Disclaimer: I own none of the things you already know of.
Harry Potter and the Smallest Change.
Chapter 39. Summer, Part 2. 1995.
Harry woke in one of the spare rooms of Delacour Manor. The morning sun streamed in through a window to warm his face.
He opened his eyes, still half-asleep, and saw a silver head of hair in front of him. He smiled and took a deep breath.
Harry froze as that information reached his still half-asleep mind.
The hair didn't smell like Fleur's, nor did he remember going to bed with her.
They'd kissed the night before, after telling her parents everything. It had been a tired but passionate kiss.
The body lying up against his chest was too small to be Fleur, and Harry leapt backwards out of bed with a gasp. His eyes darted around the room for a moment before they settled on the silver-blonde-haired girl in his bed.
Gabrielle slept tucked under the blanket. She must have slipped in during the night.
Harry let out a sigh of relief to see she was fully clothed, at least. He took a calming breath and inched his way to the door while keeping an eye on the sleeping Veela.
His mind conjured visions of wrathful Veela and Dominique.
Harry crept out of his room, still in his pyjamas and knocked on Fleur's door.
No response.
He looked up and down the hallway, and finding nobody, moved downstairs. Harry focussed on his breathing. He struggled to keep his rising panic under control. His heartbeat faster than needed and adrenaline flooded his system.
He needed to run, to fight, something, anything.
Harry approached the dining room as sounds of habitation came from within.
He peered around the doorframe and saw Apolline sitting alone at the table, spreading something onto a croissant.
Apolline looked up from her task and waved for him to enter.
'Harry, good morning.' She beamed, eyeing his pyjamas with amusement in her eyes.
The Veela poured a glass of orange juice into a glass at the seat opposite her.
'Why do you look so spooked, dear?' she asked as she took a bite out of her croissant.
'After last night's conversation, I'd think it would be Dominique, and myself who were spooked.' She said.
Harry ran a hand through his hair, before he met her gaze.
'I-I woke up with Gabrielle in bed with me.' Harry admitted, cringing.
The room was silent for a few seconds before Apolline laughed. It was like music, just like Fleur's, and the ethereal quality of it made him pause.
Then he frowned as he realised she was laughing at him. Not yelling, screaming, or throwing balls of fire at him.
She laughed.
She must have seen his stupefied expression, as she smothered her laughter with a hand and coughed, clearing her throat. Apolline schooled her perfect features, but her eyes shone with amusement.
'Harry, son, Gabrielle is in the first stages of her maturation. It is happening earlier than we expected, but it is not unheard of. Fleur was around sixteen when she matured. Gabrielle is only a year or so younger.' Apolline explained, her voice was soft, but it still held a hint of laughter.
'A part of the maturation process is sudden urges to stake her claim.' She said.
Apolline's eyes sparkled as she reached out a hand to take Harry's into her own.
'I know Fleur has yet to mark you, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am proud of her for her restraint. As Fleur hasn't marked you, Gabrielle's instincts from her Veela heritage are pushing her to claim you.' She said, smiling at him.
'If Fleur does claim you, then Gabrielle's instincts will understand that and her romantic attentions toward you will stop. Veela do not share, especially sisters.' Apolline paused and let go of Harry's hand.
Harry opened his mouth to speak, but Apolline stopped him with a hand.
'Gabrielle finds you attractive and is drawn to you. You are one of the few males, not related to her, that she has known for a long time. In many ways, you are her ideal mate. Her Veela magic recognises that. However, she doesn't yet have the ability to control her Veela magic.' Apolline paused and gave him a tender smile.
'Normally, this is the hardest aspect of the maturation. Unrelated men rarely have the strength of mind to resist a Veela's attention, and you are unaffected. This is very impressive, and I see Fleur has chosen well in you, my dear Harry.' Apolline said.
Harry looked down at the table and ran a hand through his hair before he returned his gaze to Apolline.
'Why are you not worried? She climbed into my bed and she asked Fleur yesterday if they could share me. Shouldn't this worry you?' he asked, and she gave her musical laugh and patted his hand.
'We'll just need to lock your door while you're here.' She smiled before her expression turned serious.
'Can I ask you a favour?' she asked.
Harry nodded.
'Of course, your family has been good to me. I want to repay that if I can.' He said and Apolline gave him a warm smile.
'If you would help Gabrielle during her maturation, it would make it easier on her. Normally, this period is… difficult for young Veela.' She hesitated.
'How can I help her?' Harry asked, cocking his head.
Apolline leant forward with a wide smile and took his hands in hers over the table.
'All you would need to do is spend time with her while she practices using her Allure. It will take most of the summer, but that is instead of taking the entire year like Fleur.' Apolline said and Harry nodded.
'So, all I have to do is spend time with her? Help her with her studies? That doesn't sound so hard.' He smiled.
Apolline patted his hand before she released him. She leaned back in her chair with a smile.
'Having a resistant man nearby who is unrelated is very rare. This is a difficult time for Veela. Usually she would have to go to the Enclaves like Fleur, and I had to do.' She paused and with a small nod she continued, though the light of laughter was fading from her eyes.
'The Allure doesn't work on other Veela, nor does it work on close blood relatives, thankfully. You know of Occlumency, yes?' she asked, and Harry nodded.
'Yes, I'm quite proficient at it now. Fleur has helped me with it this past year.' He said.
Apolline smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes.
'That is the traditional way for Veela to learn to control their powers. But even young Veela, skilled in Occlumency, sometimes lose control of their emotions, and with them, their powers.' Apolline paused.
Harry nodded and took a sip of his orange juice.
'I can imagine how that could be dangerous, to everyone involved.' He said, putting his glass down on the table.
Apolline stilled, then sighed.
'When I was a girl, I was abducted from Beauxbatons with another Veela. I managed to keep a hold of my emotions, and my power. But my friend, she lost control. Being young, we did not know how it would affect our abductors, who were four wizards.' She paused.
Harry watched. He didn't want to hear what happened next, but knew he had to.
A tear slid down Apolline's cheek.
'With her powers out of control, her wild Veela magic warped the four wizards' minds. They lost all thought and devolved to their base instincts. They all rushed at her and fought each other over who would take her as their own.' She whispered; her eyes locked on her shaking hands.
'When the Aurors arrived to rescue us that night, three wizards were dead, and the fourth had died from his wounds in her cell. But my friend, we lost her inside her own mind, the only safe place left.' She paused and took a breath.
'She is now kept at the Enclaves in a vegetative state, surrounded by other Veela who are unaffected by her wild Veela magic.' Apolline said.
Harry reached out across the table and took her hand. She looked up and met his eyes.
'I trust you with my daughters. I believe with your help, Gabrielle will never have to fear.' She said, and Harry nodded.
'I will, of course, help. I will do anything to help your family.' He said.
She wiped the tears from her face with a handkerchief before she gave him a watery smile.
'Dear, by now, you're a part of this family, even if it's not official yet.' She said.
Harry's face grew hot, he released her hands and ran a hand through his hair.
A musical laugh came from behind, drawing his attention, and he turned to see Fleur in the doorway. She was dressed and ready for the day. Her eyes danced in amusement as she raked her gaze over his pyjamas.
Fleur sat beside him and turned to her mother.
'I went to wake up 'Arry a few minutes ago and what do I see but our little Gabrielle in his bed?' she began and turned to Harry with a blank expression on her face.
''Arry, is there something you wanted to tell me?' she asked, one perfect eyebrow raised.
Despite her earlier laughter, Harry felt the thrill of danger in the air and a shiver ran down his spine.
His jaw worked as he tried to speak, but nothing came out.
Both her brows rose, waiting for a reply.
He shook his head.
'Sh-she snuck in during the night.' He sputtered.
Her blank stare caused his eyes to involuntarily search for escape routes, and he wondered how he would return to Britain in one piece.
Then her stare broke, and she laughed.
Fleur leaned forward and kissed him before she sat in her chair beside him with an impish smile.
'Relax 'Arry. I know nothing happened, nor would it. I trust you and the family does as well. We wouldn't have allowed you here if we didn't know you were immune.' Fleur said and poured herself a glass of juice.
Harry blinked and let out the breath he'd been holding.
Apolline shook her head with a smirk.
'I bet that you are unaware that both Fleur and I are not shackling our power. You are feeling the full Allure of two powerful Veela right now.' She paused; her eyes danced with mischief.
'While you are rendered speechless, it has more to do with my other daughter ending up in your bed, not the two of us.' Apolline said and Harry cocked his head to the side.
'Really? Neither of you are holding back?' Harry asked, his gaze moved between the two.
He closed his eyes for a moment and focussed. He could feel the wandering tendrils of magic around him, though they found no purchase. The tendrils filled the room, making him glad he was somehow immune.
Harry felt Fleur take his hand, and he opened his eyes.
'No, neither of us are holding anything back. Even Papa is little lightheaded when Maman relaxes like this.' Fleur explained.
Fleur kissed him again before she turned back to her breakfast and heaped food onto his empty plate.
Apolline chuckled at their behaviour.
'Fleur told us about the L'appel du vide. Dominique and I were both impressed that you saw the signs and removed her from the Great Hall of Hogwarts so quickly.' Apolline said with a small frown.
Harry blinked and met her gaze. Apolline's light blue eyes glistened as she smiled.
'Thank you Harry, for being with her during that. It must have been difficult, Dominique struggled when I went through it too.' she said.
Harry nodded and prodded a piece of bacon on his plate.
'Do you know why it happened so early?' he asked, and turned to look at Fleur, who gave a faint shrug.
Apolline shook her head.
'No, though I suspect it was due to the stress the both of you were under with the Tournament, and likely your time in the Room of Requirement didn't help matters.' Apolline said and sighed.
'But now that the both of you have been through that traumatic experience, I believe that it will only bring you closer. I'm proud of both of you.' Apolline said, then cleared her throat.
'Before my youngest joins us, I wanted to tell the both of you that you have my and Dominique's assistance.' The Veela said.
Harry and Fleur glanced at each other, both beamed, and they turned back to Apolline.
'Now, Dominique mentioned that he will be happy to work in the political sphere, both here and in Britain, due to his position of being the French Ambassador. If I am unavailable for any reason, he will be able to assist with any business-related questions you may have.' Apolline said and paused to take a sip of coffee.
'We understand what you are trying to achieve, and it is a lofty goal, much more than simple House business. We will assist you in this endeavour, in whatever way we can.' She finished.
Harry smiled at her and took Fleur's hand.
'Thank you Apolline, I'm glad we told you everything.' Harry said.
Apolline grinned before she cocked her head to the side.
'How old are you truly, Harry?' she asked, and Harry blinked.
He looked at Fleur, who only rose one perfect eyebrow at him. He turned back to Apolline.
'Perhaps eighteen by now? Admittedly, I stopped counting.' Harry said and Apolline smiled.
'Harry, that means that the trace on your wand is most likely broken as the trace is linked to your magic and your magic knows how old you are, even if you don't.' she said, and Harry gaped at her.
Fleur laughed as she ate.
Apolline turned to Fleur.
'How old would you be now after this year's events?' she asked, and Fleur froze.
Fleur looked into her mother's eyes and Harry saw the worry in them.
'I believe Maman, that due to the effects of the Room, I would be eighteen and eleven months, having aged an extra ten months.' She said, slowly, as if she were working it out in her head as she spoke.
Harry blinked at her and Apolline smiled at him and patted his hand across the table. Apolline pushed her plate to the side and reach out to take a hand from both Harry and Fleur.
'I am proud of both of you. Messing with time is something few do, but in your case, I think it worked out for the best.' Apolline said and released their hands.
Harry smiled and watched as she stood.
'Now, finish your breakfast and get ready for the day. We have much to discuss and you have a young Veela to help train.' Apolline smiled and left the room.
Leaving Harry and Fleur to finish their breakfast.
After breakfast, Harry peeked around the door into his guest room and saw it empty of the littlest Veela of the house.
He let out a sigh and walked through the door. As he stepped into the room, small arms wrapped around his waist, followed by a squeal.
''Arry, you're so warm. Why did you not wake me for breakfast? Do you not like me anymore?' Gabrielle asked.
Harry turned around in her embrace and looked down into the little girl's eyes. They were a sky-blue, with small flecks of brown.
He smiled and knelt. It was hard to remember that Gabrielle was about the same age as Holly, even though she looked like she was ten. Harry pulled her into a hug, then released her.
'Of course, I still like you, Gabrielle. You looked so peaceful while you slept. I didn't want to disturb you.' He said, and she beamed up at him.
Harry stood and turned her toward the door.
'Now go, I have to shower, and you have breakfast to eat.' He said, and she grinned at him before she ran out of the room and down the hallway toward the stairs.
Harry let out a breath and looked up to see Fleur leaning on the door frame with a wide smile.
'Thank you 'Arry, it means so much to us that you will help us with Gabrielle. I'm sorry I sprung this on you. I didn't think she'd be so forward with you.' Fleur said, her eyes downcast.
Harry grinned and walked over to her. He put a finger to her chin and raised her gaze to meet his.
'While it was definitely a surprise to wake up with her in my bed, I think if I can help her through this time, then maybe it won't be so hard for her when she goes back to school, like it was for you.' Harry said, and Fleur gave him a sad smile.
'I hope so, I wouldn't wish that on anyone.' she said, her voice little more than a murmur.
Harry took her hands in his and raised them to his lips in a kiss.
'We'll also be able to make the most of our time here to work on our plan.' He said, and she nodded.
Fleur pulled him in for a quick kiss and pushed him away with a playful grin.
'You need a shower; we'll be downstairs when you're ready.' She said with a wink and left the room, her behind swaying more than usual.
'Maybe a cold shower.' Harry muttered to himself.
An hour later, Harry sat beside Fleur on a couch in the lounge room. Opposite them sat Gabrielle and Apolline on the other couch.
Apolline held Gabrielle's hand and looked at Harry.
'Are you ready Harry?' she asked, and Harry quirked an eyebrow.
'What do I need to do exactly?' he asked, and Fleur squeezed his hand.
'Just relax and trust us.' Fleur whispered and Harry nodded.
He turned to Gabrielle and smiled at her, meeting her sky-blue eyes. She nodded and her expression twisted into a determined scowl, her eyes narrowed.
Apolline ran her hand across Gabrielle's.
'Stay calm, just focus on Harry. Feel how he is sitting before us. Don't try to push your magic at him, let it flow to him.' Apolline whispered in French, though in the silent room it sounded like a shout.
Harry, now familiar with the Veela magic from Apolline and Fleur, felt Gabrielle's reaching out for him and he smiled.
'You're doing well. I can feel your power reaching for me. Good work.' He whispered.
Gabrielle beamed, and Harry felt her magic wrap around him.
Fleur's grip tightened around his hand and he turned to smile at her before he turned back to Gabrielle.
'Whatever you're doing now is working. I can feel your magic surrounding me, just like how the others' does.' He said, and Apolline gave him a wide smile as she looked between him and Gabrielle.
Apolline rubbed Gabrielle's back.
'You're making wonderful progress. Now for the next hour we will keep trying to focus everything you can on Harry, then we will teach you how to control it.' Apolline instructed and Gabrielle nodded, though her eyes never left Harry's.
By lunch time, Gabrielle was asleep on the couch where she'd sat with her mother.
Harry sat on the couch opposite and smiled at the little Veela as her mother stroked her silver blonde hair.
Fleur sat down beside Harry and placed two coffees and a tea on the table between the two couches.
''Arry, I don't think you quite understand how much you've helped us in only a few hours.' Fleur said as she took a sip from her coffee.
Harry blinked.
'What do you mean? I just sat there.' He said.
Fleur grinned and nudged him with her shoulder.
'It took me three months before I could focus my power on a target. I had to learn basic Occlumency before moving to this step.' Fleur said and Harry frowned before Apolline shifted on her couch.
'Harry dear, this way of teaching Gabrielle allows us to give her an actual target for her powers, a safe target. Normally, we have to become attuned to the magic around and within us. The three months Fleur took was almost a record, only my mother reached that point faster.' Apolline said and took a sip of her coffee.
'You also seem to have an instinctive grasp of how our magic works. The way you described it helped her more than you know. It even helped me to have a better understanding of my own powers.' Apolline said as she stroked Gabrielle's hair.
Apolline looked up and met Harry's eyes.
'Thank you, Harry, for teaching me.' She said.
Harry ran a hand through his hair and rubbed the back of his head.
'It's okay Apolline, I just want to help.' He muttered, and she smiled before she turned to Fleur.
'Honey, did you want to take Harry outside to give him an overview of apparating? We'll join you once your sister wakes up and has some lunch.' Apolline said, and Fleur gave a quick nod.
Fleur stood from the couch and held out her hand. Harry took it, and together they walked out of the lounge room and out of the Manor.
Harry revelled in the warm sun, stretching as he walked.
A musical laugh came from Fleur as she smiled at him, then jerked her head toward the outcropping of rock she'd shown him the first time he'd been to the Manor years before.
Once beside the rock that overlooked the lake in the distance, Fleur turned to him and sat on the grass.
She patted the ground in front of her and Harry sat, mirroring her crossed legs.
Fleur leaned forward and gently brushed his lips with hers before pulling away.
'Have you studied Apparition before?' she asked, and Harry shook his head.
'It's never really come up until recently.' He said, and she nodded.
Fleur tucked a stray hair behind her ear and bit her lip before she met his gaze.
'Okay, so Apparition, in its simplest sense, is willing your magic to take you somewhere else. You need to be able to will yourself, in its entirely to another place that you have firmly in your mind. This means you have to visualise where you are going.' She explained.
'There is a lot involved with Apparition, but I know how you work. You have plenty of will. If you didn't, then you wouldn't have been able to shrug off three Veela's Allure. I know you can visualise your location, because you are as good as I am in transfiguration where visualisation is key.' She mused.
Harry nodded.
'So, how are people normally taught Apparition?' he asked, and she groaned.
'Through constant repetition and irritation.' She groused and Harry laughed.