FicWad

Chapter 23:- Home?

A/N: Thanks Malehorntaildragon for your help.

**

Harry almost lost his grip on Dumbledore's arm as they appeared at the entrance to Grimmauld place. It seemed to him that the Headmaster seemed to travel much quicker than Remus, the speed was nice as he didn't feel the pressure so much but the stopping could become a problem.

The brief outing that they had made to persuade Professor Slughorn to be a teacher had been successful but it raised many questions in Harry's mind. It was obvious that Slughorn feared Voldemort but it seemed that he did so more than most. It was though he held some dark secret that Voldemort wanted. Pushing all of that to the back of his mind he looked at the front of the house. It seemed a little different than the last time he was here. The front looked more run down and rickety, it no longer looked exactly like the houses either side, something was definitely different.

"So Harry this is your house now."

"It looks a bit different."

"I expected that it would but its best we get inside and then we can talk; you never know who might be listening. I will imagine that you will need my help for a few moments and then I'll do as you have requested I'll leave you alone."

"What have I got to do?"

"Simply walk up to the door and open it."

"That's it?"

"Yes but only you can do it."

Harry walked up to the door and felt the change in his surroundings as he got closer. It was a little like at the Dursleys but he didn't feel safe he was just aware that he had passed something. He reached out his hand towards the door knob and stopped. It looked fine but he could almost sense the magic radiating from it.

"It's safe Harry but you have to open it first."

Harry grasped the knob and felt the magic contained within it. It was though it was reacting to his hand. He wanted to let go but found that he couldn't his hand seemed stuck to it. He looked down and saw a small blue sheen around his hand, panic started to rise but then the sheen disappeared and his hand became free. The door opened slowly and Harry could at last see inside.

Taking a tentative step forward he entered the house. He could see small piles of dust on the floor and as he glanced up and saw a few cracks in the ceiling but other than that it was quiet. Even the ever present abusive painting was quiet. Dumbledore followed him in and closed the door behind them. With a small pop Dobby suddenly appeared in front of the pair still holding Harry's broom.

"Ah good you've made it Dobby." Called Dumbledore looking round.

"Dobby I know you could explain to Harry about the house but if you don't mind I'll do the preliminaries and then leave the two of you alone. OK?"

Dobby looked with questioning eyes at Harry and received a small nod in return.

"Very well then Harry, how about the drawing room." Indicated Dumbledore

Harry slowly walked forward and felt as though the house was different from the last time. Almost every step he took he started to feel more and more about the house. Was this due to his new powers or was something else happening? As he walked into the drawing room he saw the arrangement of sofas were still there and looked as comfy as ever. It was uncommon to hear this room given that name, when they had previously stayed here it was always known as the front room but that title seemed to hide majesty of the room. At once Dobby rushed to the fireplace and started a fire going. The firelight gave the room a strange glow but the heat was welcome.

Harry sat in one of the chairs and waited for Dumbledore. He seemed to be looking round at the walls and ceilings shaking his head slightly but eventually he sat down.

"Well then Harry I see you need some explanations. This house has been locked up since Sirius's death. We have unfortunately been unable to get in but everything does seem to be in order in here."

"What happened outside?"

"The house was waiting for its rightful owner. The wards on the house would not let anyone in until you came. We could have broken through them but it was your house. I must now caution you that many things changed when you took over the house."

"Like what?"

"That is the reason I'm here. When the owner of a house passes on the wards and other protections that were placed upon it start to fail. They take time but they will eventually wither and die. Like any magical protection if they are not anchored by strong forces and are regularly maintained with magic they will fail. So as soon as Sirius died the protections started to fail in only a few more weeks they would completely disappear. If you were a member of the Black family a simple spell would transfer the wards to you and then your magic would be able to sustain them. But that is not the case so unfortunately you will have to cast your own spells."

"So you are saying that all of the protection has failed?" Said Harry with a small amount of concern forming in Harry's voice.

"Not yet but they will soon. As you can see some of the spells that helped keep the building safe and looking like it's neighbours have started to fail. That's why there is plaster all around and the cracks can be seen."

"What about the Fidelius charm?"

"That should be safe as long as I'm alive but once I've gone that will start to fail. It's not tied to the house rather to me."

"What can be done for the moment about the house?"

"Well I can cast a number of spells to keep this place safe for the moment but you should start to research and perform your own as soon as possible."

"But I can't perform magic outside of school sir."

"In here you can. Remember magic can only be detected at a house. The Ministry might have already a record of this place belonging to you but they can't prove that it was you who cast the spell. As long as you don't cast anything outside you should be safe."

Harry couldn't believe his luck in one stroke he had been given what he wanted, to perform magic outside of school.

"What are you going to do then sir?"

"Me, I'll repair the building as best that I can and replace some of the protection but you really must put you own in place at least before the end of the school year."

"Why then?"

"By then you will have learnt and gained much and you should be confident enough that you alone can protect it. Have you any more questions?"

Harry thought for a moment as he looked round the room. Seeing Dobby standing waiting for orders suddenly jogged his memory.

"Kreature sir! Where is he now?"

"Ah it's nice to see you have concern for the old House Elf. Unfortunately he has passed on, after his betrayal of the house he did what he thought was right, he just died in his sleep."

"How do you know this?"

"I found him here when I rushed in looking for you and Sirius on that night. He confessed all to me and I told him to go to Hogwarts. It was only a few days after that night that I was informed of his death."

Dobby spoke up.

"Yes master he was upset at what he had done to the House of Black and so he just seemed to die. I will leave you now master if I may?"

Harry nodded once but was really thinking on the old house elf. He may have caused the death of Sirius but just to give up and die, that was not right.

"If there is nothing more I will leave you to the solitude that you have asked for but Harry even though you think it for the best, please look to your friends they are your biggest asset."

Dumbledore stood and started to perform spell after spell. Harry saw the results as the cracks started to repair themselves all across the wall the ceiling. Then as more and more magic was cast he could feel the change around him. He felt more secure it was as thought his senses were telling him what was happening. After a full half an hour Dumbledore stopped. Harry could see that the old man was panting slightly from the effort.

"Well it's been a long time since I've done that. So good night Harry, I wish you the best here." And with a small pop he was gone.

Harry looked round the room. It was his all his but he was still sad. Soon his mind started to wander towards Sirius but Harry knew he had a task or two to complete before that grief came. Calling out for Dobby he waited for the elf to appear.

Dobby stood before Harry now wearing on old tea towel and bowed low.

"Yes master."

Harry was confused at the change of clothes and had to ask.

"Why have you got changed?"

"I'm you elf sir. Should I not be wearing this then?"

"No Dobby I want you to wear clothes."

"You're giving me clothes!" wailed Dobby.

Harry realised he had to be careful with the House Elf.

"No I'm lending them to you, not giving them, they are still mine. I want you to wear clothes like you wore at Hogwarts. If you don't have enough I want you to buy them. I would like you to be comfortable."

"Oh thank you master."

"That's the next one, please don't call me master."

"But...but...you are my master."

"No just call me Harry."

"Dobby can't do that master, Dobby could never..."

"How about sir then." Asked Harry noticing that Dobby had already used that term a few times.

"OK sir anything else."

"Yes and this is important."

"Very well sir what can I do."

"You have to do what I say right?"

"Yes sir."

"Very well. There are some bad men after me."

"I knows sir."

"I want you to runaway if they come."

"What sir?"

"If the bad men come for me or attack me I want you to run to safety. I want you to be safe no matter what."

"But sir I can't"

"Yes Dobby you must. It's an order if they come you are to use every means to get away and stay safe I don't want to see you hurt."

"Oh Master Harry trying to look after Dobby, Dobby doesn't deserve such caring." Bawled Dobby

"Now Dobby stop crying as its past midnight and it's time for sleep."

"Very well sir shall Dobby get the master bedroom prepared."

"No I think I'll sleep here tonight."

"You sure sir?"

"Yes Dobby you get some sleep and don't worry about me or the house, tomorrow we will both look at it."

Dobby bowed low once before replying

"Very well sir and goodnight."

"Goodnight Dobby."

Harry watched the elf scamper out of the room and found himself alone. This was what he had wanted yet as he sat there he remembered his days locked under the stairs. Looking around he curled up on one of the sofas but knew that he wasn't going to get any sleep. He knew that if he closed his eyes all that he would think about would be Voldemort and torturing his friends.

**

The daylight crept into the room bringing welcome illumination to Harry. He stretched his back out and looked around. For the whole night he had been cleaning this solitary room. Even though after Dobby had left and he had curled up to sleep it never came. Every time he closed his eyes he could almost feel the pressure in his mind and the images started to form. Not wanting to ever live that again he forced himself up and started to work. Now looking around the brightening room he was pleased at what he had done.

Standing in front of the fire he tried to warm himself on the dieing coals. He had been told that he could now perform magic within the house but he still did not want to. After a moment in front of the fire he walked across the room and pulled open the door. As he stood for a moment in the hallway he suddenly thought about the house. Last summer he had spent time here with everybody but he had never explored it. Just looking around the hall he could see rooms that he had never been into. This house would hold many secrets for him and he was a little afraid at what he would find.

"Master your up early!" squalled a voice from behind.

Harry spun and saw that Dobby was standing behind him in the hallway. The small elf was now wearing a set of clothes that Harry had seen before and smiled a small smile.

"Morning Dobby, sleep Ok?"

"Yes thank you sir and you?"

"Oh...I kept busy." Replied Harry off handed.

Dobby looked closely at Harry and saw that he hadn't even changed his clothes from yesterday and in fact they were looking even dirtier.

"Would you like breakfast now sir?"

"No it's alright I'll think that I'll continue cleaning."

"Cleaning sir! You shouldn't be cleaning that's...that's" stammered Dobby not understanding.

"It's fine I've been doing it all summer so far. At least now it's for me and not my Uncle." Replied Harry turning and taking a step towards the kitchen. He felt his legs give a little and he stumbled forward. Dobby rushed towards him but Harry straightened up quickly and shook his head.

"You ok sir?"

"Yes fine." Answered Harry automatically. During the night he had started to feel a little weak and occasionally stumbled. He suspected that it was due to lack of sleep and food but nothing would drive him to close his eyes or eat.

Harry pulled open the kitchen door and peered in. This room at least was clean, during the night he had snuck into the kitchen to get some water to help clean but in the improving light he could see that the room was still as clean as he last remembered. A small hoot alerted Harry that Hedwig was sitting on top of one of the cupboards. Obviously during the night his owl had returned and was now giving him her normal greeting.

Looking behind him he saw that Dobby had followed and was waiting for the first instructions of the day. Harry glanced down at his clothes and smiled slightly to himself.

"Dobby I think I need something to change into."

"Do you want Dobby to go out and get you something?"

"No...no not at all, but are you able to go back to the Dursley's and pick up my trunk?"

"Of course. I can get any of your possessions as long as you tell me where they are."

"Very well then if you would be so kind."

Dobby gave Harry a broad smile before disappearing before his eyes. Harry waited a moment before crossing to the sink and getting a glass of water. He sat down at the plain wooden table and looked at his hands. They seemed to be shaking slightly, shaking his head he willed his hands to stop and they did but he heard another hoot from Hedwig.

Harry looked up at his bird and could read the question on its face.

"I'm fine really."

Hedwig just sat there with unblinking eyes.

"Don't look at me like that I said I'm fine."

The owl continued to look.

Harry's face suddenly broke into a smile as he suddenly thought of Fawkes and Dumbledore.

"Look at me I'm now talking to Hedwig!"

Harry stood up and walked back to the drawing room. Sitting gently on one of the sofas he placed his glass on the small side table. He closed his eyes and tried to calm his emotions. His mind instantly brought up the images that he had been using when he was with Gabrielle and felt himself slip easily into its relaxed form. Opening his eyes he could see the fireplace gently glowing with a slight green tinge. He looked round the room and could see his ribbons flowing out through the walls. But as he continued to study he felt his concentration slipping and soon the image returned to normal.

Taking a small sip he continued to wait for Dobby and was pleased when the small noise from the hall announced his return. Jumping to his feet he crossed into the hallway and found Dobby still holding his school trunk.

"Thanks Dobby could you please take that up to my room."

Dobby smiled once and then disappeared with his trunk. Harry started to follow but paused in front of the curtained painting. He was surprised that he had heard nothing from the old woman and reached his hand forward. As his finger brushed the fabric he withdrew his hand, now was not the time to face her.

He trudged up the stairs until he reached the second floor. He felt his emotions start to stir as he looked along the length of the corridor. This was the floor that they had all slept on when they stayed. He could just make out at the end the door that was Sirius's room. He was going to have to face that and soon, but first he had better change.

Pulling open the door to his and Ron's room he saw that again little had changed. The room looked clean and well cared for. The two small beds were made and just seemed to call to him yet there was no Dobby or trunk. He quickly checked the room and still couldn't find his trunk. Feeling slightly annoyed he called out for his house elf.

Instantly Dobby appeared behind him.

"Yes sir?"

"Where's my trunk?"

"In your room sir." replied a clearly confused Dobby.

"But it's not here?"

"But you are the master sir. The Head of House!"

"Yes?"

"Your...your room is below sir the master bedroom."

"Pardon?"

"Your trunk sir I've put it in the master bedroom, your room sir. Did...did I do wrong?" asked Dobby clearly looking afraid.

Harry checked himself before he said anymore. Dobby had only acted what he had thought was right and proper.

"Um...no Dobby. Could you show me?"

"Of course sir." Smiled Dobby and he turned and lead Harry back down the stairs to the first floor.

Harry had never really been on this floor before. Mr and Mrs Weasley had slept on third floor and this one was never used. As he followed Dobby he saw that it wasn't as clean as the second floor and had far fewer doors. In fact he could only see four rooms and Dobby was leading him to the closest.

"Do you know what's on this floor?"

"Yes sir I've already looked over the house. This floor is your personal suite. It would normally be protected by your personal wards but since the house changed owner those have failed. There is the Master bedroom suite, your private study and dinning room as well as the ladies bedroom."

"Ladies bedroom?"

Dobby stopped and turned and looked at Harry.

"Yes sir this house is very old. The outside had various charms that make it blend with the neighbouring houses but inside it's of the old style."

"Old style?... Never mind Dobby you can explain it later. So this is my room then?"

"Yes sir this is your suite."

"Suite?"

"Yes it's a bit larger than a normal bedroom."

Harry put his hand on the brass handle and pushed the door open, what he saw made his stop dead. It wasn't so much as a room as a small house to Harry's mind. His eyes darted around the room trying to take it all in. The room was large and open. To the right arranged in a small semi circle were a pair small sofas and a pair of chairs they all faced a small lit fireplace. In the centre was an enormous bed far larger than anything Harry had ever seen. On the left were a set of small doors.

"This...this is all mine?"

"Yes sir. The doors lead to your dressing room and private bathroom."

"But...but..." stammered Harry at the enormity of what he was seeing and this was just his bedroom

"Dobby has put your trunk on the bed sir. Dobby will leave you now please call Dobby if you need Dobby again."

Harry slowly walked across to the bed his feet were leaving small prints in the dust it was obvious that this room hadn't been used in years. He pulled a new set of clothes out of his trunk and quickly changed, this room felt so cold to him and it was nothing to do with the temperature. As he turned to leave he noticed a small envelope on the bedside table. It alone looked fresh and new; he picked it up and read the front.

Harry Potter.

Turning it over he looked at the back it was sealed with wax and had the black family crest embossed upon it. His hands now shaking he opened it and pulled out the thick parchment. He only read the first line before he felt his emotions overwhelm him.

Hay Kiddo,

It was Sirius. Harry's legs gave way and he collapsed against the bed. The grief that had wanted its release finally came forward. Harry quickly made sure his dome was as strong as it could be. Now was the time, he just knew that now he had to let his feelings out but he had to protect the others. His mind started to play the images he had suppressed for far too long and the tears started to run.

**

Gabrielle tightened up the last strap on her rucksack as she felt the slight tingle in her magic. Since she had awoke early in the morning she had been checking to see if Harry was still moving and was pleased to see that he had stopped. She didn't know where she was going but she was going.

"So you really are going?" asked a very dejected Ginny.

"I said that I had too but please don't worry I'll get you as soon as I can."

"Where is he?"

"I still don't know but he's stopped I'll just have to find him the same way as I did before."

Ginny still looked glum at this response she was going to more than miss Gabrielle but she was stuck here. She continued to look at the girl as she fussed over her bag, but felt something tug at he magic. Looking around she tried to find the source but saw nothing. Slowing her breathing she tried to concentrate and feel this time. It wasn't much but she could sense something

Gabrielle sat on her bed and closed her eyes. Her magic could feel more and more of Harry's pain now. All of yesterday Harry had successfully kept everything closed off but now she was beginning to feel something. Quickly finding her ribbon she flowed with it. She tried to keep herself under control understanding that Harry would reject her if he felt her trying to probe. The closer she got the more she could feel. His magic was trying to keep every emotion in but it was failing she could sense more and more. She could feel his pain and loss it was obvious he was grieving.

Slowly opening her eyes she looked at Ginny. She could see that Ginny was also feeling Harry's emotions probably not as strong as herself but there was definitely something plastered on her face.

"You can feel that?" Gabrielle cautiously asked.

"Not really it's just something's tugging on my magic." Replied Ginny still not opening her eyes.

"It's Harry he's grieving for something or somebody."

"Who?"

"That I don't know but he's been like this for months and now it seems he letting it out."

Ginny listened to Gabrielle and tried to imagine Harry. He kept everything inside of himself even though there were plenty of people to help him. She wanted to cuddle and hold him close to sooth his pain away but he was far away from her. Her mind was screaming for attention but she refused to listen all she did was concentrate on her magic on the gentlest of tugs that were being transmitted through it.

Gabrielle rose to give Ginny a hug goodbye, she was going to have to leave and a hug from Ginny is what she wanted at the moment. As she approached she could see Ginny head shaking as though it was in conflict.

"You ok?"

"Yes I just can't concentrate I keep thinking about something other than Harry."

"What?"

"Oh I don't know my mind keeps replaying the pasts few months to me."

"Why?"

Ginny's mind suddenly got hold of her consciousness. It was screaming to be heard but Ginny emotions were still running fast but the single thought managed to penetrate through."

"Sirius!" she breathed.

"What."

"Sirius Black! I'm a fool!" shouted Ginny jumping to her feet.

Gabrielle took a step back whatever this was had caused Ginny great excitement.

"Gabrielle you said he's been like this for months?"

"Yes I've been helping him, but now he's blocked me out why do you ask?"

Ginny grabbed both of Gabrielle's hands and swung her round.

"I know where he is."

"Where?"

"He's at....." Ginny tried to say the name, but nothing left her mouth.

"Oh, I can't tell you it's been hidden by magic. You can't see it and I can't say it... um, I know you could ask Professor Dumbledore." Ginny finished lamely.

"No, I won't go to him, I'll just have to use my link to find him again." Said Gabrielle a little upset knowing how long that it might take.

Ginny thought for a moment of what she could say that would help.

"Well I know that you can reach it from The Leaky Cauldron, it's in the same area."

"Isn't The Leaky Cauldron in London?"

"Yeah, it's a little way from there actually but still in the same place."

"Is that all you can say?"

"Um...Oh I know look at the house numbers in the street that should help as well."

"Well at least I have a place to start, and I don't care that I can't see it I'll just wait outside. If necessary I'll shout and shout until Harry comes." Letting a huge smile appear on her face Gabrielle laughed "We've found him!"

Ginny and Gabrielle clasped each other in a hug which lasted more time that either realised. As they broke apart Ginny started looking round her room.

"I'll pack and come with you, I should be able to get us even closer."

Gabrielle had to stop her racing emotions before she answered.

"No Ginny you will have to wait. I'll get you as soon as I can but if you go so will your family. Harry will run again, you know it."

Ginny seemed to deflate at these words and understood them.

"You'll get me as soon as you can, promise?"

"Promise!" answered Gabrielle with emotions running through her voice.

**

Gabrielle and Ginny walked into the lounge of the Weasley's in silence. Gabrielle was carrying her rucksack and everything that she needed. Parting the Weasley's was going to be difficult but she had to do it.

"Oh Gabrielle are you going some where?" asked Molly noticing the young girl.

"Yes Mrs Weasley I've got to move on, my project demands it. Thank you for your kindness but I must really be going."

"Where are you going?" asked Molly a little worried for the young girl

"I ...um...don't really know but I'm going to stay at the Cauldron for a few days."

"He's not going to be there." Called out Hermione.

"Yes I know but I have to do this anyway."

"I don't think it's safe for you to be on your own." Said Molly getting a little suspicious of the whole thing.

"I'll be fine. Harry did it once and Fleur will look in on me."

"I still don't think you should. How about I'll call Fleur and...."

"If you want to Mrs Weasley."

Gabrielle stood and waited as Molly contacted Fleur. After a brief exchange of words, which was hard to hear, everybody saw Molly get up and look straight at the young girl.

"She say's that you'll be fine and that she look in on you this evening."

"Thank you Mrs Weasley, Ginny, Ron...Hermione"

Everyone couldn't believe the calmness that the young girl displayed as she walked to the fireplace and departed in a flash of green.

**

Gabrielle paid for the taxi as she got out in the long and seemingly deserted street. She had quickly rented a room at the Cauldron before departing it for this place. She hoped that she would not be using the room but she had to make arrangements in case. The taxi journey had taken longer than she had suspected and with each passing mile her stomach turned more and more. Now she was standing on the street she felt even worse.

She looked the length of the street but found it quiet ordinary, nothing to her indicated the presence of anything magical. She was beginning to suspect that Ginny could have been wrong. She started to walk the length of the road looking at the house numbers. It wasn't long before she came to the place where 12 should be. She stopped for a moment and looked. There was number 10 and attached next to it was number 14 no number 12.

Shaking her head slightly at the absurdity of what she was looking at she walked the whole street, twice. She looked at every house every number but there was no 12. Eventually she walked back to where it should be. She continued to look but could see nothing unusual. Closing her eyes she focused on her ribbon and looked to see where it flowed. It was taut and straight, it flowed directly away from her straight at the join of the two buildings in front of her. She shivered slightly knowing that Harry was there yet she couldn't see it.

Resigning to wait until she was noticed she got herself comfortable opposite the house and waited. She had never seen this type of magic before but the power of it must be great if it could hide a building. She may class herself as an adult but there were many things that she still didn't know.

***

Harry looked up as he felt his emotions drain away. He didn't know how long he had been sitting there but the aches in his body told him it was a long time. His mind had brought up images and scenes of Sirius one after the other. All he could think about was the loss of his friend and what he could have had with him. He had made sure to keep his emotions to himself and not let them leak out to the others but found it harder and harder to maintain his dome. He looked down at the letter once more but this time he read it.

Hay Kiddo,

Well your head of the house now! I know that it you reading this Harry because how ever much I hated my family they did at least know how to protect their house. This letter should only be able to be opened by you. If it's not you reading this then I have a message "Dumbledore keep out of it. Haven't you done enough already!"

As you can see I've issues with the old man. He is the only one that I think could read this beside you so I give you warning now Harry look to yourself!

All of this must seem strange to you, no stranger than me writing this. I'm assuming that I've died heroically defending Honour and the Magical world but if I just fell down the stairs when drunk don't worry I won't know!

There is so much that I want to tell you and for you to experience, a letter is inadequate but it's all that I've got. I've given you the house and everything that I own please use it. The library may contain many books that are offensive but some will help you with protecting what you now own, look to them. Do what you will with everything that I have given you, it's my last and final gift to you. In the short time that I have known you I have looked at you as the son I never had. So don't grieve too much for me because I died 16 years ago but was lucky enough to be given back one. That one year was the most precious that I've ever had.

Live life Harry for your burden is greater than anybodies.


Sirius.

P.S. Look to the Dog Star occasionally as I'll always be watching you!

Harry folded the letter up and placed it back on the table. The shortness of it was like a soothing balm as he raised himself to his unsteady feet and looked round. He was now truly alone in his quest.


***

Gabrielle felt the cold night start to draw in. She had lost track of how long she had waited here. She was beginning to get more and more nervous as the night came closer. During the day it had been fine, virtually no one was around but now during the evening she started to notice people looking at her. It was thought they were waiting for darkness. Soon she would have to leave if she stayed all night she didn't want to guess at what would happen.

She had stopped sensing Harry's emotions a long time ago. It seemed that whatever he had been going through had stopped but she could still see the ribbon darting towards the house. The noise of an approaching car brought he mind back to where she was. She tried to ignore it but when it stopped close fear started to form. Her hand grasped the tiny wand but she had no idea what she could do with it.

"Gabrielle." Called a soft voice which she instantly recognised.

"Fleur!"

"Come it's late and you shouldn't be here."

"But...but..."

"No it's late you can come back tomorrow but now you need to rest."

"I can't I must stay he...." Started Gabrielle

Fleur squatted low and gently took hold of her sister.

"Not like this. He's going to need you strong!"

"He's in there but I can't get to him."

"I know."

"What shall I do?"

"Nothing tonight. Just rest because tomorrow things may change!"

Gabrielle fell into Fleur's arms and let silent tears run down her face. She had been so sure that he would see her but now she didn't know.

**