Disclaimer: Same old Gabrielle becomes Harry's pet due to a bunch of bigoted purebloods.
A Bird in The Hand
Fleur was sprawled out on her bed at her parent's chateau enjoying her time off when she saw her sister walk past dragging a large box. She briefly considered and immediately discarded the idea of finding out what type of shenanigans annoying sibling was planning to engage. She was on holiday and she really didn't feel up to ruining it. It wasn't like her sister couldn't take care of herself . . . okay, it wasn't like her sister was likely to come to harm due to her inaction. Having satisfied her concerns, Fleur closed her eyes and tried very hard to ignore the odd sounds coming from her sister's room down the hall.
Fleur didn't worry when her Sister didn't show up to dinner that night or when she skipped breakfast the next day. She just figured the lazy girl had been too busy to eat the night before and had slept in that morning. No, she didn't start worrying until lunch when a bit of prompting revealed that the staff hadn't seen the young girl since the day before. Of course, by then it was too late.
IIIIIIIIII
Harry Potter was working in the garden when the car pulled up and emptied two men in cheap standard issue bureaucrat suits.
"Can I help you?" Harry asked. Automatically, his right hand dropped to seek the reassuring presence of his wand.
"Yes," one of the men agreed. He pulled out his wallet and showed an official looking identification card. "We're with Her Majesty's Customs and Revenues Service and we're looking for Harry Potter."
"May I get a closer look at that identification please," Harry said mildly. He took the card and examined it for a few seconds. "His too."
"Of course," the other man agreed.
"Well," Harry said after he was assured that they were genuine, "my name is Harry Potter. How can I help you two."
"Were you perhaps named after your father?"
"No," Harry said flatly. The two men shared a meaningful look. "You aren't here about nonpayment of taxes are you? I'll admit that I haven't looked into my inheritance so I can't be sure it's being dealt with."
"Nothing like that," the man hastened to assure him. "It's just that we expected you to be older."
"Oh?"
"You are Harry Potter the expert on predatory birds are you not?"
"I wouldn't call myself an expert," Harry demurred, "I only have the one."
"What kind of bird do you have?"
"Why don't I show you," Harry said. He whistled and Hedwig glided down from his window to perch on his waiting arm. "She's a snowy owl . . . bubo scandiacus," Harry said as he admired his owl. "They used to think they were the sole member of the nyctea scandiaca until recently but recent tests have shown that she's very closely related to a horned owl." He may not be Hermione but he was very motivated to learn anything that might help him better take care of his pet.
"She?"
"If she were male then she'd be pure white," Harry replied, "only the females and young have the dark scalloping."
"That explains it then," the man said with a hint of a smile.
"Well they've sent you a another bird," he said as his partner unloaded a large crate, "we aren't sure what it is. Looks a bit like a Pallid Harrier but well . . . take a look for yourself." Harry walked up to the box and inspected the bird through one of the air holes. "Well?" The man asked.
"Most of what I know is about owls," Harry said with a frown, "you're right though. It or rather she looks a lot like a Pallid Harrier or maybe a Montague's Harrier."
"How do you know it's a female?"
"Size mostly," Harry muttered, "I could be wrong. I definitely think it's from the genus Circus."
"So you're not sure what she is?"
"No," Harry admitted, "I might be able to identify her if I could get a picture or two to some people I know. Sorry I couldn't have been of more help but like I said, if it's not an owl then I don't know much about it."
"No problem Mr. Potter," he said with a grin, "we were just satisfying our curiosity. This magnificent creature was sent to you, this caused some confusion at first till we checked the records and learned that you have all the appropriate licensing and certification to own and care for predatory birds."
"Oh," Harry said in surprise. "Thank you then." He shifted his arm and Hedwig flew off to perch on one of the nearby trees.
"Pleasure to be of service," the man replied, "we just have some forms you need to sign here."
"Of course," Harry agreed. He looked over the documents and signed at the appropriate places. "Not that I'm complaining mind you, but do you guys usually make deliveries?"
"We were curious to know what she was," the man replied, "especially after 'n hour of flipping through the books didn't get us an answer. Besides, it'd be a crime to keep this girl locked up at the airport till you were able to pick her up."
"True," Harry agreed. He pursed his lips as he thought of something. "Hypothetically, how would one turn in a man that's been defrauding the government by cheating his taxes?"
"Give us the name and we'll take care of it," the man said seriously. "Might even be a reward in it for you."
"Well." Harry gave a meaningful look at Vernon's car pulling into the driveway. "I'm not sure I could turn in my uncle like that. I know it's wrong that he's been cheating his taxes for the past few years and even though I don't get along with him, he is still family."
"We understand Mr. Potter," the man said with a grin, "rest assured that when your uncle gets some completely random scrutiny then it will have nothing to do with you."
"I appreciate that gentlemen," Harry said gratefully, "and if there was a reward . . . well, I'm sure there are a number of charities that could use it better then I ever could."
"Sure about that lad? You look as if you could use a new set of clothes."
"One should never take a reward for doing one's duty," Harry said with a sigh, "that's the standard I hope to hold myself to anyway."
"Understood, have a good day lad."
"You too." Harry carefully lifted the box containing his new bird and began to carry it into the house.
"What's all that then?" Vernon demanded. He'd been home ten minutes and already had the smell of cheap gin on his breath.
"They were just dropping off my new bird Uncle Vernon," Harry replied.
"Not a chance," Vernon replied, "I'm not gonna have another bird stinking up my house."
"I . . ." Harry stared at the man. "I agree uncle."
"What?" Vernon stared at Harry in shock. "Then you're gonna get rid of that bloody thing?"
"Can't," Harry said with a false look of regret, "that would cause questions. We don't want another visit from the government again do we?"
"No," Vernon agreed reluctantly, "we don't."
"Why don't I pack up?" Harry asked. "It'll work out for you won't it? Me and the birds'll be gone and you can go back to your nice normal life." Harry didn't want to ignore Dumbledore's orders like that, but he couldn't allow Vernon to harm either of the animals. It was funny, Harry thought to himself, Alcohol was suppose to be able to turn a reasonable man into a killer. With Vernon, it just subtracted a half dozen points off his IQ and made him reasonable.
"Good thinking boy," Vernon said grudgingly, "how soon before you're gone?"
"Why don't you take the family out tonight?" Harry suggested. "I'll be gone before you get back."
"I wouldn't come back if I were you boy," Vernon slurred, "might not be too healthy."
"If I come back it won't be by choice," Harry said slowly, "and I'll be gone again as soon as I get a chance."
Harry walked up to his room and carefully placed the box down on his bed.
"Shhh, easy girl." Harry tried to sooth his newest pet. "Don't worry I'd never actually do anything to you. I just had to tell the bastard something to get him to calm down." He smiled when the bird settled down a bit. "Why don't I put you in Hedwig's cage?" Harry suggested. He turned to his owl. "It's just for a little while and I figured that you'd rather fly yourself to the Leaky Cauldron. We can get her her own cage tomorrow when the shops open."
"Prek," Hedwig agreed. She eyed the other bird for a few minutes before bobbing her head at the other girl.
"Here's the tricky part," Harry said to Hedwig. He reached into his trunk and pulled out a pair of dragonhide gloves. "Let's hope she doesn't savage me too badly huh girl?"
"Prek." Hedwig flew to the bed and glared into the box. "Prek."
"Letting her know I'm not a bad guy?" Harry laughed. "Thanks girl." He carefully transferred the bird to Hedwig's cage and was pleasantly surprised when she stayed calm. "There we go," he said as the bird made itself comfortable on the perch.
Harry took a couple more seconds to admire the bird before turning away. The bird watched intently as he took his shirt off and nearly fell off the perch when his pants followed. He stuck his head out his window to make sure that his 'family' was leaving and grabbed a towel, figuring that if he had the time he may as well get a quick shower to wash off the dirt from the garden before he left.
Hedwig waited until Harry was gone before staring at the cage and the new bird in it. She cocked her head at the newcomer.
"Cree," the new bird said innocently.
"Preyk," Hedwig challenged.
"Cree," the new bird admitted.
"Prek," Hedwig said with a satisfied bob of her head. It was about damned time, she was starting to worry that her Harry had something wrong with him.
Harry returned a few minutes later and immediately bent down to check his newest pet. After assuring himself that she hadn't distressed herself while he was gone, he turned away and bent over to get a clean set of clothing.
Hedwig watched in amusement as the new bird locked her eyes on Harry's behind. A long worm like tongue snaked out of the corner of her beak as she eyed her newest toy. She'd originally planned to identify herself as soon as she arrived, but this . . . this was much better.
Harry packed up his things and grabbed the box that his new pet came in to check for shipping labels or feeding instructions. After a few minutes of searching, he finally found the shipping manifest.
"French maybe?" He muttered to himself. "Markiss de Delacour, Château something?" He turned to the new bird. "Did Fleur send you my lovely." The bird shook her head vigorously. "Gabrielle then?" This prompted an enthusiastic nod. "I'll have to remember to thank her then."
Harry gathered his things and dragged them to the curb and raised his wand to summon the Knight Bus. The bus pulled to the curb and Stan looked down at Harry and all his things with a skeptical look on his face.
"Problem?" Harry asked.
"Sorry gov," Stan said quickly, "maybe s'not my place. But are ye sure ya wanna take the bus with all that?"
"What else could I take?"
"Could always hire a cab," Stan replied.
"How do I do that?"
"Ah," Stan nodded in understanding. "Muggle born then?"
"Raised as one."
"S' a simple thing ta remember," Stan began, "hold your wand up for the bus and down for the cab. Jest hold it at waist hight and then tilt the tip down till the cab arrives."
"Thanks Stan," Harry said, "I appreciate the help."
"Don't worry bout it gov." He closed the door and pulled the bus away from the curb.
Harry followed the instructions and was soon rewarded when an old black cab pulled to a stop.
"Where can I take you lad?" The cabby asked.
"Need to find a place to stay a few weeks," Harry said, "only place I know where I can do that is the Leaky Cauldron."
"How much you wanna spend lad?" The old cabbie asked. "I might have a few suggestions if you can tell me that."
"I only have about thirty Galleons on me," Harry said. He scratched hi chin. "I suppose I could visit the bank later."
"Mah god yer Harry bleedin Potter?" The cabbie said in shock.
"Is that a problem?"
"No problem at all lad," the cabbie said quickly, "but I think I might have just the place for you."
"Where's that?" Harry belatedly realized that the man in front of him could easily betray him to Voldemort.
"Small but very exclusive hotel near Harrods," the cabbie said cheerfully, "sure the owner would be happy to rent you a room. It's not all that expensive either, jest a bit more then the Cauldron." He popped his trunk and got out to load Harry's things. "Magic keeps the expenses down and the price depends on who you are. Owner lost his son 'n brother in the last dust up," he explained, "Lucius Malfoy or one of them other bastards who bought their way outta prison couldn't afford a glass of water in the lobby. You on the other hand should get something closer to cost . . . lessen you agree with the Dark Wanker of course."
"Not even a little," Harry said with a grin.
"Then let's be on our way lad."
IIIIIIIIII
Fleur was pondering the fate of her sister as she strolled through the the family's vineyards. Where had the little minx run off to? It was a question that had prompted several several loud and unpleasant conversations. The other question being asked was why did Gabrielle leave? Fleur had always thought that her sister was happy at home, why had the girl run away? She sighed, perhaps the girl had just wanted a grand adventure? Or perhaps there was some reason she thought she had to leave. The Delacour family was not a close family but a loving one despite that. There was one thing that Fleur knew for sure, heaven help anyone who harmed Gabrielle because there was no power on earth that could save them from the Delacour family.
IIIIIIIIII
The owner himself came out to meet Harry when the cabbie brought Harry into the lobby and made a show of thanking the man and giving him a generous tip.
"Of course you'll stay here Harry," the man said with a smile, "you are a part owner after all."
"I am?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Your grandfather gave me the money to start this place," the owner explained, "always pretended he couldn't hear me when I tried to talk to him about making payments to clear the debt so I made the bastard my partner. That passed down to your father and from your father to you. Sides, your mother was a friend of my boy's when . . . before they got him."
"I was sorry to hear about your loss," Harry said carefully.
"It's been long enough to dull the pain," he sighed. "Sorry, forgot to introduce myself before. If things had been different then my boy would be running this place and I'd be fat and happy spoiling you an my grandkids. Name's James Smith, call me Jim."
"Shame that didn't happen," Harry said wistfully, "I'd have liked to have had a family."
"Still have my daughter," the man said brightly, "her first should be at Hogwarts in a year."
"Give me a name and I'll keep an eye on 'em," Harry promised.
"I'll do just that," Jim agreed. "Sally, I want you to get Harry the best suite we have."
"Yes Mr. Smith," the girl behind the desk agreed.
"And make sure he gets whatever he wants," Jim continued, "you have any worries about your safety Harry?" Harry thought back over his years of schooling.
"A couple," he admitted.
"Mind if I call in a favor or two? I might be able to think of something to help with that."
"Go ahead," Harry said.
"Then I'll see you tomorrow Harry," he said with a happy grin, "make sure he gets something to eat Sally."
"Yes sir," she agreed. He left and she regarded Harry with a look of expectation. "What can I do for you Mr. Potter?'
"First of all, could you call me Harry?"
"I think I could," she agreed with a grin, "anything else?"
"I'm gonna need something to feed to my birds," Harry began, "something warm for myself would be nice too if that isn't too much trouble."
"Of course," she agreed. The woman snapped her hands. "Tinkle."
"You called Tinkle?" A house elf dressed in a bell hop's uniform asked.
"Please take Mr. Potter's bags up to his suite," she said.
"Tinkle will do," the elf agreed. In a flash, it disappeared with Harry's bags.
IIIIIIIIII
Dumbledore walked into his office and made his usual check of the devices he had to monitor Harry's well being. After all, what was the loss of a bit of privacy when compared to the needs of security? There was no doubt in Albus's mind that Harry would be angry if he ever found out just how closely he was monitored, but let the boy throw a tantrum . . . let him throw a hundred. If he was too much of a child to recognize how necessary a close guard was then he was not enough of an adult to manage his own affairs. His eyes stopped on one of the machines, unlike the surrounding machines it stood stock still.
"It appears that Harry needs to be found," Dumbledore mused, "found and retrieved." With a long suffering sigh, Dumbledore gathered his things and summoned the Order. They had a child to find and they wouldn't rest until he was back in the safety of his crib.
IIIIIIIIII
Harry stared in shock at the spread of food that had been laid out for him in his suite. He'd been away from the Dursley family for less then a day and here was yet another reason that he'd never miss them.
"I'm supposed to eat all this?" He mumbled in shock.
"Sharkie thinks young master is too thin," the tinny voice of a house elf replied from beneath the table.
"I didn't have much opportunity to eat much when I was at . . . the place I lived," Harry tried to defend himself, "it's not like I had a choice."
"Sharky thinks young master needs to learn to take care of himself," the house elf said reproachfully, "and that young master must clear whole table."
"I don't think I can eat that much," Harry protested.
"Sharky doesn't think young master has a choice."
IIIIIIIIII
Jim Smith was waiting at the service entrance when several rough looking men arrived with their hats in their hands. Waving them in, he led them to his office and seated them with a smile.
"Heard you might have a bit of work for us Mr. Smith?" One of them asked hopefully. "Involving magic."
"How are the wife and kids Frank?" Jim asked, ignoring the man's question. "Your oldest should be getting his letter soon."
"Should be," Frank agreed, "the misus and I aren't sure if . . ."
"Aren't sure if you should let him go right?" Jim asked. "What would be the point after all? He'd just be setting himself up for a disappointment."
"I never held it against them you know," Frank replied, "the war was over so what use was a bunch of extra Aurors? Only natural they'd let a few go isn't it?"
"And the fact that you couldn't find another job?"
"Was due to everyone having a cousin in the same boat," Frank continued, "can't hold taking care of their family against someone can you?" His hands tightened on the brim of his hat. "I'm not worried that my boy won't get opportunities in the magical world, I know he won't. Not enough jobs to go to family half the time, outsiders are out of luck. I'm worried that he won't be able to adjust back to his own world."
"That's the rub isn't it?" Jim asked. "Our economy consists of a bunch of fools passing around the same gold and calling it profit. No room for growth . . . bugger it. I didn't ask you gentlemen down here to talk about our problems, I asked you here to do a job. Do any of you have anything you can't leave for a few weeks? Maybe a couple of months?"
"I mostly do day jobs when I can find 'em," Frank spoke for the group, "live off the dole the rest of the time. The rest of this lot is the same."
"You finished fourth in your class?" Jim exclaimed in surprise. "You were an Auror for gods sake."
"And I never got any credentials that count for anything in the real world," Frank said calmly, "never had the money or the time."
"Well . . . this makes things easier for me anyway," Jim said with false cheer, "I need to upgrade my security while playing host to a very important guest. The Dark Bastard is back and my guest is number one on the hit list."
"Who?"
"Lily's boy."
"We're in."
IIIIIIIIII
Under the watchful eye of what he had dubbed the 'house-elf-from-hell,' Harry had managed to put away most of the massive feast that had been prepared in honor of his arrival.
"I can't eat another bite," Harry protested.
"Young master must eat more," the house elf demanded, "must clean his plate." The house elf glared at the un eaten portions. "There is children in bad places who would eat young master's food, wasting is bad."
"I . . ." Harry was saved from having to think up a response by a knock on the door. "Have someone at the door."
"Is Mister Jim," the house elf said. With a snap of the fingers, the door opened. "Why is Mister Jim interrupting young master's meal?"
"Just wanted to introduce my head of security," Jim said smoothly. "I understand that you saw the bastard with no name get reborn?"
"Yes sir," Harry agreed.
"Ain't that a bitch," Frank growled, "looks like one go round wasn't enough. You know how many followers he has?"
"I'm not sure," Harry said, "twenty or thirty I think."
"Wouldn't happen to know who they are?" The ex-Auror asked hopefully.
"I could make a list," Harry offered.
"Do that lad," he agreed, "and thank you." He turned to stare at Harry's newest pet. "You were aware that your bird was a girl?"
"I thought so," Harry said with a grin, "based on the size and the plumage. You wouldn't happen to know what she is would you?"
"No," Frank replied, "I mean she really is a girl. She's not a bird."
"What?" Harry made a frantic grab for his wand as the disgruntled bird hopped to the ground and transformed into a young girl.
"Zut," she cursed, "it is me my 'arrie."
"Gabrielle?" Harry asked in shock.
"You know her?" Frank asked calmly.
"Yeah," Harry agreed, "she's . . ."
"I am 'arrie's betrothed," Gabrielle interrupted.
"What?" Frank asked in shock.
"What?" Harry echoed.
"Betrothed," Gabrielle said slowly, "it is . . . we are to be married. Um, engaged . . ."
"I know what betrothed means," Harry said in frustration, "when did we . . ."
"Are you saying are time by the lake meant nothing to you?" Gabrielle demanded. "I thought you were a better man then that my 'arrie."
"But you're so young," Harry protested, "it wouldn't be . . ."
"I am only about two years younger then you my 'arrie," Gabrielle interrupted with a dazzling smile. Closer to three but she saw no need to go into details. "And I am a bit small for my age."
"I . . . what about your schooling?" Harry said franticly. He was too young to be engaged.
"I shall come to 'ogwarts to be with you of course," she said with a dismissive way, "we shall not be parted."
"I . . ." Harry shot a pleading look at the other two men in the room.
"Yer on yer own kid," Frank said quickly.
"Lily always did want a lot of grandchildren," Jim mused.
"Then it is settled," Gabrielle said with a happy smile, "I am yours my 'arrie."
IIIIIIIIII
"You're sure he's here?" Moody asked calmly.
"That's what the tracking charms tell me," Albus said with a smile. "Let's go retrieve the wayward child."
"Yer either getting soft or senile," Moody growled, "take a look around."
"I fail to see . . . oh."
"Bastards have us boxed in," Moody said admiringly, "good to see they haven't forgotten what I drilled into their thick bloody skulls."
"They aren't hostile then?"
"I'd wager that depends on us," Moody said thoughtfully, "but if you're askin if they're Death Eaters? I'd say the answer to that is a resounding no, muggle born, all of 'em."
"Pete is a half blood," one of the men said with a grin, "what was it you were always telling us? I'm sure I'd love to remind you. Hmm . . . constant something?"
"Complacency," Moody said sourly, "least one of us remembered. Can't believe I stumbled into this."
"You're getting old," the man said, "and rusty."
"So it seems," Moody agreed.
"As good as it is for old friends to catch up," Dumbledore interjected, "we're here on serious business."
"Oh?"
"Hoping to have a word with Harry Potter," Dumbledore said smoothly, "he's run away from home and his aunt is beside herself with worry."
"You with him mad eye?"
"For the moment," Moody said reluctantly.
"Suppose I can get you a word then," he said, "for old times sake."
Dumbledore and Moody followed the strange man into the hotel and up a short flight of stairs to suite of rooms that Harry had hired.
"I'm very disappointed in you Harry," Dumbledore said with a frown, "running away from home like that. Why, your aunt is beside herself with worry."
"That's not Dumbledore," Harry warned. In a flash, every wand in the room was trained on the Headmaster.
"My dear boy . . ." Albus was taken aback by the accusation. "I assure you that . . ."
"My aunt can't stand me," Harry growled, "you shouldn't have tried that."
"If he moves," Frank said in a low voice, "kill him."
"Why don't we all jes take a moment," Moody sighed, "don't want to do anything we might regret later. Now then, what do we have to do to prove our identities?"
"What color were my wife's panties?" Frank demanded.
"Green," Moody said immediately, "and a more horrific sight I've never seen."
"I told you," Frank said in exasperation, "I was only wearing them cause I lost a bet."
"Yeah," Moody agreed, "you told me that . . . dinna believe it."
"That's Moody," Frank said with a grin, "good to see you again you old bastard."
"Wish it was under different circumstances," Moody said with a nod, "don suppose yewd take ma word fer it that this is Albus Dumbledore?"
"Would you if you were me?"
"Not a bloody chance," Moody said honestly. "Would ya trust yer charms?"
"For now," Frank agreed.
"Albus," Moody said, "he's gonna hit you with a spell or two. Wouldna move if I were you."
"Is this really necessary?" Dumbledore asked with a long suffering sigh.
"Vitally," Frank snapped.
"Very well," Dumbledore agreed, "you may do as you wish." He bore it stoically as several of the men hit him with a variety of spells.
"Looks like it is him," Frank said grudgingly, "anyone got anything different?" The other men signaled that they hadn't. "Well then, say your piece."
"Harry," Dumbledore said in a grandfatherly tone, "you must come with us back to your family. You must know that it's for your own good."
"My 'arrie will not be going back to those disgusting . . . things," Gabrielle said firmly, "they are scum and 'e is much too good to be soiled by their presence." The annoyed look that Dumbledore shot her seemed to bounce off the young girl.
"What do you have to say Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"I think you've lied to me at least once since you got here." Harry had managed to regain his center thanks to the time provided by Gabrielle's pronouncement. "I think that you are not my guardian, and I think that I'm never going back to that place."
"Bravo 'arrie," Gabrielle squealed, "très masculine."
"Was there anything else sir?" Harry asked.
"We'll talk again later," Dumbledore said calmly, "perhaps you'll be more reasonable then." He turned and began walking towards the door.
"One moment," Gabrielle said, "I wish to have a word with you."
"What is it?" Dumbledore asked.
"I wish to transfer to 'ogwarts," Gabrielle said happily, "to be with my 'arrie."
"I'm not sure that will be possible," Dumbledore said reluctantly.
"Sir, if this is because . . ."
"It has nothing to do with you Harry," Dumbledore said quickly.
"Then . . . why?"
"I'm afraid that . . ." Dumbledore sighed. "May I have a seat?"
"Go ahead sir," Harry agreed.
"First of all," Dumbledore began as he took his seat, "I don't have the amount of control over the school that most people seem to think I have. Tell me Harry, how many of your classmates are not fully human?"
"I don't know sir."
"None of them at the moment," Dumbledore said with a frown, "the board of Governors was quite insistent on that point and I do not have the influence to overrule them. The thing you have to understand about politics is that it's a game of compromises, I've had to compromise my ethics on some things in order to gain concessions on other things."
"So I am not able to go to 'ogwarts because I am part veela?" An outraged Gabrielle demanded.
"I'm afraid so," Dumbledore agreed. "For what it's worth, I am sorry that things have to be this way."
"You said politics are about compromise?" Harry asked suddenly.
"Yes," Dumbledore agreed.
"What if I were willing to go back to the Dursleys?" Harry asked. "Then would you let Gabrielle go to Hogwarts?"
"Then I would be overjoyed," Dumbledore said honestly, "I really think that it's the safest place for you. But alas, I would not be able to ensure that Ms. Delacour would be admitted. I would try of course, will try I should say. But I do not believe that I will be able to persuade to board to come to my point of view."
"I'm glad to hear that sir," Harry said.
"But?" Dumbledore lost his composure. "In god's name why?"
"Because if you had agreed then that would have shown that you were lying. I'm glad to see that you're being honest with me."
"Not necessarily," Dumbledore corrected, "I may have had some capitol that I'd been saving."
"It shows that you're decent then," Harry corrected himself, "if you had the leverage to admit students with nonhuman blood and didn't use it . . ."
"Yes I see," Dumbledore said in understanding, "and you are correct. If I had any way to allow more students to experience the joy that is Hogwarts, then I would have used it."
"If I am not allowed to be a student at 'ogwarts then I shall go as my 'arrie's pet," Gabrielle said firmly.
"Unusual," Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye, "but I think the rules will allow it and I doubt the Board will have any cause to object to a student bring a pet to class with him . . . or of having a friend in a younger year bring his pet with them."
"If I were to agree to go back to the Dursleys," Harry said slowly, "how long would I have to go?"
"Two weeks should do it," Dumbledore said slowly, "but only if you stayed in the house the entire time."
"And what would you be willing to concede if I agreed?" Harry grinned at the unintentional rhyme.
"What do you want?"
"I want training," Harry said, "for me and my friends."
"Agreed," Dumbledore said, "what else?"
"A private room for 'arrie and myself," Gabrielle said firmly.
"That can be arranged," Dumbledore said with a nod, "what else?"
"One more thing," Harry said firmly, "I want you to spend two weeks at the Dursley house polyjuiced to look like me. If you can take two weeks with them then I suppose I can, if you can't then I still get what we agreed to but I don't have to go back . . . ever."
"Did your Doppelgänger leave us enough potion to carry out Harry's request Alastor?" Dumbledore asked reluctantly.
"Enough for double that," Moody agreed, "and another month if ya wanna look as handsome as I do."
"Why don't we mark that down as an alternate plan?" Dumbledore suggested. "Is that satisfactory Harry?"
"Yes sir," Harry agreed.
"Then I have an additional demand of my own," Dumbledore said, "Gabrielle."
"Yes?"
"Do your parents know where you are right now?" He laughed when she winced at the question. "Write your parents and tell them where you are and all that has happened. That is my demand, agree to that and we have a deal."
"Agreed," Gabrielle said with an unhappy frown.
"Harry?"
"Deal."
"Then if you will excuse me," Dumbledore said as he rose to his feet, "I must be going. Is there anything I need to know about your relatives Harry?"
"Do you know how to cook?" Harry asked.
"No," Dumbledore said, "why?"
"You'd better learn quick then," Harry said, "and how to clean, garden, mow the lawn . . . I'm sure you'll figure it out."
"Yes, well . . ."
"And no magic," Harry said firmly, "you want the real Harry Potter experience don't you?"
"I never agreed not to use magic," Dumbledore said with a smile. He raised his hand to stem the coming protest. "But I don't believe that it is an unreasonable request, I agree."
"Have fun sir," Harry said with a feral smile.
"Come Alastor." Dumbledore swept out of the room. "We have work to do."
"And you have a letter to write," Harry said to his newest 'pet.'
"Must I?" Gabrielle asked, she pouted cutely.
"It's what we agreed," Harry said.
"Fine," Gabrielle agreed, "may I 'ave some parchment and a quill?" She asked the hotel's owner.
"Sure can," Jim agreed, "Squicky."
"Here is things for birdy girl," the house elf squeaked.
"There you go," Jim said, "just send it down to the front desk and we'll have it posted for you."
"Thank you," Gabrielle said with a dazzling smile.
"Where do you need it to go to?"
"To my father, the Marquis de Delacour at the Château de Chênaie."
"You're French?" Jim asked in shock. "Your English is wonderful."
"I 'ave a bit of 'elp with my English," Gabrielle admitted. She pulled a small locket out of her shirt. "It allows me to speak the language of my intended."
"Useful bit of magic," Jim said with a nod of approval, "glad to see you've good sense enough to find a way to communicate."
"Thank you," Gabrielle said, "I am done."
"That's it?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Just a short note appraising them of what 'as 'appened," Gabrielle explained, "it need not be over long."
"I'll be sure it goes out right away," Jim promised, "Skummie ."
"You is calling Skummie?" A disreputable looking house elf demanded.
"Be sure that the other bedroom in this suite is prepared for Ms. Delacour," Jim ordered.
"Skummie will do that," he agreed.
"Separate rooms?" Gabrielle asked in dismay.
"I'm afraid that Harry is a teenaged boy," Jim said regretfully, "and as such he cannot be trusted around a beautiful young girl such as yourself."
"But of course," Gabrielle said happily, "my 'arrie is such a vigorous man that 'e would try to visit me in the night."
"And that's why I'm going to have to ask Frank to have a couple men posted here all night," Jim continued, "both to protect your virtue and to protect you both from potential assassins." He managed to hide his grin at Harry's sigh of relief and Gabrielle's sniff of annoyance.
IIIIIIIIII
Dumbledore and Moody appeared on the street in front of the Dursley house with a soft pop of displaced air. With a look of disgust on his face, Dumbledore downed the polyjuice potion and walked up to the front door. The Headmaster knocked on the door and waited until the door opened.
"Boy?" Vernon asked in shock. "Thought you said you weren't coming back?"
"Things change," Albus said as the door slammed. "Perhaps I should try that again?" He mused. The Headmaster pounded on the door again until it jerked open.
"What?" Vernon demanded. "Why are you still here?"
"Aren't you going to let me in?"
"No," Vernon shouted and Albus was once again faced with a rapidly closing door.
"Perhaps that's why Harry doesn't want to return?" Dumbledore speculated. "A most unpleasant fellow, I am sure that Petunia will be most put out to learn how he is treating her nephew." He pounded on the door again, this time adding a mild compulsion charm to insure that Petunia would be the one to answer the door. After all, he'd only agreed not to use magic while living at the Dursley house. Using magic to insure that he got the chance to live in the Dursley house violated neither the letter nor the spirit of his agreement.
"You?" Petunia said in disgust. "I thought we'd seen the last of you."
"Happily," Dumbledore said with a twinkle in Harry's eye, "you were wrong."
"Happily?" Petunia demanded. "The happiest day of my life was the day I thought you were gone for good."
"Aren't you going to invite me in?"
"Not on your life," Petunia growled, "leave and never come back."
"I . . ." Dumbledore managed to say before the door slammed.
"Problem?" Moody asked.
"A minor setback," Dumbledore replied, "nothing a bit of magic can't deal with."
"Thought you said you weren't going to use any magic?"
"Not after I get in," Dumbledore explained, "it's fine to do before."
"I see."
"Now if you please wait out of sight," Dumbledore said airily, "I am afraid that your presence may alarm Harry's family."
"I'll just be right over there then," Moody said. Watching, laughing, and taking pictures. He thought to himself. "Alright?"
"Yes fine," Dumbledore agreed. It took another two hours of knocking and spell work, but Dumbledore eventually managed to wrangle an invitation to enter the Dursley home.
"Get to work on the dishes boy," Petunia screeched.
"Might I get something to eat first?" Albus asked hopefully. "I haven't had a chance to get dinner."
"Not my problem boy," Petunia growled, "dinner was an hour ago and you weren't here."
"Actually I was," Dumbledore corrected her, "you just wouldn't let me in."
"Don't give me any back talk boy," Petunia said, "now get to work. You know the rules, if you don't work then you don't eat."
"But I didn't eat," Dumbledore said reasonably, "so logic dictates that I shouldn't have to work."
"Shut up boy." Petunia slapped him on the back of the head. "And clean those bloody dishes. The freaks may make us keep you but by god I'll make sure you don't enjoy it."
"It's for the greater good," Dumbledore said to himself, "the greater good."
IIIIIIIIII
Moody was more then a bit amused as he watched his old friend attempt to deal with a house full of 'the worst sort of muggles' as Minerva would say. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had so much fun at the expense of another person.
"BUGGER THE GREATER GOOD," Harry's voice echoed through the neighborhood, "AND BUGGER YOU BLOODY GITS."
Moody watched with a smile as Dumbledore paid the Dursleys back for the fifteen minutes of hell that he'd spent with them. Albus stormed out of the house at number four a few minutes later with a look of disgust on his face.
"Decided to call things off early did you?" Moody asked calmly.
"Harry must be a bloody saint to have dealt with those people for so long without putting them six feet under," Dumbledore replied, "how could anyone be so . . . so . . ."
"Dursleyish?"
"Give them up to Amelia Bones with my suggestion that she investigate them for child abuse," Dumbledore said sharply, "and if by some miracle she doesn't find any evidence that they mistreated Harry . . ."
"Best you stop there," Moody said calmly, "and let me deal with the details."
"Bugger that fer a bag ah doughnuts," Dumbledore snapped, "if we're going to do some evil to those bastards then I want in on it."
IIIIIIIIII
Harry woke up late the next morning to the sight of a dangerous looking bird glaring down at him from its perch on the headboard.
"Got a letter for me?" Harry asked sleepily. In reply, the bird dumped an envelope sealed with wax before flying out the window. "Could have sworn I closed that last night," Harry muttered to himself.
He broke the wax seal on the envelope and began reading the letter. Harry's eyebrows shot up and a grin formed on his face as he realized what he was reading. Giddy at the prospect of being able to solve one of his problems, Harry threw his clothes on and tore out of the room on his way to the Leaky Cauldron.
IIIIIIIIII
Albus and Moody were hiding in the bushes across from the Dursley residence waiting in anticipation for their plan to come to fruition.
"And you're sure this is going to work?" Moody asked. "Doesn't seem like it's a bit . . . petty and ineffective to you?"
"Do I have to explain how it works again?" Albus asked in exasperation.
"Why don't you?" Moody agreed.
"Ok, we ordered a bunch of food to be delivered right?"
"Yeah?"
"And so when it arrives." Albus began giggling. "Here it is, just watch."
They watched as the delivery man knocked on the door, they watched as Dudley answered, and they watched as Dudley squealed in joy rather then in rage as Dumbledore's plan had called for. Dudley opened the door and tossed several empty boxes to the curb a few minutes later, giving a satisfied belch before he closed the door.
"Well?" Moody said. "I'm still not sure what was supposed to happen."
"Curses."
"Why don't we just agree that I should take things from here?" Moody suggested.
"No," Dumbledore growled, "I have not yet begun to fight."
"Fine," Moody sighed, "we can do it your way again."
IIIIIIIIII
Fleur stormed into the leaky cauldron ahead of her parents, ready to give Harry Potter a piece of her mind for the way he was treating her innocent younger sister. Imagine treating a Delacour in such a fashion? The very thought of it was enough send her into a blind rage.
The look of hope in Harry's eyes when he saw her and the way he immediately made a bee line towards her across the room gave her pause. The cute way he bit his lower lip and wrung his hands convinced her to hear him out.
"Fleur, I'm so glad you're here."
"Eez there something you 'ould like to speak with me about 'arrie?"
"It's Gabrielle," Harry agreed.
"What is wrong with Gabrielle?" Fleur demanded.
"Nothing," Harry said quickly, "but she's decided to come to Hogwarts with me as my pet."
"Yes," Fleur agreed coldly, "I 'ave 'eard about that."
"It's the only way the Board of Governors will let her go," Harry sighed, "I tried to get her to go back to Beauxbatons to finish her education but she just pouted and asked when I'd decided that I didn't want her anymore."
"And of course you broke and apologized didn't you 'arrie?" Fleur laughed. "Gabrielle learned that trick when she was four years old." Actually, Fleur herself had taught Gabrielle that trick when she was four years old but there was no need to admit that. "Take me to my sister 'arrie."
"One more question," Harry said slowly.
"Yes 'arrie?" She asked with an expectant look on her face.
"Is there really a Veela mating bond?"
"We shall discuss these things later 'arrie," Fleur replied, "now let us go to my sister."
"I'll hail a cab," Harry said as he led her out the door into London, "what about the Veela mating urge? Will she really die if I don't kiss her within the next couple months?"
"Be patient 'arrie," Fleur laughed, "and if you need a taxi then we 'ad better wait a few moments for my parents."
AN: The reason Hedwig no longer hoots is because of a fic by Meteoricshipyards that mentioned that Snowy Owls bark rather then hoot. Well a bit of research confirmed that and now I'm annoyed at myself for not doing my research. Title by ibinnotty.
Omake: Back at Hogwarts
"So you want to have sex with one of my pets?" Harry asked with a smirk. "Why don't you just use one of the school owls? I'm not letting you lay a finger on Hedwig."
"The school owls are not for relieving the sexual frustration of the students," Minerva interjected. "Mr. Malfoy is going to have to buy his own owl."
"Sorry Draco," Harry said with apparent sympathy. "Them's the breaks, I'm sure your father will get you an owl to explore your new desires with . . . well, unless he's squandered the Malfoy family fortune on bribing Minister Fudge."
"I don't want to have sex with a school owl," Draco finally managed to shout.
"Just Hedwig huh?" Harry asked with a frown.
"Prek?" The owl in question asked in horror.
"Don't worry girl," Harry soothed the owl. "I won't let him slake his dark lusts on your innocent body."
"Gawh," Hedwig sighed.
"Not her," Draco screamed. "Her." Pointing in the direction of Gabrielle who to the private amusement of many had assumed her avian form. "I mean . . ."
"You can't have sex with any of my birds," Harry said quickly causing some to groan at the pun. "Sick bastard. What's next, you gonna go after Hermione's little kitty? Hagrid's monster?"
"I'm afraid I'm going to have to rule that Mr. Malfoy can not have sex with any of the animals at Hogwarts that do not belong to him," Dumbledore ruled to the relief of several owls, one toad, a few cats, and some of the unspeakable horrors at Hagrid's hut.
Omake by Brian Arcis
Draco had been trying to send a letter to his father for a week now. Ever since Potter had humiliated him in front of the entire school and now he needed advice from his father. the only problem was none of the owls would come anywhere near him.
"Father will know what to do. I'll get back at Potter and get his little pet!"
Draco's mutterings were heard by all of the owls in the owlery. They had all heard what the little pervert wanted and it seemed even the ancient one's ruling would be ignored. They should have seen this coming they all knew that one of the hippogryphs(sp?) had attacked the freak a few years ago.
They had all just assumed it was the blonde one being an arrogant ass but maybe Buckbeak had only been fending off unwanted sexual advances?
Omake by davidiusbrown
"Malfoy, just because your mother was paraded around like the roast beef and served up to everyone does not mean you get to inflict yourself upon Gabrielle. Go away or die."
Omake by neil.reynolds
"I can't understand it, Hermione/Ginny/Luna/Fleur. Every night after I take my bath and get into bed, my new bird starts making these odd soft noises while preening herself and shifting restlessly on her perch; until she lets off a loud squawk."
"Really?" She stared at the avian Gabrielle, her eyes narrowing.
Harry continued, "Usually it happens just once. Occasionally it happens two or three times in a row. But the first time I kept getting up to see if I could help her, she did it five times in a row, whenever I left her alone and got back in bed."
"What were you wearing that night you kept getting out of bed to look after her?"
"Um. just boxers. I was just dressed for bed, you know."
"I see. I'm pretty sure that having seen you willing to leave your warm bed while practically unclothed, just to look after her, was a great help to her. She might not have managed five times without it."
"What?"
"Oh, nothing."