Obligatory Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any character, story element or plot item originally published in the Harry Potter books or movies that I may refer to in this story. I'm merely playing in the sandbox.

Author's note: Welcome back, dear reader, to another of my random ideas that I don't know what else to do with.

The last one was good….but needs something…

Harry sat, sipping a coffee and casually ignoring a pastry on a small plate at his table. In his hand was a paper, his growing knowledge of French allowing him to mostly get through, though he was certain he'd misread the last line. There is no way that the Minister is making a treaty with fish. He shook his head, making a face and flipping the page

"I'll have to bring it to work and get someone to figure out what I translated wrong."

"Talking to yourself is a bad idea, monsieur." An airy voice heavily tinged with a French accent pierced his musings. He kept his paper in view, not interested in conversation.

"I've been told…that and hearing voices." He stopped, keeping the paper in place. There was a moment of silence and he thought that the distraction was gone.

"Is this seat taken?"

"I…" In his periphery, he noted several empty tables. "I will not be good company, mademoiselle. You may find another table more accommodating."

The chair across from him slid back and he sighed. He wasn't really interested in an argument or a full blown firefight at this point, but he knew he wasn't going to be left with a choice. "Miss, I was trying to be polite."

"Ugh, how beastly. No wonder my sister insulted you when she first met you."

"Look, I…what?" He finally folded the paper as he lowered it. "Gabrielle."

She smiled brightly at him. "So, you do remember me. Five years in country and you don't send a word to see me. I'm hurt." Harry muttered something softly and she reached out, plucking one of the pastries from his plate. "If you're going to swear, Harry, you should stick to English. Your pronunciation is terrible."

"I've been busy…and I've only been in country for three years, not five…not even fully here for those three, for that matter." He frowned as he took in her appearance. "Is something wrong with Laurant?"

"Non, Papa is fine. He was worried about you. As is my sister and Molly. The others are a mix."

"I've been back to visit with Lily and James."

"It's been three weeks."

"I was undercover for the last two." He shook his head, glad that case was done. "They were trading in people, Gabrielle. It was important that I deal with that."

The friendly glow left her face and she sighed, waving her hand in the air to get the waiter's attention. "I know. They were near a Veela commune and there was some concern. That was why you were asked to go. They knew you could be trusted near them."

He nodded. "Yeah, no one wants me, I'm damaged goods." He shook his head, trying not to think about the gossip that still ran in England. "Boy Who Was Fooled, I think it was?"

"Harry…" She stopped as someone approached and she ordered quietly, an iced drink and a light breakfast. As the waiter stepped away, she reached over and touched the hand reaching for his coffee. "Everyone knows that reporters are one step above feral vampires."

"Yeah."

"Ginny asked about you…" Gabrielle's gaze darkened. "She is being nicer to my sister these last few years."

"Side effect of the potions. I know there was a very tearful apology at one point. Lily told me about it."

"The potions made her hate Fleur?"

"She would have been the same with you, had you been older. She sniped at a few people. I heard that she banished Luna from the house at one point, but no one would tell me about it. She left for South America and never came back."

Gabrielle nodded. "I never met Luna."

"She was a good friend. Bullied a bit, but if you could look past the weirdness, she was a good friend."

"I'm sure you looked past it. You did with my sister. You were her only support at first."

He smiled lightly. It was the closest he could give to a real smile since everything had happened. That smile faded as he looked over at her. "So, why are you looking for me?"

"Papa was worried. You vanished after that case. He said you'd seen things…and that you need help." She sat back and crossed her legs. "I am to assist you now that you've been promoted in the ICW."

"Promoted?"

"You did not know?" Her food arrived and she thanked the waiter. Lifting the cup, she took a dainty sip, then smiled. "Congratulations, then."

"Promoted to what?"

"Supervisor Agent, interim, of course, as you are trained.=. You're out of the field, though. Unless there is something more serious."

"I never wanted an office job."

Gabrielle was silent. "Papa told me that there were those who were worried that there was a reason you ran headlong into those situations. The Healers with the group were also concerned."

"I passed my evals."

"Did you?" She cut a piece of the cheese omelet and ate it, then reached for the pepper to add a dash. "I suspect that you could fool them very well. You had years practicing."

Harry shook his head. "There's a reason I avoid your sister. She reads me, too."

"It is a skill we have."

"Vella?"

"Women, Harry. Even Ginny noted it a month ago when you saw your kids."

He shook his head. "It's not easy…especially since she and Justin married." By now, he set the paper down and shoved the pastry away from him, focusing on the coffee. "Lily called him 'Dad' the last time I was there."

"You are only there two days a week most weeks."

"That was the arrangement. I had to agree, due to the danger of my job then. I'm shocked the courts didn't ban me entirely after I started this…but the only thing I know is this." He watched her for a moment as she stared at him, bright blue eyes unblinkingly meeting his. "So, what are you going to do?"

"Personal assistant. Plus, you are taking me out to lunch this afternoon."

"I am?"

"Yes. It is my birthday and I want to have a lunch date with a friend."

"Oh…I didn't realize it was your birthday." He ran his fingers through his hair. "I should have gotten you something."

"Harry…do you know who else has a birthday today?"

"I…Fleur's is in October…I…no, I don't know."

"Yours, Harry. Today is the 31st."

Harry glanced at his paper and his eyes widened. "I hadn't realized. Being undercover the last few weeks, I lost track of time. Someone else was monitoring for notes, I was just tracking by days, not the date." He shrugged.

"So…I'm 33 now…divorced, two kids who are calling another man dad and I can't visit more often than I am, or I risk losing visitation even if Ginny would allow it. British courts are fun." Despite the accommodations from the criminal side, the civil side of the legal system had not adopted the new view on the potions law.

"And you have a lunch date with a beautiful 28 year old French blonde who is allowing you to accompany her." She drew herself up and shook her hair over one shoulder in a way that led to a passing waiter to drop his tray.

"Knock that off or I'm going to have to pay for half the restaurant." Harry waved his wand and the glasses repaired, then he did an area level spell to make the others forget about the dropped tray. "How can I date you if you're going to work for me."

"No rules against it. You just can't fire me if you do date me."

Harry shook his head again. If Fleur had been a flirt, Gabrielle was ten times worse. "I'm not doing that again. I will buy you lunch, though."

Gabrielle's face fell. "I know you loved her, Harry…probably still do, but this is self-destructive."

Harry didn't respond, tossing back the coffee. "Where should we meet?"

Gabrielle looked at him sadly for a moment, then slid a card over. "I thought you might rush off…here is a favored restaurant in Calais. That one, unlike this café, is in a magical quarter. Dress nicely. This is a bit more upscale…oh, I used your name to get reservations. Hope you don't mind."

Harry rolled his eyes, took the card and slipped it into his pocket. "Noon, then?" He took and dropped some money on the table, estimating enough to cover both his and her breakfast.

"A little before." She smiled sweetly at him. "And I love flowers."

Harry managed to turn his back on her and stalk off without a reply. Inwardly, he wondered how he was going to get back at Laurant for this.

Once he was gone, Gabrielle lifted a phone. "Hello Papa."

"How did he take it?"

"I think he's cursing your name as he walks down the sidewalk."

There was silence and she took the opportunity to take the other pastry that Harry had abandoned. "I'm going to guess you pushed a bit."

"Probably too much. I tried to be playful, but I don't think that's the approach for him."

"Please keep an eye on him. I love the boy dearly, but some of my bosses are worried about the rise in his violence."

"Shall I relieve his stress?" She held the phone away, eyes wide at the yelling that passed through the speaker. "Papa, I was kidding…apparently play is not the way to speak to you, either. Maybe you need to go visit Mama."

The man fell silence. "Please…Gabrielle, if he turns, he's going to be worse than anything we've seen before. I don't think he will, but I have to mention it."

Gabrielle took another drink. "My first reading is that he's very depressed. He's lost now. Ginny was his wife and Ron his best friend. Hermione has distanced herself from the magical world due to what happened, and I've been told she's not spoken to anyone in our world for six months, not even Molly and Arthur."

"This is true, from what I've been told. Fleur did try to visit her but found her unwelcoming. She told me it was a flashback to the prewedding days." The hardness in his tone reminded Gabrielle how protective the man could be.

"Harry said Ginny's behavior was the potions. It makes sense. I think she'd have a bit of a vindictive streak in her, but the potions would have aggravated that."

"That makes sense. So, what are you going to do with Harry?"

"Lunch. He's taking me for my birthday."

"Did he know?"

She sighed. "He didn't know it was his own birthday as well. I'm going to befriend him…teasing is fun, but I'll step it back."

"Thank you."

She bid her father goodbye, ending the call and slipping her phone away. She took the abandoned paper and skimmed through it, finishing her breakfast.

Harry stood outside the café. He was early and the woman at the entrance had offered to seat him, despite being early. "I am waiting for my companion," he'd finally said after a few polite refusals.

He was glad that in Europe, he didn't have the infamy attached to him that he had in Britain. It was more on his mind with the wonderful conversation that Gabrielle had brought up.

"You weren't waiting long, were you?"

Harry pivoted, hand at his side for the briefest moment before he relaxed. "Gabrielle, you look lovely." He spoke with a firm grip on his previous irritation.

She curtseyed, more reserved than she had been just a few hours before. "I did change, yes, but wanted to wear something not work related. I took half a day for my birthday. My current boss was mildly irritated, but what can you do?"

She now wore a robe somewhat resembling a pale blue sundress. After a moment, he realized it was a nonmagical sundress. It was complemented with a wide brimmed white hat. Harry bit back a snotty comment about trying to look younger, instead simply gesturing to the door.

"I didn't have to. I have the rest of this week off, despite the evaluations and such concluding. They just gave me the time. I wonder now if it was due to my birthday."

"Who can say?" She smiled and walked in at his urging.

He shook his head and followed, carefully taking int eh room and noting each occupant again. The same woman greeted the pair of them and led them upstairs to a balcony table. Harry liked the view of the street and appreciated the awning and the lack of visible attack sites. This was the tallest building on the street for some space, the rest of the street having only single story shops.

"So, what do you recommend here?"

"Calais is the bridge between land and sea. I like the seafood, but occasionally will try something different."

Harry glanced at the menu, then slipped it over to her. "I think I'll follow your lead. Please just don't break my money pouch."

She smiled shyly, making him reach for his wand. "I will do my best."

"Gabrielle, where did we meet?" He asked the question as he casually slipped his wand from its concealed sheathe, holding it under the table and pointed it at her.

"Harry…why…oh." She set the menu down. "Papa said that I was a bit too…flirty. Not his protective side. I was reminded that you may not appreciate it." She took a breath. "I was at the bottom of the Black Lake in Scotland, then when you brought me to the surface and someone pulled me out, my sister hugged me, then hugged you and kissed you after you had handed a blanket to that lout Weasley. She still wishes she had turned him into a girl, by the way. She knows a curse that would be difficult to undo." She thought for a moment, then smirked. "I wanted to kiss you, too, but you didn't want to look at a little girl like me…probably staring at my sister."

Harry relaxed, then put his wand away. "Sorry, you were acting odd."

"I am trying to behave?" She smiled again, more like she had been this morning. "I can order for us, though, if you trust me."

"I do."

The first course was a soup, then a salad and cheese platter. After that, Harry found himself eating a citrusy fish dish he'd never heard of. As they reached the dessert, Harry had waved to the waitress. She walked over with a small cake. "I didn't…"

"I did. I messaged your mother and found out your favorite."

She practically glowed and Harry lightly reinforced his mental shields, once again grateful that Fleur taught him the secret and had helped him practice when Ginny was not around. It hurt as a reminder of Ginny's jealousy, but had he slipped in front of her, it would have been war. Those sessions had been secret, even with Bill observing. He wondered how Bill was doing, the man not having reached out to him in over a year. He didn't dare contact anyone after the last story came out about Ginny's second anniversary with Finch-Fletcley and the fact that she'd been rid of the worst mistake of her life in the Quidditch Weekly publication.

"I adore Gâteau Basque. They even did the cherry accents I love."

He forced a smile, closer to real. "I'm glad I got that right. Happy birthday, Gabrielle. May you grow more beautiful with every year."

She smiled broadly and raised a water glass. "And here I thought you never noticed." Harry couldn't help but roll his eyes. "So, what are your plans for your time off?

"Do a little catch up reading, I have a few newspapers. Maybe go back to Britain. I have a few homes there to look after." He shrugged. "Visit with the kids on Saturday and Sunday morning, if they stay. Lily has been more understanding. James…."

"I can only imagine that divorce is hard."

"He blames me for not fighting for her."

"May I ask?"

Harry shook his head. "I'll tell you, no need to ask. When she was purged of Ron's little project, she looked at me with different eyes. We talked and…she didn't love me at all. She wanted to be friends. It wasn't even Finch-Fletchley. She just didn't want to be with me at all."

"Friends is something, though. It's better to have her friendly and not seeking to hurt you through James and Lily."

"True." He shook his head. "I never thought it'd be like this. Teddy's confused and I'm his godfather. I go see him sometimes in the week, too. I spend time with the kids on weekends and then see him when I can at Hogsmeade or whenever. Andy has been very supportive of that." He sighed. "If it wasn't for them, I don't know…I'd probably toss it all, move my money to Australia and live on a patch out away from everyone."

"You can owl them, though, right?"

"Can't use a company owl to send personal messages. They do monitor for that."

"You can buy an owl."

"I've…never owned one since Hedwig died."

"Oh." She frowned. "I didn't think I'd bring up that kind of memory, I'm sorry."

"No, I am. It's your birthday."

"Yours, too." Gabrielle gestured to the cake.

"I…stopped celebrating four years ago." He sliced a piece of the cake for her, then served it. He took a smaller piece for himself. "Never had this, I hope you don't mind that I plan to join you."

"Of course," Gabrielle said, but the smile didn't reach her eyes. Harry cursed himself for ruining her birthday.

Friday evening, he was making preparations to go, packing a small bag. There was a knock on his apartment door, and he looked to a painting on one wall, whistling a tune softly. The image shifted to the hallway and shifted over several angles. It was Gabrielle and she was alone. The frame glowed a soft white indicating a positive intent.

"Come in," he said, the door opening at his words.

"Hey, you just open up for anyone?"

"Sure." He smiled to himself. "How can I assist you…since you begin assisting me on Monday."

"British wit, I assume?"

"Something like that."

"Well, I was wondering if we could share a portkey. My sister invited me up for a visit and I knew you'd be going, so…"

"You want me to land on you? I still can't do portkeys well."

"Honestly, I can't either, so you're not alone. A lot of people can't."

Harry chuckled. "I figured you would have inherited your mother's graceful step. She laughed when I portkeyed over to your father's office one time."

"You were in my home?"

"Yes. I think you were on vacation." He looked back to his bag. "It was only once."

"Oh. So, when do we leave?"

Harry eyed her. "I never said yes."

"You never said no, either, Harry Potter."

He laughed a barking laugh. "True. We Floo to the international station in Paris, then a jump from there…" Harry looked at his watch. "In an hour."

"There's a nice waiting room there. I'll buy you tea."

"Sounds nice. Are you ready?"

She held up a small bag. "I assumed you'd say yes."

"Presumptuous." He walked over to his Floo, offering the jar. She passed through, then he put his security system on lockdown. With that, the entire floor vanished from sight from the outside. The floo would only activate for those on the list and currently, that was just him. He glanced around, then jumped into the fire with a pinch of powder.

A few hours later, they were exiting the Customs office in the London Ministry through the main Floo in their office and going to the Leaky Cauldron. Harry took a room, being happily greeted by Tom. "Who's the young lady?"

"A friend…I think."

"I am, you…prat?"

"Excellent, we'll make a Brit out of you yet." Gabrielle growled and Harry handed over a few coins. "For the room and dinner tonight, if you don't mind. Also, should cover a tip and a bit of powder for her to Floo to her sister's."

"Thank you, Harry." She waved goodbye and was gone in a flare of green flames. Harry asked for dinner to be delivered to his room and he settled in, soon eating a hearty stew and some fresh crusty bread with a butterbeer. He still had the odd temptation to drink, but he had stopped entirely after that night. Reminded him too much of the toasts he would have with the Weasleys.

The next day, he spent time with Lily, James refusing to enter the room. Ginny was there and her husband at work. Harry made an effort to be cordial to all of them, but only showed a real smile to Lily, who hugged him on sight.

When he mentioned taking the two out for dinner, James had grunted and stalked out, saying something about meeting friends. Lily had shyly declined. "I think we're having dinner with our grandparents."

"Oh…well, I'll just go back to the Leaky then."

"No, Harry, you're invited. Didn't Lily tell you?"

"No, mum, it slipped my mind."

"I don't want to intrude on a family gathering…" He faltered at saying her name. It hurt to say to her face.

"Nonsense. Mum has always viewed you as a son."

Some part of him wondered if that was why Ginny didn't love him. He had no interest in getting back with her. Just wish he could comprehend the turnaround better than just saying 'it's a potions thing.' He just excused himself to the bathroom and washed his face, staring into the mirror.

"One evening. I can do this."

He stepped out as Ginny had been in the Floo. "I'm sorry, James will not be joining us."

"I get it." He shrugged. "I'll have to apologize to Molly and Arthur for disrupting things."

"He's really angry about the last three weekends. I know he's not handling it the best, but..."

"I can't tell you." He shook his head. "I can promise you that it was worth it. Almost more so than back in '97, but I can't give you details until the papers release them."

Ginny nodded. "I understand."

He turned to face Lily again, who was chattering away now about something at school. He'd missed it in the hushed conversation with his ex-wife. He just smiled and hugged her close, pushing back at the memories from the last case.

Some time later, he was coming through the Floo at the Burrow. As he saw Molly, she went to hug him, but he spoke. "I'm sorry, Molly, Arthur, but James isn't coming because of me."

"He's just…" Molly said

"I know." Harry shook his head. "I can go if it'd make things easier. I know you'll want family together."

"Nonsense, Harry." Harry smiled a bit as Molly spoke, almost identically to her daughter. Glancing over, he saw that smirk he'd missed so much She'd done that on purpose. Five years maybe isn't enough.

After a few minutes, everyone was there. Charlie glared at him, George came up and talked shop, Percy was as aloof as usual, but Harry noted the glances from him. He thinks I'm proving his letter back in Fifth Year correct. Never could see anything but the evil in me.

When Bill Arrived with Fleur and Gabrielle, some danger sense triggered in him. He was distracted as Hermione arrived with her two kids. They made a beeline for Lily and She approached, hugging him quietly.

"Good to see you."

"I'm surprised. You've given the last few of these a pass."

"I…had a good reason to come. Plus…my counselor recommended it."

"Counselor?"

"Outcast from the Wizarding World. She talked me into it. Right now, I'm focusing on my best friend being here and that's enough."

"Wait, how did you know…"

"Attention, everyone? I think Dinner is almost ready."

Hermione slipped away with that call and Harry was left feeling like something was going on. This feels like that time in Versailles. I hated that. I had to burn a building down. Idly, he wondered if the Potter estate was still paying for that. He'd have to contact the dwarves in Switzerland and see.

They all headed out and sat around the tables. There were three now, but Harry made the effort to sit as far away from the Weasley males as he could. Bill and Fleur sat with him, Gabrielle sitting next to him. "I didn't know Charlie was still angry."

"He's mad about Ron and the day it all came out. Harry put Charlie down."

"To be fair, he hit me."

"he did." Bill sighed. "Percy hates you."

"I'm aware." Harry said mildly. He noted that Gabrielle squirmed a bit. Before anything else could be said, Finch-Fletchley stepped out of the Burrow. "Sorry I'm late, everyone. Ginny, did I miss it?"

"Justin…umm…no."

"Oh, good. I was worried I'd miss the announcement."

Harry perked up a bit and tensed. Oh, no. I should not be here.

"Announcement? Ginny, what's going on."

"I…well…" She had a slightly panicked look and then just stood. "I hadn't planned on saying anything, but…I'm pregnant."

There were a few squeals and soon everyone was coming over to hug and congratulate the couple. Gabrielle was one of the last to make it when she paused and looked around. "Where's Harry?"

"Who cares, this is a time for family," Charlie muttered.

Gabrielle ignored him, looking around the yard, then skyward. No broom, no sight of him. She casually used a revealing charm and couldn't see any footfalls that didn't lead to a person. Or he's concealing his footprints. I wonder if he's still doing it from the case…or before?

A cake was brought out and Molly looked puzzled. It was a plane white icing. "I…made cake." She glanced around her face fell. "Harry was supposed to be here." Gabrielle was close enough to hear the muttering and noted some divots int eh icing. Candles…for his birthday.

She pulled a small pad from her robe pocket and scribbled a note to her supervisor that Harry was missing. There was a warming sensation and a series of coordinates appeared. She glanced at them and frowned. "That doesn't make sense."

Harry sat and stared at the darkening sky and let out a long breath. He hadn't felt like he was supposed to be part of things there. After a long moment, he heard footfalls near him. "Wondered when you would get here."

"I had to try a few things to find you."

"No one ever looks up."

"I did but didn't see a broom."

"No broom." Harry smiled. "Good thinking, though."

"I didn't hear an apparition crack."

Harry shook his head. "I can't. Not here. The wards only allow family to apparate on the grounds. I would have to get past the line...about the tree line there is the closest." He pointed to the distant tree stand that marked the edge of the property. "I just wanted to clear my head."

Gabrielle sat. "I know you still love her."

"I do and I don't. I've accepted things. Intellectually. This isn't what I wanted to do. Not this weekend." He reached into his pocket, pulled out a small manila colored square, then expanded it. "Here. This should go in your report."

"My…what?"

"Gabrielle, we're friends. Don't lie to me." He never raised his voice but could feel her tense. "I have access to employment records…and you weren't undercover. You're a mind healer. Just open it and it will explain why I did what I did on that case…well, with some context."

She sat next to him, and he looked over as she pulled out two photos. "This is Lily and…why did you age up a photo of Lily?"

"That's not Lily. That's Sascha."

"Who…?" She paused, glancing at the written statement beneath the photos.

"That was taken under veritaserum by an agent here as a favor to me. Niles is a good forensic examiner and has sufficient clearance in the DMLE here to sign statements. To save you the reading for when you're alone, the gang ringleader was in his office. I had decided to take him down and bring down the wards so a waiting strike team could raid the place.

"I went in drop off paperwork and he was sitting in a chair with her servicing him." Harry took a few breaths to school his emotions. "He had his wand out and was cursing her to do it. The Imperius is a nasty thing. For a long moment, I stared. I think he thought I enjoyed watching, but I was seeing him abusing my daughter. I hammered him in the face with a Bludgeoning curse and disarmed him….literally. She…bit the other part off, so I didn't do that. I think forensics cleared me at that point." He gave a half hearted chuckle. "When I cleaned up her vomit, I did vanish it, too."

"That sounds justified. What happened to her?"

"She's in a home, they're looking for family, but when I wrapped my jacket around her and held her, she told me that they were all dead. They won't find anyone for her. I would adopt her in a second, but I can't. I'm a single guy and we all know that single men are nothing but perverts. She told me that when she hits her majority in three years, she'd come stay with me anyway." He shook his head. "Gabrielle, she was fourteen years old. "

"Same age as you when someone tried to kill you with a Tournament."

"I thought about that, when you reminded me."

"I didn't think you were a danger, you know."

"Are you investigating me as a loose cannon or a future Dark Lord."

Gabrielle sighed. "Both." She reached into her pocket, pulling out a small plate. "I saved you a piece of cake."

He accepted the shrunken plate, canceling the protection and sizing charms on it. He glanced over as she held up two forks. "Want to share?"

Smiling, he took one. "Hope Molly wasn't mad I redecorated her cake."

"Birthday cake for you?"

"I figured her only daughter's pregnancy was more important. Besides, a good few of them don't want me there. Even Bill is hostile. I think he puts up with me for your sister's sake."

"He's torn. He told me."

"Yeah." They chatted about idle things for a few minutes, each taking bites from the slice of cake. Soon, there was a sizzle. "Oh, this should be fun."

"Fireworks? George does a good display."

"You never saw him when Fred was alive. He's still good, but…well, it was magic when they were together."

The light show was a beautiful mix of red and yellow, the final display announcing a congratulatory message to Ginny and Justin. "How? They just announced?"

"I'm a silent partner. I tweaked the display."

Gabrielle looked over at him, then laid her head on his shoulder. "You're a good man, Harry Potter."

"At least someone thinks so." They sat in silence for a long few minutes as the display wound up.

The next day, when Bill and Fleur invited Harry and the kids over to their house for a picnic, Gabrielle begged off on an errand. "I have to make a last little meeting on a project I'm working on." She met Harry's eyes and he shrugged. "Have fun, see if anyone finds me sane in this little island."

They headed out from the Shell Cottage and found a place, Harry slipping off to the small stone and leaving a pair of socks on it. Gabrielle wondered at that but decided to ask later. She didn't think it was worth reporting yet.

She popped away and walked up the path from the road, knocking on the door to the quiet house. Ginny answered and her eyes widened. "Harry's not here. He's…"

"I know. I'm not looking for my ride home yet. I wanted to talk to you. May we step inside?"

"Of course, where are my manners…I didn't think I'd see you again. You were really angry at me."

"I was. Fleur has forgiven you and you never were rude to me. Harry said it was your condition that caused it."

She sighed, gesturing to the table. "Mimsy, can we have some tea…or something else?"

"Lemonade, if you have it. I rather like that on a warm day."

After a moment, a chilled glass popped in front of her, and she pondered it for a moment. "Do you know why Harry leaves socks on a gravestone? I never looked at it, but I hadn't really paid attention to it until today."

"Ahh… that's Dobby's. He wouldn't have a house elf after Dobby died. Kreacher passed, but worked in the House of Black…" She sighed. "I can't even remember where it is. After the divorce, he renewed the Fidelus."

"He told me he did that for you. To give you a chance."

"I wish I loved him like he loved me. It was so strange. The potions were disgusting, the pain worse. Once it all cleared up and I walked out to him…I felt nothing. They said to give it a few days, that it might be that my feelings swing back, but just not as strong, but there was no spark. No love. Just a good friend that I knew way better than I should."

Gabrielle sipped her drink. "How well do you know him, though? I've seen the papers."

"I don't talk to the press. Not at all." Ginny's eyes narrowed and, for a moment, Gabrielle saw the girl she remembered from the wedding and the first few years after, before, she decided to stay away.

"I shouldn't have said anything." She exhaled. "I have something to show you, but I need an oath that it will go no further."

"Will this hurt anyone?"

"Yes. Probably many families, but it will help you understand what Harry's job is like and why he was gone the last few weeks."

Ginny paused, staring at her. "Okay," she said, drawing her wand and swearing an oath.

"You are protecting him for a time…and me. I could lose my job for this." She slid the folder that Harry had given her over. Ginny opened it and Gabrielle saw her look at Sascha. "Who is this?"

"Read the statement."

After a few moments, she began to cry. "He…no wonder he was so convinced that this was necessary."

"He felt this was more important than even when he took down Voldemort. The ICW didn't, but…"

"What did you do to my mother?"

Gabrielle looked up and was shocked. "James? Where did you…did you tell them you were leaving?'

"Like I need anything from that man. I have a new Dad now, one that's here. Now this witch is coming over and you're crying? Did he send you to hurt her more?"

James advanced and Gabrielle started to reach for her wand, then considered his age. She rose and met his gaze, flexing her will. "What did you do to him?"

"Just a blast of allure. I don't like doing this, but I am trained by a top level French Auror. Better to make him drool than hurt him badly."

Ginny sighed. "He has my temper…please don't do that again."

"Only in defense. I don't care for the reputation my kind have in your country."

James seemed to stir. "What was that?"

"She confused you enough to not have to blast you across the room." Ginny stood, flipping the folder closed. "And I've had enough of you talking about your father like that. He's a better man, facing worse things than you will ever know." She casually slid the folder over to Gabrielle. "And to clear the air, I asked him to leave me."

"I…"

"If you interrupt me again, Gabrielle has my permission to turn you into a drooling wreck."

"I really don't care for annoying little boys staring at me like that."

"Why would you ask him to leave?"

"I didn't love him…and I wanted to be happy. I was selfish…and he loved me enough to give me what I asked for. In return, he lost everything, and I hate that I made him so miserable." She shook her head. "Go back to Bill and Fleur's. Do not fight with your father. He deserves better…better than both of us."

Gabrielle hated hearing the self-loathing in her voice as the redhead said the last words. James turned and walked away, clearly cowed by his mother's response. "Ginny..."

"Please don't tell him. I don't regret marrying Justin. I don't regret my children's births…I just wish I had …I wish I had castrated Ron."

"Let's not talk about that. I had to see the crime scene photos last night, after I updated my report." She waved her wand over the folder, and it vanished. "Those were copies."

"Do you…do you care for him?"

"He's my boss, Ginny."

"I mean…in any way."

Gabrielle stepped up and wrapped her arms around the solidly built Ginny. That same strong woman laid her head on Gabrielle's shoulder and began to cry. "I do, Ginny. Maybe one day, he'll believe me."

"I did that."

"No…I've read his evals. Lots of people did that. Most for terrible reasons. He told us that you were the only one that asked him to do something that he didn't want to do that he knew was the right thing to do."

"Take care of him, please. He deserves so much more than life has given him. I just can never be the one to do it." She stepped back. "I know now." She patted her stomach. "I love those two, but this is mine and Justin's and he and I are meant to be."

"I don't' think he's ready to even date, much less what you're asking. I will be the best friend to him I can, though."

"It's a start." Ginny sat down and drank from her mug. Gabrielle sat and realized she understood her sister accepting that apology now. Ginny was different than she had been when they had met.

AN: Quick note. You may stop here or see an alternate ending. Your choice.

Also, I had actually considered showing that Harry could fly. Like Voldemort and Snape did. I had this whole thing in my head about how Dumbledore had done it but didn't like to because he was afraid of heights in a way that only showed when he didn't have a broom to rely on, something like that. I just skipped it.

(Potential alternate continuation ending)

Harry closed the file on his desk, sitting back and looking around. It was six years, officially. He'd had four Halloweens that were neutral, but then the one before, he'd found out about everything. The news had leaked about the raid and what Harry had found and stopped. His was the only name mentioned, but he had a suspicion that that had to do with his promotion and bachelor life style. Anyone missed in the gang wouldn't have much of a target without going to Britain and the new Ministry was harder on people entering the country.

Gabrielle came in and perched on the edge of his desk. He noted that she was no longer dressed in work robes, but in jeans and a blue blouse that revealed a bit more than she usually did. "Is it the end of the day already?" He glanced at his watch and eyes widened. "Oh."

"For the last ten minutes. Your interim period is officially over, and I know you got the news this morning that you were staying if you wanted it."

"I do. It's kinda nice not being in danger all the time."

"Yeah…" Gabrielle said, smile dimming. "I'm moving on, too."

"Oh…have you trained your replacement then?"

"Someone's coming over from the pool I vetted her, though. She wants to learn the processes and promote, but she's a hard worker. Good reputation. I think she'll make a good Head in another department, so she'll want the recommendation you can provide."

"Okay. I'll miss seeing you every day." He started to rise, but she pushed him back playfully and moved her perch from his desk to his lap. "Um…" He paused as she leaned against him, wrapping her arms around him and laying her head on his shoulder.

"I have wanted to do that for at least a month." She sighed contentedly. "I don't work for you now. So…can I take you to dinner?"

"I said that jokingly back in July, Gabbrielle. I'm too old for you."

"Bill is six years older than Fleur. I don't see an issue." She smiled, not at all deterred.

"I…why me?"

"A little crush since I was nine. A lot of respect for how you've handled so many things thrown your way. Love…maybe?"

She leaned in and kissed him softly. "So, how about dinner? My treat?"

AN: So, I found that I don't write a "bad" ending very well. This is rough and wouldn't leave me alone, but here it is. As of the time I'm writing this note, if it stays in, I have a bit of editing to do. There's a lot of red on the screen and I'm not even bothering with it, just getting text to screen.

For this ending, think of them dating for a bit, marrying, adopting Sasha, giving Lily a few other siblings maybe…I think James would come around. The various Weasleys? Who knows? Ginny would be happy for him, though. In my mind, she hated what happened and what she did to him through her brother, his best friend. Hermione? Maybe she comes back, maybe not. I have no idea.

I have either hinted or basically said that the ideas and concepts here are up for grabs, but this one and the companion piece in the previous chapter….I might hold onto those. The specifics, anyway. Anyone that wants to take up the challenge of an original kind of potioning? Go for it.

Anyway, till next time.