AN: I've already stated my disclaimer. Also, it is time for a few hints as to what happened.

Gabrielle DeLacour frowned as she headed to the Floo in Madame Maxine's office. She was fourteen now and her accelerated puberty had hit with a vengeance. She now looked her age, if not a little bit older. On the plus side she didn't look like a young girl any more, on the negative side, her Allure was rather active and she didn't look like a young girl any more. The girl was frustrated. She couldn't find any clue as to the location of her missing beau. Harry Potter was everything she wanted in a man and more. His recently claimed monetary assets and titles didn't matter to her. He had saved her, been kind to her, and was completely unaffected by the Allure. The fact that Harry was the most handsome boy she had ever seen was like gasoline on a fire. He could be a penniless pauper and he would still be perfect.

Almost a year ago, during the aftermath of the Third Task, the young Veela had chosen Harry as her Mate. She looked longingly at the picture she had taken of Harry. As soon as she found him, life would be better. If her Veela heritage took over and she fully transformed, she would have her Mate and knight in shining armor. If it didn't, she would still have her Mate and knight in shining armor. It was a win-win situation. Now if only she could find him. Owls wouldn't take off, which meant that he was out of range or under heavy wards. She had heard from Fleur that it was all over the papers that Lord Sirius Black had sent Harry Potter, now Lord Potter, abroad for schooling. Gabrielle was corresponding with various institutes of magic to see if Harry went there, but thus far had no luck.

Gabrielle was headed home simply because she needed a break from the boys at school. She had done her homework for several days and breaks like this were allowed simply because it was easier for everyone involved.

After stepping out of the Floo, Gabrielle handed her bags to the House Elf.

"Mistress Gabby, Master and Mistress are busy."

Gabrielle frowned cutely. "The kind of busy that it would be best to not come back for a few hours?"

The House Elf nodded. "Possibly days."

"Thanks Mouchon. Please tell my parents that I'm going to visit Renge."

The little creature nodded and Gabrielle left the house, ensuring that she walked quickly and flagged down Paris' transportation for magicals. When she arrived at the Houshakuji residence, Gabrielle greeted the staff and headed to Renge's room.

Gabrielle had met Renge through her parent's Muggle contacts. The two girls had bonded over the fact that they were enamored with boys with black hair and glasses.

Renge nodded absently to Gabrielle as she pressed buttons on her controller.

Gabrielle had played the game at Renge's insistence and had seen Renge play it several times. "You're only a few scenes from the Declaration Scene aren't you?"

Renge longingly sighed and nodded. "Yes."

Gabrielle knew not to bother her friend until the game was over.

Renge's father arrived a few minutes after Gabrielle's arrival. He was glad that Renge made a friend outside of a game.

Once the game was done, Renge and Gabrielle left the bedroom to join Renge's father for a cup of tea.

Mr. Houshakuji smiled at the blonde girl. "So what brings you by today Gabrielle?"

"I'm free from school. Mother suggested that I visit Renge. Both Mother and Father are rather busy right now."

The man nodded.

Renge then asked how the trip to Japan went.

Gabrielle had to smile at her friend's reaction. When Renge grabbed Gabrielle, the quarter veela was surprised. "Gabrielle! I want you to come with me!"

Gabrielle considered it. "I can only go for a few days."

Renge nodded as she pulled Gabrielle out the door. "We'll swing by your house so you can pack a bag. The flight leaves in a little over an hour."

Gabrielle stepped inside the house and called the House Elf, getting her bags and a passport in mere moments. With how her parents had been lately, it might be wise to visit another country for a few days.

Harry finished his work for the day and packed his satchel. He waved goodbye to the rest of the Black Magic Club. Harry stepped out into Music Room 3. The traditional Japanese setting was in the midst of being broken down. A few girls were still sticking around to talk to the Hosts that were still in Kimonos.

Harry pulled out a packet of notes and walked over to where the Hosts were gathered. Tamaki was sulking again. Harry ignored him. "Haruhi, this is what I've got so far on the project. Will this be enough for your part?"

Setting down the teapot, Haruhi took the papers and began to look them over. "It looks like it should be more than enough, thanks."

Harry looked at the girl that was staring longingly at Kyoya. "Who is that?"

"Some girl that says that she is Kyoya-senpai's fiancée."

Harry shook his head. "Never a dull moment, huh?"

Haruhi shook her head. She was surprised as Harry froze when a new arrival spoke. He picked up the spoon that Haruhi had used and used it to look behind him. Haruhi was confused when Harry paled and ducked away back to his Club Room. What was going on?

The door to Music Room 3 was opened and a voice called out in French. "Renge, have you found your man yet?"

Renge looked over at her friend. "I just did, and I'm going to explain how we're going to be together forever."

The men in the Host Club all stared at the newest arrival. Silvery blonde hair hung in a cascade down to a slender waist. An hourglass figure was clearly visible and eyes as blue as the sea captivated them.

Gabrielle ignored the beginnings of men being caught in her Allure as she tried to rein it in. "Any idea when I might get to go home? My parents aren't pleased that I have gone halfway around the world. I am happy to see Japan, but I don't think the love of my life will be here."

Renge smiled. "Not all of us have a long-lost English Lord with emerald eyes, windswept hair, and roguish scarring to find. I just found my Miyabi."

Tamaki was fluent in French and took the opportunity to speak to the vision of female beauty before him. "Excuse me; are you talking about Harry Potter? Why would you be interested in him, when there's someone like me around?"

Everyone was shocked as the girl darted across the room and grabbed Tamaki by his collar. "How do you know Harry Potter?" In that moment, Gabrielle's Allure flared.

Tamaki smiled winningly. "Well, his club meets in that room over there. But I'd rather…"

Gabrielle tossed the blonde away like he was a disgusting piece of rotten food. She didn't even register that Tamaki knocked over a couch as she went and knocked on the indicated door after finding it locked. Everyone was now watching the proceedings with quite a bit of interest. The knocks sounded like the closing of a coffin lid for some reason.

Harry had darted back into the Black Magic Club Room and began casting spell after spell on the door like his life depended on it. Sirius' conversation was at the forefront of his mind.

One of the Club Members caught the activity. "Potter, is everything okay?"

Harry spun. "No, everything is not okay."

The club members were immediately concerned.

Harry kept pouring magic into the door. "During the TriWizard, I rescued one of the Hostages from the second task. The girl became rather enamored with me and I didn't think anything of it at the time. However, it was pointed out to me that wasn't necessarily a good thing."

Umehito spoke up. "How so?"

Five large thuds echoed in the room. "Harry, are you in there?"

Harry swallowed. "She's part Veela."

Knowing that one of the Club spoke French, Umehito waved a student forward and the girl opened a small slide in the door. "Can I help you?"

"I'm looking for Harry Potter. Is he a part of this club?"

"Why do you ask?"

"He saved my life and I've been looking for him. I was told that he is part of this club. I would like to talk to him if he is available." Gabrielle's tone was polite, yet forceful.

The club member at the door was sweating. "Just a moment."

Unseen by the girl at the door, five older students went to surround Harry. They weren't about to invite the rage of a Veela into the club. Best to sacrifi…just give her what she wanted.

Harry was tense and he recognized what was going on. Spell fire flew back and forth. Harry was able to hold his own for a few minutes simply because of his power.

Meanwhile, the Host Club and the guests that had stuck around were watching the spectacle with curiosity, especially now that the Allure was gone and Tamaki translated what was said.

A few words were exchanged and the girl was simply waiting patiently a few steps away from the door.

Suddenly a bizarre cacophony erupted from behind the door. Bright flashes of light could be seen and even a gout of fire or two escaped the still-open slide. The doors bulged comically several times as a fight was clearly in progress on the other side of the door. Confused glances were shared as roars of animals were heard, as well as the occasional scream of pain.

Instead of joining in the fight, Nekozawa simply began dispelling all the locking and fortification spells that Harry had used. Once that task was done, Umehito Nekozawa stepped into the fight. He was surprised at Harry's abilities. Harry had greatly improved, and it showed. However, Nekozawa wasn't all show and no stay. He got the edge on Harry and his spell hit Harry and knocked him back through the doors into Music Room 3. Harry retaliated with a massive light spell, as he was exiting the room, causing everyone to blink away spots and Nekozawa to cry out in pain.

Harry was thrown from the room, much to the surprise of those still in the Music Room. Harry saw Gabrielle run after and jump towards him. While he was still in mid-air, Harry grabbed the lapels on Honey's coat and threw him towards Gabrielle.

Everyone was in shock that the move succeeded. The surprise compounded as the blonde girl batted Honey away like he was nothing, causing the boy to roll across the floor.

The girl tackled Harry as he tried to run. Before Harry could do anything else, Gabrielle grabbed Harry's wrists, smiled, cried out "Harry!", and proceeded to kiss the downed boy rather fervently. The shocked observers had no clue on how to proceed.

Harry had resigned himself to his fate at this point. Regardless of everything Sirius had said the current situation wasn't bad. Being kissed by Gabrielle was enjoyable. When Gabrielle pulled back, Harry spoke in English. "Hey Gabby."

The girl smiled brightly before snuggling into Harry's chest. "I found you! I'm so happy!"

Renge smiled and sighed longingly. "Love is a beautiful thing."

Everyone watching erupted. "WHAT?!"

(The end of the school year, just after Sirius was declared innocent.)

Harry winced as he pulled his trunk from the Hogwarts Express. Even after everything Madame Pomfrey could do, he hurt. Harry had several bandages wrapped around his slowly healing wounds. He had been hit by dozens of dark spells. In his trunk was a box of potions and salves from Madame Pomfrey with written instructions on how Harry was to use them. Harry had ridden the train back in solitude. After what happened in the Graveyard he hadn't really wanted to talk to anyone.

The only person that was even remotely polite about that whole debacle was Gabrielle. After the Second Task, the younger girl had taken every opportunity she could to talk to Harry. She regularly sat at the Gryffindor table for meals and she would find him outside of class time to talk to him. Harry didn't speak French but Gabrielle did speak English, albeit haltingly. Harry figured that she wanted to improve her English. After the Third task, she was regularly at his bedside in the Hospital Wing, often having a staring contest with anyone that objected to her presence. Gabrielle hadn't asked what had happened; she hadn't demanded explanations or answers. She had just simply taken his hand and said that her bow needed her there and that it was her duty to be there because he had saved her life. Harry figured it was a French thing, whatever a bow meant. He hadn't asked Hermione about that.

Regardless of his current situation, Harry grinned slightly at the memory.

After the Second Task, Harry had been accused by Ron that he was taken in by Allure and that he was obviously in need of help. Gabby had said something in French that had Hermione agape at that remark. Apparently, the little girl swore like a sailor and had told Ron exactly where and how he could shove his opinion and what she thought of him. Hermione was briefly hung up on the fact that Gabrielle still looked to be eight or nine, for all she was thirteen. After some research, Hermione discovered that the girl was telling the truth and that it was simply part of being a veela.

Gabrielle had come into the Hospital Wing before Beauxbatons left and kissed him goodbye. It wasn't a simple, hesitant peck on the cheek like when she wished him luck for the Third Task. Gabby had grabbed his head and kissed him until he couldn't breathe. The younger girl had proceeded to show Harry that she was French in almost everything she did. Harry was dazed from the kiss and couldn't make out what Gabrielle had said after she pulled away. He had just nodded his head and was treated to a second, more intense experience of Veela tonsil hockey. After handing him an envelope, Gabby had told him to heal quickly before she said goodbye with a tear in her eye.

Harry shook himself from his memories and searched the platform for Sirius. The former escapee was having a heated argument with the Weasleys and Dumbledore. Ever since the Graveyard, the Headmaster had been very confrontational. Harry didn't want to talk about it, and Albus was demanding details. He had said some garbage about not giving the Death Eaters a chance to change. Apparently the majority of them didn't survive their wounds. After everything that he had been subject to at their hands, Harry had shown them what mercy he felt they deserved. The evidence of the wands also silenced anyone that had spoken out against him. The fact that Madame Bones hadn't involved Cornelius Fudge one iota probably helped matters.

After his name being cleared, Molly had been rather adamant that Sirius wasn't in any shape to care for a child. Sirius had ignored her and simply said that the Wizengamot disagreed.

Sirius came over with a grin. "Come on Harry. Let's get going. Did Poppy clear you for a Side-Along Apparition?"

Harry shook his head slightly. "She didn't say anything about it, just to take it as easy as possible."

Sirius nodded. "Very well. We'll have to do this the Muggle way. I made sure that we could just in case."

Harry nodded and followed Sirius off the platform, ignoring all of the stares and mutterings. Even with the Veritaserum testimony of Pettigrew and Harry, people still had stuck to the conclusions that they had drawn.

Harry was done. He wanted to get away from it all. He and Sirius stepped outside of Kings Cross and a sleek black car was waiting for them. Harry and Sirius sat in relative silence. Most of what they had to talk about was to be done in private.

Sirius saw Harry dig out a letter and read it with a smile on his face. "Can I ask who the letter is from?"

Harry shrugged. "Gabby sent me a letter."

Sirius was now intrigued. "Gabby?"

Harry nodded. "Gabrielle Delacour. I rescued both her and Ron from the Black Lake. We became sort-of friends. Apparently she wanted to stay in touch."

Sirius' voice turned teasing. "Really now, a French beauty? I'm so proud of you. That name sounds kind of familiar."

Harry rolled his eyes. "She's the younger sister of Fleur, the Champion from Beauxbatons."

Sirius nodded. "I remember seeing the pictures." He grinned almost salaciously. "So, is she as pretty as her sister?"

The car pulled up to Grimmauld Place, preventing an answer.

Harry followed Sirius into the house. Just inside the door, there was a wooden box mounted on the wall with runes carved into it.

Harry stared at it for a few moments. "What is that?"

Sirius smirked. "In that box is a painting of my harridian of a mother. There was a permanent sticking charm on her painting and that wall can't be torn down. That box was the best option. It silences her screaming while at the same time confining her to the painting.

Harry looked at Sirius. "It does something else doesn't it?"

Sirius' smirk widened, but the man didn't say anything.

Harry was surprised by the arrival of a certain energetic House Elf. "Master Harry Potter's dogfather, everything is done. Master Harry Potter!"

"Dobby?"

The elf wrapped Harry's lower legs in a hug before backing away. "Dobby is a bad elf, a good elf shouldn't be hugging his master."

Harry was confused. "Dobby, wait. Since when am I your master?"

Dobby nervously pulled on his ears. "When Master Harry Potter was in the hurt and sick rooms, Dobby visited and said that he should have been Master Harry Potter's elf and I could have saved you from the nasty dark wizards. Dobby asked if Master Harry Potter wanted Dobby as his House Elf. Master Harry Potter nodded so Dobby bound himself to Master Harry Potter."

Harry stared for a full second before Dobby went to bang his head on the wall in punishment. "Dobby stop!"

The elf froze in place his head less than a hairsbreadth from the wall. "Yes Master Harry Potter?"

Harry sighed. "First, Hermione must never find out. Second, I take it you were helping Sirius here?"

Stepping away from the wall, Dobby nodded happily. "The House Elf of Black is horrible elf."

Sirius nodded. "Dobby cleaned up the house in a matter of days." He flicked his wand at the trunk. "Come on; let's show you your room while you're here."

Harry followed up old stairs and was shown to a room that was rather large. A four-poster reminiscent of what he slept in at Hogwarts dominated the room. He smiled at the obviously nervous Sirius. "It's wonderful."

Sirius smiled. "Good." His grin became teasing. "You never answered my question."

Harry looked confused. "What question?"

"Is this Gabby as pretty as her sister?"

Harry set his trunk down and shrugged negligently. "Since she's a Quarter-Veela, I'd imagine that she will be just as pretty as Fleur."

Sirius froze. "What did you say Harry?"

Harry repeated himself and Sirius sighed in resignation. "There's a lot that you need to learn Pup. We'll start tomorrow."

The next day was eye-opening for Harry in more ways than one.

Sirius and Harry sat in the Living Room as soon as breakfast was over. Harry still had no clue as to what the talk they would be having would be about.

Sirius just dove right in. He conjured an easel and a large white board. He then drew a graph and was talking about how attractive a girl was and often the more attractive a girl was, the crazier she tended to be. Sirius then spoke how he had never heard of a Veela that didn't fall outside of the Danger Zone.

Harry frowned. "Sirius. Fleur and Gabby were really nice and they didn't strike me as crazy."

Sirius rubbed his forehead. "Harry, what do you know about Veela?"

Harry shrugged. "Well, they are pretty, have that Allure thing, remain looking like children until puberty hits and then it happens over the course of about two months. The ones I saw at the World Cup turned into bird-like women."

Sirius nodded. "Let me ask you something Harry. If they are that pretty, why do you think that there aren't more partial-Veela running around?"

Harry shrugged. "The idiots insisting that Wizard blood remains pure."

Sirius nodded, acknowledging the point. "That's part of it, but there are two other reasons. The first of which is that occasionally a part-Veela girl will undergo a second maturation. This can happen up to four generations from the first Veela in the family line. They will become full Veela and their magic no longer works with wands."

"Oh."

"Yes, oh. Most Witches and Wizards see that as the chance of one of their children immediately becoming a Magical Creature and unable to use a wand as wasting the money on a magical education."

"Well that's stupid. They can still use magic."

Sirius nodded. "Again, I agree. Now the second reason is even more important. Veela and consequently Part-Veela, if they are within that reach of the four generations, are rather possessive. They are possessive of their partner, they often call them a mate, and protective of their children. If serious harm comes to either, it has been known to trigger a transformation. There have been instances where a Witch had her daughter taken from her. One that I remember the Witch transformed into a full Veela and the kidnappers were nothing but burned bones. Then the now-Veela hunted down anyone that was even remotely connected with the ones that had taken her daughter."

"Okay…" Harry didn't see where this was going.

Sirius sighed. "Simply put, if a Veela chooses her partner, they will be completely devoted to that man and their family."

Harry nodded. "How is that a bad thing?"

Sirius looked askance at his godson. "Tell me, if a pretty girl walks by would you glance at her?"

Harry blushed slightly. "Maybe."

"And how would you like to be lit on fire or heavily cursed for that?"

Harry blinked in shock. "Are you serious?"

Ignoring the possible pun, Sirius nodded. "A Veela also expects the same level of devotion from her 'mate.'"

"Isn't that what marriage is supposed to be like?" Harry was confused.

Sirius sighed again. "That means that if you have any female friends there is quite a bit of tension should you do anything that might even approach the 'more than a friend' boundary."

"How is that a problem?" Again, Harry didn't see any problem with this.

Sirius shook his head at Harry's obtuseness. "Veela aren't fully human. Let's say that Gabby has picked you to be her Mate. What may be a friendly hug from you to Hermione, would constitute either Hermione stealing you from Gabby or you being unfaithful. If Gabby took it as Hermione stealing you, she would be in the long-term care ward of St. Mungos. If she construed it as you being unfaithful, you would be in the same ward. There have been instances of both happening at the same time."

Harry's eyes were wide.

Sirius continued. "Even societal niceties, such as kissing the back of a woman's hand in greeting are construed as attacks or their mate being unfaithful." Sirius shook his head. "And that isn't even touching on their libido when it flares. That can happen at any time and is completely random. Most wizards need potions to keep up. Veela have been known to almost kill their partners from exhaustion and dehydration." Sirius smirked, "But what a way to go."

Harry frowned. "Libido? What do you mean by the rest of that?"

Sirius shook his head. "That is another conversation. Then there is the matter of continuing on the Potter name. Statistically, only one in fifty pregnancies from a Veela, or Part-Veela will be a male." Seeing Harry's confusion, Sirius shook his head again. "I know that Dumbledore gave you the mushroom treatment, but this is ridiculous."

"Mushroom treatment?"

"He kept you in the dark and fed you crap." Sirius then launched into a rather lengthy explanation of Wizarding culture, the place of the Potters in it, as well as why it was important to carry on the Potter name. At the end of it, Sirius shook his head. "Tomorrow we're going to get you sorted out in regards to all of that."

Harry nodded. "Okay."

Sirius stood. "But first lunch. I don't want either of us to drink on an empty stomach."

Harry followed Sirius into the kitchen. "Why would we be drinking?"

"Because I'm not going to give you The Talk fully sober."

Harry blinked. "Didn't we just have a talk?"

Sirius shook his head again. "I swear, I'm going to hurt the Dursleys. But then again, maybe its better that I do it so you can learn from my experience."

The time after lunch had Harry rather embarrassed. While he was able to now decode several of the things his dormmates had said, his face had never felt this hot before. Although that could have been the shots of alcohol that Sirius had forced him to drink. But then again, there was a lot that he had learned in a short amount of time. Even if most of it was downright embarrassing.

The implications that Sirius had made about the dangers of Veela made a lot more sense now. However, Gabby had never really acted like that. Sirius had made Harry promise that he would do his best to avoid Gabrielle until school was done.

The rest of the time with Sirius was spent in learning more about the Potter Family and Fortune. The wards on Grimmauld wouldn't have prevented Gabby's letters had she been able to send them. So Sirius had breathed a sigh of relief when only one or two appeared before no more were sent. Then again, Harry hadn't told him about what the girl had done before she left.

Meanwhile in France, Gabrielle's accelerated puberty had hit, making anything other than eating and staying in bed impossible. Fatigue and pain ruled her life. It was very tiring on anyone with Veela heritage and quite frankly was a vulnerable time. Gabrielle was under constant supervision from her parents. The only thing that she had to look forward to each day was the picture that she had placed on her nightstand. Looking into that kind face and emerald eyes made her burden easier to bear.

Two weeks into Gabrielle's transformation, Alain turned to his wife as they had watched their youngest daughter fall asleep staring at the photo. "She has chosen so young, hasn't she? Is that normal?"

Appolline smiled sadly at her daughter's fitfully sleeping form. "It can be. It may also be a sign that our dear Gabrielle will become a full Veela."

Alain threw his arm around his wife's shoulders. "Don't worry. Up until that happens, if it happens, she will attend Beauxbatons. Besides, she'll always be our daughter. Nothing will change that." He lightly pressed a kiss to Apolline's temple. "Besides, if it happens, it happens. I knew that was a possibility when we got together. I've never once regretted that choice."

Appolline embraced her husband. "I didn't give you much of a choice."

Alain nibbled on his wife's ear. "Did you hear me complaining?"

Apolline melted against her husband, feeling fire stir within her. "You know, I'm still young enough for a third child."

Alain, well-versed with his wife's moods, simply nodded. "Let me set some wards to tell us if she wakes up, give a few orders to the elves, and I'll join you in the bedroom."

Apolline's eyes had gained a silvery sheen that was staining her irises silver. "If you aren't there in under three minutes, I will come to find you."

Alain watched his wife walk down the hallway for a moment before pulling his wand to cast a basic alertness ward. He then called for Mouchon and asked the elf to retrieve some potions from the stock room and to keep an eye on Gabrielle.

Alain was tackled to the bed by his wife less than a minute later.

Gabrielle was in heaven. She had found her mate. She was holding him and listening to the soothing sounds of his heartbeat. This was what it meant for all to be right in the world.

"Um, Gabby, are you going to let me up anytime soon?"

Hearing the sound of Harry's voice just made her day better. She sighed happily. "No."

"Fleur did mention that you were very ticklish and that I could easily exploit that fact." Harry's voice was teasing.

Gabrielle looked up at Harry, her eyes wide. "You wouldn't be that mean would you?"

Harry realized that her pout was a truly effective weapon. "No, but I do have to get up and get my satchel before I head home."

Said aforementioned satchel came flying out of the Black Magic Club room and slid to a stop at Harry's side. Everyone watching what was going on stared at the bag for a brief moment before staring at the pair on the floor once again.

Not moving from her position, Gabrielle spoke. "Renge, can I borrow your phone?"

"Sure."

Gabrielle called the family business and Apolline answered. "Hello."

"Maman, I need all my records transferred to Ouran Academy in Japan."

Apolline was silent for a long moment. "So you found him."

"Yes and it was fate. I'm in his arms right now."

Apolline chuckled. Gabrielle had been very mopey ever since it was revealed that Harry Potter wasn't at Hogwarts. "I will need to come up with a convincing story. We can't have people knowing he is there."

"Tell Madame Maxine that one of my friends is transferring and begged me to attend. If he is here, that means that they have some kind of program similar to Beauxbatons."

"I'm happy for you. It will be done in a few days."

"Thank you Maman. Tell Papa I love him."

"I will."

Still not moving from her spot, Gabrielle looked at Renge. "My parents will be handling the transfer. Can I live with you until I find my own place?"

Renge smiled. "Of course."

Harry looked at the stares and sighed. Hikaru and Kaoru's jaws still hadn't shut. Haruhi was just confused. Tamaki looked like there was something intrinsically wrong with the world. Mori had helped up Honey who was staring at the whole thing in confusion. "Gabby if you don't let me up, I'm going to start tickling you."

Gabrielle pouted once again and helped Harry up and handed him his satchel. She jumped on Harry's back like she had done a few times at Hogwarts.

Harry took a moment to steady himself. "Gabby, you've grown a bit since you last did that."

Gabrielle's smile was wide. "But it's still just as fun."

Harry switched back to Japanese and addressed the still gaping crowd. "Have a good day."

Kyoya looked at Renge as the pair of foreigners left. "What was that?"

Happy for Kyoya's attention, Renge waxed rhapsodic. "One of my best friends, Gabrielle DeLacour, was saved by a young man and she fell passionately in love with him. He actually got a scar on his leg as he saved her from drowning. He couldn't swim very well but went to save her all the same. Harry is apparently an English Lord that didn't know about his heritage and had a very difficult childhood. She said that the majority of his scarring happened when someone kidnapped him from a big sporting event at his school. He apparently freed himself and fought his kidnappers, accidentally killing the one that had tortured him and grievously wounding several others. Gabrielle stayed by his side in the hospital and helped him heal emotionally from it. She said that his soul was kind and caring and the fact that he had taken a life, even accidentally and regardless of the fact it was of the horrible man, had almost destroyed him. She helped him heal in more ways than one. Then, they were suddenly separated while he was still recuperating. It was fate that brought them together again. It's almost as romantic as my story with Kyoya. Seeing them together made me want to eat three bowls of rice!"

Renge's revelations shocked several people. Haruhi knew that Harry had said what happened, but to hear it confirmed was still slightly jarring.

The rest of the Host Club had rather mixed reactions. Kyoya almost dropped his pen but made several notes. He noted several details in Renge's soliloquy. There was definitely more to Potter than met the eye.

Tamaki was in shock. Not only had a girl that rivaled Haruhi appeared but was apparently enamored with Potter. When he heard Renge's description of what happened, Tamaki paused. One of his rare moments of seriousness came over him. "Kyoya, I don't think we should pressure him into joining the Host Club anymore. I still think he could learn a lot about being a gentleman, but after what he's been through, I don't want to be the person that forces him into something he doesn't want to do."

Kyoya nodded in agreement.

Mori and Honey caught the barely hidden messages. Potter was chivalrous; he saved a girl's life by putting his own in peril. He had a backbone of steel; he had been tortured, but not broken. He knew that human life was important even though he had ended one. "Mitsukuni, we should teach Harry how to defend himself."

Honey nodded. "Takashi, he must have been really sad and hurt after that. We'll teach him a thing or two so it doesn't happen again."

Hiakru and Kaoru were silent. They considered Harry a friend. He had a good sense of humor and he was the first one to break through the gate between them and the rest of the world. Little details about Harry suddenly made a lot more sense. How he didn't talk about how he got his scars, always changing the subject. He didn't like to be touched, but when that girl had pounced on him, he didn't resist. He had seen the real world for what it could be. And yet, Harry still would crack jokes and tried to be normal. They resolved to have him join in on toying with people more often and bring their mother's latest collection over to his house so he could pick some better outfits. It wasn't much, but it was the least they could do. They sidled over to Haruhi. "Hey you know Harry pretty well, is that true?"

Haruhi sighed. "I don't know about all the saving the girl stuff. But, knowing Harry, I could see it happening. I probably shouldn't be mentioning this, but when my dad asked about his scars Harry said that he was kidnapped by people that worked for the same man that killed his parents. That was the man that died. He doesn't like to talk about it." She looked at everyone and her voice was firm. "Don't bring it up. It still bothers him."

The Host Club nodded.

Meanwhile, the few guests that remained were in shock. It was a known fact that Harry Potter and Haruhi Fujioka were friends. When the Honor Student confirmed what the newest arrival said, even adding a tidbit or three, the newest thread of gossip would be around the school like wildfire.

Harry was walking through the hallways with Gabrielle on his back.

Gabrielle's smile could light up a room.

"Why did you come here Gabby? Were you looking for me too?"

Gabrielle immediately caught caution in his tone. She hopped down from his back and took Harry's hand. "I was looking for you, but that was because I was missing you so much. But that isn't the reason I came. Everyone thinks that you're attending another magical school. But I came here to support my friend. The blonde boy brought your name up." She leaned her head on Harry's shoulder. He'd gotten taller. "I missed you. I missed being with you."

Harry nodded. "You chose me to be your mate, didn't you?"

Regardless of his flat tone, Gabrielle blushed heavily. "Um, well…"

Harry shook his head. "Was it because I'm the 'Boy-who-Lived?'"

Gabrielle frowned and her tone was indignant. "Of course not!" She huffed, and her voice was unable to hide no small amount of hurt. "Honestly, do you think so little of me?"

"Then why?"

Gabrielle resumed her position with her head on Harry's shoulder. "As you know I am part-Veela. Veela are creatures of air and fire. As such, being underwater doesn't agree with us. The spell was supposed to keep us unaware of what was going on. It wasn't that way with me. I could sense what was going on. Being underwater like that was one of the scariest things that I had ever experienced. I could feel the cold seeping into my bones. I could feel my power starting to extinguish. When I felt your presence, it was like the sun had come out from behind the clouds. I was still frightened, but it was bearable. When you didn't leave, I felt like you cared. And when you took me with you to the surface, you became my rescuer. You didn't care that I wasn't your hostage. You even ignored the merfolk and were injured by them as you rescued me. You didn't care about the points; you only cared about everyone getting out of there safely. I honestly believe that if you had done things differently, I would have died."

Harry nodded and Gabrielle took it as permission to continue. "I wanted to know more about you, to see the man that you were. That is why I always stuck close by and always would talk to you. It wasn't long before I knew that if I didn't pick you, it would be the biggest mistake of my life. I held off as long as I could, but you were so amazing, so special. Everything inside, both as a Veela and a witch was crying out to me to make you mine." Gabrielle's voice softened. "Then the Third Task happened." Gabrielle stopped and pushed Harry against the wall. "I almost lost you. You were too important to me. That is when I Chose. I Chose you Harry Potter. And when I did, I knew that you probably wouldn't understand what you now meant to me. When I asked you in the Hospital Wing if you liked the idea of being my Mate and us being together, you even agreed! It took everything I had to leave the Hospital Wing." Tears leaked from Gabrielle's eyes. "And when I hit puberty, the only thing that got me through that was thinking of you. And when you were gone…" Gabrielle collapsed against Harry's chest sobbing lightly. "It was like I was at the bottom of the lake again."

Harry was in a quandary. On one hand he wasn't happy that Gabby had made the choice without talking to him, well that he remembered. His head was kind of fuzzy after that kiss. That made him upset. On the other, Gabby was a good friend, and rather pretty, and the past few months had been hard on her. Honestly, he had missed her too. She was always fun to be around. Regardless of what Sirius had said, Harry figured that honesty would be the best policy. Harry wrapped his arms around the girl. "Gabrielle DeLacour. I'm not fully pleased by your actions and let me tell you why."

Angry fire roared within the part-Veela. Her grip tightened on Harry's shirt. Gabrielle was fighting her urge to teach Harry that he shouldn't think that way and no matter what he said, he belonged to her and her alone and she was the best thing that would ever happen to him. His words helped her fight the urge.

"All my life Gabby, all my life, other people have made decisions for me. Dumbledore, and the Dursleys were the worst. Every single choice wasn't mine to make! You picking me as your mate isn't as bad, but it still wasn't my choice! Coming here to Japan was even another. Even though I agreed with it." Feeling the girl tense below him and remembering what Sirius had said, Harry sighed. "It was explained to me what your choice means to you. I don't understand why you would pick someone like me. I was just doing what was right Gabby. I just tried to be a friend."

An angry Gabrielle looked up at Harry. "That is exactly why! Do you have any idea how many boys and men just drool and boast? You never once acted like that. You actually took the time to get to know me. Do you know how much of a rarity that is?!"

Halfway through Gabrielle's comment, unnoticed by the pair, the group of guests from the Host Club had turned into this particular hallway and froze. Three of them spoke English and translated for their peers.

"No I don't." That simple phrase shocked Gabrielle, so Harry continued. "You're beautiful, funny, and an extremely special person. You shouldn't have chosen me."

"You are the most amazing person I ever met! Why wouldn't I pick you?!" Gabrielle was at the edge of taking out her wand and hexing Harry for his comments.

Seeing Gabby like this, so alive and passionate about something stirred part of Harry's mind. He kind of liked it. Regardless of that, Harry looked down, breaking the gaze. Even though his voice could be heard the length of the hall, his tone was soft and defeated. "You deserve better than me. I'm damaged and broken Gabby."

The fire that Gabrielle was fighting against instantly sputtered and died, replaced with love. Gabrielle reached up and tenderly lifted Harry's face so she could see his beautiful eyes once more. "No you're not." Her voice radiated care and devotion. Her hand lingered on Harry's chin.

It was obvious that Harry didn't believe her one bit.

Gabrielle smiled and Harry felt a quiver in his stomach. "Harry Potter, you are mine forever and always. If you feel broken, I will be by your side to help you put the pieces back in place as you heal. You are my knight, my love, and so much more. It is my duty and pleasure to keep you in one piece." Her other hand traced the scar from his nose to his cheek. "I saw how damaged you were. I helped change your bandages. I know about your scars and what caused them. Let me tell you something. All of that doesn't matter in the slightest. To me, you are perfect." Gabby's tone turned more forceful. "And I will not tolerate you saying things like that again." She stood on her tiptoes and lightly kissed the tip of the scar on his cheek. "If you are truly worried about that, I will be pretty enough for the both of us."

Harry's had to chuckle at that. "Fair enough. But can we at least do normal stuff?"

"Normal stuff?"

"You know…" Harry blushed slightly. "Dating stuff. If we're stuck together, I want a relationship that is as close to normal as we can get."

Gabby's smile was radiant and she hugged her mate tightly. "Why wouldn't we? There is a lot of fun to be had. Even Maman and Papa go on dates." Gabrielle leaned up and whispered into Harry's ear. "However, they usually end their dates with moaning and screaming in the bedroom."

"That is a little too much information Gabby." A light dusting of red was on Harry's cheeks.

It was at this point that a chorus of gasps was heard.

Harry and Gabby turned to see their audience.

The girls squealed out, "That's so romantic!" They stared at the couple hoping for more.

Gabrielle looked at Harry. "Why are they staring?"

"I don't know."

Gabrielle shot a scathing look at the girls for intruding on a moment. "Let's go." She pulled Harry away.