Gabrielle was levitated into the kitchen and placed on the dinner table.
Dave began to position us all around Gabrielle and explain the plan.
Standing by Gabrielle's head Dave began, "Once we begin we must all keep the 'normal talking' to a minimum."
"We will start by lessening the freezing charm so that Gabrielle will become more aware of us all."
"I will start by trying to introduce myself to Gabrielle, as well as her soul as I place my hands on her head. I will then 'talk' to her and try to explain to her what we are going to be doing and why."
"Once I have explained things to her and hopefully obtained her permission I will nod to you Monsieur Delacour."
"Beginning with you Monsieur Delacour, you will each introduce yourself to Gabrielle by stating your name and relationship to her. Then place the Talisman I made for you on your wrist and tell it to stay. The Talismans will keep you safe from the curse and help me and Bill identify you while we work."
"Monsieur Delacour after you have placed your Talisman on your wrist please pick up Gabrielle's hand closest to you and place it on her chest with her fingers near the knife."
"Madam Delacour please do the same with her arm closest to you."
They both nodded in understanding.
"Once you have done that please place you hand either on her shoulder or her stomach some where you can make skin to skin contact. After that you may start to send your thoughts of love and support to Gabrielle. She will not respond straight away, but when she does it will be a good sign."
"When you begin to 'hear' her replies or become aware of her responding please let Cassy know and she will take a note of it."
"Fleur, after your parents have made their introductions and made skin contact it will be your turn. Introduce yourself and place your Talisman on your wrist and also ask it to stay on. Then take hold of her ankles and begin to send your thoughts to her as well."
Fleur nodded also.
"Bill, Healers Jones and Grant once the introductions are done we can begin our part."
"Shelly and I will stop Gabrielle's heart beating and stop her lungs as well. Shelly you will take over for her lungs and keep her blood getting the oxygen it needs." Shelly nodded
"I will keep the blood circulating through her body. I will also throw up wards around her heart, lungs, liver and brain to keep them from all being affected by the poison and hopefully the curses."
"Healer Jones and Grant, if my wards interfere with your ability to carry out the tasks you need to do tell me and I will adjust them. Ok?" he asked.
They both nodded in reply.
"Mrs Weasley, Hermione and Ginny. You three will be helping Gabrielle to remove the knife from her chest." Dave said looking at each of us in turn and noticing our slightly shocked expressions.
"Gabrielle will be doing most of the work on this. You are there to assist her. The more the knife is pulled out of her the more it will fight to remain."
"At the start we will be only moving it slowly. While it is moving up Healer Grant will be repairing the damage done to the lungs and the heart. Healer Jones will be looking for any bleeding that we missed or that may begin. He will also be monitoring the poison."
"When her Heart and Lungs are again whole, the knife will be able to be removed. Hopefully Gabrielle will be able to do most of the work. However the three of you who are assisting her are likely to find she will require a good deal of assistance."
"If she does need some help give it to her. Once the knife is free we will need a wooden bowl or something similar to put it in. As it will need to be burnt fully to destroy it. It is imperative that no one touch that knife with their bare skin." He added checking with each of us that we understood.
"Once the lungs and heart are repaired we will be able to tackle the poison through the method I mentioned before. As it is a painful process she might start to thrash about. Only lightly restrain her. We only need to keep her from making contact with anyone else or from falling onto the floor."
"Once all that is done is done Shelly and I will restart Gabrielle's heart and lungs. At this point she may begin to verbally speak. Be prepared for a lot of swearing, as our main focus will turn to any remaining curses that Bill hasn't yet dealt with."
"Any questions so far?"
When no one asked any he continued on.
"While you are wearing those Talismans you may notice them get warm, even almost hot at times. This is normal do not be alarmed by it."
"If however they start to get cool or worse cold tell Cassy. If they start to freeze let go of Gabrielle until either I or Bill tells you to take hold again. Understood?"
"While you are holding onto Gabrielle you may see things differently. You might even see some of what I will see. If that does happen, you MUST remain calm. Nothing you see will attack you, or cause you harm while you are wearing that Talisman. This is extremely important."
"W'at might we see?" Fleur asked.
"Magical energy, or even Souls, at least the outer shell of them." Dave replied. "If you do see a soul please remain calm, as it can be a shock when you see one for the first time, especially if it is under stress, or damaged."
"They may appear to you to resemble something like a Patronus, or they may well be something very different. They operate by very different rules to us however. If you are questioned by one be very clear to it that you are there willingly to help Gabrielle. They will understand that and accept it."
"The last Talisman is for Gabrielle herself. It is only to go on after her heart and lungs have been successfully restarted. Monsieur Delacour I would ask you to perform this task when it is required." Dave requested
"When you place it on her tell it to stay on. After Gabrielle has been revived you may remove your own Talismans whenever you like just by asking them to come off. Gabrielle however must continue to wear hers for at least another 2 full days."
"As you will be placing it on her Monsieur Delacour she will not be able to remove it. You will need to do that. After you have removed it, she will be able to put it on or take it off as she likes."
Checking his watch Dave looked up, "We have time for anyone who needs water to get some now. As this may take a while."
With that he quickly drank a few glasses of water and a few others followed suit. Dave also briefly stuck his head into the lounge room and I heard conversation begin in there.
Coming back to stand at Gabrielle's head Dave looked across to Chief Williams, "Boss, Nat isn't here yet and we can't wait much longer."
"I understand Syd." Chief Williams replied.
"In order to do this I will need to be unencumbered by this" he said pointing to his chest, "so I can reach for my magic with no interference."
"I think this situation falls under that 'just cause' clause for that restriction to be removed?" he asked with a pleading look in his eye.
"It does Syd. It does. I will back your decision to the Minister if he asks." Chief Williams replied.
"Thanks Boss" he replied.
Looking around at us all Dave said in a voice that clearly carried worry with it, "Just before we begin, I will need to change back to my 'natural' appearance."
Every eye in the room was on Dave as he fought some obviously strong emotions to try and explain.
"I ask that you please do not be alarmed by this. My appearance has caused many odd reactions over here for reasons I can't explain."
"I will endeavour to keep this change as short as possible, so as to keep your discomfort to minimum." He said in a small voice.
He next turned to Monsieur Delacour and asked almost formally, "Monsieur Delacour, I would like to request for your consent to reach out to your daughters' soul. More specifically the core or centre of her soul."
"Why do you require my consent Monsieur Webb?" asked Monsieur Delacour.
"It is required Monsieur Delacour, as it is considered a very intimate act for two people to openly display their soul cores or centres directly to one another in order for them to communicate fully and unencumbered."
"To do so without permission is a horrendous act. Almost akin to forcing ones attentions on someone who does not desire them." He added actually blushing.
"In the event that I can't communicate successfully with Gabrielle herself, I will need your consent to try and save her life. For without the consent of at least one of you, our attempt will be doomed from the start."
"Her consent is the more important of the two, but I would like the consent of you both Sir." He explained.
"I understand Monsieur. You 'ave my consent and my blessing." Monsieur Delacour answered.
Bowing his head to Monsieur Delacour Dave turned once again to Gabrielle.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, expanding his chest. It was then that I noticed his chest was expanding more that it should have for a deep breath. Even for a very deep breath.
His height was also increasing. Very shortly he towered over everyone in the room. His shoulders broadened and his arms and legs became noticeably more muscular.
His brown hair became raven locks that were in need of a haircut. I also noticed that it seemed to be a rather untamed set of hair as it was sticking up all over the place.
I couldn't see his face as he resumed his natural form as he called it. But Fleur, Bill, Charlie, Hermione and Ginny clearly could. As I could see the colour drain from their faces and the stunned almost worried looks that they wore.
I hissed at them to try and get them to behave themselves and not to embarrass this young man who was about to attempt something very obviously difficult. But I was too late as he had noticed their shock.
Almost recoiling from their looks of shock he very quickly summoned his hat and pulled it firmly down on his head. He also looked down at Gabrielle's face effectively cutting anyone else off from seeing his own.
I fixed them all with looks of deepest disappointment. But they were still too stunned to even register my expression.
An idle thought flashed through my mind wondering how bad his face must have been to get a look like that. I mean after all they were all used to Bills scars by now.
Placing one hand on Gabrielle's forehead, Dave noisily cleared this throat and said, "Mademoiselle Gabrielle Delacour, my name is David Fabian Gideon Webb"
My eyes widened in shock. I quickly looked to Arthur only to see a similar recognition on his own face. If Arthur had noticed it too, I can't have imagined it.
Arthur and Bill were now exchanging looks between them and I saw Arthur mouth the word 'wards'. Bill nodded at his father's suggestion. Frowning to myself I wondered what he was talking about. Then I remembered this man had appeared in our yard inside our wards. Wards that would stop anyone who wasn't family or who was added to them specifically (like Harry and Hermione) from gaining access to the house.
Looking at Charlie, Percy and George I could see similar startled looks on their faces.
I remembered him saying his mum's younger brothers were killed by Dolohov, just as my older brothers were. An impossible idea dawned in my head as I tried to get a look at his face. It couldn't be. I couldn't have, could I?
Before my mind could go any further into overdrive Dave continued on.
"I am an Auror with the Australasian Auror Service in the Special Operations Command." He explained.
"I and several others have gathered here to help heal you of your injuries. However before we begin I would like to approach and discuss with you what is to be done and how we hope to achieve it." He requested.
He seemed to pause here for a moment before continuing,
"My thanks Mademoiselle Gabrielle Delacour." He said before he moved his hands to either side of her head. He now bowed his own head and was motionless.
I found myself watching him rather intently for a few moments. Looking across to Shelly I asked, "He hardly seems to be breathing is that normal?"
Not removing her eyes from her brother she replied, "It is normal. Just as long as it does not go on for too long."
"Eee is crying" Fleur remarked not long after, as she had moved so as to get a look at his face.
"Why ez ee crying. 'as somezing gone wrong?" she asked a little worried.
Shelly moved closer to Dave and I saw her eyes change as she looked at him very intently. "No, nothing has gone wrong." She said in a clinical tone.
"He is talking to Gabrielle. She is frightened and asking him many questions. Unfortunately she is asking him about the scars on his soul and that has led to them talking about his wife and how she died."
"A more painful line of questioning for him would be hard to find." She said sadly.
"Scars on his soul?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, in life particularly traumatic (or highly emotional) events can leave an imprint or 'scar' on one's soul. Some darks are dark and evil. Others are just scars almost like a reminder. The loss of a family member can leave such a scar."
"Over times scars may heal or fade. Other times they become like an old friend and are comforting to the soul that bears them. In Dave's case he has had two particularly traumatic experiences within the last year. They both left significant scars."
"While they may be healing, they are also very noticeable. They have obviously drawn Gabrielle's attention."
"This could be a good thing however. As it means that she sees him clearly and he will be able to see her. That means the likely hood of them being able to communicate successfully is very good."
"The downside is that when communicating like this, it is impossible to lie. He will also not be able to avoid her questions either. I suspect he is having to face things right now that he himself was not yet ready to deal with." Her worry beginning starting to show a little.
"W'en did she die? 'ow…" Fleur asked quietly.
Looking up at Fleur then across to her brother Shelly replied, "They were married on the 11th of August last year. She died 3 days later on the 14th. It almost killed him, to lose her."
Fleur, Hermione, Ginny and myself looked at Dave, their sympathy (and I'm sure mine also) was clear in their eyes. I was also very sure we were all thinking the same thing.
"She had been ill for many years. But she..." Shelly began. However Dave spoke up at this point.
"She agrees. She will help us." He said clearly relieved. "You were right Fleur, she IS a fighter."
Dave nodded to Monsieur Delacour to begin. After which he removed the freezing charm enough to allow Gabrielle's arms to be moved and her to be placed in a comfortable position.
Looking a little frightened Monsieur Delacour spoke up saying, "Ma fifille Gabrielle, I am Julian Delacour your father" while he placed his Talisman onto his wrist. Smiling as he did so. "I am here to help you."
He then picked up Gabrielle's arm and placed her hand at the knife in her chest. After this he placed one hand on her shoulder and one on the exposed patch of skin near her hip.
Madam Delacour was the next to speak, "Mon petit Gabrielle, I am Apolline Delacour your mother", she too placed her Talisman onto her wrist as she said this. As with her husband she also smiled once it was in place. "I am here to help you."
She moved Gabrielle's arm closest to her and placed it on her chest alongside her other hand on her chest near the knife.
Now it was Fleur's turn. "Ma poupée Gabrielle, I am Fleur Weasley your sister", she said placing her Talisman onto her wrist. She too also smiled once it was in place. "I am 'ere to 'elp you".
At this Fleur moved to gently but firmly hold Gabrielle's ankles.
Taking a quick glance up at the Delacour family and Bill, Dave said, "I can see you all clearly."
"Bill how about you?" Dave sked.
"I can sense them all as well." He said "and also you Dave" he added with a trace of wonder.
Fleur must have noticed the wonder in Bills voice as she glanced at him and smiled clearly happy with what she saw. She then glanced at Dave. While Dave had lowered his head to look at Gabrielle, Fleur must have seen something hidden from the rest of us as her eyes widened in surprise and also wonder. Along with curiosity as well.
Dave formally intoned, "Gabrielle, Your family are joined by myself, Michelle Webb, Bill Weasley, Mrs Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Hermione Granger, Healer Jones and Healer Grant. We are all here to help you."
"The rest of the Weasley family is here also and will assist if needed. If you are ready we will begin."
Dave seemed to listen for a moment then nodded his head. He reach over his shoulder and withdrew his wand, it was the first time I had seen him hold one. The wood seemed to be almost alive with the patterns it displayed.
"Very well let us begin. Shelly, Bill, Healer Jones and Healer Grant are you all ready?" he asked.
Getting replies in the positive he said, "I will remove the freezing charm completely and set the wards. Shelly and I will then stop her heart and lungs and maintain the blood flow and circulation."
At this he waved his wand and the freezing charm was gone. Then very quickly but precisely he outlined the wards in Gabrielle's body. Finally he held his wand over Gabrielle's chest and it ceased to move.
While this was going on Shelley also had her wand out and was doing a series of complicated wand movements over Gabrielle's chest.
Bill had his wand and it was focused on the knife. Healer Jones and Grant where also busy at work. All of them had looks of extreme concentration on their faces.
Bill soon spoke up saying, "The blood clotting curse has been broken."
"Healer Grant are you ready for the knife to be moved?" Dave asked.
"Yes I am." He replied.
"Mrs Weasley, Ginny and Hermione I am going to ask Gabrielle if she can start to pull the knife from herself. Please help her steady it and stop it from sliding back in."
"Are you ready?" he asked us.
"Yes" was the reply from all of us.
I couldn't hear what Dave said to Gabrielle but soon her hands gripped the knife a little awkwardly. She then slowly began to pull upwards.
Slowly ever so slowly the knife began to rise. Even with the three of us working together on the knife it was a challenge to hold it still.
After what seemed an age but was most likely only 30 minutes Healer Grant spoke "The knife is removed from her lungs. They are repaired and I think there is no damage or bleeding."
"Healer Jones do you agree." Healer Grant asked.
"I do" he replied.
"Fantastic work everyone. It is a great start but we have more to do. Let's focus on the heart next." Dave replied.
He once again turned his attention to Gabrielle.
Once again the knife began to rise. Gabrielle continued to pull it from herself.
Healers Grant and Jones continued their work as the knife slowly rose.
It took over an hour for the knife to be removed from Gabrielle's Heart. Towards the end it was a real battle for the three of us to hold it steady let alone stop it sliding back into Gabrielle's chest.
I could clearly see the strain on both Hermione and Ginny. I knew how tired I was from effort required to maintain the spell for that length of time.
When the knife was finally pulled free from her chest and Gabrielle held it out for collection, the relief I felt at not having to maintain the spell any longer was enormous.
Charlie darted forward holding a wooden bowl large enough to accept the knife. He was also very prudently wearing his dragon hide gloves.
Once the knife was in the bowl he took it outside and placed protective charms on it to keep anyone else from touching it.
Sitting down I noticed that Shelly had begun to sweat. Her clothes were beginning to become soaked. Hermione and Ginny were also sitting down and looked ready to pass out.
Both Bill and Dave had a light sweat on them but otherwise showed no other signs of the strain.
Healer Grant looked like he had put in a full day at the office already. Healer Jones who had been assisting him looked only slightly tired.
"Something isn't quite right here." Dave remarked almost to himself.
Dave repositioned his wand and began to circle around Gabrielle's heart. While he was doing this Gabrielle's chest seemed to almost glow from within. After a few moments however Dave commented, "It's all good now."
As he put his wand away, he looked over to Healer Jones.
"Healer Jones, we need to deal with the poison now. Are you ready to monitor while I perform the change?" Dave asked.
"Yes I am, Auror Webb." Healer Jones replied.
"Thank you. Once there is no more trace of it please advise straight away I do not want to prolong her discomfort any more than is required." Dave said slightly worried.
"I will." Was the reply.
Taking his free hand Dave gently picked up her right hand. Placing his first two fingers on either side of the first two fingers in Gabrielle's hand. He then touched both their fingers to her chest where the knife had previously been.
He paused here for a moment or two. I could only assume that he was talking to Gabrielle about what he was about to do.
He then said one word "Change"
At once Gabrielle stiffened. I'm sure if she could have cried out she would have. Her face contorted in agony.
Healer Jones was moving his wand over Gabrielle and focusing very intently on something only he could see. He called out, "Another 10 seconds Auror Webb from my mark."
"Mark" he called.
I'm sure we were all counting down those 10 seconds while holding our own breaths.
A few of us called out "0" at the same time and Dave removed his and Gabrielle's hand from her chest.
Healer Jones continued to wave his wand over her.
Eventually he stated, "Her blood is clear of the poison. I can find no trace of any Poison in her body."
"Thank you Healer Jones." Dave replied and then looked to Shelly, "You ready?" he asked.
"I am Syd. On your Mark." Was the reply.
Dave put down Gabrielle's hand and placed his three fingers in the middle of her chest again.
"I will need you all to let go and stand clear for a moment." He requested.
Monsieur and Madam Delacour let go of their daughter and stood back. Fleur let go of her sister and stood back.
"3, 2, 1, Now" Dave called out as he sent some kind of jolt into Gabrielle.
He removed his hand and looked to Shelly and Healer Grant, "Is she?" he asked.
Healer Grant replied with a wide smile on his face "Yes she is breathing on her own and her heart is again working."
The relief on everyone's face was obvious.
Dave looked to Monsieur Delacour and indicated that he should place the Talisman onto Gabrielle's wrist.
As he did so the corners of Gabrielle's mouth could be seen to begin to smile. Dave seeing this began to smile also, if his cheeks were anything to go by.
Dave and Bill moved back into position. He also indicated that the Delacour family should move back as well.
Once everyone was in position both Bill and Dave set their shoulders and readied themselves.
I got the impression at once that this was to be their real battle.
After a time Bill again called out "Broke the second curse. One more to go."
The time dragged on. I noticed that both Bill and Dave had begun to sweat, heavily. Both of them looked as though their clothes were completely soaked through.
After nearly another hour they were both starting to sway, Bill by an alarming amount.
Bill called to Dave, "I might need some help here."
"Cassy drop the pen and go to Bill, hold his hand. Shelly come here to me and hold mine and Cassy's" Dave ordered.
When they were all in position, Dave called "3, 2, 1, Now." All three of them burst into golden flame.
Only this time Bill was engulfed as well. The flames were spreading to Gabrielle as well. Monsieur and Madam Delacour and Fleur were looking rather alarmed at the approaching flames.
"Do not fear this fire. It will not harm you." Dave instructed.
The fire eventually fully engulfed Gabrielle. Although it took longer than it did with Bill. It also spread to the rest of the Delacour family.
After an initial spate of panic at the flames touching their fingers they all seemed to calmly accept the flames.
Eventually Bill called out "It's broken, it's gone. It is done. She's clean" he slumped into the chair behind him. As the golden flames went out.
Everyone except Dave let go from Gabrielle. Dave stood there for a moment with his hands either side of her head. He own head was bowed as though he was again talking. He soon released Gabrielle and stood back.
"Maman?" Gabrielle said in a small voice as she tried to sit up.
Her parents and Fleur were to her in an instant and engulfed her in hugs and kisses.
Cassy and Shelly went back to their seats and collapsed in exhaustion.
Dave watched the scene in front of him then his shoulders dropped.
"Fantastic work everyone. Absolutely fantastic." Dave said with a very tired smile evident in his voice.
He turned and went to move to a chair near him but he started to lose his balance.
"Catch him someone" Chief Williams called out.
Bill was closest but he was also too late. He only managed to grab a hold of Dave's hat before he toppled over and fell to the ground. Striking his head on the kitchen table on the way down.
Healers Grant and Jones were to him in an instant and were able to stop the bleeding very quickly. They then moved him into the lounge and quickly kicked the DA members out of there so that they could work on him in private.
Not long after Dave collapsed Chief Williams Mirror Phone started to beep. It was quickly followed by the Mirror Phones of Shelly and Cassy. More beeping could be faintly heard from outside along with the sound of running feet and raised voices.
"What's going on?" Kingsley asked Chief Williams.
"It is an Auror Down alert. Happens automatically when an Auror loses conciseness." He replied while quickly trying to cancel the noise.
"I just hope it hasn't woken the…" he started to say when his Mirror Phone rang.
Chief Williams lifted the Mirror phone to his ear with a look of dread on his face.
"Chief Williams" he answered the phone.
"Yes Minister, I copied that alert to." He said in the tone one always uses to deliver bad news.
"I was in the room when it happened Minister. That is correct Minister it is not a drill."
"The Healers are working on him now."
"Yes Minister, the Auror down alert was indeed for your son Dave." Said Chief Williams Sadly