Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

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Fleur's first reaction was to run for her sister. But Bill held her back for he knew it was dangerous.

Even he has trouble mustering up the courage to go into the paddock for Gabby. He knew of he went in after her, he would be dead.

Still, he didn't want to leave the little girl to the clutches of a vampire.

Vampire. Bill remembered an important fact and began to search the pick-up for the object he needed.

From Alucard's bag, he found what he was looking for.

He took out a large black shiny revolver and hefted it with two hands.

The Ebony Devil.

Grunting, Bill tried to balance himself. The gun was heavier than the Ivory Saint, Alucard's other revolver. He wasn't sure what he was doing with it but he knew he had to do something.

"Ginny, you and Luna get inside," Bill said as he cocked the revolver.

"She's our friend and we're staying," Luna said adamantly.

Bill didn't have time to argue for a screaming Gabby ran from the woods. But Fleur recognized the type of scream.

"Is she having fun?" Fleur asked. Indeed, Gabby was giggling as she ran towards them.

"Ginny! Luna! Hide me!" she said as she and the girls entered the house. Confused and bewildered, Fleur looked at Bill.

"What was that all about?" she asked. Suddenly, they were no longer alone.

Alucard was standing behind them. Bill quickly turned and pointed the revolver but it was too heavy and he was too slow for Alucard grabbed the gun and held it there.

When Bill looked at Alucard there were two things that he noticed. One, that his hair had returned to its original black and two, that he was covered in snow.

"What happened to you?" Bill asked, slightly nervous. But Alucard sighed and looked at him in his usual calm demeanor.

"The last thing I remembered is you carrying your sister," he said. "The next thing I know, your sister," he glared at Fleur, "Levitated a considerable amount of snow and dropped it on me. It was her way to helping me cool off." Fleur couldn't resist and laughed out loud.

"What happened to you anyway?" Bill asked.

"I don't remember," he said sincerely.

"How do you feel?" Fleur asked.

"I don't know," Alucard said as he sighed. "But something's gnawing inside me."

"I hope it's nothing fatal," Bill said with a smile. "Or something that would burst out from within you."

"We have an immunity to any kind of parasites," Alucard said softly. "I doubt that anything could infect me. I never had a cold in my life."

"Ever?" Bill asked. Alucard walked away but not before smiling at the couple.

"You should give it to her now before your family notices," Alucard said as he disappeared into the corner.

"Give me what?" Fleur asked expectantly. Bill swallowed as he searched his pockets. The soft velvet case gave him the courage he needed. Taking the velvet case out of his pocket, he took a deep breath and knelt before her.

Fleur was breathless as her heart beat faster. Her hands trembled as Bill opened the case. In it lay the most beautiful diamond ring she had ever seen. And it was huge. She never saw anything like it. The diamond had an intricate heart design and was surrounded by rubies.

"Mademoiselle Fleur Delacour. Will you marry a simple man that only has a simple life?" he asked. He also wished that he had phrased it correctly.

Tears filled her eyes as Fleur touched Bill's face and caressed his cheek.

"You are not simple and neither is your life," she tried to fight her tears but they kept on flowing. "There is something special about you that I like and I would be proud and honored to be your wedded wife." Bill smiled as he took the ring out of the case and slipped it on her finger.

Bill stood up as his fiancé wrapped her arms around him and kissed him deeply. His soul was complete and her heart was filled with love for him.

"We should get inside," Bill whispered into her ear as she snuggled closer.

"We should," she smiled as they walked, hand in hand, into the Burrow.

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Hermione Granger saw the display of affection from the window of Ginny's room. She was surprised to find Bill with a woman, by her definition, of excellent taste. He white fur coat must have cost a fortune and had come from overseas. Her hood was up and she didn't see her face.

"Love's greatest offer is to be with your love forever," Luna suddenly said making Hermione jump in surprise. She still considered Luna a little odd but she was an invaluable friend.

"Mrs. Weasley must be ecstatic when she sees her oldest come home," Hermione said.

"She isn't home yet," Luna said as she sat on Ginny's bed. "We have two more guests."

"This must be one huge Christmas," Hermione smiled. "And one big family. Where is Molly?"

"Diagon Alley," Luna smiled. "She had some last minute shopping to do."

"Then who's cooking?" Hermione asked as the air filled with the aroma of gourmets. "Ginny's not that good yet to start without her mother. The boys are helpless and disastrous when cooking."

"Must be Gabby's friend," Luna said as she looked at the doorway.

"Gabby?" Hermione asked confusingly. "Shall we check him out?" Luna gave a mystic smile and followed the bright witch to the kitchen.

Hermione could hear the laughter coming from the kitchen as they neared it. When they entered, she recognized the cook and the girl Ginny was talking to. They were asking about the Berserk Fury when she saw them last. They were with Sirius then.

"Bonjour," the platinum haired girl said as she noticed Hermione enter the kitchen.

"Hello," Hermione smiled. Looking at the girl intently, she had somehow seen her before, not moths ago but years and she reminded her of someone.

"Mione," Ginny smiled as she introduced her friend. "This is Gabby and Ally. You remember her don't you?" Hermione was at a loss. But then, she realized that she looked like a part Veela she knew years ago.

"You're………" she began but a soft voice interrupted her.

"She's my sister," the voice said. Turning around, Hermione saw the elegant woman she used to despise during her fourth year.

"Fleur Delacour," Hermione said in a soft breath.

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End of 26.

A/n: I am figuring out how to proceed with the scene in the paddock. Should I be very precise in the telling or should I skip a few scenes for censorship. I need input you guys.

By the way, I have another story ongoing and I would want your input on it. It's entitled Eclipse. I hope you read it and review.