FicWad

Chapter 14:- Lesson One

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A/N: I'll like to thank Malehorntaildragon for his help and not just for the spelling!

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Gabrielle reached for the doorbell but hesitated for a moment. The whole day for her was a complete rollercoaster of joy and fear. For the whole morning she had moved between these two states. Even as she reached out her hand to the button the fear returned. She was about to embark on the one thing that had been driving her for the past year. She was about to start her lessons with Harry.

The morning had been a little difficult at first. Breakfast was the normal Weasley affair until Ron's owl had arrived in the middle of it. He actually stopped eating and tore the letter off in and instant. He must have read the letter at least twice before he looked up from it. Before he could even open his mouth Mrs Weasley spoke.

"Yes she can stay, but she will have to be in the twin's old room." She said looking closely at her son.

Gabrielle saw Ron's face turn a slight pink at the implied suggestion. She had to smile inside because she could just imagine his feelings at the moment. She was having much the same. She was about to see Harry again and this time they would be close and alone but she could do nothing.

As the morning drew on Gabrielle retired to her and Ginny's room to get prepared. She had expected the Ginny to follow and so was not surprised when she walked in almost before the door had closed.

"I want to come as well." Demanded Ginny

"I know, but you can't"

"Can't, why not?" asked Ginny standing in the doorway with her hands on her hips.

"You're Mum won't allow it."

"I don't care; all I want to do is be near him."

"That's your connection Ginny you have to fight it."

"Fight it, fight it, why? I've wanted him for as long as I can remember. Now that I finally have a chance I'm not going to just give up."

"I know that Ginny, it's the same for me but you must understand that Harry might not want it."

"Oh..." said Ginny looking at her younger friend.

"But I still want to come." she said quietly, looking out her bedroom window with longing.

"You can't, at least in the beginning. He will need time with no distractions."

"Distractions have you seen yourself." Laughed Ginny

"Well I'm going to do my best not to distract him."

"Like that will work?" replied Ginny flopping down on her bed.

Gabrielle smiled at her friends comments and when back to her rucksack. The bag had always been ready for her. Even in this past week whilst she had been with the Weasley's she had left everything packed, just in case. Now she looked at it she knew that she needed to take some of its contents, but the rest?

She looked inside to see the neatly folded clothes and took a deep breath. She pulled out the pile in a single handful. She had been travelling light but as she placed the pile on the bed she saw how light. She saw the soft cream silk and the delicate lace at the bottom. She hated to take that out especially here but it would be worse if Harry saw it today. It was not that she didn't want him to see it but today was just far too early, anything like that would destroy the small thing that they had going now.

As she pulled out her only pair of decent shoes and gently laid them on the bed she heard the soft footsteps of Ginny as she approached. Not daring to turn round she dropped her hands back into her bag.

"You're finally unpacking I see." Called Ginny as she approached.

She had seen Gabrielle take things out of her bag every day and night. Once she was finished with them she had always replaced them. Today was the first time that she had actually seen her start to empty her bag.

"No not really, I need to take some of the books with me so I'm unpacking the rest, for the moment." Replied Gabrielle still not turning around.

Ginny walked up behind her friend and looked at the pile on the bed. It was the first time she was able to see the full contents of what Gabrielle had brought with her. Her initial reaction was that the girl had brought so little. Yet with the little she had brought she never seemed to ware the same outfit. Ginny's eyes wandered over the pile and first took in the shoes. She had yet to see her in anything other than her trainers but these look comfortable. The ballet style shoes looked delicate yet something about them spoke of ruggedness.

As she studded the shoes he eyes were drawn the pile of clothes. Gabrielle was not a big or tall girl but Ginny saw that there was really not much their. She felt a little embarrassed because nearly everyday she complained about what she was going to wear. As her eyes travelled down the small pile they took in the pile of cream silk and lace. She couldn't guess exactly what it was but it look very delicate and very nice.

Pulling her curiosity away she looked back at Gabrielle who was pulling her small wash bag out of the rucksack.

"I've had that for a little while now, no one knows about it." Gently spoke Gabrielle without turning around.

Ginny looked at the bag and saw that it was a simple pink bag, nothing too remarkable. She didn't understand why Gabrielle had told no one about it. The pink was a bit "girly" for her but it wasn't that bad.

"It was about the only thing I bought last year."

Ginny still did not understand what Gabrielle was saying and so replied in a very non-comitial way.

"Oh...um...yes."

Gabrielle placed the bag on top of the clothes and turned, she knew her face was slightly flushed and her emotions were running fast at the moment but she wanted to look into Ginny face, not seeing it had made her feel slightly uncomfortable. As she studied Ginny's face she saw the look of puzzlement and realised the confusion.

"I'm not talking about the bag, it's the other stuff."

"Other stuff?" asked Ginny even more confused.

"The lingerie and things."

Ginny's eye's widen slightly and the looked back at the pile.

"I just had too. You know?" said Gabrielle.

Ginny looked at the pile and remembered her own secret. She had too bought something for Harry to see her in but had never had the courage to wear it out.

"Yes I know." replied Ginny dropping her eyes.

Gabrielle studied Ginny and saw the she was blushing too; obviously she had stumbled onto a secret as well.

"Please don't tell anyone?" She asked

"I won't, I promise." Quickly replied Ginny.

Gabrielle turned back to the bed and looked at the small pile that was there. Almost half of her bag was now empty. Everything on the bed was hers and just looking at it she felt that she didn't want to leave it. If anything happened she would be without it.

Ginny turned back around too and walked slowly to her bed. The admission from Gabrielle had surprised her. She had been thinking of Gabrielle as a friend, as a little girl. A remarkable girl yes but still a little girl, but that admission and the look of the underwear suddenly drove home that she maybe small on the outside, on the inside was someone complete different.

"I did the same thing." Said Ginny not understand why she said it yet needing to say it.

"I thought so by the look on your face."

"You're very perceptive."

"Thank you." Replied Gabrielle as she sat on her bed.

Ginny continued to think along roads that at the time she was not yet prepared to go.

"Is that everything?" she asked.

"Everything that I don't need for today. It's not much, but all of it's mine."

Not knowing what to say Ginny just continued to sit there and think through these new thoughts.

"Ginny can I ask a favour?"

Ginny instantly brought her attention back to Gabrielle.

"Can you keep an eye on this stuff for me?"

"Of course, but its safe here." replied Ginny a little confused.

"I know but its all that I've got."

Ginny saw the small shiver in Gabrielle and realised that it meant everything to her that pile. Quickly crossing the room she pulled the young girl in to a hug.

"It's alright Gabrielle it will be here, untouched."

"I'm scared Ginny." Cried Gabrielle, her fear had once again surfaced.

"Of what?"

"Of doing it wrong, of making a mistake. I've only got one chance at this."

"It will be alright." Comforted Ginny

"But if I get it wrong I will ruin it for not only me but you and Susan as well."

"Why do I always have to share!" whispered Ginny to herself.

"What did you say?" asked Gabrielle still clinging to Ginny's chest.

Ginny pulled back slightly so that she could look at Gabrielle straight in the face.

"Don't you worry about me or Susan just do your best."

"But what if it isn't good enough?"

"It was for me." Replied Ginny truthfully.

**

Gabrielle's finger pushed the button and she waited. She had timed it almost perfectly to be there at 2 pm. As the noise from the doorbell faded she heard a clock in the house strike the hour. As soon as that died down she heard the handle of the door being turned. Taking a small breath she stood there and waited.

The door opened and to the surprise of Gabrielle it was not Harry she was looking at but his Aunt instead.

"Ah...Harry said that someone was coming at this time. Please come in, Harry is just finishing off and will be with you shortly."

Gabrielle looked at Petunia and the followed her inside. When she had visited before she had sensed hostility from her but now something was different. As she was lead into the pristine kitchen she took note of everything around. On every wall was some form of picture of the same fat little or not so little, boy. She perched herself on one of the chairs and placed her bag between her legs. The niceness of Aunt Petunia was a little worrying.

The sound of running water from the upstairs caught Gabrielle's ear. As she sat there in silence she had to restrain herself from searching for Harry. Aunt Petunia was just looking at her as if trying to find fault. Gabrielle swallowed once as she heard a humph from the older woman.

"Aren't you a bit young?" questioned Petunia.

Gabrielle had expected this question would come up many times from many different people but she had never once considered that a muggle would ask it.

"It may seem so but I really am the best for what needs to be done." Replied Gabrielle not wanting to reveal anything.

"You're very sure of yourself."

Gabrielle tried to understand Petunia and her questions. There seemed to be little reason in them. She could remember the stories that Ginny had told her of Harry's family and this questioning did not fit into that picture.

She was spared from answering as at that moment Harry walked in drying his hands on a towel. Gabrielle's eyes immediately travel the entire length of his body. He looked much different that the day before. He was dressed exactly the same but the way he held himself and the way he walk was different, it wasn't much but there was purpose.

"Um...Sorry to...um keep you waiting." Harry stammered.

He had spent the morning cleaning and gardening as he had promised. The work was as normal hard and boring yet it had keep his mind off of his other problems. As he ate a light lunch his mind reminded him of the day before. The idea of lessons during the summer did not worry Harry but the idea of lessons with Gabrielle and possibility Ginny was worrisome. Yesterday he had felt his body respond to the two girls in a way which if he was not prepared for it would make contact difficult. As the time grew closer to the lesson his body even started to react to the thought of seeing one or both of the girls again.

He had heard the door bell ring at exactly two. It did not surprise him that Gabrielle would be on time. She seemed to him to be someone who was very organised, her presentation was always perfect. He sometimes wondered if that was something to do with the Veela part or it just the way she was. As he quickly cleaned up he heard his Aunt start to question the girl. The firm responses were a joy to hear yet he did not want to let the girl be subjected to such interrogation.

"Where would you like to go?" he asked.

Before Gabrielle could reply Aunt Petunia spoke up.

"You could use the front room."

Gabrielle glanced back at the older lady before replying.

"If you don't mind Harry, would it be alright if we went out side?"

Harry readily agreed and led Gabrielle outside. Without a conscious decision between them the two of them they walked under the tree they had shared an afternoon under before. Gabrielle lowered herself to the ground and placed her bag beside her, Harry sat opposite and there was a nervous tension in the air.

"So where do I begin?" question Harry

Gabrielle looked at Harry and realised that it was going to be as difficult as she feared being this close to him, but fought down her feelings as she spoke.

"Well I thought we could try and develop what you have already learnt, or I could go over the history if you want?"

"You're the teacher." Replied Harry

Gabrielle continued to look into Harry face and realised that he was right she had to take the lead in this.

"Ok then; I think we'll just continue where we left off. It was the first thing that I managed to learn myself."

"Right, what do you want me to do?"

Gabrielle felt herself fall immediately into the lesson it was the same yet very different to when she taught Fleur.

"Close you eyes again Harry."

He did so. Gabrielle took the time to study Harry's face. She could see every mark and scar upon it. His breathing was regular but did not seemed relaxed, her arm ached to reach out and stroke his face but she pulled back. As quietly as ever she rose to her feet and glided behind Harry. She slowly lowered herself to the ground so not to disturb him. The tension in his body could still be seen by the tightness of his shoulders.

"Just relax Harry, for this work you have to relax."

"I am relaxed." responded Harry automatically.

"No Harry you're not. You have to relax, no one is going to hurt you, and there's no pressure, just take your time and let your mind relax."

Harry could hear his blood rushing in his head, Gabrielle was telling him to relax and that is precisely the one thing that it didn't want to do.

"Breath Harry, imagine you're flying your broom. Not in a match just flying."

He started to remember, he could almost feel the breeze on his face as the memories of flying came flooding back.

Gabrielle could see Harry's back slightly droop as he started to relax. She could understand his problem because she was having exactly the same problem herself.

"Ok now I want you to think about love. How you feel when someone loves you, but this time just hold that thought."

Harry let his mind wander. This time he didn't try and force the memories. He began to see the faint images of his mother, the ones from his album and of his father. His mind moved on and he thought of Hagrid how the half-giant had visited him on his eleventh birthday. The next image was of Ginny, how her face had look when she awoke in the chamber of secrets. It moved on even more quickly and he saw Sirius, it didn't stay long on that thought as it speed forward, and then it stopped. It was as though someone had pulled the emergency stop cord on the train. The images stopped flowing and rested on the image of Gabrielle and Ginny in the Hospital, of the image of the three of them sitting under this very tree. It just kept showing him the same images over and over again.

"Just keep those thoughts Harry and feel." Whispered Gabrielle

Harry mind did just that, he started to feel, it was though a wind had picked up. He started to feel a change, his mind still concentrated on the images but he started to feel something. His arms told him that the air was moving, his face told him the sun was out and it was warm, his nose registered the scent of many different aroma's and yet more information was coming at him from all parts of his body.

"Can I open my eyes?" he questioned.

"No not yet you need to feel first. Once you know how it feels then getting there will be easier."

Harry listened to the voice yet he was having trouble it was as though there was singing and Gabrielle's voice was trying to get through the noise. He just sat there letting the sensations just run over him.

For what seemed like only a few seconds Harry just basked in the warmth of the feeling before he heard Gabrielle's voice again.

"Ok Harry, I want you breath deep now and come back to me. Bring you mind and feelings back to the here and now when your ready open your eyes."

Harry breathed deep and let the images just float away, his mind was busy in analysing what had happen he didn't want to open his eyes. Opening them cautiously he looked out across the garden. There were clouds in the sky but the colours looked slightly richer as he swept his eyes across the house it seemed slightly out of focus and then it formed once more sharp and true.

Gabrielle retuned back in front of Harry. She probably guessed that Harry did not have any idea how long he had been sitting there, she knew the first few times she had lost all track of time.

"Ok then Harry, tell me how you feel?"

Harry brought his focus back towards the girl. How did he feel? His mind was now getting very confused messages, moments before he thought he was lying in a garden in bright sunlight, flowers all around. But now his eyes and everything were telling him that there was a cold breeze and no sunshine.

"Feel? I feel confused."

"Why?" asked Gabrielle a little concerned she knew that Harry's experience would not be the same as hers but it shouldn't be that confusing, or was Harry ability so different.

"When I had my eyes closed I could feel the day, the sunlight the breeze the smell of flowers everything. When I opened my eyes I could feel none of that."

Gabrielle studied Harry more closely; she could see that he was trying to figure out what had happened.

"Didn't you feel you own emotions?"

"Well not really I just started to feel, I didn't realised I was supposed to be feeling me." Said Harry a little ashamed.

"No Harry it's alright. I know you would be different."

"Different? Different how?"

"Well you're not a Veela. You power or the ability to use this power comes from within you not something inherited or in your genes and so your power is different."

"So you don't know what I can do?" asked Harry a little warily, had he agreed to these lessons for some other reason? Was Gabrielle now telling him that in fact she knew nothing?

"Exactly what you can do? No I don't know, no one does, I'm just the best to help you explore what you've got."

"Because of the connection?"


"Partially, but also because I'm part Veela, and your ability is so similar to my own in many ways." Replied Gabrielle looking down at the floor. Had she blown her second chance already?

Harry felt his insides melt at the demure response from Gabrielle. He hadn't wanted to sound angry but on reflection he probably failed.

"Shall I try again?"

"Um no Harry I have got to go."

"Go why?"

"You said that I've got until five, well it's a quarter too five now."

"What ...but we only just came out here."

"No Harry you had your eyes closed for over an hour."

"Um...I had no idea."

"It was the same for me at the start." Replied Gabrielle smiling. She rummaged in her bag until she found one of her books.

"Harry can you start to read this. It won't make any sense just yet but later it will."

Harry looked at the title.

A study of Magic and a Wizards interaction. By M.B. Bagshot.

The book looked old, very old and well worn.

"It's an old book. These days the theories within had been disproved except if you're a magical being with no wand. Then some of these theories make sense."

"But I'm a wizard, with a wand!" stated Harry

"Yes and I'm a witch without one, but I can do things with my magic as you have seen?"

"That...that's..." started Harry trying to argue his point.

"Just read the book Harry."

**

Gabrielle climbed out of the fireplace with a sense of relief. The trip back had been short yet each step away form Harry grated on her. The afternoon training session was like no other she had conducted. Yes she had only helped Fleur in the past but this was different. As soon as Harry had calmed down and started to relax she noticed that this time it was different, something about the way Harry laid there in the afternoon was different.

She did not want to open herself in case it disturbed Harry but she had felt that something was different from when they went looking for Susan. Afterwards when he spoke about feeling the sun and the wind made her think even more. There was a lot she was guessing at and needed time to study but she had to return back here tomorrow.

Almost as soon as she stopped moving Ginny was literally dragging her upstairs.

"So tell me?" She asked as the door closed.

"I um..." stammered Gabrielle still thinking about Harry.

"Oh come on what was it like, you're not going to hold out on me are you?"

"No...no...it's just different, he's different."

"Different how?"

"Well..."

"Oh come on!" demanded Ginny bouncing on her bed.

"I think he's more powerful than I first thought."

"Why?"

"When I asked him to feel, I thought that like me he would be able to feel and examining his own emotions, but he couldn't"

"And that makes him more powerful?"

"No it was the fact that he felt something else like the weather yet it was not right. He said he felt the sun and smelt flowers but it was overcast and there were no flowers. I think he was sensing something completely different."

"Was that it?"

"Pretty much so. I'll try and explore it more tomorrow."

"So then tell me about him, every detail."

"He looked better."

"And!?!"

"And I'm keeping the rest to myself!"

"Hey not fair!" complained Ginny throwing her pillow at Gabrielle.

Gabrielle smiled a small smile at her friend as she retrieved the pillow and threw it back. She turned back towards her bed and saw that the piles she had left were still their laid out exactly as she had left them. She reached down to pick the pile up but stopped as Ginny called out.

"I've cleared out a draw if you want to use it."

Gabrielle hesitated for a moment considering a reply.

"Thanks Ginny but I can't, not yet anyway."

"Why?"

"I still don't think I'll be staying all summer. I want to be ready to go."

"Why do you think that?"

"Oh a feeling I've got." Replied Gabrielle turning around so that Ginny could not see the smile on her face.

Gabrielle replaced all of her stuff back into her bag and withdrew the book she wanted to study before she asked Ginny what her day was like.

"Well I managed to get out at least. This afternoon Hermione arrived, almost immediately Ron had dragged her outside too the disapproving glances of mum. I used the opportunity to ask her if I could go and see Luna."

"That was the girl we met a few days ago, right?"

"That's right I spent the afternoon with her, she's a bit strange at times but it wasn't too bad. Anyway she said that she was planning to go to Diagon Alley next week to do some shopping. I badgered Mum when I got back and she might allow me to go with her, do you want to tag along? It'll be fun."

"I don't know." replied a slightly worried Gabrielle at how would Harry take having a day off.

"Oh come on you'll need the break."

"Ok then if Harry needs the break I'll come but if he wants to continue then so will I."

"Great, anyway it's almost time for tea. You'll get to meet Hermione, she and Ron should be back.

"What's she like."

"Oh she very nice. A little bossy at time, She's considered by most to be one of the brightest witch around but otherwise nice."

Gabrielle shuddered slightly at the thought of meeting Hermione. She was the one girl that probably knew Harry the best and had the most influence with him.

**

Harry wasn't exactly the last thought on Hermione's mind at that moment but it was close too it. For the whole morning she had packed and repacked her things. It had not taken her long the previous night to convince her parents to let her go, but it had taken her far longer to pack than normal.

Whenever she came to leave it was always well planned but something about this time was different. Try as she might her mind could not settle long enough for her to plan what was needed; her body seemed to be just a bundle of nerves. But eventually she was done. Her mother had taken the day off so that she could take her to London. The trip wasn't short and Hermione felt her insides churn as they neared their destination.

Eventually they had parked up and walked the short distance to the Leakey Cauldron. They weren't late but no where near as early as they would normally be. They had barley entered the pub before they saw Mrs Weasley climbing out of the fire grate. The two older women embraced slightly and Hermione heard some whispered comments. Her mind suddenly wondered when the two of them had gotten to know each other so well.

"Ok dear time to go." Called Mrs Weasley.

Helen Granger turned to her daughter and fought back the emotions, she suspected that the next time she saw her daughter she would be different. Holding out her arms she enveloped her daughter in a hug.

"Just be careful, for me?" she whispered into her daughter's ear.

Hermione's eyes went wide at the comment her mother had made. Was she really saying what she thought she was or was it just her imagination and hormones?

"I will, promise."

"Bring him round sometime, we won't bite."

Hermione leaned back in her mother's arms and studied her face. She could see that her mother was trying to hold back tears but she didn't look unhappy or upset.

"How...um...what?" said Hermione not knowing what to say for once.

"You've been acting like you have a really bad tooth ache all week until you got that letter. Now you're just like I was, a giddy little school girl."

"Mum!" exclaimed Hermione.

"Now go, we'll be waiting, and don't forget to write."

"I will and thanks." Replied Hermione burying her head in her mother's shoulder once more before picking up her trunk and following Mrs Weasley to the fire grate.

**

As Hermione climbed out of the fireplace she saw Ron leap to his feet. The smile on his face was unforced and filled his face he probably didn't even realise he was smiling. He rushed forward and pulled the trunk from her grasp.

"I'll take this. Mum's put you in the twins' old room."

This was slightly unusual every time she had stayed before she had always stayed with Ginny. Ron pushed open the door with his foot as he carried Hermione's trunk into the room. He placed it in the centre not knowing what Hermione wanted done with it. He had spent most of the morning cleaning the room but he still knew that it smelt a bit and there were some very ugly looking stains on the floor.

"I'm sorry about the room." He apologised and hung his head.

"It's fine Ron. I'll be ok." Replied Hermione looking closely at the stain on the carpet. He mind was already trying to work out what had caused it.

"Ah...um...I'll see you downstairs?"

"Ok."

Hermione heard the door close and felt herself shiver. Slowly opening her truck she looked at the contents but could not bring herself to unpack. She had thought seeing Ron for the past week and now that she was here she didn't want to wait any longer. Closing the lid of her trunk quickly she left the room and followed the sound of Ron's retreating footsteps.

As soon as she entered the main room she was greeted by Ginny, Hermione had to blink her eyes when she saw her friend because she looked very different to when they departed on the train station. She quickly embraced her friend and whispered in her ear.

"You look good."

"Thanks." Came a flat reply.

"You OK."

"Just having a bad day."

"Want to talk about it."

"No it's alright I think Ron will go mad if I did."

"We'll talk later."

"I'll be fine later." Relied Ginny walking off back into the kitchen.

Hermione looked at the retreating back of Ginny, she seemed very changed from the last time but before she could think on it Ron had almost physically dragged her outside.

The pair of them sat on the grass and started to talk. They weren't sitting close but this was one of the first times that Hermione could remember that she had ever done anything like this. As they sat there Hermione was aware of the constant glances that Molly was giving them. She didn't know the reason but she saw the Ron had obviously seen them as well and they were making him very nervous.

Ron saw another glance by his mother, balling his courage up he asked.

"Um...Hermione would you...um...like to have a walk round the Quidditch field?"

Hermione's heart fluttered once and Ron's request it was so sweet and sincere that she readily agreed. So the two of them picked themselves up from the grass and walked off through a gap in the bush in the small Quidditch field.

As soon as the pair was out of sight Hermione noticed that Ron seemed much more relaxed. They continued to walk round and the round the small field. They still weren't close but Hermione had hope. The conversation soon came round the night escapade to rescue Susan.

Hermione for once listen without interrupting Ron. She was used to him embellishing stories as they were told but she had the feeling that what she was getting was the true picture. As Ron was relating the second attack he suddenly stopped dead and turned to face Hermione.

"It was different." He said in a low voice.

"What do you mean?"

"It was different than the attack at the Ministry."

"The attack?"

"Yes...it seemed so, so real."

"And the Ministry wasn't?"

"No that was real; it was though at the Ministry they weren't trying. Yes we got hit but this time it was different. As I was lying there I could see Harry, he was taking a battering, really hard you know. But he just stood there protecting Susan." Said Ron which caused a shiver to run up his back.

Hermione closed the distance between them and looked closely into Ron's face. She could see that he was back there in the woods. She gently snaked her hand into Ron's and felt him gently grasp it.

"Ron you did what you could." Said Hermione but he didn't hear her.

"I don't know how he did it. I don't think I could."

"Yes you would Ron, if it was Ginny...or me" she finished in a whisper.

Hermione felt the pressure of Ron's hand increase and saw him turn his face to look at her. She could easily see the tear forming in his eye. She then realised that he had indeed changed.

"I was scared you know."

"It's alright to be scared, I was at the Ministry."

"That's just it I wasn't I just knew. Knew inside of me that it would be alright but there in that dark woods I...I...I panicked."

"No you didn't Ron you reacted how you should."

"No I didn't. Harry did, her protected Susan. Ginny did, she found cover and started to attack the Death Eaters. Me I just cringed on the floor."

Hermione released her hand from Ron's. Obviously the battle in the woods had affected him more than she realised. She saw the lost hopeless look in his eyes and did the only thing that she wanted to do.

Gently reaching up she placed her hand either side of his face and pulled it down towards her own. As she pulled Ron closer she closed her eyes and opened her mouth slightly. It felt like and eternity until her lips felt the gently pressure of Ron's. She let this feeling explore the whole of her face and the rest of her body. She didn't push any further she just stood there with her lips to Ron's enjoying the moment.

Eventually she felt his head start to pullback and allowed it to happen. Opening her eyes she saw a look of pure astonishment reflected in Ron's eyes.

"What...what was that for." Stammered Ron.

"You needed it almost as much as I did, so shut up and do it again."

This time she let Ron take the lead as he bent his head her eyes closed automatically and felt his lips once more. This time she felt his tongue start to probe the front of her mouth. She opened it slightly wider and allowed her own tongue to mover forward. Both tongues gently collided and started to rub against each other.

Ron's hands never left Hermione's face as the pair of them continued kissing in the afternoon warmth. Eventually the both slowly broke apart, Hermione could still feel the sensation of Ron on her lips as she closed her mouth.

"Ron I know you will be there when it's needed don't think that this one incident will change how I feel about you."

"How you feel about me?" asked Ron still puzzled with what was happening.

"You prat, I don't let just anyone kiss me. I only let those I ... love."

"Love?" questioned Ron swallowing hard.

"Yes Ron love."

***

Ginny looked round the table as everybody ate. She had fully expected that during dinner Hermione would have started upon Gabrielle but strangely she was quiet, very quiet. The person that surprised her even more was Ron, he was sitting in his normal place but he was hardly eating at all. Ginny had never seen Ron not eat at this table.

Her parents had noticed the quiet atmosphere but all they did was to quietly talk amongst themselves. Every so often Ginny looked at Gabrielle and noticed that she seemed to be in deep thought as well. Eventually the meal was over and all of them returned to the main room.

Ginny flopped down on the sofa and watched everybody get comfortable but still there was hardly any conversation. As the evening drew on she saw the glances that Ron and Hermione were giving each other and suddenly realised what was going on. With a secret smile she heard Ron get up.

"Um...I...think that I'll go up now." He said with another glance at Hermione.

"Me too Mrs Weasley I'm a bit tired from all the travelling." said Hermione

Yeah right! Thought Ginny; Hermione wasn't tired from the travelling at all it was Ron. That was the only reason she could think of for her being so quiet in the evening.

Mrs Weasley saw the two of them get up and walk towards the stairs.

"Night then the pair of you, but I think you're right I'm a bit tired as well and will turn in soon."

Ginny had to turn her back to stop herself from laughing as she saw the crestfallen expression on Ron's face as he plodded up the stairs.

Ron stopped outside his room with the wonderful images of the evening he thought he was going to have evaporating. He heard the soft footsteps of Hermione approaching.

"Um...night then." She said.

"Yeah...night." came the glum reply.

Ron didn't even turn around and just reached out and put his hand on the handle, but before he could turn it he felt a gently hand on his back. Slowly turning around he looked down at Hermione's face. He could feel himself getting lost in her eyes and face again.

"Kiss me Ron." Hermione whispered.

He didn't need any better an invitation, with sudden speed and determination he held Hermione's face in his hands and kissed her. He felt the soft lips and begin to explore his again and the sweet sensation of her tongue. It wasn't very long before he could hear his mother's footsteps coming slowly up the stairs.

"Why don't you come in?" he quickly asked.

"No Ron not tonight I think your mother suspects something."

"I don't care."

"And I think Ginny knows."

"So?" pleaded Ron looking at Hermione.

"It's alright will get together soon."

"But Hermione, Harry will be staying with us soon and then?" he blurted quickly as he heard the footsteps coming closer.

Hermione gently laughed.

"I'm certain Ginny will help us with that particular problem."

Ron's face was a picture to Hermione. It showed so many emotions it could not settle on any one particular. Quickly glancing over her head she saw the top of Mrs Weasleys head. Leaning forward she pecked Ron on the cheek.

"Night Ron." She said before turning and almost skipping down the stairs.

**

Ginny was watching then sunset when she heard the gentle knock on the door. She smiled to herself as she realised who it was going to be. She had been surprised that it had taken so long for this visit but glad that it was here. She got up form the bed and crossed the room noticing that Gabrielle as still sitting on her bed with her feet tucked under her reading the same book as she was before dinner.

Slowly opening the door Ginny saw Hermione standing there. She was dressed in a fairly tight set of pyjamas and had her hair tied up.

"Sorry I think you've got the wrong room. Ron's across the way there!" teased Ginny.

"Oh come on Ginny let me in." hissed Hermione.

Ginny smiled and pulled open the door letting Hermione in. She saw the Hermione glanced round the room and look at Gabrielle for a moment before sitting on the floor. Ginny joined her and continued to study her.

"Why did you have to tease me so?"

"I just couldn't pass up the opportunity."

"But what made you think..."

"Hermione do you realise how special you are?"

"Special?"

"Yes you are the only thing that I know that has stopped Ron from eating, what did you do this afternoon?"

Hermione dropped her head as he blushed.

"You didn't!" asked a shocked Ginny

"No, but I could have." She whispered.

"Tell me more."

"It's you're brother."

"I don't care spill!"

"No."

Both the girls looked intently at each other before falling back to the floor laughing. Instantly the stopped when they heard a knock on the door. Before Ginny could even get up the door was opened and framed in the doorway was Mrs Weasley. Molly instantly spotted Hermione on the floor and directed her comments at her.

"I heard something so I came to look. I thought you were tired?"

"I was Mrs Weasley but I couldn't get to sleep so I came to visit Ginny." replied Hermione with a straight face.

"Oh, ok then, but try and keep the noise down it might wake Ron. I'll think I'll go back and read some more." Replied Molly leaving and closing the door behind her.

Both the girls looked at each other before breaking down in laughter once more. When they recovered Ginny could help herself.

"I think you've been found out!"

"Is she always like that?"

"Just imagine if it was me!" replied Ginny shaking her head.

Hermione had to smile but suspected that before the summer was out she was going to have to help Ginny avoid her mother.

"So Ginny you haven't introduced me."

"Very sorry. Hermione this is Gabrielle, Fleur's sister. Gabrielle this is Hermione Granger, Prefect, Extremely Clever, Friend of Harry's, Snogger of Ron, Defender of elves and ...and my friend."

Hermione glared at Ginny when Ron was mentioned but then turned back to the young girl. She had seen her before at the tri-wizard tournament but the girl in front of her did not resemble that very young girl. She can remember seeing the girl and she look young, very young, where as Gabrielle still looked young but not that much younger than Ginny. Hermione continued to appraise the girl but noticed that she too was also being looked over. It was as though two predators were sizing each other up. Hermione's natural instinct drew her eyes to the book that Gabrielle was reading but as soon as she tried to read the title Gabrielle turned slightly to remove it from view.

"Please to meet you Gabrielle." Said Hermione still a little cautious.

"And you Hermione." Replied Gabrielle in the same tone.

Hermione knew that Gabrielle was hiding something and it wasn't just the book title. The way she was it was obvious that she was very wary of her.

"So what are you doing here?"

"It's amazing ..."started Ginny but she stopped instantly when Gabrielle turned her head quickly and looked at her. "...well...um..."

"I'm doing some research."

"What on?" questioned Hermione.

"My heritage."

"Here? Wouldn't your home be better?"

"Not at the moment."

Hermione realised that she wasn't being told a lot. She was being deliberately left out.

"What up Ginny?"

"Ginny." Cautioned Gabrielle before she could reply.

Hermione instantly spun round and faced the young girl. She had never been tall but she was easily taller than the eleven year old and so used her height to an advantage.

"What have you done to her!" demanded Hermione instantly getting suspious. Ginny had never held anything back like this. If she didn't want to talk then she wouldn't but this was worrying.

"Nothing it's just private." Relied Gabrielle; a little coldly feeling the change in emotions.

"But what is so private about an eleven year old and Ginny."

"Unfortunately I can't say it's not my place." Said Gabrielle.

Hermione looked back to Ginny who quickly raised her hands.

"Its not mine either, promise."

Hermione continued to look at the pair but they weren't saying anything.

"Could I help?" she asked to see if that would enlighten her anymore more.

"Yeah she's great at that." Chimed in Ginny hoping too brake the mood between her friends.

"No, it's alright for the moment, but if I need help I'll be sure to ask." Replied Gabrielle try to ease the situation.

Hermione continued to look at the small girl. She had never had her offer of help turned down before.