Again, I'm quite pleased with where you're going with the story. The possibility of some very entertaining fireworks when Hermione shows up at Privet Dr, with her parents in tow, only to find a new rival present, has me eager to read your upcoming work.
Characterization continues to be a strength, particularly with Hermione as she begins to over-think and worry why Harry doesn't respond to her mail. Will she hypothesize that Harry's mail is being intercepted before she asks him directly about it, or will she continue to get more worked up and assume he is ignoring her? Seems she ought to be able to figure it out given Dumbledore's actions the prior summer, but that assumes she is thinking completely rationally where Harry is concerned.
The Veela/Merpeople angle was handled well as was the description of the bond. Of course, you've mentioned that some of this can be cliche, but you brought it in with ease and competence. Fans of Veela have seen plenty of variations on the bond before, and I'm curious to see exactly what permutation you wind up bringing in.
How does Gabrielle's Veela magic work? You mentioned that the bond is a rope of magic only visible to Gabrielle; is that because she is one end of it or because she is Veela? So could Harry learn to see it as he is at the other end, or could Fleur learn to see it as she is also part Veela? Besides this, you mentioned the bond serves as a bit of a power boost for both of them. Can this boost be enhanced in some way? Will it grow to include Hermione with a correspondent "rope" of magic binding Gabrielle as well?
My favorite part for the chapter was of course Harry pretending that Gabrielle was Hermione so he could get some peace and sleep, while at the same time Hermione is coming to grips with the changing nature of her feelings for him. Delicious irony.
Please keep up the great job.
PS: Where do I buy popcorn for the upcoming Veela vs Dursleys showdown?
Author's response
Thanks, happy you're enjoying it.
Yes, there may well be some interesting fireworks on that Friday. :D
RE Hermione and the letters, you'll find out how that's resolved in two chapters, but yes, she's rather over-thinking when it comes to Harry.
As to her magic, more in two chapters, but definitely it's mainly her being bonded that allows her to see it as she's part of it. Fleur will be unable to see the bond itself, but her senses would show her that he's already in a Veela bond with someone. Yes, Harry will also be able to learn to see it, partly because of his Power, and also because he's part of it. As to Hermione, that's also for a future chap.
Indeed, that was my favorite scene. :)
LOL, yep, there'll be quite a showdown next chap!
SP