FicWad

Chapter 5:- Tracking

Gabrielle looked around the room for what she thought was going to be the last time. The room was by no means empty. More than half of the items in it were going to be left behind, forever. She felt trepidation at the fact that she was moving on and leaving this home, but her body was following what her magic demanded. Most of the objects that were being left behind were her connection to her youth, she knew that she was growing up and fast she did not need these "toys or trinkets" she only needed herself and one other.

The rucksack was beginning to bite into her shoulder reminding her that she still maybe taking too much. With a small sigh she lowered the rucksack to the ground and looked around once more. She was putting off the moment when she would leave and close this door on her childhood forever.

Last night when Fleur had entered her room was one of the happiest times that she could remember in the past year. Her sister had done what she had promised she had managed to give her a chance. As soon as the news was relayed she had wanted to start, she was desperate to leave, everything inside was telling her to go, to run, but her sister had calmed her enough by informing her that she was far too tired to travel that distance again. Reluctantly she agreed to spend one more night here.

Sleep did not come easily to her that night, she spent most of it reviewing everything she could about her link and the affect wards might have upon it. There was little actual evidence for her to grasp at but her instinct told her that it would be alright. She then started to repack everything again. The rucksack was her most prized possession, it was not magical it was just a plain ordinary rucksack but it contained everything she needed. Inside her mind she had been planning this for far longer than anyone would believe. She had rationalised debated and finally just guessed at everything that she would need to survive, and that everything was in this one small bag.

She would have dearly loved some form of magical bag to help her carry everything but she had been saving money almost as hard as she could, and bags were expensive. A long time ago she realised that if she did run away she would not only be alone from her family but also her family's wealth and she was going to need money. The reaction that her father had given her yesterday had indicated that she was right she was going to have to survive on her own. Glancing at the trunk she would hate to lose it, it contained everything else that she did not immediately need but some of the book in there could be invaluable, but if her family made another stand now she was just going to run and leave it behind.

Gabrielle started to search the room one last time, closets were opened and checked. There were a myriad of clothes she was leaving behind, small dress, frilly dresses, evening gowns, trousers, jumpers, blouses, shoes everything that she truly didn't need was being left behind. Her inner mind was telling her that she was abandoning her parents, almost every item that was packed in her truck came from either Fleur, her grandmamma or she had bought herself. Every single item in her rucksack did. She was leaving behind everything that her parents and family friends had gotten for her.

She walked across the room to the now empty desk. Every scrap of paper had been removed in the night she had read and checked everything. Even the slightest piece of parchment that she had used was checked and if it was not valuable to her studies was destroyed. For what seemed like the hundredth time she searched the draws once more. Gazing out of the nearby window she saw the sun rise and its colours started to illuminate the day. She was going to miss this desk, this view had started many a day for her as she sat here reading and researching, but she was just going to have to leave it behind.

Finding the desk as empty as before she crossed the room and surveyed the bed. This was the other piece of furniture she was going to miss the large queen size bed had always been comforting to her. The softness of the pillows and the warming duvet had held her in some of the more difficult times but she had to leave this as well. These pleasures she thought were now in the past. Grasping the handle of the bag she walked out of the room and left her childhood behind.

**

Fleur awoke to the gentle tapping at her door. Forcing herself out of the bed she grappled for the dressing gown as she called out a greeting. As she pulled the short silky material around herself she looked at the small clock. The time showed that not only was it morning but it was still very early morning. The travelling and stress of the previous day had taken a lot out of her and the few extra hours of sleep would be nice but the knocking had put paid to that. She did not need to use any form of magic to tell who was behind the door she instantly knew it to be her sister. As she crossed the room to let her in she absently wondered if Gabrielle had gotten any sleep last night.

"Gabrielle you could have waited a few more hours." Wined Fleur as she opened the door.

She was not surprised to find her dressed and ready to go, she was wearing sensible clothes and shoes. Her silvery blond hair was pulled back into a singe high pony tail and at her feet was her rucksack and beside it a medium weight coat.

"I know Fleur but I wanted to get an early start."

"There's early and then there's this hour." Grumbled Fleur

"I know but I really just want to go."

"Why don't you come in a wait whilst I get changed then we can have a quick early breakfast and be going."

"Can't we just get going?"

"No I think Mama will at least want to say goodbye."

"But what about Papa?"

"Don't worry about him. I think Mama was talking to him last night. Anyway we are going to need something to eat. I don't imagine that you will want to stop the search until you have found him."

Blushing ever so slightly Gabrielle lowered her head and replied quietly. "No you're right."

Fleur led Gabrielle back into the room and disappeared into the adjoining bathroom to start getting ready. Glancing at herself in the mirror she saw that she could have indeed done with a few more hours of sleep. After a few minuets work she saw that she was back looking like her normal self, deciding that she had better not keep her sister waiting much longer she returned to her bedroom only to find that her sister had laid out two outfits for her to chose from. Shaking her head slightly at her sister enthusiasm she quickly chose one of the outfits and got changed.

Perching herself on the edge of the bed Fleur asked "So Gabrielle do you know how you are going to find him?"

Gabrielle smiled a bright smile.

"Yes I'm going to use the method you thought of when speaking to Dumbledore. When we get to Britain I will just follow the connection right to him. It should lead me straight there."

"Do you think that's going to work?"

"All the reading that I have done has not given me that answer but I should be able too. For the past year I have been able to see the connection and he's been at Hogwarts for most of it, and isn't that place more heavily warded."

Fleur nodded at her sister thinking about the great castle in Scotland.

Gabrielle lowered her head and looked at her hands, there was only one question the she could not answer and it was the first one that needed to be.

"Fleur how are we going to get to England?"

"Simple will get an International Portkey."

"But aren't they expensive?" asked Gabrielle thinking about her money. She had saved but this was going to eat into that savings and she was getting slightly worried that she was not going to have enough.

"They are a bit but don't worry about it. If Mamma or Papa don't give us the money I'll pay for them, call it and early birthday present."

"Thanks." Called Gabrielle as she flew across the room and enveloped her sister in a hug.

Fleur felt her sister in her arms and was surprised at what she could feel. She had been hugged by Gabrielle over the past year but never this hard. She starter to feel a little jealous because her sister was definitely developing more that she did at her age. It was clear to her because of the pressure they were causing that Gabrielle's chest had developed remarketably well and as her had snaked around the girls waist she could easily felt the gently curves.

As the two broke apart Fleur could not stop herself from asking the question.

"You have seemed to have developed early."

A small blush crept across Gabrielle's cheeks before she replied. "It's my Velar side, you should really read some of those books I told you about."

"I think I might just do that if you are living proof of what can happen."

The two sisters had a small laughing fit at this, but then silence descended in the room again.

"Gabrielle do you know how you are going to convince him yet?"

"No?" she replied glumly

"Have you thought of where you are going to stay?"

"I want to, need to, stay with him."

"But you can't..." started Fleur

"I know. For the beginning I was hoping that you could ask the Wesleys if I could stay there."

"The Weasley? You do remember what I've told you about their youngest?"

"Yes, that's part of the reason."

"So you are going into competition against her for Harry?"

"No no no, not at all. I don't mind if she loves him or not. In fact it might be easier if she does."

"But what about Harry, what if he loves her?"

"I still don't mind, he can love as many people as he like. He could marry anybody but as long as I can be close to him I will always be happy."

"Are you sure about this."

"As sure as I can be."

"Alright then, well see the Wesley's and ask them if you can stay." Replied Fleur looking at her sister in a strange way

"Thanks Fleur and I do mean it, all I want is to be near him." Insisted Gabrielle, she knew that it was only a small lie, but it came easily. Being near was only some of it but the rest she had said was true she truly did not mind as long as she got the release that her magic needed.

**

Breakfast was a quiet affair. The two sisters had walked into the dinning room early surprised to see both of their parents already seated and eating. The sisters traded a concerned look at each other before taking there customary places and started to eat. The whole meal was eaten in silence, which for the household must have been a first. It was not long before the table was cleared leaving the Delacour's on there own.

"So you're going now?" asked Sebastian from his seat.

"Yes Papa." Answered Gabrielle getting up.

It was clear that Sebastian was fighting some internal battle as the emotions played across his face.

"Do you realise what you are doing."

"Yes." She replied.

Before anymore was said, her mother leapt from her chair and flung her arms around Gabrielle and cried into her shoulder "You look after yourself, please be safe my little angle."

Gabrielle could feel the tears in her eyes begin to well over as her mother called her by that name. "I will, I'll never forget you mama."

"Don't say that, you can always return. We both love you and wish that you don't have to go through this but we finally understand."

Hope sprung up inside of Gabrielle at this news had they really understood what was happening. Looking over her mothers shoulder she saw that it was true. Her father was standing up with his arms wide waiting for her.

Gabrielle released her mother and ran straight into the warm embrace of her father the tear unnoticed as the fell down her face.

"Oh Papa, thank you." She cried.

"It's alright, your mama explained it to me. I think that I now understand."

"Thank you, thank you." Was all she could reply.

"Now don't think I'm that soft. I expect you to introduce me to the famous Harry Potter when you come and visit."

"I will, I will." Gushed Gabrielle

"But listen to me if I hear anything bad I'm coming for you, no questions."

"You won't Papa." Answered Gabrielle disengaging herself.

Sebastian joined Bernadette before addressing his children once more.

"The pair of just remember we both love you. If you are in trouble, just run, run home we will always take care of you no matter what. Gabrielle you will be attending Hogwarts this year I suspect."

He received a confirming nod.

"And so you will need to buy many school things etc, so this is yours." He handed her a parchment and key. "This will allow you to open a Gringotts Vault and also a money transfer. Every moth we will transfer in the same amount that we gave Fleur when she was studying. But if you have any worries just write to us. Ok."

"Ok Papa." Meekly replied Gabrielle.

"Fleur, I know you have feelings for the Wesley boy and I think I now understand how you can not ignore these feelings. Do whatever you want to, we will always support you."

"Thanks Papa."

"Oh and try and look out for Gabrielle."

"Papa!" shouted Gabrielle at the thought she was being given a minder.

"It's alright Papa..." soothed Fleur patting her sister on the shoulder. "...she knows that I'm there for her."

The family came together for one last hug before moving towards the main doors. Sebastian was not surprised to see lying on the floor two bags already packed ready. As he reached the door he turned to a small table and picked up a small bent nail.

"Fleur this is an International Portkey. I arranged it last night. It's timed to go in the next ten minuets, please be safe the pair of you."

Fleur looked at her father. "How did you know?"

"Simple we are your parents."

**

"09:30 from Delacour Residence, France." Atoned the disembodied voice as the two sisters came to a halt. They had arrived in what seemed to a large barn or hanger they did not know but quickly joined the queue by the entrance.

"Fleur what's this place?"

"It's just where International Portkeys are generally targeted to. Portkeys are regulated especially international ones. If you don't have a direct destination to go to you will end up here. Papa didn't know where to send us and so we ended up here."

The pair of them left the building to find themselves standing in the middle of a sun drenched pavement. The temperature was slowly rising and by the look of the sky it was going to be perfect all day. Gabrielle felt slightly uncomfortable in the heat carrying so much but looked round at wonder at the new sights.

She soon realised where she was by the names on the outside of the buildings. All of the buildings nearby were selling all sorts of different magical items. The smile that crept across her face was not forced it just happened because she was in Diagon Alley.

"Fleur!" she said excitedly.

"Yes I know we are in the Alley. This is the best place to start as any so what now?"

The noise and bustle was overwhelming Gabrielle slightly. She had never liked shopping much because of the crowds she preferred to do most of her shopping mail order. Standing there she could feel it was difficult to relax and let her magic flow.

"Fleur I'm going to need a few moments preferably somewhere quiet."

"Ok, how about we go down to Gringotts. I can check in and get your vault set up, while you find a quiet spot to do your thing. You should be fairly safe their as Gringots has hired in extra security around the building."

Gabrielle agreed to this a so it was not long before she was sitting on the steps to the side of the magnificent building. It was still too crowded and noisy for her liking but she took a couple of breaths to steady herself and started to focus inwards. It took slightly longer than normal but she managed to find herself, quickly studying the flowing ribbons she found the one that she was after. Opening her eyes again she could just see the faint line of the ribbon before it disappeared in the distance. All that she had to do was to find someway of following it because she felt that walking was not going to be quick enough.

**

Harry woke up in the shed for the second time. As he stretched is arms and groped for his glasses he could not understand why he felt so good. Yesterday and today was both the same but for some reason when he awoke he felt happy, but what did he have to be happy about. Looking around the shed he should be depressed or even worse. Quickly grabbing some cloths out of his trunk he got up and left the shed. This was one trip that he was beginning to enjoy. The short walk between the shed and the backdoor was always pleasant the early morning sun was just beginning to warm everything up. The whole of Privet Drive was silent all that could be heard was the morning song.

After a quick trip to the bathroom Harry started his first chore of the day. Vernon had made plainly clear that he expected breakfast on the table and ready by the time he came down and so Harry started about it. The smell of the bacon always made him fell hungry but he continued to ignore it determined to get everything ready. At almost the instant that he had served the last plate the Dursleys arrived, Harry just stood and waited for them all to finish before he dared to eat anything, suspecting if he started they would just get him running around after them.

Breakfast quickly finished and once more Harry was left alone. Vernon had left the hand written note informing Harry of everything that he was expected to do today. Quickly looking down the list he saw that yet again he would be spending the hot afternoon digging in the garden.

**

McGonagall apparated to an allay near Privet Drive. In seconds she had transformed into a cat to allow her to move about more easily. The last time that she had done this was almost 15 years ago, but she instantly saw that little had changed. She walked slowly to the close seeing if she could spot the Order guard or even unbelievably Fleur and her sister.

Her mind kept churning the information that she had heard last night. Her stern teacher side was screaming that she could not allow anything like this to happen, how could she be seen to approve one so young helping and eventually being involved with Harry. But the motherly concern that she had for Harry was arguing that it could be for the best. She did not know why but Voldermort had a very bad dislike for Harry but the numerous times he had tried to kill Harry he seemed to come out the other side alive. This new power that Dumbledore spoke about could help and if it took a little girl to show how to use the why should be so against it.

The internal conflict kept raging and she suspected that there would be no answer anytime soon. Leaping gracefully on top of a near by wall she surveyed Privet Drive. She was please to say that she could not immediately spot the Order guard. She knew that there must be one, she had been part of the meetings where this was talked about but there was no-one in sight. Curling up on the wall she let the warm morning sun wash over her and settled down to wait.

**

The day passed slowly for both people in Private Drive. Harry moved from chore to chore around the house. He did not mind as much as most people would have as it kept his mind off of current events. Here he just had to work, it was physically hard but that was all. They only thing that he really missed was the chance to talk to other people. It seemed as thought both his Cousin and Aunt spent immense amounts of energy trying avoiding him.

After a light lunch to walked out into the back garden. The heat had really baked the ground hard and he saw that digging was going to be hard work. Resigned to the fact that Vernon was just looking for a reason to shout at him he set about turning the flower beds.

McGonagall was getting a little worried at the situation, she had spent hours sitting on the wall or browsing around the Drive and she had yet to see Harry at all. On a day as nice as this one, she mused, boys of Harry's age should be out enjoying it but he was nowhere in sight. The small conflict that she was having earlier was forgotten at the moment with this new concern. Was Harry even here? He mind asked her. Had Dumbledore agreed to what could be an impossible task? Had he already moved Harry away?

Looking up and down the road once more she stated her rounds again. Circling around the houses she approached her target and started to hear noises. She crept closer and closer until with a distinctly un-cat like smile she saw him. Harry was standing there at the edge of the garden sweet pouring off of him as he leaned against a fork for a moment.

McGonagall just stared at the picture and had to stop herself for shaking her head. There stood one of the most powerful wizards that she knew, whether he knew it or not, leaning against a fork dripping sweet and breathing hard. The look on his face showed that he was neither enjoy or disliking what he was doing , he was just doing it. Her curiosity and some of her fears quelled she slowly retreated away to resume her vigil at the entrance to the Drive.


**

The evening sky was turning to a soft red when McGonagall felt something. She had sat there all day and had not seen the two sisters. She had to marvel at the calmness that Dumbledore had shown in his office when this test had been suggested. He had known that it was impossible and with the test accepted he would get what he originally wanted, Fleur.

The changing sky indicated that there was little time left and there was still no sign of anyone magical about. Yet she knew that there must still be an Order member around, in fact they must have changed personal at least once and she had still not seen them. The Drive was empty of people, the chaos of a few hours earlier when everybody seemed to return to their houses was gone, in fact all was now quiet.

Something made her turn, it was a distant noise of a car. It was not loud it just came, stopped and then departed. As she jumped of the wall she felt the hairs on her back rise slightly. This was a sure indicator that something was just not right, her instinct told her something was happening. Quickly scampering across the road she surveyed the surroundings again. Once more there was nothing to see, but her instinct told her to move on.

**

Harry looked over the garden he was surprised at the amount that he had managed in the day. He had to stop a few hours earlier to help his Aunt in the kitchen and then wash up but was then promptly sent back out to finish the garden. The night sky was turning red he saw causing the ground to change colour, but it was not that that caused him to stop. Instantly he was alert, something was watching him.

He could feel it, he could not explain it but he could feel that something or someone was watching him. Slowly pulling his wand from his pocket he approached the bushes. If the neighbours saw him now there would be questions but Harry could feel something in his magic, not caring about how it would look he started to look into each bush in turn. Harry moved from one to another and found nothing, then abruptly the feeling left him. He just stood there looking and wondering. What had just happened?

**

McGonagall kept following her instincts, she was not far from Privet Drive it could still be seen behind her but she continued on. The evening sky was turning redder and redder and soon it would be dark but on she slowly walked. She crossed one last road and stood before an open park. The railings were tall and dark to her as a cat but the gate was still open, quickly entering she looked around trying to spot anybody.

As the final rays of light from the sunset crossed the grass she saw them sitting together, very near one of the other entrances. It was hard to tell who they where at the distance but McGonagall instinctively knew who they where and she then knew that Dumbledore had lost. Not just him but her stern teachers voice in her head, however had they done it she did not know but she was going to find out, because the pair of silvery blond girls sitting quietly in the distance had to be the Delacour Sisters.

**

Fleur exited the taxi first after paying the fare. The pair of them had spent the whole day and not a little money on taxis travelling from town to town following only what Gabrielle could see. She just hoped that this was the last journey, as the day was almost gone and the pair of them where going to have to leave for the Weasleys soon if they did not want to be met by hexes when they arrived.

Turning to her younger sister she saw that the day was taking its toll on her. Her face look tired, her movements were slower and she was having trouble even carrying her bag.

"Are you sure you don't want me to take that for you." Asked Fleur

"No. I must do it myself but thanks."

"So where to now?"

Gabrielle looked round where they were standing. They were in the middle of some form of housing estate, there was virtually no one about which pleased her. In every one of those taxi drives she had seen the driver covertly look her over. And in every single case she could see that they liked what they saw, if it was not for Fleur she did not know how much longer she could have lasted before something happened.

The stress and travelling all the day was having a greater effect on her than she had thought. This last journey had really taken it out of her, it seemed like her arms and legs were made of lead, they ached and refused to move. Her body was desperately crying out for something and spying a park she indicated it to her sister.

"I need to sit down for a moment, OK?"

Fleur nodded in agreement not daring to comment on the time and so followed her sister into the park. As soon as they had cleared the gate Gabrielle broke off from the path and lowered her bag slowly to the ground.

"Wait Gabrielle." Called Fleur giving the surrounding a quick look. Seeing nobody around she discreetly pulled her wand out and conjured a blanket on the ground. With a word of thanks from Gabrielle the pair of them sat on the blanket close together.

Gabrielle closed her eye, she felt so tired, that if she kept them closed for any moment she would fall asleep. The quietness of the surrounding made it easy for her to find herself. She could see the many ribbons around, flowing in some magical breeze. She looked at the one she had been following all day. It had not change since the start but this time she felt some pull, some magical tug. Instantly her mind flowed along the ribbon and almost instantly she was there, in a garden.

She could see him, not clearly but could see in standing there surveying the garden. She could feel pride flowing off of him at the work that she had accomplished, yet he was sad at the loneliness. He own heart melted at the sight if this boy, this man she had wanted to be near, had to be near. Everything inside of her was screaming in joy, she wanted to fling her arms wide and rush towards him, to feel herself being enveloped in his arms to feel the warmth and love.

Instantly she felt Harry's feeling change, he was tired and proud but now new emotions rose, ones of fear and suspicion. She could feel his magic swirl and reinforce him. Then determination took over as her pulled his wand and started towards the bushes. He was searching, but what for? She could sense confusion as he moved from bush to bush. It then hit her, he could feel her presence. She had connected to him, and he to her. In a moment of panic she flung herself away from him and felt herself flow back down the ribbon, but this time she took note of where it flowed.

Opening her eyes again she turned to her sister, it was imposable to stop the smile spreading across her face as she spoke.

"He's over there, about two streets away. I felt him and he felt me."

"Oh well done Gabrielle" said Fleur pulling her sister into a hug.

"Yes very well done indeed." Called a second voice from behind.

Fleur had instantly pulled away from her sister and grabbed her wand she tried to place herself between this new voice and Gabrielle. Gabrielle was groping for her bag intent to use it in what ever way was necessary to defend them both.

"Professor McGonagall?" asked Fleur.

"Yes that's me." Answered the voice stepping closer towards them. "The pair of you have done remarkably well. In fact better than that, I think you have managed what was classed as the impossible."

"It wasn't me, I was all Gabrielle." Replied Fleur lowering her wand now recognising the new arrival.

"Ah let me look at Hogwarts newest student." Called Minerva.

Fleur smiled at the Professor before asking "So you believe me now?"

"Oh most defiantly all you have to do is convince that young boy over there?"

Gabrielle could not believe this conversation and who was this stern looking person. She seemed to know Fleur but Gabrielle had not heard anything about her. As her sister turned she whispered. "Who is this person?"

"Gabrielle may I introduce to you Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress and Transfiguration Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

Gabrielle could not make up her mind about the introduction and just posed the one word question.

"Professor?"

"Yes Gabrielle, I'm a professor at the school you will most probably be attending in the next couple of months. Professor Dumbledore asked me to keep an eye on this place in case you turned up. I think he was not really expecting you but here you are."

"Are you going to stop me?" queried Gabrielle suddenly very cautious.

"No, no, no. I must say that I had or should say have some reservations about you, but this little demonstration shows me that you are indeed very knowledgeable in your field. Or that you are very, very lucky."

"So you won't stop me going to him?"

"No but I think it's a bit late. First impressions count, yours did tonight on me, but I think Harry will need a different first impression, don't you?"

Gabrielle was caught now, her magic was telling her to run, run fast. She knew now where he was and her magic wanted her to be there. But he mind was telling her that she had to be careful, he may see her for what she was and not what she is.

Lowering her head so she was looking at the floor she relied "I suppose you are right."

"Good then. So where are you staying?"

Fleur responded to this question "I'm hoping that the Wesley's would agree to let Gabrielle say, at least for a little while."

"I've never seen them turn away someone in need yet. Well I'll let you get going as I must return back to Hogwarts as Professor Dumbledore will want to know the news."

**

Gabrielle appeared with her sister in the lane outside of the Wesleys. It was the very first time that she had every apparated and she did not like it one bit. She liked a good hug as much as he next girl but all the squashing was far too much. As soon as she shook the feeling off she looked around at where they were. To say that the house in front of them looked rundown was to say nothing. Gabrielle knew that there would be few places in England that match the Delacour residence but this was worlds away. But this house did seem to exude a sort of warm homely feeling to her. Quickly catching up her sister who was already approaching the house Gabrielle felt almost at home in fact it seemed they she was not as tired as she was before.

Fleur knocked loudly on the front door and awaited a response.

"Who is it?" came the voice of a woman from behind the door.

"It is me Fleur?"

"Fleur?" replied the voice. Ever so slowly the door opened a crack and a pair of eyes studied them. As soon as Fleur was recognised the door was flung open.

"Fleur, what's the matter? Why are you here? Is there something wrong with Bill?" came the questions from Mrs Weasley.

"No, no, no Mrs Wesley don't worry, Bill is fine I saw him this morning at work."

"I thought you had gone home?" said Mrs Weasley in a slightly more suspicious tone.

"I did but a few things happened and I have had to come back."

"What things?" asked Mrs Weasley show her concern.

"Nothing with me it is Gabrielle."

"Your sister?"

"Yes. She's had a difficult few weeks but everything is now looking better for her."

"Oh that's good."

"That's why I'm here. Gabrielle has been given a summer assignment and for the time being need a place to stay. I know it's a terrible indisposition but could you please look after her?"

Molly had never heard of such a request. Often her children had asked her if a friend or two could come round and stay but this was the first time that a non family member had asked. She knew from the conversations with Bill that it would not be long before she became family but this was different.

Fleur could see the indecision on Molly's face and did not know how to handle it. "Mrs Weasley she is quite prepared to pay."

This did it for Mrs Weasley they may be poor but they did not need a paying guest!

"Well I don't really ...." Started Molly but before she say any more the girl standing slightly out of sight behind Fleur came into view. To Molly's eyes it looked like the girl was about to collapse where she was standing. Her face show the determination to keep going but the body language showed that she was only just about standing there.

The perfectly formed face had the unmistakable expression of hope which was quickly fading at her reply. The state of her clothes and those of Fleur's showed that they must have been travelling for a very long time, if Molly did not know any better she would have to say that they had just runaway from home. Instantly she changed her mind.

"Of course you may stay and I would not here another word about paying. Come in and meet the rest." With that Molly lead the two tired and travel stained sisters into the house.

**

Ginny had only taken a brief amount of notice when she heard the noise at the front door. She quickly returned to reading her book it was only when her mother walked in with two other people did she stop. Fleur was unmistakeable, she saw that little had changed from the last time that they had met but the other one seemed also very familiar. When her mother introduced the new girl as Gabrielle Ginny could not believe what she was seeing.

The only time that Ginny had seen her was during the Tri wizard tournament, she had looked about nine but the girl in front was much older. She did look a little younger than Ginny but not by much and by the way Ron's mouth was flapping he was experiencing the same thing. Whatever had happened to Gabrielle was going to drive the guy's wild. In fact she started to feel very jealous of this young girl already and she had not even spoken one word.

"Ginny I'm afraid the Gabrielle will be stay a wile and so she is going to have to share your room. Do you mind showing her up?"

She was going to lose her room again! Every time a girl came to visit she lost her room she had been hoping to use the solitude in her room to try and work out a way to get to Harry but that was not going to happen now was it. Sighing to herself she crossed the room to Gabrielle.

"Hi."

"Hi." Came the weak reply. Ginny stopped for a moment and studied the younger girl. When she looked at her it was clear that she was almost dead on her feet.

"Do you want me to take that?" asked Ginny indicating the rucksack by the girl's feet.

"No!" came the startled reply as Gabrielle bent and picked up her bag.

"Oh... Ok then follow me."

Ginny walked up to the first landing and straight into her room. It was obvious that her mother from downstairs had conjured a second bed in the room already so Ginny indicated the new addition whilst taking a seat on her own bed. Gabrielle looked at the bed with a sort of hunger in her eyes and almost fell full length upon it. Placing her bag on the covers she rummaged around inside until she found what she was after. Extracting a small wash bag she turned and asked.

"Um where's the bathroom."

"Easy for us, it the door opposite."

"Thanks?" replied Gabrielle slowly walking out of the room.

Ginny sat there looking at the bag on the other bed. It looked dirty and well worn but there did not seem to be anything magical about it. Her mother had said the Gabrielle was gong to be staying a while. Whenever Hermione visited she always brought along a trunk full of stuff how could Gabrielle be stay so long with such a small bag.
Before she could investigate anything further she heard the sound of the toilet being flushed and the returning steps of Gabrielle.

As soon as the young girl walked back in Ginny was jealous. Gabrielle had spent the total of about two minuets in the bathroom and looked better than she did when she spent half an hour. Something in Ginny made her continue to study the girl, as soon as she retuned to her bed she packed away he bag and began to undress. Ginny could not believe the nerve of this new girl. Here she was not five minuets from arriving and coming to this room but she was undressing right in front for her. Either she had no shame or she was too tired to care.

Ginny turned and looked out of the window into the darkening evening trying not to think about the girl undressing behind her.

After a few moments she heard "Thank you Ginny."

"For what?" asked Ginny turning back. She saw that Gabrielle was now in bed the covers pulled up almost to her chin. The rucksack was lying beside the head of the bed all closed up. Next to that were Gabrielle shoes neatly placed together and at the foot of the bed was the jeans and top neatly folded up. All that was done in the time that Ginny had looked out of the window.

"Turning around."

"Oh I thought you might want some privacy. I know I would."

"Yes but it seemed so impolite to ask. I have already taken over half your room."

"Hardly." Responded Ginny indicating the little amount the Gabrielle had actually taken.

"I'm trying not to be nasty to you."

"Hay you're a girl right? You have to learn one thing quick. I have too many Brothers, any girl who lives here, if only for a short while, will always be my friend because we girls have to stick together against the most dangerous of sub-species.

"Dangerous sub- species?"

"Yes you know "boys!""

"Ah ok." Replied Gabrielle not knowing what to make of this girl.

"Really Gabrielle if you want to use some of the space in closet for you clothes I don't mind, you just have to tell me one thing?"

"What?" ask Gabrielle suddenly very suspicious.

"How do you look so good so quick?"

Gabrielle had to laugh at this. She was tired, not as tired as before but everything was telling her that she had to rest, yet her magic was beginning to respond to this girl. Something about her was telling Gabrielle that she could trust her, completely.

"Ginny as much as I would love your closet space, I've got keep some secrets."

Ginny had to laugh now at this playful response, there was more to this girl then she first thought.

Gabrielle indicated the light.

"Ginny I've had a very long day, I know that it is not late but do you mind I am about to pass out."

Ginny smiled at the girl and nodded. As she left the room she turned the light off and closed the door sure that Gabrielle was going to be asleep before she had even walked down the stairs.