Harry and his Brainy Girls

By: Sheltie

I don't own Harry Potter at all

A/N: I had a different Gabrielle chap in place, but changed it at the last minute. I'll post that one up later down the road.

Chapter 209: Gabrielle Delacour

The sound of sniffling followed by a loud sneeze all coming from one miserably sick Gabrielle. She probably looked worse than she felt. The sneeze of course didn't clear anything since it got clogged up with snot and whatnot just as quickly as it was expelled. Her mouth was coated with some yucky mucus that was gross.

"You're really burning up Gabi" Harry murmured with concern.

"I don't feel good either" Gabrielle mumbled.

Harry cracked a small smile then pulled out a thermometer. Gabrielle saw it and shied away.

"Gabi, I need how bad it is, now open your mouth" Harry said in that firm gentle tone.

Gabrielle shook her head. She hated the taste of the instrument in her mouth even though her taste buds were probably shot to hell.

Harry tried to get Gabrielle to take the thermometer by going in at different angles, each time failing as Gabrielle even in her sicken state was elusive.

"Gabi, either the mouth or I'm doing the armpit or the other place" he said sternly.

Gabrielle didn't need to ask about the 'other place' Harry mentioned and she had ticklish armpits so that was out. With great reluctance she opened her mouth and Harry stuck the gauge in. After a short while he pulled it out and Gabrielle made a face that Harry found humorous. He looked at the reading and sighed.

"You're going to be in bed for while little lady. You're really sick" he said, "I'm going to see if we have any medicine." He then left.

Gabrielle groaned. The only thing worse than the taste of thermometer was the medicine. Why couldn't they ever taste good. Even when the label says it's an improved taste or flavor it was an outright lie of the highest degree since it never was. It was worse than before.

"Good news we've got medicine. What do you want grape or melon?" Harry asked as she showed off the bottles.

Gabrielle's expression was anything than thrilled. She looked downright distraught. Again Harry found that look of her face priceless, but held back from chuckling.

"Gabi, either you pick it or I will" he said instead.

Gabrielle didn't look too happy with the ultimatum. With great hardship she pointed to her poison.

"Melon it is" Harry said.

He then twisted of the cap and poured some into the little plastic cup that covered the cap. He helped Gabrielle sit up and then watched to make sure she took it. Gabrielle had no choice, she downed it as quickly as possible though it wasn't fast enough as her taste buds caught the vile liquid. Her face twisted in a look of utter disgust.

"Bleh" she cried.

Harry handed her some water to help wash the taste from her mouth. She gulped the clear liquid wanting to wash away all trace. When done she laid back.

"Are you hungry at all?" Harry asked.

"A little" Gabrielle answered.

"I'll heat up some soup then" Harry said then left.

Gabrielle sighed as she laid there. Slowly she slipped into a peaceful rest. She only woke up when her stuffy nose picked up a smell. She turned her head to see Harry with a tray.

"Are you up for a bite, or do you want to sleep some more?" Harry asked.

Gabrielle did her best to sit up, but it was hard since she had no strength at all. Harry placed the tray down and helped her sit up. Once in position Harry brought the tray over to her.

"Can you eat or do you want me to feed you?" Harry asked.

Gabrielle didn't need a moment to know the answer to that. She just opened her mouth. Harry let out an amused smile as he picked up the spoon and scooped up some soup and then gently blew on it to cool it before directing it to Gabrielle's mouth.

Only a few spoonful made it through as Gabrielle couldn't eat any more. Harry put the tray aside and helped her lie back down.

"Sleep, if you need me let me know. I'll be in the other room" Harry said then left.

Gabrielle nodded then slipped back to sleep.

/Scene Break/

It was late, maybe. Gabrielle wasn't too sure at the moment. She rolled over and let out a small groan. She glanced at the clock and now knew it was late.

"How are you feeling Gabi?" Harry asked.

Gabrielle looked up, "sweaty."

Harry smiled at this.

"Then want to take a bath?" he suggested.

Gabrielle nodded.

With some help Harry half-carried Gabrielle to the bathroom. Weaken by her present state had its perks. Her pajamas were stripped from her. Modesty wasn't needed since the two have been dating and have seen one another naked. The bath water was at the temp that Gabrielle liked. She slipped into the bath with a deep sigh.

"I'm going to toss these as well as change your bedding" Harry said, "just relax and let me know when you're ready to get out."

"Okay" Gabrielle muttered.

She lounged in the bath relishing the warm water. She didn't want to get out really, but soon her skin began to get wrinkly and she never cared for that. She called Harry who assisted out of the bath. Once dry he helped her get into a fresh pair of pajamas. She got back into bed that had new sheets.

"Hungry?" Harry asked.

Gabrielle nodded.

Harry left to re-heat the soup that he had made earlier. He came back tray in hand and once again asked Gabrielle if she could eat herself or if he should feed her and once again she just opened her mouth to show her answer. Harry fed her and this time finished half the bowl. Harry also gave Gabrielle another dose of medicine, the only dark spot in what was a lovely time.

After being tucked in Harry let Gabrielle know he'd be in the other room if she needed him.

End

A/N: this one really had no ending and I was struggling to find a good natural place to end it. I'm not sure if I made the right choice, but it's there. Thanks for reading and please review.