testing," she told him, putting two more parchments before him.

Harry took them. "I will inform you now that I will be putting in a request to drop Professor Jones and take up private tutoring for my DADA class. The tutors I would like meet at various times and I will need to use my Head Boy privileges to attend these lessons when they are available," Harry told her, looking at the list of NEWT tests in July. "I am unsure yet if I will take my NEWTs in June or July," he told her.

"You need to let the Ministry and Hogwarts know before Christmas."

"I will, ma'am," he replied. He wasn't surprised that McGonagall didn't say anything about Professor Jones. The DADA classes for the NEWT students were probably challenging for most, and Harry really did like Professor Jones, but beside Hermione, no one else had had the intensive training he had over the last few years and he found the class a waste of his time. Harry had tried to use tutors last year, especially once Ron had stopped training most days with them last year when he started to take Quidditch and potions more seriously.

It was a slightly grumpy Harry that met a radiant Gabrielle at the coaches by the main doors just before two o'clock. She was in a long blue winter cloak with a shiny set of boots and what looked like a long lavender dress under the cloak. She raised an eyebrow at him as he just huffed when he came up to her. "This is not the gentleman I have come to expect," she teased him.

Harry sighed, rubbed his face and then straightened his glasses. "Excuse me, Gabrielle. You look beautiful today and I am happy to be with you. I just hate reporters and everyone looking at me like that," he said, motioning over his shoulder. He knew this is what would happen, but after such a peaceful last couple of years, he had forgotten how much he disliked all this attention.

Gabrielle looked over his shoulder at the knot of girls waiting by the door. They all obviously were going into Hogsmeade, but were hanging back, looking at Harry and giggling as they talked.

"Should I take care ov t'em?"

He looked at her and saw the hard look to her face and the way her dark-blue eyes were taking on a slight purple colour. Sensing the danger he had started by pointing them out, he took her arm and pulled her in as a carriage came up to them. She let him pull her close and he pecked her cheek. "Non, my little ballerina. There is nothing to be jealous of. It is only you I want," he said softly.

Her tense body relaxed and she pecked his lips. "Good. I hope you do not mind, but I did mention you are my boyfriend to the reporter."

He smiled and opened the door of the carriage and helped her in. "I mentioned it also. I do not want a repeat of anyone not thinking we are not together. I also know your maman and Sirius have a press release that should be out tomorrow."

Her smile was wide and they spent far more time kissing than talking for the ride down. When the carriage pulled up to the drop off point on the outskirts of Hogsmeade, Harry stepped out and helped her down. "It is not Paris, but I do hope you enjoy it," Harry said to her.

"You will 'elp with moi English?" Gabrielle asked him.

"If you want today."

"I t'ink it best."

Harry nodded and liked how she took his arm when he extended it. Being midafternoon, most of the very exuberant younger students were either heading back to the castle or just milling around and talking or playing with newly acquired joke items or other toys. All the fifth years and below had to be back in the castle by dinner. The sixth years, at least those below seventeen, were to be back by eight. The students seventeen or older by curfew, which was ten on weekends.

"'W'ere at you taking moi first?" Gabrielle asked him.

"Well, there is chocolate, music or sports?" he asked her.

She brightened at the word chocolate, not so much at the others. "We can start at chocolate," she replied.

Harry laughed. All girls loved chocolate. It wasn't a far walk to Honeyduke's, and by this time of the day it wasn't that crowded, but there was a sign of the horde of students that had taken quite a bit of the stock. They walked through the aisles, both picking a few things before going up to the counter. There were some of everything left, but not much.

"I haven't had time to restock yet, dears. If there is something you are looking for, I can see if we have anything in the back," a middling aged woman greeted them while the proprietor, Mr. Honeyduke, was ringing up a group of older students.

"Thank you. I think we are fine. Do you want anything?" Harry asked Gabrielle.

She was leaning over, her hands behind her back and looking through the glass. "One of everyt'ing," she told him with a small laugh.

"One of everything," Harry informed the witch.

Gabrielle gave him a sharp look. "You can't get me one of everything! I was just joking! I don't know what I want yet."

Harry laughed at her. "Make it two of everything," he said to the counterwoman.

"Arry Potter! W'at am I to do wi't t'at much chocolate?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "Share?"

She finally shook her head as the woman looked at them. With a sigh she nodded. "Please, Madam," Gabrielle agreed. "You are s'aring with moi."

"I like the toffees," Harry told her.

They left with more candy and chocolates than Harry ever thought he had bought on any three trips before. Gabrielle looked into one of the bags and daintily pulled a thin piece out. "W'at is t'ese?"

She held it towards him to show him. Harry shrugged and leaned over, taking a bite of half of it. She scoffed at him, "What if I wanted that!"

"Then you eat the other half. Unless you are afraid I will give you cooties?"

She eyed him, not looking impressed, but he could see a small uptick to her mouth. "And what are cooties?"

"The things boys give girls when they touch or kiss them. I hear they are really bad and girls usually run away screaming," he told her with a cheeky grin. "Or boys try to wipe them off. Something about a girl liking you. It's real bad."

The smile broke on her face. "And is it real bad for me to touch or kiss you?"

He shook his head. "Non. I stopped being a little boy, but if kissing you gives me cooties I'll gladly take them."

She nudged him and he laughed. "I am to be 'orking on my English," she chastised him.

"I'm not the one who started to talk French," he told her, straightening and acting like he had done nothing.

She laughed. "What is t'e word for, ah," she thought for a moment before asking in French, "Insufferable?"

He laughed. "Prat works well."

She laughed again. "I know t'at word. It works 'ere," she informed him.

She looked at the chocolate in her hand. There was some crunchy, honey tasting thing in the center that Harry liked. Before she could decide to eat it, he took it out of her hand and popped it in his mouth. "Delicious."

She hit him. "I thought you a gentleman!"

"I bought them and there is another," he replied.

They came close to the bookstore. He knew this was a date, but he wasn't sure he would come back into town tomorrow. "Would you mind stopping in the bookstore? I wanted to look for a book or two after looking at our packet today."

She shook her head, reached into the bag and twirled, popping the chocolate in her mouth before he could grab it. "You try again and I will not kiss you," she informed him.

He swooped in, pecking her on the lips and then pulled back. "I would not like that."

Her eyes had unfocused for a moment and when her dark-blue eyes met his, there was something that stirred deep in him. "It would be a tragedy if I had to do that," she said a little sternly before throwing her arms around his neck and they kissed for a few minutes in the street before entering Tomes and Scrolls.

"So you read eet as well?" Gabrielle asked as he walked over to the counter. He didn't want to waste much time today, but this was important.

"Yeah. Did you go over the list of plants and animals that they gave us to possibly study?"

She snorted. "T'ere were hundred or more," she replied.

He nodded. "Yeah. I caught up with Neville at lunch and showed him the herbology list. There were at least seven different major areas they are found in."

Gabrielle looked at him. "'ow can 'e know t'is? I don't even know many of t'em."

"Neville's a savant in plants," Harry replied.

They waited patiently at the counter as they talked. A moment later, an older gentleman came out. "Can I help you today?"

"Please. I was wondering if you could point me to some books? I am looking for plant and creature books that might pertain to southeast Asia, the Himalayas, Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Congo, the Amazon, deserts and the Russian tundra," Harry requested.

Her eyes widened. Harry had a sense she hadn't gotten anywhere close to that. "T'is Neville told you all of t'is?"

"This way and we will see what we can find," the man said with a smile.

Harry shook his head. "I might be wrong on the Congo, Kilimanjaro or the Antarctic, but I recognized some of the others and knew the general area they come from from Professor Sprout and Herbology. I think I'm missing some too. There were a lot of plants and creatures."

Her mouth opened a little. "I only recognized the Sahara, Antarctic and the Himalayas."

"How about I get you a copy of each book I get?"

"Isn't t'at cheating? We should not 'elp each o'ter," she told him.

He shrugged his shoulders. "Up to you. There is no rule against that or asking any of our friends for any help. I figure if we are all on the same footing, then it is more sporting."

They followed the clerk through a few sections. There were far fewer books than he liked. He only found four that addressed some of what he wanted. Gabrielle picked out two extra. "Think we should send a set to Sorenson?" Harry put to her.

"I do not t'ink he likes me much," she told him, not sounding pleased.

He frowned. Harry had restrained himself from hitting the boy with the look he was giving Gabrielle when he walked into the chamber. "Right, no help there."

Gabrielle was frowning a little. "After today, I would not like to talk about the tournament when it is just us. You are my boyfriend, but I should be able to do this on my own."

He looked at Gabrielle as the books were being rung up. She had refused for him to pay for them. She was looking at him with an expression he didn't know yet. There was a great deal of determination in her features. "I am not trying to offend you, my little ballerina. I just thought if I knew something, there was no harm in sharing."

A small smile crept onto her face. "I appreciate it, mon amour. I would like to do this on my own. At least for now."

He nodded and leaned down. She met his quick kiss and they were soon out the door. They made a few more stops, capturing more of the fun at the start of their date. As the sun got low on the horizon, Harry was watching Gabrielle as she spun around in a whirlwind that had kicked up a bunch of leaves on the outskirts of town. She giggled as the leaves spun around her.

"We do not get fall like this. It is cold, non?"

"I can take you someplace warm, or warm you up," he offered.

She gave him a smile and a raised eyebrow as she looked at him. "Warm me up?"

He moved in and pulled her to him. They had been stealing small kisses with each other all day. This time, the look in her eyes had his blood rushing through him. With a confidence he really didn't feel, but had seen in Sirius enough, he took a step forward. He gave a shrug and a roguish smirk, putting his fingers to her chin and pulling her face up to his. "Warm you up," he repeated before kissing her.

It was a kiss that definitely warmed him up.

It was a few minutes of bliss on the edge of the town, near the path that led to the shrieking shack. Harry would have prolonged the kiss for as long as she let him, Gabrielle not really showing any inclination to stop herself as she wrapped her arms around him, but he winced and pulled back.

There was a sudden sharp spike in his head and he curled up his lip, his hand going to his scar. His wand came to his hand. Wincing again as another sharp pang came to his head, he forced more energy into his mental shields, realizing it wasn't just a pain.

"Harry!" Gabrielle exclaimed concerned.

He winced again, sending his own probe through the spike. The spike withdrew suddenly, like it was running from something that was hurting it. Harry spun, his wand twirling and slashing down in a complicated pattern, a mist forming and trailing away as his probe snapped back. Harry looked up at the blood red smoke and caught the surprised eyes of a young man standing a hundred feet or more away. He was maybe two or three years older than Harry. Four at the most.

The boy was tall with black hair, about as black as his own and pale skin. He couldn't make out the boy's eyes, or much else about him with how his black winter cloak and a dark scarf were wrapped around him. It was unmistakable that the mist was going straight towards the young man.

Harry made a small, almost imperceptible circle, and a shield formed before him, protecting Gabrielle. Before the smoke could reach the man, the young man stepped and was gone in a barely audible crack of apparition.

Gabrielle stepped towards him, her own wand in her hands now and he put his arm out to stop her as he scanned the area.

Moody was going to kill him when Harry let the man know he had let his senses fall while being lost in his girlfriend's mouth.

"Arry, w'at was t'at?" she asked, sounding a little frightened.

There was something very familiar about the young man. Something that bothered Harry. He let the shield fall as he looked around, his wand ready, his magic poised to strike, he did a quick mental shake to make sure the probe had not done anything or left anything it shouldn't.

"'Arry, you are worrying moi," Gabrielle told him.

"I'm sorry, Gabrielle," he told her, rubbing his scar. It hurt for the first time in years. It was still a sharp pain but was slowly receding. "Uhm, do you have your mirror on you?"

"Non. W'at was t'at?"

"I'm not sure. Take my hand. We need to find Sirius," Harry told her.

She didn't question him, weaving her fingers into his. Harry turned and they both apparated away.

-oOo-

London, England

Harry apparated them to a side alley in a small town. She didn't have a chance to ask anything, or even get a real sense of her surroundings except the vine covered stone walls of some two-story houses before she was pulled again.

This time it was down an alley of larger buildings and she could see muggle cars and people walking by. "'Arry," she got out before he pulled her again. She was feeling worried before, she was feeling scared now as they ended in a hallway of a house she had never seen before.

"SIRIUS! KREACHER!"

Harry bellowed out, not letting go of her hand. A second later an old house elf came out a door. "Master Harry is to be at Hogwarts," the elf informed them.

"Kreacher, where is Sirius," Harry spat out.

"Master Sirius is with Mistress Renee."

Harry ran his free hand through his hair. "Where did they go?"

"To Mistress Renee's shop," Kreacher responded. "Is this Mistress Gabrielle?"

"Fudder," Harry shouted, finally letting go of her hand. He turned, kicking at the floor before turning back to them. "Yes, Kreacher, this is Ms. Gabrielle Delacour. Gabrielle, this is Kreacher."

Kreacher bowed. "Mistress Gabrielle."

"Can you go get him, Kreacher. This isn't something to send a patronus on."

Kreacher nodded and snapped away. "Dobby," Harry called out.

"Harry, what is going on?" she grabbed his hand and pulled him to look at her. His other hand was rubbing the scar on his forehead. She had not seen him do that yet. It was almost like she felt his pain. Without thinking she reached up and put her own fingers on his scar.

He let out a slow breath, leaning into her hand. When his eyes finally met hers, she saw that her strong, confident raven-hair boy looked spooked. Another elf came down the stairs. "Harry, tell me."

"Dobby, make sure all the wards are up, please," Harry said to the elf before answering her. "Have you studied occlumency?"

She pursed her lips. "Oui. It is something papa and maman insisted on since we were young. Our veela-blood protects us some, but many may seek to use us, either for my family or what I am," she told him. "That man, did he try to break into your mind?"

"Oui. He looked very familiar too, but I can't place it," he replied.

"Mon Dieu! That is illegal to do that," she exclaimed.

"Only if you are caught. Did he try to break into your mind or do anything?" Harry asked.

She shook her head. "Non. I would have known." Harry nodded and ran his fingers over his scar. "Does it pain you? You have not done that before." She traced her fingers over it again.

Harry frowned then sighed. "It has never felt soothing to have someone else run their fingers over my scar before," Harry told her.

"Is it soothing, what I am doing?" she questioned.

"Yeah."

She gently rubbed the lightening shapes scar on his forehead. It was thin, puckered and felt like there was a ghost of something dark. Something not Harry. It was only a ghost of a feeling though, like it had been far worse at one time. "Why would someone risk to attack you like that?"

He took in a deep breath and let it out. "There are things about me. Things I haven't wanted to tell you yet."

"Would you tell me?"

His green eyes were deep, concerned and frightened. "Gabrielle, I don't want to scare you, or frighten you away."

Her deep-blue eyes searched his and tried to reassure him. "I know my maman talked with you." She took in her own deep breath and let it out. "Harry, you know my Veela-blood has decided you are my mate? Non?"

They hadn't directly talked about it yet. It had been a month that they had the mirrors and had talked with each other just about every day. Gabrielle and Harry had talked about many, many things, but neither of them had broached what they were yet, besides the fact they were boyfriend and girlfriend.

Besides feeling frightened because Harry looked spooked, she was terrified that he would reject her.

Harry reached out and pulled her into a hug. "I know, my little ballerina. I can't tell you how happy I am you are here. I won't let you go. There are things about me though, things that scare me you might change your mind and not want to be with me."

She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight. "You are my boyfriend. I would never abandon you."

Harry let out a breath. Before he could say anything else, the door at the end of the hall opened up. "Why the bloody hell can't I apparate into my own front hall," Sirius griped as he walked in, the silvery-blonde Renee following him.

"Someone tried to probe my mind," Harry told Sirius over her shoulder.

There was a moment of silence. "Well, bloody fuck," Sirius spat out. "Kreacher, get Moony and Andi here. Now. Did you see the bastard? Did they do anything else?"

"Half his face was covered, but he looked young. Maybe a few years older than us, with jet-black hair like my own," Harry told his godfather, finally turning towards him. She held Harry tight and turned with him. "Sirius, it wasn't just a probe. It felt like an attack and my scar is prickling now."

Sirius nodded, put a hand over his mouth and then ran it down his face. "Kreacher, now, damn it. Where is Dobby?"

"Here, Mr. Black," Dobby said, walking out of the shadows. "Dobby made sure all wards were active."

"Good. Only let Remus and Andi in here. Once Andi checks you over, we need to talk with Dumbledore. Was there anyone else?"

Harry shook his head.

"Does your girl know?"

Harry shook his head again.

"W'at is going on?" Gabrielle asked.

"I 'ould like to know as weeell," Renee added.

Sirius sighed. "I don't know yet, but Harry's scar hasn't hurt in years. Before that only meant Voldemort was near or active. I think some of what is happening on the Continent has finally come back home. Bloody hell! How did we miss this!"

"Mon Dieu! All the stuff you and Uncle Alain have been talking about?" Renee questioned Sirius.

"Oui, mon chere."

"I still don't know what is going on!" Gabrielle said loudly, gripping Harry tighter. She knew that name. Everyone knew that name.

Harry sighed. "Let's go into the parlour," Harry told her.

"Are you going to tell me what is going on?"

Harry ran his hand through his hair. "Oui. Sirius, I am going to take Gabrielle to the first floor sitting room. Send up Aunt Andi once she gets here."

"Sure, pup," Sirius told him.

Harry took her hand and they went up the stairs to a sitting room with some modern couches, a large tapestry on the wall and some book cases. Harry let go of her hand and rubbed his forehead again. "Damn, it hasn't stung like this in years."

"'Arry, please tell me what is wrong," she requested, trying to focus on her English as she talked as a way of distracting herself from her fear.

Harry sighed and took a few steps away before turning. "We thought it was safe enough for me to start living like normal now I am of age."

Her boy looked troubled and looked away from her. She was processing what he said. "What do you mean start to live like normal?"

"Gabrielle, did Hermione ever tell you what my life was like before I came to live with Sirius, or the type of training me, her and Ron have been through in the last few years?"

Gabrielle shook her head.

Harry sighed and started to pace. She didn't like her mate looking so distraught. "I know Hermione told you about the troll. Did she tell you that I have faced off against Voldemort before?"

She shook her head. "Non. Hermione only mentioned the troll and how you saved Sirius. Did you really face down a werewolf?"

He gave a dark chuckle. "Ran from a werewolf. I protected Hermione until a hippogryph saved us. If Buckbeak hadn't shown then we would either be werewolves or dead. Did she tell you how I was able to use my patronus to get rid of dozens, if not more than a hundred dementors, to save Sirius, and myself?"

She gasped. "A hundred?"

"Maybe. Probably. I really don't know. At least two or three dozen."

Her eyes were wide. She could tell Harry wasn't lying. Veela-blood could always tell a tall tale a man or woman would give them to impress them. If anything, she felt like he was underplaying what happened. As she processed it, she suddenly realized, "What does your patronus look like?

Harry stopped pacing and turned to her. For the first time they arrived a small smirk came over his face. "Most question that I can do a corporeal patronus, not what does it look like."

"Most are not me. I can also tell when you are lying. Didn't you move in with Seigneur Black after your third year?"

"Yeah. It's pretty cool if you want to see it?"

"Please," she requested.

Harry flicked his want and a second later an enormous stag was standing before her. It pranced a few times as it looked at her, as though sizing her up. When it reached down, it was like a kiss was placed on her forehead. A warmth spread through her like she hadn't felt before. It was soothing, calm, exciting and simply delectable. She held her breath until the stag dissipated a moment later.

"Mon dieu," she whispered in wonder.

Harry gave her a sweet smile that soon turned sad. "I'm sorry you chose me as your mate," Harry started.

Gabrielle's heart sank to the floor. She felt like her world was falling apart. His own face crumpled at the look of utter rejection on her face. She had never gone from such highs to such lows so quickly. Harry suddenly sprang into action and put his arms around her. "I didn't mean it like that. I am not rejecting you, my little ballerina."

She wrapped her arms around him. "Why would you say that?"

Harry tightened his grip on her. "I had to learn the patronus third year after being attacked by dementors twice. I seem to attract bad things. Before Sirius was freed and took me in, that was all my life was. One bad thing to the next. Once I went to Hogwarts, my friends were dragged along with me. If that man today is involved with the old Death Eaters or worse, you may be dragged in as well. Hermione and Ron choose to do that stuff, you haven't. I don't want to see you hurt."

She pulled out of his arms, something in her rising up as she poked him in the chest. It was an anger and concern that burned in her. "Don't you ever reject me like that again! If you think I will not choose to be at your side, you are mistaken, Harry Potter. If you are in trouble, do not push me away."

Harry chuckled and leaned over. She saw his intention and leaned back. "I am serious, Harry!"

"I can tell, my little ballerina." He kept leaning over and she let his lips meet hers. After a moment, he pulled back. "I don't want to see you hurt. Do you know that a few years back it was found that those that supported Voldemort, and had been marked by him, could only be so after they killed someone?"

Papa had mentioned that, but she had been too concerned with keeping her top grades, ballet and duelling to pay attention to politics outside of what maman required her too. She had always been told she could learn more about politics once she graduated and had the time to focus on it. "Oui. I know some about it. Many went to your wizarding jail. Azkaban, I believe? Non?"

"Oui. About fifty people that had been exonerated were brought back in. At least thirty that we know about escaped, including most of Voldemort's inner circle. It caused a huge issue here. Many things have evened out, including changes to laws and restrictions on many muggleborns and creatures," Harry told her, with a scowl on his face.

"But those that escaped have not been quiet. Sirius and a few others think that they are on the rise again. There have been some signs of Houses changing allegiance here in Brittan, issues on the Continent and the Americas, and rumors of Voldemort starting to come to power again."

"There is more but I think my Aunt Andi is here."

She looked at him for a moment, unsure how he might know.

"My grandmother was a Black and Sirius has given me control of the wards, just like him," Harry answered her unasked question.

A knock came at the door. "Come in."

A tall woman with light brown hair and grey eyes opened the door. She looked to be in her early forties with a kind face, but there was an air about her that reminded her of her maman. There was a soft power, grace and a hint of a regal upbringing below the surface.

"Afternoon, Aunt Andi. Glad to see you," Harry said easily.

The woman gave him an eye. "Good afternoon? I get pulled from St. Mungo's for a family emergency to get a 'good afternoon'? And who is this with you?"

Harry wrapped an arm around her waist and presented her. It was a sign of respect and his claim on her. She held herself tall. If Harry was pleased to show her off to someone he obviously held in high regard, she would let him. He would do the same for her later. "Aunt Andi, can I finally present Miss Gabrielle Delacour, my girlfriend. Gabrielle, this is my Aunt Andromeda Tonks. Well, cousin actually, but close enough to an aunt."

His aunt raised an eyebrow. "You are getting better. We'll make you into a proper gentleman still. Miss Delacour, it is a pleasure to finally meet you," the woman stated and gave her a slight curtsy.

She returned the curtsy. "A pleasure, Madam Tonks. You can call moi Gabrielle or Gabi, eef you want."

The woman smiled. "It's Andromeda or Andi then. Now, why are you rubbing your scar?"

Harry had his hand to his forehead again. "Someone tried to probe me earlier. It still prickles and I can't get it to stop."

The woman moved in and Gabrielle took a step back as she reached up and took Harry's face to look at his scar and then into his eyes. "How long ago?"

"It was around four-thirty. I was about to take Gabrielle to dinner. What time is it now?"

"Almost six," Andi replied. Harry winced when she put her finger to her scar. The woman seemed concerned. "How much does that hurt?"

"It feels better when Gabrielle touches it," Harry confessed.

Andi raised an eyebrow and then looked at her. "Harry let you touch his scar?"

"Oui," she replied.

The woman snorted. "Sirius told me you had it bad. He must really like you." A wand came out and started to move over Harry's scar. A moment later, Andi looked at her. "Would you mind Gabrielle touching your scar again?"

"No. Only Gabrielle or you, please," Harry requested.

When she touched his scar again, she felt her magic respond and his reach for hers. It pushed aside the ghost of the ill feeling magic. Some of the creases around his eyes lessened. "Interesting. Do you recognize him as your mate?"

Gabrielle met the woman's eyes. It was apparent she must know some of veela and veela-blood. She didn't hesitate to answer, "My ot'er self recognizes him."

"And you?"

"He is mon 'Arry," she replied and she saw the flash in his eyes for her.

The woman just nodded before turning back to Harry. "I hear she is a good girl. Don't mess this up," the woman ordered Harry.

"Oi! I've only treated her well and she is my girlfriend," Harry complained and she giggled. Gabrielle liked this woman.

"I'm just saying. Now, take a seat. I want to check your occlumency shields and see if everything is all right. Gabrielle, if you want to go downstairs for a bit, I know Renee and Sirius are in the kitchen waiting for Remus and a few others."

"I would stay," she replied.

"Only if you don't give me a hard time about Gabrielle," he griped as he took a seat on a large sofa.

The woman waved him off. "As you like, Gabrielle. As for you, it is my job to give you, Sirius and my daughter a hard time. Are you ready?"

Gabrielle just stood and watched as the two just stared at each other. It was like when maman would help Fleur and her train. After a few minutes, she took a seat by the empty fireplace.

Her mind was starting to drift over what Harry had told her, and what he hadn't. Seeing his patronus was wonderful. There was a pride to know he was that powerful and it made her a little jealous. She wanted to make a patronus, and hoped it was every bit as marvelous as her mates.

It was a while later when Andromeda blinked again and Harry leaned over, putting his hands on his head for support. Andromeda sighed and shook her head. "You alright, Harry?"

"Yeah, I just need a few minutes. I hate it when someone is inside my head."

"I know," his aunt said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "The good news is that all your defenses are as strong as ever. I don't see that anything was breached. There is still that weak spot, but it is going away. Maybe in a few years it will finally be gone."

"Is that why my scar hurts?"

She sighed. "Harry, you know as well as I, we are in uncharted waters here. Whomever that man was, he knew to go after that spot. It was more than a mental probe and until you can finally get rid of the last of the dark magic there, or we can finally figure out what You-Know-Who is doing, I have a feeling you will get this from time to time," she told him. Harry sighed.

"Harry, what is wrong with your scar? Are you going to be well? What can I do?" She was worried to listen to them.

He sat up and looked at Gabrielle. His eyes were more certain again, not as haunted as they were earlier. "There are things about me you should know. Can we eat dinner and either I can tell you later or you can ask others at dinner?"

After a moment, Gabrielle nodded.

"Gabrielle, I apologize for being rude earlier, but I had to check on Harry first," Andromeda pipped up.

The woman's French was very good. She was wondering if that was where Harry had learned how to speak. "Andromeda, please don't apologize. Harry is more important than pleasantries."

The smile met the woman's eyes. "Why don't you two come down. I am sure Kreacher and Dobby have something ready. I am going home for a few to get Ted and then I would like to get to know you, my dear."

Harry nodded and got up, reaching a hand out to her. "Come on, my little ballerina." She took his hand and when he pulled her up, she didn't protest to have him pull her into a hug. They followed his aunt out of the room. "I am sorry our date was cut short."

She tightened her grip on his hand. "Som'one attacked you, 'Arry. I don not care about tee date," she told him, honestly caring less that it was cut short.

He ran a hand through his messy black hair. "I just hoped I had one more year before I had to worry about this again. Are you sure you want to be with me?"

She clutched his hand hard. "'ou are not getting rid of moi," she replied rather heatedly.

Harry leaned over and kissed her head. "If you are staying, you should know everything about me and you-know-who. I will answer any question you have."

"And tee ot'ers?"

"They will too."

In the kitchen, she found Renee, Seigneur Black, a man with sandy hair and green eyes, a woman with pink hair and purple eyes and a grizzled man with a spinning eye a more vibrant blue than her sisters. The old man had a dissatisfied look on his face and threw a roll at Harry, who caught it. "You can stop that but not a bloody, simpering babe that wants to get into your mind? I trained you better than that! What happened to Constant Vigilance," the man admonished Harry.

"T'at is not fair," Gabrielle retorted, angry someone would berate him like that. "'ow were we to know..."

She stopped with a small scream, Harry pushing his way before her, his wand moving in a blur as he blocked and dissipated a few spells. Her wand was out by the time Harry stopped. "You ever do that again to Gabrielle and I will kick your arse out of this room, out of this house and to the doors of St. Mungo's so they can put you in the morgue," Harry growled back.

The man glared at Harry for a moment before shaking his head. "Don't let a set of pretty eyes take your wits, lad."

"Fudder off, Moody. It is more than that, you prick."

"Are you going to stop them," Renee looked alarmed at Sirius.

"Naw, Harry can hold his own," Sirius replied. The other two were just watching as though it was a good show.

"Well it won't stay more than that if you let yourself get distracted again," Moody yelled at him.

She was starting to recover from the shock of the situation and she felt her anger and protectiveness boiling to the surface. Harry tensed. "Bloody dick! You don't think I didn't realize that! I will give you this one warning though. You ever try to attack Gabrielle like that without warning, I will hunt you down and I know more of your tricks than you think."

After a moment, the electric blue eye of the man started to spin again. "I have Wednesday afternoon and Friday evening. You show at that damned shack and we will work on your responses. Bring your girl too. Maybe I can get one good student out of the two of you."

She was bristling at the man. Never had she ever been treated like this and the way he was towards Harry! Earlier she had been too surprised to help Harry, her body still suffering from the high of his tongue in her mouth and his hands starting to slip into her cloak. Now... now she felt the fire in her. "Gabrielle, you are getting worked up," Renee's voice came to her.

"This bastard dares to cast at me! I recognized a cutting curse and blasting hex! He berates Harry and then calls me just a girl!" she stated angrily. Part of her fire being fed by some guilt for not acting earlier. She really hadn't understood what was going on then. Here she did.

The man eyed her uncertainly.

"Harry, I think you should control your girlfriend," the man before Harry spoke up.

Harry glanced at her and shrugged. "I think she can handle herself."

"'Arry, she could burn all dees down," Renee warned him.

"Moody, you dare bring that wand up and I will let her burn you to a crisp as I hex you until all they find is little pieces," Harry warned the man as the one named Moody moved.

"You do not understand, Harry. We may not possess the bird of grandmaman, but we possess her fire and possessiveness," Renee said, getting up.

Gabrielle was breathing heavily and could smell the wisps of smoke as the fire in her threatened to come out. She hadn't felt it burn like this before. Her hands felt hot. "Mon petit ballerina, look at me."

The man on the other side of the room was looking at her rather shrewdly.

"Gabrielle? Gabi?"

The last caught her attention. Harry had only called her 'Gabi' once or twice before. Blinking, the fire was hot in her. "Look at me, Gabi."

When she did, Harry's green eyes were orbs of power. She thought she could see a green fire in them to match the purple she knew her fire to be. Maman and hers was purple. Fleur's, Renee's and Aunt Athena was blue. She didn't know about Marissa or Madeline. She hadn't seen either of them produce fire yet, but Aunt Artemis' was orange. Harry stepped closer. Instinctively she stepped back. She didn't want to hurt him. In her current state she couldn't risk him not being her true mate. Only another veela-blood or her mate would be immune to her fire.

"Gabrielle. It is alright. Calm down. Please. Mon amoure, I am safe. You are safe." His hand slipped into her hands and she felt like it was an anchor pulling her back. She knew her emotions were running high with the events of the day.

"He tried to harm you," she told him.

Harry snorted. "He would not have hurt you or me. We are upset with each other, but he would not have hurt anyone in this room. He also isn't wrong," Harry told her.

She cocked her head to the side, her anger cooling. Harry let go of her hand, reached down and took off his knit sweatshirt.

"What do you mean he is right?"

"I did let my guard down for a set of pretty eyes. A very pretty set of blue eyes," Harry said in a complimenting tone. The man at the end of the table looked to want to say something. Harry pointed his wand towards the man as he held out his sweater. "Put this on and then maybe Renee can help you find something."

She blinked, looking down. Her nice dress was singed in places, her sleeves burned up to her upper arms and the cloth around her neck and bodice was still glowing with embers as it burned to expose most of her upper chest. It wasn't showing anything indecent, but it would soon. Her eyes grew wide. She had almost lost her control and let her full fire out. The fear that she almost hurt people she loved hit her like a ton of bricks. The fire in her retreated so fast it felt like an elastic suddenly snapping. She felt suddenly lightheaded, and the world started to spin...

-oOo-

London, England

Harry had caught Gabrielle before she collapsed to the floor. Renee had rushed around the table. Harry cradled her into her arms and they got her up to a guest room on the second floor. Harry stepped out of the room so Renee could take care of her cousin for a few.

Sirius was outside the door with Remus. "Tell me the bastard has left for the night! I can't deal with him anymore today," Harry warned Sirius.

"No. Dumbledore is still coming later," Sirius told him.

Harry ran a hand through his hair and leaned against the wall. "I messed up today."

Remus shook his head. "No, you didn't. You did what we trained you to do."

Harry sank down to the floor. "I messed up. What if that had been a stunner? Or bonebreaker or something worse? I was so into Gabrielle I didn't notice anything until it was already happening." He put his head into his hands. Between the attack, Aunt Andi poking around for a while and the fact his scare was still bothering him, Harry had a splitting headache. His concern for Gabrielle didn't help.

"I can't lose her or see her hurt because I messed up."

Sirius crouched down. "Harry, you did nothing wrong. You were enjoying a day out with your incredibly hot girlfriend. Something you should do without worry. We all let our guard down. You shouldn't have been out their alone."

Harry chuckled. "Stay away from her, you bloody mutt." After a moment he leaned his head back and hit his head against the wall. "I just wanted one day with Gabrielle today. I couldn't have just one more year? Is that so much to ask?"

Remus joined him on the floor, sitting against the wall next to him. "No. It isn't."

"Pup, you'll get it. We just need to start focusing closer to home again. Much of the Order is on the Continent now. I think Dumbledore is thinking of calling most of the home members back. You'll get your year. Just focus on that beautiful girl of yours, your schoolwork and the tournament. Renee is very fond of her cousin and I don't think I'll be able to stop her if you hurt Gabrielle. Let us focus on the other shite," Sirius told him.

Harry cringed. "You better do the same, otherwise it won't just be Gabrielle knocking on your door," Harry shot back.

Sirius gave a mischievous grin. "You can tell Gabi not to worry."

He narrowed his eyes at his godfather. "What did you do?"

"Well, you know that bastard you were worried about taking your title as Head-of-House Black?"

"I don't remember worrying. Hoping. Not worrying," Harry responded. "Why? You and Renee?"

Remus shook his head. "I should have taken him, not you. Next you'll teach him to knock up the daughter of Lord Delacour."

Sirius laughed at both of them. "Well, he can do what he wants, but I did warn him to get a betrothal first. This is about me this time, though."

"It's always about you," Harry snarked.

"Took you this long to figure that out?" Remus deadpanned next to him.

Harry elbowed him. "Kind of figured that out about five minutes after I moved in."

"I'm trying to tell you something, you bloody bellands," Sirius griped.

They both laughed at Sirius. "When is the wedding?" Harry asked.

Sirius blinked at him. "How the hell did you know!"

"You really want me to believe you would knock up Renee after you gave me that speech over the summer about Gabrielle being that type of girl? Believe it or not, I do listen to you," Harry told him.

"You know how screwed you are doing that?" Remus asked.

Harry nodded sagely. "Can't be any different than taking advice from the arse down in the kitchen."

"You both suck," Sirius whinged.

Harry chuckled and held out his hand. "Congratulations."

"You know I'm supposed to be the arse. Your supposed to be the clueless one," Sirius griped shaking his hand.

"Yeah, you screwed up on that about three years ago."

Remus stuck his hand out. "I never thought it would happen. Congratulations."

"Thanks. Now I just need you to decide which one is the best man. Go ahead, fight it out," Sirius told them.

Harry shook his head and leaned it against the wall. "We both know it's Remus, and don't give me any of that 'your father was his best friend' crap."

There was a chuckle behind them as the door opened. "Gabrielle always says you are such a gentlemen. That doesn't sound like one." Her voice was teasing.

Harry looked up to her. "I am always a gentleman to Gabrielle. Is she alright?"

"Sleeping. I think that was her first time calling up her true fire. She must really like you," Renee replied. "Are your hands burned?"

Harry looked at his hands. He had had a few conversations with Apolline and Renee by mirror, both wanting him to be aware of a few things. "Non. Does this mean what I think it does?"

Renee didn't look impressed with him. "You hurt her and my fire will not be so pleasant."

He chuckled. "I was just telling your fiancée that same. Gabrielle would not be pleased with him."

The smile she gave was rather pleasant, but not as nice as Gabrielle's. "My dear cousin would need to get in line. Sirius will be my betrothed soon and I think grandmaman would go after him first. She would come after you too. She is very fond of her little birds."

Gabrielle hadn't talked much about her grandmaman yet. He gave a look to Sirius who just shrugged, obviously knowing about as much as Harry. "We need to let Madam Maxime know. I am sure Apolline and Alain would like to know too."

"I weell contact t'em," Renee said and Sirius got up. "You can go sit with her if you want."

Harry nodded and Sirius gave him a hand to help him up and then Remus. "Andi is probably back by now and I'll let Dumbledore know that these two are staying here for the night," Sirius said as Harry turned towards the room. Gabrielle was laying in the bed under a sheet. Her blonde hair had been plaited and he could see a lavender coloured short-sleeve sleep top over the top of the sheets.

"She will still be very warm for a while," Renee warned him. "She snapped her powers back to quickly before properly calming. Having her mate around will help her emotions settle."

"Thank you, Renee," Harry said with honest gratitude.

She put a hand on his shoulder. "Family does these things for family." Harry smiled and walked into the room. "Get him something to eat. He looks hungry. He may need the energy if she wakes with a bad reaction. I am going to use your mirror to call Aunt Apolline and Uncle Alain."

The door closed and he took the chair. "I never meant to drag you into all this," Harry said in a quiet tone, one hand brushing a stray lock of hair out of her face and the other rubbing his scar.