HPV21-30

Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 21 "Kiss"New

2 hours ago"Maybe if you 'ad a woman on your arm zat loved you?" Fleur suggested. "Gabrielle and I will teach you 'ow to dance this summer so next time you can 'ave fun."

"We'll see," Harry replied and Fleur smiled that he didn't outright reject the idea.

"So by ze Yule Ball I already 'ad feeling for you 'Arry. I'm not sure if it was love zen but zere were feelings," Fleur continued her explanation. "Zen came ze lake.

When I got caught by ze Grindylow and realized zat I couldn't fight zem off, I was afraid. Afraid zat I couldn't rescue Gabrielle, even a little afraid I might not survive. Eet was dark and I was so alone; zen out of nowhere a 'ero, my 'ero came, you saved me, protected me, 'elped me rescue my sister... well somewhere under ze waters my 'eart became yours.

When you didn't leave immediately, I knew I 'ad to stay with you. Zen Gabrielle transformed and ze Grindylow attacked again, but zere was my 'ero again, risking 'is life fighting to save me, fighting to save my sister.

I was terrified for Gabrielle, but once we were on ze platform and I knew she was safe. All I could think of was you. 'Ow much I wanted you, 'ow much I wanted your love. You 'ad just saved our lives and when my magic returned, I couldn't stop it. Not sure I wanted to stop it.

I named you my bondmate," Fleur took a second to catch her breath, "I'm sorry 'Arry. I am sorry zat you are being forced into something you don't want, sorry zat you might never love me ze way I love you, but I am not sorry to 'ave fallen in love with you," By this time Fleur's composure was gone; tears were streaming down her face but she kept a defiant look in her eyes.

Harry was shocked, the pure feeling she had put in the words had almost a physical quality as it poured into him.

He knew right then and there that she really did love him, not just loved him but was deeply in love with him. His own heart gave a lurch, and before he could stop himself, he had pulled Fleur into a hug and then found his lips upon her, flashes of white and gold were going off in Harry's mind.

As Fleur kiss became more, Harry pulled away and looked into her eyes. "What's wrong?" Fleur asked.

"I, I've never really kissed a girl before," Harry admitted.

Fleur couldn't help but give a slight giggle, causing Harry to blush. "I'm sorry 'Arry, eet's just with all zat you 'ave done, I would think girls would be dying to go out with you. You've never 'ad a girlfriend?"

Harry looked down, "No, I haven't."

"I'll let you in on a little secret 'Arry, I 'appen to know of two lovely ladies who want you to be zeir boyfriend," Fleur said.

Harry couldn't help but smile at her, but then he remembered Gabrielle. He turned to face her only to find her crying as well. Harry walked around the table and put his arm around her. "What's wrong?"

"I am sorry 'arry, I am so very sorry," Gabrielle said through sniffles, "I shouldn't have claimed you as well. I didn't realize 'ow much Fleur loved you."

"It's alright," Harry said, his heart breaking from her tears. "Why don't you tell me about it?"

Gabrielle took a moment to compose herself before starting, "I know you're going to think zis ees silly, but I've 'ad a crush on you for ze longest time."

Those words made Harry think of a red-headed witch that couldn't stay in the same room with him without blushing when he first met her. "It's not silly Gabrielle. I didn't deserve it, but it's not silly."

"Well, I use to think about ze boy-who-lived, and played around writing zings like boy-who-loved-Gabrielle or boy-who-lived-to-see-Gabrielle," Gabrielle's perfect cheeks were a dark red now from her blush. "I dreamed about you, zat you must live in a castle–" at this Harry couldn't help but laugh."What?" Gabrielle asked.

"Before coming to Hogwarts, I didn't even know about magic," Harry admitted, "I lived with muggles until I came here."

"What were zey like?" Gabrielle asked.

Harry's face darkened as he thought about the Dursleys, "Not tonight Gabrielle, not tonight, they are not nice people."

"Oh," Gabrielle replied innocently, "I'm sorry 'Arry. I shouldn't 'ave asked."

"You didn't know, but please finish your story."

"Well zen Fleur came to 'Ogwarts and told me she 'ad met you," Gabrielle continued. "She wrote to me all the time and a lot of it was about you. I knew she had some feeling for you, but didn't know 'ow much, but ze letters fueled my fantasies about you. Zen zere was a picture of you on your broom in ze newspaper at 'ome."

At the confused look on Harry's face, she explained. "Ze were covering ze Triwizard event because Fleur was one of ze Champions and because Papa..." Gabrielle stopped.

"Anyway you were in ze dragon arena fighting your dragon. You were so 'andsome and courageous and your eyes seem to look right into my 'eart. I 'ave zat picture in my room at 'ome," Gabrielle confessed shyly.

"Zen I found out father was coming to ze second event and I begged 'im to let me come. I wanted, non, I needed to meet you. We got 'ere and ze next thing I know I was agreeing to be Fleur's 'ostage. I would be in something with you. I knew when eet was over I would get to meet you. Ze next thing I know I'm waking up in ze water, I couldn't breathe, zose creatures were trying to pull us down and I knew I was going to die.

Zen I see you. I didn't know it was you at ze time, but you were zere, you were pulling me up zen everything went black. When I came too, ze nurse was 'elping me, but I was looking around for Fleur and for 'Arry Potter.

Zen you and she were beside me, and I recognized you from ze picture and from your eyes under ze lake. 'Arry Potter 'ad saved my life.

All of fantasies seem to rush out of my 'ead, because ze real man beside me was so much better. Zen I 'eard Fleur, I knew what was coming; I could see it in 'er eyes. I knew she was trying to steal you away from me.

I couldn't 'elp myself 'Arry, I 'ad just met you, but knew you were ze one for me, and I couldn't let 'er take you. Something inside of me came breaking through and I named you. I'm so sorry 'Arry."

Harry found himself hugging Gabrielle as he rocked her gently to sooth her. "I don't blame you Gabrielle. I'm to be your bondmate. We'll make it work."

"I...I" she started again, but this time it her voice ended when his lips touched hers for their first kiss.

Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 22 "Glimpses of Tomorrow"New

2 hours agoHarry looked at the two Delacours, how could he resent them, they both loved him, and he felt his own heart tugging toward them. From what he'd seen and heard, they were both exceptionally beautiful, both physically and in their hearts.

"Let's finish our meal, I'm sure Dobby is waiting to serve the next course," And they did just that. Though the next time Dobby had appeared, Fleur had pulled him aside and whispered a couple of things to him.

Dobby had nodded and disappeared as the next course was served. The three of them seemed to mutually agree that after the heartfelt confessions of earlier, they needed a little break before the issue was discussed again.

"Thank you," Fleur said to Dobby who handed her a small bag as dessert was being served. She just smiled and shook her head when Harry raised a questioning eyebrow.

Once dessert was finished and the dishes cleared, Fleur brought out the little bag. From its depth she pulled out a small mirror that she quickly transformed into a full length one. Again her hand reached into the bag and this time she held three small vials.

"Arry, Gabrielle, come over 'ere for a minute," She instructed them. Harry was curious to what this was all about but did as she requested. "Arry, I know you might still feel a bit unsettled about my age and yours, but 'ere drink zis," She handed a vial to him and Gabrielle. When they both hesitated, she rolled her eyes. "Drink eet, eet's not going to 'urt you," She pulled the stopper on her own and downed it with a single swallow. Harry and Gabrielle did the same.

It only took a few seconds before the potion's affects started. Harry felt himself getting taller, his shoulders broadened and several buttons flew off his shirt as it stretched tight across his chest. "Hermione is going to kill me," was the thought that came to mind as he quickly loosened his tie.

Fleur waited for the changes to settle down. She pulled Harry and Gabrielle closer to her, and pointed at the mirror.

"Zat was a ten year aging potion 'Arry. Zis ees us in ten years," Harry looked in the mirror and saw himself, a little taller and sturdier, his face slightly darker from beard stubble.

Beside him was Fleur, she didn't look like the potion had aged her a single day, and Gabrielle, now looking the same age as her sister, similar but distinctively different. Both as beautiful as could possibly exist.

"Can you see anything wrong with zeir ages 'Arry?" Fleur asked pointing at the mirror, then as she looked back in Harry's eyes, her hand found the opening to his shirt that the lost buttons had created and she reached in and laid her hand upon his chest.

In that one instant, every fiber of his body felt like it was centered on the palm and fingers that were touching his skin. As good as that felt, he was glad when several seconds later he felt himself shrinking back down to his normal size. When Harry looked at Fleur he could see the twinkle in her eyes, making her even more beautiful.

"Now eet's time for you to get to know us 'Arry," Gabrielle said. The two ladies walked over to the table they had rested the books they had brought with them on. "Since we don't 'ave much time before the bond needs to finish, mother thought zese would be a good start. But you 'ave to promise not to laugh."

"Laugh at what?" Harry asked.

"Zese are out albums, 'Arry."

"Well I can't promise not to laugh, but I promise not to laugh at you," Harry said. "Now let's see the baby pictures."

Harry, Fleur and Gabrielle spent the next few hours sitting on the couch in front of the fire looking through the albums. Gabrielle and Fleur told stories of their childhood, and places they have visited. What their home was like and what the sea looked like.

After a couple of attempts Fleur and Gabrielle realized that Harry would enter a darker mood if they asked about his life away from Hogwarts.

Harry told the ladies his versions of his previous three years; he even opened up enough to tell them about hearing his parents when Dementors were close. He found talking about it much easier when he was surrounded by these two ladies who loved him.

Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 23 "Glimpses of Tomorrow"New

2 hours agoHarry looked at the two Delacours, how could he resent them, they both loved him, and he felt his own heart tugging toward them. From what he'd seen and heard, they were both exceptionally beautiful, both physically and in their hearts.

"Let's finish our meal, I'm sure Dobby is waiting to serve the next course," And they did just that. Though the next time Dobby had appeared, Fleur had pulled him aside and whispered a couple of things to him.

Dobby had nodded and disappeared as the next course was served. The three of them seemed to mutually agree that after the heartfelt confessions of earlier, they needed a little break before the issue was discussed again.

"Thank you," Fleur said to Dobby who handed her a small bag as dessert was being served. She just smiled and shook her head when Harry raised a questioning eyebrow.

Once dessert was finished and the dishes cleared, Fleur brought out the little bag. From its depth she pulled out a small mirror that she quickly transformed into a full length one. Again her hand reached into the bag and this time she held three small vials.

"Arry, Gabrielle, come over 'ere for a minute," She instructed them. Harry was curious to what this was all about but did as she requested. "Arry, I know you might still feel a bit unsettled about my age and yours, but 'ere drink zis," She handed a vial to him and Gabrielle. When they both hesitated, she rolled her eyes. "Drink eet, eet's not going to 'urt you," She pulled the stopper on her own and downed it with a single swallow. Harry and Gabrielle did the same.

It only took a few seconds before the potion's affects started. Harry felt himself getting taller, his shoulders broadened and several buttons flew off his shirt as it stretched tight across his chest. "Hermione is going to kill me," was the thought that came to mind as he quickly loosened his tie.

Fleur waited for the changes to settle down. She pulled Harry and Gabrielle closer to her, and pointed at the mirror.

"Zat was a ten year aging potion 'Arry. Zis ees us in ten years," Harry looked in the mirror and saw himself, a little taller and sturdier, his face slightly darker from beard stubble.

Beside him was Fleur, she didn't look like the potion had aged her a single day, and Gabrielle, now looking the same age as her sister, similar but distinctively different. Both as beautiful as could possibly exist.

"Can you see anything wrong with zeir ages 'Arry?" Fleur asked pointing at the mirror, then as she looked back in Harry's eyes, her hand found the opening to his shirt that the lost buttons had created and she reached in and laid her hand upon his chest.

In that one instant, every fiber of his body felt like it was centered on the palm and fingers that were touching his skin. As good as that felt, he was glad when several seconds later he felt himself shrinking back down to his normal size. When Harry looked at Fleur he could see the twinkle in her eyes, making her even more beautiful.

"Now eet's time for you to get to know us 'Arry," Gabrielle said. The two ladies walked over to the table they had rested the books they had brought with them on. "Since we don't 'ave much time before the bond needs to finish, mother thought zese would be a good start. But you 'ave to promise not to laugh."

"Laugh at what?" Harry asked.

"Zese are out albums, 'Arry."

"Well I can't promise not to laugh, but I promise not to laugh at you," Harry said. "Now let's see the baby pictures."

Harry, Fleur and Gabrielle spent the next few hours sitting on the couch in front of the fire looking through the albums. Gabrielle and Fleur told stories of their childhood, and places they have visited. What their home was like and what the sea looked like.

After a couple of attempts Fleur and Gabrielle realized that Harry would enter a darker mood if they asked about his life away from Hogwarts.

Harry told the ladies his versions of his previous three years; he even opened up enough to tell them about hearing his parents when Dementors were close. He found talking about it much easier when he was surrounded by these two ladies who loved him.

Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 24 "Glimpses of Tomorrow"New

2 hours agoHarry looked at the two Delacours, how could he resent them, they both loved him, and he felt his own heart tugging toward them. From what he'd seen and heard, they were both exceptionally beautiful, both physically and in their hearts.

"Let's finish our meal, I'm sure Dobby is waiting to serve the next course," And they did just that. Though the next time Dobby had appeared, Fleur had pulled him aside and whispered a couple of things to him.

Dobby had nodded and disappeared as the next course was served. The three of them seemed to mutually agree that after the heartfelt confessions of earlier, they needed a little break before the issue was discussed again.

"Thank you," Fleur said to Dobby who handed her a small bag as dessert was being served. She just smiled and shook her head when Harry raised a questioning eyebrow.

Once dessert was finished and the dishes cleared, Fleur brought out the little bag. From its depth she pulled out a small mirror that she quickly transformed into a full length one. Again her hand reached into the bag and this time she held three small vials.

"Arry, Gabrielle, come over 'ere for a minute," She instructed them. Harry was curious to what this was all about but did as she requested. "Arry, I know you might still feel a bit unsettled about my age and yours, but 'ere drink zis," She handed a vial to him and Gabrielle. When they both hesitated, she rolled her eyes. "Drink eet, eet's not going to 'urt you," She pulled the stopper on her own and downed it with a single swallow. Harry and Gabrielle did the same.

It only took a few seconds before the potion's affects started. Harry felt himself getting taller, his shoulders broadened and several buttons flew off his shirt as it stretched tight across his chest. "Hermione is going to kill me," was the thought that came to mind as he quickly loosened his tie.

Fleur waited for the changes to settle down. She pulled Harry and Gabrielle closer to her, and pointed at the mirror.

"Zat was a ten year aging potion 'Arry. Zis ees us in ten years," Harry looked in the mirror and saw himself, a little taller and sturdier, his face slightly darker from beard stubble.

Beside him was Fleur, she didn't look like the potion had aged her a single day, and Gabrielle, now looking the same age as her sister, similar but distinctively different. Both as beautiful as could possibly exist.

"Can you see anything wrong with zeir ages 'Arry?" Fleur asked pointing at the mirror, then as she looked back in Harry's eyes, her hand found the opening to his shirt that the lost buttons had created and she reached in and laid her hand upon his chest.

In that one instant, every fiber of his body felt like it was centered on the palm and fingers that were touching his skin. As good as that felt, he was glad when several seconds later he felt himself shrinking back down to his normal size. When Harry looked at Fleur he could see the twinkle in her eyes, making her even more beautiful.

"Now eet's time for you to get to know us 'Arry," Gabrielle said. The two ladies walked over to the table they had rested the books they had brought with them on. "Since we don't 'ave much time before the bond needs to finish, mother thought zese would be a good start. But you 'ave to promise not to laugh."

"Laugh at what?" Harry asked.

"Zese are out albums, 'Arry."

"Well I can't promise not to laugh, but I promise not to laugh at you," Harry said. "Now let's see the baby pictures."

Harry, Fleur and Gabrielle spent the next few hours sitting on the couch in front of the fire looking through the albums. Gabrielle and Fleur told stories of their childhood, and places they have visited. What their home was like and what the sea looked like.

After a couple of attempts Fleur and Gabrielle realized that Harry would enter a darker mood if they asked about his life away from Hogwarts.

Harry told the ladies his versions of his previous three years; he even opened up enough to tell them about hearing his parents when Dementors were close. He found talking about it much easier when he was surrounded by these two ladies who loved him.

Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 25 "An Unexpected Introduction"New

2 hours agoHarry looked into those beautiful blue eyes for a long time before answering, "Gabrielle, I can truthfully say I want to. I'd hate to think we couldn't build some kind of relationship, but to tell you the truth I'm not even sure I know what love really is."

"What do you mean?"

"Before you and Fleur told me last night, only one other person has told me they loved me and I only met him less than a year ago," Harry felt tears coming into his eyes and make an effort to blink them back.

"Only one? But...'ow can zat be?" Gabrielle couldn't imagine anyone not loving her future bondmate. "Who was it? Who was eet zat told you?"

"I can't tell you yet Gabrielle, but after we are bonded, he will be one of the first people I introduce you too. He's the closest thing I have to family," Harry explained. "I know my parents loved me, and I'm sure they told me, but I can't remember it."

"I'm sorry 'Arry, I truly am," Gabrielle said, "Fleur and I love you."

"But do you love me or the boy-who-lived?" Harry asked. "You said last night that you had a crush on me forever, and that reminded me way too much of Ginny, my friend's sister. Are you in love with me, or the thought of me?"

"Arry, I don't think you are ze one I used to dream about," Gabrielle started, "You are so much better. Even if I 'ad never 'eard of ze name 'Arry Potter, I probably would 'ave fallen for you last night. You're 'andsome, kind, thoughtful and very brave. Every girl in zis castle would have fallen for you if zey could 'ave 'ad last night with you."

Harry didn't know what to say, he just smiled at Gabrielle.

"Ees Ginny ze same girl you rescued from ze Chamber of Secrets?"

"Yes she is."

"I'm surprised she's not in love with you, or maybe she is?" Gabrielle asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No, well she had that crush on me at the time. She couldn't even stay in the same room with me when we first met, but I think she is getting over it."

Gabrielle took Harry's hand in hers before continuing "Tell me 'Arry, if eet wasn't for Fleur and me who would you 'ave liked to end up wiz?" she asked.

Harry blushed but finally he shrugged. "I really don't know. I mean I had a small crush on Cho Chang. She's the dark-haired girl that was Cedric's hostage, but obviously she likes Cedric," He sighed. "Parvati was my date to the Yule Ball but that was more desperation than interest. Not to say she isn't nice. But really, there is no one. As I said last night, I've never had a girlfriend."

"No interest in your friend?" Gabrielle asked. "Ze one who helped you, ze one you saved from ze troll? You mentioned 'er a lot last night."

"That's Hermione. She's the one who has always been there for me. She's my best friend," Harry replied smiling as an image of Hermione floated in his mind. "I… well she's the smartest witch; no, she is the smartest person I've ever met. If it wasn't for her, I would have been dead a long time ago, or at least failed every one of my subjects. Even when we argued last year it was because she was trying to protect me. But I was my typical stubborn hardheadedness person and got mad at her."

"What did she do?"

"It's not that important."

"Oui, it is. I want to know everything about ze man I love, especially what makes you mad."

"It was stupid," Harry started but then sighed. "I received a very nice present last year at Christmas, my Firebolt actually. Hermione thought that it might be cursed so she told our head of house who confiscated it to be tested. I got it back later when no curses were found. Looking back I know Hermione had my best interest at heart, it's just my temper flared up and I was too stupid to realize it then."

"Who sent ze broom?" Gabrielle asked with concern. "Why would she zink it was cursed?"

"At the time we didn't know, but later I found out," Harry explained. "And that is another one of those things I can't tell you just yet," He smiled. "You know though, even though the broom wasn't cursed, Hermione was right about who sent it. In fact she's rarely wrong about anything," At that, Harry's stomach grumbled. "Well, we better head back and see if Fleur is awake, and maybe get some breakfast."

Gabrielle was obviously feeling better as they walked back to the hospital wing. There were more students out now and each looked strangely at the pair as they went by. "At least they won't think I murdered Gabrielle anymore," Harry thought.

When they re-entered the Hospital wing, Harry looked toward Fleur's bed and stopped abruptly. His stomach immediately stopped grumbling and filled with butterflies again. Fleur was awake and sitting up in her bed. Beside her were two people who must be her parents.

"ARRY…" Fleur said when she saw her future bondmate. She jumped out of bed and rushed to Harry and threw her arms around his neck. She waited for Harry to kiss her, but he was frozen in place and his eyes were glued to the couple still sitting beside her bed looking back at him. "Come meet our parents 'Arry," Fleur said as she took one of Harry's hands while Gabrielle still had the other. Gently they guided him over to their parents.

"Papa, Maman, zis is 'Arry Potter our soon to be bondmate. 'Arry zese are our parents, Alain and Apolline Delacour."

Harry noticed that Mr. Delacour was shorter than his wife. He had a pointed black beard and a twinkle in his eyes of a good natured man. Mrs. Delacour could have passed for Fleur and Gabrielle's older sister. She had the same silvery blonde hair and radiated beauty. Harry remembered that Mrs. Delacour would be half Veela.

"Nice to finally meet you Monsieur Potter. I trust you are well?" Mr. Delacour asked holding out his hand which Harry shook. Harry had seen on his cousin's TV shows the French sometimes kissed as a greeting and was extremely glad when Mr. Delacour did not attempt something similar. "Fleur was just telling us about your dinner last night. She ees most taken wiz you."

"Uh, thank you sir. Your daughter, uh daughters are very nice," Harry stammered nervously. "Uh, please call me Harry though."

Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 26 "Mr. Delacour's Guidance"New

2 hours agoMr. Delacour looked at his wife and nodded, "Arry can we talk?" He put his hand on Harry's shoulder and led him back toward Madam Pomfrey's office. "Madam Pomfrey may we borrow your office for a few minutes for a private conversation?"

"Certainly," Poppy Pomfrey replied. "I would like to check on the girls anyway," She gave a nod to Mr. Delacour and swept out of her office.

Mr. Delacour turned to Harry and smiled. "You do not need to be nervous around Apolline and me 'Arry," He started. "If anything eet is we who owe you."

"Uh, you don't owe me anything sir," Harry stammered.

"Yes, we do," Suddenly the man was serious. "We owe you our daughters. We know what 'appened. I was zere and saw eet. We also know what would 'appen to our daughters if...well if you weren't willing to give of yourself. For zeir lives, we are thankful."

"I...I couldn't just..." Harry started but stopped.

"Many, many men would 'ave," Mr. Delacour replied. "Or not have taken it as seriously as you obviously 'ave. Fleur told us of your method of agreeing to be bonded to zem."

Harry didn't reply but only gave a small nod as the blush crept over his face.

"So it is we who are thankful, we who owe you. Apolline and I 'ave spoken to ze 'eadmaster, and to your father's friend, Monsieur Brown," Harry smiled as he thought that must be Sirius. "We've also talked to your other professors. Professor McGonagall, Flitwick and 'agrid. All of zem think very 'ighly of you. Of course Fleur 'as been gushing like a young–, like a very much in love girl ever since we came zis morning."

"Thank you sir," Was all Harry could think to say.

"Of course we know about your parents, but I 'ope you know zat from zis time on we consider you part of our family," Alain Delacour said. "Just take care of our girls. One day when you are older," then looking at Harry thoughtfully, "much much older, you might have a daughter of your own. At zat time you will know what I feel in my 'eart right now."

"I would never let anything happen to either of them sir. I just hope I don't disappoint them," Harry replied.

Mr. Delacour looked at Harry in wonder. "You're basically forced into a relationship you didn't ask for and you are concerned about disappointing zem?"

"Uh, yes sir. I, well, I don't want them to regret–" his voice trailed off as Harry was confused as to why a smile had come across Mr. Delacour's face.

"Well I can't fault my daughters in zeir choice. It seems like zey did find someone worthwhile. Good luck 'Arry."

"Sir, should...should I talk to Mrs. Delacour?" Harry asked nervously.

"You are more zan welcome to, but she knows everything we just discussed."

"What? How–?" but the answer came immediately. "You're bonded?"

"Yes we are. But Apolline initiated ze bond after we 'ad been dating and with my consent so I can't say I know what you are feeling now."

"What's it like sir, I mean to be bonded?" Harry asked.

"Zere is nothing like it. Nothing in ze world," Mr. Delacour replied with an enthusiastic smile. "I knew I loved Apolline, and I presumed she loved me, but once we bonded and I was able to know and feel ze love from 'er as well, as I said zere is nothing like it 'Arry. Nothing in ze world," He repeated.

"Uh, yes sir," Harry said.

"Look at me," Alain continued. "I know I'm not ze 'andsomest man around but my wife, she is so gorgeous," When he said that he paused for a second and then continued. "Over time in a typical relationship I might have wondered why Apolline loved me, being as beautiful as she is. I might have doubted her, been suspicious of her, but 'Arry, I know, I can feel 'ow much she loves me."

"But what if I don't love them as much as they love me?" Harry asked as he gave a glance out the window at his future bondmates and then back to Alain. "What if I never really love them?"

"Of course you don't love zem yet," Alain said. "Ow could you? Fleur and Gabrielle know zat. But obviously you must care some for zem? Like zem?"

"They…yes they are both very nice," Harry stammered.

"Zen I think it will 'appen," Alain replied confidently. "I think you three will find yourselves becoming closer. Inevitable I believe."

"What do you mean inevitable?" Harry asked. "I thought I wasn't going to lose myself in this."

"Oh you're not, but zey will 'ave a serious advantage 'Arry," Mr. Delacour said with a chuckle. "As long as you give zem a chance, with you being able to feel zeir love, and zeir ability to figure out what you like and dislike, I doubt it will take long before zey 'ave you wrapped around zeir fingers as much as I am."

Harry felt a fond feeling for Mr. Delacour. He had made Harry's anxieties lessen a great deal. "Yes sir. Uh sir, what is left of the bonding, I mean what else do we do?"

"Normally it would have all happened already, but since the power of ze bond initiation overwhelmed you," Mr. Delacour replied, "ze final piece did not 'appen."

"What is that sir?" Harry asked.

"You accepting it 'Arry. Zat is all zat is left."

"How do I do that sir? That's what I guess I am asking."

"Ah yes, well when everyone is ready," Mr. Delacour replied, "Fleur and Gabrielle will allow zeir magic to flow again, and you should find yourself somewhere wiz your 'eart."

"What do you mean sir?"

"Zis is a difficult part to explain, but when you experience it, you will know what to do," Mr. Delacour said. "You are going to be wiz your 'eart, and you will let Fleur and Gabrielle's magic in."

"But what does it mean that I'll be with my heart?" Harry asked envisioning himself in his chest with his heart beating beside him.

"It is all going to 'appen in your mind 'Arry," Mr. Delacour explained. "You will find yourself somewhere where you feel safe. Your 'eart will be represented by something you feel safe storing your love in. It's 'ard to explain. But for me, when Apolline started ze bonding, I found 'er and me au grenier, eh I mean in ze attic of my 'ome. Zat is where I used to go in my youth when things were wrong. I always felt safe zere. And in ze attic during my bonding, zere was a trunk. I recognized ze trunk; it was where I stored all of my treasures of my youth. But during ze bonding, ze trunk represented my 'eart. I knew all I 'ad to do was open ze trunk and 'ave Apolline reach into it, or enter my 'eart as you might say. Zat completed ze bonding," Mr. Delacour got another faraway look. "Eet seems Professor Dumbledore is 'ere along wiz your dog. Are you ready 'Arry?"

"Uh, not really, but might as well get it over with," Harry replied with a nervous shrug.

"Not over 'Arry," Mr. Delacour said looking Harry in the eyes. "Eet is just beginning for you," With that he turned and walked out of Madame Pomfrey's office with Harry following a couple of steps behind.

As they re-entered the bed-lined hospital wing, Professor Dumbledore noticed them. "Ah Harry, how are you this morning?"

"A little nervous sir."

"That would be expected. Is there anything else you want or need to do before we begin the final part of this?" Professor Dumbledore asked. "I think the ladies would not like to wait until the last minute."

"Uh, no sir," Harry replied. His eyes found Fleur's and Gabrielle's who were both looking back at him with hopeful nervousness. He forced a smile toward them as he crossed the room to stand with the two girls he'd be permanently connecting his life to. As he took each of their hands he turned back to Dumbledore. "I'm ready."

"Then I think we should begin."

Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 27 "The Power of Connection"New

2 hours ago

As he held Fleur and Gabrielle's hands, Harry's mind drifted back to the words Mr. Delacour had said.

"You will find yourself somewhere you feel safe."

He couldn't help but try to anticipate where the bond would happen. Harry thought of all the places he had been in his life. He spent his childhood at the Dursleys and that definitely wasn't safe. Hogwarts? He had fought a troll, Voldemort twice, a basilisk and a dragon at Hogwarts. The Burrow? The last time he was there he was taken to a place where rampant Death Eaters were blasting a campground apart.

Harry sighed. He couldn't think of anywhere he felt safe. "Would that be a problem?" He asked himself. "Would not knowing a safe place prevent the bonding from happen?" His internal reverie was interrupted when Madam Pomfrey laid a hand upon his shoulder.

"Mr. Potter… Harry, I think it is best if you lay back down on your bed," She suggested. "We're not sure what is going to happen to you physically with the dual bonding. You may lapse back into unconsciousness again."

Harry nodded at the school matron and with a sigh climbed back onto his bed. Fleur and Gabrielle walked to either side of the bed and sat down on it.

"Thank you," Fleur said as she took his right hand while Gabrielle only smiled as she took his left.

"Now close your eyes and think of Gabrielle and me," Fleur said in a soft voice. "When we get zere, remember to wait for us. Gabrielle and I must enter your 'eart together. Ze bond forms once ze 'eart is entered so we must do it at ze same time."

Harry looked one last time into Fleur's blue eyes and then turned and smiled at Gabrielle. "It definitely could be worse," He thought before giving a final nod and closing his eyes. Harry tried to relax as he tried to concentrate on the two beautiful women beside him. He felt each of them lift the hand they held and kiss it lightly; warmth radiated from the spot they had kissed, up his arms until it met in the center of his chest. Harry could feel the warmth build in his chest that grew warmer as if a fire was bursting inside of him. Again Harry found himself looking at two beautiful birds surrounded by fire flying across his mental vision. He watched them climb higher and higher and then it all went black.

All the people who surround the bed witnessed an amazing sight; as each girl kissed Harry; a golden aura appeared around them. The auras worked its way from the spot of the kiss up each of Harry's arms and meeting in the middle of Harry's chest. As the two lights met they doubled in brightness and surrounded all three of them.

When the blackness ended Harry didn't find himself at Hogwarts or Privet drive or the Burrow. He was standing on the sidewalk of a regular muggle neighborhood across from a house he had never known but was intimately familiar with. The house was a regular two story home with a small fenced yard. The grass that covered the gardens was brilliant green but never needed mowing, nor did the flower beds need tending. Inside the house there was a regular kitchen, three bedrooms, and most important there was no cupboard under the steps. He knew several years ago a library had been added to the house, in fact a little less than three years ago it had appeared. The weather was perfect and sunny, but then again it was always perfect and sunny here. There never was darkness in this house. This time though the house seemed to be filled with a vivid golden glowing light that poured out of every window. The light made it easy to see through the windows; Harry could see the kitchen where food materialized without being cooked. And there was the library, he could see the shelves and shelves of books and, there she was, sitting in the chair near the window, reading. Harry couldn't help but smile, she was always there reading when he came here. Harry took a step toward the house as if drawn from an earlier time before he heard the voices of two angels.

"Arry wait for us, we 'ave to go wiz you."

Harry looked away from the house and turned back toward the voices. Fleur and Gabrielle were beside him now and each again took a hand.

"Zis is beautiful," Gabrielle said as she looked around. "Is zis where you grew up 'Arry?"

Harry's thoughts turned to Privet Drive and the image of that house materialized a short way away from them. "No, I.." Harry nodded toward the new image "grew up there," And just as quickly as it had appeared, the image of number four Privet Drive disappeared.

"Where are we 'Arry?" Fleur asked kindly. "It's a beautiful 'ouse."

"Uh, not really anywhere," Harry replied with a sigh. "I... well it's actually just an imaginary house I dreamed up to escape to when times got difficult with my relatives. I would lie in my cup–, on my bed and go to this place in my mind," The words made him remember some of the times that caused him to retreat to this place and those memories started flickering on and off.

Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 28 " The Collapse of Hope"New

2 hours agoHarry looked on in horror at what was happening. He desperately tried to will it to stop, but the memories wouldn't obey him. Worse, the more memories he saw, the more he remembered.

There was an image of Harry being thrown into a cupboard with a dingy mattress by a shouting red-faced Uncle Vernon yelling "You'll be lucky if you get out of there this week!"

Another of Harry being chased by his cousin and his gang of bullies while Dudley yelled "We're going to get you freak," and another of being chased up a tree by a bulldog while Aunt Marge looked on laughing.

Image after image of the abuse Harry suffered at the hands of his relatives materialized. Harry hated the idea of Fleur and Gabrielle seeing the memories, but they just wouldn't stop. He knew they would now regret who they had chosen.

After what felt like an eternity of struggling against his own memories betraying him, he finally gave up. As he continued to stare at the memories, he tried to explain.

"I always dreamed of a home like my parents had," Harry started as he tried to prevent any emotions from his voice. It didn't work.

Fleur and Gabrielle heard the pain and sadness and could see it in his face.

"I don't know what their house looked like so I built this place in my mind. I would imagine I lived here and my parents would be alive; I would celebrate Christmas and...and I just wanted to leave that.." Harry gestured to where the memories where now slowing. His voice cracked.

"I'm...I'm sorry, I'm not who you think I am. I...I don't...I..."

"You think zat is who you are?" Fleur asked as her eyes flashed in anger at what she'd seen. "Look at me 'Arry," She said and when Harry did so she continued as she pointed at the memories. "Zat is not you, zose are people who are no better zan ze dirt beneath your shoes."

Harry couldn't hold the eye contact and looked away.

Gabrielle and Fleur looked at each other. They each had an expression of anger at what they'd seen and the desire to give their bondmate the happiness he desired and deserved.

"Zat is not you," Fleur said again, more gently this time. "Take us to your 'eart and let us prove eet. Show us your 'eart. Let us give you our love."

Harry could feel the pull of the Veela magic urging him to go toward the house. A voice flitting though his consciousness, "Just walk in the house and it will all be better," He nodded at Fleur.

He looked around again then stepped toward the house. He'd only walked two steps though when an image of Uncle Vernon appeared directly in front of Harry, blocking his way.

The large walrus like man waved his fist in Harry's face and yelled. "Where do you think you're going? Get back in your cupboard!" Harry flinched but tried to move past him. Aunt Petunia appeared this time blocking his way.

"LOVE?" She scoffed.

"Who'd ever love you FREAK? You're not worth the food you eat," Gabrielle tried to pull Harry around the long necked woman. It was Dudley who appeared next.

"FREAK! Nobody'll every love a freak like you."

Harry stumbled back. He barely heard Fleur's voice as she said. "Zey're not real 'Arry, ignore zem. We do love you," She pulled him forward, toward the house, toward his love.

The effort was futile though. Every path, every step was blocked by another image. Aunt Marge was there with a snarling bulldog, another Vernon and another Dudley all repeating the word

"FREAK!"

The more Fleur and Gabrielle tried to help Harry fight, the more figures appeared. Finally Harry stood still, unable to move, but the torment never ceased.

The images that surrounded him continued their verbal abuse until he collapsed onto the sidewalk. Slowly the house and all that surrounded them crumbled like dust, leaving only darkness and that too faded. Fleur and Gabrielle blinked at the sudden onslaught of bright lights, only to find themselves surrounded by their parents and others in the hospital wing.

Fleur and Gabrielle looked at each other, first in confusion but then they realized what had happened and what it meant to them. They both looked at Harry. His eyes were closed and he wasn't moving. Fleur then looked at her mother and father who had a hopeful look on their face that soon was dashed as she said. "We could not bond."

Those words set off a verbal pandemonium all around the bed. Finally Dumbledore's voice cut through the verbal clatter. "Quiet everyone. Madam Pomfrey, how is Harry?"

"He's unconscious Albus, I think he's in shock," The school nurse responded. "I would like to administer a sleeping potion."

"No, not yet. With so little time left we need to consider other possibilities. We will need him awake as soon as possible, is there anything else you can do?" Professor Dumbledore asked sadly.

"I'll give him a calming draught as soon as he comes around," She said but her look gave a much deeper meaning to Dumbledore.

"Very well Poppy. Miss Delacour," Professor Dumbledore said addressing Fleur, "could you tell us what happened?"

"Oui," Fleur replied. She took a deep breath and then spent a few seconds to recollect what she had witnessed. Finally she was ready. "Ze bonding started out fine. We were at a 'ouse, but it wasn't a real place. It was something 'Arry said 'e dreamed up to escape to when 'e 'ad difficulties when 'e was younger. We saw images of 'im being abused and…"

Professor Dumbledore made a sound as if to say something but decided against it and said. "Sorry, please continue."

Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 29 "Veela Expertise"New

2 hours ago"Well, 'Arry told us about 'ow 'e imagined 'imself living zere with 'is parents and 'e was incredibly sad 'eadmaster," Fleur continued.

"But just as we started to go toward ze 'ouse zis big man appeared. It was ze same one we 'ad seen abusing 'Arry when 'e was younger and 'e started calling 'Arry a freak. Zen a woman appeared, again she was ze one from ze earlier abuse and she also started calling 'Arry a freak, and more and more kept popping up, we tried to get around zem but more came and kept chanting 'Freak' at 'Arry.

We tried to tell 'im to ignore zem but 'e couldn't. It got so bad zat 'Arry just couldn't move. No matter what we tried, it kept going and going. Finally 'Arry just collapsed and ze images and the place all went black and we were back 'ere. Why did it 'appen and what is going to 'appen to Gabrielle and me?" The last questions were to her parents who were ashen faced.

"I don't know ma petite," Mr. Delacour answered. "We will do whatever it takes to find out zough."

"I will go see if I can get a Veela bond expert 'ere immediately," Mrs. Delacour added. "Eadmaster, is zere a Floo connection I can use?"

"By all means, in my office. I will walk you there myself right away," Professor Dumbledore said and turned. He'd only walked a couple of steps when he stopped and turned back. "In fact, may I ask all of you to join us; I would like both of your daughters to do something for me," And with that he started to the door followed by the family Delacour. When Padfoot stood up to follow, Professor Dumbledore motioned him to stay. "Padfoot, please stay with Harry, if he wakes up and we are not here, he will need you. Poppy, how much time do you think we have?"

"Less than eight hours Albus, that is if the original forty-eight hours time period was correct," replied a very grave looking Madam Pomfrey. "Though I would like to consult with the bond expert if I get a chance."

"Then we shall hurry," Professor Dumbledore said. He turned to the Delacours, "Can all of you please hold my arm," He stuck out his left arm. Though they gave the headmaster a strange look, each of the Delacours reached out and grabbed his arm. Dumbledore seemed call into the air "Fawkes," Immediately there was a flash of fire next to the Headmaster's head.

A beautiful red and gold phoenix was hovering above him.

"I need to be in my office now please Fawkes," Dumbledore told the majestic creature. Fawkes spun to offer his tail feathers to his friend. As Dumbledore touched one, the phoenix beat his wings twice and with another fiery flash, they all found themselves in the Headmaster's office.

"Now Mrs. Delacour, the fireplace is at your disposal. The floo powder is in the light blue canister," Professor Dumbledore said. "Is there anything else you might need? I have contacts in the Department of International Cooperation and with the ICW so if you need anything pushed quickly, let me know."

"Thank you, but I shall be fine."

Professor Dumbledore nodded and then turned to the Fleur and Gabrielle, "Have either of you heard of a Pensieve?"

Both Fleur and Gabrielle shook their heads that they had not.

"Understandable. They are very rare. But in this case I feel it will be very useful. It is a device that allows a person to see copies of another person's memories," Dumbledore explained. "I would like to ask you to share your memories of what happened in the bond. I am hoping I might see something that might help us understand what is happening," He looked over at the girl's father. "Mr. Delacour, Gabrielle is underaged, so I would need your permission for this as well."

"Of course, anything zat will 'elp my daughters," Mr. Delacour said. He had the look of a man who was used to doing much but now was forced to sit and watch, unable to help.

"I am willing professor. I will do anything for 'Arry," Gabrielle replied, "But what do I need to do?"

"And you Fleur?" Dumbledore asked, looking at the older sister.

"I…I don't like the idea of showing 'Arry's secrets. 'E never wanted to talk about 'is childhood,but... but I also think 'e would be in greater pain if something 'appened to Gabrielle or me and we didn't share zem," Fleur said. "I just 'ope 'e will forgive us."

"I am sure he will," The Headmaster said. "Now Fleur, I am going to ask you to go first. All I want you to do is close your eyes and think about what happened. Go slowly; try to remember every detail you can. Now while you are doing that I will be holding my wand next to your head, please do not panic. It will be there only to copy the memory. You'll feel a slight chill in your head as it happens; again this is nothing to worry about. Let me know when you think you're ready."

Before Fleur could reply, Mrs. Delacour came over. "Eadmaster, could you please allow ze Floo to accept a delegate from ze Veela Magical Institute. 'Er name is Rachelle Berceau, one of ze leading experts on Veela bonds."

"Of course," Professor Dumbledore said. He aimed his wand at the fireplace and gave it a slight twist. "It is done. She can come and go for the next forty-eight hours. May I inquire if she is a full Veela?" He asked. "I only ask because if she is going to move around the castle, the other professors and I will need to take certain precautions. We have a castle full of young and shall I say impressionable men that we need to make allowances for, for their safety of course."

"Thank you Professor. I understand your concern for your students; she is 'alf Veela like myself," Mrs. Delacour turned back to the fireplace and started speaking again. Two minutes later she stood back as the green fire blazed higher. A very attractive silvery blonde-haired lady materialized within the flames and walked out of it. She said something to Apolline and shook her hand. Looking around she saw the person she recognized and walked over to Professor Dumbledore.

"Professor Dumbledore, I am very glad to finally get a chance to meet you. Your reputation is of course, legendary. I am Professor Berceau of the Veela Magical Institute. I understand we have an issue with a Veela bond?" She spoke in perfect English.

"Yes Professor Berceau–"

"Rachelle, please."

"Thank you. Please call me Albus. Let me introduce Mademoiselles Fleur and Gabrielle Delacour. We have both of these ladies trying to bond with a young man–"

"A simultaneous bonding?" Professor Berceau asked. "How did that happen?"

Harry Potter Veela's Embrace Ch. 30 "Facing Failures"New

2 hours ago"It is a complicated tale of how it happened Rachelle," Professor Dumbledore said "but yes if you mean both ladies declared Harry their bondmate at the same time. More importantly though is the bond attempt has failed and we are running out of time."

"How much time?" Rachelle asked.

"Our resident Healer estimates eight hours or less," The Headmaster said.

"Why so little time?" Rachelle asked

"The initial bond attempt happened when the young man in question was magically and physically exhausted. He was rendered unconscious for three days. The school healer had to put the young women into a deep sleep to prevent the expiration of time while we waited for his recuperation," Dumbledore explained then continued. "Upon awaking we let the three of them enjoy an evening together since the initial bond was um, a one way commitment."

Ms. Berceau looked at the two young ladies in shock. "You didn't?"

Fleur and Gabrielle just nodded as tears came to their eyes.

"Don't be too harsh in your judgment until you can get the whole story Rachelle," Professor Dumbledore said. "There were a lot of issues that caused their declaration and most were not in the control of these ladies."

"Okay Albus, so what is the problem with the bond?" Ms. Berceau asked.

"Harry, that is the name of the young man who is to bond with them, Harry Potter–" Professor Dumbledore started.

"No, not THE Harry Potter?" Rachelle asked in disbelief.

"Yes, I'm afraid so," Professor Dumbledore replied.

Rachelle turned to Fleur and Gabrielle, "Was that the reason for the–"

"Non," Fleur said defiantly. "Je suis amoureuse de lui."

"You love him? Deeply?"

"Oui, I do. I cared for 'im even before 'e saved our lives. 'E is ze most caring, brave, wonderful person, he is...is...everything."

"Saved your lives? Both of you?" At the nods, Rachelle continued. "Well I am looking forward to that story. Now is the young– is Harry accepting the bond?"

"Oui, 'e even comforted me about eet zis morning," Gabrielle said. A small smile appeared on her face as she remembered her time with Harry.

"Good, you know there is no way to force a person to accept the bond, but if that's not the problem then let's get to the bottom of this issue and get you bonded to your young gentleman," Ms. Berceau said. She turned back to the Headmaster, "Do you know what happened or should I speak with your healer?"

"Madam Pomfrey is our healer. A most skilled woman who I think you should most definitely speak with," Dumbledore said, "But I was just going to share these ladies memories of what happened. Even though they have conveyed a very interesting telling of the events, I would like to see them for myself."

"You're not thinking of Legilimency while the girls are in bondstate are you? It could lead to further complications," Rachelle asked sharply.

"No, not Legilimency, I am planning on using a pensieve," Dumbledore replied. "I am fortunate enough to have one of the few ever created. It is here in my office. With so many years I've found I've accumulated too many thoughts to keep track of. Year after year, I find myself using it more and more often."

"A pensieve? Well that is different. I've never seen a bonding in such a fashion," Rachelle replied in academic excitement. "I am sorry for accusing though. I was just concerned that with legilimency...well I just had an incident involving it and it did not turn out so well."

"Quite all right, I prefer a professor who cares for the safety of their charges," Albus responded. "Something I may have failed at it seems. I'm afraid from what these ladies have said I might be ultimately responsible for this problem. Both in the original bond declaration and the failure of the bonding attempt. But before I rush off to take all the blame, I would like to, as they say in the muggle world, visit the scene of the crime, to see what can be done," Professor Dumbledore turned to Fleur, "Are you ready?"

"Yes 'eadmaster," Fleur answered.

"Very well, now close your eyes and think of what happened. Remember to go slowly and try to remember exactly how it happened. Focus on as much detail as you can," Professor Dumbledore said quietly.

As Fleur closed her eyes, he brought his wand up and laid it at her temple. A silvery white substance accumulated upon his wand. Professor Dumbledore brought up a vial and he allowed the substance to fall from his wand into it until finally Fleur's eyes opened and she said "Zats all of it."

"Thank you," Dumbledore said as sat the vial of silvery substance aside. He looked at her sister and gave her smile. "Now Gabrielle, can you do the same for me?"

"Oui," Gabrielle murmured and walked over to him. Repeating the same advice and steps, another vial was soon filled.

"Professor Berceau, I would like to look at these first," Dumbledore said holding up the vials, "But afterwards I will have you join me."

"Very well, I shall start discussing the events with the ladies; hopefully it will give me a better understanding to what the problem might be."

"Of course. I bow to your knowledge in these matters so please let me know if I've done something wrong or overlooked anything," Dumbledore replied. He poured the first vial into the Pensieve and disappeared into the basin. He returned a few minutes later with unshed tears glistening in his eyes. He spent a few moments in silent contemplation of the decisions he had made when it concerned Harry.

"Where did I fail? How could I have allowed such things to happen?" Dumbledore asked himself.

The memory of that night so many years previous came readily enough. The death of the Potters and the uncertainty of everything that had happened. Dumbledore knew that baby Harry had faced potential retaliations from the leaderless Death Eaters and in light of what happened to the Longbottoms, his fears had been confirmed.

With the prophecy indicating that Harry was the only hope of the Wizarding world, his safety had been Dumbledore's paramount concern and the blood wards that could be used at his mother's family was the most effective protection possible.

He'd even placed Arabella Figg in the area to watch over Harry, to ensure against exactly what seemed to have happened. He knew that Arabella could sniff out an abused cat seven blocks away and would fight a hippogriff to save it.

Dumbledore had presumed she would be able to do the same for Harry. Yes she had mentioned he was withdrawn and shy, how he was chased and beat up by his cousin, and various minor instances of neglect he seemed to be suffering, but she had never indicated anything to the level he'd just witnessed.