oooOOOoooOOOooo Chapter 33
The days went by and Harry almost started to relax, the drama llama his life had become seemed to be settling down. Classes were an afterthought to the boy whose whole mind and body were focused on the Trois Amants Purifier ritual breathing its way down his neck. The ritual would take place on March 21, 1995. They had special dispensation from Dumbledore to miss classes on March 20, 21, and 22. They would travel by portkey with Dumbledore, Bill, Harry, Hermione, and Gabrielle to France.
The practice sessions had heated up to scorching proportions, the memories of which left Harry distracted and hardly able to focus on anything else. Harry awoke after a late night of practice. The teens had finally allowed their naked bodies to be seen completely and touched. It felt so glorious to have his ladies hands and mouths on every part of him. His eyes glazed over at the thought of doing the same to them. He sighed and got out of his bed. He went to his toilet and got ready for the day. Tomorrow, they would leave for France.
Harry went down to get a cup of tea before breakfast. He was often downstairs, ready to go before Hermione. She liked to read before she got out of bed and it often led to her being almost late.
Harry sat at his table and thought sadly of his lads. He would normally spend this time of the day with them. He tried to buck up. It was only a couple of months before he would have them back in his life. He smiled. He will see his boys tomorrow.
Bill came downstairs and took a seat beside Harry. He had a frown on his face.
"What's wrong, Bill?" asked Harry.
"Ron's trial is tomorrow," said Bill.
Harry snorted. "Is it? Well, bully for him."
"I'm torn. I want to go see what happens but I also want to help you prepare for the ritual," said Bill.
Harry blushed. "You can't help me prepare for the ritual. Only Hermine and Gabrielle can do that," said Harry.
Bill smirked. "I researched the ritual. Trust me, I don't want to be a participant in the ritual; I mean I can help you with the spells you'll need," said Bill.
"What spells?" asked Harry.
Bill looked at Harry wryly. "Obviously you don't know these spells. Birth control spells, Harry. Spells to make sure no one ends up with a baby after this ritual. Also, there are other spells that can make things good. You should learn them and use them well."
Harry's face was red but he nodded. "I reckon I could use a lesson."
"Right," said Bill. "Hence my dilemma."
"What time is his trial?" asked Harry.
"It's more of a hearing. He's a minor. He'll get what's coming to him but he'll be judged by a tribunal rather than the entire French Wizengamot," said Bill. "It's at 9am."
"Let's plan to go to the hearing," said Harry, firmly.
"You want to come?" asked Bill.
"He tried to attack my kids twice, Bill. Whatever can be done to curb his actions, needs to be done," said Harry.
Bill sighed and nodded. "I reckon you're right."
Gabrielle and Fleur came into the room. Bill grinned to see his girlfriend. They sat and spoke quietly to one another while Gabrielle came to give Harry a kiss. Harry figured it was a good way to start the day.
Harry's mind wasn't on classwork that day. He was too distracted with thoughts of the ritual, of worry for his boys, and with thoughts of what the spells Bill meant to teach him might do exactly.
Finally, classes ended for the day and it was time for dinner. Harry was walking with Hermione and Neville when Susan and Hannah ran up to them.
"Harry! You need to come quickly. Something happened with Gabrielle!" said Hannah, frantically.
"What?" asked Harry in a panic.
"She's not hurt. It's just that… well. There was an incident with Malfoy," said Susan, seriously.
"That bastard. I'll kill him. Where's Gabrielle?" asked Harry.
"She's in the Hospital Wing," said Susan.
Harry didn't wait to hear anything else. He turned to run down the hallway with Hermione at his side. Moody and Kingsley had to sprint to keep up with the upset teens.
They burst through the doorway into the hospital wing and heard Gabrielle crying. She was behind a curtain.
Harry and Hermione rushed over. They came around the curtain and stopped dead. Gabrielle was sitting on the bed, transformed into a bird. Harry gasped while Hermione stood frozen.
Gabrielle saw them. She flinched away from the stunned looks on their faces.
Harry hurried forward and took her hand. Her fingers were long, graceful, and had wickedly sharp talons on the end of each one. Her arms were covered in downy white feathers while her chest and head were covered with long golden feathers that looked sharp ended, like they were made of gold instead of fluff. Her face was elongated but her features were her own. Silky wisps of feather covered her cheeks, forehead, and chin in a complex pattern of gold and white. Wings were huddled against her back with the most gorgeous white, dusky rose, and gold feathers.
She tried to pull her hand away from Harry but he wouldn't let her.
"Gabrielle, you're so beautiful," Harry said with awe in his voice.
She choked on a sob. Hermione shook herself out of it and rushed forward, taking the girl in her arms.
"Don't cry, ma cherie," cooed Hermione. "I know you must be upset or your form wouldn't have come out to protect you but please don't cry. You are gorgeous."
Gabrielle curled into Harry and Hermione's arms. The wings receded into her back and the feathers retracted back into skin. She didn't stop crying.
Finally, she was fully transformed back into her normal self.
"What happened?" asked Harry, gently. "Are you hurt?"
"No, I'm not hurt," said Gabrielle, her voice still wobbling but the tears starting to subside now that she was fully human again. "Malfy happened."
"What did he do?" asked Harry, the fire of anger already starting to burn in his eyes.
"We were sharing the Herbology Class with the Slytherins and Ravenclaws today. We were working with Creepy Strangler Vines. He tripped me and I fell into them. I panicked and transformed. I was able to break free but he said I was a disgusting creature and should be put down like one. The professor did nothing to stop him. I couldn't turn back into myself!" said Gabrielle, her red face looking shamed.
"Is this your first time transforming?" asked Hermione gently.
Gabrielle took a deep shuddering breath and nodded.
"You are a gorgeous being, my love, no matter your form," said Harry gently. He kissed Gabrielle's cheeks, kissing away her tears. Hermione hugged her close. Gabrielle felt their love and support. The final feathers retreated from her hair. She sat up and cleaned her face.
Harry watched her, getting more angry by the second. "What's Malfoy's problem?
"He's a bigot," said Hermione, firmly.
"He's a bastard," said Harry.
"He is in the hospital wing as well. When I transformed, I shot a fireball at him. His arm was badly burned," said Gabrielle.
"Good," said Harry, viciously.
Gabrielle gave him a hurt look. "I hurt him, mon amour."
Harry saw her upset look and took a deep breath. He let go of his own feelings and took Gabrielle's hand again. "Grievously?" Harry asked.
"No," said Gabrielle.
"Then, it will be fine," said Harry.
Madam Bones stepped around the corner of the curtain.
"Can I speak with you all?" asked Madam Bones.
"Certainly," said Hermione. Harry just looked distrustfully at the woman. She sighed and looked at Harry.
"You're right to give me that look. Fudge is trying to capitalize off of this incident. He's claiming the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Beasts should take control of Gabrielle until a hearing can be arranged. If he succeeds, you won't have the rights of a human being during your captivity," said Madam Bones.
"Who is he trying to convince?" asked an alarmed Harry.
"He's just looking for an employee willing to do his dirty work and take the fall when it comes out in the wash," said Madam Bones.
"Shite!" said Harry. He knew with enough gold and favors in play, Fudge would find his patsy.
"Exactly. Draco Malfoy is claiming you attacked him without provocation. The Ravenclaw students who saw the incident are contradicting him but there are four Slytherin students from prominent families who are supporting him. Their parents are joining the calls for Gabrielle to be taken in," said Madam Bones.
"You can't do that!" cried Harry.
"Not legally, but you understand Fudge's respect for the law," said Madam Bones.
Harry scowled. Hermione looked at Gabrielle.
"You have to take the portkey back to France right away," said the girl.
"I do not want to leave you. We are stronger together," said Gabrielle.
"We will be together. I just can't let them have you," said Harry.
Gabrielle looked scared. Harry looked at Hermione. He gave her a look she recognized.
"No, Harry. I'm not leaving you," said Hermione, adamantly.
"Hermione, they'll use you both against me. Today it's Gabrielle, but tomorrow, it will be you!" said Harry. Hermione was shaking her head, hard. Harry gave her begging puppy dog eyes.
"Please," he said. Hermione didn't get the chance to answer. The Hospital Wing doors slammed open. Fudge came in with a man with an executioner's hood and an ax in his hands.
"Where's the creature?" asked Fudge.
"Go!" Harry said, quietly. Hermione scowled at him but put her arms around a terrified Gabrielle. She touched the portkey to France and said the passphrase. In a flash, the girls were gone.
"Potter!" yelled Fudge as he came around the curtain. "Where is she?"
Harry gave Fudge a look of pure hate. Fudge stumbled back a few steps to stand behind his ax-wielding compatriot.
"Who are you looking for, Minister Fudge?" asked Madam Bones, as if she didn't know.
"The creature. We're taking her in for disposal. She's vicious. She attacked the Lord of a noble wizarding line," said Fudge, with a smug look at Harry. Harry's eyes glittered with malice in return.
"I haven't seen any creatures," said Harry.
"Where are you hiding her? I know she's in here. The French Minister's daughter. I want her now!" said Fudge.
"She's gone," said Harry.
"What? Where did she go?" asked Fudge.
"She went back to France," said Harry, angrily.
"Where's the other one then? The muggle? We'll have her magic bound and her mind wiped," said Fudge.
"She's gone, too," said Harry.
Fudge's face turned an angry red color. "Issue warrants for their arrests. If they ever show their faces in the United Kingdom again, they'll be immediately apprehended!"
Harry didn't say anything. He would make certain neither of his girls were ever seen in this horrid place ever again.
"I'll be back for you, Potter," said Fudge, warningly. Harry just stared at the man who left quickly when Dumbledore turned up.
"Harry? The wards showed a portkey activated," said Dumbledore.
An upset Harry stood up and started to pace. "Hermione and Gabrielle had to flee to France," said Harry.
"What happened?" asked Dumbledore.
"Malfoy pushed Gabrielle into a deadly plant and she transformed. He got singed and Fudge thought he'd capitalize on the situation. Hermione and Gabrielle had to flee before they could be used against me," said Harry.
Dumbledore watched Harry, gravely. "Fudge is getting desperate. The Wizengamot is holding an inquiry into his actions."
"Someone needs to stop him!" said Harry, slamming his fist into his hand.
Dumbledore shook his head sadly. "I fear what he will do before someone does."
Harry scowled and turned to leave the Hospital Wing. He saw Draco Malfoy. The other boy snarled at Harry as he walked by. Harry gave him a look of disgust and walked out of the wing.
The next morning, Harry was awake and ready to go to France at 5am. He got dressed and barely ran a comb through his hair before he went to wait in the dining room for everyone else to get up.
Harry stared out of the magical window that showed the French countryside. He felt a deep sadness and longing in his heart. First he'd lost his sons, now he'd lost his ladies. What else would England take from him?
Finally, people started to trickle down into the dining room.
"Are you ready to go?" Harry asked, as soon as Kingsley arrived.
"Sit down and drink some tea, Harry. We can't leave until after breakfast in the Great Hall," said Bill. No one really noticed Narcissa sitting in the back of the room, buttering a scone. She was always there and never really made them notice her.
"I want to go to France," said Harry.
"We can't go until Dumbledore's ready," said Bill reasonably.
Harry huffed in annoyance. He didn't want to wait. He paced while Narcissa listened. Harry was leaving his travel trunk at Hogwarts for the woman to stay in. He would be back in a few days and he wasn't taking her to his safe haven.
Not a chance.
The group went down to breakfast in the Great Hall a full hour earlier than they usually went. Harry sat down and refused to eat. He watched Dumbledore through the entire meal until the man stood up.
Harry jumped to his feet. Everyone looked at him for the sudden movement. The people who would be joining him noticed Dumbledore had stood. They finished up quickly and stood as well. Harry was already walking towards Dumbledore.
"Shall we retire to my office?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes twinkling as he looked at the intensely focused Harry.
"Please," said Harry, his voice sounding calm but his fast walk away from them all told of his anxiousness to get moving now.
Harry was staring at the gargoyle over Dumbledore's office entrance threateningly. The stone guardian was not moved.
"Dipping Dots," said Dumbledore. The gargoyle moved, allowing them all entry.
Harry, Bill, Fleur, Kingsley, Moody, and Dumbledore all gathered around the portkey. Dumbledore tapped the small child's teething ring and said, "Portus."
They zipped off into the ether.