Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Harry Apparated into the Potter Manor library where Hermione and his portrait family were awaiting news. "Baley! Get me a nurse or doctor here now!" he bellowed.

Hermione rushed to his side. "Harry, what happened to her?"

"She was hit and has a horrible gash on the back of her head. She's not responding," he said hurriedly as he made his way out of the library for their bedroom. He gently placed her on her side and looked at the wound. The blood had matted her hair together which may have stopped some of the bleeding.

"Oh Merlin, look at her! This is my fault," Harry moaned.

Hermione shook his arm. "Harry, now is not the time for a pity party. We need to get Gabby medical help." There was a knock at the door and the Potter family doctor entered into the bedroom.

My lord," he bowed. "You major domo told me that my services were needed immediately."

Harry's eyes never left Gabby. "Take care of her. If she doesn't come out of this, your head is on a platter," he growled before stalking out of the room. The blood drained out of the doctor's face. Hermione patted his arm. "Don't mind him. But see to it that she is healed. We will be in the library."

The doctor sighed a sigh of relief as Hermione closed the door behind her.

She returned to the library to find Harry pacing back and forth. She rolled her eyes and sat on one of the couches. "Do you want to tell me what happened?"

Harry recanted what he had witnessed with the Inferi and the Anderson/Voldemort incident. Hermione shook her head. "It seems that Voldemort is still trying to defeat death."

"Yeah, and apparently he will try again. Will I never be done with him?"

Hermione smiled sadly. "You aren't alone, you know? There are many who continue to keep the peace that we have fought so desperately for. We can at least take solace in that."

Harry paused in pacing and nodded. "I suppose you are right."

Ron Apparated right behind Harry as he began to pace again. "Harry, we've got the evidence from the basement at Headquarters and Anderson in custody. How's Gabby doing?"

"We've got the doctor looking at her right now." Harry ran a hand through his forever tousled hair angrily.

"What possessed her to do such a thing? I told her not to do anything stupid!"

Ron joined his wife on the couch who proceeded to inspect him for any injuries. "What happened to her?" Harry quickly told Ron of what Gabby had done.

Ron whistled. "Wow, she actually kissed Anderson. From what I saw, he wasn't much of a looker."

"His face changed because she broke the crystals." Harry paused in his pacing again. "I don't know whether I want to snog her senselessly or shake her for her stupidity."

Ron and Hermione looked at him and said simultaneously, "She's just like you!"

Harry was about to say a witty comeback when the doctor entered into the room with Baley in tow. "My lord," he greeted.

Harry made a beeline for the medic. "How is she? What's going on?"

The doctor hesitated and said, "The blow to the back of the head has given her a severe concussion. I've healed the gash but she will be in and out of consciousness for the next several days. I suggest that you monitor her closely and ensure that she gets plenty of rest. The next forty-eight hours will be crucial."

A hard but exhausted line formed on Harry's face. "Thank you for your work, doctor."

The doctor nodded. "I'll stop by in the morning to check on her." He nodded to Ron and Hermione and left the library.

Ron stood as well. "Harry, we better get home as well. We'll stop by to tomorrow to see how she's doing." He helped Hermione up and gave Harry hug. "Get some rest too, mate. It's been a long night."

Wordlessly, Harry nodded. The married couple left the library to use the downstairs floo. Harry sat down on the couch and ran a hand through his hair.

"Are you alright, sweetie?"

Harry looked up to see his parents and grandparents staring down at him with concern. "Mom, I just…I thought she was dead. All that blood and she was so lifeless," he said brokenly. "Why is that everyone I care about always gets hurt? They targeted her because of me!"

"Oh sweetie," Lily said softly. "I think Gabby always knew there was a possibility of this happening. But she still wanted to be with you. I think being with you was a risk that she was willing to take. No matter the consequences."

"Maybe I should remove the risk all together then," Harry whispered. "Maybe this is a sign that we should just stop this now before anyone else gets hurt."

"Son," James said, "do you think that is fair to either one of you? Do you really want to make yourself miserable? Make her miserable? You two are clearly crazy about each other."

"Dad, I don't think I could lose her."

"Then don't. No matter what, the best protection for her is to be beside you. Nowhere else."

Harry stared at the floor and said nothing in response. After a few moments, he got up and said, "I'm going to keep an eye on Gabby. I'll see you all soon." And with that, he left. Lily and James looked at each other questioningly. "What do you think he'll do?" Lily asked.

"If he's anything like me, then I'm pretty sure he won't be leaving her side anytime soon."

Mr. Potter chuckled. "Besides, the Manor will nag him incessantly about the whereabouts of its Mistress if he does something to break ties with her. No, I'm sure they'll be just fine."

Gabby heard slight shuffling beside her as she awoke. She kept her eyes closed as she felt out where she was. It feels like I'm on a bed. I think I smell Harry's cologne on the sheets. Am I back at Potter Manor? Gabby slowly opened her eyes to see that it was sometime in the afternoon. She slowly raised her head to see that she was back in the master bedroom. Gabby felt the slight shuffling beside her and turned to see.

Harry had fallen asleep beside the bed and was trying to find a comfortable position in his sleep. Gabby felt herself smile as he unconsciously turned his head to and fro. She ran her hand through his hair, which had a calming effect on him. Moments later, he awoke to find Gabby smiling at him.

"Gabby," he croaked. "Thank Merlin you're alright." "What happened?" she asked softly.

"When you broke the crystal, Anderson hit you so hard that you cut your head open. You've been out of for three days."

Her eyebrows furrowed together. "Did it work? Voldemort wasn't successful?" Harry shook his head. "No, it was only half finished."

Gabby relaxed at the news. "Thank God."

After a few moments, Harry said softly, "You really scared me back there. I didn't know what was going on at all."

She looked back at Harry and saw the questions in his eyes. Why did you do that?

"I knew that in order for me to stay alive and possibly help you, I had to pretend that we were enemies. When Voldemort told Anderson to keep my body so he could use it later, I had to use it to my advantage. So I played the scorned lover and how I wanted power. Anderson was horny enough to fall for it."

Harry's eyes blazed at hearing Voldemort's intention of using Gabby's body. "You didn't…?"

Gabby rolled her eyes. "God, no! Stroke a man's ego once and he'll tell you everything. Ugh, I did have to kiss him though to convince him I was on his side. Once I told him of 'my plan' to break your spirit, he told me of his plan to bring Voldemort out of the world of the dead into the living with the crystals."

"What are the crystals?"

"I'm not particularly sure. He said something about an old cave where the crystals grew. That people used to them as a gateway to bring about the dead. Anyway, he said he would spare me if I stayed by his side. Of course I agreed but I knew that I had to destroy the crystals. When I saw my chance, I took it."

Harry stared at her. "Do you realize how incredibly stupid that was?" he asked furiously. Gabby blinked. "But…"

"No! Do you have any idea what it did to me to see you like that? To see you kiss him? To have you slap me? Then to see you get see you hit so hard?" he yelled.

She winced at the noise. "Harry, I had to." "Why? Did you have no faith in me?"

"The complete opposite. I knew you would come to my rescue."

That deflated Harry a bit. "What?"

Gabby rolled to her side to look at Harry directly. "I knew that you would've risked your life to save mine. There was a greater possibility of you getting killed if I hadn't done anything." She gently touched the side of his stubble covered face. "I couldn't let that happen, even if it meant me getting hurt."

Harry felt a swell of emotions get caught in his throat. "You stupid woman. You stupid, stupid woman," he said brokenly.

Gabby took his hand and squeezed it. "Harry, call me stupid one more time."

They both chuckled and Harry leaned in for a soft kiss on her forehead. "You need to get some more rest. I'll be here when you wake up."

She nodded and closed her eyes. Very soon, she was fast asleep.

Over the next several days, Gabby recovered. Harry never strayed too far from her, keeping close watch over her. While Gabby appreciated the attention, towards the end it became a bit overbearing. She finally convinced him that she was okay to be by herself for a few hours. After several thin -veiled threats, he conceded and went to work.

While he was gone, Gabby went through the last couple of events through her head. Most of all, their fight about her divorce. Since that night, neither one of them brought it up. But Gabby felt as if it was the proverbial elephant in the night when Harry came home, she tried to bring it up, but he became rigid and side -stepped her every attempt and distracted her with other questions.

After the third night in a row of Harry side stepping, Gabby devised a plan to deal with it. After Harry left the Manor for work, she went into the library. "Lily? Are you here?"

"Gabby, dear! You are looking quite well!"

"Thank you. I'm sorry if this isn't much of a social call. I have a favor to ask of you." After explaining her plan, Lily sadly smiled and nodded. "I understand why you want to do this. I will miss you, my dear."

Gabby sadly smiled as well. "I'll miss you too. These are the times when I wish I could hug you."

"I feel the same way."

Gabby looked around and noticed that James and the Potters were not around. "I really shouldn't wait any longer. Could you tell the others of my plan and that I'll miss them as well?"

"Of course, dear."

Gabby nodded and took a look around. "Ok," she said to herself. "It's time. Baley?"

POP! "Yes, Mistress?"

"Have you gotten my things for me?"

"Yes, Mistress. Everything at your flat is taken care of."

Gabby sighed. "Ok, let's go." And with a POP, Gabby was gone.

Harry returned several hours later to the Manor. "Gabby, I'm starved. Are you ready for dinner?" he asked as he entered the master bedroom. He glanced around to find the room empty. Harry looked puzzledly around and made his way to the library. Again, Gabby wasn't anywhere to be found.

"Mom," he called. "Have you seen Gabby?" Lily nodded hesitantly. "Yes, I have."

Harry waited and when no further response came he said, "And? Where is she?" "She's not here, sweetie."

"Not here? What do you mean, not here?"

Lily sighed. "She's gone back to her flat, sweetie. She left you that note over there on the desk."

Harry's face fell as he eyed the parchment with his name on it. He slowly walked over to the desk and read the note. His expression didn't change as he read. "Why?" he asked more so to himself. "Why did she have to do this?"

"Because you refused to deal with her impeding divorce! She could tell that you were bothered by the fact that she was still married but you didn't want to bring it up. She felt that this was the only way to deal with it."

Harry leaned against the desk and stared at the floor. "Does her flat at least of some protection?" Lily nodded. "Baley placed some elfish protection around her flat. She should be fine."

Harry continued to stare at the floor when he heard Ron enter the library. "Oi! Harry! Aren't we having dinner together tonight? Hermione is downstairs crying of hunger." Ron looked around.

"Where's Gabby?"

Harry stood up from the desk and walked past Ron towards the entrance. "She left me, Ron. She's gone." Ron's jaw dropped to the floor. "What? What do you mean? What are you going to do about it?"

Harry stopped and he turned around to look at his best friend. His eyes shone with determination. "That's a stupid question. I'm going to get her back."

25 days later

Harry sat at the bar, ignoring at the crowd at the Midwater Pub. The Saturday night crowd was as lively as the usual Friday night regulars. The men were still raucous, the ladies still flirtatious. There were still those ladies who were giving him looks of interest. But Harry was none the wiser. His attention was on the letter he had read a thousand times over.

Hey Handsome,

By the time you read this, I will already have been gone. I'm going back to my flat and I'm staying there. Harry, you have refused to talk about my marriage and pending divorce. I get it – I know you are still angry about it.

And you have every right to be. It's not fair to you to be constantly feeling like you have to walk around eggshells around me. So I'm doing us both a favor and waiting the rest of my married life out alone.

I don't want you to come looking for me. I want you to keep going and being the wonderful wizard that you are. But there is something I do want to ask you. Will you come get me later? My divorce is finalized as of December 1. At that point there'll be nothing stopping us. I know I'm probably jumping the gun on this one, but while the Manor may recognize me as your Mistress, I would rather just be known as your girlfriend. Or possibly your wife.

I know I'm jumping the gun, but in the deepest parts of my heart and soul, nothing would make me happier. So if you want that too, if you want to start over on December 1, then I'll be at the Sanguine that night. If you don't show up, I understand. I just thank God I had a chance to be with you. You've truly placed a handprint on my heart.

Gabby

Harry sighed as he folded the worn letter and placed into his pocket. "Oi! Harry! Wake up, mate!" Harry turned to see Ron approaching him with two pints of beer. "Thanks, Ron."

The best friends sat at the bar, watching the crowd get into a frenzy over a football game on the television. "So are you sure about this?" Ron asked, still staring out into the crowd.

Harry told a deep drink from his cup. "What do you think?"

Ron sighed and took a drink himself. "This may be the hardest thing you do, you know."

"There's no other way. I can't do it." Harry took another deep drink. "I do appreciate you being with me, Ron. Hermione missing you tonight?"

"Nah, she knew you would need the support tonight. Besides, her mother is over our house helping her with the baby."

"How is my little Rose?" Harry chuckled.

Ron smirked. "Your little Rose goes through nappies like tissue. I swear the amount that comes out of her doesn't make sense!"

They both had a good laugh as they continued to drink. Harry looked at the clock and finished the last of his beer. "I think it's about time that I head on out."

Ron eyed his friend and finished his own. "You gonna be ok?"

Harry nodded. Ron clasped Harry on the shoulder and smiled. "Go and get her. Hermione is already furious that she's missed Rose's birth. What kind of godmother is that?"

Harry chuckled. "I'll be sure to let her know."

Harry bundled himself up before setting for outside. The London streets were busy, people getting ready for the holiday season. Harry was careful to slip into an alley before Apparating to the Sanguine. After not seeing Gabby for twenty-five days, he felt slightly nervous. Maybe she changed her mind? What if she moved on to someone else?

Harry shook his head free of doubts and entered the Sanguine. The hostess seated him immediately and he began to look around for Gabby. After several moments, she was still nowhere to be found. Harry's heart started to ache. Maybe she really did move on.

"Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen." Harry recognized the announcer as the manager of the Sanguine. "We have been so blessed over the past couple of weeks to have this next performer grace us with her piano and her voice. She continues to do so tonight. Give a round of applause for Gabrielle Peters!"

Harry watched as Gabby stepped on stage and his heart fluttered at the sight of her. Merlin, she looks fantastic. Gabby took the microphone from the manager and sat at the piano. "Good evening, everyone. Tonight, I'm singing this particular song for a particular person. I'm not sure if he is here in the audience, but Harry, this is for you."

She began to play softly and Harry felt the familiar awe as he watched her play and sing.

This time, this place Misused, mistakes

Too long, too late, Who was I to make you wait

Just one chance, just one breath Just in case there's just one left

'Cause you know, you know

You know

Gabby then looked at into the audience as she sang:

I love you, I have loved you all along

And I miss you, been far away for far too long

I keep dreaming, you'll be with me and You'll never go

Stop breathing if I don't see you anymore

Gabby continued to play with flourish, the words of the song her catalyst. Harry gazed at her lovingly, knowing that she was the one. And that he was the one for her.

I wanted, I wanted you to stay

'Cause I needed

I need to hear you say

I love you, I have loved you all along

And I forgive you, for being away for far too long

So keep breathing 'cause I'm not leaving you anymore

Believe it, hold to me, never let me go

Gabby ended to a sound round of applause. She took her bow and made her way to the exit to find that Harry was waiting for her by the stairs. Gabby eyed his face hungrily, taking in his green eyes, his full lips. God, it's been way too long. They said nothing to each other as Harry escorted her to his table. As soon as they were both seated, Gabby cleared her throat.

"Hello, my name is Gabrielle Peters and I'm newly divorced as of today."

Harry shook his head and smiled. "How do you do, Gabrielle? My name is Harry Potter and I am a wizard."

"Nice to meet you, Harry. And please call me Gabby."

The two continued to look at each other before Gabby said, "Are you upset with me?"

"I was at first. But I understood why you did it. You know, everyone misses back at the Manor. The elves are constantly asking for their Mistress, Teddy wants to know when his aunt is taking him the movies and my parents and grandparents nag at me about you."

Gabby smiled. "I miss them all too. Maury misses a certain person who used to feed him table scraps." Harry chuckled. "Is he still jumping on the table?"

"Yes, no thanks to you."

"Hey, the cat deserves a treat every now then."

"Well, now he's completely spoiled. What are you going to do about it?" "I'm going to continue spoiling him, that's what."

Gabby paused. "And how do you plan on doing that?" she asked carefully.

Harry leaned over and whispered conspiratorially, "I plan on taking his mistress back to my place."

Gabby fought the smile that threatened to come out. "Oh I see," she whispered. "And how do you plan on doing that?"

Harry grinned. "Like this." He grabbed her hand and made for the door. He whisked her into an alley and held on to her tightly. "Hold on." With a turn, he Apparated them both back to his flat. Gabby pinched Harry on the arm as soon as they were on the ground.

"Ouch, what was that for?"

"You know, it is considered kidnapping to just take someone without their permission!"

"Even when you have a surprise for them?"

"Oh really? What would that be?" Harry pointed to something behind her and she turned. She was met with a flood of floating lit candles and rose petals all over the floor of his living room. In the middle of his couch as a large box.

"Oh Harry," Gabby gushed. "This is beautiful."

"Open the box."

Gabby gingerly took the box into her lap and opened it to find a box. She opened that to find another. And she opened that to find a small velvet box. Startled, she looked up to find Harry staring at her intently.

"Is this what I think it is?"

"Just open it."

With shaking hands, Gabby opened the velvet box to find a folded up note. Puzzled, she opened it to see one question written inside: "Will you be mine forever? Check Yes, No or Maybe?"

Gabby rolled her eyes and looked at Harry with a sarcastic remark on the tip of her tongue when he abruptly got down on one knee.

"Harry, are you serious?"

Harry took her by the hand and nervously licked his lips. "Gabby, these past twenty-five days away from you have been complete torture. On so many different occasions I was so close to popping over here and taking you back. But I knew that you wanted us to be together with no barriers between us. And I want to make sure that no other barrier will ever be between us again. Be mine forever. Never leave my side again. We might not get married immediately, but I want to go to sleep tonight knowing that one day you'll be my wife."

Gabby could barely speak due to the tears streaming down her face. "Yes," she hiccuped. "Yes!"

Harry's grin lit up his entire face as he slipped on the ring that was hiding in his left hand and he pulled Gabby into a hug. The newly-engaged couple held on to each other, enjoying their new found happiness. As they would look back, that night was truly the beginning of the rest of their lives. For each of them, the other was their second wind. A second wind of new beginnings, of released pasts and of unconditional love.

Thank you for reading Second Wind. Harry & Gabby's story does not end here. Continue reading at "Third Time's a Charm."