章 6: Chapter 6 Gabrielle, unknowns and Alain

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters; though I will take responsibility for any lame plots that may occur in this story.

Chapter 6

Slowly Harry awoke. He recognized the room that was visible in the grey morning light. "Hospital Wing," He thought. "Why..." He started to ask himself but then all the memories of the previous day came crashing back onto him. He jerked up and grabbed for his glasses. It was then he heard the sound. Someone was crying while trying to be quiet as well. It came from the bed on Harry's left.

Harry glanced cautiously over toward the noise. Though the girl was lying on her side facing away from him, Harry knew instantly that it was Gabrielle. Her body shook slightly as she cried. After several seconds, Harry climbed out of his bed and sat down on Gabrielle's. The pressure on the bed caused the young Veela to jerk around in surprise.

"What's wrong Gabrielle?" Harry asked. He could see her eyes were filled with tears and from the tear stained face and puffy eyes, Harry could tell she'd been crying for some time.

Gabrielle swallowed as she unsuccessfully tried to blink back the tears that were in her eyes. "I'm sorry 'Arry," She said in a whisper filled with unhappiness.

"For what?" Harry asked.

Gabrielle didn't answer as more tears leaked down her cheeks. Harry took the edge of her sheet and used it to brush the tears away.

"I told you last night, I didn't blame you, and I really don't."

"But Fleur loves you so much and now–" Gabrielle started.

Harry took Gabrielle's hand, "and now what Gabrielle? You don't love me?"

"Non...of course I do, but.." She looked over at her sister.

Harry followed her gaze and saw Fleur still sleeping peacefully. He looked back at Gabrielle and said "Let's go for a walk and talk about this so we don't wake Fleur up right now."

"Oui," Gabrielle replied but as she was about to get out of bed, she thought of something. "I don't 'ave any clothes except my dress 'ere. My parents will bring some by soon zough."

At the mention of Gabrielle's parents, Harry stomach suddenly developed butterflies. He knew today he had to face the elder Delacours. Not just today, but very soon today. "Uh would they be awake? Maybe we can send Dobby to get your clothes from them."

"I think zat would be fine 'Arry."

"Let me go into Madame Pomfrey's office to call him so he doesn't wake Fleur when he arrives. Is there anything special you want to wear?" Harry asked.

"Non, anything maman gives him will be fine," Gabrielle said as she sniffed.

"I'll be right back," Harry whispered and with a smile and a squeeze of his hand, he left her and walked into Pomfrey's office. He was back within two minutes. "Dobby will be back soon with clothes."

It was less than ten minutes later when Dobby walked out of Madam Pomfrey's office holding a bag. "Dobby got Misses' clothes; your mother says these should be fine for you Miss Gabrielle."

"Thank you Dobby," Gabrielle said softly.

"Misses is welcome. Misses is always welcome to call on Dobby," Dobby replied.

"I'll be right back," Gabrielle said to Harry as she took the bag. "I'll change in ze bathroom," By the time she got back, Harry had changed back into his pants and shirt from the previous night.

With another glance to make sure Fleur was still sleeping, Harry took Gabrielle's hand and guided her out of the hospital door. Though they glanced at each other occasionally, neither of them said a word. They passed very few students, something Harry was thankful for. Finally Gabrielle realized Harry was guiding her somewhere specific. "Where are we going?" she asked.

"Somewhere," Harry replied noncommittally but tried to reassure her with a smile. It was only a couple of minutes later that he stopped in front of a door. "Here it is," He said. He opened the door and gestured for her to enter.

The room was empty of everything but a trap door in the center of the floor. "What is zis?" Gabrielle asked as she looked around and then back at Harry.

"Do you remember me telling you of our first year adventure? The room with the giant dog?"

"Oui, of course."

"This is it. This is where it began. The dog stood over that trap door and down there," Harry nodded toward the trap door, "was where the Philosopher's Stone was kept."

"Can we go down zere?"

"Maybe someday, but not this morning. I'm not sure if the Devil's Snare is still down there."

"Zen why 'ere?" Gabrielle asked as she looked at Harry with her beautiful blue eyes.

"Because it does mean something. You see, when Ron, Hermione and I jumped down that hole we had no idea what was going to happen. We leaped into the unknown, faced the challenges that were waiting for us and because of that it all worked out," Harry put his arms around Gabrielle. "I think that's a lot like us becoming bonded. We have no idea what's going to happen, but you, Fleur and I are going to leap into an unknown and we will face the challenges and it will work out."

"You really think so?" Gabrielle asked as she looked at the trapdoor.

Harry turned her slightly to face him and then gently raised her chin so he was looking into her eyes. "Gabrielle, I enjoyed last night. I got a chance to get to know the ladies who love me and want to spend their life with me. I'm not going to lie and say I'm not a little frustrated, or wouldn't have liked to have had a bit of say in it, but you and Fleur are both beautiful people, and I don't mean just your looks."

"I 'ad fun as well and I know Fleur did too," Gabrielle said with a hopeful look in her eyes.

"My Go–, I mean someone I talked to before you woke up suggested that maybe fate is rewarding me by bringing you and your sister into my life. Maybe he's right," Harry said with a slight shrug. "So no more blaming yourself Gabrielle. It's going to happen so let's just see where fate takes us."

"Do you think you will ever love me 'Arry?" Gabrielle asked suddenly.

Harry looked into those beautiful blue eyes for a long time before answering, "Gabrielle, I can truthfully say I want to. I'd hate to think we couldn't build some kind of relationship, but to tell you the truth I'm not even sure I know what love really is."

"What do you mean?"

"Before you and Fleur told me last night, only one other person has told me they loved me and I only met him less than a year ago," Harry felt tears coming into his eyes and make an effort to blink them back.

"Only one? But...'ow can zat be?" Gabrielle couldn't imagine anyone not loving her future bondmate. "Who was it? Who was eet zat told you?"

"I can't tell you yet Gabrielle, but after we are bonded, he will be one of the first people I introduce you too. He's the closest thing I have to family," Harry explained. "I know my parents loved me, and I'm sure they told me, but I can't remember it."

"I'm sorry 'Arry, I truly am," Gabrielle said, "Fleur and I love you."

"But do you love me or the boy-who-lived?" Harry asked. "You said last night that you had a crush on me forever, and that reminded me way too much of Ginny, my friend's sister. Are you in love with me, or the thought of me?"

"Arry, I don't think you are ze one I used to dream about," Gabrielle started, "You are so much better. Even if I 'ad never 'eard of ze name 'Arry Potter, I probably would 'ave fallen for you last night. You're 'andsome, kind, thoughtful and very brave. Every girl in zis castle would have fallen for you if zey could 'ave 'ad last night with you."

Harry didn't know what to say, he just smiled at Gabrielle.

"Ees Ginny ze same girl you rescued from ze Chamber of Secrets?"

"Yes she is."

"I'm surprised she's not in love with you, or maybe she is?" Gabrielle asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No, well she had that crush on me at the time. She couldn't even stay in the same room with me when we first met, but I think she is getting over it."

Gabrielle took Harry's hand in hers before continuing "Tell me 'Arry, if eet wasn't for Fleur and me who would you 'ave liked to end up wiz?" she asked.

Harry blushed but finally he shrugged. "I really don't know. I mean I had a small crush on Cho Chang. She's the dark-haired girl that was Cedric's hostage, but obviously she likes Cedric," He sighed. "Parvati was my date to the Yule Ball but that was more desperation than interest. Not to say she isn't nice. But really, there is no one. As I said last night, I've never had a girlfriend."

"No interest in your friend?" Gabrielle asked. "Ze one who helped you, ze one you saved from ze troll? You mentioned 'er a lot last night."

"That's Hermione. She's the one who has always been there for me. She's my best friend," Harry replied smiling as an image of Hermione floated in his mind. "I… well she's the smartest witch; no, she is the smartest person I've ever met. If it wasn't for her, I would have been dead a long time ago, or at least failed every one of my subjects. Even when we argued last year it was because she was trying to protect me. But I was my typical stubborn hardheadedness person and got mad at her."

"What did she do?"

"It's not that important."

"Oui, it is. I want to know everything about ze man I love, especially what makes you mad."

"It was stupid," Harry started but then sighed. "I received a very nice present last year at Christmas, my Firebolt actually. Hermione thought that it might be cursed so she told our head of house who confiscated it to be tested. I got it back later when no curses were found. Looking back I know Hermione had my best interest at heart, it's just my temper flared up and I was too stupid to realize it then."

"Who sent ze broom?" Gabrielle asked with concern. "Why would she zink it was cursed?"

"At the time we didn't know, but later I found out," Harry explained. "And that is another one of those things I can't tell you just yet," He smiled. "You know though, even though the broom wasn't cursed, Hermione was right about who sent it. In fact she's rarely wrong about anything," At that, Harry's stomach grumbled. "Well, we better head back and see if Fleur is awake, and maybe get some breakfast."

Gabrielle was obviously feeling better as they walked back to the hospital wing. There were more students out now and each looked strangely at the pair as they went by. "At least they won't think I murdered Gabrielle anymore," Harry thought.

When they re-entered the Hospital wing, Harry looked toward Fleur's bed and stopped abruptly. His stomach immediately stopped grumbling and filled with butterflies again. Fleur was awake and sitting up in her bed. Beside her were two people who must be her parents.

"ARRY…" Fleur said when she saw her future bondmate. She jumped out of bed and rushed to Harry and threw her arms around his neck. She waited for Harry to kiss her, but he was frozen in place and his eyes were glued to the couple still sitting beside her bed looking back at him. "Come meet our parents 'Arry," Fleur said as she took one of Harry's hands while Gabrielle still had the other. Gently they guided him over to their parents.

"Papa, Maman, zis is 'Arry Potter our soon to be bondmate. 'Arry zese are our parents, Alain and Apolline Delacour."

Harry noticed that Mr. Delacour was shorter than his wife. He had a pointed black beard and a twinkle in his eyes of a good natured man. Mrs. Delacour could have passed for Fleur and Gabrielle's older sister. She had the same silvery blonde hair and radiated beauty. Harry remembered that Mrs. Delacour would be half Veela.

"Nice to finally meet you Monsieur Potter. I trust you are well?" Mr. Delacour asked holding out his hand which Harry shook. Harry had seen on his cousin's TV shows the French sometimes kissed as a greeting and was extremely glad when Mr. Delacour did not attempt something similar. "Fleur was just telling us about your dinner last night. She ees most taken wiz you."

"Uh, thank you sir. Your daughter, uh daughters are very nice," Harry stammered nervously. "Uh, please call me Harry though."

Mr. Delacour looked at his wife and nodded, "Arry can we talk?" He put his hand on Harry's shoulder and led him back toward Madam Pomfrey's office. "Madam Pomfrey may we borrow your office for a few minutes for a private conversation?"

"Certainly," Poppy Pomfrey replied. "I would like to check on the girls anyway," She gave a nod to Mr. Delacour and swept out of her office.

Mr. Delacour turned to Harry and smiled. "You do not need to be nervous around Apolline and me 'Arry," He started. "If anything eet is we who owe you."

"Uh, you don't owe me anything sir," Harry stammered.

"Yes, we do," Suddenly the man was serious. "We owe you our daughters. We know what 'appened. I was zere and saw eet. We also know what would 'appen to our daughters if...well if you weren't willing to give of yourself. For zeir lives, we are thankful."

"I...I couldn't just..." Harry started but stopped.

"Many, many men would 'ave," Mr. Delacour replied. "Or not have taken it as seriously as you obviously 'ave. Fleur told us of your method of agreeing to be bonded to zem."

Harry didn't reply but only gave a small nod as the blush crept over his face.

"So it is we who are thankful, we who owe you. Apolline and I 'ave spoken to ze 'eadmaster, and to your father's friend, Monsieur Brown," Harry smiled as he thought that must be Sirius. "We've also talked to your other professors. Professor McGonagall, Flitwick and 'agrid. All of zem think very 'ighly of you. Of course Fleur 'as been gushing like a young–, like a very much in love girl ever since we came zis morning."

"Thank you sir," Was all Harry could think to say.

"Of course we know about your parents, but I 'ope you know zat from zis time on we consider you part of our family," Alain Delacour said. "Just take care of our girls. One day when you are older," then looking at Harry thoughtfully, "much much older, you might have a daughter of your own. At zat time you will know what I feel in my 'eart right now."

"I would never let anything happen to either of them sir. I just hope I don't disappoint them," Harry replied.

Mr. Delacour looked at Harry in wonder. "You're basically forced into a relationship you didn't ask for and you are concerned about disappointing zem?"

"Uh, yes sir. I, well, I don't want them to regret–" his voice trailed off as Harry was confused as to why a smile had come across Mr. Delacour's face.

"Well I can't fault my daughters in zeir choice. It seems like zey did find someone worthwhile. Good luck 'Arry."

"Sir, should...should I talk to Mrs. Delacour?" Harry asked nervously.

"You are more zan welcome to, but she knows everything we just discussed."

"What? How–?" but the answer came immediately. "You're bonded?"

"Yes we are. But Apolline initiated ze bond after we 'ad been dating and with my consent so I can't say I know what you are feeling now."

"What's it like sir, I mean to be bonded?" Harry asked.

"Zere is nothing like it. Nothing in ze world," Mr. Delacour replied with an enthusiastic smile. "I knew I loved Apolline, and I presumed she loved me, but once we bonded and I was able to know and feel ze love from 'er as well, as I said zere is nothing like it 'Arry. Nothing in ze world," He repeated.

"Uh, yes sir," Harry said.

"Look at me," Alain continued. "I know I'm not ze 'andsomest man around but my wife, she is so gorgeous," When he said that he paused for a second and then continued. "Over time in a typical relationship I might have wondered why Apolline loved me, being as beautiful as she is. I might have doubted her, been suspicious of her, but 'Arry, I know, I can feel 'ow much she loves me."

"But what if I don't love them as much as they love me?" Harry asked as he gave a glance out the window at his future bondmates and then back to Alain. "What if I never really love them?"

"Of course you don't love zem yet," Alain said. "Ow could you? Fleur and Gabrielle know zat. But obviously you must care some for zem? Like zem?"

"They…yes they are both very nice," Harry stammered.

"Zen I think it will 'appen," Alain replied confidently. "I think you three will find yourselves becoming closer. Inevitable I believe."

"What do you mean inevitable?" Harry asked. "I thought I wasn't going to lose myself in this."

"Oh you're not, but zey will 'ave a serious advantage 'Arry," Mr. Delacour said with a chuckle. "As long as you give zem a chance, with you being able to feel zeir love, and zeir ability to figure out what you like and dislike, I doubt it will take long before zey 'ave you wrapped around zeir fingers as much as I am."

Harry felt a fond feeling for Mr. Delacour. He had made Harry's anxieties lessen a great deal. "Yes sir. Uh sir, what is left of the bonding, I mean what else do we do?"

"Normally it would have all happened already, but since the power of ze bond initiation overwhelmed you," Mr. Delacour replied, "ze final piece did not 'appen."

"What is that sir?" Harry asked.

"You accepting it 'Arry. Zat is all zat is left."

"How do I do that sir? That's what I guess I am asking."

"Ah yes, well when everyone is ready," Mr. Delacour replied, "Fleur and Gabrielle will allow zeir magic to flow again, and you should find yourself somewhere wiz your 'eart."

"What do you mean sir?"

"Zis is a difficult part to explain, but when you experience it, you will know what to do," Mr. Delacour said. "You are going to be wiz your 'eart, and you will let Fleur and Gabrielle's magic in."

"But what does it mean that I'll be with my heart?" Harry asked envisioning himself in his chest with his heart beating beside him.

"It is all going to 'appen in your mind 'Arry," Mr. Delacour explained. "You will find yourself somewhere where you feel safe. Your 'eart will be represented by something you feel safe storing your love in. It's 'ard to explain. But for me, when Apolline started ze bonding, I found 'er and me au grenier, eh I mean in ze attic of my 'ome. Zat is where I used to go in my youth when things were wrong. I always felt safe zere. And in ze attic during my bonding, zere was a trunk. I recognized ze trunk; it was where I stored all of my treasures of my youth. But during ze bonding, ze trunk represented my 'eart. I knew all I 'ad to do was open ze trunk and 'ave Apolline reach into it, or enter my 'eart as you might say. Zat completed ze bonding," Mr. Delacour got another faraway look. "Eet seems Professor Dumbledore is 'ere along wiz your dog. Are you ready 'Arry?"

"Uh, not really, but might as well get it over with," Harry replied with a nervous shrug.

"Not over 'Arry," Mr. Delacour said looking Harry in the eyes. "Eet is just beginning for you," With that he turned and walked out of Madame Pomfrey's office with Harry following a couple of steps behind.

As they re-entered the bed-lined hospital wing, Professor Dumbledore noticed them. "Ah Harry, how are you this morning?"

"A little nervous sir."

"That would be expected. Is there anything else you want or need to do before we begin the final part of this?" Professor Dumbledore asked. "I think the ladies would not like to wait until the last minute."

"Uh, no sir," Harry replied. His eyes found Fleur's and Gabrielle's who were both looking back at him with hopeful nervousness. He forced a smile toward them as he crossed the room to stand with the two girls he'd be permanently connecting his life to. As he took each of their hands he turned back to Dumbledore. "I'm ready."

"Then I think we should begin."