Chương 306: HPV13-20
Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 13 "The Veela Bond"New
2 hours ago"Exactly. Veela magic is born in fire very much like the phoenix's. When she was deep underwater she mentally was unable to call for the fire part of her magic and it left her magic much weaker," Dumbledore explained. "That doesn't mean she isn't able to. If she were to go into the water and practice, she would eventually be able to pull only from her witch's power and it would be effective. But she probably has never needed to. Now back to that delightful tale."
Harry continued, telling Dumbledore how he had swum with her to protect her in case of more grindylow attacks.
"Noble as always Harry."
Harry continued telling about getting to the village and getting Ron and helping Fleur with Gabrielle. How he had waited for Cedric and Krum to get Cho and Hermione before leaving.
"We heard that part from the merpeople, again noble, though you might hear differently from some of your classmates."
Harry told Dumbledore how Fleur had come back to be with him after she had first started swimming away with Gabrielle. Dumbledore was most intrigued that Fleur had returned to Harry's side instead of continuing on.
"I don't know why she did sir. I just couldn't leave Hermione or Cho there."
"Yes and I'm sure if Fleur hadn't been with you, you would have made sure Gabrielle was safe as well, wouldn't you Harry?"
Harry thought of that, "Yes sir, I would have."
"You have a noble spirit, but again you will probably hear differently from others."
Harry continued telling Dumbledore how, once Krum and Cedric had claimed their hostages he once again swam protection for Fleur to make sure she got to the surface safely. He explained how he saw Gabrielle start to glow, how the bubblehead charm had failed and the grindylows attacked again. Harry explained how he'd pushed Ron up and swam to help but his gillyweed expired. That he used his last air to send the spells that drove off the grindylows then helped Fleur get Gabrielle to the surface. Then remembering how Dumbledore had taken Gabrielle from his spell, "Sir, thank you for saving Gabrielle, I couldn't hold the levitation any longer."
"Harry, I didn't save her, you did. You saved both Fleur's and Gabrielle's lives while risking your own in doing so," Dumbledore said quietly, he looked again at the ladies on the beds beside Harry, "We thought we had enough safeguards in place. I just never considered a Veela transformation at that time," He dabbed the corner of his eye with a finger before continuing. "The transformation knocked her out of the spell she was under. Harry if it hadn't been for you, Gabrielle and Fleur would have died under that lake," He paused to let Harry understand what he had done. "Harry, do you remember what happened when you got to the platform?"
"We went to see how Gabrielle was; Fleur said she wasn't breathing when we surfaced," Harry started.
"Yes, she was correct, but as you saw, Madame Pomfrey did her usual magic and brought her around in no time. What else do you remember?"
"Fleur said something and Gabrielle also," Harry said and then blushing "They both kissed me, but when they did I felt something and I saw two birds surrounded by fire or at least I thought I did, and the next thing I remember was waking up here."
"Do you remember what they said?" Dumbledore asked.
"Something about love and bonds."
"Yes, they both invoked deep Veela magic," Dumbledore stopped and again looked at the unconscious forms of Fleur and Gabrielle. "They initiated a love bond with you Harry."
"What is that sir?" Harry asked but had a horrible feeling in his stomach that he really didn't want to know.
"Ah, well Harry think of it as a Veela wedding vows."
"Wedding vows? I'm married? How–?" Harry started.
"Maybe that was a bad comparison. No you're not married, at least not if you don't want to be," Dumbledore started, but seeing Harry let out a sigh of relief, "it's much deeper than marriage, at least for them."
"WHAT?"
"Harry, they connected their lives to you. In Veela terms it is called a bondmate," Dumbledore said. "Now you can reject the bonding but there would be consequences."
"What kind of consequences?" Harry asked quietly.
"Nothing on your part, but the Delacours, well, Harry you have to understand they have given you their love," Dumbledore explained. "If you reject it and not complete the bond, it disappears and those two ladies will never be the same."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, somehow knowing the answer was not going to be something he wanted to hear.
Dumbledore again looked sadly at the Delacours, "The bond is formed by Veela magic from every ounce of love in their hearts. If you accept it, the love will be freely shared amongst all of you, but if you reject it, they will live the rest of their lives with no way to love again. That usually means they will go insane or worse."
"But why did they do it?" Harry asked.
"I don't truly know, it could be that you saved their lives, or the dramatic experience you shared," Dumbledore said. "But I will tell you this; they each had already found love in their hearts for you before they committed themselves to you."
"They loved me?" Harry asked as he looked inquisitively over at Fleur.
"The bond cannot be formed out of nothing; there must be love for the individual before it can start. The love might not have been deep or it might have been from the depths of their hearts but it was there."
Harry continued to stare at Fleur, "She didn't even know I existed, I was just a little boy to her. How did she love me?"
"I can't answer that Harry, though returning to your side under the lake might start to answer that question. I think even if she hadn't realized it at the time, love was what brought her back to you. I do know that if you accept the bond, she'll be glad to tell you, that is if she knows herself. For you see, in the bond there will be no secrets between the two of you," Dumbledore said.
"What do you mean?"
"Fleur and Gabrielle's parents were kind enough to give me a deeper understanding of exactly what this bond entails," Dumbledore explained. "Part of it seems to be the ability of the bonded to communicate silently."
"They'll be able to read my mind?"
"More like your thoughts, unless you are actively thinking something it would not work. They couldn't just go dive into your memories."
"Oh," Harry said. He put his head back and stared at the ceiling for a whole minute before he turned his gaze upon the older Delacour. "Professor, um..." Harry asked finally. "What do I do?"
"That is entirely up to you Harry; though your options are simple enough. You can accept both bondings and share your life with two very lovely young ladies," Seeing the look in Harry's eyes, "Yes, since the bond is permanent you would eventually probably marry them both."
"How can I marry both of them sir, isn't that, well against the law or something?"
"In normal circumstances, yes it is Harry," Dumbledore said. "But this is a magical bond and as such recognized by all as a justifiable exception to the law. Now your other option is to only accept one of the bonds, in which you would condemn the other to the life of insanity I mentioned earlier. Though this is an option, the results of such a choice would most likely create an undesirable problem within the bond of the other one, not to mention their family. And finally you can reject both bonds, live your life as you want and both women would be as I mentioned earlier."
"I have no choice then sir," Harry said as again his eyes drifted to the sleeping form of Fleur.
"You always have a choice, but sometimes the choices are not always equal."
"Are they sleeping or unconscious?" Harry asked.
"We had to put them in a deep sleep until you awakened," Dumbledore explained, "Usually the bond must be formed within forty-eight hours of its initiation and we had no idea when you would awaken. Not even the strongest of Madame Pomfrey's restorative potions could bring you around. It seems in your weakened magical and physical state, the energy from the dual bond initiation overwhelmed your body and magical core."
"How long have I been unconscious?"
"Three days, and no before you ask, the bond formation will not continue until the ladies awake," Dumbledore said. "But we cannot keep them out for more than another two days."
"So I can talk to them, before the bond?" Harry asked. "I mean I have never even spoken to Gabrielle and now I have to decide if I want to spend the rest of my life with her?"
"Of course Harry. But before we bring the ladies around, may I suggest speaking to the ladies' parents and maybe to a certain canine we are both fond of?"
"Uh, how about just Si..I mean Padfoot. I think I would prefer to speak to uh, them," nodding to the beds beside him, "before talking to their parents," Harry replied.
A twinkle emerged in Dumbledore's eyes, "Yes, meeting the girlfriend's parents can be quite daunting especially when you didn't even know you had a girlfriend. But understand they are very much concerned for their children. They know you have their daughters' very lives in your hands."
"Yes sir, I understand."
"I do believe Madame Pomfrey wishes to check you over one more time." Dumbledore said. "Once she finishes please come along to my office. My favorite candy of the month just happens to be Chocolate frogs."
Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 14 "Burdens and Bonds"New
2 hours agoHarry felt his feet were made of lead as he slowly walked toward Dumbledore's office. Every step was an effort. His mind was flooded with thoughts of Fleur and of Gabrielle. "Why did they do it?" He kept asking himself, "WHY!" Deep in his thoughts he didn't hear the sound of footsteps coming up from behind him.
"Harry!" "Harry!"
It wasn't until a hand was placed on his shoulder that Harry snapped out of his thoughts and saw his two best friends staring at him.
"Harry, how are you? We were so worried," Hermione asked. "And what is going on? There are all kinds of rumors going around."
"Yeah mate," Ron said. "They are saying you tried to kill that Veela's sister."
Harry shook his head, very tired again all of a sudden. It never failed. Anytime something happened in the castle, everyone presumed it was bad and blamed him for it. Harry looked at Ron and Hermione. "What do you two think?"
"Well we know you would never do anything like that on purpose," Hermione said. "That's why we want to know."
"You know I wouldn't think…" Ron started then he looked away.
Harry looked at Ron incredulously, "Ron, you were all about me lying and cheating just a few months ago so don't tell me I would know anything about how you think."
"I.. I didn't mean it," Ron replied as his ears turned pink. "Look, I don't believe any of it really."
"So what did happen, Harry?" Hermione asked.
"I need to go see Dumbledore," Harry said and turned to continue his trek. The look on Hermione face made him stop. He motioned for them to follow. "Walk with me and we'll talk."
As Hermione and Ron fell in step at Harry's side he asked. "What did you see out at the lake?"
"Well, Viktor had already rescued me and we were on the platform waiting for you and Fleur to show up," Hermione asked. "Oh, before I forget, Neville wants to know if that was Gillyweed you used."
Harry stopped and looked at Hermione, "Neville knew about Gillyweed?"
"He said he read about it in a book this year," Hermione answered.
"Oh, the answer was in my dorm all this time and..." He stopped. He just couldn't get angry. "Yeah it was gillyweed," He went on to explain how Dobby had found him in the library and gave it to him. "Not sure if it was such a good thing now."
"But it worked!" Ron said. "After all the commotion died down and they got you and those two girls off to the hospital, Dumbledore had this weird meeting with the merpeople and then announced you and the Beauxbatons champion were the first to the hostages but you both stayed to make sure the others were safe. You both ended up with 45 points. That makes you tied for the lead mate."
Harry didn't feel like cheering. He just turned and continued to Dumbledore's office. He didn't see the look of concern his friends shared.
"I was really worried when the time limit was up and you still hadn't come back Harry," Hermione started again. "Then when Ron came up the surface without you, I... I was terrified," And at that she took Harry's hand. "And Madam Pomfrey wouldn't let us see you in the Hospital wing. I've tried several times."
"Mental she's been. Really. Every couple hours she's been up there to ask about you," Ron added. "She even skived History of Magic, can you believe it?"
"You skived?" Harry asked his bushy-haired friend.
Hermione looked embarrassed but nodded.
Harry felt her fingers collect around his and found himself thinking how soft her hand felt. For a brief moment he gazed at her and he remembered how she looked the night of the Yule Ball. Then he thought of the two ladies lying in a hospital bed who he would spend the rest of his life with.
"Yeah mate, what happened there?" Ron asked. "I came to in the middle of the lake freezing my arse off."
"Ron, language," Hermione snapped.
"I'll say arse if I want to say arse Hermione," Ron retorted.
"Will you two stop?" Harry asked quietly. He didn't have the energy to listen to them argue. "Fleur was having trouble and, I well I went back to help her."
"Helping the beautiful Veela Harry?" Ron said with a wink, "Well I don't mind you leaving me then."
"It wasn't like that Ron. Fleur's magic was greatly diminished in the water," Harry started. "Dumbledore explained it to me. Since her Veela powers are from fire, well let's just say under the water she couldn't draw upon it. So she had trouble defending herself when she got attacked by Grindylow and I went to help."
They had come to a set of steps and they walked slowly up them. They passed several people along the way and most of them were giving him a wide berth.
"You saved her?" Hermione asked. "But what happened to her sister?"
Harry explained what Dumbledore told him about Veela and the transformation, about how it had happened right at that time and how Gabrielle had awoken below the water.
"So you saved both of their lives?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah," Harry replied gloomily.
"So what's the problem? And why have you been unconscious for three days?" Ron asked.
"There are other issues," Harry said. "And it led to me being unconscious."
Harry felt Hermione's hand tighten on his. "Harry what happened? What aren't you telling us?"
"They're in love with me," He murmured very quietly.
"What Harry?"
Harry stopped and looked at his friends again. He was thinking. "Dumbledore didn't say I couldn't talk about it, but do I really want to discuss it yet."
"I said they are in love with me," Harry repeated and his whole faced turned red.
Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 15 " Harry's Secret Revealed"New
2 hours agoRon looked shocked and then with a huge grin he slapped Harry on the back. "Way to go man, you have two Veela girls after you. You'll definitely be the talk of the school now. But hey be careful around them though, you know about those Veela girls."
Hermione was looking at Harry very closely and could sense he was not considering it something to celebrate. "There is still something else isn't there Harry, what else is there?"
Harry had rounded on Ron, feeling his anger rise at his friend. "They are NOT Veela girls, Ron. Their names are Fleur and Gabrielle Delacour," He spat back at Ron. "And if you so much as think of them as anything but that, I swear I'll, I'll…"
Ron took a step back raising his hands at the outburst from his friend. "I, I didn't mean anything."
Harry turned to Hermione, "There's something else." He released her hand as he turned and continued down the corridor. Hermione and Ron looked at each other again and hurried after him.
"What is it Harry?" Hermione asked again. "What aren't you telling us?"
Once more Harry stopped and looked at his friends. He did want to talk to someone but he knew he couldn't tell Ron. Ron would tell Fred and George and it would be around the school within an hour. "Ron, can I talk to Hermione for a few minutes?" Harry asked.
Ron got a hurt look on his face, "I didn't mean anything about, about calling them Veela girls. Just, you know, be careful."
"It's not that Ron," Harry started; he cast his mind around looking for something that Ron would definitely hate, "I want to ask her about assignments I missed."
Ron, oblivious to the obvious change of subjects, "Sure, uh, I'll go down to the kitchens and see if I can get a snack."
"Ron," Harry said "Please don't mention anything about Fleur and Gabrielle until Dumbledore says it's okay."
"Yeah, sure Harry," Ron said and he walked away toward the staircase that led down to the kitchen.
Hermione watched Ron disappear down the steps and then turned to look at Harry, "Now what did you want to talk to me about? I am sure it has nothing to do with homework."
"I just need to talk to someone without it getting all over the school," Harry started, "and I need advice."
"Of course Harry," Hermione smiled at him. "What's the real problem?"
"Well I sort of did tell you the problem," Harry said. "Both girls are sort of in love with me."
"And you want to know how to what?" Hermione asked. "I'm not the person you need to talk to about relationships Harry. I haven't had a boyfriend," The last said with a blush rising in her cheeks.
"It's more complicated than that Hermione," Harry said. He looked at the wall over Hermione's shoulder "They, well they both did this bond thing to me...something called a bondmate."
Hermione's hand shot to her mouth, "Oh Harry."
"You know what that is?" Harry asked.
"Well you have been unconscious for several days," Hermione said, "and the Delacours haven't been seen either. So wondering if it could have been something to do with Veelas, I've been reading about them."
Harry smiled "Of course you would do that," He thought.
"So that's why you've been unconscious because you were bonding?" Hermione asked.
"No. Dumbledore said the bond initiation coming from two people against my weakened magical core caused that. Fleur and Gabrielle are being kept unconscious until I am ready."
"So you're going to do the bond?" Hermione asked. "It sounded really interesting," Hermione turned away and Harry could see she was blushing.
"Well I don't have a choice do I?" Harry asked.
"But it is your choice though Harry, the book was clear that once initiated the person receiving it has the right to accept it or reject it."
"Did your book say what happens if the bond is rejected?" Harry asked.
"No, not really."
"Here's how Dumbledore explained it to me," Harry started. "The bond is formed by all the love the Veela has to offer. If I reject the bond, the bond disappears with the love that tried to form it, which Dumbledore says would lead to insanity or worse for the Delacours."
Hermione's eyes widened. "Oh Harry."
"Look I really need to get to Dumbledore's office. Padfoot is waiting for me," Harry said. "Hermione, please don't tell anyone. I think at the moment I would prefer the school thinking I tried to kill Gabrielle."
"Okay Harry," Hermione responded as she reached around him and gave him a hug. She tried to give a smile as she stepped back, but it fell short of her eyes. As Harry turned to continue his trek to the Headmaster's office she had a final thing to say, "It could have been worse you know."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"Well it could have been Pansy Parkinson and Millicent Bulstrode," Hermione replied, again offering a smile.
Harry couldn't help but smile back at her. "Thanks Hermione, at least you're keeping it in perspective for me."
A short time later Harry was knocking on the door to Professor Dumbledore's office. Harry heard the elderly wizard call softly, "Enter Harry," Once he was inside, Harry saw a large black dog lying on a rug under the window. The dog's ears perked up instantly. The dog stood up while at the same time Harry noticed Professor Dumbledore's wand wave. Several clicks came from the door behind him.
"Sirius, you may show yourself, the office cannot be entered," And at those words the black dog transformed into a man.
"Sirius!" Harry yelled and ran over to his Godfather.
Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 16 "In Defense of Fleur"New
2 hours ago"Harry!" Sirius replied with the same enthusiasm. "I am so glad to see you back awake. Madame Pomfrey was beginning to wonder why a dog kept coming to the Hospital wing to see you."
"As much as I wish you weren't here," Harry said thinking of Sirius's safety, "I am really glad you are."
"I bet you are Pup," Sirius said, and when Harry looked at him curiously, "Come on Harry, if you're going to be the godson of a dog, at least let me call you pup."
Harry grinned at his godfather, and then seeing he looked a little ragged. "Taking care of yourself aren't you Sirius?"
"Of course I have. It's been a little rough recently. I had to snag a few rats here and there," Sirius said and at the disgusted look on Harry's face he continued. "It's really not that bad. Remember I get the taste buds of a dog and eating a rat doesn't taste disgusting once you get past the mental part that it's a rat."
"Uh...if you say so," Harry replied hoping if he ever got around to trying to be an animagus his form wasn't a dog.
"Besides I can always pretend it's Pettigrew can't I?" Sirius said. "Lately though, thanks to this latest adventure of yours, I've been getting Hogwart's food. Not only is our very generous friend here," Sirius nodded toward Dumbledore, "getting me food from the kitchens, but I'm allowed to wander the Great Hall during dinner time. I've gotten very good at snagging the biscuits they throw to me."
Harry laughed at the thought of the most wanted wizard in all of Great Britain's magical world wandering around snagging biscuits in the Great Hall of Hogwarts.
"So Pup," Sirius said, "sounds like you have a problem."
Harry's mood soured almost immediately. "Yeah it seems that way."
"Well if it helps any, I had a long conversation with their father."
"You WHAT?" Harry almost shouted. "You showed yourself?"
"Relax," Sirius smiled. "Albus did some serious glamour charms. I didn't even recognize myself when I looked in a mirror. But anyway, I told Mr. Delacour I was an old friend of your father's, which of course I am. He is a nice man, Harry. He doesn't blame you for anything. He was in the stands when you came out of the water and saw what happened. He also talked to his daughters before they were given the sleeping draft. He knows it was purely their choice."
"At least there's that," Harry muttered.
"I will tell you, that as he was discussing his daughters, Fleur in particular, it sounded a lot like you."
"What, what do you mean?" Harry asked in surprise.
"She is very much like you," Sirius repeated.
"But, but she is so beautiful and everybody wants to be with her," Harry said.
"But why do they want to be with her Harry?"
"Because she's gorgeous," Harry said.
"Any other reason?" Sirius said and at Harry's inability to reply "Exactly Harry, just like you have people fawning after you because of that scar on your head."
Harry's thought went back to Malfoy on the train coming to Hogwarts, Colin Creevey following him around with a camera and Professor Lockhart trying to use Harry's fame. "But why would Fleur want to have anything to do with me? I mean, that night, the one when my name came out of the goblet, she said I was a little boy."
"Did she Harry?" Sirius said. "She might have at first, but did you know she wrote to her sister almost weekly and a lot of the letters were about you?"
"She did? Why?" Harry asked. "What did she say?"
"Well you can ask her when you get a chance Harry, but she had noticed you as more than 'a little boy' " Sirius said. "Now you told Dumbledore how you helped Fleur, but I want to ask you why did you help her?"
"Because she needed help," Harry exclaimed. "I couldn't leave her fighting Grindlows. She couldn't get free."
"So? That's one less competitor to worry about," Sirius said offhandedly.
"Sirius, I couldn't!" Harry exclaimed testily.
"I know Harry, just making a point," Sirius continued. "Now, when she was free of the Grindylow, why not swim on ahead and leave her? Fleur told her father how you protected her."
"What if more Grindylow had shown up or something else?" Harry answered. "I…I mean she needed me to protect her."
"Protect the very beautiful silver haired Veela?" Sirius asked. "Or a woman who wanted to save her sister."
"Uh, what do you mean?"
"Harry, I do believe you told me that you fell under the Veela spell at the World Cup?" Dumbledore interjected.
"Yeah," Harry grimaced remembering the experience.
"Did you feel like that when you were saving Fleur or swimming to protect her?" Dumbledore continued to ask.
"No of course not. But you said her powers wouldn't work underwater anyway."
"Exactly Harry, you were not entranced by her allure, but you were protecting her anyway," Sirius said.
"But anyone would have done that," Harry blurted out.
"You don't give yourself enough credit pup," Sirius said.
"But you were the one who helped her, who guarded her, who risked his life to save her, not the blonde-haired beauty but Fleur Delacour, a scared and lonely young lady desperately fighting under the lake. Now from what Gabrielle had told their mother," Sirius raised his hand when Harry was going to ask a question,
"No, you'll have to ask her about it, but based on those comments, Fleur had already developed feelings for you. Maybe not romantic love, but definitely feelings. Now mix that with someone who looked past her beauty and helped her, no, who risked his life to save her for no reason and you see how those feelings might have deepened. Now finally, with all of those emotions rolling around in her body and her Veela powers coming back into full strength once she was out of the water and well she did what she did."
Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 17 "Embracing the Unknown"New
2 hours agoHarry shook his head as he tried to imagine what Sirius described. He couldn't believe that the aloof and beautiful Fleur Delacour liked him, much less developed feeling for him, but if he were able to look past that, he could see what she'd possible seen but, "How could she have feeling for me?" Harry thought. Then he thought of the other Delacour. "What about Gabrielle?" He asked. "She's never even met me. How could she love me in the least?"
Sirius looked over at Dumbledore who took up the conversation, "Do you remember what I said about the Veela transformation; about when it happens and why?"
"Yeah," Harry replied. He still didn't quite understand what he'd said but didn't think now was the time to ask about it.
"Well she wasn't supposed to transform for at least six more months," Dumbledore sighed, "I am guessing here, but I think the way the deep water affected Fleur's magic also affected the Veela transformation process so it happened a lot sooner than it should have. Now according to her father she has been infatuated with Harry Potter since a very early age. She begged her father to come with him to this event just to meet you."
"She came all the way from Beauxbatons to meet me sir?"
"Yes Harry, now follow me with this," Dumbledore said, "The girl has a serious infatuation with you, and her sister writes to her and tells her all of these wonderful things about you. Now she's on the platform and you'd saved her life, the uh, hormones that normally would have been suppressed are flooding her systems, her Veela powers are newly awakened, the man who she had singularly focused on for such a long time just saved her life and her sister is claiming him for herself. She lashed out the only way she could by claiming you as well."
"So she doesn't really love me?" Harry asked, a bit of sadness in his voice at the thought.
"Oh, she definitely loves you at some level Harry," Dumbledore said, "Remember what I said earlier, the bond cannot be created from nothing. So at some time she did feel true love for you, it might have been an instant before she initiated the bond, but there is most definitely love."
"Oh," was all Harry could say. He just couldn't believe they could love him. There was just no reason for it.
"Look pup," Sirius said "What's bothering you the most?"
"Outside of two women who I barely know forcing me to commit myself to them for life?" Harry said "What about the one I'm meant to fall in love with?"
"What if these are ladies are the ones you are supposed to fall in love with Harry?" Sirius asked, "Fate can be a cruel bitch or can be the most wonderful thing in the world. Maybe this is fate's way of speeding up a process of happiness for you to make up for all the sorrow that you have endured. As I said, the older of the two has suffered very much like you when it comes to relationships. But she is beautiful, smart, and she has fallen in love with you."
At the words, 'beautiful and smart' an image of a bushy haired witch floated into Harry's mind. "Yeah, I guess," Harry replied. "So you would do it Sirius?"
"Harry, what I would do or wouldn't do is not the question is it?" Sirius said, "You look like James but I know you have your mother's heart. I already know you've made up your mind. Lily wouldn't have been able to live with herself by choosing any other way and neither could you."
Harry let out a sigh and he nodded his agreement. He turned to Dumbledore, "When can we wake Fleur and Gabrielle? I guess I need to learn all I can about my... my," He spent a second before continuing, "girlfriends."
"It's dinner time Harry," Professor Dumbledore said, "Would you prefer to eat first or later?"
At the mention of the word dinner, Harry's stomach realized it had been three days since something that been sent its way and emitted a loud grumble.
"Ah, yes it seems your stomach would like something to eat. Would you prefer to eat in the Great Hall or something back in the Hospital wing?"
"Sir, when Fleur and Gabrielle awake won't they be hungry as well?" Harry asked. "Would it be possible to set up a place where the three of us could eat together?"
"Of course Harry, that's an excellent idea," Professor Dumbledore said "I'll attend to it myself."
"And sir?"
"Yes Harry?"
"Could you make sure there are dishes that Fleur and Gabrielle like, maybe ask their parents what their favorite foods are?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, "I think you just proved that Fleur and Gabrielle found someone special," Then turn to Sirius, "I think it is time for Padfoot to go in search of biscuits."
Sirius grinned at Harry "Sure you don't want your dog with you at your dinner party?"
Harry blushed deeply, "Uh, that might not be a good idea," Then he was struck with a horrible thought. "Professor, you said that they would be able to read my thoughts. What about Sirius? They will know all about him."
Professor Dumbledore raised his hand, "Remember that they will also be able to read your thoughts of his innocence as well Harry. Since you will not be able to lie to them, they will know it is the truth. There will be two more people you can talk to and confide in."
"I won't be able to lie to them? Sir, am I going to lose myself in this bond?" Harry asked as he swallowed hard at this thought.
"Lose yourself Harry?" Professor Dumbledore replied.
"Oh, no I think you might be misunderstanding what is going to happen. You and the ladies Delacour are going to share love, a very deep and permanent love. That doesn't mean you will never argue or disagree, it doesn't mean you can't live your own life and have your own interest. The only reason you won't be able to lie to them is because of the mental link. When you come to accept it, and hopefully find love for those two ladies, I think you will find they have blessed you with a gift few men ever enjoy."
"Yes sir, if you say so."
"Harry, go back to the Hospital wing, and I'll go take care of your dinner. Padfoot!" Sirius morphed back into a dog, ran around Harry a couple of times causing the raven haired young man to grin and then he followed Dumbledore out of the office bounding down the steps wagging his tail.
Harry smiled at the antics of his godfather. His thoughts drifted to the young ladies asleep in the hospital wing. "Well Hermione was right," He thought as he walked out the door, "It could be much worse."
Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 18 "Dawning Realizations"New
2 hours ago
When Harry arrived back in the Hospital Wing Madame Pomfrey was in her office. Harry sat down on the foot of his bed and kept looking from one Delacour to the other. He released a sigh. "Why?" He whispered but he knew he'd have to wait before they could answer that question. He found himself looking again at their silvery-blonde hair, at their perfect complexion, and visualized the beautiful eyes that lay behind the closed eyelids. He remembered Fleur's from under the water, the look that was in them. "Was that the love?" He asked himself, not believing it could be true. As he looked at Fleur, his eyes came to rest on the smile that was on her lips. "It was those lips that gave me my first kiss." Harry thought. "A kiss that sealed my fate."
"Ah Mr. Potter you're back," Madame Pomfrey said from behind Harry. Harry didn't turn but heard her footsteps across the floor as she came over to him. He only turned when he felt her hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry Harry. I almost feel like this is my fault."
"Why?"
"I keep thinking that maybe I should have sent the young Delacour up here before you and her sister got to the platform," Madame Pomfrey said, "Or at least kept her unconscious. Maybe then none of this would have happened."
Harry looked at the concern in the school's nurse face and knew she did what she had to do. "You had no reason to. It's just the way things happened. This is definitely not your fault."
"Thank you Harry," Madame Pomfrey said, "You've spent so much time under my care Harry, I've grown quite attached to you." She turned and looked at the Delacours. "They were very concerned about you. Outside of the short time they met with their parents, they never left your side. Even when we gave them the sleeping drought, they fell asleep looking at you."
"I…I'm sure it's something to do with the bond," Harry said.
"Maybe, but Harry," Madame Pomfrey started. "I've been in charge of this wing for a long time. I've seen a lot of loved ones at bedsides and I've become very good at reading emotions. I can tell they care about you."
Harry didn't reply to this but his eyes came back to the peaceful sleeping face of Fleur then over to Gabrielle. "Why?" Was his only thought but in itself it carried many more questions.
"So where is that dog of yours?" Madame Pomfrey asked. "He's been in here so much in the last couple of days that I've grown quite accustomed to him. Never seen a better trained animal. He would sit and stare at you for hours."
Harry smiled at the thought of his godfather watching over him while he slept. "I think he's in the Great Hall, I understand that he's been popular there as well."
"Yes he has been. Oh, and Harry when you get a chance, you might want to let Miss Granger know you're awake. Poor girl has been asking about you every couple of hours. I think since we didn't let your friends visit you they might have presumed something far worse has happened to you."
At the sound of Hermione's name, an image of her floated in Harry's mind, he felt her hand from earlier intertwined with his. "I've already spoken to her, she found me as I was walking to Professor Dumbledore's office."
"Of course she would," Madame Pomfrey said with a sad smile. "Now Harry, I need you to drink this potion and lay back down in bed for a few minutes."
Harry looked at the thick yellow concoction she handed him. "What does it do?"
"It's going to release your negative emotions Harry."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
Madame Pomfrey looked at Harry for a few seconds, "Albus was concerned that you might lose your temper before hearing all that you needed to know, so he had me administer a calming potion that keeps the more negative emotions like anger in check."
"But I got angry earlier at Ron, I–" Harry started, but then remembered how quickly the anger had disappeared.
"Then I would have hated to have seen you if your anger hadn't been bound Harry," Madame Pomfrey said. "The potion only diminishes the emotions, it doesn't eliminate them, but if you were angry enough to feel it while under its influence, it was pretty severe."
Harry thought of what had caused the anger. Ron had called Fleur and Gabrielle 'Veela girls' as if they were objects or prizes, but why would that have caused so great of an anger? Images came flooding into his mind as if the question had burst a dam. He was looking at the mirror of Erised three years previous with Dumbledore saying "You, who have never known your family, see them standing around you," Then he was in the tunnel between the shrieking shack and the Whomping Willow. Sirius, the man who only an hour earlier Harry knew to be a mass murderer only to find out differently, was telling Harry he was his guardian and offering to have Harry come live with him causing Harry's heart to explode in joy, and finally Harry saw in a single instant, every moment he had spent unloved at the Dursleys. Every birthday gone unnoticed, every Christmas without presents, and every achievement unrecognized or even ridiculed. Then again in his mind he heard Dumbledore's voice,
"The bond cannot be formed out of nothing, there must be love for the individual before it can start. The love might not have been deep or it might have been from the depths of their hearts but it was there."
"since the bond is permanent you would eventually probably marry them both."
Harry looked over at the sleeping Fleur and Gabrielle and realized that was what they were offering him, unwavering love and a promise of a family. His family, no not his, but for them to be a family.
Madame Pomfrey had been watching Harry as he seemed to wrestle with his thoughts, "Are you alright Harry?"
"I think I'll be fine, thanks," Harry replied as he climbed into his bed. He uncorked the vial and turned it upside down, allowing the thick yellow liquid to pour into his mouth. "Disgusting, but at least it's better than Skele-Gro." Harry thought as he swallowed. Almost instantly, he felt his anger and frustration open up and threaten to overwhelm him. "WHY?" It was more of a demand than a question now. "WHY is it always me?" He looked over at the Delacours, and that word floated up from the depths of his anger; 'family' and with it came a sense of calm that enveloped him.
As Harry laid there thinking his stomach gave another grumble reminding him of the coming dinner. "Madame Pomfrey, Professor Dumbledore is having a dinner prepared. Fleur and Gabrielle will need to be awakened soon."
"Oh, then I better start making the preparations," And she strolled back to her office.
It was twenty minutes later when Albus Dumbledore came through the hospital wing doors followed by Padfoot. Madame Pomfrey who had been keeping an eye on the door came out to greet him. "Ah Poppy," He said. "I think it is about time to awaken the ladies."
"Yes Albus, Mr. Potter informed me of such. It'll be a couple of more minutes before we can."
Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 19 ""New
2 hours agoUntil that moment Harry hadn't thought about what that meant. He knew that Fleur and Gabrielle were to be awakened of course, but now he realized it was time to face them. Time to talk with the two ladies he was destined to spend the rest of his life with and time to ask them the question he'd asked a thousand times in the short time he'd been awake.
Why?
As with any true fourteen year old Gryffindor about to face an upcoming dinner with two beautiful ladies who were to be bonded to him, Harry's mind filled with panic and then went blank. Fortunately, either by chance or possibly Professor Dumbledore had noticed something in Harry's eyes, the Headmaster made a suggestion.
"Harry, the ladies are going to need time to freshen themselves up a bit and maybe a change of clothes, so why don't you do the same. When you are ready just call Dobby to show you the way to the dining room we set up."
"Yes sir, thank you sir."
"Oh and Harry," The Headmaster said "May I suggest something semi-formal."
"Uh, yes sir," And at that Harry bolted out the door.
"Semi-formal?" Harry asked himself when he was half way down the hall.
"What's that?" He knew of only one place to get the answer he needed. One person that is.
Down one set of steps and then another. He raced along until he came to the large doors that led into the Great Hall. He threw them open and entered. The looks and whispers started immediately, but Harry ignored those. He looked to the Gryffindor table and spotted the person he needed. He quickly dashed to her side.
"Hermione, I need your help."
Then Harry saw every eye and ear within range was turned toward them, "Can you come with me?"
Hermione smiled at him. "Of course Harry."
They left the Great Hall and started up the steps. As they climbed, Harry explained what he needed. "I, I'm supposed to have dinner with Fleur and Gabrielle, but I don't know what to wear. Can you help me?" The last came out as a desperate plea as he stopped to look her in her eyes.
Hermione bit her lower lip and then smiled at her friend. "Of course Harry. I would be glad to."
The two of them rushed up to the Gryffindor tower, through the common room and finally climbed the circular steps to the fourth-year boy's dorm. "Professor Dumbledore said I should dress semi-formal," Harry said.
"Well that means you should have on nice slacks, a nice shirt and tie and clean robes Harry," At that she started looking through Harry's clothes. "Oh Harry, where do you get your clothes from?"
"Mostly my cousin's hand me downs," Harry replied honestly.
"You could buy your own you know?" Hermione told him. "You have enough money."
"I know, but if Uncle Vernon saw new clothes he would ask where they came from," Harry replied. "And I never want them to know about my parents' vault."
Hermione pulled out a shirt that was about two sizes too big for Harry. She took out her wand and said "Reducio" causing it to shrink some. She held it up against Harry and shook her head. She repeated the step and finally the size was acceptable. She did a similar spell to get his pants resized and another to get the cuffs unfrayed. She finished with a cleaning spell to get a stain out of his tie.
Harry just watched her in amazement, "Hermione, I don't think I ever tell you how brilliant you are nearly enough," and then in a lower voice, "and how much I appreciate you."
Hermione looked back at him blushing, "You pretty brilliant yourself Harry," Then she gave him a shove toward the bathroom. "Go take a shower and get dressed."
Hermione was waiting for Harry in the common room when he finished with his shower. She looked him over and after straightening his tie, she said "You look very nice Harry."
"Only because of you Hermione," Harry said, then after a couple of seconds of silent pause. "Well I better go," Harry turned and called. "Dobby," Instantly the diminutive house elf was by his side.
"Harry," Hermione said, looking into his eyes. "Good luck and here these might help," She took two quills from her bag, and with a wave of her wand and an incantation, they changed into two pink roses. She picked them up and handed them to him. As their hands touched, Harry once again felt the thrill he had felt earlier in the day.
"Thanks Hermione," He said quietly. There was a lengthy pause as he just stared at his best friend. Finally he nodded for Dobby to show him the way. If Harry had looked back one more time before departing the common room, he would have seen a tear had left one of Hermione's eyes and was leaving a damp trail down her cheek.
Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 20 "Bonds and Choices"New
2 hours agoHarry was the first to arrive in the classroom that had been converted into a makeshift dining room. He immediately noticed that a lot of effort had been put into making it very stylish for the occasion. A table large enough for three had been placed next to the window which had a sweeping view of the lake.
The surface of the table was covered in real china and crystal glasses both with the Hogwarts crest emblazoned on them. The fireplace on a far wall had a crackling fire radiating heat against the February cold. There was also a couch and chair situated in front of the fireplace. Harry smiled at himself wondering if it was Sirius or Professor Dumbledore who had insisted on all of this.
Dobby had excused himself, saying he needed to prepare. "Dobby is to be your waiter tonight sir."
"That's great Dobby," Harry replied. "I'd want no one else."
Dobby was beaming with pride as he disappeared.
Harry was staring out the window in the direction of the lake a few minutes later. It was early evening and the sun had set a couple hours earlier, but he could still make out the dark outlines of the water. The lake would always be different now. It would forever be a reminder of the changes in his life brought on by the events that had happened beneath its surface.
He was nervous of course, as evidenced by the flip flops his stomach was doing in his midsection and he was hungry, but at the moment food was the last thing on his mind.
He turned when he heard the door open and he was amazed at what he saw. He'd promised himself he would not, must not stare, but he could not help himself. Coming into the room were two angels who had floated down to earth and now were standing just inside the door looking at him.
Fleur had on a dark blue dress that accented her figure while the color complemented her light-blue eyes to perfection. Her silvery blonde hair flowed down her back and to Harry it seemed she was floating on air.
Gabrielle wore a light-blue dress, one that matched the color of her eyes. She'd added curls to her normally straight hair. Each of them held an overly large book in their hands. As the door closed behind them they both turned and sat the books down on the table next to them.
It might have been a few seconds or a few minutes, Harry would never be able to say at any future time, the three of them gazed at each other. Fleur and Gabrielle fidgeted nervously as they looked at Harry. Their eyes were filled with uncertainty.
Harry finally broke out of his reverie as he remembered the roses Hermione had transfigured. Picking them up from the table he crossed the space between them and handed one to each of them. That brought a smile to each of their lips as they each took the rose with a "Merci," from Gabrielle and "Thank you," from Fleur.
Harry smiled, or what smile he could muster under the nervous circumstances. "Would either of you want to join me for dinner?" He asked. At least that is what Harry had planned to say but it came out more like "wouldeitherofyou wantojoinmefordinner?"
"We would love to 'Arry," Fleur said, looking the young man in the eyes. "It is definitely the eyes," she thought to herself. "Even as nervous as he is now, they still gleam as beautiful as ever."
Harry motioned for them the lead the way to the table. Each girl stopped beside their chairs and looked at Harry as if expecting something. It took Harry two seconds to realize what he was supposed to do.
He moved quickly to Gabrielle and held her chair for her, and then did the same for Fleur. Once he'd taken his own seat he looked at the two ladies. They were still fidgeting nervously; both were staring back at him seemingly waiting for something. Gabrielle was biting her lip and both had troubled, expectant looks on their faces.
It took several moments of silence before Harry realized what they were waiting for. He knew he was accepting their bond, but they were still wondering if they had condemned themselves to a fate they didn't want to think about. He was about to blurt out that of course he was accepting the bond, but then he remembered Professor Dumbledore's words.
"It's much deeper than marriage, at least for them."
Harry knew if he was going to commit his life to these women it should be done properly. He took a deep breath and stood from his seat. As he rose, the realization, the permanence, of what he was about to do threatened to overwhelm him.
This was his life he was sacrificing. The resentment he'd felt earlier welled up again, but as before, as he looked into the eyes of the women waiting, that word, 'family' fought its way through the darkness that threatened him and it allowed him to force the negative thoughts from his mind.
He took another deep breath, then walked over and knelt beside Gabrielle's chair. He looked up into the bright blue eyes and smiled to reassure her. "Gabrielle right?" and when she nodded he continued. "I do not know the correct words for this, but Gabrielle Delacour, you honor me with your love. I will accept your bond and become your bondmate."
The change in Gabrielle's eyes was immediate. She launched herself out of her chair and wrapped her arms around Harry and started to kiss him. Harry stopped her with a finger to her lips. "Later," He said kindly. He helped her regain her seat and then walked to her sister's chair where he once again knelt and looked into Fleur's eyes. The nervousness had already left them but she now had a look of anticipation.
"Fleur Delacour, you honor me with your love. I will accept your bond and become your bondmate."
Fleur rose from her chair as Harry stood. She wrapped her arms around him. "I am sorry 'Arry," She said quietly. They held the embrace for several seconds, before they separated. Still holding Fleur's hand, he looked into her eyes, searching for answers to questions he didn't know how to ask.
Finally they both took their chairs and Harry spoke first. "I...I don't know how we got to this point, but we definitely need to discuss it. Understand that I just gave my word. No matter what is said, I will be your bondmate. Let's just be honest about everything and help me understand," When both Fleur and Gabrielle nodded their agreements. He continued "But first, shall we start dinner?"
"Oui, I am very 'ungry," Fleur replied. "I've been too nervous to eat."
Gabrielle didn't reply, but only nodded her agreement.
"Dobby," Harry called and the house-elf appeared immediately. Harry looked at his friend and had a hard time suppressing the laughter. Dobby had obviously tried to dress like what he thought a waiter would wear, but the assortment of clothing he had on was purely Dobby.
"Harry Potter is ready for dinner sir?"
"Yes we are Dobby, but first have you been introduced to," Harry remembered how Ollivander had addressed Fleur in the weighing of the wands, "Mademoiselle Fleur Delacour, and Mademoiselle Gabrielle Delacour. Fleur, Gabrielle, this is Dobby, my friend."
Tears welled in Dobby's eyes, "Harry Potter is too good to Dobby, he introduces me to his friends and calls me friend too."
"That's because you are my friend Dobby," Harry said.
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