A/N: I have taken about half of the so called 'Rules of Hogwarts' and streamed a few of them together per chapter to create a collaboration of oneshots. The ratings will change per chapter / oneshot and so will the pairings.
A/N 2: Many, if not all of the oneshots / chapters will be AU, slightly OC for the different characters and mainly non-canon as far as the original story lines go.
A/N 3: All of the chapters / oneshots have either been co-authored by Aealket and/or at least creatively inspired by him as a muse and springboard.
The Art of Seduction Part 2
T
Harry x Gabrielle D
The castle of Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry thrummed and appeared to vibrate as emotions and tensions ran at an all time high in the stonewalls. Two weeks had seemingly flown by since Headmaster Dumbledore announced the inter-school relations at the upcoming Winter Solstice Ball and the morning of the ball sprang up upon the students and staff alike.
"Harry, I swear mate, if you don't tell the fairer sex here at Hogwarts if you have a date or not and who the identity of your date may be, I'm going to hex the next batch of giggly bobble heads that flirt with you in an attempt to get you to go to the ball with them."
"You can rest easy Draco. You only have to deal with the rabid airheads for a few more hours. And don't tell anymore firsties that asking if we'll go to this shindig with them is a guaranteed way to get them fed to Fluffy."
Harry, Draco and Blaise wove their way through the crowded corridors as they left from Charms and headed for Defence Against the Dark Arts. Many of the girls batted their eyelashes, giggled, smiled or pouted as they passed the trio of young men but none of them paid any attention. Harry was already spoken for after sending Gabrielle a polite but smolderingly suggestive response to her letter two weeks ago and Draco had been looking smug ever since a few days ago when Hermione asked him to the ball. Neither boy knew whether Blaise had been asked to the ball but the tall, dark skinned wizard had many admirers and Harry would place twenty galleons that his other friend had been asked at least twice to go to the ball. It was just in Blaise's nature to hide his inner feelings and thoughts unless one asked for them or he felt inclined to give them.
"But you're deliberately missing my point Harry. For once in your life do everyone else a favour and say whether you're spoken for or not about going to this bloody event."
"And where would the fun be in that? I do have a reputation to maintain after all."
"A reputation for being a manipulative, conniving cunning arsehole?"
Harry didn't bother to dignify his friend's sarcastic comment with a response and went to walk into the classroom when a small knot of student's further down the hallway caught his eye. He stopped beside the door and narrowed his eyes as he continued to watch the student's. Draco and Blaise both had stopped and Harry knew they were waiting to see what had piqued his attention. A minute later Harry heard Draco sigh and mutter something under his breath but Harry knew his friend would follow him as he strolled over to the student's with his hands in his pockets.
"Afternoon gentlemen. I would hope that this is not what I think it is."
At the sound of Harry's voice the two older students turned around to look at him and Harry made his move. In two smooth steps he put himself between the sixth year boys (at least by the looks of them Harry figured) and the three younger boys (by the looks of their frightened faces Harry figured them to be first years).
"That would depend on your point of view Potter. Which House are you feeling like belonging to today?"
"Well that all depends on what I can gain from this situation or what I could lose from it. From what I can see, two Ravenclaw sixth years are bullying three Hufflepuff first years. Now, given from what we know about each House I figure you're trying to make a quick coin by using your fabled intelligence and logic while the firsties are going to stick together under the good ol' Hufflepuff loyalty."
Harry met the two Ravenclaw's gazes and didn't blink once. His infamous smirk twisted his lips and Harry's eyes glowed as his magic sang with the prospect of a duel.
"And what's it to you Potter if we are? You don't belong to either House and you don't even have a House to call your own here. Bugger off and go-"
"Draco. Blaise."
Out of the corner of his eye Harry saw both of his friends nod and then Harry made the first move. He doubled over one of the Ravenclaw's with a quick punch to the gut with his left hand while delivering a stunning punch to the other's jaw. The second Ravenclaw fell to the floor unconscious and the first one wheezed as he tried to straighten. Harry didn't give him the chance as he grabbed the other boy by the lapels of his robes, spun him around and slammed him into the wall of the corridor. He pinned the other boy there with a forearm across the throat and held his wand pointed at the boy's gut.
"Would one of you three be so kind as to retrieve this poor sap's money pouch from his inner pocket for me?"
Harry's eyes didn't leave the other boy's as he phrased his command in a soft, silky question to the three Hufflepuff first years. After a few seconds of surprise one of them stepped forward and after a moment or two of rummaging retrieved the mentioned money pouch. All Hogwarts's students were given one at the start of their first year and the pouch could be upgraded at the school's store to hold more money and other items.
"Split the money in there between you three and get to your next lesson. When the charms come down you do not want to be here. Understood?"
"Y-yes Harry Potter."
The three first years scrambled away and Harry leaned in closer to the Ravenclaw until his mouth was right by his ear.
"I don't want to see you trying to do another shake down or a few bruises and wounded pride will be the least of your worries. Now get."
Harry shoved the other boy down the hallway and enervated his fallen friend with a quiet mutter. The first Ravenclaw helped his housemate to his feet and with a final venomous glare over his shoulder he led his housemate away. Draco and Blaise stopped shielding the scene with their bodies and canceled the few notice-me-not charms. Harry straightened his robes, fixed his bag on his shoulder and walked into the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.
"You know, one of these days we are going to get caught or someone is going to cook up a cock and bull story that we can't talk our way out of Harry. Do you have to stick up for every little firstie being introduced to the pecking order?"
"When I can help it."
Harry tossed his bag on the table that he shared with his two friends and looked out the window as he sat down. Truth be told the only reason he got involved in confrontations like these was because of the bullying he suffered as a child from Dudley and his gang along with the years of abuse suffered under his relatives care. Most of the time he didn't even blink and only came to after the situation was handled. As for knowing where the money bags where kept, Harry had to learn to fend for himself and quickly learned where valuable things were kept or hidden in a house or on someone's person.
"Good afternoon class. I hope you had a hearty lunch as you're going to need all of your energy for the lesson this afternoon. Now…"
Harry's attention returned to the classroom when his professor began to outline the lesson for the lesson and he sighed as he pushed the dark memories back into the furthest corners of his mind.
Harry stood with the his fellow Gryffindor housemates out in the entrance courtyard before the large double doors that led into the Entrance Hall and awaited the arrival of Beauxbaton Academy and Durmstrang. He had his hands clasped behind his back in his sleeves and rocked back and forth as he stared at the nighttime stars. He heard Hermione snort next to him and out of the corner of his eye saw her pull his cloak tighter around her.
The first snowfall of the year was due to fall tonight and most student's wore heavy winter cloaks but Harry had simply cast a warming charm on himself and handed Hermione his cloak to put over her own. She had chastised him of course as Dumbledore had requested that no magic be performed as the slightest disturbance in the magic around the castle right now could interfere with the wards or the navigation of the arriving schools but Harry had shrugged.
"Do you think they will arrive in the same manners of fashion they did three years ago?"
Hermione's quiet murmur drew Harry out of his stargazing but he didn't look at her and continued to try and find as many constellations as he could. Even before he had arrived at Hogwarts and taken Astronomy, Harry had been fascinated with the cosmos. The twinkling stars and the intricate designs they hovered in always seemed to beg the big question's about life. Why were we here? Was there other life outside of earth? Could magic make it possible for life on other planets?
"I wouldn't dare to presume to think that I know either school well enough to guess as to how they will arrive at Hogwarts."
"Stop being such a cheeky bugger and give me your educated guess. It helps pass the time and get my mind off how cold it is out here."
Harry bit the inside of his cheeks to bite off the comment he wanted to say but his attempt to contain his smirk failed and Hermione rolled her eyes at him with another huff. Harry took it in good friendship and humour as he couldn't begin to imagine how cold it would be if all he was wearing was thin lace and then a thin silk ball gown with only a cloak as substantial protection against the nighttime chill. Many of the girls had buttoned up their cloaks upon meeting out in the courtyard to hide their attire but Harry could care less as he stood tall in his pitch black, expensive dress robes trimmed with green here and there. He was aware that Hermione kept giving him the once over many times and other girls were too but he knew he would have the last laugh when his date arrived.
"If I must. Through my letters with Krum, he has told me that arriving in the grand ol' pirate ship was Igor's idea of extravagant arrival but this year in our last letter he hinted that there would be a return to Durmstrang's reputation as dark, dangerous and fierce. I have my suspicions as to the vehicle of their arrival but nothing definite."
"How is Viktor still in contact with Durmstrang when he is a professional Quidditch star?"
Harry grinned down at Hermione for a moment before looking back up to the stars. At one time Hermione would have demanded why Harry was keeping in contact with a former Durmstrang school champion as the two of them hadn't gotten along well when Viktor was here for the Triwizard tournament but as he grew older Harry realised the importance of networking. Subsequently, Harry struck up a correspondence with Viktor and the friendship was mutually beneficial.
"He still has contacts within Durmstrang. Namely the whole male population as they are avid fans."
Harry heard Hermione chuckle and saw her nod her head out of the corner of her eye.
"And Beauxbaton Academy?"
"I'm afraid that the nature of their arrival has been a well kept secret and I haven't been given the slightest clue besides suggestive and sultry one-liners."
"Well what did you expect from a Veela?"
Harry rolled his eyes at Hermione's haughty, tight tone and for the hundredth time wished the two witches would just sit down and talk it out. Or hash it out with wands. Either would be amusing and satisfactory to Harry. It was no secret to Harry that his best friend was extremely jealous of the relationship Harry had with Fleur and vice versa as his French beauty had threatened to let Hermione see the more volatile nature of her genetics if given the chance.
"Now now Mione. No need to ruin the mood before the night even begins."
"Humph."
Harry was spared as the wards shimmered outside the courtyard signaling the arrival of one of the schools. Twin spirals of intense and vibrant flames lit up the night sky and many students cowered. The flames struck a portion of the empty courtyard and that section of the courtyard vanished as the flames flared up in a rather impressive display. In the midst of the flames there came loud screeches followed by powerful roars and then low, deep growls.
"What the hell?"
Harry grinned at Ronald's comment and his eyes widened for a fraction of a second when the flames died down to reveal two large, dangerous looking dragons. The great mythical beasts towered over the assembled crowd at an estimated twenty feet from clawed foot to massive shoulder and the beasts' dark scales glistened in the reflection of the torches and flames that still burned on the ground.
Harry grinned as the dragons' made eye contact with many of the students and they had an up close and personal view of the dragons' red and yellow eyes. Once the gathered shock of the method of arrival wore off Harry could see that the dragons' were harnessed to a large flatbed sleigh that reminded Harry of the muggle game battleship.
"Impressive."
"I'd say. Durmstrang has been known for its affinity with the Dark Arts and every text that I've been able to get my hands on has stated that the castle grounds is patrolled by creatures such as dragons ever since a dark wizard led a reckless charge to take over the school in the mid 1700's."
"Here they come."
Harry watched as parts of the sleigh apparatus lowered drawbridges and black silhouettes that would be identified as the student's walked down to the stone floor of the courtyard. A slender, dark haired, fair skinned woman walked at the head of the procession and shook hands with Dumbledore.
"That would be Headmistress Eva Luitgard, the first Headmistress of Durmstrang. Her ascension was big news in all the international tabloids and newspapers as Durmstrang has been traditionally run by Headmasters' since the school was founded."
"What post did she ascend from?"
"She was the Transfiguration professor."
Harry didn't say anything to Hermione's quiet but informative whispers and filed the information away in his mind, as he was sure that the Headmistress would speak to him at some point tonight. With Voldemort having been vanquished at the height of the past summer by Harry's hand according to the prophecy, Harry had fled with as much dignity as he could into Hogwarts and the media was kept at bay. That still didn't stop the dogs however as any one of Harry's friends or who had an impact on his life (half of them were untrue as everyone claimed to know Harry Potter) was a target and many interviews and articles had been written about him.
"Welcome students' of Durmstrang. If you would kindly step to the right of your transport I believe the other guests are due to arrive in a few minutes."
The Durmstrang students' followed Dumbledore's command and lined up in an orderly fashion much like the Hogwarts's students' had. The difference being that there weren't quite as many students' from the foreign school.
"What's that?"
Harry followed some random student's voice and looked over to the only empty section of the courtyard. A faint glimmer of light shone in a large ring and grew brighter as the seconds passed. The light now shone in a bright, solid ring and began to fill into the center of the circle. With a low, pleasing hum the circle, now filled completely, pulsed and dissipated into thousands of glowing specks. In the circle's stead now stood the visiting body of Beauxbaton Academy students with their recognisable half giant Headmistress Olympe Maxime.
"Dumbledore. How nice it is to see you again."
"And you as well Madame Maxime. Safe travels?"
"Oh. Yes. The fairies and pixies were only too eager to afford us such a comfortable and speedy method of travel this time around."
Over the next few minutes the three leaders of the magical schools conversed and lodgings for the visiting student's were acquired. Harry noted with mild interest that the students' from Beauxbaton Academy were staying on the fifth floor, two floors beneath the Gryffindor dorms. After that the leaders of the schools walked into the castle and the students' followed. The dance had officially begun.
"Mr. Potter. A word if you please."
Harry turned to look up at his head of House Professor McGonagall and laid his cards facedown on the table. Draco, Blaise, Seamus and Dean Thomas followed suit and Harry saw the professor's eyes narrow. No doubt she wasn't expecting this table with such gathered company to be one of the quieter ones but over the years Harry had learned that by being quieter you could learn more and have the illusion of being more powerful than you actually were.
"Like the Yule Ball a few years ago, this Winter's Solstice Ball will begin with an introductory formal dance between the student leaders of the three school's. As such, in being the Head Boy, you and you're date along with Ms. Granger as Head Girl and her date will honour this tradition and represent Hogwarts. Be ready in the next five minutes."
"Of course professor. Ready mate? And no quips about Gryffindor courage coming in bottles of fire whiskey."
Professor McGonagall walked away in her usual ramrod fashion and Harry eased himself out of his chair. He gazed around the hall, not surprised to see many sets of eyes upon him and located the table at which his date, Gabrielle Declaour sat. With a nod at Draco, Harry ambled over to Gabrielle and out of the corner of his eye he saw Draco walk over to where Hermione sat with her study group and friends. Harry also noticed that many more sets of eyes were upon him and he smirked as he knew his picking up Gabrielle would be unintentionally dramatic as no one knew who Harry's date was.
"Where is he walking?"
"Is he going to get his date?"
"Why isn't he choosing me?"
Harry heard the whispers amongst the females' present and stood behind the chair in which Gabrielle sat. He watched as many of the other girl's eyes widened and he resisted the urge to smirk even more than he already was.
"Excuse me coup manqué? I would be delighted if you would be my partner for the opening dance this evening and then hopefully for the rest of the night."
Time froze for Harry as Gabrielle pushed away from the table, stood up and turned around to face him for the first time that evening. The first aspect of Gabrielle that Harry noticed was how brightly intense her blue eyes were. They seemed to hold captured liquid fire and Harry stood transfixed for a few seconds. It was when her eyes lit up with a knowing gleam that Harry's once over went past her eyes and lingered on her pale pink lips and down to the graceful column of her neck.
"Harry Potter. It is good to see you again. Yes, I shall join you."
Harry held out his hand for Gabrielle to take and grinned as she interlocked their fingers. As she walked beside him Harry gazed at her attire and gave a roguish smile at the ivory fabric that slithered as she moved.
The dress looked like it was falling off her shoulders as the straps hugged the outside/side of her shoulders and the fabric came together to form a tight corset or bustier. Harry couldn't really tell and really didn't give a damn as the dress showcased her slender torso and developing curves perfectly. He smirked as he realised she had modified the dress as the two layers of skirt split to reveal a lightly tanned smooth leg and stylish strappy silver heel.
"Une belle you are absolutely radiant and let me be the first to compliment you on your excellent choice of attire and beau visage."
"Mon, mon Mr. Potter. You are most charming and full of compliments tonight aren't you? Veuillez obtenir le ce soir heureux vous est?" (1)
Harry wisely chose to not answer Gabrielle's flirty question and his groin twitched at her low, sultry tones. Instead, Harry stopped in the middle of the designated dance floor, stepped a few paces away from her and bowed. She curtsied low in return and the two stepped together to join hands as the traditional waltz played from the band. He liked how her small hands were enveloped in his as the two glided, spun and stepped their way around the floor. Out of the corner of his eyes Harry saw Hermione dancing with Draco and each Quidditch captain and prefect dancing with their dates as well as the student leaders from Durmstrang and Beauxbaton Academy.
"Une belle, how have you kept the blokes off you so far this evening until I arrived? As well as being easily the most beautiful thing here, you are an excellent dancer."
"I have an Emmett Cullen patronus of course."
Harry laughed but something in Gabrielle's tone and eyes told him there might actually be some truth to her claim.
"Tell me something Harry, have you been adjusting to your new life since the defeat of the Dark Lord?"
"I am afraid I do not know what you are asking Gabrielle. You ask a well-known question but there are many implications behind it."
Truth be told Harry was stalling as he spun Gabrielle away from him and then brought her close enough for a few seconds that their hips melded together. Having been in contact with Fleur quite diligently over the years Harry knew how direct the Declaour sister's could be and he figured Gabrielle wouldn't be any different but it was her eyes. Her eyes had not left his since they came together to dance and the emotions behind her words threatened to bring Harry to his knees. He knew that she was doing her best to make a good impression on him and show him that she was a worthy contender for his affections.
"Come now Harry. You know exactly what I am asking. I didn't ask how you were adjusting, I am asking if you are adjusting. We both know that Fate isn't done with you yet and am asking if you are recovering well in the breather Fate is giving you."
"Curious little thing are you une belle?"
"I am not a groupie Harry. Maybe from ages eight to fourteen I was but not now. I am the little sister to one of your greatest friends and am trying to earn a place in your circle. There is no time nor room for senseless babbling as you are a busy man and you're time is limited."
Harry narrowed his eyes as he studied Gabrielle and tried to read as much as he could from her eyes and body language. There was much to see and much to learn but the overwhelming emotion was sincerity. It practically oozed from every pore in Gabrielle's skin and Harry decided to take a chance.
"I will confess to many nights wandering the corridors or gazing up into the nighttime sky and wondering what's next for me but that is a depressing topic. Not one needing to be discussed on this evening when we are supposed to be trying to get away with doing naughty things underneath the professors' noses."
"And there is a wonderful ploy Harry. You are quite skilled at changing the topic of conversation no?"
Harry grinned and dipped Gabrielle low to the ground as the song ended. He deliberately let one of his hands trail down from the nape of her neck, down her half bared back, over her hips and down across the curve of her arse. He felt Gabrielle tremble and when Harry brought her back up her blue eyes were smoldering.
"Two can play this game Harry. Are you sure you want to begin?"
"Si le résultat vous est nu et dans mes bras alors…yes." (2)
As Gabrielle's cheeks flushed lightly Harry dipped down and pressed a kiss to her exposed right collarbone. He felt Gabrielle jump but he didn't let her dwell on his actions as he steered her off the dance floor with a hand on the small of her back. He smiled for a second when she intertwined their fingers and he walked back to his table.
He pulled out a chair for Gabrielle and once she was seated he sat on her left. She wasted no time in pulling her chair closer to his and rubbed her heel up the inside of his calf as she leaned closer to him with her elbows on the table. The bodice of her dress fell forward a little but only enough to give Harry a quick glimpse at the upper swells of her breasts and he smirked.
"I have a question for you Gabrielle."
"Yes?"
"Where did you put your wand?"
Harry smirked as he deliberately gave Gabrielle another once over and let his eyes linger on the swells of her breasts and curve of her hips. He let his magic show in his eyes and matched her twinkling eyes but not the sensual lilt of her lips.
"Why Harry. You're being rather forward tonight. I didn't know you still played Find My Wand. The last time I played was when I was a child."
"You haven't played since you were a child? You must be out of practice then."
"Well I am in that awkward transition between a girl and a young woman but maybe you can clear something up for me. I heard that the adults have their own version of the game. Have you heard of it or better yet even played?"
Oh she was good. Harry had to give her that. She rolled her tongue around every third word making sure her accent came on lightly and her eyes twinkled with mischief even as she widened them innocently.
"Maybe, maybe not. I'm afraid you shouldn't say those things as you might be misquoted or giving off the wrong impression. Are you sure?"
"Yes."
And just like that the semi-innocent banter disappeared as the two of them confirmed just what exactly was being said. Their stare down was broken as Harry heard someone clinking on a glass and he turned to see Dumbledore standing behind his usual podium.
"Good evening everyone. If everyone would please take a seat we can continue on with our evening and our meal will begin."
Harry glanced around and sighed with relief as Ginny suddenly steered away from his table and several other 'fan girls' did as well. As soon as Harry had sat down at the table after the opening dance he had cast a slew of privacy spells and then turned his attentions to Gabrielle. Their solitude was interrupted however when Hermione, Draco and Blaise appeared with their dates and sat down in the available empty seats.
"Pretty clever Harry. Every time I got within twenty feet of your table I suddenly found myself wishing to go do something else or go somewhere else. It took a lot of concentration but with the help of Draco I realised your trickery. Your sleight of hand with your magic has only gotten better since I first saw you use it in your last interview with Rita Skeeter when you stated that her claim of "conquering the world with an army of flying monkeys was not a career choice.""
"Not called the smartest witch in our generation for nothing Mione. Good evening all. I would like to introduce my partner for this evening Miss Gabrielle Declaour, younger sister to a good friend of mine Fleur Declaour."
There was the customary general round of introductions and Harry saw Hermione's eyes narrow as she shook hands with Gabrielle. No doubt she was piecing together all the hints, secret letters and rumours going on around and about Harry over the past two weeks. He waited for it and a few minutes later she glared at him. He nodded with a half smile, half smirk.
"Now that everyone is seated I would like to take a few moments of your time and welcome our guests as well as make the proper introductions. I am Headmaster Albus Dumbledore of Hogwarts and to my left is Headmistress Olympe Maxime of Beauxbaton Academy while on my right is Headmistress Eva Luitgard of Durmstrang. I can already see that many of you have met each other and I hope many friendships will be formed throughout the night."
When Dumbledore paused to take a breath there was a polite round of applause and each of the Headmistress's stood to be recognised. Harry felt Gabrielle tense beside him and without looking he knew Hermione would be shooting burning glares at his date. To relieve her fears Harry rubbed his thumb over her knuckles as their hands were still joined and he felt Gabrielle squeeze a little tighter.
"Yes there is no greater magic than the bonds between friends but I digress. Once again I would like to make it clear that no one younger than a fifth year student may be in this hall and if you are younger than please leave as quietly as you can otherwise you will be escorted out. With that being said I offer a toast of friendship and good will."
Dumbledore raised his glass and the food magically appeared on the tables even as the table magically expanded to accommodate the dishes. Chatter resumed and Harry looked up to see Daphne and Neville approaching. He grinned at the slightly dazed look on Neville's face and kicked out one of the few remaining empty chairs.
"Evening Neville. How many flies have you caught?"
Blaise and Draco sniggered along with Harry but a glare from Hermione and Daphne quieted them down. More introductions were made for Gabrielle's benefit and Harry grinned as Daphne raised an eyebrow at him as she sat down. A few moments later Luna and Susan took the final two chairs. The two girls sat down and both nodded at Harry. Quiet chatter resumed as the company piled foods on their plates and Harry recast a few privacy charms but at a look from Hermione didn't recast the notice-me-not charm.
"We sit at a very powerful table don't we?"
"What makes you say that?"
"S'il vous plait Harry. My Veela blood is thrumming even more so since I met you and that is because it wants to seduce every person here at this table. The cocktail of power humming here is…intoxicating."
Harry grinned and draped an arm across the back of Gabrielle's chair. He fiddled with the strap of her dress on her shoulder and nodded.
"Yes, there are a lot of powerful young witches and wizards here at this table. Neville, Susan, Daphne and Draco come from Noble and Ancient Houses while Blaise comes from a Lesser Noble house. His family is a few generations short of attaining the Ancient status but they are still powerful in their own right. Susan is also the niece to the current Director of Magical Law Enforcement and Luna is the heiress to the Quibbler as well as having a few other talents."
"There's more to this Luna girl than you are letting on Harry."
Harry stalled and looked over to Luna who was talking to Daphne. When she absent-mindedly nodded her head Harry grinned and his body didn't tense up anymore.
"She comes from a colourful lineage of powerful Seers if you will. I haven't gotten her to confirm it but if my suspicions are correct than Luna sees things that aren't there to anyone else and looks into the future."
"Comment intéresser…. And what of your muggle friend?"
"How did you know Mione was a muggle?"
Gabrielle looked at him like he had just asked a foolish question and Harry resisted the urge to face palm.
"Right Fleur's your sister."
"She does have interesting things to say about your friend."
"I'm sure. Anyway, Mione has garnered the attention of every professor here at Hogwarts and several well-known scholars in the working world. She has also been nicknamed the 'smartest witch in our generation.' It will be interesting to see where she ends up at the end of the term."
"Telling the dirty secrets of us all Harry?"
Harry smirked at Daphne and watched as she stroked Neville's forearm that rested on the table. Even though her question was rather pointed Daphne's oddly coloured eyes twinkled with happiness and mischief.
"Only about you Daphne. There is so much to tell after all."
"Beg your pardon?"
Harry's answer to Daphne's question was to let his smirk widen and he saw the combative twinkle replace Daphne's happiness. Gabrielle chose that moment to let her head fall back against the front of Harry's shoulder and Harry knew she was saving him by letting the attention fall on her.
"I don't know Harry. There is so much to tell your little girlfriend here about you. After all, not everyone can fight dragons, basilisks and prank every professor in the castle without getting caught."
"A little fabricant de malice are you Harry?"
"Never proven I'm afraid and I swore an oath to never reveal my secrets."
"Je vous ferai me dire plus tard ce soir alors. (3) Anything else anyone else wants to share about Harry?"
It was only because of the warm, curvy body resting against him that Harry took all the good-natured ribbing so well and that every time a story or anecdote would strike Gabrielle's fancy she would giggle and squeeze Harry's hand in hers. The band started playing again but no couple from the table got up to dance as the joking and banter continued around the table.
"Excuse me?"
Harry sighed as he had been trying to ignore the French girl who had walked up to the table a few minutes ago but now stood with her hands on her hips and looked frustrated as no one had paid her the slightest attention.
"Can we help you?"
"Yes I was wondering if I could have a dance with you Harry Potter?"
"Sorry but no."
The girl's eyes widened like she hadn't expected to be turned down as she had gathered the courage to walk over to the semi-private table and break up the good company. Harry had been aware of the many gazes and curious people that had passed their table but so far except for this girl no one had dared to approach.
"Arrêter d'être égoïste et d'autres permettre d'avoir un virage avec lui!" (4)
Harry's eyes hardened and his smirk disappeared to form a straight line as the French girl hissed at Gabrielle and it was obvious she didn't expect Harry to understand.
"Je pas ai fait n'importe quoi lui. Il choisit de ne pas danser avec vous." (5)
When Gabrielle hissed back at the girl and tensed up Harry decided that was enough. A tall Durmstrang boy was walking past carrying a goblet in each hand and Harry closed his eyes in concentration. The boy stumbled and the goblet nearest to the rude French girl tipped. The dark liquid splattered over the front of the girl's dress and she shrieked as she jumped back with her arms covering her breasts.
"Balourd maladroit! Look what you have done!"
The girl stomped away and the Durmstrang boy looked confused. He shrugged and walked back in the direction of the refreshment table that had appeared when the band started playing again.
"Come Gabrielle. I think you will enjoy some of the sights Hogwarts's has to offer this time of year and I must catch my breath as it is a little hot in here for my tastes."
Harry stood up and offered his hand to Gabrielle while summoning both their cloaks with a wave of his hand. He heard the girls snigger and looked at them with an innocent expression on his face.
"Catch your breath Harry? You haven't danced since the first dance half an hour ago."
"Also, a little hot in here for my tastes? Think your little girlfriend will keep you warm out there in the nighttime chill?"
Once again Harry felt Gabrielle stiffen and he had a suspicion it was because of the 'little girlfriend' comments. Without a word he swept away from the table and led Gabrielle to the doors that led out to the grounds. As the doors opened for them Harry helped Gabrielle into her cloak and donned his afterwards. Once outside he cast warming charms on them and was quick to take Gabrielle's hand.
"What are you thinking about coeur doux?"
"I find it interesting how much of a paradox you are and stop worrying Harry. It was just a little daunting being in there with all of your friends and in such the company of such beautiful, older girls."
Harry bit his cheek as he wanted to assure Gabrielle that he would straighten them all out when they walked back inside but he realised that doing so would only show that Harry saw her as a little girl in Gabrielle's eyes.
"How am I a paradox? I have not heard that one before."
"Really? How surprising."
"Care to elaborate?"
"On one condition. When you think you're temper is back under control and no one else will have any more accidents around you, you dance with me again."
Harry stopped when Gabrielle did and was forced to look down into her eyes as she twirled in front of him with a graceful pirouette. Once again he noticed how intense her eyes were and even though she put on such a forward, confident sexy front how small and delicate her features still were. Traces of her childhood body could still be discerned even with her makeup and flattering gown but Harry found that he didn't mind.
"I think that's a given mon petit ange."
Their breaths mingled and the impulse to close those scant few inches and kiss her was overpowering but Harry resisted. Now was not the time as it didn't feel right and the logical side of his mind was screaming at him that he only met her tonight.
"Then I think I'm ready for that dance now."
Gabrielle nipped the bottom of Harry's chin and spun away with a melodic giggle. Harry took a deep breath, thankful for the biting chill as he didn't have a raging hard on and ran after a skipping Gabrielle. He caught her around the waist just outside of the castle and spun her around. She giggled again and hugged him tight when he set her down. The castle doors opened and Harry banished their cloaks along with canceling the warming charms as they stepped out to the dance floor. As their luck would have it, the band was playing a fast, down and dirty song and the dance floor was packed with grinding, jerking bodies. Gabrielle grabbed his hand and led Harry to the dance floor. She wasted no time in dancing around him, teasing him by never allowing their bodies to mesh for more than a few seconds and Harry would be lying if he didn't enjoy every minute of it. He tried to give back as well as he got but he knew he was no match for the part Veela as this was what she was created for. Still, the two of them danced like this for three straight songs until Harry's throat was parched and he was covered in a fine sheen of sweat. More than once he had the opportunity to fondle Gabriella's delectable body including the sides of her breasts and tightness of her arse.
"Let's get a drink."
To get back at his teasing partner Harry whispered the command in her ear and made sure to breath heavily. He felt Gabriella shudder but she nodded and Harry led her off the dance floor once again with their hands linked. He waved his wand around the both of them in a few cleaning spells and after checking the glasses handed Gabrielle a glass. The two of them drank in silence, stealing glances at each other, grinning when they were caught and the tension was rising between them.
"Dance with me Gabrielle."
Harry was long past asking Gabrielle if she wanted to dance as he was getting addicted to the feeling of having her within the confines of his arms and he wanted to melt in her bones. Gabrielle's eyes darkened and Harry led her back to the dance floor which had emptied quite a bit as a slower song was playing and it implied for couples or want to be couples to remain. Harry pulled Gabrielle close to him and rested his hands on her lower back just above the curve of her arse while she scooped her arms underneath his to rest her hands on his back with her head pressed sideways into his chest.
"Everyone's watching us."
"It doesn't matter and I'm used to it. Comes with being me I'm afraid."
"I see and feel a lot of jealous girl's stares."
"Then you should know twice as many bloke's are imagining my death right now."
Gabrielle laughed quietly and Harry felt it in his bones. After two weeks of intermittent conversations through letters and one unbelievable night Harry felt like Gabrielle had him wrapped around her little finger. And for someone who prided himself on having the reputation of being the wild, untamable boy to have of Hogwarts, this made him stop to wonder. Even so it felt all right and Harry chose not to think about it anymore tonight.
"You're thinking rather hard mon chevalier dans briller d'armure."
"Tonight has proven to be one of those nights mon petit ange."
"Good thoughts I hope. You have had too many bad ones over the years."
Once again Gabrielle surprised Harry of how she used the information she knew about him and how she always chided him into a better mood or to be better without nagging him. He pulled her closer and spun in a smooth circle around another pair of students.
"Of that I can assure you. Just a lot of thoughts that I've never had before."
Gabrielle hummed her answer and Harry took it as a sign that she didn't want to talk right now. That was fine with him and he just focused on the feeling of having her in his arms. The song ended and the dancers stepped apart. There was the light clinking sound again and everyone turned to look up at Dumbledore.
"Good evening once again. That was the last song of the evening as the band needs to be on the road for their next engagement tomorrow. A round of applause for their efforts please."
Everyone applauded, the band stood to be recognised and the lead singer spoke a few words of his thanks. Dumbledore took everyone's attention once more and smiled.
"I'm afraid like all good times, this evening must come to an end. Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger, if you would please escort the two visiting schools to their lodgings for the evening. The rest of you please return to your Common Rooms as your Heads of Houses will want to say a few words to you."
There were a few grumbles and complaints amongst the gathered students and the expected chatter but Harry stood atop one table and pointed his wand at his throat.
"Time to move along people. The leaders of each school have been gracious enough to orchestrate this evening and it would be rude to repay their generosity by acting like a bunch of spoiled, ungrateful brats. If the students' from Beauxbaton Academy would meet around this table I will escort you and Durmstrang students meet up with Ms. Granger who is standing across from me."
Harry grinned at Hermione's withering glare but nodded to Draco and she spun on her heel. Draco nodded as he would escort his date so no foreign students' would get any malicious ideas with one of Hogwarts's brightest and most beautiful students'. Harry looked down to see Gabrielle standing in front of him with the rest of the Beauxbaton students' gathered around here. Without a word Harry stepped down from the table and walked out of the Great Hall. He crossed the Entrance Hall and began the walk up the central spiraling staircase.
"You are the Head Boy of Hogwarts's are you not?"
Harry turned to see a tall French girl walking on his other side opposite of Gabrielle. They hadn't linked hands but the two of them walked with a certain closeness.
"Yeah that's me."
"Some of the other student's from your school have also stated that you are the Quidditch Captain for your school House as well."
"That's also true."
By now the group had reached the third floor and Harry walked a little faster.
"How can you be both? It shouldn't be possible."
"I don't know what you mean. My Head of House gave me both positions and wished me luck."
"What of the other student's in your school House? Surely there were other candidates after you were already decided to be the Head Boy."
"I imagine so but I wouldn't know who they were as both badges signifying my positions came with my regular Hogwarts letter."
The entourage reached the fifth floor and Harry spoke the password given to him by Dumbledore to a large picture of the nighttime sky. The stars changed positions and the painting swung outwards.
"Here we are. Now, I'm supposed to tell you that there are different dorms for the blokes and ladies but since there are so few of the blokes shack up where you want. Good night."
Harry kept Gabrielle from walking past the painting and to the given lodgings with a gentle touch on her hip and the two of them stepped back. Some of Gabrielle's friends inquired but continued on with knowing looks when Gabrielle simply smiled. The painting closed behind the last student and Harry took Gabrielle's hand.
"Come on. I need to get back to my dorm as no doubt McGonagall is waiting for me before she says her piece."
"How am I going to remain hidden if I'm standing next to you?"
"Just trust me."
Harry walked down to the end of the corridor and pushed aside a suit of armor. He helped Gabrielle into the small lift, stepped in, pulled the suit of armor back into place and tripped the lever that activated the lift. With a lurch the lift began to rise and Harry positioned himself directly behind Gabrielle and pressed so close her delightful bum rubbed against his groin every time the lift lurched. He had an excellent view down the front of her dress and breathed quietly but hotly in her right ear. The lift stopped, Harry pushed the suit of armor away again and helped Gabrielle to the floor before exiting the lift himself.
"I know a lot of shortcuts."
"I'm sure."
Gabrielle smirked at Harry's response to her unasked question and turned to walk down the corridor with her hips swaying in a delightful manner. Harry jogged to catch up and just before they stood in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady Harry whipped out his invisibility cloak and threw it over Gabrielle.
"A family heirloom. No one can see you but try and be as quiet as possible as they can still hear you. Grab the back of my robes so I know where you are and hurry through the portrait or the Fat Lady will close on top of you."
Harry waited until Gabrielle did as he ordered and walked over to the Fat Lady.
"Ah Harry. Your professor is waiting for you but you simply must tell me about your evening. The other girls were lucky enough to have other portraits closer to the Great Hall and the whispers coming back to me are too juicy to ignore."
"In time but I'm afraid I have to go inside. Cream pudding."
The Fat Lady swung open and Harry hurried through. The portrait shut behind him and Harry continued only when Gabrielle whispered that she was right behind him. As he entered the Common Room he saw everyone's eyes upon him and with practiced ease ignored all of them as he took up his usual position near the fireplace. He leaned against it and nodded to his Head of House.
"Now that Mr. Potter is here we can talk. I applaud all of my cubs as I didn't catch any student younger than a fifth year from my House at the ball last night. There were also minimal disturbances but once again none from any of you. Now, go to your dorms, get changed and go to bed."
The students' wished McGonagall a good night and disappeared except for Harry and Hermione. It was the usual custom for them to stay after at the end of a House meeting as McGonagall would sometimes have other word to pass.
"Mr. Potter I applaud you on your excellent dancing and firm taking charge of any and all situations that came your way. A marked improvement over your last Yule Ball I think."
"Thank you professor."
Harry smiled at his head of House as she gave one of her rare smiles and Hermione giggled.
"Ms. Granger you were the epitome of grace but I expected that out of you and once again you performed to my expectations. If you would go to your dorm as I would like to have a word with Harry."
"Yes professor. Good night Harry."
"Night Mione."
Hermione shot Harry a look but he shrugged and his best friend disappeared up the private stairs that led to the Head Boy and Girl dorms. He heard her door click shut and turned his gaze back onto his Head of House. She stared at him for a long time and if Harry hadn't practiced for such occasions he would have squirmed or fidgeted.
"Remember who you are Harry and how your actions reflect as well as effect this institution as a whole. Good evening."
Harry smiled and nodded as his Head of House and unofficial grandmother swept out of the Common Room. Harry turned and walked up the stairs to his own dorm. He waited until he heard Gabrielle pad past him and shut and locked his door. For good measure he cast his strongest privacy charms and spells on the door and window.
"You can come out now."
"What was all that about Harry?"
Harry stood transfixed as he watched Gabrielle appear from out of nowhere. She fixed her hair and dress but Harry knew she was teasing him by running her hands down her body.
"With McGonagall?"
"Yes. It seemed like she knew I was there."
"She did."
Harry walked past Gabrielle and sat down on his four-poster bed. He untied his shoes and set them under his bed. He looked up to see Gabrielle standing in the middle of his room with her arms wrapped around her middle and chewing her bottom lip.
"Sorry. Those shoes were getting tight. Let me get something for you to wear and you can have the bathroom to get ready for bed."
"Thank you."
Harry walked past Gabrielle, kissed her neck and opened up his chest to find something for her to wear. Both of them knew that she wasn't going to be wearing anything to bed tonight but it was a formality and would give her something to wear later this morning.
"Here."
Gabrielle took Harry's Quidditch jersey from his outstretched hand but didn't step away from him. She tossed his jersey on the back of his desk chair and cupped his cheeks. He heard her inhale and her hands trailed down to the buttons of his dress robes. With nimble fingers she unbuttoned his robes and slid them off. Harry groaned as her hands worked the muscles of his back and shoulders and she palmed the width of his chest. His tie and button down met the same fate as his dress robes, which left his torso naked in the moonlight afforded by the window.
"You're magnificent. Everything I've ever dreamed of."
Harry didn't say anything as her little hands explored every inch of his bared skin and his eyes closed as the sensations were intense. He opened his eyes when her hands lifted off his body and he saw that her eyes were darkened with lust.
"I-I need to stop now or um, I'm going to ravage you right here and I need to get ready for bed."
"Let me help you."
Harry's voice came out low and deep but Gabrielle didn't step back when Harry's hands undid the elaborate hairdo of her silver hair. He smiled as her soft tresses fell in graceful waves down past her shoulders and halfway down her back. He knelt down and lifted a foot to his knee to undo the straps of her heel. The first one came off and Harry repeated the process with the second. Now that she didn't have any artificial height Harry saw that she came up to his chest and he growled at how dainty she looked.
"Hurry Harry."
"In good time. Let me enjoy you."
Gabrielle's dress pooled at her feet when Harry undid the zipper and this left Gabrielle standing in a strapless blue satin pushup bra and matching lace knickers. Harry's groin twitched but he controlled the impulse to rip the last articles of clothing off and tilted her face up to his with a finger underneath her chin.
"Mine."
At long last Harry gave into the impulse and kissed Gabrielle softly. She sighed and returned his kiss but neither of them moved their hands to pull each other closer. After a few minutes Harry broke away to breathe and saw Gabrielle standing there with her eyes closed.
"That was nice."
Harry smiled at her breathy whisper and he leaned down to capture Gabrielle's lips again. This time the kiss picked up in intensity and passion as hands gripped and pulled while Gabrielle did something spectacular with her legs on Harry's. The passion mounted and Harry groaned when he forced Gabrielle's mouth open so he could taste her with his tongue. His blood boiled and sang, overpowering her Veela nature and Harry backed her up into his chest.
"Harry…"
Her whimper turned him on even further and his hands gripped her hips tightly. She nipped his lip and pulled away.
"Give me a few minutes."
Gabrielle's voice broke through the hazy passion in Harry's mind and he controlled his breathing. With a nod from him Gabrielle walked over to his desk chair to pick up his jersey and then darted into his bathroom.
"She's going to be the death of me."
Now that his head was clear for the moment Harry undressed and hung up his clothes in his chest. He walked over to his bed and pulled back the covers.
"This better not be a dream."
Harry turned around and saw Gabrielle standing in the doorway to his bathroom in nothing but her knickers and eyeing him with a predatory gaze. Not ashamed or embarrassed with his nudity Harry turned fully to face Gabrielle and crooked his finger. Her perky, moderate breasts jiggled as she darted over to him and with a flying leap tackled him onto his bed. She giggled at his grunt and quick as could be Harry flipped them over so he was on top. His eyes dragged down her nearly nude torso, taking in the exquisite beauty and he leaned down until his mouth was a scant few millimeters above hers.
"Mine."
"Yours."
The only sound that echoed around the room after that were impassioned cries of ecstasy, grunts and groans as the two of them coupled together long into the early morning.
Harry smiled as he gazed down at the nude form of the vixen occupying his bed and trailed a finger down the smoothness of her bare back. His sheets covered her rear barely at a dangerous angle and Harry thought she couldn't look anymore devastatingly sexy than she did at the moment. A few strands of hair raked across her face and her pink lips were pursued as she breathed. For two hours now Harry watched the part Veela sleep as he didn't need quite as much sleep as she did even though she had done her best to wear him out earlier this morning.
"You know you can touch me. I think you've earned the right to touch me anytime you want with your actions earlier this morning."
"Morning mon petit ange."
"Good morning."
Harry still watched as Gabrielle spoke but didn't open her eyes and she snuggled closer. Harry laughed and raked the back of his fingers down her back. She mewled cutely and her back arched, jutting her breasts into his side, her light pink nipples hardening.
"Your lips can finish what your fingers have started."
"As much as I want to I have to go down to the Head Boy and Girl's Common Room and see who Mione is talking to. I'll be back in a few minutes, I promise."
"If you're not I'm going to come get you."
Harry laughed and kissed her temple before getting out of his bed. He pulled out a pair of boxers, black sweatpants and a gray wife beater. He dressed, brushed his teeth and with his wife beater slung over his shoulder quietly left his room.
"…a rather excellent technique she used by swiveling her hips."
"Luna! Really?"
"Oh come on Susan. You know that Hermione is a huge closet pervert and when Draco wasn't in the picture she entertained herself with her fingers and the large volume of smut she has in the bottom of her chest."
Harry rolled his eyes and smiled as he heard Hermione protest but the girls' chatter stopped when Harry walked into the small, open room.
"Morning girls."
"Harry!"
Hermione got up from the throw cushions she was kneeling on and hugged him. It took all of his self-control not to hiss or wince as her hands moved over the scratch marks on his back and once Hermione let go of him Harry quickly put on his shirt.
Luna and Susan nodded and waved their hands from their position on being snuggled together on the couch. Harry nodded and went over to pick up his tea Hermione had made for him and left under a warming charm.
"Have a good night Harry?"
"Yeah. Slept the best I have in a while."
"Was it because of the company of your little girlfriend I wonder?"
Harry rolled his eyes but didn't answer and walked over to the stairs that led back to his dorm.
"Oh no you don't Potter. You get back here right now, sit down and answer my…our questions."
"You mean suffer through your combined interrogation."
"Call it what you want but you don't have a choice in the matter. I've never seen you like you were last night and I want details."
Harry sighed and quickly debated whether to blow Hermione off or not. He finally decided on getting through their questions as quickly and painlessly as possible as the other option was to recast his privacy charms on his door. The charms wouldn't last long as the combined assault of three very determined witches would overpower them and then they would come into his room to see a sleeping Gabrielle.
"You each only get three questions."
"Harry!"
Harry turned around and held up three fingers. All three girls frowned and pouted but Harry wouldn't be moved. The widening of Hermione's and Susan's eyes and Luna's knowing smirk let him know that Gabrielle had wandered down the stairs to stand behind him. A pair of small arms wrapping around his shoulders to fall across his chest and a pair of soft, smooth lips he knew so well kissing the side of his neck confirmed his suspicions.
"I'm sorry. I was ambushed and they wouldn't let me go."
"It's all right. I figured whoever it was wouldn't let you go."
"Harry!"
Harry rolled his eyes at Hermione's outraged cry and he reached behind him to squeeze one of Gabrielle's hips. She flinched and Harry turned his head.
"A little sore."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. It was worth it and in a few hours I'll be as good as new. I suggest you answer Hermione as she looks like she's about to explode."
Harry looked back at his best friend and saw her mouth moving but no words coming out and Susan looked equally as dumbfounded. Luna raised a hand and gave him a thumbs up with a wink.
1) Veuillez obtenir le ce soir heureux vous est – Looking to get lucky tonight are you
2) Si le résultat vous est nu et dans mes bras alors – If the result is you naked and in my arms
3) Je vous ferai me dire plus tard ce soir alors – I'll make you tell me later tonight then
4) Arrêter d'être égoïste et d'autres permettre d'avoir un virage avec lui – Stop being selfish and let others have a turn with him
5) Je pas ai fait n'importe quoi lui. Il choisit de ne pas danser avec vous – I haven't done anything to him. He is choosing not to dance with you