Chapter 29 - Beauxbatons
Harry looked around his room one last time to ensure he had everything before he left for school; the girls were in their room doing the same. It was the first Sunday in September and the day all Beauxbatons students were to report to school; it was time to leave on a new adventure.
He felt three small objects as he ran his hand over his left pocket; they were all just alike. The thought of them made him nervous and yet giddy at the same time. Sirius had helped him buy them a couple of weeks ago.
Sure that he had everything, pulled his wand out and floated his trunk downstairs. They would be using the Floo to travel to school. It was perhaps not quite as fun as the Hogwarts Express, but it was much more efficient. Jean-Aimé had explained to him that there were designated Floo points around country for those who had no Floo at home, like Muggle-borns. Those from other countries traveled to Paris and then used the Floo from there. A few students each year used a Portkey to the school's front gates or their parents Side-Along Apparated them to the gates.
His parents and Sirius gave him with a hug, already starting the good-byes. They had traveled to the Delacours for the weekend.
A moment later, the three girls came down, each floating her trunk behind her - although Gabrielle was struggling a little with the charm she would not be taught officially until later this year.
Before the good-byes could start full force, Harry cleared his throat lightly to get everyone's attention. "If the rest of you will excuse us for a moment, I need a few words with the girls before we go." He gave Hermione a nudge towards the back door and pointed in that direction. She gave him a confused look, but he just smiled knowingly and grabbed Ginny's and Gabrielle's hands, pulling them along in that direction. Opening the back door, he ushered them onto the back deck and then closed the door behind them.
"What's going on?" Emma asked for the two sets of parents; Sirius was grinning like a loon.
"I think watching them will give you a good idea," Harry's godfather said, "but if you don't tell them I did this, I can make it so you can listen."
"Please," Apolline said quickly, with the other adults nodding their agreement.
Sirius put a spell on the back window and suddenly they could hear sounds from the back deck as if the window were open.
Harry positioned the girls so they were facing the windows of the house, with Hermione on the left, Ginny in the middle, and Gabrielle on the right end. Anytime one of them asked what he was doing, he simply put a single finger on the girl's lips and said, "Be patient for a moment."
When they were all in a line and looking at him nervously, trying to work out what he was doing, Harry reached into his left pocket and pulled out the first special item. Kneeling down on one knee in front of Hermione, he grabbed her left hand as she gasped, wide-eyed.
Slipping the thin gold ring with a one-caret emerald on it over the tip of her ring finger, he said, "Hermione, I give you this ring to show that you are special to me and as my promise that one day I will ask you to marry me. In the meantime and in the traditions of Magical Society, let this ring show anyone who asks that you have my heart, you are my intended, and you are not available for any other wizard. Do you accept?"
Hermione's nervous nod was all Harry needed, so he slipped the ring the rest of the way on her finger. The band slowly shrank until it was tight enough to stay on, but not too tight.
Harry stood and was engulfed in a tight hug. He hugged her back just as tightly and very softly whispered, "I love you my Mia."
She somehow hugged him tighter still and whispered, "I love you too, Harry." When they let go, she grabbed his face and gave him a kiss.
He caressed her face gently when she pulled back, giving her a caring look as the first tear of happiness started to run down her face.
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled another ring out and moved over to Ginny, who was looking at him with watery eyes and nervous energy. He kneeled in front of her too, but she pushed her left hand to him before he could reach for it.
With an amused and knowing look, he told her, "Ginny, I give you this ring to show that you are special to me and as my promise that one day I will ask you to marry me. In the meantime and in the traditions of Magical Society, let this ring show anyone who asks that you have my heart, you are my intended, and you are not available for any other wizard. Do you accept?"
"I do," Ginny said softly, her voice cracking with emotion as a huge grin broke out on her face.
As he rose, Ginny threw herself to Harry and kissed him passionately as they hugged. When their lips parted, she whispered, "I love you, Harry."
"And I love you, my Gin."
She quickly kissed him again and then stepped back, tears of happiness flowing freely.
Harry pulled out the third ring as he stepped over to Gabrielle, who was practically bouncing with excitement and thrust her left hand at him before he could even finish kneeling. He took her hand with a grin and then told her, «Gabrielle, I give you this ring to show that you are special to me and as my promise that one day I will ask you to marry me. In the meantime and in the traditions of Magical Society, let this ring show anyone who asks that you have my heart, you are my intended, and you are not available for any other wizard. Do you accept?»
Instead letting him move the ring the rest of the way on, Gabrielle pushed her hand forward so the ring settled into place resized itself to her slender finger. She also pulled him up and then threw her arms around him.
Harry held the girl to him tightly, resting his chin on the top of head for the moment. «I love you, my Gabi,» he whispered.
«I love you with all my heart, Harry.» Like Hermione, Gabrielle grabbed his head in her hands and pulled him for a quick chaste kiss on the lips.
With a smile playing on his lips, he said, «I suppose this is a special occasion.»
«It is and I've learned how to wait. But when I'm thirteen, I'll show you how to really kiss,» she told him smugly.
He could not help but chuckle. «I'm sure you will.»
Turning to the other two, he opened his arms and they all came together in a group hug.
Emma was dabbing at her eyes, as was Apolline. Jean-Aimé and Dan shared a look that said each understood the specialness of this moment and how privileged they were to have been allowed to witness it. They were feeling protective over their "little girls", but they each also understood that they could not have found anyone better than Harry Potter to be their son-in-law one day.
Sirius canceled the listen spell as the group outside hugged. A deep breath escaped him as he also considered the moment.
"Thank you, Sirius," Dan said quietly as he put a hand on the man's shoulder.
"I wasn't supposed to tell you before it happened, but I thought you'd want to see and hear it," the godfather said thickly.
"Thank you," the rest murmured to him as they watched their children return, who did not seem quite as young as they did a few minutes earlier.
The girls brushed away their tear as they returned. Gabrielle rushed to her mother and Hermione rushed to hers. Ginny looked a little lost, unsure who to share her happiness with until Emma beckoned her young namesake over.
A very pleased Harry walked over to his godfather, who gave him a hug. "Well done, Harry. The only thing that would have made that better would be if your parents could have been here."
"I like to think they're watching moments like this."
"I'm sure they are," Sirius told him as he ruffled the young man's hair, although it did not change the naturally messy look the lad usually sported.
After the rings were admired and good-byes were said, the quartet traveled to their new school via the Floo network.
They stepped out, one after the other, into minor chaos. It was a little after three in the afternoon, the time Jean-Aimé had advised them to go - late enough to avoid the bulk of the students who wanted to arrive the minute the school opened at one in the afternoon, but early enough to have time to settle before the Welcome Feast.
One of the teachers took their names, checked them off of her list, and pointed them towards the Red dorms. Harry thanked the woman and they headed towards their room, their trunks floating behind them. About half of the people gave them strange looks, but Harry thought it was just because they were older and no one had seen them here before.
When they walked into the Red dorm area, they saw chaos was here too. There were many people milling around and talking, catching up on their friends' summer. A few of the younger students were running around, although if they went too near an older student, a tripping jinx usually stopped that activity for a few minutes. There were even a couple of boys tossing an old Quaffle between them as they sat on separate couches and talked.
To Harry, it felt like a comfortable place, a place he wanted to be. Looking at his bond-mates, he saw that they were greeting the place with bravery, curiosity, and acceptance.
«Let's find our rooms,» Hermione prompted as she walked to the rooms Headmistress Maxime had set up for them.
Entering, they saw the rooms were as they had been in the summer. With a grin, they each went to their own room and started to unpack. Harry pulled a few extra things out of his trunk: some food for their kitchenette, some books from his family house, and a spare chair and small table (both shrunken) that he planned to use for personal projects that he did not want anyone outside of his bond-mates knowing about. He had a few personal research projects on his mental "To-Do List", and he thought a corner of his bedroom was the place to work on them.
As he carried the snacks from his bedroom to the kitchenette, he heard a knock on the door to their rooms. Setting the food down, he saw the girls came to the internal doorway between their rooms as he answered the main door. A couple in their late twenties greeted him.
«Hello, we're Gaston and Anne Rousseau, the chaperones of the Red dorms. You must be Harry Potter?» the man asked.
«Yes. Err, won't you come in?» Harry assumed that was the polite thing to do and was rewarded with appreciative looks as the couple came in. The girls hesitantly walked into the main room, also a little unsure as to what was expected. «This is the rest of my, uh, family, Hermione, Ginny, and Gabrielle,» he said, introducing them.
The couple politely said hello and walked over to the sitting area, taking the two chairs and leaving the couch for the bond-mates. «As you can guess, the Headmistress told us that there would be a group joining us this year that would reside in the married rooms and we wanted to meet you.»
«Yes,» the woman said, taking over from her husband, «it's unusual for these rooms to be occupied, so we wanted to get to know you a little before classes start. If you have any questions, we'd be happy to answer them for you.»
Harry suspected this was as awkward for them as it felt to him. He looked at the girls, not really having anything to ask about. He was relieved when Hermione broke the silence.
«Thank you,» the brunette girl said, «it's nice to be here. If I can ask, how long have you been chaperones?»
«This is our fourth year as chaperones,» Gaston answered.
«Although we finished our education at Beauxbatons eight years ago,» Anne added. «We enjoy it here and we're saving money for our own home.»
«Are there any extra rules that apply to us beyond what applies to the normal students?» Hermione asked bluntly and hurriedly, as if forcing herself to ask the question.
The couple looked nervously at each other. «Our apologies,» Anne said after a moment, «but this situation is unusual for us. Also, we didn't really expect something like this from students below seventh year.»
Ginny chuckled nervously. «That's all right, we find it a little unusual also.» That seemed to break the ice as everyone relaxed a little.
«To answer your question,» Gaston replied, «officially, there are no extra rules for you. Unofficially, we'd like to ask that you tell us if anyone other than you four sleep in your rooms. While it shouldn't happen, it is possible that a few of the older students might ask to borrow a bedroom and we would prefer if you said no and came to us if they persist. More normally, if you have a friend that you'd like stay with you on some weekend night, we only ask that you tell us before so we don't think someone is missing and we needlessly search for them.»
Hermione smiled and relaxed the rest of the way. «I don't expect that to be a problem and we can do that.» The others quickly agreed with her.
«So,» Anne said with a conspiratorial smile, «the Headmistress said that you're betrothed in arranged marriages?»
Harry decided to jump on this one quickly. «It's not something we really talk much about as it's personal, but the short answer is yes. Even though the legal ceremonies won't be for a couple of years, the Headmistress is letting us stay together as we are legally betrothed.»
Gaston put his hand on his wife's arm as she opened her mouth to ask more. «We understand and we'll try to stop people from pestering you about it. If you have any question about the school, classes, or,» he grinned broadly, «marriage, feel free to come talk to us and we'll try to help.»
«Thank you, M and Mme Rousseau,» Harry said with a nod.
«No, Gaston and Anne, please,» the man corrected him quickly, «or Uncle Gaston and Aunt Anne if that is easier for you, as we're supposed to all be family here in the Red dorms. When you say M Rousseau, I look for my father.»
The students chuckled with them.
«The feast and sorting of the first years starts promptly at six. We'll be going down about twenty minutes before if you need us to show you the way, although the Headmistress tells us that you spent most a week here,» the man said as he and his wife stood.
Harry nodded. «We know the way and thank you for telling us when we should go.»
«Until later…» Gaston and Anne left.
«They seemed nice enough,» Harry said.
«Anne seemed a little nosey,» Ginny pointed out.
«But I like them,» Gabrielle told them. Hermione agreed.
o-o-o
The bond-mates walked into the Beauxbatons Great Hall for the Welcome Feast. While it was about the same length as the one at Hogwarts, it was twice the width. The shear size had impressed Harry during the summer and he was still amazed now. He was disappointed the ceiling was not enchanted to show what the sky was like, but he did like all the windows in the room.
There were many round tables spread throughout the room, each capable of seating eight people. A quick count showed thirteen of them had a «Reserved» sign on them; they were mostly in the half of the room towards the front, or opposite the main doors.
«I think I like the small tables better than Hogwarts few long ones,» Hermione said quietly as they looked around for a place to sit. «We'll have a better chance to meet more people this way.»
«I agree,» Harry said as he led them to an empty table near the front of the room. He wanted to see what would be going on. A few people were sitting at tables, although most were standing around talking near a table. They picked one with a professor they had met during their tests in the summer.
«Professor Girard,» Hermione greeted him for their group as they sat, Hermione on the left next to the professor while Gabrielle and Ginny sat on the right of Harry.
«Hello, it is good to see all of you here.» He looked at his watch. «Take a seat, we'll be starting soon. Did you have a good summer after you left here?»
«Yes, we did,» answered Harry, with the girls all nodding.
A boy with short dark brown hair and a light brown complexion walked up to the table with a blonde girl and a light brunette girl at his shoulders. «Professor Girard,» he said.
«M Santos, Mlle Keye, Mlle Gallo,» the professor greeted them cordially as the new students sat, taking the last three seats of a table for eight. He had an amused look as he surveyed the students. "All of you are from the Red dorm. Is there a reason for that?" His look was directed at the new boy more than any other.
Looking a little embarrassed, he said, «We saw them,» he nodded towards Harry and his girls, «in the dorm and we wanted to meet them. It's unusual for anyone to stay in the married rooms.» His looked became more direct, looking for an answer to his implied question.
Before any answer could be given, Headmistress Maxime noisily cleared her throat as she walked towards the front of the room. By the time she was in place and facing the students, she had everyone's attention.
«Good evening and welcome to the start of a new school year. I hope everyone had a good summer and is ready to learn and to do your best.»
There was a smattering of applause and couple of «Yes!» shouts. The shouts drew a raised eyebrow and a brief mildly disapproving look from the tall Headmistress. Her initial pleasant look returned after a moment.
«As I am sure many of you are anxious for dinner, we shall start our introductions.» She waved slightly towards the back.
Harry turned that direction and saw the new first years walking towards the front with another teacher leading them.
Professor Girard turned to Harry and the girls and whispered, «You probably don't know since you didn't have to do this here, but each picked a number from a bowl before they came in and that determines their order.»
The four former Hogwarts students nodded their thanks at the explanation.
With Headmistress Maxime looking on and the other teacher prompting them, each student introduced him or herself, said where they were from, and then stated one of the four house colors. The teacher at the front marked their choice down and then sent the student to one of the reserved tables.
Hermione found it interesting that the division between the houses was even enough that it was not until three-quarters of the way through that Headmistress Maxime announced, «The Yellow House is now closed.» That produced a few disappointed looks in the remaining first years who had yet to pick.
As the last new student chose the Blue House and sat, Headmistress Maxime started clapping and the rest of the student body took up the applause.
«Before we start to eat, I have one more set of introductions to make. We have four students transferring from Hogwarts in Great Brittan. M Potter, if you and the ladies would stand and introduce yourselves?»
A little nervous, the four stood and looked around. Harry realized for the first time just how big the school really was. Sure he saw all the chairs earlier, but there were so many faces looking at him.
«Err, hello. I'm Harry Potter. I was born in Britain and will be in the fifth year and we live in the Red dorm.» He gave a weak smile and looked at Hermione.
«I'm Hermione Granger and I was born in Britain. I will also be in the fifth year and…» she hesitated for a brief glance at Harry for confidence, «…and I'm betrothed to Harry.»
There were many surprised looks and even a few gasps.
«I'm Ginny Weasley,» she said, using her birth name to avoid having to explain about Harry transferring her into his family. «I was born in Britain and will also be in the fifth year.» With a deep breath to steel herself, she announced, «I'm also betrothed to Harry.»
The surprised looks returned as did more gasps.
Gabrielle stood straight and said loudly in a proud voice, «I'm Gabrielle Delacour and Fleur is my sister. I will be starting second year and I'm also betrothed to Harry Potter.»
The quartet sat as whispers and soft conversation broke out all over the hall.
The Headmistress shot colored lights out of her wand, causing the talking to trail off. «Yes, this is a very unusual situation. To satisfy your curiosity, Mlle Granger and Weasley became betrothed through arrangements by their ancestors. Mlle Delacour's betrothal is due to magic that no one can fully explain. That is all the explanation that they wish to share and I ask you to leave it at that.
«With the Sorting done, let the Feast begin!» she said with a sharp double-clap, causing bowls to suddenly appear in the middle of all the tables.
As the food started to be passed around Harry's table and everyone dished out what they desired, it was quiet, unlike at the other tables.
When the silence was almost unbearable, because the four new students did not know what to say, the other boy broke the silence by just jumping on the topic of conversation that everyone else was discussing.
«I'm Philip Santos, from Spain. So, I now understand why you're together, but I thought you had to be married to stay in the married rooms.» He looked at Harry.
Harry was unsure of what to say to that. A look at his girls showed equal lack of a defense.
Professor Girard came to their rescue. «They are allowed by special permission from the Headmistress after the request from their parents.»
Harry added his nod quickly. «It was at the request of our families and we'll be legally married before we finish school anyway.»
The professor ended the next gap of silence too. «Mademoiselles, could you introduce yourselves too?»
«I'm Sara Gallo from a small town outside of Milan, Italy,» the blonde next to Santos. «I'm also his girlfriend at the moment,» she added with a look that clearly said that Philip had erred by not stating that himself.
The brunette spoke quickly, as if trying to prevent any arguments. «I'm Camila Keye, a cousin of Philip's on our mother's side. We're all in fifth year too.»
Ginny decided she had to know one thing now. «Are any of you on the Quidditch team or do you know if they have tryouts?»
Harry chuckled at her question, thinking that was classic Ginny, or maybe classic Weasley since Ron Quidditch crazy too.
«I am,» Camila spoke up. «I played on the second team last year and will again this year. The first team doesn't have anyone to replace.» She sounded a little sad at the end.
«And tryouts?» Ginny asked again.
«Probably in two weeks,» the professor smoothly answered as he helped himself to a small portion of cake for dessert.
«What will class be like this year, Professor,» asked Hermione.
The slightly graying man chuckled lightly. «For you, the same as every fifth year class, Mlle Granger. It will be a time to learn the spells that you need for your OWLs and to finish the basic education. For my class, which I will see all of you except for Mlle Delacour who will have another professor, we will finish basic Transfiguration work this term, then concentrate on Conjuring for almost all of the spring term. You will be worked very hard this OWL year,» he finished with a grin.
Harry gulped and noticed that Ginny looked a little nervous; however, Hermione looked quite pleased.
«Every year you tell us it will be hard,» Philip said in easy banter.
«And they were,» Girard said, just casually. «The fact that you did well shows how good a teacher I was.»
The other four laughed, at what Harry assumed was some inside joke. He joined in for a moment to be polite, as did his girls.
The Headmistress stood and called, «May I have your attention?» When everyone quieted down, she continued. «Will the dorm aides please stand?»
Around the room, thirty-two older students stood. Harry noticed they all had a small silver "A" pin on the breast of their robes.
«These are the aides for this year. They have been picked and volunteered to help with information, directions, and act as assistants for the professors as needed. So if you need help, you can seek them out.» She looked at the tables containing the first years.
«The feast is officially over and you may leave when you like, or stay here and visit until curfew. First years, please follow one of the aides with your dorm color or your dorm chaperone back to dorms. Chaperones, please stand to be introduced.» The Headmistress introduced each couple and then bid everyone a good evening until breakfast started at seven the next morning.
«None of you are aides?» Hermione asked the other three.
Sara gave a soft snort as Philip said, «No, we have good grades, but not that good. They normally take the top eight students of the upper three years.»
«Good grades is very important, but there are other factors,» Girard told them as he rose. «Good evening, and I may see some of you tomorrow.»
«Is that when we get our timetables?» Hermione quickly asked.
«No, the aides in your dorm will hand those out tonight, except for first years who don't receive theirs until tomorrow morning when they get up.» Professor Girard nodded and then left.
«I guess we should go too?» Philip said to the group, seeing if they felt the same way. As one, they all rose.
They did not talk much as they returned to their dorm, but Harry noticed a lot of glances from the other students they passed. He supposed he could not blame them too much, but he had hoped to not be singled out too much with extra attention here.
Back at the dorms, six of the aides were handing out timetables as the students came back. Harry and his girls each took their and headed to their rooms.
Inside, Hermione closed the door behind everyone and then put a privacy spell on it to prevent others from listening, but they could still hear if someone knocked. «Harry, I think we need to talk about something.»
«You mean we,» Ginny corrected her and Gabrielle added her agreement with a nod.
«Sorry, we decided that all of us need to talk,» Hermione said with an acknowledgement to the other girls.
«What about?» He could not think of anything that need to be said tonight.
«Our sleeping arrangements,» Hermione told him as she took a seat at their table and beckoned the others to join her, which they did.
«Err, OK. What about them.»
When Hermione hesitated, Ginny spoke up. «You promised after I had to handle the last conversation.»
Hermione blushed and looked guilty. «I know. I'm only trying to make sure I approach this correctly.»
It took Harry a moment, but he realized Ginny was referring to the conversation on his birthday about "accidental touching".
«Harry,» said Hermione, interrupting his thoughts, «you've enjoyed the times we all sleep together, haven't you?»
«Yes, I thought everyone did.»
«We did, so we'd like to continue that here since we have the ability. Of course, to make it fair, we should have a schedule.»
That was classic Hermione, he thought with a grin. «Go on.»
«Because there are three of us and seven days in a week, it seemed most fair for each of us to have two nights a week, then give you the final night to choose what you want to do. So, I could take Mondays and Thursdays; Gabrielle could take Tuesdays and Fridays; and Ginny could take Wednesdays and Saturdays. Then on Sundays, like tonight, you could sleep either by yourself, or with any combination of us.»
«I see.» Harry could see their desire to spend some alone time with him; and truthfully, he thought it was a good idea.
«Also, until Gabrielle is thirteen, Ginny and I could chaperone her. On Tuesdays, I could stay that night too, and on Friday, Ginny could stay. How does that plan sound to you?» Hermione looked a little nervous.
«So, until her birthday next year, there would be two of you on her nights?» Harry asked.
«Unfortunately,» Gabrielle interjected before Hermione could answer. Ginny chuckled at the younger girl's plight.
«I like the idea,» Harry replied. «In fact, we should set a normal bedtime of ten, then the 'alone time' could start at nine, so we have an hour to talk or do something special together, just the two of us.» When he realized how that sounded, he added quickly, «You know, whichever two of us it is.»
The girls all giggled at him. «I think we figured that out, Harry,» Ginny said with a grin. «I also think that is a very good idea.»
«I like it too,» Hermione agreed, as did Gabrielle.
«What about tonight?» Gabrielle asked with a hopeful look on her face.
Harry considered what to do. «How about we all finish unpacking and getting ready for tomorrow, since we know what classes we have, then all meet in my bedroom at ten?»
He received three smiles as three girls jumped up and hurried off to their room. Gabrielle almost ran while Hermione and Ginny left at a pace only a little faster than normal. He just shook his head and returned to his room to put the last few things in place for the year and pull out the proper books for tomorrow's classes.
As Harry finished getting ready for bed, now dressed in only his pyjama bottoms, Gabrielle walked in in her pyjamas and immediately jumped on his bed, which he had already expanded to be slightly wider than normal.
Harry walked over and sat on the bed, and pulled her into his lap when she crawled over. «You're growing up so fast.»
Gabrielle snuggled into his bare chest. «Not fast enough. This is pleasant, but I want more. I want kisses and touches too.»
«I'm sorry, my Gabi…»
«I know, I have to wait. I know it, but it doesn't make it any easier.»
He looked up to see Hermione and Ginny standing in the doorway watching the scene in their pyjamas. «I know,» he told her lovingly. «I used to wait for someone to come take me away from my Aunt and Uncle and I had to wait ten years. You don't have to wait nearly that long and you get hugs and snuggles while you wait.»
Gabrielle seemed to purr. «At least I have this as I wait,» she agreed wistfully.
Harry reached over and pulled back the bed covers, signaling to the other girls to come in. «I set the alarm for six. Will that be enough time?» He received three yeses.
Moving to the middle of the bed, Gabrielle and Ginny snuggled next to him when Hermione said, «I'll take the outside since I'll be here tomorrow.»
Harry gave them all a simple good-night kiss for their first night in the new school
When the alarm went off the next morning, Harry found his hand on someone's breast. Luckily, it was Ginny's. She gave him a sleepy blown kiss as she rose. Hermione almost had to pull Gabrielle out of bed to get her going, but they all started getting ready for their day.
In the Great Hall, they almost didn't find a table with four chairs together. That led them to the conclusion that they would need to rise a little earlier, or else be willing to be separated - although at the same table. They made a few new friends from the Blue or Water dorm before they left for classes.
Gabrielle went her way and the three older ones left for their first charms class. They had noted last night that whomever scheduled the classes had put them together whenever they were taking the same class.
There were no long tables in class here, but individual chairs with a small table in front of it. They sat at three in a row near the front. They also noticed that the class was mixed with students from all four dorms, unlike what Hogwarts had done.
Only a few steps in front of the teacher, Philip Santos hurried into the classroom and took the seat next to Harry, Hermione and Ginny were both to his right.
«I made it,» the Spanish boy said with an easy grin.
«Barely,» Harry teased back as the teacher closed the door.
«Good morning, I'm Professor Petit for those of you who haven't met me before.» He gave the three British students a cheerful look. «As every professor here will make abundantly clear this week, this is your OWL year and it will be more difficult than any other you've had so far, and second in difficulty only to your seventh year.
«Let's begin by knocking the rust off your work and do a little review today. When we meet again on Thursday, we shall start on Animation of objects before moving to multiple objects late next week.»
The professor handed out sticks about the size of most wands and then called out charms and spells for them to do. While not quite as enthusiastic as Professor Flitwick, Harry decided that he liked Professor Petit. There was no question he knew his field as he worked with them, especially those who had the occasional trouble.
Gabrielle joined them at lunch and she looked a little uncomfortable.
Harry pulled her over to sit next to him at the table. «What is wrong?» he asked in a whisper for her ear alone.
She turned her head to whisper back into his ear. «Nothing. I only have an itch.»
«Where should I scratch?» he asked and moved his hand to her back. She blushed heavily but directed him to scratch her whole back.
«Thank you, that feels much better,» she told him at the end. He wasn't sure that was the whole problem, but he didn't press her any more.
During the afternoon, Ginny went to her Muggle Studies class while Harry and Hermione attended their Arithmancy class. They continued to meet new people and everyone was mostly respectful. A few gave them strange looks and said nothing, but most of the students they talked to gave their name and talked politely, even if it was about trivial things or the class.
The "Potters" arrived at dinner a little early and grabbed a table, this time with Professor Lambert, Ginny's Muggle Studies professor.
Ginny gushed about class and how much she liked it. Harry was happy for her, but noticed that Gabrielle still didn't seem her usual energetic self. She was almost normal, but not quite. Harry wondered what might have happened in her classes, because he knew she hadn't been hurt; he would have felt that.
As they walked back to their rooms after dinner, Harry put his arm around Gabrielle's shoulder. «Are you sure that you're all right?»
For a brief second, he could see she was unhappy, just before a more normal look returned. «No, I'm still uncomfortable. I need to change.»
That alarmed Harry. «Gabrielle,» whispered forcefully, «you can't transform here. Wait until we get back to our rooms.»
Gabrielle giggled at him. «No, not that kind of change. Can I really fix it when we get back?»
«Yes, of course,» he replied, relieved that it wasn't what he first thought. A transformed Veela could be dangerous to others.
The moment they were in their rooms and Harry was closing the door, Gabrielle started changing. She pulled off her outer school overrobes and dropped them before hurriedly pulling off her blouse. Harry turned around just in time to see Gabrielle, standing in just her skirt and bra and undoing the clasp on her bra. He immediately turned and shouted, "Hermione!"
Hermione, who had been leading them back, was already in the girl's suite. She turned and came back into the main room to see Ginny near the doorway staring across the room in surprise. Looking over, she saw Harry facing the door out of their room and very red, with a topless Gabrielle rubbing her hands all over her upper body, including her small breasts.
«Gabrielle!» she shouted while Ginny started to laugh.
«It's not funny,» Harry said pointedly.
«Is too…» Ginny continued to chuckle.
«Gabrielle, what are you doing?» Hermione asked, unable to figure it out, other than maybe as a prank on Harry.
«I was uncomfortable and he said I could change as soon as I returned,» the blonde said and pointed to their betrothed.
Harry sputtered. «I didn't know she meant that.»
That set Ginny off chuckling again, although she did go over to help the younger girl. «Here, put his on so Harry can turn around again.»
«I don't think he wants to. Maybe he doesn't like me as much as I thought.» Gabrielle sounded sad, almost tearful to Harry.
«There, there now. Chin up, Gabi. Of course Harry likes you that way,» Ginny told her lovingly. «Look at how red he is. He likes you but he's embarrassed to show it.»
«Ginny!»
The red-head giggled. «See how he protests? Boys can be like that, afraid to show how they like you.»
«But he's not that way with you,» Gabrielle argued.
«I can promise you that if I took my clothes off he'd be embarrassed too. You see, he has this noble streak that is so wonderful because you don't find it in many boys, but it also means that he's not going to be as forward as other boys would be too. You have to take the bad with the good.»
«Ginny!»
All three girls chuckled at him now.
«It's safe to turn around now, Harry.»
He allowed himself to turn, because it has been Hermione that had told him, and he trusted her not to take advantage of him in something like this. Sure enough, Gabrielle had her blouse back on, but it was evident that she was developing breasts and that she wore no bra under the tight blouse. Knowing "that change" does not happen overnight, he was not sure how he had not noticed before. He looked up to her face to see her watching him with a longing.
With a sigh, he realized that everyone had overreacted, especially him. «Of course I love you,» he told her as he opened his arms. The short blonde ran to him and gave him a tight hug. «I'm sorry, you surprised me.» He felt her sigh against his chest through his shirt.
«I wished I were thirteen…»
«One day,» he told her. «So, that is why you were uncomfortable and you just wanted to change your clothes?»
«Yes, mother said I had to start wearing a bra everyday now, but it's been so uncomfortable today. It's very silly since I really don't need a bra.»
«You might as well get used to it, Gabrielle, since you'll need one for years to come,» Hermione told her.
«No, I don't,» the little girl said seriously.
«You do,» Ginny agreed with her older bond-mate. «Even if you're small like me, you still need one, especially when you're exercising.»
«No, I don't because I'm a Veela,» Gabrielle said forcefully, looking like she wanted to stomp her foot to make her point.
«What does being a Veela have to do with not wearing a bra?» Hermione asked, challenging her to explain. «Gravity affects you too.»
«That's because you do not fully understand what it means to be a Veela.»
«Then help us understand,» Hermione told her honestly, wanting to know more. Ginny nodded as well, more curious than anything.
Gabrielle looked at Harry and saw him give her a caring nod. «Tell us,» he encouraged her gently.
«You are a Veela or you're not,» Gabrielle started slowly. «Some people might say that I'm a quarter Veela, but all that really says is how far back in my ancestry you have to go to find a Pureblood Veela. Veela heritage is handed down fully or not at all. It is true that after enough generations the Veela heritage is lost if not given more Veela blood, but until it is lost, we are the same. I will be as strong as my grand-ma-ma when I am old enough.»
«That's very interesting, but what does that have to do with not wearing a bra?» Hermione said, puzzled.
«Do you not remember my mother saying that Veela are, are…» Gabrielle was turning her hands as if trying pull a word out of the air. «I don't remember the word, but we care more than normal about our looks.»
«Vain?» Hermione offered.
«Yes!» Gabrielle lit up. «We are vain about our looks. We do many things to always look beautiful. I can tell that I'm growing up because I feel like I care more about looking nice for Harry. I care a lot more. We have our own special spells to help us look good, and that's why I don't need a bra.»
«Wait,» Ginny stopped her. «Are you saying that there is a special Veela spell that acts like a bra, but you don't have to wear a bra with it?»
«Yes!»
Hermione still looked puzzled. «Uhh, all right, but that doesn't seem like such a big deal.»
Ginny looked at Harry then at her. «I can see the advantage. Gabi, can others learn this spell?»
«I think so.» Gabrielle looked at Ginny carefully, as if determining if it was really possible. «You would have to swear not to share it with others. Fleur taught me and said that it's only for Veela, but we are bonded, sort of.»
«I swear I won't share this spell with any others,» Ginny said quickly. «Can you show me now?»
«Yes, take your top off.» Gabrielle looked at Hermione. «Do you want to learn too?»
Hermione looked stuck. It was obvious she wanted to learn, but wasn't quite sure of having to make the promise.
Harry shook his head, amazed at the conversation he had witnessed, and at the fact that Ginny was taking her overrobes off in front of him. «I, uh, I think I'll go out and read for a bit.»
The girls looked at him for a brief moment and then laughed as one.
He grabbed his book bag and hurriedly left the room as the girls migrated to their smaller common room. Out in the dorm's common room, he looked around for a place to sit. Spying Philip, he walked over and sat down next to him and began to pull his work out and put it on the low table in front of them as Philip had done.
«I'm surprised to see you here. Trouble in paradise?» Philip asked.
«No, they're having a girl talk that I want no part of,» he explained, although a small part of him wondered about it. It was unusual to see Ginny that excited about something other than Quidditch, unless it was something to tease him with.
«Understand,» Philip said simply as he finished writing a sentence.
Harry started looking around at the four couches surround the large square low table in front of him and noted that Sara wasn't there, nor was Camila. Looking around some more, he finally became aware of someone he'd hoped never to meet again, and as luck would have it, he was member of the Red dorm at Beauxbatons. The boy was looking at him with wide eyes, surprised to see Harry.
«What's your name?» Harry said coolly to the boy who had tried to get close to Gabrielle this summer on the beach.
The boy studied him for a moment before he caved under Harry's glare. «Jacques Lefèbvre.»
Harry considered calling him a few choice names, but he didn't want to get off to a bad start with everyone here. He also remembered Hermione pointing out to him the next day that the boy couldn't have known about Gabrielle's situation. Of course, the boy had also insulted him as well. He finally decided for a middle ground as the staring contest lengthened.
«M Lefèbvre,» Harry said softly and very seriously. «I am willing to forget about you insulting me, and I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you didn't know about Gabrielle and me at that time, but you will never approach her or speak to her like that again or I will get very angry … and you do not want that.»
The fourth year boy looked at him for a moment before he nodded, scooped up his things, and then left in a hurry.
Harry leaned back in his seat and relaxed as the confrontation ended. That might not have been his best option, but he felt like it had to be done. He hoped he'd made a statement to everyone that you did not touch Gabrielle.
«What was that about?» Philip asked quietly, although it was obvious that everyone on the couches around him wanted to ask the same thing.
Perhaps an abbreviated version, Harry thought. «This summer, he met us while we were out and he tried to make Gabrielle interested in him. She told him no and I told him no, and still he persisted until we forcefully sent him away. He couldn't have known that we were already betrothed, so I'm willing to not be too hard on him. However, his persistence was unacceptable. A single 'no' should have been enough for him and no one would have become angry. So I guess this was a warning for him not to try anything here.»
Philip nodded and then chuckled for a moment. «I think your warning was received loud and clear.» A few others around them chuckled at that.
«I don't even dislike him. I only don't want him to try anything stupid. Gabrielle is a Veela and she can defend herself in ways that could hurt him. I don't want to see anyone get hurt, whether it's feelings or bodily.» Harry shrugged, not sure what else to say to make himself not look as bad to everyone, as this story would make the rounds. There was no doubt in his mind there.
«Can I ask you something?»
Harry looked the other way to see a seventh year girl that looked a little familiar. «I guess; I might not answer though.»
She gave him an understanding smile. «I'm Marie-Élise and I was at Hogwarts last year. I was barely old enough to put my name in the Goblet of Fire.»
Harry's eyebrows shot up. Now he knew where he'd seen her before.
She smiled at his recognition of her. «What happened to Fleur in the third task? No one would ever tell us. In fact, what happened in the third task of the Triwizard Tournament?»
He hesitated as he decided what to tell them, and there was no doubt many people were listening as the large room was almost quiet. Lefèbvre's exit had steered their attention his way. Deciding that Fleur's point of view might be the best, he raised his voice a little so all could hear him.
«I believe Fleur made no secret of her being a Veela, true?» He looked around and saw heads nodding.
«True,» Marie-Élise agreed.
«So in the first task, she - a being of fire - had to fight a dragon. Does anyone see a problem with that?» He saw one girl's eye's go wide so he pointed to her.
«They are both beings of fire so it would be harder for her.»
«Yes,» Harry confirmed, wondering if she was knowledgeable overall or just about magical creatures. «And in the second task, she had to go underwater. What would that have been like for her?»
«Fire does not like water,» the same girl answered.
«That put Fleur at a great disadvantage. As she told me, if she had known what the tasks were ahead of time, she would not have entered her name.» He noted that many people were surprised, but at least most looks had also changed to understanding.
«And the third task?» Marie-Élise prompted him.
«Even though Fleur entered the maze last, she came close to winning, she was that good. What no one knew at the time was that some …» he waved his hand as he searched for the translation for terrorist and came up blank. «Some bad, evil men wanted to take me way to use in an evil ritual. To get to me, they attacked both Fleur and Viktor Krum. They were lucky and were not hurt very badly. I was kidnapped, but I managed to overcome my kidnappers and get away.» That was close enough to the truth.
«And the polyjuiced man they found?» Marie-Élise asked curiously.
«He was one of the kidnappers. He was given the Dementor's Kiss,» Harry told them solemnly. «The leader and two other helpers died as well. Cedric Diggory, the Hogwarts champion, almost died, but he was healed. I was also injured in the fighting. It was not a pleasant evening.» Then there was the kidnapping attempt on Gabrielle; no, it was not a pleasant evening at all. He looked down as the unpleasant memories and emotions of the night washed over him again.
He felt a hand on his should and looked up to see Marie-Élise give him an appreciative smile. «Thank you for telling us. I know I wasn't Fleur's best friend, but I like to think I was one of her friends here.»
«You were,» a voice said.
Harry turned and saw his three bond-mates standing a little ways off.
«My sister told me she considered you a friend,» Gabrielle said.
Marie-Élise smiled. «That's good to know.»
«I hate to break this bonding moment up,» a deeper male voice called out, «but it is time for the first and second years to be heading to bed.»
Harry looked over and saw the Rousseaus leaning against the wall where they had been watching. Based on their expression, they had approved of Harry's tale about Fleur. If they had heard of the small confrontation a few minutes earlier, they did not seem to hold it against him.
The students started to disperse, the younger ones and a few older ones heading for their beds. Harry went over to his mates and walked with them back to their rooms.
Inside Hermione told him, «I'll be over in a few minutes. You might want to take care of anything you need to do in bathroom now.»
He suspected this was her hint for him to go brush his teeth.
«Harry, I'll start exercising at 5:30 if you want to join us,» Ginny informed him. «I was planning on about 45 minutes.»
«Assuming Hermione doesn't have any other plans for me,» he said teasingly, making Ginny and Gabrielle laugh. Hermione had already left.
Harry left for his room and decided to try an experiment. He called out, "Dobby," as he gave a small clap, their agreed upon signal. By the time he had finished brushing his teeth, Dobby still had not come, convincing him that Dobby could not hear the summons from this far away. That was not a surprise or a problem, but it would have made a few things easier.
A few minutes later, Hermione came in dressed in her pyjamas. She carried a book plus her pen and little notebook. She also closed the door behind her.
"Did you have specific plans?" he asked her, feeling a little strange speaking English after using almost only French for the past several months.
She raised an eyebrow at the language shift, but replied in kind. "I had a few questions for us to discuss. How about you?"
"Only one question; can I go first?"
She nodded her agreement.
Harry took the things out of her hands and put them on the nightstand and pulled her to the bed so they could sit on it. He sat cross-legged on it and gestured for her to join him. As they sat knee to knee, he considered how to ask his question, then decided to just be a Gryffindor - even if he was not one officially anymore.
"Hermione, we've always been open and honest with each other, right?"
She nodded, but started to look a little fearful.
"I don't think you've ever been dishonest with me," most of her apprehension went away, "but I'm curious about something you might not have told me." He reached up with his hand to her face and caressed her cheek, before he slowly slid his hand down with one finger trailing down her throat. She looked him right in the eyes and did not break his gaze as his finger came to rest on top of her pyjama top right between her breasts, although she did blush he noticed.
"Ginny told me on my birthday," he continued, "that you were supposed to talk to me about something, but you never did. As I don't think Ginny has ever lied to me, that means that something changed. What happened?" He let his finger trail back up and over to her shoulder before he caressed her arm all the way down and was holding her hand.
She shivered at his touch, but held his hand tightly. Showing that she was not sure how to answer, she worried her lower lip for a moment. "I was supposed to talk to you, but I chickened out." She finally dropped her gaze. "It really shouldn't have been that hard, but it was."
"I was surprised," he told her. "I always thought you could talk about anything."
With a sigh, she looked back at him. "I can talk about anything, except … sex. I don't know why, but it's hard for me."
"That seems odd, since you didn't seem to have any trouble talking about our 'schedule'," he pointed out. She had mentioned having sex at seventeen.
"There was a difference. When I did that, I was able to make it sort of impersonal, so it wasn't about me. But to tell you that if you, uh," she rushed, "if you touched me accidentally," she paused for a breath and continued on more normally, "that became a little too personal. Plus, I was having so much fun kissing you that evening that I didn't want to interrupt that," she admitted a little shyly.
He had noticed that she was acting more like Ginny that night. Deciding to continue being forward, he asked, "So are you really fine if that happens? You know, if we wake up in the morning and my hand is on your chest?" He was sure he was a little pink now, although he tried not to be.
Hermione was more than little pink from his question, but she nodded. "I, uh, I wouldn't mind at all."
"And," he decided to press his luck, "if my hand is there when we go to sleep?"
Her blushed turned deeper, but she kept looking at him. "I don't think I'd mind."
Harry chuckled twice, lightly. "Hermione, this isn't like being hungry where you can be only a little of it. Either you are fine with me doing that, or you aren't. I want to know so I don't cross the line before you're ready."
"You really are too noble for you own good at times. Are you ready for that?" she asked back with no hesitation.
He looked into her brown eyes as he answered, "Whenever you are."
She looked back at him and simply said, "Soon, very soon."
With a grin, he reached over and picked up his wand and turned the lights out. Lifting the covers, he pulled Hermione in and spooned behind her tightly. Then with his hand over her, he reached around and put his hand on her shoulder, letting his arm rest against her chest. "I love you, Hermione."
All she said back was, "I love you too, Harry."
Harry's alarm went off at 6am the next morning. He had decided to skip exercising with Ginny and Gabrielle, opting to work out with them on days it was not just him and Hermione, which would be four or five days a week. He felt that was enough.
They had another day of new classes and enjoyed all of them, even the one by the History of Magic teacher that had been a little unfriendly to them on their first tour. Headmistress Maxime's talk with her must have worked, as she treated them just like all of the other students. He could only wish things had gone half as well with Snape in his first year at Hogwarts.
They also had potions that day, which Harry thought went rather well. He teamed with Ginny while Hermione teamed with Camila, who had asked for someone strong in Potions to help her. The Spanish girl and Hermione got along very well.
That evening after dinner, the four worked in the common room, as the Rousseaus had encouraged them to work in the common room or library as much as possible, so they would not isolate themselves. The chaperones considered that a negative of having "married rooms".
Gabrielle introduced a new friend from one of her classes, Margot. The dark blonde girl was almost as bubbly as Gabrielle.
When 9pm came, Gabrielle all but dragged Harry back to their rooms, causing Margot to giggle at them. Gabrielle was already in his room in her long sleep shirt when he came out of the bathroom.
«Come hold me, Harry,» she called to him as she sat on his bed.
With a grin, he joined her. "I think we should use English to make sure you don't forget."
She gave him a cute scowl, but told him, "OK."
"How do you like school so far?"
Gabrielle smiled and took his hand in hers. "It is fine. We are … busy in class."
"I'm glad you made a friend already."
"Me too," she agreed. "I was afraid it would be hard. Fleur said it was hard." She looked at him as she considered the question more. "I think that you helped."
"Me? I promise I didn't. It was all you," he assured her.
Her expression indicated that she did not seem to agree. "Maybe both of us then. Many girls feel … threatened by Veela, but they know I am already with you. So I am safe because of you."
"I hadn't thought of that," he admitted.
She looked over his shoulder for a moment. "Move to the top of the bed and sit."
Harry was a little surprised, but moved back so he was sitting against the headboard. As soon as he was in place, Gabrielle moved and sat sideways across his lap so he could hold her close to him.
"This is better," she told him authoritatively, causing him to chuckle lightly. "Tell me about Hogwarts," she asked him, and they talked in that position until Hermione joined them at ten.
Hermione let Gabrielle have her choice of positions and she had Harry lie on his back so she could drape half of herself over him with her head on his shoulder. Hermione took the same position on his other side, effectively pinning him down. However, Harry did not mind.
This time he had set his alarm for 5:30. When it went off, Harry found himself with both arms wrapped around Gabrielle and Hermione only next to him. With a kiss to the forehead, he woke Gabrielle and they both got out of bed to go exercise with Ginny, who almost never missed a day.
After he had changed clothes and walked next door, he saw Ginny in one of her two-piece exercise outfits.
"'Morning, Harry. Glad you could join us," she told him as Gabrielle walked into the room, dressed in a one-piece exercise outfit.
"I think four days a week will be enough for me," he told her. She nodded an acknowledgement, not passing judgment good or bad. "You did sound-proof the walls, didn't you?"
"Yes," she answered with a grin. "After the problem I had with my mother when I forgot to silence the floor, I always do six spells now to hold all the sound in. I thought that not everyone might want to be woken up with our music."
"Good idea." He really did not want to get on anyone's bad side and that would be easy at this time of day.
When he could without being too obvious, he watched Ginny stretch and then start their routine. Something was different about her, but it took him the entire 45 minutes of their time for him to figure out. When he did, it was all he could do not to tease her. On the other hand, tonight would be Ginny's night and he could tease her then.
o-o-o
That afternoon when classes had ended, they all came back to their rooms to put their books away before dinner. Ginny came running into their main room from her bedroom shouting, "I got a letter from Dad!"
As she ripped it open, Hermione asked, «Where did you get it?»
«It was on my bed,» the red-head quickly replied as she read the letter.
They all waited patiently until she finished, then Harry asked, «What did he say?»
«He says 'Hi' to everyone and that they are all doing well. He also says their counseling sessions are helping, or he thinks they are. He also says that he's still secretly meeting with Percy once a week and that's going well too.» Ginny looked up at them. «I think he just wanted to make sure letters could get to me and have me write back.»
That made Harry wonder about mail and he only now realized that he had not seen any owls delivering mail at breakfast on either morning.
«I'll be back in a few minutes,» he told them. «I have a question for Gaston.»
«I can guess what it's about and I'd like to know too.» Hermione joined him as he left. Ginny wanted to write to her father now, and Gabrielle wanted to write to Fleur.
Harry and Hermione found their chaperones in their quarters, which looked a lot like a regular house on the inside.
«Ah, Harry and Hermione, what can I do for you?» Gaston greeted them.
«We were curious about the mail. Ginny just found a letter on her bed and we weren't sure how it got there, and we didn't know how to send letters here. My owl should be here, but I haven't seen her.» Harry ended his questions with a shrug to show how puzzled he was about it all.
«Those questions are easily answered,» the man told him. «Follow me and I'll show you the owlery and where your owl should be unless she's out hunting.»
«So we would take our letters to the owlery to send them out?» Hermione asked to be sure.
«Yes. Was it not like that at Hogwarts?» Gaston asked.
«Well, yes, that is how we sent letters, but the mail came to us every morning in the Great Hall and I realized a few minutes ago that no owls came into the Great Hall during breakfast for either morning we've been here,» Harry said.
«Owls in your Great Hall during breakfast? That's…» He stopped whatever else he had been about to say. «I'm sorry, that must seem rude. Different schools can have different ways. It's only,» Gaston stopped talking and looked at them carefully, «wouldn't that cause problems? You know, if a bird were land in a dish of food? Not all owls are perfect flyers.»
Harry laughed and Hermione smiled slightly. «Most never do, but there is the occasional old owl who had trouble and would knock over a glass of pumpkin juice when landing.»
Gaston nodded his understanding, but did not look fully convinced. «Here, the owls are directed to the owlery, where house-elves remove the letters and put them on your bed. It's why some students return to their dorm room during a free period in the morning or lunch time, to check for mail.» Harry nodded his understanding.
«As you said, different schools can have different ways,» Hermione quoted him.
A few minutes later, Gaston had led them to a room on the top floor of the north wing. In a largish room with open windes, they found many owls, including Hedwig. The snowy owl descended when they walked in.
Gaston smiled at them. «A beautiful owl.»
«This is Hedwig, my first faithful friend,» Harry told him while the owl preened in the praise. He stroked her head softly. «I'm sorry my friend, but no letters now. I wanted to find where you were. However, I think we'll have letters for you tomorrow.» Hedwig gave a short barking hoot to show she understood before she flew back up to her perch.
«An intelligent owl too, I see,» Gaston commented as he led them back to their dorm area.
Hermione used the trip back to find out what the Rousseaus's did during the day. Gaston explained that they were saving money to buy a house, and he was working on a Potions mastery while Anne was working on an Arithmancy mastery.
o-o-o
After dinner, they went to the library to do their homework as they needed to find some books to help them. At nine, Ginny packed up her things and helped Harry with his and they walked back to their rooms arm in arm. Hermione and Gabrielle walked behind them.
Harry could hear the two behind them talk, especially Gabrielle.
«They look so cute together,» the little blonde said. «Do I look like that with Harry?»
«I think so,» Hermione replied.
«I don't think my derrière looks as good as Ginny's does though,» Gabrielle continued.
Harry heard Hermione make a noise almost like a snort before it turned into a clearing of the throat. He had almost snorted at the comment. Looking out the side of his eyes, he saw Ginny become very red.
«You're only about to turn twelve,» Hermione finally said after she got her voice back under control. «Give it a little time.»
«Time, that's all everyone says,» Gabrielle said with exasperation.
«You know that magic can't fix everything,» Hermione reminded her.
«I know,» Gabrielle all but whined, «but I hate waiting.»
«They say good things come to those who wait,» Hermione quoted. «I'd also tell you that many times anticipation can make something even better when it arrives.»
Harry thought that was smart, but he expected that from Hermione.
In his bedroom, Ginny joined him as soon as she could in what looked like only her long sleep shirt.
Harry decided it was time to tease her a little. "I've figured out your little game, Mrs Potter." He stood there and watched surprise and shock flash across her face for a moment, before it disappeared into mischievousness.
She jumped on the bed and seemed to sprawl on it, although Harry thought she looked really good, lying there slightly twisted with one hip in the air and her hair splayed out above her head. "What game would that be, my husband?"
He chuckled as he sat on the edge of the bed and looked at her shapely pale legs that were lightly freckled. The hem of her shirt started at mid-thigh and went up over a nicely curved derrière and a slim waist. Her small breasts showed that she felt cool, which only added to the image she was trying to create, or so he thought. He briefly wondered if she had practiced making this carefree yet sexy look.
"I couldn't figure out why you were so excited about Gabi's bra charm the other day, but I believe I've got the answer now."
Ginny blushed slightly, but did not look away. "And?" she asked, as if daring him.
"You wanted to tease me with it, much like you're doing now."
A playful look danced across her face. "Maybe."
"Two can play at that game," he said teasingly. "For example, it's obvious you're not wearing a bra now, but are you wearing knickers? Just how daring are you?"
"I'm not sure I want to tell you," she replied, continuing the playful game.
Harry recognized the dare and considered it. Her comment about him being too noble came to him, as did the thought that they were magically married. Seeing if she would stop him, he moved his hand to her knee and slowly slid it up the outside of her thigh, which was on top, since her body was twisted with one hip in the air. When his hand came to the hem of her sleep shirt, she tensed slightly, but otherwise only lifted one eyebrow … again, as if daring him. Casting his nobility away, he raised her shirt enough to see the top of her legs and that she was wearing red knickers. "So, you do have a limit," he said as he let the shirt go so it could drop back in place, which caused her to breathe a little easier, or so it seemed to him.
"For now. There are some things I'm not ready to do yet," she admitted honestly as she rolled over and turned around to lay her head in his lap. "That will change, but until then, there's a lot of me you can caress as much as you like." Her playfulness had returned.
He moved one hand to her head and lovingly moved her hair out of the way so he could see all of her face. Then he did caress her face and neck.
With a content look she said, "You finally confronted Hermione about her missing conversation on your birthday."
There was no missing the fact that she had made that a statement and not a question. "You've talked to her about it then?"
"You know we talk about you because you've caught us doing it," she pointed out.
He continued to caress her head. "What do you two, or three, talk about?"
She shrugged slightly, "Whatever, but normally only the important stuff, or the trivial stuff."
Harry chuckled. "That sounds like you talk about everything."
"No," she corrected him, "there are a lot of things we keep to ourselves, especially those things that only affect one of us. So what did you two agree to?"
It took a moment, but an important fact jumped out at him. "Ah, she didn't tell you, did she?"
Ginny actually frowned, although it didn't last long as her contented look returned quickly from his ministrations. "No."
Harry's shifted a little so he could use both hands and moved them to her shoulders, which caused her to give a soft moan of pleasure. "Did you know she doesn't like to talk about sex?"
"Yes, or at least as long as she thinks it's directed at her; but you didn't answer my question," she reminded him.
He shifted again and moved back just enough he could lean forward and kiss her thoroughly. When he pulled back, he softly said, "No, I didn't answer your question." With a grin, he grabbed his wand and put out the light. "It's time for sleep if we're getting up at 5:30," he told her with a tease in his voice.
"You would be in so much trouble, Harry Potter, if you weren't so good to me." Ginny laid her head on his shoulder and draped an arm across his chest.
Harry decided the only thing he could say was, "I love you, Ginny," because he could not tell from her tone of voice if her last comment had been teasing or not.
"I love you too, Harry."
On their second Saturday at school, Harry and Ginny were outside with their brooms at the main Quidditch stadium for tryouts for their dorm team. Hermione and Gabrielle were present too, but only to watch.
Since the primary Red team, or "Red-A", did not need any players, with six seventh years and one sixth year, only "Red-B", or the secondary team, was looking for players. The captain and keeper of the team was a seventh year named Antonio Bruno.
«We need two Chasers,» he told the small crowd of about fifteen hopefuls. «If you are not a Chaser, I'd suggest you play in the weekend pick-up games to catch the captains' attention for next year, or in case there is an injury this year and we need a replacement. Only the Chasers should follow me.» He turned and walked over to where the current team was waiting.
Ginny looked at Harry. He shrugged and walked over with her, as did six others. Harry felt that playing Chaser was better than not playing at all.
Bruno looked at the eight players and then started to put them through their paces with flying drills, passing drills, and scoring run drills. Two of the younger hopefuls were sent away quickly.
Harry was not doing well at the throwing exercises, but did very well on the flying parts. Ginny, however, was doing very well, or so he thought. Her broom, made for Chasers, probably helped.
At the end of the time, the captain called them and the team over. «Thank you all for trying out. The new Chasers will be Weasley and de David. We practice twice a week, Sunday from four to six, and Thursday from four until five-thirty. Yes, that will make you a little late to dinner, but we must practice before it gets dark. The first practice is tomorrow afternoon.»
When he started to walk away, Ginny quickly spoke up. «Wait! You're not going to have tryouts for any other positions?»
Bruno stopped and faced her. «No, there is no need. We have good players.» He saw her looking at Harry. «I'm sorry, your betrothed is a good flyer, but he is not a good Chaser.»
«That's because he's a Seeker,» she responded.
«Ah, we already have a good Seeker.»
«One who has never lost a game?» Ginny put forth, and grabbed Harry's arm when she could tell he was about to speak up. She was sure he was about to tell her to drop this, but she wanted the best Seeker on their team and was sure it was Harry.
«And what would you propose?» Bruno asked with amusement.
«A Seeker duel. Release the Snitch and see who can find it first, two out of three to be fair in case the Snitch takes a bad jump once.» A quick glance at Harry showed him to be more surprised by her boldness than anything.
Bruno looked very thoughtful for a long moment. «Silva!»
A tall but very thin boy with curly brown hair walked over. «Do we really have to do this?»
«She says he's played for four years and never lost a game. That's remarkable.» Bruno looked at his current Seeker.
«I have played for six years and have only lost two Snitches. We would do better if the A team would quit stealing our best Chasers, especially in mid-season,» Silva retorted.
«No one would disagree with you on that.» Bruno considered the matter for a little longer before he walked over to the chest of Quidditch balls. Opening it, he pulled out a Golden Snitch.
«Are you serious?» Silva questioned him.
Bruno turned and hurled the Snitch. «Go, bring me the Snitch and it's the best two out of three.»
Both players already had their brooms in their hands; mounting their brooms quickly, they took off, Harry only a split second faster and not enough to really matter.
It took almost six minutes before Harry saw the Snitch and then both boys were chasing after it. Silva was a good flyer, but it was his longer arms that allowed him to catch the first Snitch. With a smug grin, he gave the magical ball to the captain.
«I guess that shows everyone who's better,» Silva said with pride.
«Almost,» Bruno said as he released it again.
Harry saw it first again this time. During the chase, he lured the older boy a little too close to the wall and Silva grazed it. That maneuver was enough to slow him down such that Harry easily captured the Snitch.
When Harry handed the Snitch to Bruno, Silva looked a little angry now. Harry looked at Ginny and saw her confidence in him, plus she blew him a kiss.
Bruno held on to the Snitch and looked at the two players carefully before he grinned a little evilly. Using his wand, he summoned the Quidditch chest over to him. «I think we need a little more realism. Russo, you will target only Potter, and de Garza, you will target only Silva.» He released the Snitch and the two Bludgers in short order. Go!» All four players rose into the sky.
This time, Harry had not only his fellow Seeker, but one and sometimes two Bludgers - when he got too close to Silva - to worry about also. As he zipped around the pitch, automatically dodging the Bludgers, he noticed that Silva seemed to be having a harder time looking and dodging than he did - a weakness to be exploited if possible.
As if suddenly seeing the Snitch, Harry took off away from Silva so the boy could not immediately see what Harry was chasing - nothing. As expected, Silva reacted and zoomed after Harry.
He weaved a little, but made sure not to go his fastest as Harry wanted Silva to catch up. When the seventh year closed, Harry went into a sharp dive, not worrying about the Bludgers too much. They would have a hard time getting him now, he was flying so erratically. With the ground approaching quickly, he pulled up and curved left. Silva managed to avoid crashing, but it was close and he did scrape the ground, causing him to lose control for several precious seconds, as well as fly in a straight line. That was all it took for de Garza's Bludger to catch up and graze the end of Silva's broom such that he lost control, sending him flying without his broom. Fortunately, Silva was still only a few feet above the ground.
Harry took a sharp left to avoid his own Bludger and saw a flash of gold not far away. Silva, who was groaning on the ground, never had a chance. Harry grabbed the Snitch and landed near Bruno a moment later.
The remaining Chaser from last year was helping Silva up and giving a supporting shoulder as the two walked back over to everyone else.
«Good match,» Harry said, holding out his hand as Silva came over.
«Good match,» Silva said a little grudgingly.
«You are a good Seeker,» Bruno said with respect. «Be here at four tomorrow.» He turned to Silva. «Don't slack off your practice; injuries happen.»
When everyone else started leaving, Ginny threw her arms around Harry's neck and kissed him hard. «I knew you could do it.»
«He was tough.» He hugged her tightly. «Thanks for sticking up for me.»
«I wanted the best Seeker,» she told him with an easy grin.
Harry looked a little disbelievingly at her, but ended the look with his own grin. «Sure, if you say so.»
Gabrielle and Hermione were very happy for both of them.
On the 18th of September, Harry was doing his best to arrange for a party for Hermione since it was her sixteenth birthday. Ginny and Gabrielle had been tasked with a few small things, but mostly keeping Hermione busy so Harry could get things organized.
The Red Dorm celebrated birthdays once a month for all those who had their birthday that month; the exception being for those who had their birthday in July and August were celebrated during the June party. The party for September would not happen until next week, not that it mattered to Harry. He wanted a party only for Hermione. That meant it would have to be in their rooms.
With special permission from the Headmistress, Harry had also written Dobby and had him come for the day to help set things up. Harry hoped that by having the party one day before her real birthday that Hermione would be completely surprised.
As the "Potters" walked into their rooms after dinner, Harry opened the door and Ginny gave Hermione a friendly push so she would enter first. The banner and cake were front and center and there were balloons too. "Surprise! Happy Birthday!" the other three shouted at her.
Hermione immediately turned red, but she also threw her arms around Harry and gave him a kiss. Ginny and Gabrielle only received hugs.
«I can't believe you did this!» She turned around to take it all in. When she came to the kitchenette area, she saw their house-elf. «Dobby! You too!»
The elf acted bashfully, so she went over and knelt down to give him a hug. «I am glad Mistress is happy. I made Mistress's favorite cake. Mistress's mother told me what to make.» She was very touched by the effort Dobby had made.
They cut the cake and started handing out pieces to everyone in the dorm. Harry had opened their door and invited anyone who wanted to stop in and see the main room of their suite. His door and the door to the girl's side were closed and sealed.
Harry had talked to the Rousseaus's to get permission. They had told him that that brothers and sisters also threw small parties occasionally, so while Harry's might be bigger than that, it would not be uncommon.
The party ended a little after eight and while Dobby cleaned up, Harry brought out the presents.
«Dobby also brought our letter box from Sirius.» He sat the small stack of brightly wrapped boxes in front of Hermione and kept the plain one himself. Opening it, he pulled out letters and handed them to each recipient.
Hermione left the presents for the moment and opened her letter from her parents, as the others eagerly read letters from their family back home. Hermione's eyes were shiny when she was done.
«Neville and Luna say hi,» Harry told them as he finished that letter. «They also say that changes in the school are a breath of fresh air and wished we were there.» He looked at the birthday girl. «They also say 'Happy Birthday' to you Hermione.»
«That's nice of them to remember,» she said.
Gabrielle pushed the small pile of presents closer to her oldest bond-sister. Taking the hint, Hermione started opening them. Her parents had sent her some books in French. The Delacours sent her a small magical ball that projected the night sky from anywhere in the world onto the ceiling, making Astronomy easier to study. Sirius sent a small silver dog about that size of her fist. When she touched it, it would slowly move like a real dog and then freeze when she lifted her hand.
Harry gave her a necklace that she thought was far too nice. The last present was a joint gift from Ginny and Gabrielle, which she slammed the top of the box on when she saw it. She was also beet red. Nothing Harry said would convince her to show him the present and other girls would not say either; they would only giggle.
They all said good-bye to Dobby before he started "popping" his way back to the Potter home, needing several jumps.
«I'll be there in a moment, Harry,» Hermione told him.
It was Monday night, and yet another reason Harry had picked this day for her party. Harry came out of his bathroom a few minutes later and found Hermione already there and still fully dressed, which was very unusual.
"Hermione?" He walked slowly to her.
She put her arms around him and kissed him deeply. "I'm ready," was all she said.
He kissed her back gently and put his forehead against hers as he smiled. "I was going to surprise you tonight and suggest that."
With slightly trembling hands, Hermione started unbuttoning Harry's shirt. Harry repeated each action on her and revealed a lacy bra. Hermione took Harry down to only his boxers. He removed her skirt, leaving her in only the lacy blue bra and some matching lacy blue knickers.
She turned around and said, "You can unhook it and take it off." There was a slight catch in her voice, a little nervousness.
Harry was glad to hear that she was not perfectly calm with this, as he was not either - excited, yes, but also nervous. He also could not help but look further down.
"Harry?" She startled him out of his thoughts and, well, fantasies.
"Sorry, just admiring the view back here too."
"Harry!" She blushed bright red on the parts of her neck that he could see.
He reached out and grabbed the bra strap. "I can't help it, I like what I see. You're attractive and pretty." He managed to get the bra strap undone and just looked at her bare back as Hermione dropped her bra. "I like all of you. You've even managed to tame your hair by letting it grow longer."
"You shouldn't stretch the truth so far," she told him, still facing away.
"No, you shouldn't think so little of yourself," he said a little forcefully. He sighed, "I'm sorry, but I don't understand why you put your looks down so much. You are beautiful because I find you that way and it's my opinion that counts."
She turned quickly and pressed herself against him and kissed him soundly and then hugged him for all she was worth. "Thank you, I've been teased for my looks all through my school years. It's hard not to believe it and to get over it."
It was hard for him to think at the moment with a reasonably well-endowed bare-chested girl pressed against his bare chest for the first time. Finally, he spoke carefully and gently to her. "I can kind of understand as my Uncle and Aunt put me down and said I was worthless, but your parents and you three have cured me of that and I want to cure you of this doubt you have."
"Thank you for believing in me, Harry."
"Now that we have that out of the way, and we've not done any school work tonight, how about we do a little research on bodies?" The teasing in his voice could not be missed.
"Oh, Harry, what would I do without you?"
:"Probably not have nearly as much fun," he joked.
"That's probably true," she replied. Then slowly, she loosened her hold on him and backed up a step.
"Truly beautiful…" he breathed.
They did not go to sleep until an hour after their normal time.
o-o-o
When Ginny came out of her room at 5:30 the next morning, Gabrielle was already waiting.
«Do you think the plan worked?» asked the little blonde excitedly.
Ginny grinned. «Let me get my wand.»
After retrieving her wand, Ginny led Gabrielle towards Harry's room. At the door, she whispered. «Don't make any noise.» Gabrielle nodded vigorously as Ginny put a silencing charm on the hinges. With great care and deliberate slowness, she turned the knob and opened the door. When it was wide enough to stick their heads in with Gabrielle's under Ginny's, Ginny did a weak light spell. The faint glow of her wand barely showed Harry spooned behind Hermione in his bed - both topless. Ginny silently put the light out and slowly closed the door before hurrying back into the girl's common room.
Gabrielle and Ginny looked at each other and made little squealing sounds of delight and did a happy dance together to celebrate their plan to speed up "the schedule".
o-o-o
Harry closed his half-opened eyes and tried to get a few more minutes of sleep after the quiet click from the door. Living at the Dursleys had trained him to be a light sleeper and the click of the door opening a moment ago had woken him.
At the moment, he was not sure why Ginny and Gabrielle would open his door this early in the morning and stick their heads in simultaneously, but if he could not figure it out when he was more awake later, he knew one of the girls would tell him if he was persistent enough. Gabrielle would be the easiest to make talk, he decided as he grasped Hermione's breast and slipped back into unconsciousness.