Facing the Unknown

Slowly Harry awoke. He recognized the room that was visible in the grey morning light. "Hospital Wing," He thought. "Why..." He started to ask himself but then all the memories of the previous day came crashing back onto him. He jerked up and grabbed for his glasses. It was then he heard the sound. Someone was crying while trying to be quiet as well. It came from the bed on Harry's left.

Harry glanced cautiously over toward the noise. Though the girl was lying on her side facing away from him, Harry knew instantly that it was Gabrielle. Her body shook slightly as she cried. After several seconds, Harry climbed out of his bed and sat down on Gabrielle's. The pressure on the bed caused the young Veela to jerk around in surprise.

"What's wrong Gabrielle?" Harry asked. He could see her eyes were filled with tears and from the tear stained face and puffy eyes, Harry could tell she'd been crying for some time.

Gabrielle swallowed as she unsuccessfully tried to blink back the tears that were in her eyes. "I'm sorry 'Arry," She said in a whisper filled with unhappiness.

"For what?" Harry asked.

Gabrielle didn't answer as more tears leaked down her cheeks. Harry took the edge of her sheet and used it to brush the tears away.

"I told you last night, I didn't blame you, and I really don't."

"But Fleur loves you so much and now–" Gabrielle started.

Harry took Gabrielle's hand, "and now what Gabrielle? You don't love me?"

"Non...of course I do, but.." She looked over at her sister.

Harry followed her gaze and saw Fleur still sleeping peacefully. He looked back at Gabrielle and said "Let's go for a walk and talk about this so we don't wake Fleur up right now."

"Oui," Gabrielle replied but as she was about to get out of bed, she thought of something. "I don't 'ave any clothes except my dress 'ere. My parents will bring some by soon zough."

At the mention of Gabrielle's parents, Harry stomach suddenly developed butterflies. He knew today he had to face the elder Delacours. Not just today, but very soon today. "Uh would they be awake? Maybe we can send Dobby to get your clothes from them."

"I think zat would be fine 'Arry."

"Let me go into Madame Pomfrey's office to call him so he doesn't wake Fleur when he arrives. Is there anything special you want to wear?" Harry asked.

"Non, anything maman gives him will be fine," Gabrielle said as she sniffed.

"I'll be right back," Harry whispered and with a smile and a squeeze of his hand, he left her and walked into Pomfrey's office. He was back within two minutes. "Dobby will be back soon with clothes."

It was less than ten minutes later when Dobby walked out of Madam Pomfrey's office holding a bag. "Dobby got Misses' clothes; your mother says these should be fine for you Miss Gabrielle."

"Thank you Dobby," Gabrielle said softly.

"Misses is welcome. Misses is always welcome to call on Dobby," Dobby replied.

"I'll be right back," Gabrielle said to Harry as she took the bag. "I'll change in ze bathroom," By the time she got back, Harry had changed back into his pants and shirt from the previous night.

With another glance to make sure Fleur was still sleeping, Harry took Gabrielle's hand and guided her out of the hospital door. Though they glanced at each other occasionally, neither of them said a word. They passed very few students, something Harry was thankful for. Finally Gabrielle realized Harry was guiding her somewhere specific. "Where are we going?" she asked.

"Somewhere," Harry replied noncommittally but tried to reassure her with a smile. It was only a couple of minutes later that he stopped in front of a door. "Here it is," He said. He opened the door and gestured for her to enter.

The room was empty of everything but a trap door in the center of the floor. "What is zis?" Gabrielle asked as she looked around and then back at Harry.

"Do you remember me telling you of our first year adventure? The room with the giant dog?"

"Oui, of course."

"This is it. This is where it began. The dog stood over that trap door and down there," Harry nodded toward the trap door, "was where the Philosopher's Stone was kept."

"Can we go down zere?"

"Maybe someday, but not this morning. I'm not sure if the Devil's Snare is still down there."

"Zen why 'ere?" Gabrielle asked as she looked at Harry with her beautiful blue eyes.

"Because it does mean something. You see, when Ron, Hermione and I jumped down that hole we had no idea what was going to happen. We leaped into the unknown, faced the challenges that were waiting for us and because of that it all worked out," Harry put his arms around Gabrielle.

"I think that's a lot like us becoming bonded. We have no idea what's going to happen, but you, Fleur and I are going to leap into an unknown and we will face the challenges and it will work out."

"You really think so?" Gabrielle asked as she looked at the trapdoor.

Harry turned her slightly to face him and then gently raised her chin so he was looking into her eyes. "Gabrielle, I enjoyed last night. I got a chance to get to know the ladies who love me and want to spend their life with me. I'm not going to lie and say I'm not a little frustrated, or wouldn't have liked to have had a bit of say in it, but you and Fleur are both beautiful people, and I don't mean just your looks."

"I 'ad fun as well and I know Fleur did too," Gabrielle said with a hopeful look in her eyes.

"My Go–, I mean someone I talked to before you woke up suggested that maybe fate is rewarding me by bringing you and your sister into my life. Maybe he's right," Harry said with a slight shrug. "So no more blaming yourself Gabrielle. It's going to happen so let's just see where fate takes us."

"Do you think you will ever love me 'Arry?" Gabrielle asked suddenly.

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