Harry Potter and the Veela Life Debt

By Jojobevco

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the Harry Potter story or characters. I do, however, reserve the rights for any characters I develop and the plot of this story.

Chapter 2

Explanations and Paperwork

Harry sighed and slowly pulled himself up off the ground; he turned and saw that Gabrielle was still on the ground. He gently grabbed her arm and pulled her up. Then they walked over to the medical tent where Madame Pomfrey started fussing over them.

"Oh, you poor dears, you must be freezing." She threw blankets over them.

Meanwhile, outside a very heated argument was occurring. The unshakable Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore was currently facing down something that would scare any reasonable man. A furious Olympe Maxime, "Dumblydore! Do you have any idea of what you have done! You're foolishness might have condemned that girl to-"

"I am now becoming aware of what is happening, Olympe! But, perhaps we should find out what happened first. After Harry receives his scores, we will discuss this in a place with less prying ears."

Madame Maxine nodded. With that, they both entered the tent. Inside they were met with a scene of controlled pandemonium. Both Harry and Gabrielle had steam pouring out of their ears, thanks to some Pepper-up Potion, Hermione was jumping around happily.

"Harry well done!"

Victor noted a "water beetle" in Hermione's hair and quickly removed it. Hermione really paid him no mind though, and quickly turned back to Harry.

"You're well outside the time limit, though, Harry...did it take you ages to find us?"

Dumbledore then entered the conversation, "Yes, Harry, I think we would like to know what happened down there."

Harry quickly recalled the events, Victor and Cedric confirmed the parts about Harry being there first, when Harry got to the part about Gabrielle, everyone became furious at the merpeople, and Dumbledore had a few questions for Harry.

"Harry, are you sure they were going to kill Gabrielle?"

"Positive."

"Do you think that Gabrielle could have survived without you there?"

"Um, probably not."

Dumbledore sighed and called Hermione to him, he whispered a few instructions in her ear and she ran off. Dumbledore then turned back to Harry.

"Harry, when we're done will you, the Delacour sisters and Madame Maxine join me in my office. The password is Cockroach Clusters."

Harry nodded and left the tent to get his scores. Fleur was standing next to him sobbing. Ludo Bagman then made then announced the scores.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have reached are decision, after a discussion with the champions we have decided to award marks out of fifty points for each of the champions as follows.

Fleur Delacour, though demonstrating excellent use of the Bubble-Head Charm, was attacked by grindylows as she approached her goal, and therefore failed to retrieve her hostage. We award her twenty-five points."

There was polite applause

"I deserve zero," Fleur said through her sobs.

"Cedric Diggory, who also used the Bubble-Head Charm, was first to return with his hostage, though he returned one minute outside of the time limit. We therefore award him forty-seven points."

A lot of applause and cheering followed

"Victor Krum used an incomplete form of transfiguration which was effective and was second to return. We award him forty points."

More polite applause from the crowd.

"Harry Potter used gillyweed to great effect. He returned last, however, the champions and an investigation by Professor Dumbledore and Madame Maxine informs us that Mr. Potter was the first to reach the hostages, and that his delay in his return was due to his determination to return all the hostages to safety, not merely Mr. Weasley. Most of the judges fell that this merits full marks. However his score is forty-five points."

The crowd cheered. After the conclusion of the announcements Harry, Gabrielle, and Fleur marched up to the castle and entered the Headmaster Office. Fawkes flew down to Harry and sat on his shoulder. Harry quickly petted his head before he flew off to Gabrielle's shoulder and started pecking her on the head.

She started laughing, "Hahaha, that chatouilles- hahaha please, arrêter."

Harry turned to Fleur, "Why can she speak English, heck, I'm pretty sure she couldn't understand it until an hour or so ago."

"It is the effects of the bond, 'arry," Fleur said quietly.

"Bond, what bond?"

At this point Dumbledore and Madame Maxine entered the office.

"We will get to that in a moment, Monsieur Potter," she tuned to glare at Dumbledore, "but first, I want to know 'ow the 'ell did this happen."

"I would blame it on Albus Dumbledore sleeping through my class throughout his time as a student in Hogwarts, specifically my lecture on the Veela-Mermish War of 1063."

While Madame Maxine had been ranting, Hermione Granger had entered carrying a stack of books, along with Professor Binns.

"What do you mean, Cuthbert?" Dumbledore asked.

"Albus, I give that lecture to all my first years, It's a classical example of inter-species diplomatic relations."

"And all I thought you talked about was Goblin Rebellions, professor," Harry joked.

Hermione elbowed him. "Five points from Gryffindor, Mr. Potter, perhaps this situation will teach you some respect for history," Binns remarked. "Miss Granger came to my classroom and explained the situation, so, after a brief detour to the library, I came here to lend my expertise."

"Cuthbert, can we get back to how this war affects things today," Dumbledore interrupted.

"Yes, of course. In 1063 the Merpeople and the Veela both occupied nearby areas in the Slavic Regions of Europe. Until, one day, a few Veela girls were swimming in a lake that just happened to be a Mermish Temple of some sort, and were executed for trespassing. That led to a war between the Veela in the region and the Merpeople. A few hundred died on each side and a truce was made. Both sides agreed that they would never again step into the other's domain, under penalty of death. So, the actions of the Tri-Wizard Commission today, recorded the first violation of this treaty in 932 years. In fact, it's lucky that Mr. Potter had rescued Miss Delacour because if the elder Miss Delacour had done it, not only would we have two dead Veela, we would also have the Veela-Mermish War of 1995 on our hands."

"Thank you, Cuthbert for that explanation. Now, I'm assuming, based on Miss Delacour's reaction that a Life Debt Bond occurred?"

Gabrielle nodded.

Harry was starting to get annoyed, "Will someone please explain to me what is going on!"

Dumbledore cleared her throat and started, "Harry, when you saved Gabrielle from the lake today, you created a Veela Life Debt Bond. This is different from your average Life Debt, such as the one that Peter Pettigrew owes you."

"How is it different?" Harry was getting nervous, in his experience, different was never a good thing.

Fleur jumped in, "'arry, Veela magic is very strong. Gabrielle and I are not quarter-Veela as you might think. 'Zere is no such thing as a quarter-Veela, it is a trait passed from generation to generation."

She took a breath before continuing, "Our magic takes Life Debts very seriously. They can only form under a certain set of circumstances."

Dumbledore took over again, "Those circumstances would be that: the Veela must be in actual danger of death, the rescuer must recognize that, and the rescuer's heart must be pure."

"Meaning?"

"'arry, you must 'ave not expected or wanted any reward for you 'elping Gabrielle. So the magic grants you it's own reward, in Gabrielle.' Ze Bond will begin to change her, in to what you want, she is yours."

"Wait, what do you mean 'she's mine'?"

Fleur spoke quietly, "'Ze Veela Life Debt is as old as our race. In essence, Gabrielle will feel a significant debt to you, one 'zat cannot be released. It is a relationship 'zat supports both of you. She loves and serves you and you protect her."

Harry shook his head, "But she is a young girl, with her life ahead of her, I don't want to take that away from her." Merlin knows the Dursleys had tried hard enough with him.

Madame Maxine let out a hearty laugh, "Monsieur Potter, Gabrielle is, if I am correct, slightly older than you."

Gabrielle nodded, "Oui, Je me suis tourné quinze en Janvier."

"Um, what?"

Madame Maxine nodded, "Monsieur Potter, Gabrille is a fourth year. She turned fifteen in January. The Veela version of how do you say it-"

"Puberty?" Hermione supplied.

"Oui, 'uberty is different than humans."

Harry took this time to jump back in the conversation, "But, I don't want Gabrielle to be tied to me, how can we remove this bond?"

That statement had the opposite effect to what Harry expected, instead seeing a happy Gabrielle, she started sobbing hysterically. Fleur went over to comfort her, sobbing as well. Harry was confused. So Dumbledore explained.

"Harry, if you want, that's your choice, but these bonds are only terminated if the Veela is seen as undesirable. Not only is it a great insult, but it will also punish the Veela in question."

"Punish?"

"She will go insane!" Fleur screamed at him, before her eyes widened and she started hugging Gabrielle again.

Suddenly the situation fully hit Harry. He was now responsible for the life of a young girl. He really had no choice in the matter. He went over to Gabrielle, knelt down, and gently cusped her cheek.

"Gabrielle, I'm sorry, I had no idea that would happen, I would be honored to have you as a-"

"Bonded companion," Dumbledore interjected.

"Yes, as a bonded companion."

Gabrielle looked up and smiled, "Merci, mon Master."

Harry shuddered slightly, he was reminded of Dobby and of himself. Gabrielle looked at him questioningly, with a tinge of fear. Harry was going to answer her when he was interrupted.

Hermione was furious, "Harry, you're okay with this! This is slavery, this is horrible!"

Dumbledore interrupted her tirade with a firm, but educational tone, "Miss Granger! This is just simply the way things are. Understand that this bond could not have been undertaken if Harry was not of pure heart. He will treat Gabrielle well," here Dumbledore gave a warning glare to Harry, who nodded, "and later we will discuss your harassment of House-Elves, your reaction to which has disappointed me!"

Hermione was floored, speechless and quite upset.

"Whoa, someone's channeling McGonagall," Harry muttered. Gabrielle laughed, which Harry thought was strange, because this girl should have no idea what he's talking about.

"Um, just how will this bond affect us?"

"It will not affect you, 'arry. 'Owever, it will make Gabrielle adapt to what you want, she will act 'ow you want her to act, she will gain access to your knowledge, in a way, 'ence 'er understanding of your joke. It will cause her to mature faster. She will believe in the same things you believe in, she will be your shadow. She must remain close to you, especially as the bond is forming."

"Define close, do you mean in the same castle, or same living area..."

"You will 'ave to sleep together."

"What?!

"I meant in a strictly um, platonique, manner."

Hermione recovered and rounded on Fleur, "And how can sleeping together be platonic?"

"Mon sister and I 'ave shared a bed for many years, that is platonic, unless of course you are accusing me of something!"

This burst Hermione's bubble, "No, of course, not."

"Good because there are arrangements to be made and forms to be filed and people to be contacted, Moi Deiu, we still 'aven't told my parents!"

That statement worried Harry even more, what would Gabrielle's parents think of him, would they would see him as a pervert and a cradle robber? Gabrielle seemed to sense Harry's feelings because she suddenly hugged him. Harry absentmindedly ran his hand through her hair.

Dumbledore nodded, "Because of the proximity issue the Fourth Year Boy's Dorm is no longer appropriate. Hmm, ah, there are certain dorms available for married students and students with dependents, I think that after all the paperwork is complete, Harry and Gabrielle would qualify for that."

Madame Maxine turned to Dumbledore, "May I use your floo?" Dumbledore nodded so Madame Maxine threw some powder into his floo and called out for, " Ministère de la Magie, Département pour le Contrôle et le Règlement des Créatures Magiques, Bureau de Liaison Veela."

After speaking some rapid French, a young Veela, who looked about Fleur's age stepped out. Madame Maxine introduced her.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Ange Delaterre, the head of the Veela Liaison Office at the French Ministry; she is here to register the life debt bond."

"Excellent, and who is the lucky couple?"

Harry and Gabrielle stood up.

"Well, why am I not surprised, Gabrielle, my darling what did you do?"

"I was 'eld 'ostage by the Merpeople."

"Oh and this lovely gentlemen rescued you, my child."

Harry quirked an eyebrow at this choice of words. Why was this woman talking to Gabrielle like a grandmother? Ange saw this and just laughed.

"Mr. Potter, you really have no idea what so ever of what you're getting into, I'm a lot older than I look. Now let's start with the paperwork" She handed over the sheet, "This first form confirms that a Veela Bond has taken place and gets all your basic information."

Harry filled out the form, assisted by Fleur and Gabrielle in places, putting Privet Drive as his place of permanent residence, as much as he loathe to do so. He handed the form Gabrielle who filled in her information, who then handed it back to Ange.

"Now then, Mr. Potter, this second form confirms you are taking full custody of Gabrielle and that she will now carry the Potter name." Harry signed the form before handing it to Gabrielle who then signed it, leaving another space for her parents. Ange took the form and remarked, "This form also gives you full emancipation rights, meaning that you can fully access your accounts, enter into contracts, etc. However you are still bound by the Reasonable Decree for Underage Sorcery, unless given a specific override by your government."

She handed over a third form. "This form will transfer any assets and property in Gabrielle's name to your control, it will also give you full durable power of attorney over her, and not that she is now under your full control and will."

"Why do I have to sign this?"

"French and British law mandates that she is now yours, therefore her former property is yours, and that you are responsible for her actions."

"But that's horrible, why should I sign it."

Gabrielle sighed and put her hand on Harry's, "It is okay, master, it is the way of things." Harry shuddered again, shaking his head slightly.

Harry sighed and looked at Gabrielle, "Well, if you're okay with it, then I am." He reluctantly signed the form. Gabrielle also signed it; again there was a spot blank for her parents.

"Well that does it, I'll send off a copy of the first form to your Being Division today, and I'll leave the other two forms for you to get your parents to sign. Au revior!"

She walked back through the floo to Paris.

Dumbledore clapped his hands together, "Now then, that concludes things, Dobby!"

Dobby appeared, "Mister Dumbly is calling Dobby?"

"Yes, could you get Harry's and Gabrielle's things and move them up into the married quarters in the Gryffindor Dorms please?"

"Certainly, Dobby will get Harry Potter Sir's things and Harry Potter Sir's Gabby's things and take them to the Married Peoples dorms in Gryffindor." Dobby left.

Dumbledore walked over to the stack of books Hermione had brought up and picked one out, handing it to Harry.

"This should give you the most relevant data about your bond, I suggest that you peruse it." He then picked up another two books, as well as two from his own collection and gave them to Hermione. "Miss Granger, I suggest that you peruse those two books on Harry's situation as well as the other two on House-Elves."

She took the books, nodded, and left.

Everyone else took this as their cue to leave and so left. Madame Maxine went back to the carriage and Harry, Gabrielle and Fleur went back to Gryffindor.

Of course, no one noticed that Cuthbert Binns had left some time earlier. He was, after all, just a boring ghost.

-Please Review! Thanks to those who have