A/N: Okay, first off all I'd like to address the name issue. I chose the name Zoe after a friend of mine from high school that was an exchange student from Marseille. As for Catherine, she's named after the French actress Catherine Deneuve. As for the dialogue: when Gabrielle is in France, she doesn't have an accent. She'll only have one when she talks to non French characters. So, I hope that clarifies things. And just so no one else gets confused, this chapter is going to be a series of excerpts from letters between Harry and Gabrielle.
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Pen Pals
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August 23
Dear Harry,
I was so happy to get your letter. It really meant a lot that you would take the time to write me. I hope you're doing well. I hear from Fleur that you and Ron made a huge bust last week. I hope neither of you were hurt. Take care Harry, and give my love to everyone.
Love,
Gabrielle
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August 26
Dear Gabrielle,
Thank you for your last letter. No, neither Ron nor I were hurt in the last bust. Unless you count Ron bumping his head on a doorway. But don't worry. He's fine. But he has been nagging me about working too much lately. He's getting more and more like Hermione every day. But don't tell him I said that.
Harry
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August 30
Dear Harry,
Don't worry, I won't tell him. How is Hermione by the way? Fleur says she's expecting again. Is she still a workaholic? She needs to take it easy. As do you. Getting run down isn't good for anybody. You need to make time for some fun. Somebody needs to. I'm stuck here at school until Christmas. Guess that's my penance. Take care of yourself.
Love,
Gabrielle
September 2
Gabrielle,
Penance? That's not really fair considering you did skip all those classes. Just teasing. I would have loved to stay at Hogwarts during summer breaks. Besides, you're done after this year and then you'll wish you could go back. Hermione's fine by the way. Having mood swings like mad, though. Must be why she's so tired lately. Course having two more at home can't help much. And I will try to get out of the office more. But it's hard with this type of job. Fleur says you're coming to England for Christmas. I'll see you then.
Harry
P.S. Your English is really good.
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September 5
Harry,
Thanks. We take English starting in third year here since so many Beauxbatons students go abroad after graduation. Yes, I did cut a few classes, but I don't think it's fair to deprive me of my last summer before graduation. This time next year I'll be looking for a job. But now that classes have started up again, it's not too bad. The worst part about being here during the summer was that there were so few of us. Gotta go, I'm late for practice.
Love,
Gabrielle
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August 7
Gabrielle,
Would you mind if I call you by a nickname? It would be easier to write. I'm glad that you like school a bit more now. It won't seem like it's so long until graduation if that's the case. Then you can start worrying about a job. Have you given any thought to what you'd like to do? You need to decide as soon as possible. Practice? For what, if you don't mind my asking.
Harry
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September 10
Harry,
No I don't mind a nickname. But not Gabby, please. I hate that name. As for a job…don't laugh, but I want to play professional Quidditch. That's the practice I was talking about. I know it must sound silly, but it's what I've always wanted to do. Tell Hermione I said 'Happy Birthday.'
Love,
Gabrielle
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September 14
Gabrielle,
Well, if Gaby is out, what would you prefer? Hermione said to thank you. She actually cried when I told her. Hormones. Why would I laugh about wanting to play Quidditch? It sounds like a great idea. I had no idea you played. What position? What team would you like? I know Oliver Wood, maybe I could get you a tryout for Puddlemere. Then I could come see you play.
Harry
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September 16
Harry,
Thank you for not laughing. Most people do. I'm Seeker. Thanks for the offer, but I'd like to try to get a tryout on my own. Any other way just wouldn't feel right. And as much as I'd like to meet Oliver Wood, I'd love to play for the Cannons. I'm not surprised you didn't know. Fleur would never admit her sister played such a masculine game. She's worried I'll never get a guy if I don't quit. Sisters.
Gabrielle
P.S. I remember you calling me Gaby when I was younger. So you can if want. But don't tell anyone-I don't want any one else calling me that.
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September 20
Gaby,
See, it's not that bad. I think it's cute. And I'm honored that you would let me call you that when no one else is allowed. Makes me feel special. Kidding. And don't listen to your sister. Quidditch is not just for guys. It's a great game. I bet you're great, too. If you got on with the Cannons I think Ron would die of happiness. Expect pleas for free tickets. And I respect you for wanting to do it on your own. It'll mean more that way. But if I can help in any way, just let me know. As for guys…your future is more important. You'll find someone when you're ready.
Harry
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September 23
Harry,
No, it's not that bad. And you are special silly. Thanks for understanding. I like to think I'm pretty good, but nowhere near as good as you. You definitely could have gone pro if you'd wanted to. But I suppose being an Auror is a calling. I hear you're getting quite a bit of attention for it. So what's the story on your love life? If I'm not being too nosy. Don't worry. I'm not working with Witch Weekly or anything.
Love,
Gaby (See? I'm flexible.)
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September 30
Gaby,
What's with the hearts? That seems a little girly for a Quidditch player. Glad to hear I'm special. And thanks, I'd like to think I was a pretty okay player. Going pro was just never something I could see myself doing. I got injured too much. Not that it was always my fault or anything. I'd tell you about my love life if there was anything to tell. I can't really remember the last date I went on. Finding someone is genuinely interested in me and not my fame is tricky. As is finding someone who likes me and isn't scared of the fame. But I'm sure you have guys swarming all over you. Especially if you're as pretty as I remember.
Love,
Harry
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October 3
Harry,
You're something of a charmer, you know that? Guys don't swarm me. Not since I took to hexing them when they'd try. There just isn't anyone here at school I'm interested in. It earned me the title of Ice Queen. But I don't care. I refuse to be one of those boy crazy idiots that can't think of anything else. Besides, when I'm a pro seeker, I'll have more guys than I know what to do with right? And you'll find someone, I know it. You're terrific. The right girl is out there somewhere. Just look harder.
Love,
Gaby
P.S. The hearts are just a habit I picked up when I was younger. And I am a girl after all.
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October 14
Gaby,
Sorry it's taken me so long to write back. I hope you're not upset. I have bad news. Hermione lost the baby. I've been spending a lot of time with her. Ron and I take turns sitting with her when Fred has to leave. Which isn't often. He's been glued to her side. I think she's getting a little better. She went into town yesterday and she's talking about going back to work. And she definitely wants to have more kids, but Fred wants to wait a while. Just to make sure she's okay. I'll try to write back soon.
Love,
Harry
P.S. Hexing? Those poor guys.
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October 14
Harry,
I'm so sorry. Please give Hermione and Fred my best. That's horrible. But I'm sure she'll be okay. She's Hermione after all. And don't worry one bit about how long it takes to write back. I completely understand. She needs you right now. Take care Harry.
Love,
Gaby
P.S. They deserved it.
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October 17
Gaby,
Thanks for understanding. It's been rough around here lately. Hermione loved the card and the flowers you sent her. She charmed them so they won't wilt as fast. She went back to work today. I think it will be good for her. It'll take her mind of things. Fred's worried though. He's afraid it might be too hard on her. I have to go. Ginny and Neville are throwing a Halloween party and I've been drafted to buy decorations.
Love,
Harry
P.S. I'm sure they did
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October 23
No thanks are necessary. Sorry it took me so long to write back. I've had four exams this week. Yuck. But I got an 'O' on all of them. No applause please. Hope the party is fun. Tell Neville and Ginny I said hi.
Love,
Gaby
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October 24
Gaby,
Four exams in one week? Geez, and I thought Hogwarts was tough. But four O's is fantastic. So you're not only athletic and pretty, but you're brilliant too? That's something. Neville and Ginny say hi back.
Love,
Harry
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October 27
Harry,
I blushed so much when I was reading that last letter my friend Zoe thought it was a love letter. We're having a huge Halloween Ball. It's a big deal here. But that means dates. I'm going with my roommate Catherine's brother Jean-Marc. He's okay. And he won't try anything. He knows better.
Love,
Gaby
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October 28
Harry,
He better not. Or I'll have to come beat him up for you.
Love,
Harry
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October 29,
Harry,
I'll remember that.
Love,
Gaby
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A/N: I could have gone on for a while but I stopped there because the Ball is ion the next chapter. Until then.