Part 5 HP&GD~
Right after their final exams Hermione, Gabrielle and Harry gathered in Harry and Gabrielle's room where a Portkey transported the three teens from Beauxbatons to the living room of the Granger's home outside of Agde. They were there only a few minutes before it was decided to go out for dinner. Leaving Harry, Hermione and Gabrielle stopped just outside the Granger's home. "Wonder where that door goes?" Hermione asked looking at a door just at the other end of the home they'd just left.
"What door?" Her mother asked looking where her daughter was and seeing nothing.
"The one at the end of your home. I do not recall any hallway down there."
"There is no door there dear that is our dining room area." Margaret Granger replied.
"Do we have time to investigate?" Harry asked.
Hermione looked at her parents then nodded saying, "Mum, dad, it's just a bit early for dinner. We'll be just a few minutes."
Herman looked at the teens heading for a doorway he could see and the concerned father appeared, "I thought Mr. Delacour had the house checked out and declared safe?"
"He probably did but didn't think to say anything about this as you couldn't see or access it. If things get too interesting we'll back out and give Joseph a call." Harry assured his father in law just before the teens disappeared from sight.
Entering they found a set of stairs leading downward. With Harry taking point keeping a constant shield charm in front of him, Gabrielle in the middle and Hermione covering both from the back the trio carefully descended the stairs. At the bottom they entered a small open area roughly 3 meters square. There where chairs along the wall to their left with a counter opposite the chairs. A faded sign labeled "Laperriere Wands" hung on the wall facing them. Carefully Harry made his way to the counter noting there was just a wall behind it. Missing were the shelves filled with rows and rows of wand boxes that he was used to seeing in Ollivander's Wand shop.
Hermione was the first to notice a short-hinged section that permitted that portion of the counter to be flipped up. A "Wingardium Leviosa" later the counter was open for Harry and the rest to pass through. Harry went around what he now saw was just a partition wall behind the counter to the back room where wooden wand blanks were stored on shelves along the wall to his left. The right hand wall along with racks running for several meters were filled with shelves holding a multitude of different items that appeared to be grouped by some unknown filing system.
Making their way down an aisle they found themselves in a workspace slightly bigger than what they now knew was the wand shop's public area. "There should be…" Hermione said muttering to herself as she waved her wand around casting revealing spells. On her third try a bin glowed and with a touch of Harry's wand it swung aside revealing a set of stairs leading upwards. Carefully they made their way up opening the door they found at the top of the stairs hearing a scream that was cut off as Harry poked his head through the opening. "Sorry Mrs. Granger," Harry said apologizing for scaring the woman.
Distracted by being called Mrs. Granger she quickly replied, "Harry it's either Mum or Mum Granger, I will not have my son in law calling me Missus."
"I take it you found out what was behind that door." Herman asked.
Hermione nodded saying, "Yes it's an old wand shop. There is still everything needed down there."
"Yes it is like they just stopped working for the day and didn't come back." Gabrielle added.
Margaret asked, "You mean there's no dust or cobwebs?"
"Most likely the place has permanent cleaning charms on it." Hermione replied,
"Must be nice," Margaret replied thinking of how much time she'd spent dusting over the years.
The next day Gabrielle found Harry down in the workshop fiddling with a wand blank. Not wanting to interrupt her companion she quietly left making note of the smile on his face. Back upstairs she started looking around. "What's up?" Hermione asked having spent part of the morning with her mother.
"I'm looking for some old books that should be hidden somewhere in this house. That's a wand shop downstairs, so I bet somewhere we will at lease find the craftsman's reference books." Gabrielle replied.
Hermione smiled taking out her wand she joined in the search. An hour later with Harry joining them they were searching in a previously hidden room that if Hermione was right was situated under the street. Finally Gabrielle struck gold when she investigated a suspiciously bare portion of a wall. Within a small hidden cubbyhole they found a collection of books along with a sealed letter all bound with a leather strap. Putting the books on a nearby table Hermione undid the strap removing and reading the letter. A minute with tears in her eyes she started reading it outloud to the other two.
"My Descendant,
I regret not being there but my time left on this earth is short. My lone grandson, who I was training to replace me, was using his knowledge of wood and magic to insure our fortifications were safe and secure for our own troops when an assault by British solders caught his group between safe areas killing them. I don't know to this day if the assault was directed against him specifically.
I have preserved my knowledge in these notebooks in the hope magical ability reappears in a child of his sister who was born without that ability. I also hope that child will feel motivated to follow in my footsteps.
Again I regret not being there to guide you but if you read these books you should be able to earn a good living crafting wands for future generations.
Your ancestor,
Claude Laperriere."
Harry looked up from the book he had been perusing, "He has written very detailed directions."
Recognizing the gleam in his eyes and tone in Harry's voice Hermione said, "You're going to try to make a wand."
"Yes, I've got his instructions and plenty of supplies. Feel like having a second wand?" Harry asked a grin growing on his face.
"Second wands are illegal." Hermione said without much conviction.
"Only in England. Besides if I remember correctly when I entered Ollivander's Wand shop the first time he remembered when my mother was in buying her first wand. If she was buying her first wand it stands to reason she would buy a second wand later on." Harry countered.
Based more on the twinkle in Harry's eyes when he asked rather than any argument she agreed he could try and fashion her a second wand. While a part of her doubted his ability to succeed on the first try a different part of her mind reminded her of all the times he'd succeeded when by all rights he should have failed.
Two days later after a light lunch the two girls jointly prepared Hermione and Gabrielle followed Harry down to the wand workshop where he'd spent most waking hours since finding it. Not wanting to damage any of the ready made wand blanks he was practicing wand making from one of the books using various bits of scrap wood we'd found around the shop. "Time to take a break Harry," Hermione said taking Harry's right arm.
"But…"
"No buts, we're in a resort commune and you are escorting us to the beach for the rest of the day," Gabrielle said taking his left arm.
"I don't have a suit," Harry protested hoping to get a few more hours of practice in feeling he was close to mastering one of two of these charms.
"We took care of that yesterday for all of us while shopping with mum," Hermione said holding out a pair of dark green Speedo trunks for Harry.
"No way am I wearing that!" Harry protested firmly.
"Harry there is more material in your suit then in mine," Gabrielle said winking at her companion.
Harry glanced between the suit Hermione held and Gabrielle several times obviously trying to picture just how the 'less material' would be distributed before looking at Hermione. "Mine is similar to hers but the only way you are going to see either one is to put on this suit and take us to the beach… today," Hermione announced just as firmly as Harry had.
Harry took the suit from Hermione and Headed up the stairs. A few minutes later Harry was heard protesting, "I can't wear this in public! You can see everything."
"Harry don't try to tell me it doesn't fit," Hermione said between giggles she shared with Gabrielle.
An exasperated Harry replied, "It is covered but…"
Gabrielle replied, "Harry it is like our suits we are covered but you can tell what is there. You are in France and have taken French citizenship, it is time you shed those English prejudices. Now get out here and take us to the beach we need to work on our tans if we are to look our best on the 21st."
Harry ducked in to his room pulling on a pair of cut off jeans along with a t-shirt that read, "Don't bother, I really don't want to hear your opinion." With Hermione on his right and Gabrielle on his left and a backpack of supplies that Hermione had passed him when he came out of the bedroom on his back they walked the kilometer to the beach. Harry had to admit the looks of envy he received on the walk boosted his spirits.
Arriving at the beach Hermione cautioned, "Harry put your eyes back in your head. It's not like their the first pair you've seen."
"Ah… no but we're outside in daylight." Harry remarked looking at Hermione who had turned her back to him and was sliding the short shorts she'd worn to the beach down her legs. Harry watched as a thin strip of material was revealed going around her waist. When the only other thing he saw was a second thin strip following her spine downwards he found his mouth getting dry and his Speedo getting tight. Hermione was smiling to herself as she heard Harry go silent as her shorts reached mid-thigh once she was out of them and turned to face him she noticed his stupefied state.
"Harry?" Gabrielle inquired a moment later from his other side her voice betraying the amusement she felt at Harry's slack jawed expression.
A still stunned Harry was asking, "What…" while turning to face Gabrielle who was looking down at him having removed all her cover-ups while he was fixated on Hermione.
Harry looked up at the fourteen year old Gabrielle his mind, which was already in what he considered full pervert mode due to Hermione's actions, was overwhelmed. He couldn't believe such a beautiful woman for that was what she was despite whatever a calendar said wanted to associate with him. There was a part of him that wished his cousin Dudley and his gang of friends that used to join his cousin in 'Harry hunting' could see him now. Married to one of the most beautiful women in the world and a companion to another and he was going to be sixteen in a little less than a month. Damn life was good.
With Hermione and Gabrielle stretched out on either side of him Harry managed to relax for most of the afternoon. Having only occasional problems when one or the other of his two ladies turned to get an even tan causing him to spend a period of time tanning his back.
The next morning found Harry busy in the shop again, the spells he was learning had to be cast wandlessly for the most part and that was proving harder than expected. At noon Hermione showed up saying, "Time for the beach." This time Harry only mumbled a few half hearted protests before getting up and joining his girls.
They were relaxing when Harry happened to look past a turning Gabrielle, "No it can't be." He said a bit too loudly to himself.
"What can't be?" both girls asked,
"Take a look at the blond walking towards us with the older man. Is that who I think it is?" Harry asked glad he'd managed to avoid saying the blond with the bare chest and big….
"I don't know her." Gabrielle announced looking towards a still silent Hermione.
Hermione wished she'd brought some better sunglasses the glare was causing her a problem but as the blond came even with her the blond looked down asking, "Hermione?"
"Luna, what are you doing here?" Hermione replied standing up.
"Just catching some sun with daddy. Who are you with?"
"Luna I'm surprised you don't remember me." Harry said having stood up right as Hermione did.
Luna's already big eyes got even bigger as she recognized the voice asking, "Harry?"
Harry stood in shock as Luna squealed enveloping Harry in a big hug that felt like she was trying to press her chest through him. Not knowing what to do he hugged her back at least until Hermione cleared her throat. "Not that I don't mind Luna but I don't think I've seen you dressed this way before."
Smiling at Harry while motioning to her chest Luna said, "Since the girls really arrived Daddy's been taking me to a beach like this every summer so I can air them out. It really feels good after having them cooped up all winter while I'm at Hogwarts. You should try it Hermione they feel much better the rest of the year. All it takes is a good week of airing at the start of summer and one just before school starts."
"Speaking of school how are things at dear old Hogwarts?" Hermione asked wanting to get the conversation away from Luna's 'girls'.
"Oh you know school is school. The inquisitorial squad now has all the powers the prefects used to have, Trelawney and Hagrid have been canned from teaching but Dumbledore's kept them at Hogwarts, now sure how he managed that seeing as how Umbridge is the new headmistress and Snape is her deputy."
Harry couldn't help himself calling out, "What?"
"Oh yes, daddy said it was bound to happen given the fact the Ministry was involved. She was sent there to control you but you left so she got to control everything. They couldn't have her return after sending her there now could they. Anyway most of the muggle born were talking about enrolling either in Beauxbatons or one of the other commonwealth countries magical schools," obviously thinking for a moment she added, "Neville was pulled out by his grandmother at Christmas, I think he's being home tutored. Oh the Weasley twins quit school just before the end of the year. They caused a big ruckus disrupting classes something awful. They said something about moving to America to work with a group called Acme Industries, they must be a muggle outfit because daddy's never heard of them."
Her companion had continued walking for a good distance before he realized she wasn't with him. Returning to join her he asked, "Luna who are you talking to?"
"Harry Potter sir," Harry said holding out his hand.
Mr. Lovegood shook the extended hand saying, "I'm Xenophilius Lovegood, Luna's father, most people just call me Xeno."
"This is Hermione Granger dad, and…" Luna said stopping as she looked at Gabrielle.
"Gabrielle Delacour-Potter," Gabrielle said extending her hand as she saw Hermione do.
Xeno looked at her for a moment then asked, "You're Harry's Companion?"
"Yes sir."
"Well my Luna says he's a good boy so you take care of him all right? Come on Luna we need to get going if we're going to make our campground tonight."
"Yes daddy, bye Harry, bye Hermione, bye Harry's companion." Luna said walking off with her father.
"That was odd." Gabrielle announced as she watched them walk away.
Hermione smiled at Gabrielle's statement saying, "Actually that is the most normal conversation I've ever had with her."
Returning for dinner that evening the teens found Sirius waiting for them. "Harry I have some things to talk over with you if your ladies wouldn't mind being without you for a few minutes," He said after greeting everyone.
"Oh you can take him until we retire provided you return him safe and ready," Hermione replied a twinkle in her eyes.
"Ready for what?" Sirius teased back.
Gabrielle looked at Sirius replying, "I don't think you're old enough to know that information." Drawing a laugh from Sirius and a look of consternation from Mrs. Granger who was glad her husband hadn't returned from their dental practice yet.
Harry lead the way down to the wand shop where Sirius put up a silencing ward before passing Harry three boxes he pulled from an inner robe pocket. "You were able to get it?" Harry asked taking the boxes and opening one. "Bit gaudy isn't it?" Harry remarked looking at the ornately carved gold ring with an impressive diamond supporting an intricate gold "P" that appeared to have a "G" intertwined with it.
"The old families went in for that sort of thing." Sirius explained.
Harry looked between the two rings for a moment before remarking, "I wonder how they managed to affix the initials? A diamond is reported to be the hardest thing in the world and unable to be carved."
"Harry ever heard of a thing called magic?" Sirius asked drawing a look from Harry that promised retribution should he continue that topic.
Sirius let him gaze at the ring for a moment before saying, "That is one impressive ring now put it on and become your head of house." When Harry did as he was told the ring resized itself to his hand. Seeing Harry glance at the other boxes he said," One is for Gabrielle and in the big box there's two rings for Hermione."
"You were able to have it made then?"
"There was some hesitation at first then negotiations became much easier when the goblins found out who it was for. I'm not sure rather it's you or your lady but one of you swings some weight with them."
"Probably Gabrielle, I haven't done anything special to warrant such consideration from them." Harry said opening the smaller box before falling silent while gazing at the ring in the box. After a moment he closed it then looked at Sirius as if he'd just heard him speak. "Two?" Harry asked opening the larger box.
"Yes the engagement ring you asked for and the lady of House Potter ring."
"Right well I promised Margaret this would be short. She said dinner would be ready shortly." Sirius added taking down the silencing wand only to hear Hermione calling them to dinner.
Herman Granger showed up half way through dinner sitting down and talking with everyone about how their day had gone. Once desert was over and the dishes done everyone gathered in the living room to talk Harry caught the look from Sirius and walking over held out his hand to Hermione pulling her to her feet before dropping to one knee saying, "I know we are already married in the eyes of magic but I have two rings for you to wear. This is the engagement ring you should have worn for months prior to being married." He said slipping an impressive diamond on to the ring finger of her left hand. Taking the other ring out of the box he looked up taking her right hand slipping an old ornate ring on her ring finger that was a smaller version of the one he wore on his left hand Harry added, "This ring identifies you as Lady Potter. If someone insults you from this point forward they are insulting House Potter. It might not swing the weight in France that it does in England but I have been assured even in France the weight is not insignificant."
Hermione pulled him to his feet wrapping him in a bone crushing hug. After several moments of kisses and hugs he turned to Gabrielle offering her his hand. Once she was standing he knelt again holding a ring out saying, "Gabrielle the Potter family did not have a suitable ring in their vaults. The goblins just finished crafting this ring for you. It is nearly identical to Hermione's but wrought by a goblin master smithy in silver. I have their assurance it is suitable for the Head of House Potter's Veela Companion."
Tears were streaming down her face as she repeated Hermione's actions. When he was able Harry turned to the Granger's saying, "Hermione and I have discussed a muggle wedding once she graduates. That would allow you to have the celebration you and her have looked forward to. At that time I'll place a wedding ring on her left hand. In the wizarding world the ring on her right hand functions as a wedding ring among other things."
Margaret Granger looked at her beaming daughter hanging onto the young man's right arm while the other girl claimed his left. Looking to her husband she could see he wasn't able to speak so she spoke for the both of them, "Harry We were honored to witness this and grateful you and Hermione have agreed to a wedding in our world. We agree our relatives would better receive it after she graduates. Thank you both."
Hermione then hugged her mother and father with more tears. While Sirius shook Harry's hand saying, "Good going Harry you did much better with her parents than James did with your mother's. When Hermione was finished hugging her parents Sirius pulled her into one taking advantage he whispered, "If you need help keeping our boy on the straight and narrow let me know," in her ear before releasing her.
After a few more rounds of congratulations Sirius left and everyone settled in for the evening.
The next morning Margaret was up cleaning up from breakfast with Herman who'd just left to open their practice when her daughter and Gabrielle both entered the kitchen walking a bit funny. "Do I want to know just why you two are walking like that?"
"Mother if you don't know I am not going to tell you." Hermione countered a gleam in her eyes that her mother had never seen before.
"I take it you both had a fun evening?"
"Oh yes, Harry was quite good at his tasks." Gabrielle announced grabbing a pastry and bringing a blush to Hermione's face.
Looking at her daughter closely Margaret asked. "I take it this was your first time?" Hermione really didn't want to answer that question but her mother read the answer in her body language. "In that case I have a few questions. I know what it means in my world. What does it mean in yours?"
Gabrielle looked at Hermione as the silence stretched before Hermione replied, "At the time, of let's call it the event, I officially became Mrs. Harry Potter and Gabrielle became Gabrielle Potter. Where before last night we were considered wards of the House of Potter once our relationship with Harry was consummated our status changed in the magical world. From what was said last night Harry still plans on a church wedding for us in the muggle world."
Margaret fell more than sat in a chair asking, "And children? Did either of you use any protection against that possibility?"
"I did cast the prevention spell." Hermione said stiffly.
When Margaret's gaze shifted to Gabrielle she added, "I am a Veela we can control that up to a point."
Margaret sat for a moment then asked, "To a point?"
Gabrielle looked at Hermione who shrugged then nodded her head towards her mother in a tell her motion, "Veela control and prevention spells work similarly. The problem is if you are having a relationship with a sufficiently powerful wizard and he wishes for you to get pregnant at the right time. You get pregnant." Gabrielle stated holding her hands out in a classic Gallic what can you do gesture she'd seen several times every day since moving to Agde.
Margaret looked between the girls before asking, "I take it Harry is a sufficiently powerful wizard." The looks she received answered her question. "Right, I suggest a soak in the hot tub after breakfast while Harry works in the shop. That should allow you to walk normally to the beach. In the mean time I'll try and figure out a way to inform your father about the latest development without him wanting to kill Harry. Now Apolline should be here in an hour to take the three of you shopping don't be a burden and remember Hermione we want to pay for your gown."
"Actually I will be paying for all three of us." Harry said entering the room.
Margaret looked over at him saying, "There's no need for that we are quite capable of buying our daughter's outfits."
A smile grew on Harry's face as he replied, "I rather enjoy the idea of buying my wife's clothes."
'Darn he looks so….' Hermione thought watching the discussion between her mother and husband.
Harry and Margaret exchanged looks for a moment before she conceded saying, "All right Harry you've got us there. Hermione don't bankrupt your husband before he's out of school."
Entering her fourth fashion house of the day Hermione decided clothes shopping in France was very different from clothes shopping in England. Admittedly she wasn't shopping for dress robes to wear in a Scottish castle in the middle of the winter with her mother by her side knowing whatever they selected still had to be shown to a man who wasn't fully on board with his daughter growing up. She was shopping for clothes to wear in Paris in the middle of the summer with a Veela in place of her mother and a husband, Merlin she loved the thought of that, to entice. 'Still warming charms being what they were you would have thought the offerings would have been closer in style.' Hermione thought before remembering her mother's words during a summer shopping spree before the wizarding world entered her life. 'British fashion is to keep you warm and dry. French fashion is to remind everyone what it means to be female,' and this outfit would insure everyone knew she was female. Now all she needed was the courage to wear it.
Joseph Delacour had taken Harry to his tailor. Suits for men were not too different in Paris. While English tailors dressed bankers other stuffed shirts the French tailors dressed the flashier sport and music figures. Joseph's tailor took to dressing the boy-who-lived with a vengeance. He knew pictures of this young man in the suit he was crafting would appear on the front page of most papers and he would not have anyone speaking ill of his fashion sense nor his quality.
Throughout wizarding Europe plans were being finalized to attend the various Summer Solstice balls. A few were planning on attending the French ministry's ball in the hopes of seeing Harry Potter including two very different groups from England.
~ HP&GD~
Margaret looked up as the teens returned asking, "How did your shopping trip go?"
"Shopping with Apolline was amazing. Remember how we had to wait in line at Madam Malkin's just to be waited on? Evidently in Paris things are done differently. She entered one shop looked around and had us out the door before anyone realized we were there. Then another shop one of the sales associates got a bit snooty, Mum I think you and Apolline could hold a contest on intimidating sales associates when she was done the girl was reduced to tears."
"I take it you found something to wear?"
"It's beautiful. We have to go back for our final fittings on the 19th, Apolline has the bags with our shoes and other items to go with them."
"How about you Harry?"
Harry shrugged his shoulders replying, "I got a new suit, have to pick it up on the 19th also." Seeing Margaret's eyes were still on him he added, "It's a dark suit and I picked up some black boots to go with the suit and Joseph said he'd pick up some underwear and socks. Hopefully I can wear the shoes at school."
"Men you can try and dress them up but you have to watch them to make sure they don't put on something old." Margaret said taking the girls to the kitchen for more fashion discussion while Harry ducked down to the wand shop. He'd been working on a special wand for Hermione. With a little extra work it should be ready before the ball. Harry had devoured the books Claude Laperriere had left since their discovery and after hours of practice on various bits of wood was ready to select a wand blank to craft for Hermione. Roaming the racks of wood with her firmly fixed in his mind he was slightly surprised to find himself picking up a 30 cm Cherry wand blank. Walking over he placed it on the work bench before arraigning his wand and other supplies. He knew the next part was critical and decided to wait until the following morning when he was fresh to do the actual crafting.
Up in the kitchen Margaret was looking at the two young women saying, "I hope your keeping up your protections."
"Oh we are. In fact Hermione talked Harry into giving us a magical promise that he would not consciously try to impregnate us without our approval until Voldemort was defeated."
"Hermione?" Margaret asked looking at her daughter in shock.
"Once I figured out he could put us in the pudding club anytime he wanted I knew it was time to come up with something to protect us. A magical promise while not as secure as an unbreakable vow is a lot safer for the three of us. If he'd violated an unbreakable vow magic would have killed him. Now it will just punish him a little. And yes I made sure even if he does break it he can father more children. Honestly mother I fully intend to drown you in grandbabies with Gabrielle help and Harry's of course."
Several hours later Harry wasn't sure of how fresh he'd be come morning. It seemed both Gabrielle and Hermione had enjoyed their day shopping and were too keyed up to sleep. As husband and companion Harry had the onerous task of "relaxing them", a task that took two tries with each of his lovely companions.
It was closer to noon than sunrise before the three teens made their way to the kitchen where they found a note and breakfast waiting in the refrigerator to be warmed up. Harry was thankful the day was overcast allowing him to spend time downstairs rather than at the beach. While the girls did their thing Harry retreated to the shop and the cherry wood blank awaiting him. After using a small wood lathe that was to his right shaping the blank in to a rough wand form he placed it back on the table, Half an hour later after a lot of careful casting Harry was facing the wand blank and a tapered cylinder of cherry wood that he'd magically extracted from the center of that blank. Then he trimmed a small amount from the tapered cylinder using the lathe before drill a hole dead center on the small end with a tapered hole meeting the base of it from the side of the shaft. Taking two unicorn tail hairs, two strands of hair Gabrielle had donated, along with two of his own long hair strands, he positioned them so they laid root ends together. He tied the other ends together using a long hair from Hermione. This end fit through the little hole he'd drilled. Before winding the hair onto the tapered cylinder tying the root ends to it with more of Hermione's own hair. He then inscribed a series of Runes on the cylinder.
Harry took a moment to admire his work this was his unique variation on wand construction rather than a hollow core the magical portion was wound around a solid center. Harry was hoping the magic flowing down a persons arm would react to the core material being wound like electricity. A quick painting of the runes with his own blood and short spell later the tapered cylinder was again within the wand. All that was left was any decorative carving and the polishing. Deciding now was a good time to test the wand He ran upstairs to get Hermione. This was her wand and while it might respond to him he had a hunch that it would bond with her better if she were the first magic user to pick up the completed wand.
Ten minutes later Hermione slowly and carefully grabbed the wand on Harry's bench her eyes betraying the excitement she felt. This was a wand Harry had crafted just for her. Her biggest fear was it would be a failure. How many first time wand makers could surpass a master crafter like Ollivander? Closing her fingers fully around it she realized there was at least one. This wand practically begged her to be used. Not seeing anything around to levitate she cast "Lumos" and was shocked as the room was bathed in a brilliant white light. It took her a moment to utter "Nox".
A beaming Harry said, "I believe that was a success."
"Oh Merlin was that a success. Why don't you to go in the office for a few minutes and let me see if I can control this better." Seeing Harry's concerned look she added, "I'll only cast Lumos and Nox nothing else. I really need to get the light down to a normal level."
Knowing she was right Harry ushered Gabrielle into the office where Gabrielle distracted Harry for the few minutes it took Hermione to gain control. When she had it she burst into the office saying, "Harry you won't believe it I have to think about throttling my magic to get a normal light. This wand is fantastic."
Noticing the look Gabrielle was giving him Harry held up his hands in mock defense saying, "Your wand will be next Gabrielle I promise. I just need to figure out what to use for a core. Hermione's was simple to figure out I didn't have any dragon heart string like her other wand but she would occasionally play with Ron's and it worked well for her. So that's where the idea to use Unicorn hair came from. Because I wanted her to have a multi-core wand I tried to think of any other magical beings that she loved with long hair. After a day it came to me. You and I are magical, love Hermione, and have long hair. I thought it was worth a try and I'm glad to see it worked."
Gabrielle thought for a moment before saying, "I will ask Mum for some hair for my wand after the ball. How much do you need?"
"Four strands or so should do it. I only used two from you and two from me to make Hermione's. Four should give me enough to make a mistake or two and still have enough."
Gabrielle actually asked her mother on the 19th when everyone went for their final fitting. But before Harry could craft another wand it was the morning of the 21st and everyone port keyed to the Delacour's. Hermione's parents weren't attending but they wanted to see everyone all dressed up for the ball. Harry, Joseph, and Herman disappeared into Joseph's study where they relaxed and ate lunch that Dobby had brought into them. The Delacour house elves were busy catering to the five women, four of whom were attending the ball tonight. Their lunch was eaten in the Senior Delacour's private lounge off their bedroom where a small buffet was set up so the ladies could snack in between having their hair, nails, and other items cleaned, arranged, or otherwise spruced up for the ball. "I would have thought you would have had an easier preparation given you can use magic but this feels like my sorority house getting ready for the big coming out ball." Margaret Granger said looking at the commotion going on around her.
It was Apolline who answered her, "I suspect our total time spent getting ready would be about the same. Whether we use magic or not we are still female and want to look our best. Besides a little pampering is always a good idea It will put us in a much better mood before we have to deal with uncivilized men we will meet tonight."
Margaret was about to make a comment before she remembered the occasional idiot who used to come around at the dental conferences before word got around that her husband was not someone you wanted to annoy. "Apolline just how big a deal is tonight? I know everyone needed new gowns but just how does this rank?" Margaret asked wondering if her daughter had told her the truth.
"It is the social highlight of the summer. There are only two balls the French ministry gives, the winter and summer solstice balls. This one is the biggest one in all of Europe this year. There are high level individuals coming from all of the wizarding governments."
"Oh my I hope the three of them are not shoved to the side and ignored."
That brought a smile to Apolline's face that threatened to break in to outright laughter causing a frown to appear on Margaret's face as she asked, "What did I say that was so funny?"
"Forgive me but you obviously missed something about your son-in-law. The reason this is the biggest one in Europe is everyone knows Lord Harry Potter is attending. A number of young ladies will be attending in the hope of snaring him as a husband. I can not wait to see him appear at the top of the staircase with our daughters on his arms and the major domo call out, "Lord and Lady Harry Potter and their Companion Gabrielle Potter,"" Apolline said the last in a very officious tone.
"I take it there will be a lot of disappointed young women."
"Actually Joseph and I have a bet as to how many of the women faint at the news. If five or less faint he wins I win if it's anything above five."
"And you're confident you will win," Margaret said.
A smile broke out on Apolline's face as she replied, "I know who will be there better than he does. I would have taken the over even if it had been ten."
"So my son-in-law is the big draw?" Margaret asked appearing puzzled.
Apolline's face became serious as she replied, "My dear Harry Potter is the biggest name in the wizarding world. Once it gets out that he is married to your daughter you will see the wizarding world react in surprising ways. Some will hate her and you by extension for taking him away from them. Others will see your home as a place to make a pilgrimage to in the hopes of seeing him. It will not be unusual for you to be walking down the street with him and have people you don't know stop and bow to him. I know the French ministry has put up wards around your house and business but if he keeps on the same path to the beach each day like he has been it will leak out that if you are around such and such a corner there is a good change that Harry will walk by between one and one thirty on a sunny afternoon."
"How long will this go on?"
"Who can tell my guess is should he defeat Voldemort it will never stop. And will increase to the point of forcing him and your entire family into seclusion." Apolline said before getting up and taking her leave to continue her preparations for the ball.
~ HP&GD~
As the trio was introduced that night Apolline, Joseph and Fleur scanned the hall each making a quick count. "Twelve," Fleur announced.
"I agree," Apolline stated,
"I also oh wait there's one more that make thirteen. You win Apolline I never understand why I bet against you on these things," Joseph said sounding slightly disappointed that he'd lost yet again.
Apolline smiled and kissed her husband before whispering in his ear, "Perhaps because the wagers are so interesting? I do hope you can still fit into that uniform."
Her father's blushing face told Gabrielle that her mother had yet again managed to tease her father in public. Harry unaware of family history inquired, "Joseph I hope you are feeling well?"
Sending a look towards his wife Joseph cryptically replied, "Yes it was just a reminder from my wife about an old flame."
"Harry my boy," one of the more unwelcome voices Harry had not wanted nor expected to hear called out as the individual approached the gathering.
Harry turned without bothering to place a smile on his face said, "Headmaster Dumbledore what a surprise to see you out of England." Adding, "Mr. Weasley, Miss Weasley, and Miss Tonks how unexpected to see you here."
Ginny stopped at Harry's comment. She'd expected him to greet her with at least a hug but his cool greeting caused her to examine the situation in front of her more closely. A far more mature and well built Harry stood with Hermione on his right and a young woman on his left. The couple the threesome had been talking to might have been the girl on Harry's left parents but she wasn't sure. She'd quickly cataloged their, well was it fair to even call what the two women were wearing robes? Ginny wasn't sure but she was sure that compared to them her neck to ankle robes covered far too much. Feeling quite like a farm girl in the big city she spared a moment to glance at her brother to see him standing gob smacked with his mouth open but no sound coming out.
"I've been trying to see you since school started but your guardian always prevented any contact. I thought it best to take this opportunity to talk directly with you about returning to Hogwarts for your sixth year," Dumbledore stated.
"I'm afraid that is impossible I've renounced my British citizenship and taken French citizenship," Harry said flatly.
Ron being the uncultured individual he is took the slight break in conversation that Harry's comment caused to announce, "Hermione put some clothes on you look like a tart."
Whatever Dumbledore was going to say never left his mouth as Harry turned to Ron asking, "Did you just call Lady Potter a tart?" in a voice that had the sane individuals in hearing range backing away insuring they were not behind Ron. Nymphadora Tonks also understood the inflection in Harry's voice and started to position herself to protect the two teens as she'd promised Molly before she'd allowed them to join Dumbledore on this trip.
"What do you mean Lady Potter?" I'm talking to Hermione, my bookworm girlfriend." Ron replied digging his hole deeper. While Dumbledore stood off to the side knowing that if Harry attacked Ron it would drive a wedge between him and Hermione causing one of them to return to England.
"Mr. Weasley you are addressing my wife, the Lady Potter, please understand that a lot has occurred since you last saw either of us," Harry said still in the same cold voice he'd initially used to address Ron.
Ron finally caught the cold tone Harry was using and he was upset. Totally forgetting just who Harry was Ron's only thought was this half-blood who he used to tower over was telling him he'd married his girlfriend. Half-bloods who do that to purebloods like himself deserve what they get and Ron had been getting trained by Aurors. This half-blood was going down hard! Ron began to pull his wand only to be hit immediately by ten stunners before he'd brought it to bear on Harry, none of the stunners came from anyone named Delacour or Potter. There were a number of on duty French Aurors on duty to deal with any problems and deal with this one they did. Unfortunately for Tonks she'd also drawn her wand intending to stun Ron. The French Aurors took the fact she had her wand out as a hostile act and hit her with a bracket of stunners causing her to fall forward on her wand breaking it.
Once everything was calm Dumbledore attempted to speak to Harry only to be stopped by a phalanx of Aurors moving quickly between him and the Delacour/Potter grouping. A voice from his side caused Dumbledore to look over into the eyes of the French Minister of Magic as he said, "Professor Dumbledore I believe you have worn out your welcome. Perhaps it might be best for you to gather your companions and return to your hotel or England depending on your plans. If I were you I would take it as a given that tomorrow I should either be in England or on my way there."
When Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak the Minister said, "I will of course bid everyone good bye in your name." Seeing he was left with either making a scene or leaving Dumbledore took the higher of the two roads and left calling out, "Nymphadora?" when he noticed she wasn't joining him.
It was Joseph Delacour who spoke up saying, "I'm sorry she will be staying with us a bit longer. You may take the boy with you as he is obviously underage. This young lady however is of age and does need to answer a few questions tomorrow."
Dumbledore only nodded his understanding and putting a hand in Ron Weasley's back escorted him out of the hall and back to England while Ginny walked at his side wondering just where her fantasy trip to the French Ministry's Summer Solstice Ball had started to go wrong. She suspected it was when her brother had joined her and for that he would pay. Oh, would he pay.
Dumbledore escorted the two teens back to the apparition point where his return port key awaited them he was quietly assessing where his plans for this evening had gone wrong. The most obvious was bringing the Weasley boy along. He had intended it to be just him and the girl but Mrs. Weasley had insisted that her youngest boy deserved a chance to get back with the Granger girl. While he had given in on that point quickly thinking it would allow the girl to have less interference when approaching Harry her additional request that a female auror accompany her daughter to protect her from those French swine. When he'd pointed out he would be going she'd mentioned bathroom visits and that was enough to cause his acquiescence. It seemed he'd also made a tactical error in having Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Vance supervise Miss Weasley's gown shopping trip. While he'd thought the gown they'd selected was the height of female fashion he was obviously wrong based on what the other young ladies had been wearing. Now the Auror was in French custody and the youngest Weasley boy had gotten them kicked out of France. All was not lost however he'd only found and destroyed three of Voldemort's Horcruxes; the diary, Slytherin's ring, and Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem. Not counting the one in young Harry there were still at least two more so he still didn't need Harry to finish off Voldemort just yet. He'd been hoping Mundungus Fletcher would have been able to find one or two of the remaining horcruxes but he'd been killed along with the Black family's house elf one night when it was just the two of them in Black Manor. They'd obviously been fighting over some item of value. Well no matter. It was all a bit too confusing. He needed to get back to his office and review the evening's events in his pensive. Perhaps he'd have a few lemon drops while doing so. Snivellus did make an excellent lemon drop the man should branch out into brewing sweets in addition to his potions.
Returning to the Delacour mansion very early the next morning a very tired group of partiers were surprised to see a note from Sirius Black requesting the call him upon arrival. Joseph was the one who made the Floo call to Harry's godfather. When Sirius answered Joseph asked, "What's so important?"
"I received an urgent request to contact the French ministry concerning Nymphadora Tonks. I was hoping you could shed some light on the situation I'm about to end up in the middle of."
"I believe we can would you like to come through? We can talk for a few minutes before heading to bed." Joseph replied insuring Sirius understood everyone was tired.
A moment later Sirius stood in the Delacour fireplace looking at the assembled group. The women were still in their dress robes shoeless of course but still looking stunning despite obvious signs of being tired. Focusing on the reason he'd come over Sirius asked, "I have been requested to look after my cousins daughter who is being held by the French ministry."
"I take it your cousin called after the headmaster called her." Joseph said looking at Sirius not sure which way he wanted to deal with this.
"Actually no, I was contacted by a school friend who was concerned. It seems his friend had not returned when expected and when he asked was told by Dumbledore "the Bloody French have her." naturally he called me hoping I could help."
It was Harry who put two and two together asking, "Remus?"
Sirius nodded adding, "It seems that they have, what is the current phrase, hooked up."
"Good he needs someone like her," Hermione added from her seat in Harry's lap.
"So how much trouble is she in?"
Joseph took the lead retelling the events of the evening before promising to look in on her tomorrow and let Sirius know. Sirius nodded before saying good night to everyone.