Chapter 20
Hogsmeade, Part 1

Author's Note: This chapter begins the storyline of Rose and Gabrielle's relationship. They are twelve years old, so there won't be much 'romance'. More like puppy love for the foreseeable future. There will be occasional pecks and light kisses, no lingering kisses or snogging. I will be delicate about this. However, saying that, Gabrielle also knows her history of lesbians when it comes to Veela, and there is an interesting story behind it. And also a dark history and culture involved with them...

Note: Not all Veela are Witches, so calling lesbian Veela "Witches' Witches" doesn't make sense. I'll call them lesbians. So there is going to be a lot of talk about such topics during Rose and Gabrielle's scene in this chapter. Fair warning.

Saturday, November 7th, 1994


At half-past-nine, Hermione Granger walked out of her bedroom, after making sure she looked beautiful and proper for her date with Harry. Just as she had for her first date with Harry, she was dressed in a Muggle t-shirt and jeans, both of which showed off her curves, but not being too revealing.

"Luna!" Hermione said, realizing her best friend was not waiting for her, "Are you ready?"

"You go on ahead with Harry, Hermione," Luna said, sticking her head out of the curtains from her bedroom, "I'll catch a carriage on my own."

"Are you sure?" Hermione asked, "Harry wouldn't mind. And you'd likely end up in a carriage with somebody you don't know."

"Doesn't matter," Luna said, "Nobody would do anything. They know I am under House Potter Protection."

"If you're sure," Hermione said. "Meet me at the Three Broomsticks at noon. Harry has that Betrothal meeting to attend, which means you and I will have time to do something together. We'll do some girl-focused shopping, things Harry won't want to shop for."

Luna smiled. "I'll see you at noon. Have fun, Hermione. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Hermione smirked. "Says the girl who struts through the tent in naught but her skin."

Luna's giggles were loud enough to be heard even as she closed the curtain, retreating back into her bedroom.

Hermione shook her head, smiling, and headed out of the tent. She was not surprised at all to find Harry waiting for her. She happily accepted a sweet kiss from him, which she returned. It lasted only for ten seconds, but she didn't mind. There would be plenty more today, she knew.

She had always heard the sitting area near the Shrieking Shack was a nice place for romance. Of course... she knew those rumors mostly had to do with a more... adult-style of romance, nothing she was anywhere near ready yet, of course. But maybe she could have her first snog with him there. That sounded nice. Perhaps as a reward if their date went well. Heck, she realized from the way he described what was going to happen during the Betrothal Contract meeting, he might need a way to wind down if it did get really heated. So a nice snog would probably help a lot.

"You look so beautiful," Harry said, then grinned, "Try not to bite your lip, or I might do things we'll both regret."

Hermione echoed his grin. "Promise? You look handsome, by the way."

She noticed he was wearing the same clothes he wore the night his name came out of the Goblet. But she wouldn't tell him that. He probably only brought a few formal outfits. She was quite sure he hadn't planned to go out on too many outings requiring such clothes. Just formal events, definitely not dates, aside from, perhaps, the Ball. She was fantasizing so much about what he might wear for the Yule Ball, she barely felt him take her hand and start leading her across the Grounds.

She looked over her shoulder, looking around for Harry's family. "None of your family is coming yet? I thought Rose might accompany us, and maybe your mother as her chaperone."

"I didn't tell you, did I?" Harry replied. "Rose has a date."

Hermione blinked and stared at him in surprise, then she remembered she was walking, and focused on not tripping as she walked, and bringing him down with her.

"A date?" she asked, "With who? She's twelve!"

"The sister of the Beauxbatons Champion," Harry said. "She's twelve too."

Hermione nodded. He had told her about his sister's sexual preferences. She thought it was rather cute.

"The little blonde girl who was hanging around the Champion?" Hermione asked; he nodded, she did too, "I see. Who asked who out?"

"Gabrielle – through her sister, Fleur," Harry said, then laughed, "Which is funny, since Rose was trying to decide on how to ask her out. I don't actually know if it is date. Gabrielle invited her on a picnic on the Grounds. Even suggested somewhere near the tents, for Rose's sake."

"Beautiful day for a picnic." Hermione said, smiling, "They'll have fun. You don't know if it is a date?"

Harry shrugged. "I guess Rose will have to find out for herself. However... Gabrielle did ask her to have a picnic on the same day couples are going on dates in the village."

Hermione giggled. "So it may be a date. How cute. Do you think they would be a good couple?"

Harry shrugged again. "Rose knows that distance would separate them. But... she understands she's too young just yet for a real proper relationship. So long-distance letters, and occasional visits are fine with her for now."

"Occasional visits?" Hermione echoed.

"Vacations," Harry clarified, "We have actually never been outside of the States before, except for that time we went to Hawaii, which is technically part of the States. So a change in scenery would do some good."

"Hawaii is a State," Hermione said, sticking out her tongue.

"Cheeky," Harry said, grinning. "I know that. It is just not in the continental America. Anyway. Gabrielle and her sister are the daughters of the French Minister of Magic, Pierre Delacour. I think they may live in Nice, France, when they're not in Paris. Which would be nice – no pun intended. We have a Chateau in France I've never been too, but Mom and Dad were there for their honeymoon.

"Nice is nice – no pun intended," Hermione said, then stuck out her tongue again, "Especially since the words are pronounced differently. If you go, I'd love to come along."

"I would definitely not stop you," Harry said. "So yeah... occasional visits – vacations to Nice, so Rose could hang out with Gabrielle. Between that and long-distance letters, they should be okay for a while if things get serious between them."

"Oh, yeah?" Hermione asked, "And what about us? Long-distance wise."

"Aah, and there's my mad-genius plan," Harry said, laughing in fake malevolence. He cleared his throat. "I'm planning on convincing you between now and June how Ilvermorny is better than Hogwarts, so you'll attend, so the only distance I'd have to worry about would depend on which House you're in, and how far I'd have to walk to meet you each morning."

Hermione smiled. "I'll certainly give it a lot of thought. There's also convincing my parents."

Harry waved a dismissive hand. "Let Mom, Sirius and Remus convince them."

"Right – recruitment meeting," Hermione said, remembering Remus saying that once, "Where are they by the way?"

"Remus is staying here with Rose and any of the Ilvermorny students who stay behind," Harry said. "Mom and Sirius will go down around eleven or so."

Hermione nodded. "So no chaperone for our date?"

Harry snorted. "I didn't have chaperones for my past two girlfriends. Definitely none for us. Mom isn't that smothering."

Hermione grinned. "Unless we give her a reason to be."

"Ooh, definitely," Harry said, nodding, "And then we'll have stalkers, rather than chaperones."

Hermione laughed out loud. She absolutely loved her boyfriend's sense of humor. As she stopped laughing, she realized they had gotten very close to the carriages. Hermione narrowed her eyes as she noticed several girls looking envious in her and Harry's direction.

Yeah, he's mine, bitches, Hermione thought.

Hermione was well aware how much she sounded like a jealous girlfriend. But in Harry's own words, he had said he wouldn't be interested in other girls until she trusted him enough to do so. She trusted him... but she wanted him to herself as long as possible. Daphne – and in essence, Tracey, though she didn't worry Hermione too much – was already close enough to her boyfriend. And she was only starting to get used to that.

Speaking of the two Slytherins. Hermione spotted Daphne, and saw her looking at them. She nodded toward a carriage. Harry saw them too. The girls stepped into the carriage.

"I believe we have some riding buddies," Harry said, "You want to join them?"

Hermione nodded. Harry led her over to the same carriage, and helped her inside. As she sat down across from Daphne and Tracey, she saw him staring at something to his right.

"What's wrong, Harry?" Hermione asked.

"Huh," Harry said, as he stepped inside and sat down next to Hermione, "I always wondered how the carriages were pulled."

"They pull themselves," Hermione said, "Like always."

"No they do not," Daphne said.

"There's no horses or anything pulling them!" Hermione argue. "Oh, you mean magic. That's what I mean too."

"Not magic," Harry said, "Thestrals."

Hermione's eyes widened. She had read about Thestrals. The creature you could see if you had seen somebody die.

"Ooh," Hermione said, nodding. "Er... who did you –? Merlin, never mind. That is so rude of me!"

"Long story, Hermione," Harry said, "And that's all I'll say for now."

Hermione nodded, and clutched Harry's hand in hers. "So they're really Thestrals."

"Listen closely, as the carriage starts moving," Tracey said.

As if on command, the carriage began moving. Hermione focused on her hearing.

And then she heard a very light horse's snort. Followed by the clip-clop of horseshoes.

Her eyes widened. "Holy shit!"

Harry chuckled when Hermione covered her mouth, after she swore. She started blushing profusely.

"Wow," Tracey quipped. "Hermione does know how to swear."

"That was a Thestral?!" Hermione asked, after lowering her hand.

"Mmm, yep," Daphne said. "If you want more proof, Harry can help you pet one of them when we arrive. You can feel them, you can hear them -"

"And you can ride them," Tracey said.

"- you just can't see them," Daphne said, "Unless you saw someone snuff it. Don't ask us either, Hermione."

"I won't," Hermione said. "That was so very rude of me. Um... by the way. I'd like to apologize to the two of you for telling the rumor of you two being a couple to Harry. He and Luna were the only ones I told. I swear."

"It doesn't matter," Daphne said, "We understand why you did it. And Harry's knowledge of it gave us quite the gift. I assume he told you about it?"

"Yes," Hermione said. "I wish you two the best of luck today. Whatever happens, I'm here for you."

"Thank you, Hermione," Daphne said.

Tracey echoed her girlfriend.

The four friends discussed their plans for Hogsmeade as the carriage made its way to the village. When the carriage stopped. Harry stepped out first, and helped all three witches out. Tracey hesitated briefly when Harry offered her his hand, but she took it, and he helped her out. He respectfully let go from her hand as soon as she was on solid ground.

"My parents sent me a letter at breakfast finally," Tracey said. "They'll be at the Three Broomsticks at ten minutes til noon. Daphne and I will inform them that I want to join the Children of the Great Alliance meeting tomorrow, but I wish for my father to get permission from you, Harry. My father – selfish as he is – will probably expect you want something in return, because he tends to believe others are just as selfish."

"Then I will tell him all I want is for him to listen to your explanation," Harry said. "That should begin the events."

"Harry – Lord Potter," Tracey said, "I apologize upfront for anything my father will say to you during the meeting. I apologize to you and your family. Please pass along the message."

"I will," Harry said.

"Harry?" Tracey said, "Remember something important – and pass it along to Lord Black. The House of Davis is a Noble House, nothing more."

Harry smiled, "Thank you, Tracey."

"We will see you later," Daphne said.

"Be seeing you," Harry said, "Enjoy yourselves, and remember -"

"If anybody says anything about us that we can't handle," Daphne said, "Tell them we're under your House Protection. We know, Harry. But we can take care of ourselves."

"I know," Harry said; but he also knew there was a reason they wanted to leave the Slytherin dungeons.

"Good," Daphne said. "Enjoy yourselves."

She turned and the couple walked into the village hand-in-hand. Harry offered Hermione his hand, she took it, and led her into the village.

"Harry," Hermione said, "I am the one leading you around, remember? You know nothing about the village."

"Right," Harry said, "Lead away, Milady."

Hermione started leading him into the village. "Harry... what did Tracey mean by her House being Noble, nothing more?"

"It means Sirius and I – as Lord Black and Potter, respectively – hold more respect on the metaphorical political beanpole than Lord Davis," Harry said, "If he starts getting mouthy, we can remind him who his betters are. It would give us the upper hand."

"Which could help Tracey in the end," Hermione said, nodding.

"Well," Harry said, "It is still up in the air. If Lord Davis disrespects Tracey, I will defend her."

"Try not to lose your temper, Harry," Hermione said.

"No promises," Harry said. "Remember my lecture about power... and age? Lord Davis is much older than me."

Hermione nodded. "He will look down upon you, even though you have a higher House than him, because of your age."

"Sometimes a temper can be a good thing," Harry said, "If you can control it. Enough about that. I'm dedicating too much time away from our date to that. I don't want to dedicate any more. This is about you and me. Take me to your favorite shops. Those you won't be going to when I'm busy elsewhere."

Hermione smiled, and led him deep into the village, as they began their second date.

Hogwarts Grounds Near Ilvermorny Tents – About an hour later

"Do you remember how to tell whether you are under a Veela's Allure or not?" Lily asked.

Rose groaned. She was currently standing outside her tent with her mother and Uncles Sirius and Remus. Gabrielle would be walking over to the tent any minute now. She kept looking toward the Beauxbatons Camp to see if she could see Gabrielle. But the young Veela was not approaching just yet.

Rose was wearing a white, flower-print pinafore dress, and sandals. She was so thankful the weather was good for it. She had spent twenty minutes in front of the mirror in her bedroom, and had to go through all her training bras to find one that could hide behind the shoulder straps of her dress. She had been so happy when she started developing in her chest, but the Merlin-be-damned training bras were so annoying! She kept adjusting the straps so they'd be hidden behind the straps of her dress.

Finally, her mother felt sorry for her and made the bra straps transparent with magic. She could still feel them, but as long as she didn't shrug much, she wouldn't have to adjust the straps much. At one point, she had even asked if she could go bra-less. The look on her mother's face immediately made her say she was joking, even though she wasn't.

"Yes, Mom!" Rose said, annoyed, "Really? You think she's going to put me under an Allure? If you thought that, why did you accept in the first place?"

"Don't mind your mother," Sirius said, then grinned, "She's just being... your mother."

"Lily," Remus said, "I am sure Gabrielle won't hurt her. The girl won't even be able to summon flames until she completes her next Ascension at thirteen years old. At twelve, her Allure isn't that dangerous. Rose has begun her Occlumency training as of last summer, and her training has prepared her with enough defense to notice an Allure."

Remus chuckled and shook his head. "Really, Rose should be flattered if Gabrielle even tries to put an Allure on her. It means she holds some attraction to Rose. Which means she is attracted to witches."

"See!" Rose said, "I'd welcome her Allure! I'm sure I can protect myself enough to not be... intoxicated against it, I think is the right word."

"Yes, Rose," Remus said, "Very good."

Lily sighed. "Fine, fine. Promise you'll be watching them, Remus."

"I promise," Remus said; Rose frowned, and Remus smiled, "I will not spy, or eavesdrop, Rose. I'll be a chaperone, just as a precaution. I will not interfere with any of it."

Rose sighed and nodded, resigned to her Uncle's decision. "Fine. Are you satisfied? You need to go or you're going to be late!"

"She's right," Sirius said, "Come on, Lily."

Lily gave Rose a quick hug, then walked off toward the direction of the gates with Sirius.

Remus cleared his throat. "Your date approaches."

Rose looked toward the direction of the Beauxbatons Camp and saw Gabrielle walking over, unchaperoned to them.

"Oh, bother," Rose said, suddenly, nervous. "What if she doesn't speak English well? I don't speak French! I didn't put much thought into this – I was focused more on –"

"How cute she is?" Remus asked.

"Uncle Moony!" Rose squeaked. "That makes you sound like a pervert!"

Remus chuckled. "I am sure she knows your main language is English. Wait and see how her English is. She may surprise you. Don't be so nervous. Be yourself. Get to know her, and let her get to know you. And Rose? She may just want to be friends."

"I know," Rose said, sadly, "I'm ready for that."

Remus smiled. "I'm sure you'll have a nice time either way. I will be watching through one of the tent's windows, but – once again – only in the chaperone sense. I'll be doing teacher duties much of the time."

"So... request the blanket to be in the view of a window," Rose said.

"Please," Remus said.

He then stepped into the tent. Rose inhaled and exhaled, and turned to Gabrielle. A few moments later, Gabrielle arrived. She was carrying a picnic basket.

"Good morning," Gabrielle said, "My name is Gabrielle Delacour. Thank you for accepting my invitation."

Rose blinked. Gabrielle's English was perfect. Better than her sister's!

"Hi," she said, shyly, "I am Rose Potter, Heiress of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter. Thank you for offering. I was happy to accept."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Rose," Gabrielle said. "Where would you like to have our picnic?"

Rose led Gabrielle over to an open area of the Grounds about twenty feet from her tent, in plain view of the window. Gabrielle removed a blanket from the basket and spread it out on the ground. It was the color of the Beauxbatons School Flag. Gabrielle sat down.

"Please be seated," Gabrielle said, "Wherever you want. You may sit beside me if you wish."

Rose went slightly pink, and sat down a few feet from Gabrielle. She crossed her legs, as she had been trained to do as a proper young Lady of her House, when she was wearing a dress like the one she had on today. She patted the hem of her dress down onto her lap, and watched as Gabrielle started taking food from her basket.

"My sister and I visited the Hogwarts Kitchens earlier today," Gabrielle said, "And the polite House-Elves there filled my basket with lunch foods. I didn't know what you would approve of, so I requested common American cuisine, and some French delights as well. I hope it is to your liking."

"I am sure it will be," Rose said. "Gabrielle, your English is incredible. You speak so plainly. I can still hear your accent, of course. But the dialect is perfect. Your sister is – um -"

"Less experienced in the language?" Gabrielle asked.

Rose nodded.

"When my father heard about the Triwizard Tournament," Gabrielle said, "And discovered my sister's intentions of becoming a contender, he talked to me about it. I begged... begged him to let me go with my sister. But I spoke no English then. It was all French. My father told me I would be meeting several English wizards and witches who knew no French. So I dedicated myself to studying English. I wanted to be perfect so my father would have no reason to stop me from going. In the end, I did better than my sister's teachings. I could go, but I had to promise to help my sister with her English."

Rose giggled. "That's so awesome! Good job! I was so afraid you'd be speaking to me in French and I don't know French."

"I would not have invited you on a picnic if you could not understand me, Rose," Gabrielle said. "That would have been pointless, and rude of me."

Rose chuckled. Yes, I suppose so."

"Bon appetite!" Gabrielle said, motioning to the spread in front of them.

Rose's mouth watered as she looked around at the food. There were things for deli sandwiches, as well as some finger foods. Even the French food was finger foods, especially the dessert.

"Even I know what that means!" Rose said, grinning, then started to make a deli sandwich.

"I did not want to bog us down with silverware," Gabrielle said. "It would make a picnic too complicated. It makes it easier to eat and talk. And it isn't too filling."

"I heard French witches were rather picky about that type of thing," Rose said.

"Perhaps," Gabrielle said, "But that is not what I meant. It means we can we can eat as much as we want as long as we want. I don't expect us to be done in an hour and – poof – picnic over! No, no! I want to spend an afternoon with you."

"Oh," Rose said, blushing pink. "I would love to spend all afternoon with you. I've got nothing else planned."

Gabrielle smiled. "I suppose you're wondering why I invited you on a picnic?"

Rose finished putting together her sandwich and bit into it. She chewed and swallowed.

"Well," she said, "It was either one of two things. You wanted to be my friend, and get to know someone your age. But..."

"But...?" Gabrielle asked.

"There are a lot of kids your age around here," Rose said, "I mean – a friendly lunch with one person is cool, but if you wanted to make friends, a group outing might be more fun. It is what I would do. So... you asked me for a specific reason."

"Yes," Gabrielle said. "Do you know what that is?"

Rose gulped and cleared her throat. "Is it because of the way I kept looking at you whenever you were in the same area as me?"

"You are a smart young witch, Rose Potter," Gabrielle said, "And you are very cute. That is two things I like about you."

Rose blushed pink. Did Gabrielle just call her cute? Wait... Gabrielle liked her?

"You also know what you want," Gabrielle said, "You're very straight-forward. My mother says I am rather straight-forward too. Rose, I believe you know what I am."

"A... Veela," Rose said, "Like... half-Veela."

"There is no half- or quarter- when it comes to Veela, Rose," Gabrielle said. "You are either Veela, or you are not. We Veela mate with humans because it means our off-spring will be also be magical. But, only our daughters would be Veela, there are no male Veela. In some Veela colonies long ago, Veela did rituals that prevented them from having sons.

"Why?" Rose asked.

"It did nothing to further our kind," Gabrielle said, "and men were not welcome as permanent in some colonies - you'll understand why soon. It is out of practice mostly these days."

Now, do you know one of the Veela's abilities. A couple hints. It is nothing to do with the Allure, and I am too young to create Fireballs until my next Ascension at thirteen, and Avian Transformations, when I complete the following Ascension at seventeen. So what can I do?"

Rose thought back to her studies about Veela. She frowned and shook her head.

"You don't know?" Gabrielle asked. "That is alright. From the moment of their First Ascension – at the age of eleven, Veela have an ability that make them aware of a person's attraction toward them. It gives us early warning about whether we start friendships with them or not. If we are wary of their attraction, we avoid that person. If they get too.. forceful – that is where our Allure helps. Allure does not just make a person's attractions rise and inhibitions lower. If we do not like the person, our Allure will scare them away."

"Cool," Rose said.

"It is very useful," Gabrielle said. "Now, attraction does not immediately mean romance. It just could mean they have the slightest feeling for you. An eleven year old can fancy you, but may be too immature to do anything about it. So it rarely ever matters. Mostly at the age of eleven, it is a time of training that ability. As you can guess, it is in a Veela's nature to be beautiful. And I admit... also vain. Vanity is a weakness in Veela. We always want to feel beautiful and be beautiful to attract a mate. Because we are creatures of love, and lust, and sexuality. It is in our nature.

"So... most Veela always find it easy to spot when somebody is attracted to them. This is thanks to what is known as – in English, you would call it an Attraction Sensor. My sister told me she counted at least three dozen boys of all ages attracted to her beauty in the Great Hall on the first night we were there. When she was picked as Champion, that count nearly doubled."

"Good Merlin!" Rose exclaimed.

Gabrielle snorted. "How many of those felt any desires of true fancy and love for Fleur, do you think? How many felt lust?"

"Most of them for the latter category?" Rose guessed.

"Yes," Gabrielle said, "Thankfully Veela can sort out those categories. That is the benefit of the Attraction Sensor. It is like different colors. Red for lust, pink for fancy and feelings of love. She said she counted three boys who felt any fancy for her. She didn't say whether she was attracted to them. Now! Here's the real question. How many boys did I count as attracted to me?"

Rose frowned, disheartened. She didn't want to know. Because that would mean...

Gabrielle made the universal hand signal for 'zero'.

"Zero?" Rose asked. "That can't be right. I imagine several boys thought you cute, even if you are a little young."

"I wouldn't know," Gabrielle said. "Because my Attraction Sensors have never shone on boys. Never. It took me several months to know why. It took me that long to ask my mother. She looked at me in disbelief, and thought I was joking. I told her I was not. So she took me on a trip, and and brought me to a beach. It was in France, and um... some of the common beaches there are... nude beaches."

"She took you to a nude beach?" Rose asked, in disbelief. "Did she make you...?"

"Yes," Gabrielle said. "But only once. So she could make a point. I was so nervous I didn't notice a crucial piece of information. I did as mother asked, figuring it was a training thing, and she'd be there to protect me. The problem was... there were no boys there. Mother showed me a sign, and on the sign it said... 'Lesbian Celebration Day – Girls Only Allowed'."

Rose's eyes widened.

"Five teen girls of various ages lit up in red auras when I strode onto the beach in naught but my skin," Gabrielle blushed. "Red, not pink. Mother asked me what I was seeing. I told her 'red colors, Mama'."

"Lust," Rose said.

"Yes," Gabrielle said. "However, it was likely none of them were really serious about their intentions. Even fantasies fall under the category of lust. For example, Rose... say you were a color in my spectrum... say pink... fancy, or a feeling of love. I could also sense whether or not you were having a dirty fantasy about me at that moment in time. So there would be spots of red if that happened. Lust."

Rose blushed. "Is that a bad thing?"

"Non," Gabrielle said, momentarily reverting back to native tongue, "Sometimes it is useful. Forgive me if I – ah – speak in hypothetical tongue for a moment. Such an ability would be quite useful when we're older. Combine that ability, with my ability to sense when you are... ah... horny? It will let me know when it is the appropriate time to have some fun with you. But that is for when we are older. I would never encourage you to do such things at our age."

"Hypothetically?" Rose asked; she could hardly breathe; Gabrielle seemed to be flirting with her... at least that is what she thought was going on. Damn her inexperience!

"Of course," Gabrielle said, grinning. "Definitely hypothetically. Where was I? Ah, yes, those lovely girls on the beach. In the girls' defense, they didn't know how old I was, just that I was beautiful to them. Sometimes Veela can't help to be attractive, even at the tender age of eleven. But that is why Mom was there. To keep anyone from approaching me. She told me I could put my bikini back on. Mother said nothing, and let me swim. I noticed those girls admiring me. But I was still confused. Back then, I was so... ignorant. So... oblivious. Until we went back home. And mother explained to me the definition lesbian, and its association with our kind. Before that moment, the word 'lesbian' was almost forbidden in my dictionary. It was not something Veela normally discuss unless the subject comes up for a reason."

Rose's heart was beating. Really, really fast.

"Now, Rose," Gabrielle asked, smiling. "Would you like to know how many girls I saw light up in the Great Hall? Well, I am afraid I cannot tell you. I must keep that a secret. Mother told me not to give that away, because it is such a personal thing. I could only speak of it if I spoke to a girl who lit up in a color, and I could only tell them about their color."

"Me," Rose said, blushing; she was beginning to understand. Gabrielle had not been speaking in hypothetical tongue. That was just a cover. Everything began to make sense now.

"You," Gabrielle said, with a smile. "And you... lit up pink."

"Oh, Merlin," Rose whispered. "Gabrielle, I... if I had known, I -"

"You would still be pink," Gabrielle said. "Nobody can help what they feel. It is the choices we make. Do you remember what I said about a Veela's choice when it comes to choosing what to do about the colors they see?"

"You can avoid them if you want," Rose said.

"Am I avoiding you?" Gabrielle asked.

"No," Rose said.

"No," Gabrielle said. "I have a confession, Rose. I lied to my sister. I told her I wanted to get to know you as a friend. My sister does not know my secret. Mother has not told her yet. I will tell her depending on how this picnic goes. Rose... my intention was for this picnic to be a date. If that is not what you want, I understand. Sometimes I read the signs wrong. I am a young Veela. I am still training."

"You didn't read the signs wrong," Rose said; she inhaled and exhaled; she had prepared for this moment, but never thought it would come. "I was attracted to you from the moment I saw you. But I knew it was rare for Veela to be a lesbians."

"Mother doesn't know if I am a lesbian," Gabrielle said, "She says I might be bisexual. But... Veela who are bisexual – our wiring is different. We don't notice whether boys are attracted to us. The colors in that case... means we are attracted to them."

"That is highly useful," Rose said.

"Yes, but it is for a specific reason," Gabrielle said. "But to understand that, you have to understand the story my mother told me about Veela who were lesbians and bisexual."

Anticipating story-time, Rose relaxed on the blanket and picked at some of the food, taking bites, but concentrating on Gabrielle.

"Would it surprise you to know," Gabrielle said, "that the most famous story of lesbian and bisexual Veela originates out of the island of Lesbos in Greece?"

Rose raised her eyebrows, though she wasn't all that surprised. "Didn't the island get its name from the ancient celebrations of lesbianism that took place there?"

"Mmm, yes," Gabrielle said, nodding. "What most don't know, is it was Veela, who participated in those celebrations. Several centuries ago, there was a secret, hidden encampment consisting mainly of Veela who were lesbians. Some were bisexual. The completely straight ones were booted out."

"What?" Rose asked. "That's so cruel! Why?"

"Well, booted is the wrong word, sorry," Gabrielle said. "Encouraged to go out and start their own covens and camps. No straight Veela could stay, you see. For a reason. We'll get to that part soon. Those who were bisexual were chosen as mothers of the encampment. The camp was run by the local Queen Hippolyta. She was bisexual. In fact, many of the Veela were related to her in some way. But to them, it was in no way inbreeding. Because Veela are women, and can't impregnate each other. Inbreeding, no. Incest, yes. But not siblings... cousins.

"Hippolyta started a tradition passed along amongst the bisexuals. At the start of every season, a group of chosen bisexual Veela would go out amongst one of the villages on the island, and power up their Allures. Really power them up. They would lure a group of men back to camp. Then there was a week-long celebration. An orgy of sorts. Where they would celebrate fertility. Bisexual Veela made love to one man they chose, not more than one. Only one. And they would also make love to the lesbian Veela. When the celebration was done, the men would leave, and forget they were ever there. They never came back, and the Veela didn't want them."

"So... is that why straight Veela weren't allowed?" Rose asked.

"Because they wouldn't participate in the orgies," Gabrielle said. "Or if they did, it would be with the men, and that would take away from the reason the men were there. So they were 'encouraged' to leave to prevent such a thing. Also, like I said, it encouraged them to go out and start their own families."

Rose nodded. She understood that.

"Life went on. The Veela did what they usually did. Jobs, took care of the camp, took care of the children conceived and born from past celebrations, and so and so. A couple weeks after the celebration was when the bisexual Veela started to show symptoms of pregnancy. There would be another week long of celebrations, except this time there were no men. All women. Just celebrating a successful fertility ceremony, and making love. And several months later, another group of children for their camp were born. By the time those children were born, two seasons passed, two more bisexual hunting parties were pregnant after fertility ceremonies.

"No boys were born. Remember the ritual I told you about? Hippolyta's invention. It is known as Hippolyta's Curse, when Veela have no sons. Hippolyta's colony had all daughters. All Veela. Few witches, because back then on the Isle of Lesbos, it was hard to tell between Muggle and wizard. Most wizards didn't reveal their abilities out of fear. But all wizards and men fell under the powerful allure, that held them in the erotic trance for a week. Mostly it was a game of roulette."

"So the Veela raped the men?" Rose asked.

Gabrielle sighed. "I didn't say Hippolyta was famous for her beliefs or lifestyle. But she is mine and Fleur's so many-many great Grandmother. Many Veela these days originate from those Veela who were booted from the camp because they were straight."

"Wow," Rose said, "That is incredible. Kind of sad in some ways, but also... erotic. Are there encampments like that these days?"

"Yes, but they do not follow Hippolyta's beliefs," Gabrielle said, "It is easier to find wizards these days. Especially volunteer wizards. So there is less rape involved. My mother told me this story, because there was a chance I might be invited to live at one of these encampments when my sexuality comes out. But that is only once I reach my Avian Ascension, and childbirth becomes possible for me. And also, most of those colonies, covens and camps don't invite Veela like me... if I am already committed to a mate."

"Oh," Rose said, "Do you want to be committed to a mate?"

"Very much so," Gabrielle said. "I would even become a second-wife, if my female mate were to marry a husband. However... this is where my story comes in. I would want my female mate to marry a man I am attracted to. Because those I am attracted to, are those who would truly accept me for what I am. A Veela bisexual who wants a female lover."

"Would your mate have any choice in the man?" Rose asked.

"Very much so," Gabrielle said. "If my mate is not attracted to the man, I would not choose them."

"Did you know I am bisexual, and not solely a Witches' Witch?" Rose asked. "When you noticed me?"

"No," Gabrielle said. "But I thank the gods that you are. Because that makes me feel so much better about my attraction for you."

Rose blushed. "Gabrielle... um... I don't know if you realize this. But I am going back to America in June. If we... start anything... and we last that long... we'd have to resort to long-distant relationships for a while. Letters, and vacations. My family has a Chateau in Nice."

"So does mine," Gabrielle said.

"So I could visit for vacations," Rose said, "Or... perhaps you could visit me. I'm just saying..."

"Rose," Gabrielle said, "I know we are young. I am not expecting you to be so dedicated to me right away. I would wait as long as it takes before we can be together for life, if that is what you would want. Because you are my ticket from moving into a Veela Colony of bisexuals and lesbians.."

"You make it sound like a prison," Rose said.

Gabrielle said. "To those who don't want to go there... it is. But Veela who are lesbians... are – how you say – the black sheep of the species? The elders – those who are in charge of the laws of Veela – enforce these colonies, in the belief that lesbian Veela would choose to find love with others of their kind in the colonies. Bisexuals are more respected – as long as we provide a daughter or two to further the species."

"Good Merlin," Rose said, "Even amongst Veela – creatures of love - same-sex relationships are frowned upon."

Gabrielle shrugged. "Blame it on Granny Hippolyta and her Harem. Most of us do. Rose... if I do not ask, I am going to regret it. Even though we are only twelve, that does not matter to me. Would you like to be my girlfriend?"

Rose grinned. "I would love to be your girlfriend, Gabrielle."

If Rose expected her first kiss due to this declaration, she didn't get it. Gabrielle merely smiled, and resumed eating. Rose wasn't too disappointed. There was still plenty of time on their date for a first kiss. She happily joined in as Gabrielle offered to play a little game of get-to-know-you-better.

The Three Broomsticks

At ten minutes to noon, Tracey and Daphne walked into the Three Broomsticks. They found both sets of their parents talking to each other near the bar where the owner/barmaid was serving drinks. Tracey inhaled and exhaled. Time to get the show started.

"Daphne, there you are!" Lord Castor Greengrass said as they walked over to their parents. "Lord Potter and his family are already in the private room. Madam Rosmerta told me where we're supposed to go."

"Hold on, Daddy," Daphne said, "I'm sure you're wondering why Lord Davis is here?"

"I was about to ask you that question, daughter," Tracey's father, Lord Derrick Davis said. "I understand Daphne is here for a Betrothal Contract meeting. But why I am here?"

"Lord Potter has invited me to a Children of the Great Alliance meeting tomorrow afternoon," Tracey said, "But he knows you make such decisions, and he wants you to give me permission to him face-to-face. I believe he might even offer House Davis a spot in the Great Alliance."

"Lord Potter told me that he is looking for Houses as new members," Daphne said.

"Since Lord Potter is here to meet with Daphne," Tracey said, "As she is my friend, she has given us permission to begin the meeting with the request."

Lord Davis stared at Tracey, then turned to Lord Greengrass.

"You are part of this Great Alliance, are you not, Lord Castor?" he asked.

"Yes, I am," Lord Greengrass said, "I have not given any notice of resignation, so if it is truly returning, then my House stands with the Alliance. I'm sure yours would be a welcomed voice and House."

Lord Davis sighed. "What is there to lose? This will be quick either way. And it could be profitable. Let's go. Lead the way, Lord Castor."

Tracey glanced at Daphne, who smiled when she saw her looking. Tracey smiled, then inhaled and exhaled as she followed the adults with Daphne toward the meeting room.

Whatever was about to happen... Tracey knew; it would change her life forever.

The bait is set! What will happen?

Whew boy, that Rose and Gabrielle scene kept going on and on. I didn't realize how long it was until I checked. But it was important to understand Gabrielle's lifestyle and history. I very much hope you liked that scene.

I know I didn't focus much on Harry and Hermione's date. I will focus on that more coming up.

Next Chapter: We begin with Harry's Point-of-view moments before the final scene of this chapter, as the Greengrass and Davis Families arrive. Then the Confrontation. Then whatever happens... the Betrothal Contract meeting will follow. I don't know if this will be a two or three-part Arc. But I do know by the end of it, there will be: Neville and Augusta's meeting, more of Harry and Hermione's date, and more of Rose and Gabrielle's date.