Disclaimer - I do not own Harry Potter and everything recognizable belongs to J K Rowling
Chapter ten – Back to school training
Harry awoke the following day, his heavy and shaking hand forcing its way to his skull where a searing pain was erupting inside his head, he took large grasps of his hair pulling roughly in a futile attempt to alleviate the pain.
As his eyes flickered open he noticed that the room was scarcely lit, but there was an extremely bright form stooping over him. His sight was hazed and clouded and he instinctively reached for his glasses.
He sighed loudly as the memories of the past month came rushing back to him, he now no longer needed glasses. 'What's going on' he thought worriedly as he tried to prop himself up on his elbows.
He lifted his head a few inches before groaning out in pain, his entire body felt stiff and beaten, his eyes closing due to the pain. When they opened once again, his head slamming back into a soft pillow, he noticed that the figure was still above him, one that looked like Gabrielle but slightly different.
"Just relax 'arry, you'll be fine you just need to rest for a bit" came a soft and gentle voice, a voice he knew didn't belong to his girlfriend.
"Gabrielle?" he grunted out to the figure, his eyesight slowly beginning to return.
"Wait...Fleur?" he asked when his eyes finally focused upon the girl above him.
"Yez 'Arry" she responded quietly.
"Where's Gabrielle? What happened?" he gasped out anxiously as he flung himself into a sitting position, his arms supporting his aching ribs as his face contorted due to his pain and discomfort.
"She's fine 'Arry, she's next door. I'll go and get her, but you av to stay quiet; I told my parents' zat you are ill" she reassured in a small voice.
"What? Why?" he asked, confused at why she would lie to her parents.
"You've been passed out for nearly a whole day 'Arry, I found you both last night..." she trailed off before blushing profusely, her face showing how little she wanted to continue.
"Naked in bed together" she finished with a sour look upon her face.
"Oh..." Harry replied, realising that she had walked in on her sister and himself nude, his embarrassment at an all time high.
"Wait, you clothed me" he stated as he looked down himself, his body covered in his pyjamas.
Fleur seemed to stiffen on the spot, her blush intensifying.
"I zink I'll go and get Gabrielle" she said uncomfortably before crossing the room to the connecting door linking the two rooms.
"Thank you Fleur" he said sincerely as her small hands reached for the door handle.
She turned around, a somewhat pensive look on her friendly face.
"Anyzing for my sister" she replied before pushing open the door and disappearing.
As the door closed behind her, Harry hauled his legs over the side, wincing at the pain coursing through his body. He slowly stretched out each of his limbs in an effort to try and subdue some of his burning agony.
'What the hell happened' he though as his extended his arms out by his side in a crucifix type position. 'The bond, she said the bond before I passed out, could it be what Aurelia said, did we consummate the bond' he pondered.
He walked a little bow legged over to the window where a crisp breeze was funnelling in, but just as his hands went to close it, the door to his side creaked open.
He turned around slowly, his body still stiff and his muscles tender.
"Gabrielle?"
He couldn't quite work it out, but the girl walking through the door looked different to the Gabrielle he knew. Her skin was flawless and almost shined in the dim light of the room; her hair looked as smooth and light as silk, swaying in the soft breeze from the half cocked window.
As they met, they simply looked each other up and down, both of their mouths wide open in shock.
"Your eyes" they spoke at the same time.
As Harry looked deeply into her eyes, he could see that her usual silver orbs had changed; they now hosted small specks of glittering green.
"Your eyes, they've changed...you've changed" he said quietly, still shocked at the changes of the girl before him.
"Says you, have you looked in a mirror yet?" she replied playfully, a grin on her flawless face.
He looked stumped for a few seconds, saying nothing before turning around quickly, all pain seemingly vanished from his body as he raced to the mirror on his wall.
"Oh my god" he cried out in an unbelieving tone.
The first thing he caught sight of was his eyes; his glimmering green orbs were now adorned by specs of sparkling silver. As he looked further into his reflection, he saw that his skin was much like Gabrielle's, a hazy glow emanating from his unblemished skin even in the sparse light of the room.
Much to his pleasure his body had changed too, his muscles were now more substantial, his chest protruding and his arms and shoulders bulging slightly through his now tight clothes. He felt like he had been chiselled from stone.
"What's happened? What's going on?" he asked as he continued to admire his new reflection.
"Fleur thinks its ze bond, we must have consummated it last night" she replied half heartedly.
"I'm worried Harry, what if people find out, we will be expected to fulfil the prophecy or somezing"
"I don't think it's the bond, I know we have changed but Aurelia said I would become some super veela wizard thing" he laughed.
"Harry, it has to be" she replied sounding defeated.
"Well surely if it was I would have special powers of something, perhaps it wasn't me the prophecy was made about" he said confidently.
"Have you even tried using magic yet?" she berated.
"Fine, look ill prove it to you. If I was some powerful veela wizard, I could use wandless magic surely"
He raised his hand towards the dim lights on the far wall, focusing intently on them. As he squeezed his hand slowly into a ball, something happened that he had most certainly not expected. The small balls of fire began to grow until they were almost blinding, hissing loudly as the piercing light grew sharper.
In his shock he yanked his hand away, a loud sucking noise filling the room as the blinding light receded.
"Oh god" he said quietly, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
"Well...maybe it was a fluke" he said, trying to convince himself more than the sullen faced girl next to him.
"You know what zis means Harry, there's no point trying to deny what happened"
"Fine, fine, your right" he replied unhappily, sighing deeply.
"But how?"
"Are you forgetting what happened last night already Harry" she said with a small grin on her face.
"Are you kidding, I don't think I'll ever forget that, it was amazing" he replied happily, a large smile covering his face as he walked towards her, taking her cheeks in his palms.
"I can't believe how beautiful you are, you look inhuman..."
As the words left his lips, a feeling of understanding took hold of him. 'This is what Aurelia meant when she said we would become something else' he thought, sighing deeply.
"You see why I'm so worried now?" Gabrielle asked glumly.
"Look" he said, tilting her head upwards to look intently into her eyes.
"There's nothing to be afraid of, I'm not going to let anybody hurt you" he said as reassuringly as he could, his eyes showing his sincerity as he looked deep into her silver-green orbs.
"But Harry, as soon as people see us looking like this, they will know something's wrong" she replied dejectedly.
"I guess you have a point..."
He tried racking through his brain for any solutions to their problems, when something popped into his mind, it was a long shot but it might just work. A large and confident smile graced his face as he placed his hands on her shoulders, making her look up at him once again.
"I've got it" he bellowed.
"Got what?" she replied a little confused at his outburst.
"Fleur, she's good at charms isn't she?"
"Well yea, but what does zat have to do with anything"
"It's obvious isn't it, we get her to do a glamour charm on us, it will hide things like our eyes and make them look normal, at least then we can just say the rest of the changes are due to the bond getting stronger" he replied happily, a large grin taking over his face at his own genius.
Gabrielle was sceptical, but kept her concerns to herself at seeing the jubilant look on her boyfriends face, instead simply nodding and smiling at him.
"We're gonna owe her big time Harry, she's already covered for us with my parents, she told zem we were ill and helped us into our clothes and beds"
"Yea, I noticed, I'll try and think of a way to repay her. But in the meantime I think I'm going to get some sleep, my body is still throbbing" he assured her, beginning to slouch a little as the aches and pains returned to his body.
"Do you mind if I stay?" she asked a little nervously.
"Of course not" he replied happily, grabbing her hands and pulling her towards himself and kissing her lightly on her forehead.
"From what your mum said, I'm some sort of important person who everyone will rally behind like a king, so I guess that makes you my queen doesn't it giggles" he said jokingly.
Gabrielle was open mouthed at his statement, but quickly snapped out of her musings, throwing her fist playfully at him. He instinctively reacted and caught her arm mid-flight, swinging his other arm under her knees and lifting her up.
He moved towards the bed and threw her harmlessly onto it, sending her a mock glare.
"That's no way to treat you king" he said in a mocking tone, to which Gabrielle simple sent him a scornful look before laughing happily.
Harrys heart seemed to warm at the sight of her laughter, she had looked so bleak since she entered the room and he was happy to see the innocent and care-free looks on her flawless face once again.
He quickly joined her in the soft bed; her head nestled in his chest and her long silver hair covering them like a sheet of silk cloth, falling asleep in one another arms.
The following morning they were both woken as the morning sunlight flooded the room, the couple having to guard their eyes are the blazing light invaded their eyes. Harry was relieved to find that his body no longer felt sore or stiff, but rather strong and supple. He threw himself out of bed, thrusting his arms into the air, stretching out his unfamiliar muscles.
As they dropped back down to his side, a pair of arms wrapped around his waist.
"Morning Harry" came the soft tone of Gabrielle.
"Good morning beautiful" he replied, turning in her arms to face her before pulling her closer, her head pressed to his chest.
"So what are ze plans for today" she asked, tilting her head to look at him directly.
"I think it's time I get started on my training, I only have a few days until we leave for Hogwarts, I may as well make the most of it"
"I guess" she replied glumly.
Harry took her cheeks in his hands and tilted her now dropped head to face his, looking deep into her silver-green eyes.
"I promise that I will spend some time with you, I just need to train, I want to be able to protect us both" he stated before smiling.
"I know Harry, I understand" she smiled back.
Harry released her cheeks and quickly threw on a set of his largest trousers and a thick woolly jumper before heading towards the door. Just as his fingers touched the handle, Gabrielle cried out from behind him.
"WAIT" she wailed.
Harry stood frozen on the spot, thinking that something was wrong with what he was doing, his hand still grasping onto the doorknob.
"I totally forgot your eyes" she called out.
Harry let out a deep breath that he didn't even know he was holding in and turned on his heels.
"Don't do that, you scared the life out of me"
"Sorry" she said apologetically.
"You wait here; I'll go and get fleur. We can see if the glamour charm will help" she said as she raced towards him, pulling the door open and bolting down the hallway.
For several minutes, Harry was sat on the bed dawdling with his thumbs before the door once again swung open, with Gabrielle almost yanking her older sister inside.
"For god sake Gabrielle what iz going on" Fleur grumbled.
Harry palm flew to his face in embarrassment. 'She really needs to learn to be more subtle' he thought, looking at his girlfriend hauling Fleur inside.
"I'm sorry Fleur, but I couldn't risk papa seeing us" Gabrielle explained.
"Why not? What's going on?" Fleur demanded.
"What she's trying to say is, if your dad sees either of us, he will know that something has happened. I mean we don't exactly look normal do we, our eyes are a dead giveaway for a start" Harry interjected.
Fleur looked at each of the two teens before answering, a smile forming on her face.
"I'm impressed, you're both using your heads for a change" she complimented.
"But next time, perhaps you can knock on my door instead of barging in and dragging me out without saying anything" she berated, looking unamused at her sister, causing Harry to laugh.
"Why exactly waz I dragged here anyway?" she questioned once Harrys laughter had subsided due to a slap from Gabrielle.
"We need to ask a favour of you" Harry said a little uncomfortably, he knew that she had done more than enough for the two of them already, but she was the only one they could ask for help.
"'Avn't I helped enough already?" she moaned.
"Yes, and I will repay you I swear, but we need your help. Do you know how to do the Glamour charm?" he asked a little tentatively.
"Why would you need ze glamour..." she trailed off looking baffled before something sparked in her mind.
"Ohh..." she said slowly, grinning wildly as she did so.
"Ok, stand up, let's see if zis works"
Harry quickly stood and raced in front of Fleur. She raised her wand before clearing her throat and muttering an incantation under her breath, waving her wand up and down his face and body.
Gabrielle's mouth opened in awe as Harrys features began to change, his eyes returning to their former vivid emerald, his skin beginning to blemish and colour.
She lowered her wand and took a step back, admiring her handwork. He quickly crossed over to his mirror and observed himself, his mouth opening just like his girlfriends, stunned as his previous frame stared back at him.
"This is awesome, how long will it last?" he asked excitedly.
"As long as you want 'arry, it should stay in place until the counter spell iz cast"
He turned around and walked towards Fleur, wrapping his arms around her, embracing her tightly before realising what he was doing. His body turned frigid as he released her and stepped backwards, his cheeks blazing red in embarrassment.
Fleur was standing with a strained look on her face, with Gabrielle giggling quietly at the looks of unease.
"I'm sorry, guess I've got a bit comfortable with you. I'll just...be on my way" he said awkwardly, moving towards the door, only making Gabrielle laugh louder.
As he reached the door, he turned at scowled at his girlfriend, shaking his head at her before a smile forced its way onto his face.
"I'll see you later giggles"
"Giggles?" he heard Fleur ask as he closed the door behind himself.
Harry trundled around the maze like house for several minutes before finally finding himself at the door of the sitting room. 'If I can't find my way around the house, I'm going to be awful in the third task'.
As he opened the doors and entered, he walked straight into Jean.
"Blimey Harry, you give me a fright. It's good to see you up and about, you look well lad" Jean bellowed, patting him roughly on the shoulder.
"Yea, I guess I came down with the flu or something" Harry lied.
"Ahh, happens to the best of us. It's good to see your better now though, you look gre..." he trailed off before being interrupted.
"I don't suppose you know where Istronov is? I need to see him" Harry asked impatiently.
"Oh...him. I think he's in the gardens, can't say much for his manors" Jean said distastefully.
Before Jean could start rambling on, Harry quickly excused himself and made his way through the marble floored lobby and out into the gardens. He was curious what Jean had meant, the one time he met Istronov he had been extremely polite.
As he made his way further into the extensive gardens, he caught sight of the armoured Veela guard, and quickly out exactly what Jean had meant.
"About bloody time boy" he jeered in his voice gruff with a slight eastern accent.
"I...err..."
"Illness is no excuse, if you want to be the best, you must train like the best, that means training even if you have a little sniffle boy" Istronov interjected before Harry had the chance to lie about his absence.
Just as Harry went to retaliate, he caught sight a small jet black pendant hanging from the man's thick scarred neck, glistening in the sunlight.
"What is that?" he asked, pointing to the small stone on the Veela guards' chest.
"This? This is a Depellerent pendant, surely you've seen one before?" he asked, a little surprised.
"No, what does it do?" Harry asked, intrigued by the strange stone.
Istronov pulled the pendant from his neck and threw it to Harry. He just managed to react in time and catch the stone before the man spoke.
"It is a protective object; it can repel a variety of simple spells, creating a force field around the person using it. Don't they teach you these things at that pitiful school?"
As Harry looked down at the object in his hands, he noticed that it was not a stone at all, but rather a glass-like shell with a thick black smokey substance swimming within. The shell was seized in the grasp of a gleaming golden claw.
"What do you mean a force field?" Harry asked in interest, still looking down at the strange magical object.
"Oh for goodness sake boy, put the damn thing around your neck"
Harry did as he was told, and just in time as Istronov raised his wand and sent a bright blue spell hurtling straight for him. He tried to pull his wand but it was too late, wincing as the spell soared towards him.
Before his eyes, the spell hit what looked like a large transparent grey bubble that engulfed him into a protective ball. The spell struck the bubble, sounding like a crack of lightning before seeming to be absorbed, only a faint blue mist remaining.
Harry stood in awe at the powers of such a small object, holding it lightly in the palm of his hand. As he stared down into the strange shell, he noticed that a faint blue mist was now swimming within the blackness.
"Awesome" he muttered under his breath.
"You know what's more awesome...actually training. Now take that thing off and let's get started before you bore me to death" Istronov moaned loudly.
Harry quickly pulled the pendant from his neck and placed it at his side along with his thick woolly jumper, yanking his wand from his pocket as he stepped back to face the scarred guard.
"Let's see what that joke of a school has taught you then" Istronov jeered, thrusting his wand into the air.
"I might surprise you, they taught me pretty well" Harry replied confidently.
"Come on then, give me everything you got, see if you can hit me" he challenged.
Harry quickly raised his wand and threw volley after volley of brilliant bright blasts, but much to his dismay every single one was either blocked with ease of simply side stepped. He was beginning to become agitated and begun sending more vicious spells towards the man, but nothing he done even came close to succeeding.
Just as he lowered his wand, disheartened by his failure, the man before him doubled over in hysterical fits of laughter. Harry was starting to become livid and sent another spell at the man who was still bent over.
Just as the spell reached Istronov, he flicked his wand across his body, blocking the spell without as much as a glance, only making him laugh harder at Harry expense.
"I've seen 10 year old girls with more skill and promise than you" he chortled.
Once he had finally regained his composure, he looked up at the dejected boy before him and smiled.
"Let me show you how it's done" he said menacingly before firing a blinding spell at the teenager.
Harry was scarcely able to block the barrage of spells that came towards him with his own influx of spells, having to resort to ducking and diving out of the way. The onslaught finally stopped when he was cowering on the floor in a heap, with the large figure of his instructor walking towards him.
As he got within touching distance, Istronov once again raised his wand, the tip slowly beginning to glow.
"I'll give you a reason to have time off" he grunted threateningly.
As the spell left his wand, Harry raised his hand in a mixture of rage and fear. To his shock, as the spell was within inches of him, it rebounded and seemed to explode before his eyes, disorientating the towering figure standing before him.
He didn't know how he did it, but he seized the opportunity and attacked.
"Expelliarmus" he cried, disarming the dazed Veela.
Just as he raised his wand towards the man's chest, he heard quiet words being spoken.
"Very good, much better" Istronov almost whispered.
Harry was momentarily surprised, but quickly snapped out of his thoughts. As the words to a spell began to leave his mouth, a giant hand swung towards him. Istronov had swiped his backhand across Harrys face, knocking him into the ground with blood oozing out of his mouth and nose.
"What the hell was that?" Harry snapped, holding his nose to stop the crimson blood pouring out.
"That boy, was called making a point. Just because you managed to disarm me does not mean that I'm defenceless, I could quite easily of had another wand"
"So you had to smack me?"
"A bruise is a lesson, and every lesson makes us better" Istronov stated wittily, gaining a glare from Harry.
"So what is it you expect me to do" Harry asked coyly.
"I want you to learn to use your instincts, like you did when I attacked before you got your ass handed to you. I must admit, it's very rare to be able to block spells wandlessly, even if it was out of fright"
"I wasn't scared" Harry replied unconvincingly.
"Oh please, you looked like you were going to soil yourself" Istronov jeered back.
"Fine, let's get started"
"Perhaps we should start with the basics, blocking spells. At least then you won't have to dance around like a fairy to avoid them" he mocked.
"If you say so, what's the incantation?"
"You've got to be shitting me? You can block my spell wandlessly but you don't know the...oh god never mind" he trailed of, a look of displeasure on his face.
Harry looked disheartened by his new mentor's words, but that did nothing to stop the cruel remarks that were thrown his way.
"How exactly, have you managed to stay alive in that poxy tournament, if you can't even use spells that you should know when your 5?"
"Luck" Harry admitted.
"Give me strength. Ok let's get started" he droned, holding out a hand for Harry to pull him up from the dirt.
Just as he was nearly to his feet, Istronov released his grip, sending Harry crashing back down to the floor, inhaling deeply as the wind was knocked out of his lungs.
"Never expect anybody to help you, now get up already"
Harry staggered back to his feet, having to use his hands to steady himself.
"The spell we will be starting with is the Protego shield charm..."
Several hours later, Harry trudged back up to the castle, his body and muscles aching and his mind drained, courtesy of the relentless and excruciatingly gruelling training he had been put through.
Just as he reached the front of the house, a gruff voice called out from behind him.
"Oi, boy"
'Oh for god sake' Harry thought glumly, Istronov had done nothing but put him down all day, taking any chance he had to humiliate or belittle him. Harry turned around, a gloomy look on his face.
"What?"
"Damn good work today lad, I'm impressed" he said in the most kind and humane way Harry had yet heard him speak.
Harry felt a swell of pride fill him, a smile covering his face for the first time since he started his rigorous training.
"Thanks" he said gratefully at the rare compliment.
"You won't be thanking me tomorrow" Istronov finished with a smirk on his face before turning and walking away.
Harry turned and carried on into the house, although he was now feeling a little better after his unexpected compliment, he couldn't help his apprehension at Istronovs last comment.
He was glad to be back inside, his feet were throbbing and all he wanted was a shower, his bed and his girlfriend. Much to his dismay, as his left foot touched the first step on the impressive staircase; he was rounded on by Jean.
"Harry my boy, there you are, I've been looking all over for you" Jean said a little breathlessly.
"Sorry Jean, I really need to get to my room, I'm shatter..."
Before he had the chance to finish, he was being hauled by his cuff towards the sitting room. He was finally released when he was at the comfortable sofas. He resigned to taking a seat, knowing that he wouldn't be getting out of this one.
'Please be quick' he though desperately.
Before he could think any further, a paper was thrust into his lap. The title read; Mischief at the Ministry, Havoc at Hogwarts
"How did you get a Daily Prophet, I thought you could only get them in England?" Harry asked, noticing the paper now in his hands.
"As I'm running for French Minister, I thought it prudent to keep up with happening around the globe. Please, read it, I think this involves you" he replied a little despondently.
'Yesterday morning at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Alistair 'mad-eye' Moody; who has been teaching at the historic school since the beginning of the school year, was discovered as an imposter. Suspicions were raised when Headmaster Albus Dumbledore received an anonymous tip. After being apprehended, the imposter was stunned before being identified as Bartemius Crouch Jr (believed to have died 6 years ago in Azkaban) whom was under the effects of the polyjuice potion. After administration of veritaserum it was revealed that he, with the help of an undisclosed Ministry official, was able to escape Azkaban and return to He-who-must-not-be-named, where he made plans to capture and kill Tri-Wizard champion Harry Potter. Crouch Jr has subsequently been subjected to the Dementors kiss. More details on page 6'
"Blimey Harry, I expected you to be a little more...worried" Jean commented in response to the unfaltering look on Harrys face.
"Honestly, with everything that's happened, I don't think anything can surprise me anymore" he answered honestly.
"But the Dark Lord, he's after you" Jean voiced worriedly.
"He's been after me since I was born, I can either learn to deal with it, or worry myself to death" he replied flatly before getting up and exiting the room, leaving Jean looking both transfixed and impressed.
Harry finally made it to the door of his bedroom, his body now begging for rest and replenishment. When he opened the door, his skimpy spirits lifted as he caught sight of Gabrielle lying in his bed, reading a large brown leather bound book.
"Evening giggles"
"Harry" Gabrielle cried out, jumping off the bed and into the arms of her boyfriend.
"Ow..." he moaned out in pain.
"I'm sorry, what wrong?" she asked in concern.
"Nothing I just ache, Istronov is a little brutal in his methods" he replied, pointing to a bruise on his upper lip.
"How dare he, I should go and kick his ass" Gabrielle exclaimed in her toughest tone, making Harry laugh out a little.
"What" she shouted at the laughing form, slapping his right arm.
"Ow ok I'm sorry. You don't need to go and butcher him, he's a great teacher he just a little rough that's all. I just need some rest and something to eat and I will be good as new"
Gabrielle observed the beaten down boy before her, when an idea clicked into her mind.
"You stay here; I'll go and get you some food. We can have a little picnic as you haven't spent any time with me" she said sweetly.
"Sounds great" he replied genuinely before she rushed out of the room.
When she returned several minutes later, large plates of food stacked up in her arm, it was to the sight of Harry sprawled out on the bed still fully clothed, fast asleep.
She huffed in annoyance but couldn't help the smile that graced her face at the sight of her snoozing soul mate. She resigned to dropping the plates onto a large desk and pulled the silk covers over him. She quickly kicked off her shoes and crept into the sheets with him, his body instantly pulling itself closer to hers, as if his subconscious knew she was with him.
The next morning Harry awoke before the sun had risen into the sky, feeling fresh and rejuvenated from his long rest. As he looked to his side, he noticed that Gabrielle was with him, curled into a ball, her arms wrapped around his own. He gently pulled his arm from her grip and slid out of bed before covering her with the soft sheets, kissing her forehead lightly.
He quickly and quietly dressed before taking a pick at plate of food he found of the desk.
'She went and got all this for me and I fell asleep on her, guess I better do something to make up for it' he thought as he stuffed a croissant into his mouth.
He soundlessly stepped his way downstairs not wanting to wake anyone up, before pulling open the front door and heading towards the gardens. He wanted to begin training before Istronov awoke, hoping that getting a head start may appease the grizzly guard.
Much to his shock, as he walked further into the gardens, he found Istronov sitting cross legged on the cold damp floor, his eyes jammed shut. He slowly approached the large man, waving his hand by his face several times to check if he was really sleeping.
'He can't have slept out here can he' Harry thought.
"Looking to get knocked on your ass again are we" came the gruff voice making Harry recoil several steps.
"Sorry I err...thought you was sleeping"
"No, I was waiting for you" Istronov droned, standing up and pulling his wand from his cuff.
"Wait wait wait" Harry cried, holding up his hands, motioning for the man to stop.
"What?" came the sharp reply.
"You said you would do anything I asked, well there's something I want to do"
Istronov sighed deeply before nodding his head, motioning for Harry to continue.
"I need to go to a shop somewhere; I need to buy a gift for someone"
"Very well, let's get on with it" Istronov moaned, holding out an arm.
"What are you doing?" Harry asked, slightly confused.
"Apparating, it's the quickest way"
Harry took the offered arm and with a loud crack, they disappeared. When his world stopped spinning he found himself in the middle of a large crowded street with towering white buildings all around him.
"Welcome to Épeler Avenue, the equivalent of your Diagon Alley"
Harry didn't reply, he was in staring around in awe of his surroundings. Large shining glass windows with pretty displays adorned the streets with grand white and gold entrances, cafes and ice cream parlours with large marble tables wafting sweet smells through the air.
"Well, good enough for what you need?"
"There's no comparison, its perfect. I think I'm starting to like France" Harry admitted before wandering up the street.
Much to the displeasure of Istronov, Harry wandered around for over an hour, browsing through several stores for a suitable gift for his girlfriend before finally finding something he considered worthy, exhausting the last of his stash of Galleons.
When they returned to the chateau Harry raced back to the house, stashing his gift before returning and starting his training.
For long agonizing hours, Harry was pushed to his limits, defending himself against barrages of attacks to help him improve his instinctual magic and protective spells. Much to his delight, he was now as competent with wandless magic as when using his wand.
He had now honed in on his abilities, and was able to manipulate his core when he was in situations that had limited defensive possibilities. He could now summon wandless shields that dwarfed even Istronovs, as well as being able to generate lightening like bolts that could decimate small items.
Although he was very proud of his new found skills, he had to restrain himself from revealing too much.
'If he sees what I'm really capable of, he will know I consummated the bond' he pondered.
"That will do for today boy, go and get some rest, we begin on offensive spells when we reach Hogwarts" Istronov advised.
Harry nodded and wiped the sweat from his brow before picking up his belongings and slogging back up to the house. He quickly grabbed his gift from his hiding spot and crept upstairs. He peered inside his bedroom door, glad to see that Gabrielle was not inside.
An idea formed in his head and he rushed back downstairs to the kitchens, where he found the Delacour house elves.
As they caught sight of him, they hastily bowed before him.
"No need to bow, I was wondering if you could help me with something" Harry asked.
"Of course sir, it would be an honour sir" They answered in unison.
15 minutes later, Harry was back in his room. He moved towards his connecting door, placing his ear to it. His hand pulled at the handle and he silently entered. He crept up behind Gabrielle and snatched her around the waist, making her jump up in surprise. When she finally turned around she hugged him tightly before letting him go and stepping back, glaring at him, a playfully upset look on her face, her bottom lip drooping.
"You left me alone all day again" she said sadly.
"I know, that's why I'm going to make it up to you" he replied keenly, a grin on his face.
He pulled the curious girl back towards the door and into his room. She gasped loudly before a large smile covered her face.
"I'm impressed Harry" she said, astonished at the sight before her.
In the middle of the room stood a small square table covered by a burgundy silk sheet and tall candles, with 2 steaming plates of food at opposite sides.
"Am I forgiven?" he asked hopefully.
She didn't reply, she simply turned to him and jumped into his arms, both her legs and arms wrapped around him.
When she finally released him, Harry helped her to her seat before joining her, tucking into the meal provided by the house elves.
When they finished, Harry began rustling through his pockets before pulling out a small wooden box.
"What's that?" Gabrielle asked inquisitively.
He twiddled the box in his hands, looking at it optimistically before handing it to her.
"It's for you" he smiled.
As she opened the box, her hand flew to her mouth, small tears forming in her silver eyes, and a reflective glare from the box appearing on her face.
"Je ne peux pas le croire, sa belle"
From the box she pulled a gleaming ring, encrusted with numerous gemstones that glinted in the light of the candles. On the top of the ring was a large diamond that left her speechless.
After several minutes and even more tears of happiness, she finally manages to speak in a strangled voice.
"Thank you so much it's perfect, I can't believe it"
"You're welcome giggles, does this make up for my absence?" he laughed.
"I love you" she whispered, getting to her feet and engulfing him in her arms.
"I love you too princess" he whispered back, getting to his feet and kissing her lightly on the forehead.
"I need to get to sleep, training has tired me out" he said wearily before yawning.
"Ok, I'll be back in a minute" she said as she walked off, still looking down at the ring glistening on her finger.
Harry was a little confused but got changed into his pyjamas nonetheless, slipping into his bed, his tired body being absorbed by the soft mattress.
A few moments later, Gabrielle appeared in the doorway, leaning provocatively against the frame in a skimpy purple night-gown.
"Wow" was all Harry could say before she moved towards him, sliding into the bed by his side.
"What's all this about" he asked grinning at the sight before him, although somewhat taken-aback.
"I thought id thank you" she said alluringly, climbing on top of him.
"Gabs, you don't have to, that's not why I got it for you"
"I know, I'm just showing my...appreciation" she replied seductively before lowering herself down the covers.
"Gabs, seriously you don't...oh my god" he moaned out, his hips bucking and his fists clenching onto the covers.
The next morning, the two awoke at the same time, both with a feeling of deep satisfaction. They quickly got up and shared a shower together before getting dressed and heading downstairs for breakfast.
It was the day of their return to Hogwarts and they would soon be leaving to join their fellow students at the Beauxbatons carriage.
After a brief breakfast with the family, the two excused themselves and started heading back upstairs. Before Harry could reach the landing, a voice called out to him.
"Harry, a quick word please" Jean bellowed from the lobby.
"You go on, I'll be up in a few minutes" Harry instructed Gabrielle before stepping his way back downstairs.
When Harry was back down in the lobby, Jean led him through to the sitting room and closed the door behind them, acting somewhat suspiciously.
"What's this about sir?" Harry asked.
Jean was still by the door, listening closely to make sure that nobody was around, his eyes narrowed in concentration. When he finally stepped away from the door, he pulled a flat rectangle box from inside his suit and proceeded towards Harry.
"I got you a little gift, I had call in a favour from a few old friends to...acquire it, but I believe you will be most pleased, hopefully it will be useful in the last task of the tournament" he said cryptically, a small grin on his old face.
Harry was confused but accepted the offered box nonetheless, taking a seat in the comfortable leather sofa, placing the box on the table.
When he unhooked the latch and pulled the lid open, he was lost for words, his eyes opening wide in surprise. Inside was a breathtaking glistening gold pendant in the shape of a dragon's claw, each of its scales beautifully detailed.
As he observed the pristine pendant further, he noticed that there was something clutched in its twinkling talons, a glasslike ball with a smoke like substance swimming within, making his jaw drop in astonishment.
"Is this what I think it is?" He asked in disbelief.
"Istronov came to me a day or so ago and told me you had taken a keen interest in his pendant. I have to admit I didn't know much about this object, all I knew was that it's extremely rare; with only seven in know existence"
"I don't know what to say"
"No need to say anything my boy, just don't tell my wife, she would kill me if she knew what I done to get it" Jean laughed.
"Thank you so much for this, I can't believe it, it's awesome" Harry said as sincerely as he could, he knew there was nothing he could say to project how grateful he truly was, short of kissing the man.
"Your more than welcome, now go and get packed, we leave it 30 minutes" Jean finished, heading back towards the door, beckoning Harry out.
Harry rushed back up to his room, a bounce now in his step and his spirits sky high. After quickly throwing everything into his trunk, he hauled it into the landing and met with Gabrielle before continuing downstairs to join the rest of the family and Istronov, who to Harrys bewilderment, smiled as he joined them.
'Perhaps he's beginning to mellow' Harry thought hopefully.
After a short car journey, they group found themselves back at the Beauxbatons carriage, the girls said their goodbyes to their parents and hopped aboard leaving Harry with Istronov outside.
"It was lovely to see you again Harry, keep safe wont you" Apolline said before pecking him lightly on the forehead and walking back to the car.
"Harry, It's been a pleasure having you, but as you are aware you are returning to a dangerous place, I'm relying on you to keep Gabrielle safe, as well as yourself" Jean said gravely, looking from Harry to Istronov.
"I will Jean, I promise" Harry replied confidently.
"I know you will. I wish you all the best for the final task, hopefully we will meet again soon" He finished.
"I hope so too" Harry replied. Despite his original feelings of annoyance towards Jean, he knew that he was really just a very family oriented person who truly cared about those close to him.
Jean nodded before turning to Istronov, looking at him a little uncomfortably before smiling.
"Istronov" he said, bowing his head slightly.
"Mr Delacour" Istronov replied flatly before turning with Harry and joining the others in the carriage.
Although Harry was now a familiar sight for the Beauxbaton students to see, they were left wide eyed and somewhat frightful when the monstrous scarred form of Istronov stepped inside, having to crook his neck to avoid pummelling his head on the ceiling.
Harry found the whole scene rather amusing and decided to leave his mentor seated in the main room with several other students, while he continued into Fleurs room where she and Gabrielle were currently situated.
He slipped inside and dropped his heavy trunk on the floor.
"I think Istronov has made quite an impression" he laughed.
"I'm not surprised, 'av you seen him" Fleur replied.
"I'm going to miss this place, it's the most at home I've ever felt" he admitted dejectedly, sighing at the thought of returning back to the hell that was Hogwarts.
Gabrielle hopped up from the bed and crossed over to him, wrapping her arms around him and talking quietly in his ear.
"I'll make sure you can come again soon, don't worry" she reassured.
"Oh, I've got something for you" He exclaimed excitedly, rummaging down his shirt.
"I think you've got me enough already" she replied, looking down, a smile on her face as she gazed upon her diamond ring.
"Just shush, your father gave me this, but I want you to have it for a while" he said, pulling his pendant from his neck and placing is around hers.
"What is it?" she asked, intrigued at the strange object.
"It will keep you safe. Promise me you won't take it off" he insisted, looking at her seriously.
"If you say so, I promise" she said a little confused at the strange gift.
"Thank you"
"'Arry, Giggles, better take a seat were about to take off" Fleur advised.
A Few moments later, the two had just drooped into a soft leather chair as the carriage began to rumble and they soared into the sky, bound for Hogwarts.
For those interested in the pendant, this is what it looks like in my eyes - albu_366885170_00/1.