Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

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Gabrielle knew that something was wrong with Alucard the moment he kissed her goodnight. For one he was sated like the time she found him. For the other, he didn't speak a word to her like he usually does.

She had a suspicion but she prayed it was not so. She needed to confront him with this. But first she needed to find him. She found him later in the morning tinkering with a pick-up truck. She approached him quietly and tapped his shoulder. When he turned to face her, she was surprised.

All of Alucard's hair was not snow white like all the life had been sucked from it and his eyes, like last night, were dark yellow.

"Ally?" she smiled softly. Alucard smiled back and held her hand. So far all she noticed different was he was sweeter than before. She didn't know if that was good or bad. But when he squeezed it, she felt his sorrow and pain. She knew it was bad.

Alucard slowly pulled her into his arms and embraced her lovingly. She could feel him breathing through her hair like a person needing oxygen deprived from him.

A tear rolled down her face and she buried her head on his chest.

It was worse.

***

Bill found Bismarck standing in front of the fireplace, looking at a large portrait. The portrait was of a distinguished man with white hair and yellow eyes.

"I hear you are going to visit your family," Bismarck said without turning around. Bill smirked and sighed.

"We are," he smiled. "I wish you could come with us."

"Alas it is a bad time for me to leave the sanctuary," Bismarck turned around and smiled. "But I wish you the best."

"Thanks," Bill smiled and turned to leave. Bismarck smiled as he watched him go.

"Good luck," he said as he gazed into the portrait once again.

***

Alucard parked the pick-up near the Leakey Cauldron and exited the vehicle.

"Why can't we just floo in?" Fleur asked as she stretched her luscious body. Bill blinked as her curves presented themselves. Quickly, he turned away.

"They'll be watching the network," Bill said as he recited what Bismarck had told them earlier. "It's safer this way."

"I hope so," Gabby said sullenly. Both adults didn't know what came over her. Even Alucard sighed when she acted like this.

"Cheer up, Gabby," Fleur smiled as she patted her hair lovingly. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing," she said softly and entered the pub. They both then looked at Alucard who simply followed her in.

"What was that about?" Fleur asked.

"I'm not quite sure but I intend to find out," Bill said as he followed the two teenagers. It was strange for Bill to see the two unhappy. It always seemed like nothing would damper their spirits short of losing each other... Bill paused as the idea stuck into his head.

Alucard WAS looking a bit pale and his joyous demeanor faded with his hair. This was not possible. Was he... it was too soon to be sure.

Walking towards the entrance to Diagon Alley, Bill tapped a few bricks and the wall opened. The two teenagers went in first but before proceeding, Bill held Fleur's hand.

"I'll find out from Alucard's side while you girls have your quality time," he smiled and kissed her on the cheek. Before she could protest, he was already off.

Sighing, Fleur went to find her sister.

***

"What's wrong, Ally?" Bill asked as he caught up with him in front of Gringotts bank. Alucard only smirked and entered the building. Bill followed close behind and say him give a key to one of the goblins. The goblin looked at Alucard with scrutiny but motioned for another goblin to help them.

Without another word, Alucard followed the goblin to the carts and Bill tagged along. He knew that Alucard would open up when it is necessary. All he had to do was wait.

The cart stopped at vault number 003, making Bill's jaw drop.

"Your vault is a double O?" Bill asked and Alucard simply nodded. The goblin opened the door and they entered. Walking with purpose, Alucard went to an old hope chest and opened it. He motioned Bill towards him and he in turn saw jewels.

Bright sparkling jewels filled the chest and it was almost breathtaking. Bill had never seen jewels this much and looking around his vault, it looked like the whole Gringotts treasury had used the vault for stock.

"Why are we here?" Bill asked. Alucard didn't answer him and extended his hand over the jewels and a small velvet case rose from the jewels and he grabbed it. Smiling, he tosses the case to Bill who almost dropped it in his surprise.

What's this?" he asked as he opened the case. As soon as he did, he immediately shut it closed. "You are not serious?" Alucard smiled and nodded. "I can't take this! It's too much!"

But Alucard held Bill's hand that contained the case and closed it around it. Bill saw the pleading eyes of the teenager.

Bill knew he wouldn't win this argument and relented. Instead, he gave Alucard a brotherly embrace and thanked him.

***

Gabby was browsing along the shelves of books but not really minding the titles. Bismarck had told her what would happen when Alucard's condition worsen. And he was showing signs of it.

It pains her to see him like that for she had deeply fallen for him. And she'll do everything in her power to help him.

Because she won't admit it, she needed him.

Gabby never felt like this before. She had a great urge to care for him and love him that she has completely gave into it.

But she must admit, it did felt nice.

Sighing, she turned to leave, but she yelped in surprise when she saw Alucard standing beside him.

"Why can't you make any noise?" she smiled while gasping. Alucard smiled in mirth and kissed her cheek. "What was that for?"

Alucard smiled obliquely and took her hand.

Whatever he was going through, Gabrielle Delacour will be with him to see it through.

Exiting the shop, they met with the adults who had a silly grin on their faces.

"What?" Gabby asked but Fleur only smiled wider.

"Let's shop," she said. Words that made the women smile and the men groan.

"Come now, it's not that bad," Fleur said as she took Gabby's hand and disappeared into a shop.

Bill only shrugged and followed them.

Alucard sighed as he started to follow but he suddenly staggered and held a nearby wall for support. Shaking his head to remove the dizziness he had, he composed himself and followed his friends.

He didn't know if he could hold on much longer.

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End of 24

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A/n: Up next. Christmas at the Weasleys. And a pronunciation that would shock the most and mirth the rest.

Anyway, keep on reading and reviewing. Alucard's condition will be known.