DISCLAIMER: The story is based on characters and situations created and owned by J.K Rowling, and various publishers including but not limited to Warner Bros., Scholastic Books, etc. This story is intended as a fan made story and no money is being made. No trademark and copyright infringement is intended.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: (8-28-2016) First off, sorry for the delay with this story. I actually procrastinated this one and apologize for that.

So, I have been trying to end this story. Originally as I posted in the beginning this was literally supposed to be a short. As you can see, I have failed at that as we are now in our fifth chapter. I just cannot seem to end this story even though I wanted to for quite some time. It do enjoy writing this one, but it was not supposed to even be this long.

Despite this, I would like to thank the readers who have shown support by reading and marking this as a favorite or follow. While I have been having a hard time trying to get the chapter posted with the delays due to various reasons, I would like to still thank you for your patience.

As a reminder, words in are being spoken in French.

Reader discretion is as always advised.

Reviews always a welcome.

Word Count (approx.) – 4,321

Chapter 5 – Unexpected Moments

Alex turned around at the familiar voice that spoke up behind him. His boss, Apolline Delacour, and her assistance, Allison Mercier, stood right behind him, her eyes giving him a measuring look.

Bloody hell.

Of course, the girl he was going out with just happened to be related to his boss.

Best way to fuck up your career, Alex. He thought to himself. He bravely put on a smile and bowed respectfully to Apolline.

"Hello, Apolline. Pleasure to meet you again," he greeted her and giving Allison a nod.

"Oh?" she replied her eyebrows raised a bit. "From what I was hearing earlier, it would seem quite the opposite."

Before Alex could reply, she gestured at the two.

"Perhaps we should adjourn to the Rivoli for a bit? We still have some time before the event begins."

Alex nodded not daring to refuse as he and Gabrielle followed Apolline to the Rivoli Bar. During their short walk to there, Alex began to make a quiet comparison between Gabrielle and Apolline. He can now definitely make the connection between the two that shows the connection as family along with the inheritance of the beauty. He mentally cursed himself for not noticing. While he only saw Apolline as his boss and with her intimidating business like aura, he never really looked in on her. Besides, she was a married lady and it was improper in Alex's mind to try and pursue someone who was taken not to mention was your boss. When he had the chance to look more closely that night things began to click for him. Gabrielle was either Apolline's niece or daughter and he put money in that she was the daughter.

As one of the host led them to a private lounge, the three took a seat and the host asked if they would like anything to drink.

"The Dom Pérignon," Apolline replied. "As usual and some glasses as well."

"Would the Rosé Drink Champagne Vintage be alright?" he asked.

"Oui," she replied.

The host left and moments later brought forth a bottle of Dom Pérignon and served the wine to the three and left.

Silence filled the air for a few uncomfortable moments as Apolline took her time tasting the wine. She then looked at Gabrielle and Alex briefly before speaking up.

Is this the person? Apolline asked looking at Gabrielle.

Yes, mother. Also, he understand French. Just saying. she replied.

Apolline looked curiously at Alex who gulped and nodded.

Then I guess you do not mind that we continue this in French?

Alex shook his head.

No, Madame Delacour. he replied nervously.

Good. she said. First off, how come you have not mentioned that you spoke French before to me?

I actually thought that it was not necessary for me to state at the time. Alex answered.

Apolline once again looked at him carefully.

So the conversation during our first meeting…

Yes. He replied. I understood your conversation with Ms. Mercier, however, believed it was better to not cause any discomfort then.

Oh? And now? she inquired.

Obviously, I made the wrong decision to not inform you or to make sure that it was listed that I knew.

And how did you two meet? she asked.

Alex briefly summarized how he and Gabrielle met and the meetings after. After his summarized tale, Apolline took another sip before standing up gracefully.

Well, this seems to be quite interesting. However, it seems we will have to conclude for now and rejoin the others. Would it be alright if we meet at another time perhaps?

Alex nodded.

Just one more thing. What is your intention with my daughter? Apolline asked.

Actually, I did not know she was related to you until tonight.

Oh? she replied indicating him to continue.

Well, you see when we first met. he began.

I actually introduced myself as Gabrielle Weasley, mother. Gabrielle spoke up.

Apolline raised her eyebrows a bit, intrigued as Alex nodded in confirmation.

I honestly did not know she was your daughter.

And now that you know. Would you stay away from her if I desire it so? Apolline asked.

I would still request that I be able to meet her if possible. he replied. If you are willing to give me a chance, I would to prove to you that I am worthy.

Apolline raised her hand, stopping him from speaking further.

We shall see how it goes. For tonight, I will allow you to escort her around. We will have to arrange another time though to speak in private.

Alex nodded once more.

Agreed.

Splendid. she stated as she got up. I will have Allison contact you on an available date.

She looked at Gabrielle who was silent much of the conversation.

Enjoy the night dear. We will have to talk about that later.

Mother! Gabrielle cried out.

Apolline gave Alex another good look that clearly showed she withheld judgement for now and left with her assistant leaving Gabrielle and Alex in the Rivoli.

Alex then cleared his throat.

"Well, that brief but interesting. I thought she would have torn me to bits."

Gabrielle looked at him sideways and murmured.

"She has not decided yet how to deal with the situation. For now, she is letting it go."

"Oh?"

"Well, when she found out that I was meeting someone, she was very curious. Same thing happened when my sister met her husband."

"Really?"

Gabrielle nodded.

"Bill was asked many questions and was grilled quite a bit by mother when she arranged a meeting with him. Eventually she gave her blessing to Fleur and Bill."

"And that part when she said later?"

"Nothing fairly important."

"Any more secrets I should be concerned about?" he asked.

Gabrielle stiffened a bit before replying.

"There is. However, I am not allowed to say."

"Oh?"

"It is a secret that is in regards to the family as a whole."

Alex merely inclined his head sideways indicating that he heard and understood as the two started walking back towards the event once more. As they entered, they were immediately ushered to their seats. As Alex escorted Gabrielle to her seat, he noticed more people flocking in and beginning to take their own seats as well.

There must be more models. Alex thought as he noticed more people wearing rather interesting outfits for this occasion. Some even seemed to sport renaissance style clothing.

Well fashion comes and goes, recycling over and over again. He mused. Alex learned that some styles come back… usually with a slight twist. Apparently, the there was a rising trend of this "Hipster" style going on. When Alex researched a bit though, he realized it was merely a modernized Bohemian style that existed on the main continent that is resurfacing after nearly a century.

Bringing his wondering thought to a halt, he looked around the table and introduced himself to the others sharing the table.

Four other guests sat with them. Two of them, Leo Valluy and Averina Ruslana Denisovna were models. Born in France but raised in England, Leo was a rising model for the Next Fashion magazine. Unlike stereotypes that people have for some models, Leo was actually a humble young man. His gentle yet confident demeanor helps make friends easily. His date Averina was apparently much different.

Averina was originally from Lithuania and moved to England at a young age when her family moved in search for a better life. While attending school, she apparently was given a chance to model and began to model in a magazine called Teen Witch Weekly and later Witch Weekly. Apparently both were large fashion magazines, which confused Alex as he was briefed about all the known. When he inquired about it Averina looked incredulously at him.

"What do you mean? Witch Weekly is one of the greatest magazines of all time! How come you Muggles do not know about that?"

"Muggles?" Alex asked hearing that word again.

Averina opened her mouth to yell at me but no words came out. I looked at her puzzled. Sure, her lips were moving. However, I was not able to actually hear anything she said. Almost immediately Averina noticed and turned to glare at the middling aged man in red robes and a badge with DMLE on it who seemed to quickly hide something away while looking pointed at her.

"Statute?" the man asked pointedly to her.

I looked sideways towards Gabrielle and noticed her giving Averina a slight nod when Averina looked around the table.

"Statute?" Alex asked.

"Nothing actually Averina is just passionate about her work and likes to say things," Gabrielle replied while turning to me quickly.

Alex looked at her showing disbelief and the middling aged man leaned forward to Alex.

"Nothing much to worry about actually," he stated as he reached out his hand toward Alex who shook it. "The name is Rory Proudfoot."

"Alex Lee, a pleasure," Alex replied. "Still, the Statute interests me. Seems like something that might be important."

Rory shifted a bit uncomfortably and answered back.

"Ah, yes. The Statute is called the Statute of secrecy."

"Mr. Proudfoot!" Gabrielle hissed, but Rory continued on.

"You see, we try to keep some things in the down low from many include those in your position," he answered slowly.

"So, you have people like me," he points to his badge. "Who helps enforce the secrecy to be upheld by reminding others about it, should they breach the secrecy."

"Alright. What of the initials?" Alex inquired pointing at the badge.

"Can't really say what the first is, but the latter is supposed to be Law Enforcement."

"Like a police officer?"

Rory thought for a moment before replying. "Like a law enforcer."

"And Muggles?"

"Part of the reason for the Statute," Rory replied immediately. "Considering it a trade secret. As a businessman I am sure you understand."

Feeling that there was something more going on than what was being said, but not able to get more information out, Alex simply nodded and slowly began to put on his business façade as Gabrielle tried to make light talk with the last member who was an elderly lady who apparently was a retired executive from the company. From the way Gabrielle reacted, he has some suspicion that she knew what was going on and decided to ask her later.

As dinner was served Alex continued to join in on the conversations while quietly observing his surroundings particularly those at his table. Despite the suspicious moment, Alex was still able to enjoy the company of his party the rest of the dinner.

Eventually the evening event came and with a few announcements and speeches from various hosts, sponsors, and special guests a string quartet walked to the stage and began to play some music. Soon a few members of the party began to drift onto the dance floor and started waltzing to the music. As the first song came to an end, Alex caught Gabrielle's attention as he slowly got up from his seat.

"May I ask you for a dance?" he asked.

"Of course," Gabrielle replied beaming at him. Suddenly Alex held his breath, momentarily stunned as he basked in her radiating smile.

"Umm, Alex?" Gabrielle called out bringing him back to reality.

He blinked his eyes and realized that he was staring at her. He looked around for a moment and realized that others had grinning smiles seeing his reaction. Sheepishly, he grinned back and extended his hand for her to take and led her to the dance floor.

"Sorry about that,' he replied.

She merely smiled at him and slowly danced with him. As they started dancing for their first song Alex heard a cough behind his shoulder. As he turned, he noticed a tall striking looking man looking to be in his mid-thirties with a slicked back brown hair standing inclining his head.

"May I?" he asked.

Alex looked at Gabrielle who responded back, "The next time we pass here."

As tradition, the gentleman should have waited then as Alex and Gabrielle made their pass, but the man blocked the couple from moving forward.

"I apologize, but I must insist," the man responded once more.

"And you shall have your dance," Alex responded smoothly. "After the next pass, good sir."

The man looked at Alex disapprovingly and looked at Gabrielle once more. It was evident that he was not going to move for them and already a small crowd began to form around them as passersby noticed this confrontation.

"Perhaps we should take this some place private?" Gabrielle suggested indicating that we move to the side.

The man merely raised one of his eyebrows and did not budge. Two gentlemen, looking to be some type of bodyguard walked up behind the man, emphasizing his position and will to not budge. Alex was about to escort Gabrielle away when the man turned towards him.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"Clearly you are disrupting our evening and we thought it may be better to excuse ourselves," Alex replied.

"I believe that YOU are the one that is interrupting out evening, Mister Lee," he answered back coolly. "After all, you are not trying to keep her from her intended?"

"I said I rejected your proposal, Julien! And I stated that many times!" Gabrielle replied clearly upset.

"Your mother thinks otherwise," he stated causing both to look in Apolline's direction. Her face was impassive as she looked at the young couple before going back to her conversation with a gentleman next to her.

"Not to mention that it was your sister that should have been mine. Lucky for your family, they had another daughter to fulfill their end of the bargain. Besides, I have no doubt that the head of the Hermès Holdings is much better than a mere Executive Director not to mention a muggle."

Julien spat the last part out with clear disgust.

"Pardon?" Alex asked his voice dangerously low.

"Lowly creatures like you trying to fit in merely pollute our society. It would be better if your kind would just walk off."

Alex closed his eyes momentarily willing himself to be calm. He knew that Julien was purposefully baiting him and he would not give the man satisfaction. One of the things he hated was the bigoted mindset that some folks had. While they did have such mindsets, usually they were more diplomatic about it. It was rather surprising that the Julien was being crass about it.

He decided to go with another approach.

"Funny, I thought that a Monsieur Dumas currently headed Hermès International. From what I understand the Dumas family, direct descendants of the esteemed founder, are the current owners."

"Nothing but upstart Mudbloods and traitors the lot of them. All slaves dedicated to make profit for me."

At that comment low growls were heard from the spectators.

"Traitors? If they are, then please explain how would you be the heir of Hermès when they are appointed as the successors? It makes one think why does the supposed Head to the Hermès Holding not take any ownership? Unless of course the ownership is not yours?"

Julien snarled at the comment confirming to Alex that he hit a sore spot.

"You will pay for that insult, Lee."

Alex merely shrugged and looked at Gabrielle who was clearly upset.

"Shall we retire early then?"

She nodded and the two began to head out.

"I am not done with you two!" Julien snapped.

"That may be so, Monsieur," Alex retorted as the two kept walking. "However, we are."

Suddenly there was a flurry of movement from the crowd as people cried in outrage with another voice shouting over the crowd.

"Stupefy!"

Alex turned around and saw a red beam of light coming right at him as he looked at it in confusion.

"Portego!" Gabrielle cried out waving a stick that suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

The red beam struck what seemed to be a shield that covered him and Gabrielle and glanced off.

Suddenly, pandemonium spread as people began to run away. The two bodyguards drew out what look to be sticks as Gabrielle sent another flash of light at Julien while shouting.

"Expelliarmus!"

Julien dove to the side and was about to get back up when suddenly another figure, who Alex recognized as Rory, started sending burst of light at Julien.

Alex watched for a moment in fascination before he felt his hand jerking him towards the exit. Just before they left the main room, one of the tables next to them was hit by a burst of light and lit on fire.

"Come on!" Gabrielle yelled as the spot they were moments ago exploded.

The two immediately stumbled out heading outside where people were milling about. Many of them began to disappear suddenly while a few tried to get the valet's attention.

"I can't believe he is so stupid," Gabrielle muttered.

"Gabrielle?" Alex asked clearly trying to stay calm.

"Not right now. Right now, we need to get out of here," she replied. "First off, is it alright to leave the car here for the night?"

As Alex nodded, she walked towards the street to hail a cab. Alex followed after her, but keeping aware to his surroundings. He noticed a few other figures with similar robes to Roy's appearing suddenly and rushing in. One of them called out to them.

"Gabby!"

Gabrielle looked at the voice calling out to him.

"Harry!"

She rushed over to the guy and gave him a quick hug. The guy was wearing similar robes to Rory. What made him noticeable was his messy dark hair that emphasized his startling green eyes that drew you in.

"Heard of a commotion going on. Are you alright?"

She nodded.

"Hermès is in there."

Harry's eyes widened.

"Don't tell me."

She nodded causing the man to swear under his breath.

"Will talk to you later. Keep in touch?"

After Gabrielle nodded once more he rushed into the building with several other red robed figures in his wake.

Gabrielle waited a moment longer looking at the figures disappearing into the building before heading to one of the cabs waiting by the side and they took off back to Alex's place.

Gabrielle did not speak during the ride nor while going up to his place. Once they crossed the threshold, she immediately told him to turn around. Alex raised his eyes indicating for her to explain. When she did not he merely sighed and turned. He then heard her mutter a few things before telling him to turn back around.

"So, can I now ask what happened back there?" Alex asked.

"I cannot say," she began but Alex cut her off.

"Gabrielle, it looks like there are a lot of things that you cannot tell me, but there is something obviously going on here."

Alex looked at her with pleading eyes.

"Can you not tell me what happen back there? What you did? What is actually going on?"

Gabrielle merely looked down refusing to make eye contact with him.

A few moments passed and she spoke, her voice barely a whisper.

"You should not have had to learn about this."

"About what? That fiasco?"

She nodded.

"And you won't tell me what is happening?"

"I can only tell you one thing. They will make sure you do not remember this," she answered still refusing to make eye contact with him.

"Who?"

She did not reply angering Alex more.

"Who, Gabrielle?" Alex repeated.

"The DMLE."

"The wha-" he then stopped. As something things began to click. He remembered that it Rory was a supervisor for this group called the DMLE. Apparently they were Law Enforcement of some kind. Seeing the flash of lights from him and the people there and seeing various people in the same uniform as Rory.

"Oh."

"Yeah."

"And this Harry, I guess he-"

"The one that I had a crush with a long time ago? Yes."

"Alright. How will they make me forget all this?"

Gabrielle answered him softly, "They will wipe your memory and possibly alter it a bit so you would not feel like you are missing anything."

"Hmm." He mused. "So, is he going to be the one to wipe my memory?"

"Probably, since he knows me," Gabrielle replied.

"Is that even possible?"

"Yes."

"How?"

She did not say.

"How, Gabrielle?" he asked again. "If what you say is true, I am not going to remember anyways."

"Remember those lights?" she asked after a few moments of pause.

"Yes," Alex replied.

"Well, some can explode. Others provide shields," she began.

"Like the one that you made?" he stated. "I take it that there is one that makes me lose my memory?"

She nodded again.

"I will never know what is actually going on?" he asked once more.

"No."

Gabrielle could tell that Alex was visibly upset. While Alex dislikes people withholding information, he will understand if it does not bother him. However, to force another person to forget was something he felt was crossing the line.

They stood in the living room in awkward silence before Alex headed to the fridge and grabbed two beers. He opened both and offered one to her. She shook her head and Alex took a seat and started to drain one of the bottles.

After finishing the first bottle he nursed the second one. By then, Gabrielle took a seat on the other side of the sofa.

"How many actually know about those light things? Cause if feels like a good number of people knew in there."

"Most of them did."

"So, what about Muggles and Statute?"

She only looked up making eye contact with him. The look on her face was all that Alex needed to know. All that apparently was connected to something secret and apparently the secret is out to people like him and now it looks like their version of enforcers are going to mitigate the damage done. Meaning that she was not at liberty to say and he would probably face a memory wipe.

"What about this Julien fellow?"

Gabrielle sighed, looking very troubled.

"I really do not want to talk about that in particular."

"Please," he begged. "Please do not keep me in the dark."

She reluctantly began to explain about the whole situation. Apparently a few years ago, the Hermès family partnered with the Delacours a long time ago. With a successful partnership the two families joked about sealing the business alliance with marriage. The Dumas controlled the business end of the fashion but there was another person who headed the entire family and all business operations of the Hermès Holdings. That person was the Head of House of Hermès and that person was currently Julien. While the former Head of Hermès Holdings stated it was not necessary, the current Head demanded to wed to one of the girls stating he desired such a girl with their particular background. While the remaining Hermès family members protested about such behavior their new Head of House behaved, the Delacours considered the option to keep the business deal.

Before the arrangements could be made, Gabrielle's sister, Fleur, fell in love with another man and married him and bore him a child. This effectively laid the responsibility to Gabrielle should the arrangements continue. However, the Delacours were reluctant to have their youngest marry him and had been stalling as long as they could. However, with time running out, they had discussed with her that Fall that they may have to take Julien's offer for her hand.

They eventually managed to talk a bit longer before both heading to bed just after midnight. Gabrielle took one of the guest rooms. Right before she closed her door Alex called out to her.

"Good night, Gabrielle," Alex said with sincerity. "And thank you."

Without answering or even saying as much as a good night, she closed her door. Alex sighed and closed his own door and got ready for bed.

That night was the most restless night for Alex. On one hand, he had Gabrielle back. On the other, there are most questions and barriers that he is facing while trying to reach out to her. Also, while he did not want to be have his memories wiped, he decided that he could possibly reason with them to avoid the memory loss.

The next morning he woke up to the bedside phone ringing. He checked the time, it was not even four in the morning. With a grunt he pulled himself over to the phone and answered it.

"Alex, speaking."

"Sir, you have guests waiting for you downstairs," his assistant, Katarina, replied.

Alex noted her formal voice calling through the phone hinting to him that this was very important.

"Do you know who it is?" he asked.

"Madame Delacour and Monsieur Harry Potter along with a few more guests."

"Don't tell me you are in the office, it is still too early."

"Madame Delacour called me in."

Alex froze a moment at that.

"I will be there soon."

"Very well. Please come in from the front, sir."

"Will do."

Well I guess they did not waste their time with this. He thought as he got out and got ready. Maybe I can convince them to not memory wipe me.

He decided to take the elevator down instead and walk through reception area to the front. He approached Kat and noticed her looking tired and clearly not dressed for work. Despite that, she was dutifully at her station.

"Any ideas?" he asked.

"Only that I needed to walk in with you," she stated getting up from her seat and walking next to him.

Alex took a deep breath for a moment and gave Kat a nod.

"Well here we go," he muttered and opened the door to his office.

"Greetings," Alex called out as he walked through the door.

"Obliviate!"

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hope you enjoyed this chapter and sorry again for the late post. Thank you again for your patience though!