FicWad

Chapter 53:- Evening Classes

A/N: Malehorntaildragon, it has taken far more chapters than I have ever envisaged but we have made it to here, at last! Thanks for the time and effort you put in to get me here! GML thank you. To the readers thank you for waiting for this one, it was harder than the rest to write and even harder to post.



**

The snow drifted lazy from side to side as it fell from the sky. It had only just started but had threatened for days; soon the whole area would be covered in its white purity. By the day’s end everyone would be hoping that there would be enough for him or her to play in. As the blanket started to form, a lone boy watched from his perch on a windowsill. He knew the snow was coming, everyone knew it was coming but he felt privileged to watch it start. It fell noiselessly to the ground and soon it would start to soften the sounds of the Castle though he wished that the snow would lessons Ron’s snoring!

Harry glanced over his shoulder as a particular loud noise from his best mate startled him slightly. Ron was a great friend the best he had ever had, but sometimes he was a pain and this morning was one of them. Harry had woken early; he did not know why he just did. His mind was still full of school, lesson, and especially Ginny but this was the norm for him these days. Early rising wasn’t unusual either but for some reason Harry felt that today was different.

It was Wednesday and he had scheduled a DA meeting, it might be the last before the end of term. Most of the participants were grumbling about the restrictions in the club but he had promised them that they would work on the Patronus today. The old timers smiled at this remembering last year and the rest just seemed to be happy at learning something new and advanced. The fall of snow also brought with it a new possibility to Harry, if there was enough they could practice their shields with the snow. The possibilities were endless for him that he thought he might want to have one other lesson just before the end of term, something fun and in the snow.

He turned back to watch the falling flakes, it would be good to have some fun with the DA. As he sat there he continued to let his mind wander, he was going to have to do something about his feelings for the girls. Each of them had helped or was helping him and each brought new and interesting feeling out within him. Gabrielle had told him that each was happy, he gave them what they wanted but he never took anything in return, but what was he supposed to take? Christmas was coming soon and that brought forward its own problems, and most of them revolved around the girls. He had managed to get a nice present for Ginny, it had been hard but he had managed, it was a boyfriend’s job to get a decent Christmas gift. Now that he thought about it, should he get something for the rest?

Getting them something was not the problem, it was what to get them. He let this problem mull over in his mind. The other problem to do with Christmas also came forth. Initially he had looked forward to the Christmas break, he would be able to spend it in his own house, and it sounded so surreal to Harry that he paused for a moment in his thoughts. He would be alone in that house was the prevailing thought, he suspected that Ron and Hermione would visit, if only to give themselves a little ‘freedom’ and they might even bring Ginny along with them but he couldn’t expect the whole of the Weasley’s to be there. The other girls might visit, well Luna maybe but that sent a small shiver of something through him at the thought of being alone in his house with Luna. Susan and Gabrielle he was sure they would be staying here at Hogwarts, for a moment just the barest of them, he considered staying as well to keep them company but no, he had to live his own life.

All this thinking about the house made Harry call out for Dobby, almost instantly the elf appeared. Harry hadn’t spoken to him since he had taken Winky away and suddenly he felt a little guilty.

“You called for me sir?” asked Dobby in a quiet voice in deference to those still sleeping.

“Um...yes I was wondering about Grimmauld Place?”

“It’s fine sir, honestly she’s just been cleaning it. She’s wouldn’t be doing anything unless you told her so.”

“She?”

“Winky sir.”

“Winky’s cleaning the house?”

“Yes sir, she just loves it sir, it’s a bit big for her but she’s much better now, looking forward to your return you’s not be knowing the place.”

“It’s too big for the two of you?”

“No sir but I’s been here...”

“You left her on her own?”

Dobby took a step back and started to play with his ear. Harry was sure that the elf was trying to screw it off his own head in punishment.

“Sorry Dobby that was wrong of me...now stop doing that and tell me what’s been happing to the house.”

“Well I took her back and helped her.”

“Helped her?”

“Get better it took a long time, it was almost two days!”

Harry’s eyes went wide as he heard that it had only taken two days for the elf to recover but managed to hold his tongue.

“After that she started on the house, she was...upset at the state and so started to clean. She sent me back here to look after you.”

“And you obeyed?”

“She can be....forceful when she wants too.” Replied Dobby suddenly looking down. Harry’s eyes followed Dobby’s and he noticed that Dobby was wearing a pair of matching socks something he had never done. Not only that but they seemed almost normal to Harry.

“She sent me back to look after you. Told me that our master needs someone to look after him, but I visit her.”

“Visit her?”

“Yes every night to see if she is fine. She had done a good job you will be proud of owning her.”

“Very well then can you ask her to make sure a few of the guest rooms are clean, I might have visitors over Christmas.”

“Very well sir, is your Hermy and Weazy going to be staying?”

“I don’t know maybe a few days.”

“Good sir it will be so nice to have them and the rest?”

“Rest?”

“Yes Miss Ginny, and the others.”

“Ginny?”

“She won’t be staying? Does she know this?”” asked Dobby in a very confused voice.

“Don't be silly Dobby she will want to spend Christmas with her family.”

Dobby almost replied but decided that he had better not. Harry was his master and it was never good to question your master especially if you knew him to be wrong.

“Is that all sir?”

“Um...yes...no can you look in on Hedwig for me I think I’ve been neglecting her?”

Dobby bowed his head and then disappeared with only a slight pop. Harry felt calmer but his problems still were not sorted and so turned back to the window to continue to watch the falling snow.

**

Ginny stretched out her muscles climbed out of her bed. Her dreams always left her frustrated but it wasn’t as bad as it had been, she knew that Gabrielle was controlling herself even more but was sure that Harry would soon see the little Veela for what she really wanted to be. Sunday had been lucky for her; Harry’s admission about what he had been learning shocked her to her very core. His words almost touched something and that something was a dark secret for her. She had sort of an odd feeling when Harry had talked about those soul pieces, it almost reminded her of her first year and that was one experience she didn't want to remember.

That was the one time in her life with Harry that she wanted to forget, everything in that year had seemed to go wrong for her. The only spark of happiness that she remembered was waking up on the damp cold floor and looking into Harry’s face. He had come to rescue her, her real knight in shining armour. She now knew him far better than she ever did but that small image was the only one that she wanted to remember from that awful year.

After Harry had finally told them everything she had gotten up and left with the others leaving Gabrielle alone with Harry, the two of them had so little time together especially now that Harry was beginning to think more about sex and their own combined relationship that she had thought it would be a good idea. She herself had reservations about taking the next step with Harry but soon he might give the relief to her best friend that she wanted. Best friend, the words rattled around in her mind; she wouldn’t have called Gabrielle that but now it seemed the right thing. Ever since that day when they had...she had looked at Gabrielle with differing eyes, part of her body wanted to try again but if she could not do it with Harry should she really be doing it to Gabrielle?

Noticing that she was still sitting on the edge of her bed and the rest of her roommates had already started to get ready Ginny shrugged off all of these thoughts so that she could start the new day. Almost on a whim, she pulled out the new uniform once more. She had not worn it since but for some reason she thought that today would be a good day. She didn't want to entice Harry into doing something rash it was just so comfortable and it made her look so good. Smiling at her decision, she headed for the bathroom pleased at yet another day in her life.

Ginny saw Harry’s eyes track over her as she entered the common room. She hadn’t asked Gabrielle to help today and she had to admit to herself that she didn't look quite as good but by the reaction to Harry he never noticed. Crossing as normal she gave him a quick peck and waited for the rest to get up from the sofas. She looked at Gabrielle who gave her a secret smile that caused a blush to rise in Ginny’s cheeks. Laughing this off she grabbed Harry’s hand and headed for Breakfast, yes today was good and but the look of the snow they might just have some fun this evening.

*

Draco’s eyes never left Gabrielle’s body as she walked in behind Harry. No one would notice him staring at her but he could not keep his eyes off. Every hormone in his body was screaming for the day to finish because then he would get his pleasure. She was so ripe, so perfect that taking her was going to be joy unbounded. His two normal cronies were beside him as they would be this evening, he had also invited Nott along, another man would be useful if she struggled but he doubted that she could ever put up a fight. He had heard all about her pitiful wand and attempt at magic that he was sure she would be easy. He had also found out everything that he needed to know about her family to make it safe. Mr Smith had been so useful once more, where he got his information Draco didn't care, this time he would use it for his pleasure not some twisted plan or gaining power.

The plan for this evening was so easy to implement it was a joke. His little plaything in Gryffindor had squealed again when a little pain by Goyle had been applied. He understood that he could not push too much but he was just so easy. Knowing that Harry would be teaching all of those goodies this evening was the first step of the plan, the knowledge that he now held from Mr Smith would help him if everything went wrong all that was left was the message. He was sure that he could get the room this evening all he had to do was get the message delivered and that wasn’t going to be hard. The first year Slytherin’s would do anything that he demanded of them and so one of them would be the messenger they would give the message to her this evening and then the plan would work.

Trying to drag his eyes away from the girl he continued to eat his breakfast but all of this thinking about the Veela and what was to come was having an effect on him. Quickly glancing the length of the table, he could see that Pansy was with her friends. She would have to do for now, because he had to have relief before lessons started. Abandoning his plate, he got up and walked to the girl. Without even a word to her she rose from the table and followed him out. Soon he would have two willing slaves for himself.

*

The cheery voice of Professor Flitwick pierced Harry’s musing. He had been thinking about the previous lesson and Snape but that was not what was causing his frown. Snape had been his normal self, professing the virtues of the dark side and how powerful it was yet all that Harry could think about was Draco. He had sat through the whole lecture almost quiet, nearly every lesson Draco made some comment or remark normally not too loud but loud enough for him to hear yet today he was strangely quiet. He had even stayed behind after the lesson, Harry wanted to wait to see what Draco and Snape were talking about but the looks that the pair gave him had told him that they would not say anything until he had left.

He was now in this charms class but his mind didn't want to leave the defence lesson, something was happening he could feel it. It was like the snow this morning he was sure that something was going on and it involved Draco but he could not see what it was.

“Ok so you see how charms can be placed to protect an object, be it large or small, so who would like to practice first?”

Harry caught sight of Hermione’s hand being raised but he still wasn’t paying attention to what was being taught. He had caught the first words about what they were working on today, Wards, but after that he remembered nothing of the teaching. He didn't even notice when Hermione stood up and performed a perfect shield ward upon a rock.

“Very good Miss Granger who would now like to see if they can break it?”

No one moved and Harry absently looked at the rock, it should be an interesting lesson today he started to think turning his mind to the here and now. Everyone was excited about Wards but he still couldn’t shake his feelings of dread.

“Mr Potter care to give it a try.”

“Oh...ah...OK Professor.”

Harry rose to his feet and lazily performed a small stunning curse. It left his wand as normal and as everyone expect in the room it hit the ward and rebounded off.

“Well done Miss Granger...” congratulated Professor Flitwick before turning to the rest of the class. “...you can see that the ward has acted accordingly to the spell cast at it and what was placed. As it is not bound or connected to an anchor it won’t last very long perhaps a few hours maybe a day or two depending upon the rock and the attacks placed upon it. OK then will you please split up and start to practice. One to cast the ward the other to repeatedly attack it until it fails.”

Everyone started to split up into pairs, Harry watched as Hermione and Ron paired as normal. See the two together he felt a sudden stab of jealousy they always seemed to pair each other unless they ‘weren’t talking’ but that happened too infrequently now. As he watched, the two collect their rocks and start he thought that it might be nice if Ginny was a year older and then he could pair with her.

“It looks like we are together again?” said a voice from behind.

Harry turned and saw Justin, he normally paired with him in charms but he thought that it would definitely be better if he were paired with Ginny or someone he really liked.

“I’ll go first then.” Stated Justin. Harry had gotten use to Justin’s ways he always wanted to prove how good he was. He was good but occasional it riled Harry it was probably just the way he spoke, but it still upset him. Harry lazily watched Justin as he stepped back, to give himself some room, Justin’s own phrase, and raised his wand. After and few superfluous waves he cast the charm. Harry looked at the rock and saw no change but then he didn't expect to.

“Ok then Harry see what that’s like.” Said Justin almost boasting.

Harry mind still wasn’t focused on the lesson but he did send a weak stunning spell towards the rock. The spell hit the ward as expected and was slightly rebounded away keeping the rock protected but it didn't look as good as Hermione’s had done.

“Well done Mr Finch-Fletchly.” Chimed Professor Flitwick who was making his rounds. “Try again Mr Potter see how many spells it takes?”

Harry was slightly annoyed at Justin’s attitude he raised his wand to send a more powerful spell at the rock but checked himself. Focusing his annoyance wasn’t good. Dumbledore was telling him that in a fight he had to concentrate and fighting angry Harry knew that he would lose his concentration....lose his concentration. The words flung themselves around his mind as he suddenly remembered the fight with Draco.

Quickly shaking his head, he closed his eyes and forced away that fight and his annoyance. As was habit when he was like this he slipped into his magic and as he did so a new thought came forth. Slowly he opened his eyes and looked with his sight, he focused out everything except the rock in front of him. He could see the dome that he associated with wards but it looked different less solid then anything that he had seen before. He could only just make out the marking upon the dome, as he watched he saw that the dome was failing, slowly but it was failing. This must be what Professor Flitwick was saying about wards without proper casting or anchorage they would fail on their own. He looked for a few seconds more and he saw that the dome wasn’t perfect, it looked really weak on one side. Obviously when Justine had cast his ward it hadn’t hit the centre of the rock it was misaligned.

Suspecting he knew what was about to happen he levelled his wand at that edge.

“So going to blast it again?” asked Justin in that annoying voice.

“No, I don’t need too.” Replied Harry feeling very smug himself.

Harry kept his sight as long as he could so he could watch what happened. Even Justin could see that the spell that Harry now sent was far weaker than the first. It almost failed to reach the stone but the look of triumph on Justine’s face instantly disappeared as he watched the spell hit the rock and then dance lightly over it before causing a neat crack down its centre.

“How...what...” spluttered Justine causing Flitwick to turn around.

“Oh Mr Potter excellent I thought that that ward would last longer.”

“Thank you Professor.” Replied Harry smiling at Justin almost challenging him to question what he had just done.

“Your turn.” said Justin still a little astonished, and annoyed.

Harry turned to his rock and slipped into his magic, he had cast something like this before. Admittedly what he had cast at Grimauld place was a little more complex so this should be easy. Letting his magic and sight guide him he sent his own ward towards the rock. He saw the dome form but falter slightly so he pumped a little more magic into it to give it stability and to centre it. It had taken far longer to cast than even Justin’s elaborate cast but Harry was satisfied.

Justin readied himself and sent his first spell. It rebounded the same as Harry’s had done against his own, flying harmlessly into the distance. Justin looked at the results and then tried again and then again. By the end of the lesson it was almost like a private competition going on to which ward would last the longest. One by one they all started to fail, until there was only his and Hermione’s left. Harry wasn’t surprised that hers had lasted so long because of all of the reading that they had done over the summer.

Spell after spell was sent at the pair of rocks but they both still held. Flitwick looked so proud as he observed the happenings.

“Well I think it must be ten points to Gryffindor for each of you for that charm work.” He called out as the two wards still stood.

“Thank you Professor they both replied.”

“Well then I think that’s about it today. Before next week I want a 2 foot length of parchment on the difference between a regular charm and ward with special reference given to protection charms and wards.”

Harry returned to his desk and packed up with the rest. Soon Hermione was leaning the three of them out and towards lunch.

“See I told you all of that reading over the summer would pay off.” Said Hermione in a slightly superior voice.

“Yes Hermione.” Replied Harry not wanting to contradict Hermione in telling her that the lessons he had been having with Dumbledore and Gabrielle did more than that reading.

“I wish I had read something.” Grumbled Ron.

“Yours wasn’t too bad.”

“But you still got through it in a few spells.”

“You just need practice, right Harry....”

Back in the classroom, Professor Flitwick finished tidying up the rocks and looked at the two left. Curiosity got the better of him and he just had to know. He never suspected that any of his students could produce a ward that would last for so long. Most people failed to get the right balance and control to perform such a spell. Lazily he cast the revelling spell at Hermione’s rock, it shone in bright patterns, these told him that she had cast the ward with extreme skill. She either had been very luck or had done it before as he watched the pattern fade. It was a shame to break such a ward but it would fail soon anyway. He raised his wand and sent a stream of magic at one of the corners, he saw the brief flash of the failing ward and the then the rock broke as it was charmed to do so.

Next he looked at Harry’s rock, he had surprised him the most. He knew he was powerful but never had he displayed any form of the control needed for this type of magic. A small smile spread across his lips as he remembered Lily, she would have been proud of Harry today, she had always excelled at Charms and for once Harry was doing the same. It was the first time that Harry had shown any tendencies towards his mother. He cast the revelling charm on Harry’s rock and waited to see the results, the patterns swirled instantly but Flitwick almost took a step backwards. As the image died he cast it once more, the pattern was the same but he could not believe what he was seeing. The ward that was being revealed looked to be almost perfect, the distribution of magic seemed so strong yet uniform nowhere could he see any weakness.

For a third time he cast the spell and watched in wonder, somewhere deep with that boy was true power. By instinct he lifted his wand to send the necessary power into the ward to force the collapse but stopped, no he would keep this and just see. All of the other wards would have failed in hours, even Miss Grangers would not have lasted the week but this, this might just last months! He just had to see. Not only that but he must show Dumbledore, with power such as this there might even be a chance for them all.

**

Harry sat through a normal lunch; Wednesday lunches were always great as he had a free afternoon afterward. He knew that for most of it, he was going to have to be doing homework but still the thought of a free afternoon cheered him. Ginny and Gabrielle were beside him as normal, Gabrielle had said little but he sensed her contact upon his magic now and then, he could almost sense some of her and thought that for once she was having a good day as well.

As he pushed his finished plate away, he lent back slightly and looked up at the sky. It was still snowing but not very hard, soon the older years would be using warming charms whenever they went outside and the younger ones would freeze.

“You seem happy?” asked Gabrielle.

“I think I am, everything seems to be falling into place. The lessons everything...it just feels so...right.”

“Yes I know what you mean.” The blond girl responded.

“You feel the same?”

“Not about school but about other things.”

“Me you mean?” He asked.

“Some but not all.” She replied with a little laughter in her voice.

“Good.” Answered Harry closing his eyes and just relaxing.

All too soon he felt Ginny brake his peaceful moment as she leant over him and kiss him briefly on the cheek.

“Must dash.” She said.

Harry opened his eyes and watched Ginny leave; he always enjoyed watching Ginny but especially when she was wearing that short skirt. Just before she slipped out of view she looked over her should at him straight into his eyes. He tried to communicate his feelings for her though that one look but didn't know whether he succeeded. Yet to his astonishment, Ginny gave him a huge smile and then flipped up the back of her skirt. It didn’t go too far just enough for Harry’s imagination to fill in the blanks. No one would have seen anything yet Harry’s mind’s eye saw everything.

“Well how about a game of chess before we begin?” asked Ron after both Gabrielle and Hermione had stood up and left them as they went to their own class with far less show.

“Yeah that sounds good, I feel I might even beat you today.”

“Not a chance there mate!”

*

Harry didn't win, he got close but never close enough. The pair of them did not play many games because of the homework they both had to do, but they did manage to slip in a few matches. Harry found that ploughing through his homework closed his mind off from the rest of his problems. He wasn’t worried about any of them, he had a plan. The plan been created by the girls but it was still a plan, somewhere deep down he felt happy to finally be moving in the right direction for ending all of this.

For a third of the year now he had been learning new magic and new perception but he didn’t feel that he was progressing. He just felt like he was the same person he had always been. He knew that was unfair as his magic was truly different now, with his sight he would soon have such control over it that he would be able to perform spells that many thought unbelievable but spell work wasn’t going to beat Voldemort, something else was going to be needed. If it only took spell work then Dumbledore would have beaten him a long time ago.

When everyone started to return from their lessons there was a murmur of excitement about the older students. It was no secret that today they were going to working on Patronus charms and for most of them this was a move forward. They could all remember when Demontors had been stationed in the grounds but now having a defence seemed to cheer them all. Harry didn't want to burst their bubble in telling everyone that it would be hard but he knew that most of them were going to be disappointed this evening.

Harry took his time in getting ready for the lesson, his mind was planning out what he was going to say and how he was going to teach something so difficult but as he prepared himself his thoughts turned towards Gabrielle. He still hadn’t helped her with her defence, every time he thought about it something came up. She was as good as any first year she just had so little power. With her always being so close it did worry him a little. He was sure that one day she would be there when something nasty happened but he was equally sure that he could protect her or protect her enough so that she could find safety, but he might not always be there? He shook his head and silently vowed that next term he would think of a way.

He returned to the common room from his dormitory and saw that most of the other DA members were waiting for him. He smiled at them before turning to leave, as was his custom he glanced over at Gabrielle, she was sitting in their normal place by the fire and smiled back, Harry saw that she was still fingering a slip of parchment. She had it in her hands when she had entered the great Hall for dinner but never mentioned anything about it. Harry had almost asked her what it was but had stopped himself thinking that it was not his place to ask such a personal question. Now as he headed towards the portrait hole he almost wished that he had done so, Gabrielle’s face didn’t show emotions but Harry was sure he could feel tension from her.

“Come on the, let’s have a little fun. I know exactly what thought I’m going to use.” Gushed Ginny as she grabbed his arm. Turning towards Ginny he smiled at her but didn't ask the question she was almost begging him to.

**

Gabrielle watched the common room empty, there were so few people left in here that it felt so nice to her. She had to admit that most of the other Gryffindor students seemed to ignore her but every so often she would catch a boy or two almost transfixed looking at her. The relative quiet allowed her to think about this note in her hand. One of the other first years had given it to her after the last class of the day. It was a Slytherin boy who said that Snape had just given this to him for her. As soon as he had handed it over he had fled from her sight. She had read the note and it had made as much sense as it did now.

Miss Delacour,

Please come to my classroom this evening at 8 o’clock so we can discuss your Defence against the Dark arts.



It was short and not signed; if the boy hadn’t told her that it was from Professor Snape she wouldn’t have guessed. What was more surprising was why he wanted to see her. She had thought that so far she had been the model student for all of the teachers. She was not sure if any of them knew about her and Harry but she didn't want to give Dumbledore anything that he might use to separate them. He had allowed her to join this school but she was sure he didn't feel that she was right for Harry. With this in mind, she had tried her hardest at her lessons; every practical session had been disappointing but the rest was ok. With her small and limited ability, she just could not do what they were asking of her. Even in Charms something she should be good at it still struggled but that was in complete contrast to her homework or anything else.

She was sure that she had been perfect on nearly every piece of work that they had to do. Getting up early had given her the time she needed. Most evenings she would spend it with Harry or Ginny, never doing anything than just being there and so some of her homework suffered. The pair of them tried to help her but she didn't really need it. Their insights were helpful but she always made sure that she gave herself plenty of time in the morning if needed to get everything done. That was why this note confused her slightly. Harry had told her that Professor Snape hated all Gryffindor’s and by the way he acted in class it was true. He always seemed to pick on them to be the first to perform this spell or that. He had used her a number of times and like the rest she always failed but her written work was always perfect. He never said anything but there was always only a single tick mark on it when returned. She had looked around at the others when they received there work back and all of them had huge amounts of crossing out or crosses dotted over their parchments where she assumed Professor Snape had marked them wrong.

Seeing the time moved closer to 8 o’clock she rose and gather he things, she quickly sorted through her bag and returned to her room everything that wasn’t defence related. Gathering some fresh parchment she head back to the common room and out into the Hallways. Like most evenings, the halls had students moving around in them. There weren’t many this night but there was still some moving around. Most of them seemed to be heading outside or to the library so as she descended the stairs she only passed a few Hufflepuffs on the way to their common room and when she turned into the defence corridor, it was empty.

A little unsteadily, she walked up to the large door and waited. As the faint noise of the ringing clock tower announced the time, she knocked on the door and waited. A slightly muffled command came from within that she assumed was asking her to enter. She opened the door and walked in letting the large wooden door close behind her.

**

Harry had given a basic talk to the DA the week previous outlining the need to find a happy memory. He wasn’t sure if had helped but he kept telling them without a significantly happy memory they would not be able to perform the charm at all. Most people looked at him sceptically but they had all gone away happy to be at last trying something more advanced.

When he had arrived, he saw a number of people waiting for him so he quickly paced the room and the doors appeared. It wasn’t long before everyone had arrived and was looking at him with expectant faces. Harry waited to make sure that the old DA members had once again spread themselves around the group so to give them help when he wasn’t able to do so.

“Welcome once more to the DA and as you all know we will be trying to produce a Patronus. As you know, it is the most useful spell in protecting you from Dementor’s. As we have all had experience of those creatures we should be able to remember what they are capable of.

As I said last week you need a happy memory. Not just something nice but some monumentally happy. It will become like a shield between you and the Dementor’s power. It normally takes the form of an animal but don't worry if you can only produce a mist it will still give you the protection that you need to survive. Remember the Dementor is trying to feed upon you, trying to suck the happiness out this shield will stop that from happening.

So you should always have prepared a nice happy thought just in case you need to cast this spell. Or as a certain professor used to say ‘Constant Vigilance’.”

Harry let his words sink into everyone, his eyes easily found the three girls all looking at him. For him thinking of a happy thought wasn’t hard. Just looking at Ginny he could easily remember the times that he had had with her how she felt and how he felt when he was kissing her and letting his fingers run through her hair. As he glanced at Luna he remembered what the pair of them had shared, it wasn’t overflowing with happiness at first thought but deep down it was there. Lastly there was Susan, he always felt happy when near her, the business way she tried to help made him feel happy that someone other than Ron or Hermione wanted to help him. Focusing back on Ginny knowing that would easily fuel a thousand Patrouni he gave her a private smile before drawing his wand.

“So the enchantment goes like this...’Expecto Patronum.’ Remember to keep your wand movements flowing and your thought at the front of your mind. At the end of the movement you should see the results, just keep that thought in your mind and it will keep the charm active for much longer.”

Turning to one side he cleared his mind of everything, absently he notice the slight touch of Gabrielle but for this he just wanted to concentrate upon Ginny. Think clearly of her he waved his wand in the familiar movements and spoke the words. As soon as the words had left his mouth the familiar flash erupted from his wand and the silver stage leapt from the end. It cantered forward as if to attack but found no Dementor’s, silently it started to trot around the room following Harry’s wand movements until it eventually had circled the whole room.

Harry could feel his magic pouring into the apparition from his wand but it wasn’t straining, for once he thought he could keep this stag here forever. Not wanting to show off too much he flicked his wand upwards and saw the silvery stag dissolve into mist and finally disappear.

“With practice you see the control you can have. Now give yourself some space and have a go. I’ll come round and give what advice I can.”

A gentle muttering was heard before everyone started to move back, soon all that could be heard was the forceful calls of Expecto Patronum. Hermione was the first to produce a Patronus and her Otter danced its merry way around those near her, but a little surprising was Luna who was not far behind her, a Hare leapt from her wand even before Hermione’s had died down. A lot of people around her were surprised that she had managed it but Harry could see by her dreamy face that she did indeed have a powerful memory to use this time and it wasn’t what they had done in that small room. The next, and once more not surprising, was Ginny. Her Patronus was less formed, to Harry he could hardly make out what it was but it looked far stronger in colour than the other two, even Ginny looked a little confused at what she had produced.

It was from then onwards a race to see who could produce the next one. Ron looked a little worried that he still hadn’t gotten his dog to form but he was making a good mist, Neville was still having problems but was also creating good mist, but most of the others were having great difficulty. Harry walked around to as many as he could giving advice, mainly on what they were thinking about as most seemed to choose very mundane things. Soon a Ravenclaw Seventh year managed to produce a mist which looked very much like a bird of some sort. This brought a small cheer from those around that a new member of the DA had managed it.

Harry absently heard the clock chime in the background and felt a little uneasy about it. He didn’t know why but for the past half an hour he had been feeling this dread. He moved forward to help a Hufllpuff girl who was not flowing the wand correctly when the emotions start to hit him. Instantly he stopped, he saw Luna, Ginny and Susan all do the same it was thought everyone else in the room didn’t exist. Harry magic suddenly started to flare but not just that it was his feelings. His legs took an involuntary step towards the door before he had even sorted everything out and the second he understood, he was gone.

Everyone else in the room save three girls suddenly stopped what they were doing as they saw Harry just stop and then turn. He sprinted for the door without a word so fast that he almost barged past two other students. In seconds, he was out of the door running hard. Before anyone could even think to ask a questions Ginny had fled after him, those near her would later tell that they saw tears in her eyes but no one believed that due to how fast she followed Harry. Luna and Susan traded a glance each before they too took off, the room still silent at what had happened.

Hermione watched the others leave and wanted to shout out to them but her mind started to come up with some reason. It didn't take it long for it to come up with only one reason. Before the noise of everyone speculating became too much she called out.

“It looks like that is all for tonight. Keep thinking of what would be the best memory to us and Harry will contact you as normal about the next lesson.”

She motioned at Ron towards the door and started that way. The pair of them didn't run out but they were walking very fast by the time they had reached the double doors. As soon as they were outside they started jogging for the stairs.

“What’s up?” asked Ron.

“I’m not sure but I bet it’s to do with Gabrielle.”

“How do you know that?”

“It’s the only logical answer, come on they might need our help.”

Ron smiled but looked around to try to see where the others had gone. Far below them, he caught a glimpse on Luna’s blond hair as it disappeared into one of the dungeon corridors. It was not hard to figure where everyone had gone by this sight and as well as the sprawled students around all looking in the same direction.

**

The classroom did not look any different to normal to Gabrielle but something was different. Before she had a chance to look around a voice from the front spoke out.

“On time, excellent.”

Gabrielle didn’t immediately recognise the voice but she knew it wasn’t Snape’s. From the far end of the classroom a figure started to emerge from the shadows, it approached calmly yet with purpose. The lighting in this classroom had never been good but this evening it was even worse, it wasn’t until the person had gotten halfway that she understood whom it was. She started to look around and edge towards the door, the small sound her feet made as she moved backwards seemed loud to her ears.

“Well it looks like my party can start, but I can’t have you running away now. /‘Security Maximus Totalus/.” A bolt of magic leapt from the end of Draco’s wand and sped towards Gabrielle. The distance gave her time to move but fear was beginning to grip her. The bolt shot over her head and hit the door behind. Realisation dawned that Draco wasn’t firing at her it was the door.

Turning quickly she ran to the door, beyond it was safety but she knew it was a futile gesture to try but she had too anyway. Her hand enveloped the handle but she felt a sudden burning sensation. She released it quickly before it caused damaged and then just looked at the door.

“You can’t escape, that spell will keep you here and everyone else out. Don't bother to scream for help because they won’t hear you. You are mine and these friends of mine.”

Gabrielle turned, from the darker corners she saw other people start to materialise, they all looked big and muscular and every one of them had a wand drawn. She let her bag drop to the floor, pulled her own wand out, Ginny over the summer, and even more recently had tried to teach her more advanced Defensive magic but she just wasn’t good enough with it to stop them but that didn't mean she wasn’t going to try.

“You’re going to dual me?” mocked Draco. “I stopped Potter the last time we met so you won’t be a problem.”

She raised her hand and found it almost impossible to stop it from shaking, she directed it at Draco.

“What does she think she can do with that little thing?” he called out to his friends.

Gabrielle concentrated as hard as she could and fired the only offensive magic that Ginny had shown her. The red beam of the stunner left her wand but even to her it looked weak and feeble. Draco couldn’t stop himself from laughing as he saw the approaching spell, it almost didn’t reach him but it was so poorly aimed that it missed him by a margin.

“No my little toy we can’t have you doing that. Accio Wand!”

Gabrielle felt the wand almost rip from her fingers as the spell hit it. Try as she might the spell was too powerful and the small wand raced from her hand and flew over Draco to the far corner of the room.

“Now that’s over with we can get to why you are here. You see Griffyndors are so trusting, a little note and they come running, how predictable and how useful! I think thought that that small piece of parchment should be destroyed. Accio Parchment. ”

The note that Gabrielle was still holding now flew from her hand as well. This time Draco caught it as it approached. Gabrielle looked with astonishment as Draco just looked at the paper before setting fire to it.

"Now that we have that out of the way we can get to the party."

Gabrielle didn’t say a word she just looked at the approaching men who were now leering at her in a very disconcerting way...

“Um....Draco she’s a bit young I thought.” Said one of the boys.

“Are you questioning me, Nott?”

“No...Sir it’s just...” but Nott couldn’t go on. Draco had asked him to be here and he had readily agreed, he knew there was more to Draco than what seemed. Draco would soon be a great power in this world, but a young girl wasn’t what he was expecting. To be honest he suspected the Weasley girl or even the mudblood but not this feeble girl.

“There is much you don’t know about her. She’s a Veela.”

“What?”

“No I’m not!” quickly retorted Gabrielle fearing where this would end very soon.

“Oh but you are. I’ve seen you around HIM I’ve also looked you up, you and your...family I know their history I know you are one.”

“No.” She almost pleaded.

“But you are and so you know what Veela are.”

Gabrielle shook her head. She didn’t want to hear the words she knew exactly what Veela were and to people like him, even secretly it was what she wanted to be but not with this man.

“Nott my friend she is a Veela, a Sex Toy and that’s all she’ll ever be. What we’re about to do to her is legal there is nothing that can be done to us about it.”

“You can’t be serious?”

“Of course I am she is one and she will be mine.”

“NEVER!” Spat Gabrielle

“Such defiance such sprit but in the end that will make it so much better, remember I told you that before it’s now time for you to be what you truly are. You are a Veela, no matter what you say us four will say that you attacked us with your Veela powers. No one will believe what you say after that and then you will be mine to give to anyone I please. You will be my little toy to use or command how I see fit. Even now I have someone waiting to send an owl to the Ministry.”

Gabrielle couldn’t believe what Draco was saying, he had stepped closer to her now so she did the only thing left to her, she flung herself at him intent of pummelling him to the ground. To see such a diminutive girl, flinging herself at Draco and try to hit him would have been comical except for the situation she was in. Her fist landed its first blow on his chest but Draco didn't react. When the second blow hit him, he moved into action. With vicious force, the back of his hand hit her hard across he check.

The force of the blow sent her spinning away from Draco, she collided with a desk and fell hard to the ground. Her whole face was on fire with pain but it was her head that throbbed the most. She had hit it as she had landed and everything went fuzzy.

“You will not strike me; you will never touch me like that again, you little fuck toy.” Roared Draco and he closed on Gabrielle. She hadn’t moved but he didn't care, as he bent low he grabbed the front of her blouse and swung his hand again.

“You’re mine now so shut up and be a good little Veela!”

Gabrielle’s focus was returning and so she tried to move away on the floor losing a shoe in the process, but Draco still had hold of her. Her eyes franticly looked around trying to see an escape, the eyes of those others watching held no hope for her if anything they were almost realising what was about to happen. When Draco second strike hit her she once more felt the reddening in her cheeks, and lights flashed in her eye’s as her other cheek hit the stone floor hard. Only this time her magic wasn’t going to repair the damage to her appearance so quickly.

As soon as he released the grip on her front she scrambled backward but found that she was now in the corner, the hard wall was pressing into her back and Draco was approaching.

“No place to go now, let’s have a look.” Said Draco, he pushed his wand into his pocket and reached out for Gabrielle she tried to bat his hand away but the fight was already beginning to leave her. He grabbed the collar of her blouse and pulled hard. Buttons popped and flew in all directions, her creamy skin was starting to be exposed, her hands flew to her chest to try and keep herself covered but Draco continued to pull. The material parted as Draco flung back his hand, he let the pieces of the blouse in his hand go and they fluttered down to the ground.

“Oh fuck this I can’t wait anymore. Crabb, Goyle, hold her!” commanded Draco standing back slightly. The two menacing boys started to move forward their muscles easily displaying their power. Gabrielle tried once more to move backwards but the wall was stopping her. She closed her eye trying to call on her magic to see if it could help but knew it was useless. She could sense the emotions in the room the pure lust radiating from the boys was overwhelming her, there was nothing she could do to stop them.

She kept her eyes close, no matter what happened she wasn’t going to look, she was just going to keep her eyes closed until it was over. She felt a hand start to grasp a wrist and another start to run up her leg. She gave no resistance her fight was over and so limply let whatever was going to happen happen, as she felt her bra being ripped off she retreated further and further into the recesses her mind.

**

Harry skidded to a halt in front of the large wooden door. He didn’t know exactly how he knew this to be the right one, he hadn’t looked for his ribbon or anything he just knew. He had noticed the corridors were more or less empty but the need deep within him to get to this place just drove him onwards. He heard the running feet of others as they approached. His mind registered that it was the other girls but he had to get through the door fast.

He didn’t want to contemplate what was happening but a small part of him knew. Quickly and without thought he reached out for the handle. A shock of magic and pain entered his hand but he wouldn’t release. He focused his strength to try and turn the hand he just had to get in. The pain was more intense now it was almost blinding but that didn't matter he had to get in.

Ginny saw the magic discharging into Harry but he still continued on. Sweat was breaking out on his forehead and she could see the grimace of pain. Her heart almost stopped as she looked at her boyfriend who was putting himself through this. She wanted to get through that door as well but not like this.

“Harry” she whispered trying to get through to him but he just continued he was now starting to shudder under the strain.

“Harry it won’t open.” She tried once more coming closer to him, as she slowly touched his back she saw him release the handle in fury. She glanced at his hand and saw the tiny blisters all over it, it look like they were starting to bleed but still he didn't notice.

“I have to get in.” He raged.

“We all do but not like this.”

He nodded and pulled his wand out; the only spell he thought might work was the simple spell that Hermione had used in the first year. Bracing himself he levelled his wand ‘Alohomora’. The charm hit the door but the stout wooden construction seemed to sparkle with light before it absorbed Harry’s spell. He looked at Ginny and saw the tears in her eyes he could understand her feeling, he looked around at the others and saw too Susan and Luna both looked very upset. Turning back to the door he hit it with his fist.

“Gabrielle!....GABRIELLE!” He shouted but felt so useless and collapsed beside the door. Everything was driving him to get inside but he just didn't know how. Ginny came close and out of instinct or something he pulled her close, he was still there holding Ginny close to him when Ron and Hermione joined them, the pair were still panting but looked alert.

“What’s wrong?”

“Gabrielle’s in there and she’s in trouble.”

“Well let’s get in there.”

“I can’t it won’t open.”

“Why not?” question Hermione.

“I don't know it just won’t.”

“Have you tried...”

“Yes it won’t unlock it just...absorbed the spell. I think all I can do is try and blow the door down.”

“You can’t!”

“I don't care about the school I have to get in there!”

“No that’s not it, the Castle is warded if you try the wards will stop you remember back in the first year.”

“Are you sure?”

“Well no one has tested it but....”

“Well I’m going....”

“No Harry there is something else we can do.”

“What!”

Hermione turned to Ron.

“Ron you go and get Professor Snape or McGonagall I’m sure they can get us in.”

“Right....hang in there mate I won’t be long.”

Harry watched Ron turn and dash off but inside he knew that it would be too late. Whatever was going on in there would be over before any teacher arrived; who ever had planned this would have made sure. He sunk further to the ground as he tried to think of anything else he could do. Ginny had sank with him and rested against his chest. Harry could feel her tension but her weight against him seemed to calm him a little...calm him. A single thought flitted in his panic field mind.

He might not be able to help directly but he might be able to send Gabrielle a message. When he had been in the Minister’s Office he had felt Ginny and Gabrielle close by if he could do the same then she might be able to fight whoever off or at least give Harry the time he needed. Closing his eyes he sought his connection, it wasn’t hard for him at all, he flowed down the ribbon and felt Gabrielle, the fear and panic he was feeling was nothing compared to what was coming out of Gabrielle. He tried to dance over her as she did for him but felt so clumsy that he knew it wasn’t working.

More and more of his magic welled up from his core and sought that bond. It was as if his inner core wanted to help to try and protect that girl. Through frustration that he wasn’t doing anything he tried to force his magic into Gabrielle. At first there was resistance but not much and then like a flood it rushed past the girl’s barrier. Harry didn't care he just tried to force more and more magic into Gabrielle. He consciously felt the presence of the others close by. They had connected to him to help or sooth him he didn't know but he felt their magic. He swept it along with his own he ignored all of these sudden new sensation and just focused on sending more and more magic down the link.

Hermione watched Harry’s face as he closed his eyes, Ginny quickly followed and seemed to nestle closer to Harry. She didn’t know what they were doing but it looked like Harry was trying to force something. She glanced over at the other two girls and was surprised. They both had their eyes closed and looked at peace but it was their hands that shocked her the most. The two were standing with their hands intertwined and she had the feeling it was more than just for friendship.

“Just a little longer.” She breathed at Harry hoping that whatever he was doing it was helping.

**

Somehow Gabrielle felt Harry’s touch through the fear at what was about to happen. She wanted to run be embraced by his magic but that would not stop what was happening, she felt the hand start to move up her legs driving the skirt with it. Only one of her wrist was being held but still she didn't struggle. Harry’s touch calmed her mind but could do nothing to help then she felt it push, it push against her own metal barriers. The ones she had created to protect them both from her feelings. It bent and then suddenly yielded, magic seemed to pour into her it started race unabated around her body and found the one part that she was frightened of.

The core or the bit of it that made her so different felt the magic and reacted. Wild or full Veela have this part and rarely show it, Gabrielle had it, she didn't know but she had suspected and now it started to feed upon the magic, power flooded it and Gabrielle’s mind could not believe the power that was growing within her, more and more flooded into her and more and more of it was being absorbed.

It was like her conscious part took a step back and let instinct rule. The Veela part started to rule and it started to control her actions now; no longer was there Gabrielle, there was now a very scared Veela cornered in a room unable to reach her mate for protection. It did the only thing that nature would let it do it would defend itself. Gabrielle eyes flew open, if any of the boys had taken time to study Gabrielle they would have seen that her normal china blue eyes seemed to sparkle, not with mystery but with something else something far more menacing.

**

Hermione heard the approaching footsteps and turned she saw Professor Snape approaching. His cloak was bellowing behind him and he had his normal scowl plastered on his face.

“What’s this I hear from Mr Weasley and my Classroom.”

“Gabrielle...um Miss Delacour is in there in trouble.”

“What kind of trouble?”

“We don't know.”

Snape looked at Harry and the other mystified at what they were doing.

“Please sir?”

“What is wrong with them?”

“I don't know but Gabrielle?”

“Why don't you go in yourself.”

“We can’t it’s locked.”

“Impossible.”

“It is sir.”

“Nonsense.” Replied Snape and reached out his hand. As soon as it touched the handle he felt the jolt of pain. He immediately let go but knew what had happened, it was a dark spell on the door one he often used himself but never at school. That and the conversation about his evenings habits from Draco this morning warned him that something very wrong was going on.

“Stand back.” He called out and drew his wand. There could only be a few candidates who could have performed that spell but he was sure he knew who and he had better have a good reason.

A shot of blue hit the door and danced around it until it faded into a deep red. Snape reached out his hand and grasp the handle, this time it was cool and safe. He turned the handle and pushed the heavy door. For some reason he was sure that Draco was behind here and if what Granger had told him was true that he was here with that Delacour girl. A sudden thought sprang to his mind that Draco had inherited his father’s peculiarities when it came to women?

“Stay here....” said Snape turning towards the others but was bodily pushed out of the way by Harry. Before Snape could even say anything, the other girls all rushed into the room leaving him in the corridor alone with Hermione.

**

Magic fuelled her and her sudden movement allowed her to wrench her arm free from the clutches of the boy next to her. She started to scramble against the wall, not to escape but to stand. She saw that Draco was holding his trousers that he was already pushing to the ground in preparation. Another boy was standing behind him and by the smile that was on his face had been enjoying the view. The rage of the Veela was full on now.

“NO!” she screamed feeling the power race to her hand, a growing ball of blue flame appeared and she launched it at the boy next to her groping for his wand. The flame ball hit him squarely in the chest exploding in a shower of blue. He soared backwards and hit the wall sliding down it and not moving. Crabbe watched his friend sail through the air and looked at Draco for instructions but a second ball of flame was flung at him, it caught him hard on the side making him spin rapidly, his head hitting something solid and then something else crashed into his back, before he too fell to the floor.

Draco’s wand was too far away for him to do anything with his hand occupied still holding his trousers. He tried to scramble backwards to give him and Nott a little space. His eyes fixed upon the Veela in front of him and he saw something that he would not have believed. Gabrielle’s hair seemed to have a life of its own as it moved in the non-existent breeze but it was the shape he saw behind her that was the most disturbing. Ghostly but growing stronger every second were a set of wings. They were as tall as she was and seemed to be moving in a menacing fashion.

Gabrielle hurled a ball of flame at him and he stumbled back even more, just before it hit him Nott’s shield stopped it. Draco saw the magic disperse around the shield but then a second impacted upon it. He franticly groped for his belt fastening it just as another attack hit Nott’s shield. His mind was trying to understand what was happening, Gabrielle should not be doing this she was beaten and his, but something had changed.

He dived to one side shielding himself with a desk as Nott’s shield collapsed. A moment of scorn went through him at the failure of Nott, he should have been able to hold off such an attack. Nott’s unconscious form bounced down next to him and he could see the scorch marks in the boy’s hair where a ball of flame had come too close, other than that he looked unhurt. He started to reach for his wand as the desk he was under exploded in a shower of blue magic and wooden splinters. He gathered his feet under him readying a dash for the door. Whatever she had turned into he wanted to get away from, later he would find her and then do what he should have done in the first place, stun her or use the Imperious and then had his way, this elaborate party was a mistake.

The noise of the oncoming magic caused him to falter for a second. The faint click of the lock in the door told him that soon there would be witnesses and possible escape but for him it was too late. The magic hit his back spinning him where he crouched before the second hit him in the chest. Mercifully for him he blacked out as the pain overwhelmed his body and he fell to the ground.

Gabrielle saw the door move but her instinct was still within her, the conscious side of her mind was still lost as the magic driven part of her still controlled her actions. She could almost feel her ‘wings’ beat as they tried to rise her body, she pirouetted where she stood or now almost floated to face the new attacker. As the door opened she hurled another ball of flame but then the magic pouring into her stopped. Exhaustion took over as the hidden part once more retreated back within her. She collapsed to the floor not even knowing what happened to that last ball.

**

Harry heard the door open and his eyes sprang open. He had been pumping as much magic as he could into Gabrielle, he had sensed a change in the girl but now he had to get in there. A flash of blue seemed to illuminate the doorway but he just rushed into it, Snape was trying to say something but he didn’t care he had to get into the room. Not caring for the Professor he pushed pasted him and rushed into the room thought the fading blue flame. His eyes may have swept the classroom and seen what had happened but he would never remember it. All he could see, was the figure of Gabrielle crumpled on the floor. He rushed across the classroom not caring what was in there to get to the girl. His magic was driving his action but it didn't matter now.

As he ran he passed one of her discarded shoes and strips of clothing that had evidently been part of her blouse but his eyes were fixed on Gabrielle’s face. He dropped down on his knees next to her and gathered her into his arms. He had used a lot of magic and was exhausted the barriers in his mind were weak and almost non-existent. The barriers that Gabrielle had constructed to protect both of them from contact were long gone but Harry was beyond caring. He pulled Gabrielle close and instantly was lost.

His magic, his soul, his very core was flooded with emotions, some his, most Gabrielle’s. They ran through his body and mind, every thought every desire was opened within him, she would be able to read every one of them and he could hers. The longing and need of her to be with him ripped into his heart and pounded his loins. The desire to serve just Harry filled his mind, he hugged her harder and harder to him to try and drive the pain away but more and more emotions flooded into him.

Gabrielle was lost too, she had heard his running steps and knew it to be him. She had wanted to protect him to let him make his choice but he had gathered her in his arms before she could do anything. She tried to hold her emotions in check but it was impossible to stop such a force. It flooded into Harry and his into her, his indecision his worry over her filled her. The desire he had and the shame connected in her mind, yet the love the deep down shone through everything. He had been suppressing his love for her because of her age, this she knew now. He was scared of being thought of as some monster for loving a twelve year old but that wasn’t his only love there was his love for the others. Gabrielle wanted to explore this and more but the flow of emotions was just too strong she nuzzled her check into Harry shoulder trying to tell him that she understood.

Ginny was close on Harry’s heels as he had pushed passed Snape as well, she like Harry didn't care about the professor she had to help Harry and protect Gabrielle. Where these thoughts or actions were coming from she didn't know, nor care, she was just following them. She watched Harry skid to a halt in front of Gabrielle and fall to his knees. Instantly she knew what she had to do. Spinning on the spot she placed herself between the couple, or what would be very very soon be a couple, and the door. Her wand was already in her hand and her magic was already pouring into it whatever came through that door would have to get past her to get to Harry or Gabrielle. No matter who they were, she would fight them until the end.

Almost before Ginny had finished her turn Luna had raced to her side. She too pulled her wand out and was looking at the door. The pair of them stood shoulder to should very similar to when the attack in Diagon Ally happened. She had her wand draw and it too was glowing with unrealised magic. She surveyed the area cataloguing all that she saw but she was going to defend her friends no matter what and so stood with Ginny and waited.

Susan was the last one of the ‘girls’ to enter, Hermione was still opened mouthed with shock at what the others had done to Snape. Susan saw both Ginny and Luna moving towards Gabrielle. The young girl was safe, those two and Harry would make sure. She looked around the classroom and saw the destruction. There was not much but one of the desks was still burning. Drawing her wand more in an attempt to look like she was doing something than any real desire to help those on the floor she quickly glanced at the still burning blue flame before she started to check the bodies. Thankfully all were alive but they each look injured but she wasn’t going to help them as she heard Snape enter the classroom now, her place with the others in the corner not with these, they had caused Gabrielle’s and therefore Harry’s distress so they could suffer a bit more. She started her way back towards Harry picking up Gabrielle’s discard shoe and wand as she went trying to think where this was going to end.

Gabrielle felt Harry’s arms lessen and so she looked up into his face. The green eyes sparkled back at her ones that she would always obey. She wanted to tell him that, to show him everything that she could be but he already knew he must after what had just happened. His face lowered towards her own and she prepared herself, the kiss didn't come at once instead he whispered to her.

“I love you.”

Gabrielle could not react anymore as she was so spent, even saying the words back to him would be pale to the emotions they had shared, she stretched her neck slightly and found his lips. The sweetest joy ran through her magic and her body as finally they found the thing they were after...Harry.

***