AN:

When Renge returned to the large apartment, Gabrielle tucked her wand away. The otaku grinned at her friend. "So, how did it go?"

Gabrielle sighed happily. "He agreed to date me."

"I'm so happy for you Gabrielle." She frowned. "If only the rest of those boys were like Kyoya or Harry."

"How so?"

"They are just…lackluster. I wish I could put a finger on why. I need to think about it."

Gabrielle smiled. "I'm just really glad that you brought me along." She hugged Renge. "I have to get to bed early. I have transfer paperwork to do."

Renge grinned. "I'm going to bake some cookies for Kyoya and the Host Club."

"But mostly Kyoya, right?"

"Do you even have to ask?"

Gabrielle shook her head.

Harry stepped out of the car, ignoring the glances he got out of habit. As he settled into his desk, Harry noticed that everyone was staring at him, even more than usual. Harry frowned and everyone looked away. Harry was familiar with how people acted with rumors. Once lunch rolled around, Harry asked Haruhi if she knew what rumors were going on about him.

Haruhi frowned. "Well, at a guess, Renge may have mentioned that you were an English Lord and shared what Gabrielle told her about how you got all your scars. She mentioned it to the entirety of the Host Club. There were still a few girls there."

Harry sighed heavily. "Well, that's just great. How much was told?"

"Everything you told Dad and me, plus how you and Gabrielle met."

Harry shook his head. "Let me guess, I'm now a homicidal maniac?"

Haruhi shrugged. "I don't know. I don't really listen to rumors. I could tell that everyone in the Host Club was shocked. I told them not to bring it up."

Harry snorted. "Knowing Suoh-senpai, that's about as probable as a Namahage enrolling here."

Haruhi looked at Harry. "No, I think he might actually listen. I heard him say something to Kyoya-senpai about how he didn't want to force you into something after everything you'd gone through."

"That's…surprising." Harry sighed. "And if any of the girls were the same ones as the ones in the hallway…" He shook his head.

Haruhi looked at Harry. "In the hallway? What happened?"

"It was just Gabby and I talking. Apparently they thought it was romantic."

"Was it?"

Harry shrugged. "I'm the wrong person to ask."

"Well the girls here are kind of strange."

Harry smirked. "Says the girl that dresses like a boy to pay back her debt."

Haruhi glared flatly at Harry.

Harry's smirk didn't fade. "None of that now or I won't let you have any of the extra strawberry daifuku that I made."

Haruhi's face softened into a puppy-dog pout.

The two were talking about homework when the door to the classroom opened.

Gabrielle poked her head in and smiled when she saw him. "Harry!" She came into the room and gave Harry a hug. She attempted to speak Japanese. "Transfer papers now done. In Middle School I am."

Harry nodded. "Gabby, I would like to introduce you to Haruhi Fujioka. Haruhi is one of my friends."

Gabrielle paused and studied Haruhi's face for a long moment. "Why a girl wearing boy's clothes?" Her tone was edged.

Harry put his hand on Gabrielle's shoulder in an effort to calm her down. He then explained the situation in English.

Gabrielle smiled. "That makes sense." She focused on Haruhi and switched back to halting Japanese while her eyes bored into the older girl's. "Harry is mine. You no touch him."

Regardless of the oppressive stare, Haruhi smiled a little. "We're just friends. I don't see him like that."

"Good."

Gabrielle then stole one of the strawberries from Harry's bento, and took a bite. "Delicious." She gained a sly grin, took another bite and then proceeded to kiss Harry. When she stood she spoke, "I'll see you later Harry." She then put the last part of the strawberry daifuku in her mouth and walked away.

Haruhi looked at Harry as he chewed something and swallowed before making a face. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah. It's just that strawberry daifuku doesn't go well right after a mouthful of lemon pepper chicken."

Haruhi's eyes widened as she realized exactly what had happened. "Huh. She's certainly..." Haruhi was searching for the right word that didn't mean anything negative."

Harry spoke with a shake of his head and a smile. "French is what I normally go with."

"I was going to say ardent and devoted."

Harry smiled softly. "She is that too."

"Can I ask what is going on between you two?"

Harry sighed. "It's complicated. Yes, I did save her from drowning. We became friends. After everything that happened, Gabby decided that I was the only one for her. Her family, being what it is, is apparently supportive of the idea. She asked me if I was in agreement, but I didn't really understand what she meant by that."

"What do you mean, being what it is?"

Harry shrugged. "It's clear that Gabby is a pretty girl. All the women in her family look similar. They all are rather attractive."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"Well, I don't really understand all of it, but in their family when a girl makes that choice, it's like a betrothal."

"Really?"

Harry nodded. "Really."

After a few minutes of silent eating, Haruhi spoke up again. "So what does her family do?"

"They own vineyards. The wines that they make are some of the most expensive and sought-after vintages in Europe. The name of their winery is Du Coeur; it means from the Heart in French. Part of their success is because of the special type of grape that they use. No one else has this grape. They've kept it from being stolen for well over five hundred years."

Haruhi was shocked at this. "Seriously?"

Harry nodded. "Gabby told me a story of one of her great-grandfathers that permanently crippled a man that had taken a cutting. When it went to court, the man that stole the cutting was sentenced to jail time and her great-grandfather got off with a warning to not use a shovel in that manner again. A few people have tried throughout the years, but it never ends well for them. They guard their livelihood rather jealously. Apparently they also have secret methods of winemaking that have been handed down for generations. It's a completely family-run business."

Haruhi was shocked at that. "So is Gabrielle going to take over the business?"

Harry shrugged. "Maybe. Her older sister Fleur wants to be an archeologist."

"So they don't automatically take over the business?"

Harry shook his head. "They have always been encouraged to find their own passions and dreams. If I remember correctly Alain, that's Gabby's father, took over from his great uncle. He was apprenticed for almost two decades before it was formal. The whole family comes back together a few times a year. They're very close knit group."

"That's kind of amazing."

Harry nodded with a far-away look in his eye. "It's the kind of family that part of me always wanted."

The warning bell for lunch rang and Harry handed Haruhi a pair of the treats before packing away his now empty bento.

That afternoon, Harry was surprised when Tamaki actually approached him in the hallway outside of Music Room 3. "Harry Potter, I would like to apologize."

"For?"

"My actions were unbecoming of a gentleman. I don't know if you are aware, but Renge shared some of your past that she had learned through her friend. So, I would like to inform you that I will no longer be asking you to join the Host Club. After what you have been through I realize that it could easily be construed as me trying to force you into something that you don't want to do, but the offer will remain. I would like to ask for your forgiveness for my actions." Tamaki bowed to Harry.

Harry looked at the blonde for a long moment. His silence caused Tamaki to fidget. Harry smiled. "You know what? You're not the vapid narcissist I thought you were. Congratulations, you have been moved out of the Lockhart category."

Tamaki actually smiled at that before frowning. "What's the Lockhart category?"

"That was the name of the teacher that you reminded me of." Harry grinned. "Perhaps a re-introduction is in order. I'm Harry Potter. It is a pleasure to meet you Tamaki Suoh."

"Likewise." Tamaki looked a little nervous. "Haruhi told us not to bring it up, but is that all true? The kidnapping and everything that happened after it?"

Harry nodded once. "As you can imagine it is difficult to talk about."

Tamaki studied the younger teen. "You're a strong man Harry Potter. Don't let anyone ever tell you differently."

Harry went into the Music Room to go to the Black Magic Club.

As the Host Club was getting ready for the day, Haruhi looked at the assembled boys. "Hey have you guys ever heard of Du Coeur wine?"

Silence reigned at the table. Several of the Hosts looked at Haruhi in shock.

Kyoya spoke up. "It is the foremost wine in Europe and many would say the world. Only a few hundred bottles are released to the general public every year. They are quite expensive. The vineyards that produce the wine have a unique grape that they grow and no one has been able to duplicate it. Several companies and families have tried to obtain said grape, but no one has succeeded. The entire company is rumored to be run by the family."

Tamaki nodded. "Not only is the wine supposed to be exquisite, but each year they have a different bottle for both red and white wines. The bottles are works of art in and of themselves. Glass artists from around the world compete for the honor to make the bottles that are used. Very rarely is the same artist picked twice in the same year. There are a few artisans that launched their careers with that prestige."

The Twins spoke in unison. "A few years back, our father got one for our mother for their anniversary. The empty bottle is still at home on a shelf."

Honey looked at Haruhi. "Why do you ask Haru-chan?"

Haruhi shrugged. "Harry said that Gabrielle, that girl that came here looking for him, is the daughter of the owner. I was curious if you guys knew about it."

Once again the group was staring at Haruhi in shock.

Kyoya actually had to pick his pen up from the table to write a few notes. He was intent on verifying that little tidbit.

The twins spoke in turn.

"So not only does Harry have two Hiwatari paintings,"

"And a piano that has the boss slathering to see it,"

"But he also has an absolutely beautiful girl after him,"

"That is the daughter of the family that makes Du Coeur wines."

Hikaru and Kaoru shared a glance. "Well, at least there's some recompense for what he's been through."

Tamaki's jaw dropped. "I forgot to ask him if I could see his piano!"

As Harry entered the Black Magic Club, several people were looking at him warily. Harry rolled his eyes. "Honestly it's not that what happened after the Third Task was all that big of a secret."

Nekozawa shook his head. "You misunderstand Harry. We are simply understandably leery of crossing a Veela. Theirs is a dark and horrible power."

Harry looked flatly at the teen. "You do realize that Gabby doesn't qualify as a High School Student. You can just tell her that she hasn't learned enough magic yet to attend this level. What do you mean a dark and horrible power?"

One of the girls shook her head. "He means that they get embarrassed when they are drawn in by her Allure."

Harry shrugged. "I've never had a problem with it."

The same girl looked curious. "What do you mean?"

"The Allure. It doesn't bother me."

One of the other boys asked, "So you don't get embarrassed when you act like an idiot?"

Harry shook his head. "No. As in it doesn't affect me. It kind of did once, but after that, no. Besides, most people only notice the attraction part of the Allure. There is more to it than that."

"What do you mean only the attraction part?"

Harry shrugged. "Veela have a degree of empathy and can subtly project that, but it takes extra effort to do so. The attraction part of it happens naturally and takes conscious effort to control."

Nekozawa stared at Harry. How did he know that? Likely the girl told him. "Is it possible that you have developed a resistance? Please tell me that a dark ritual was involved."

Harry smirked. "No, but I was also the only one in my class to throw of the Imperious Curse."

It took the group a moment to place the curse. "You mean the European version of the will-controlling curse?"

Harry thought for a moment and nodded.

Nekozawa laughed. "Only a true master of the darkness can subjugate such a curse."

Harry snorted. "Or someone that just refuses to be controlled."

"So, is it true that the girl Chose you?"

Harry nodded as he sat at one of the tables. "Apparently, she had asked me if I was okay with it, but I had no idea what it meant at the time." Harry pulled out his books to study. Seeing their looks Harry replied. "I've told you. They take seven years to cover what you do in four. I didn't know everything about Veela until my godfather gave me the rundown."

"But you're ahead of us on spellwork."

Harry shrugged. "I've always been better at the practical applications. There was a lot of theory work at Hogwarts." Harry began working on the next transfiguration assignment.

Once he was done with the practical work, a knock was heard at the door. Nekozawa turned. "Harry, it's for you."

Gabrielle stood at the door, wearing the brown Middle School outfit. "Can I come in?"

Harry nodded and stepped to the side.

Gabrielle did her best to control the Allure, since there were students actively performing magic.

Gabrielle looked at Umehito. "You're the President aren't you?"

"Yes."

Gabrielle smiled. "I already know that I can't join if I'm not up to the level of magic that you practice. I wanted to ask if it was okay if I waited in here for Harry if I finished early."

Umehito nodded. "If you can keep your Allure under control and also do your best to control yourself should Harry be practicing dueling, it is a possibility."

Gabrielle nodded. "That shouldn't be a problem." In her mind it wasn't. If Harry got hurt, she would 'nurse him back to health.' But Harry was powerful, so that wasn't very likely.

Umehito grinned. "There is one test you must pass before you have my permission." He pulled out Beelzenef. Before he could say anything, the younger blonde spoke.

Gabby's eyes went wide. "That's so CUTE! Is this one of those non-wand foci that I've heard about?"

"Beelzenef isn't…"

Gabrielle scratched the ears on the Beelzenef puppet. "Tell me, can I have one? Oh! I know, can you show Harry how to make one? We could even have a matching pair. It's just adorable! You're just so cute, yes you are! And Beelzenef is such an adorable name! Can I borrow him, please?"

Beelzenef disappeared. "Beelzenef only works for members of my family."

Gabrielle pouted. "Do they make foci like that I could buy? A pink bow on one of the ears would be the perfect touch."

Umehito's jaw began working silently before he hung his head. He muttered something about the dark power of Beelzenef not being respected.

Everyone except Harry was staring at Gabrielle in shock. Beelzenef was a formidable foci in a duel.

Harry grinned and conjured a calico Beelzenef, complete with a pink bow. "It's conjured, so it will fade after a few hours."

Gabrielle smiled. "Thanks!"

"Why don't you show it to your friend Renge? Isn't she doing something with the Host Club?"

Gabrielle nodded. "You're right." She left the room.

Umehito's jaw had fallen open. "I'm going to lose. Did I even stand a chance against a master of the Dark?"

One of the students activated a one-way transparency spell and sound amplification spell to observe what was going on.

Gabrielle walked over to the Hosts that were in shock at what Renge had said about their new images. The otaku was talking to Tamaki. Gabby spoke French. "Renge, look at what Harry made for me! Isn't it the cutest thing?!"

Tamaki was staring slack-jawed at the newest incarnation of Beelzenef. He edged away and put Renge between the evil puppet and himself.

Renge touched the ears of the puppet to humor her friend. Her eyes widened. "It's so soft." Renge couldn't help but keep rubbing the ears.

"I know. The president of Harry's club has one that he calls Beelzenef. I'm thinking of naming this one Beelzeneva."

Tamaki was now visibly cringing away.

Gabby continued, "I normally don't like puppets, but since Harry made it for me, I'm going to try it out." She looked at the blonde that had mentioned Harry. "Are you okay? Rubbing Beelzeneva's ears should make you feel better."

Tamaki snapped and responded in Japanese. "Keep that thing away from me!" He ran to the other side of the room.

Gabby looked at Renge and asked in French, "Was it something I said?"

Back in the Black Magic Club Room, laughter reigned.

Harry gathered up his satchel and books. "Well, I'd better go before this gets any worse."

One of the still giggling students spoke up. "Worse or better?"

In response, Harry merely left the room.

Gabrielle ran over. "Harry, are you done?"

Harry nodded. As they left the room, Gabrielle caused Beelzeneva to wave at Tamaki.

Tamaki hid behind a couch.

As they left the campus, Harry spoke with Gabby about what Renge had done and the part-Veela winced. "Even though it's too late to change what happened, I will have a talk with her."

"Thanks."

"Can I ask a favor Harry?"

"Depends on what it is."

"Can you take me to one of the magical shopping districts? Apparently, they don't like wands here. I was told to purchase a new focus."

Harry nodded. "Well they aren't in favor of limiting themselves."

"What do you mean?"

Harry explained, "Well, when I bought my focus ring, I was told that wands make magic easier to do, but they eventually limit the user."

"What?!"

Harry nodded. "In just the few months of using my ring, I've noticed a difference in my magic. I tried using my wand once and the spell almost went out of control."

Gabrielle looked at her wand. "They limit our magic?"

"That's what I was told." Harry thought for a moment. "One of the pathways is about a twenty minute walk from here. Did the school give you a card saying that you needed to purchase a new focus?"

Gabrielle nodded.

During the walk, Harry re-cast a language learning charm on Gabrielle at her request since hers was beginning to fade. The pair talked as they strolled along. Gabrielle spoke about what her family was up to and how she had been. She then kept Harry talking about everything that he had been doing. When she found out that Harry was learning the piano, Gabrielle smiled. If she did the same, she could easily use his piano to practice. Her mind briefly flitted with the image of them playing a piece together.

When they arrived at the shrine and went through the gate, Gabrielle took a moment to orient herself. She had to smile as Harry told her what places had good food, what the bookstores were like. She had taken her mate's hand and hadn't let go.

Harry led Gabrielle into Hirashins, the same shop where he had purchased his ring.

Unsurprisingly, Gabrielle was able to find a ring that suited her rather rapidly. Again, not so surprisingly, her affinity was a combination of air and fire. Even then Gabrielle went through a handful of rings until one was strong enough for her affinities. Gabrielle purchased the new focus and promised to practice with it.

Gabrielle then proceeded to drag Harry all around the market before they shared dinner at a stall. Harry then guided Gabrielle back through the gate.

Harry called for the driver to pick him up and Gabby begged a ride because the sun had begun to set.

When Gabrielle was dropped off she made sure to give Harry a peck on the cheek in thanks.

As Gabrielle floated into the apartment, Renge turned from the computer and looked at her friend. "Did you have a good afternoon?"

Gabrielle nodded. "While it wasn't an official date, Harry showed me some of the stores and we ate supper together."

Renge clapped her hands. "I'm so happy for you. I discovered what was wrong with the Host Club."

"What's that?"

"They're too one-dimensional. I came up with new backstories for them and I'm flying out a film crew for a movie!"

Gabrielle smiled. "I'm glad you're having fun too."

Renge nodded. "I'm writing a script. I was going to include you and Harry."

Gabrielle frowned. "Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean, Harry was kidnapped. What if someone that is part of that group sees your movie? No one back in England knows that Harry is here. It's to protect him."

Renge's eyes widened. "I didn't even think about that!" Renge frowned. "I'll have to find a few others that look like tough guys. I almost made a big mistake Gabrielle."

Gabrielle smiled. "That's okay." Her smile faded slightly. "By the way, Harry may be a little…distant towards you. He wasn't exactly happy that everyone found out what happened to him."

Renge brushed that off as she turned back to her laptop. "He's your boyfriend, not mine. I'm okay with him being distant."

Gabrielle got ready for bed.

Meanwhile back at his house, Harry was doing the same. He had debated telling Sirius that Gabby had in fact picked him as her Mate, but decided against it. It wasn't like Gabby had done anything that Sirius had warned him about. The only thing that had come close was Gabby telling Haruhi that Harry was hers.

The following morning a large contingent of trucks was outside the school as Harry arrived. In all honesty, he ignored them. It wasn't like they were here for him.

When Harry found out what was going on he rolled his eyes and shook his head. He wanted no part of that madness, thank you very much.

On his way to the Black Magic Club, Harry skirted the movie shoot and had to walk through another part of the campus. Harry then saw one older boy push Renge into Haruhi.

Harry stormed over, but Tamaki beat him to the punch. Almost literally. Harry had never seen Tamaki angry before.

Upon hearing what happened, Harry briefly wondered how much of a nuisance Renge might become. As the two older students went to run away from an angry Tamaki, Harry stepped in front of them. As usual, his visible scars caused them to halt. "Now listen well. Just because Tamaki is letting you off, doesn't mean I don't have a few words to say."

"You're the guy that cursed Ayanokoji!"

Harry's magic briefly flared, causing the two teens to see the mask of a rather scary demon grow on Harry's face. They flinched and took a step backwards.

"If I ever see you act like that again, what happened to her will seem absolutely tame in comparison to what I will do to you. Am. I. Clear?"

The two teens immediately spat out, "Sir, yes Sir!"

"Get out of my sight!"

The pair ran for the hills.

Harry turned to Tamaki. "And here I thought that a gentleman didn't do anything as uncouth as dirty his hands with violence."

Tamaki merely smiled. "You were actually listening!" He then turned away to check on Haruhi.

Harry turned and walked away. He could hear Haruhi talking to Renge. As he turned the corner, he heard the sound of glass shattering.

Now on his second detour, Harry frowned when he saw a crowd of boys loudly clamoring. Harry saw a flash of silvery blonde hair in the midst of the group and called out, "What is going on here?!"

This was enough to catch the attention of several of the boys. While Gabrielle's looks were the cause of one type of staring, his were the cause of another type of attention.

In the midst of the throng was a rather flustered and somewhat frightened Gabrielle. The girl took the distraction for all it was worth. She cried out, "Harry!" as she pushed her way free of the crowd of boys.

Gabrielle then stepped behind Harry, wrapping her arms around his stomach. She did her best to calm herself and bring the Allure under control.

Harry addressed the group. "I believe I asked you a question. What is going on here?"

The group of boys, all Middle School students, was now mostly free of the Allure. One spoke up. "We just wanted to talk to her."

"It looked to me like you were crowding her."

"But she's just so…"

"I'm aware of that, but you weren't being polite. How many times did she tell you no or to back away?"

Gabrielle spoke up from behind Harry. "Ten."

Harry's gaze chilled and his tone was such to cause several of the boys to step backwards. "A young lady asked you ten times to back away and you ignored her?"

One of the braver souls in the group spoke up. "You're a high school student, why do you care?"

Leaning around Harry, Gabrielle spoke up. "He's my fiancé!"

"Prove it!"

Harry threw his arm around Gabrielle's shoulder. "Why would we have to prove anything to a group of silly little boys?" His gaze hardened. "Now get out of our way."

Harry then guided Gabrielle away from the group. They spoke in English. "Rough first day?"

"Horrible. My Japanese is still bad, even with the charm. The boys just wouldn't leave me alone." She nestled into Harry's side. "But you're here now, and it's all better."

"So what is your club?"

"It's called Occult Studies Club."

"Then let's get you there. Where does it meet?"

Gabrielle gave him directions and walked alongside Harry, simply enjoying the contact with her Mate.

Once Harry had led her to the appropriate spot, Gabrielle leaned up and gently kissed Harry. "Thank you Harry."

A few of the boys from earlier had followed and were shocked at Gabrielle's actions. They let out a cry of dismay. As Gabrielle entered her club, the now smaller group of boys scattered.

By the time that Harry actually got to the Black Magic Club, several people were already busily working on various assignments. Harry got to work.

Gabrielle worked hard to get through her work to ensure that she could be with Harry. She was dedicated to ensuring that she might be able to test into an advanced magic class. That was really the only exception to the rules in regards to their studies. Gabrielle knew that she wouldn't be able to get enough of a leg up on her mundane studies to move into Harry's grade. Gabrielle's inner veela nature allowed her to solidly connect with her ring. Her spells were slightly overpowered, but she still accomplished them. As soon as she finished her work, Gabrielle began packing up her bag.

The girl that was next to Gabrielle looked over. "What's the rush?"

Gabrielle smiled. "I want to be close to my fiancé. He's in the Black Magic Club."

"Is it that boy that brought you to the club room?"

Gabrielle nodded and left the room.

Gabrielle sat in the Black Magic Club. She had put her mundane homework down on a desk with the intent to work on it. However, with the light from spells lighting Harry's face as he worked, Gabrielle was entranced. She just simply sat and admired Harry. He really was the perfect Mate.

After a few minutes, Gabrielle was tapped on the shoulder by one of the older students. "You may want to rein it in."

Gabrielle noticed that all of the males, save Harry were beginning to stare at her. Gabrielle blushed and put her head down, focusing on controlling her Allure. "Sorry."

The girl shook her head and went back to her potion.

When Harry finished, he stretched and stood. He had work to do in the magical greenhouses today. When Gabrielle saw Harry stand, she hurriedly picked up her bag. She latched on to Harry's arm and smiled up at him. "Are you done?"

Harry shook his head. "I have greenhouse time today. I won't be done for another few hours at least."

Gabrielle pouted. "Well, at least can I walk with you to the greenhouses?"

Harry chuckled. "Sure. It's warded so that mundane students don't see it and ignore it."

At the door to the greenhouse, Gabrielle grabbed the lapels to Harry's jacket and pulled him into a heated kiss. "I'll see you later."

It took Harry a moment to focus. "Okay."

Gabrielle made her way back to the apartment that Renge had purchased. When Gabrielle stepped into the room, Renge was in tears.

Gabrielle focused on her friend. "What is wrong?"

Renge began crying harder. She detailed what happened with Kyoya. Gabrielle simply hugged Renge in response. Once the girl had calmed down, Gabrielle smiled. "Maybe you can find someone else here."

Renge sniffled and said nothing.

Gabrielle smiled. "You told me that there are hidden routes in games. What about here?"

Renge looked up. "You think there might be?"

Gabrielle nodded. "Of course. There are lots of boys here." She fixed her friend with a hard stare. "Don't get close to Harry. I have no intention of sharing." Gabrielle frowned. "You didn't have any dinner prepared, did you?"

Renge shook her head. "I didn't want to talk to anyone, so I sent the maid home."

Gabrielle smiled. "I'll go and pick up a few things for supper."

"Thanks."

Gabrielle went and picked up several items, doing her best to ignore the stares. She paid and returned back home. Gabrielle cooked up a simple meal and got Renge to eat. At least, after the girl was done screaming at Miyabi on the TV screen. Thanks to the charm, Gabrielle learned some rather curious invectives.

Since the next day was Saturday, Gabrielle got dressed and set out towards Harry's house. She'd taken the chance while she was doing her own paperwork to briefly confound the secretary into pulling up Harry's file. After picking up a box of cinnamon rolls, Gabrielle hummed to herself as she walked. Once she found the proper address, Gabrielle rang the bell. She waited a minute before she heard a voice call out, "I'm coming."

As Harry opened the door, Gabrielle's heart beat a little faster and she felt her body warm slightly. His sleep-tousled hair, green eyes, and the short-sleeved shirt allowed her to see his arms that she knew were strong. What she was feeling was nothing close to what her mother described when her Veela instincts would take over to lay claim to her mate. That particular reoccurring event was still a few years off. Not that she would be averse to claiming Harry now, but he might find their ages to be a sticking point. However, she wanted nothing more than to kiss Harry and have him wrap her in his arms.

As the doorbell rang, Harry was in the middle of brushing his teeth. Dobby popped back moments later. "It is the Misses Gabby."

Harry spat out the toothpaste and rinsed his mouth. "Thanks Dobby."

Harry walked down the stairs and approached the door. "I'm coming." Harry opened the door. "Gabby, what brings you by so early?"

Gabrielle didn't even think about her actions. She stepped inside, wrapping Harry in a hug as she let the box fall. At the sudden contact, Harry stumbled backwards and Gabby went with him. Harry tripped on a rug, falling to the floor. Gabrielle took the opening and locked her lips with her mate's.

Harry was surprised as Gabrielle made no movement to get off of him, merely kissing him rather forcefully. He tried to push her off, but the shorter girl wouldn't be denied. Not only that, the kiss quickly distracted him as her tongue played with his own. As that happened, Harry's arms went around Gabrielle.

Dobby was nearby and he caught the box before it fell to the floor. Best to give his Master and future Mistress some privacy.

Gabrielle kissed Harry until the warmth had faded from her body to be replaced by contentment. When she finally pulled away, Gabrielle shifted and laid her head on Harry's shoulder. "Good morning."

Harry's brain took a second to reboot. "Gabby, what was that?"

Gabrielle grinned impishly. "That was how I've wanted to kiss you for the past few days. I was making up for the lost time." Gabrielle resumed her earlier activities.

As his lips were once again devoured by a hungry blonde; Sirius' words about the dangers of being intimate with a veela echoed in Harry's mind. There were worse things in life to have trying to kill him.

When they stopped for breath, Harry spoke, "Gabby, what brings you here this morning?"

"You. I missed you."

Harry's stomach growled. "Can you let me up?"

Gabrielle smiled. "I brought you breakfast!" The excitable girl hopped up and hauled Harry over to a chair when she saw that Harry's House Elf had placed the box on the coffee table. The little green creature appeared to set the table and Gabrielle fixed him with a glower.

Hearing the mention of breakfast Dobby set some plates down on the table and went to serve up the food that the future Mistress had brought. However, when he went to take the box from the coffee table, Dobby felt a stare on him. He turned and the look in the blue eyes of the girl promised pain if he continued. Dobby popped away. Maybe it would be best to see what the future Mistress had planned.

Gabrielle forced Harry into a chair and she promptly sat on his lap and opened the box.

"Gabby, what is goinaug…"

Gabby grinned as she pulled part of the spiral off and shoved it in Harry's mouth. "I'm making sure you get enough to eat." She then pulled another piece and popped it in her own mouth.

Harry tried to talk several more times, but his attempts were thwarted by Gabby's playfulness. As a side note, Harry did think that the cinnamon rolls were tasty.

Once the box of rolls was gone Gabby grinned as she licked her fingers clean. Harry's attempts to thwart her efforts had resulted in icing on various parts of his face. "Let's get you cleaned up."

Harry froze as Gabrielle slowly ran her tongue over the corners of his mouth before gently kissing the tip of his nose. "All done."

Anything they were going to say to each other was interrupted by the sound of clapping.

Hikaru and Kaoru had shared Harry's story with their mother and the woman immediately authorized enough clothing and styles to fill a large truck. Hikaru and Kaoru headed over with their maids as soon as an early breakfast was arranged.

The Hitachin twins were surprised that the front door was ajar. They heard English being spoken from further inside the house. Curious, they opened the door further. In the living room, Gabrielle had pushed Harry into a chair and was force-feeding him piece of some kind of pastry.

From their experience in the Host Club, both twins recognized exactly what the girl was doing. While they had never been so overt, Gabrielle was clearly working on ensuring that the scarred Englishman was focusing on her while at the same time breaking down any barriers to personal contact. The fact that the girl was sitting on Harry's lap facing him, with one leg on either side of his lap, her position alone was screaming to anyone watching exactly what the blonde's intentions were. The Twins had to internally admit, that they were a little jealous of Harry.

From what Haruhi had said Harry was a little reluctant about his relationship with the French girl. Considering what they had seen, it was true enough. It looked like Miss DeLacour was dead set on fixing that problem and ensuring that she got her man. The Twins' eyebrows rose as the girl almost sensually liked little bits of icing off of Harry's face. Considering the blush on Harry's face was red enough to stop traffic, both Hikaru and Kaoru realized that the girl had things well in hand. Unfortunately, their maids had arrived with armloads of clothes on hangers. Once she kissed the tip of Harry's nose to get the final piece of icing, Hikaru and Kaoru began clapping.

"Excellently done Miss DeLacour."

"I think we all learned something today."

Gabrielle looked over her shoulder and scowled.

Harry quickly fired off a spell to pause the painting.

Something about her glare caused the twins to flinch backwards.

Harry spoke up. "Hikaru, Kaoru, what brings you two here this morning?"

The twins stepped in the house and their maids followed. "We did say that we would bring by a few things for you. Our mother was excited for a new model."

Harry looked flatly at the twins. "I thought I told you that I was fine."

"Technically you didn't say anything. We ate lunch next."

Gabrielle's train of thought switched tracks. She no longer wanted to hex the redheads. The only reason that the interruption could be forgiven was that she could see Harry dressed up in various outfits. The day just kept getting better. Hopping off the lap of her mate, Gabrielle hauled Harry up out of the chair. "Come on Harry, they went through all the trouble of bringing some outfits here, the least you could do is try them on."

Harry replied in Japanese. "No, the least I could do is sit here and do nothing." He looked at the twins and the growing pile of garments on his couch. "There's no way I'm talking you out of this is there?"

The response came from Gabrielle and the twins at the same time. "Nope."

"I could kick you all out of my house you know."

"But then the clothes would stay here."

Harry scowled. "Fine."

Gabrielle immediately began picking through the stacks of arriving clothing. She set several things aside and began to debate over several styles. Harry was sent off to go change. In the end, Gabrielle was making more decisions about outfits than Harry.

The maids quickly caught on that the foreign blonde did NOT appreciate their commentary. Those glares could have melted steel.

Hikaru and Kaoru were surprised at the younger girl's enthusiasm. Soon they were discussing styles and fashion with Gabrielle while Harry changed.

When Harry came out in a dark navy kimono that was accented with dusky orange flowers, Gabrielle's eyes widened and her voice was breathy. "He's taking that one too."

Harry shook his head at Gabby. "So you like this one?"

Gabrielle nodded. "You're going to accept it and wear it at one of the festivals here."

Knowing that Gabby would press the issue, just like several others, Harry simply nodded and left the room.

Hikaru and Kaoru shared a grin. "Harry looked good in that one didn't he?"

Gabrielle was staring at the wall, trying to will her vision to become able to see through it. She nodded.

One of the maids chanced a comment. "By the way she was staring, I'd bet that she would prefer helping him take it off."

Her brain barely processing the comment, Gabrielle nodded once again.

Hikaru and Kaoru's grin became predatory. "You know, that is the Kinmokusei on the kimono."

"In the language of flowers, it means: Truth, Honor, and Nobility."

Gabrielle sighed longingly. "That sums up Harry."

"You know, our mother designs kimonos. We have a few that I'm sure you would enjoy. We could even find one that conveys the message that you want to tell him."

Gabrielle's head spun so fast people watching thought her neck might have snapped. Her hair actually smacked Kaoru in the face. "She does, does she?"

"Oh yes. Some of her work is custom too."

"Just imagine you and Harry walking arm in arm at a festival."

"Why everyone would know that you two were a couple."

Gabrielle's gaze turned calculating. "When is the next festival and how long it takes to make one?"

"Not for a few months and that's more than enough time."

"Would you like to order one?"

Gabrielle looked at the Twins. "Of course I would."

The twins grinned. A girl as attractive as Gabrielle, even if she was foreign, in a kimono would be good for business. "We'll talk to our mother. Maybe we could find a few things for you to match Harry too."

Gabrielle smiled slightly. "I will make you deal. If your mother helps me with some outfits to help catch Harry, I can get her a few bottles of wine from this next batch."

The Twins' eyes widened. "We'll let her know."

Gabrielle's grin became predatory. "And if that helps Harry introduce himself as my fiancé, I will convince my father to invite her to a tasting. With a guest, of course. Your father should come too. After all, a favor must be repaid."

Hikaru's and Kaoru's jaws dropped. The Du Coeur brand did one tasting a year and less than fifty people went. A handful of the guests were wine connoisseurs that would write about the batch that was released. The designers of the winning bottles were traditionally invited as well. The rest were by invitation only and were often extraordinarily high profile. They also were given a chance to purchase a bottle before the general sale. One of the maids immediately excused herself and pulled out a phone.

They Twins were still in shock as Harry came out in the next outfit. He had on black slacks, an emerald silk button down shirt, and a black leather jacket. "You know what, I actually like this outfit. Although since it's warming up, the leather might be a little too much."

Gabrielle stood from the couch. "Excuse me; I need a moment to speak with Harry."

"Gabby?" Harry was summarily pulled back into the office.

Hikaru and Kaoru were confused. "What was that?"

"I thought she liked that outfit."

As soon as the door shut, a thump was heard in the living room as well as Harry's question being cut off.

The remaining maid smirked. "I'd say she liked it a little too much."

Hikaru and Kaoru shared a glance. They'd have to ask Tamaki if this was normal behavior for the French. Then again, with how Renge acted and some of Tamaki's actions, it was a possibility.

A few minutes later, Gabrielle emerged, tucking her hair back behind her ears. "Harry has been brought around to my opinion. Add that one to the list." Gabrielle took her place back on the couch.

When Gabrielle pronounced everything done, it was well past lunchtime. Gabrielle had excused herself and asked the elf to make some sandwiches for their guests. The elf complied and a few minutes later, Gabrielle came back out with a platter of egg salad sandwiches.

The Hitachin Twins left Harry's house. When they got home, their mother was waiting for them. They shared what had happened during their visit, as well as their observations on the pair. They had also taken photos and shared them with the enthusiastic woman.

"Hikaru, Kaoru, was this girl honest in her offer?"

"Yes Mother."

The woman nodded as she looked over her schedule for the next few days. "Very well. In order for this to come about, I will need to meet the girl in question. Wednesday, after school is out, I have about two hours where I can shift things around. Please mention this to her."

The Twins nodded.

"Hikaru, Kaoru, I want you to help this young lady and your friend. I don't have to tell you the prestige that would come from being invited to an event like that. Nor the connections that could be made, even for our family."

The Twins nodded.

"That said, perhaps you should do your best to ensure that the young lady and her fiancé are well-cared for."

Knowing what their mother was truly saying, the Twins responded. "Yes Mother."

Once the Twins and their maids left, Dobby began taking all of the clothing from the room.

Gabrielle smiled at Harry. "Thanks for being good natured about that. But you did look nice in some of those outfits."

Harry paused, was Gabrielle apologizing?

"But other than bringing you breakfast, I had a question for you. Well, it's more like a favor to ask."

"So what is it?" Given how the girl had tackled and kissed him twice today, Harry figured it could be anything.

Gabrielle pointed at the piano. "Can I practice? I'm taking piano courses."

The request caught Harry flat-footed. "Sure. I'm going to practice later today."

Gabrielle smiled. "Thank you." She pulled a book from her obviously expanded purse, opened the cover and sat at the bench.

Harry watched Gabrielle struggle through a simple piece. When he freed himself from the confusion that had appeared, Harry went into the office to look over the business statements that Sirius had sent him.

Unable to focus, Harry went to the bathroom to splash some water on his face. Harry stared at himself in the mirror for a long time. What was he doing? He had fully intended on having Gabby work for time together outside of school, but it was like he couldn't tell her no. Yes, she was pretty and when she kissed him it took him a moment to refocus on everything else. And the way that it felt to hold her in his arms as she lay on top of him…

Harry forced his train of thought to stop. He remembered what Sirius had said about his mom. Apparently, she had given his father a chance and had been swept off her feet. Harry stared at himself in the mirror once again. Was he developing feelings for Gabby outside of normal friendship, and if so, how much of it was because of her advances? Harry splashed some more water on his face. Harry had decided to give Gabby a chance. It wasn't because of the fact that she had picked him as her mate. It was because of what she had said to him in the hallway. He had felt the honesty in her tone. They had gotten along fairly well. Could this be a sign that someone could love him, regardless of everything?

Harry stepped from the bathroom and noticed that the piano music had stopped. He went back into his office and found Gabrielle staring at the painting in his office. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Gabrielle jumped slightly. "Very. Where did you find it?"

"I met the artist while shopping when I first got here. I had wandered into his studio. He painted the one in the living room too."

Gabrielle frowned slightly. "But that one doesn't move."

Harry grinned. "Follow me."

When he reactivated the painting, Gabrielle's eyes were wide. "I could watch this for hours."

Harry chuckled slightly. "You know what? I think I said the exact same thing when I saw them."

Gabrielle leaned against Harry slightly. "Well, you have good taste." Gabrielle frowned at the clock on the wall. "I have to get back. Thank you for letting me use your piano."

"You're welcome."

Gabrielle just stood there for a long moment, not wanting to go anywhere. She sighed and stepped away. She proceeded to kiss Harry again. "That should tide me over until I see you again."

"Tide you over?"

Gabrielle smiled at Harry. "How much do you know about Veela?"

"Only what I've been told."

Gabrielle let out a small sigh. "What most people choose to ignore is that when a Veela makes her choice, there is a drive to be physically close to and intimate with our Mate. It is part of who I am. Since it hasn't been very long since I chose, I can keep that at bay with kisses, hugs, and spending time with you. Even if I hadn't chosen you, I'd still want to do that."

Suddenly Gabrielle's actions made more sense.

"This drive will gradually get stronger the older I get and the longer we've been together. I'm not going to lie, I'm looking forward to when I can't control myself and I rip all your clothes off and have my way with you. But I'd prefer if you did that to me first." Gabrielle slipped on her shoes, blew Harry a kiss, and left the house.

As Gabrielle walked down the path towards the street, she fought against her inner nature every step of the way. She looked at Harry's house longingly. The fire within her wanted to be close to Harry and not leave his side. Gabrielle forced her head away. Her Mate was here, and she was close by. Gabrielle knew that it would take time for Harry to warm up to her. She pushed the fire down, banking it until she could see Harry again. Gabrielle knew that it would push her to get closer and more intimate with Harry. She wasn't averse to that in the least; in fact she was rather willing and ready for that. However, she would have to get Harry to accept his role as her Mate. The first step would be for Harry to call her his girlfriend, then fiancée, eventually wife, and finally living together and creating a family. Gabrielle sighed longingly of such a future and headed back to the apartment she shared with Renge.

Harry shook his head after the door closed.

Harry shook himself free of the feelings that had surged. "Dobby."

"Yes Master Harry?"

"Under no circumstances are you to report what happened today to Sirius, or anyone else back in England. No one is to know. Am I clear?"

"Yes Master Harry." Dobby pulled on his ears. "Can I ask why?"

Harry sighed. "I decided to see if Gabby and I can work as a couple. Besides, I kind of like her. The wizards and witches back home don't like veela and part-veela. I don't want her to have to deal with them. Gabrielle's a nice person."