Yes, another story in progress by me.

Originally, I had only planned to dabble in fan fiction to increase my skill so that I would be able to write a book that has been floating in my head for years. Yet, these characters have come alive in my head. And I really must blame Jeconais' for writing a superb story called 'Hope', that gave me the inspiration for a Harry/Gabrielle romance. I had no intention to add another story to my list of things to write, but I feel it is unfair to not give voice to the characters in my head.

This story is meant for an older audience, but will not feature adult material directly. I seriously wanted to test my ability to write a comedy and romance. There will be action, as evidenced in this chapter, but ultimately, it will be rather light hearted. I want people to read this story and leave having laughed a few times, and ultimately feeling a bit lighter. So I do hope you enjoy the story.

To those that it may concern, this story could be considered divergent post Goblet of Fire. However, as I do not delve into Harry's time as a student, you may also see this as Half Blood prince compliant.

All rights to those who deserved them first. I am merely letting my muse at the steering wheel for a time.

One Sided Sun: Une Bouffée

XxXxXx

Harry was trapped.

No matter how hard he struggled to move on, his unconscious mind would always force him to relive this moment in his dreams.

Harry watched his hand rise up, empty of its wand yet still poised to smite his enemy. His wand was lying forgotten somewhere behind him, but he would not need it for this final spell.

They had only come to Godric's Hallow to investigate reported death eater activity when they had been ambushed. None had been prepared for such a large show of force, yet each man and woman who had come with Harry had held their ground admirably until reinforcements had arrived. And with the arrival of Dumbledore, the death eaters had been forced back between the headmaster's and Harry's combined power.

The chance to win their first major battle on English soil had galvanized the side of light, and they had fought with all their power to give Harry the perfect opportunity to strike out at Voldemort.

Slowly a feeling of warmth and happiness suffused the dream, and Harry did his best to ignore the feelings that seeped over into him.

It was difficult to do, though, as a golden light filled his palm, a reflection of the emotions used to power the spell. It was useless to try and break free from the dream, yet Harry still did his best to wake, not not enjoying one bit the way the memory of this spell could remind him so much of her. That love and joy would only make the next portion of the dream much harder to handle.

He had seen it countless times now, but his heart still began to quicken as Voldemort began to pick himself up off the ground. The dark lord was gravely injured, dazed from the last attack that had forced him to the ground. The very air hummed with magic, a result of what was bleeding off from the spell Harry was casting.

Then from the corner his eyes, he saw a flash of red hair, dodging and weaving spell fire from various enemies. There was no mistaking the sadistic glint in Voldemort's eyes as he discovered the means to retreat with his life intact.

Harry's spell only needed a few more seconds to be complete, but the killing curse was much faster, and was cast well before Harry could find some manner in which to retaliate.

All it took was for that one small frail body to hit the ground, and Harry's spell lost cohesion, along with his will to keep fighting. All that was left was for Harry to look up into the eyes of his killer. He was standing over him now, preparing a second curse to reunite him with her, and slowly his world was bathed in a cold green light...

Harry shot up, his blankets falling to the floor as he thrashed about in his bed, searching for his wand. The line between dream and reality was still hard to make out, and it felt as if he was still watching that green light move towards him.

Finally he managed to distinguish the waking world from his dreams, and as someone who had to always be ready to fight, he was disgusted at the length of time it had taken him to do so. His clarity of mind also brought with it the memory that like all the nights before this one, had has stashed his wand under his pillow to be readily accessible. Pulling it out, he rubbed his thumb over the worn wood, using a wordless spell to light the torches in his room.

Despite the safety he had inside the walls of Hogwarts, and no matter how easy it was to hang up the mantle that society had placed upon him that week, he had yet to find a place where he could escape his nightmares. Even the years that had passed since then were unable to heal the mental wounds he had suffered at Godric's Hallow. Once he dreamed of those events, he felt his work fall to pieces, and he knew he would be unable to get a sound night's sleep for a few days yet. Dreams like those always left him in a foul mood and unable to rest his mind even at night.

Taking a deep breath, he ignored the negative emotions, and let them drain away. His friends had been supportive of him all along, and he would not insult them by backsliding into negative habits again. They had been the ones to slowly draw him out of his depression, and he had even been forced to consult a few psychiatrists in order to better cope with all that he was forced to do. It didn't always stop the anger he felt at being forced to deal with the hand life had given him, but it certainly did help.

He also bloody well knew that if he let himself wallow, that today wouldn't be as much fun as he initially planned it, and he wanted everything thing to go right. Besides, none of the victims in this damn war wanted a hero who was ready to break down into tears each time he had a bad dream.

Sighing, he swung out of bed and stretched slowly before standing up fully. He still had some injuries to worry about, and the cold weather that permeated the castle could wreak havoc if he wasn't careful. As of late, he always seemed to be on the mend from some new injury, and he tried the exercises needed to recover seriously. Having Hermione tie him down again if she saw any of her hard work undone because he had been lazy just didn't sound like a keen idea this particular morning.

This last fight had been a bludgeoning hex to the ribs, and the time before that a shrinking charm aimed at his kneecap. As usual, they were taken in order to strike back at Tom, and though they hurt like hell at the time, none of them had been permanent, and he always gave as good as he got. Another day or so, and the small twinges from his side would be all gone he hoped.

Then again, he could hardly argue with Hermione's requests, not when she had that annoying habit of being right all the time. He had to admit though; it was bloody useful having a medic as skilled as she was. He knew that medicine wasn't the field she had planned to use her genius in, but with him and Ron always getting injured, it was a good thing she had changed career goals. Her knowledge of already established spell work was top notch, but her ability to make new spells was what made her the best damned magical doctor out there. She could heal someone so quickly they would often awake with doubts they had ever been injured in the first place.

Grabbing a clean black shirt and a pair of jeans, Harry went for a quick wash before grabbing a quick nip in the kitchen. Despite the rough start, he was actually looking forward to today. It would be busy, but that was a good thing when he wanted to avoid brooding.

Finishing his fry up, he ate quickly before making his way to the door. Opening it, he stepped out into the shifting space beyond, not at all bothered by the odd scenery. The dizzying few seconds before the room had finished restructuring itself no longer bothered him, and he did not worry about the fact the door to his room was now missing.

The staff had a full time job keeping students away from this portion of the castle, but it was well worth the effort. If any student found out about Harry living and teaching here, the results would be disastrous. He would hate having to relocate after all this time. At Hogwarts, even hidden away, he felt close to the action and the decisions that could win or lose them this war. Besides, when his rooms could change to meet his every want, why would he want a boring old flat in London somewhere.

Pulling out his wand, he began to disassemble the wards kept to ensure his privacy, and unlocked the door to let people in. By the time he had finished, he was already safely hidden when people began to file in. By now they were used to not seeing him immediately, and he didn't feel compelled to break cover just to make pleasantries. He still had wards to help sort out those who had not been invited, but he would not risk exposing himself to someone who might have found a way to sneak in.

Harry smiled a bit roguishly; it was also fun knowing that he was getting the better of so many witches and wizards. It wasn't his fault that they never thought to look into just what muggles were capable of these days, like the pane of one way glass he had bought and used to secretly watch his students.

This lot may not think poorly of muggles, but it would take more time than he had to open their eyes fully to the fact that they'd have to be getting on with the non magical populace sooner or later. And even longer before they learned about all their fun inventions.

When the last student had made his or her way into the room, he began to cast the necessary identification spells. They understood the risks, and were more than willing to mill around the few moments it took him to be satisfied no one had sneaked in. Well, aside from two people, but they were always a welcome surprise.

To his side a door opened, and he made his way to where everyone was standing and watching him. He gave a brief smile to Ron and Hermione before clearing his throat, signaling that he wanted everyone's attention.

"Welcome everyone," Harry said, letting his voice carry in the large space. Before him stood the some of the most trustworthy auror cadets and students from the three major European schools of magic. Though there were a great many men and women from England and the lands nearby, he was always pleased to see how many foreign invitees they had. It was much more difficult for them to be attend now that Tom had extended his reach out through Europe, but there were always a few who managed to get selected.

"Today is the last day of your training, and I have done my best to prepare you for the war that is on the doorstep of every major country. England may be the true battleground at the moment, but we all know that Voldemort is extending his power base to control as many magical countries as he can. My goal has been to make sure that each one of you has the skills to protect yourself and others if need be. I have to say that I'm proud of each and every one of you, and I know that when the time comes to step up and fight for what is right, each one of you will do the right thing."

Gesturing behind him, the room expanded and a replica of Diagon alley appeared. "I suggest then a bit of a game for our final lesson. I know that sounds out of place, but believe me, there is a good reason for all of this. In times of hardships, you have to try and enjoy life all the more. I forgot that for quite awhile, and I hope none of you follow my example in that."

Harry swallowed deeply, bracing himself for the next admission. He had tried to prepare for it last night, but after that dream, it was harder than he had expected. "A very important friend of mine taught me that. She's no longer with us, but her thought lives on with us, and I intend to try and spread her advice to everyone I can. If I do that, then I know anyone who has taken what she said to heart will be able to fight all the harder when the time comes to save what they love."

A carefully fabricated serene smile seemed to placate those students who had seemed worried by his hurt tone, though he had doubts about his two friends who were eying him oddly. "So for once, just enjoy yourselves here, but don't let me down. This will be a serious fight, and I want to see how far each of you has come these past two months. And just think, this is your chance to get back at me for working you like a slave master all this time."

It was hard to keep a serious look on his face when all he wanted to do was laugh at the suddenly feral expressions he was receiving. Half the student body was whispering half formed plans about how to get the better of him, and frankly, it was going to be that much fun when he announced the next bit. "Ron, Hermione, care to join me up front?"

As soon as they reached him, Harry abandoned the established role of professor to embrace the couple, and gave them a large grin. "I was beginning to think you two wouldn't be able to make it," he said, keeping his voice low so as to not carry.

Hermione gave him a large smile, though he eyes seemed just a touch reproachful when he mentioned doubting them. "Of course we would make it, Harry. We wanted to check in on you. You don't think we aren't used to how you tend to close yourself in shortly after a duel with Voldemort, do you?"

Ron placed a hand on her shoulder, "That can wait, Hermione," and pointed at the waiting class. "I think our illustrious leader had some more important things to finish first."

Harry gave his friend a smile. He loved Hermione like a sister, and it WAS true that most of the time he did need a stern kick in the metaphorical behind to open up about his feelings, but this was the wrong time to do so.

Turning to the class at large, he smiled at them and placed a hand on the shoulder of his two best friends. "I know all of you have met Hermione, as she has done a bang up job teaching you lot about proper first aid. The man beside me, though, is probably less well known, but it's my pleasure to introduce to you Ron Granger. He's Hermione's husband, but to the aurors in the crowd, you might have heard some swill that this lumbering oaf is one of the best aurors we've had in a century."

Ron pouted at Harry before looking out at the students, adopted a cheeky grin, and bowed once for the awed auror cadets before Hermione slapped his arm. He stood up straight, trying to look stern, though a ghost of a smirk danced around his mouth. Harry may have been joking, but it was still odd to know that the boy he grew up with really was considered one of the best aurors in a long time.

"Why don't you head on in, Ron. I'll be along shortly, just have to let this lot know the rules and such." Ron grinned then gave him an overly formal salute before walking off, and both Harry and Hermione shake their heads at his antics.

Instead of looking confident, the students were beginning to look nervous now, and he felt slightly guilty. Placing an arm around Hermione's shoulders, he turned so they were facing the crowd. "Don't worry, Hermione will be here to help your team, both in regards to firepower and as a healer. She may be an amazing medic, but I feel I should remind you that she is also one of the most skilled witches the world has seen in centuries. There are few people I would rather have at my side when it comes to a duel."

He turned to give his bushy haired friend a big grin, "So make sure to put her to work, and don't hesitate to ask her how to best handle me and Ron. I would never want you going into a fight without preparing yourself the best you can."

"Now, for the important final touch," he said, and began to wave his wand, vocalizing a rather lengthy incantation, causing a brief glow that suffused the mock city behind him. "This duel will pit the lot of you against me and Ron. Nothing lethal folks, but the wards keep score of what you've been hit with. It may seem a bit unfair, but if it lets you know that you considered 'dead' please step off to the side. I think you'll agree that most of the time it has a good idea of what would have done you in. I also think the lot of you have worked with me long enough to know that there are no tricks in here, and we're just as likely to be killed by you lot."

Harry put on his most serious expression and was glad to see none of them appeared disheartened by the additional rules. "We won't be showing you any mercy in there, and I expect the same treatment from all of you. Death eaters are bastards, plain and simple, and don't expect them to not use some pretty dark hexes and curses against you. You're permitted to use field medicine when and where you're able, but don't rely solely on that. You would be surprised at how effectively a stunner can end your life in a real battle, if used properly. I repeat, don't be too shy to ask Hermione for help and see what she thinks. She knows better than to take control, but it's up to you lot to use her properly."

Hermione gave him a small frown, "And what if we win Mr. Potter? I don't work for free, you know." Her tone was joking, and many people laughed, but Harry treated it very seriously.

"Then I'll make sure everyone here gets their very own invisibility cloak," he said, and Hermione's eyebrows rose into her hairline.

"Now now, Hermione, just make sure you don't take out any of your anger at something Ron might have done on me, all right? You're scary when angry!" As always, she played her part perfectly, and looked properly mollified.

"Of course. Though if that husband of mine gets within range, I have a few bones to pick with him." Maybe it was his imagination, but he thought she really did sound unhappy with the circumstances, but he just placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered a quick good bye before heading off to find Ron. He could feel her gaze on his back, but really, he would think she should be used to the gifts he gave his classes once they completed their training, whether they beat him or not.

He didn't have to hunt for Ron, because he was holed up exactly where he thought he would be, in the deserted candy shop. Grinning at the predictability, he rolled his shoulders and took out his wand, "Ready?"

"Been ready for ages, mate. Let's show them how it's supposed to be done."

They didn't have to say anything after that, nor did either of them move. Working together was something they were so used to that any attempt to plan would be a simple rehash of something they'd covered at some point before. For now they were fine just trusting that the other would pick up on what would need to be done after the fighting began.

It took some time, but eventually the students came into sight, and Harry watched them begin to peer into buildings carefully, trying to discover where their targets were hiding. Instead of waiting to be found, he began the fight in earnest, letting out the fastest stunner he could, and dropping one of the girls from Durmstrang. After that, all hell broke loose.

Though his students were unable to either hit or incapacitate Ron or himself, Harry was proud at how well they were doing with the exercise. None of the students appeared ready to do something foolish and lose the advantage they had in numbers. The best spells he and Ron could throw at them, short of being truly harmful, were met with an efficiency that belittled their experience.

This group also seemed to be damned good with those shield spells, and knew when to use them to block spells that weren't even aimed at them. It wasn't going to be as simple as using the landscape to press their advantage, and if they couldn't do something soon, they would be in a bad place as they lost more ground.

Then Ron responded to their assault in a way that the students weren't expecting.

Harry had been using a shield spell designed to reflect attacks, and was slowing the student's march towards them. While doing so, Ron had gone for broke, standing up long enough to fire a few bursts of stunners to either side of the students, blocking them in.

The students recognized the situation they were in, and while most managed to hide behind a shield, some of Harry's reflected spells struck. In the end there were three students marked as dead by the wards, and a hell of a lot of confusion. The counter attack had broken their confidence just enough to ruin their teamwork, and utter pandemonium took over. In that state, it was much easier to pick the students off on by one.

What was worrying both him and Ron though was the fact that Hermione had not made an appearance yet, and they knew she had to be lurking somewhere. The students were finally getting their act together, and the remaining ten students were charging them. Half were providing the shielding to support such an assault, and the other half lent their firepower. Still, that was only a mild concern, as he knew the two of them could win, the real question was what to do with the missing witch.

Signaling to Ron, he took a moment to examine their surroundings, letting his friend cover him, and he spotted a slight flash of movement circle into the alleyway behind the shop they were in now.

Harry nodded in the direction of the alley, and Ron looked between the alleyway and the students for a moment before making a decision and shifting to be more centered in the window. All the while he kept up his spell fire, and began to add a bit more power to his magic, sending Harry the clear message that he should be the one to handle Hermione.

Harry hated when people did that.

Even if it was a training exercise, he never had liked the idea of having people get hurt when he could protect them. And taking on ten well trained witches and wizards by himself was pushing the limits of sanity, even for his friend.

Deciding to do what he could before leaving, he fired off a barrage of stinging hexes. The spell itself was inherently rather weak, but it fast enough to slip by shields, and was proving to be an excellent distraction. Building up his power for a moment, he shot a bludgeoning hex at the ground in front of the group, sending up dust and debris to obscure their sight lines.

It was a small advantage his friend could use. "Don't even pretend to die on me," he told him, and Ron nodded before Harry took off through the back door.

Harry ran out the back and saw Hermione in the alleyway behind the shop. She shot him an innocent expression that did nothing to hide the fact she was disappointed her mischief had been spotted. From there started a brief and intense duel between the two.

Despite Hermione's technical knowledge, Harry was one of two best duelists in the world. Hermione's spells were just too slow for him to have to worry about them, and it was a short fight until Hermione was quickly stunned and wrapped up in thick bindings. Looking down at her, he shook his head, "Bloody well shouldn't have taught you how to be sneaky."

Levitating the bound witch, he used her as a shield to enter the store once more. When there was no spell fire, he poked his head out from behind her, and saw various students milling around or unconscious, each with a faint glow to mark them as dead.

The only other occupant of the room was propped up in a corner, no death glow hanging over him, but still bound up. When Harry made his way over to Ron, he grinned, and nodded down at the bindings. "Had to take this to get the last of them. Bloody hell mate, you taught this lot some pretty good curses, though."

Harry smiled, "Of course, I can't let them go out there without being ready. Now, hold on a second and I'll sort you out."

Willing the scenery to disappear, he found all those unconscious lying around the now much smaller room. Seeing that his students were already going around rousing everyone given that the game was over, he grinned and released his friends himself.

Turning back to the class at large, he saw everyone awake and well, though many appeared to be in slightly low spirits at their loss.

"All right you lot, none of that pouting nonsense" he called out. "Remember, me and Ron have been training a long time for this sort of thing, and we've been in some pretty nasty scrapes. The fact that you held out so long against us on our own territory and forced us back like you did is outstanding. Sometimes all you need is a few moments in order to properly escape from the death eaters, and I don't think either Ron or I could have stopped the lot of you from escaping if you were so minded."

"Just remember that death eaters usually work off of fear and large numbers. I know each one of you is amazing duelist, so just keep your wits about you and you'll be fine. Now get out of here and show me that you lot can use what I taught you for a good cause."

The crowd gave a roaring applause before turning to one another to whisper in excited tones. Eventually they got around to breaking off, each person coming up to say their goodbyes to Harry and Hermione before leaving. He almost wished he could see their reactions when they went to their rooms to find an invisibility cloak waiting for them. With as much money as he had, he didn't mind spending it on something that might save his student's lives. Unless he met them in some sort of battle, however, it was unlikely that he would meet most of these people again until he finished off Voldemort. So he just took his time enjoying the impromptu chance to relax.

Finally he was left with just his oldest friends and he embraced each of them once more. They both appeared tired but rather happy with him, and Ron was still grinning in the afterglow of a good fight. "That was amazing, mate. But that's pretty much expected by now, huh, Boy-Who-Kicked-Arse?"

Hermione slapped his arm, "Ronald, Language! Really though Harry, you've done an amazing job here. Now let's go to your rooms so I can check on your wounds. I couldn't say anything with you in front of everyone like that, but you should know better than to be too active right now."

He rolled his eyes at the witch, "Yes mother." She huffed and grabbed his elbow, heading straight towards the wall where a door had appeared. Opening it, she pushed him inside, bustling after him and making sure he took a seat. A quick inspection of the room showed that Dobby must have beaten him to cleaning up his mess before he had visitors, and he reminded himself to thank his friend later.

Hermione eyed him for a second, and then gave Ron a look reminiscent of days spent getting the red head to study. "Keep an eye on him Ron, I don't want him to go anywhere while I get my equipment."

Ron nodded, "Okay love. He'll be here to poke and prod all you want when you get back, I promise." Hermione huffed then gave her husband a sweet smile before leading over to kiss his temple before exiting the room.

Smirking at the byplay, Harry asked, "So, how's the married life then, Ron?"

His friend shook his head, "Half the time it's brilliant, the other half I'm sleeping on the bloody couch, and I can tell you it isn't as comfortable as yours is, mate. Aside from the bickering, I like it here in Hogwarts well enough, and Hermione's suite as school nurse is nice, but it's rather hard on a bloke, knowing you have to be quiet cause kids are around."

Harry groaned, "Please, I beg of you, just spare me the details. I don't need to know what you to do to occupy your time."

Ron smirked, "Sure beats how you spend your time." His friend became a bit more serious then, "Don't you ever get tired of being holed up in here all the time?"

Even though he felt like closing up on the subject, he forced himself to meet his friend halfway on the subject, "I was out two weeks ago, as you know."

The door opened, and Hermione stepped through, scowling. "Harry James Potter, going out to fight a dark lord does not qualify as a good time, and if it does, I'll have you checked into St. Mungo to have your head looked at. When is the last time you went out for fun?"

He glared at her, not liking being double teamed. "Early last year," he murmured, and Hermione raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch that," she said.

"Early last year, damn it and you know it," he growled out. "I'm perfectly happy here. I have plenty to do, I'm even reading more, you of all people should be happy with that." Harry pointed out the book lying on his coffee table, and Hermione rolled her eyes at him.

"Harry, you WROTE that book on defense," she said exasperatedly.

Despite himself, he looked down, flushing a bit in embarrassment, "Well, at least I know it's a good book."

Hermione shot Ron a look before rolling her eyes, "All right Potter, shirt off, arms up."

Though he was still uncomfortable with the idea of being in such a compromising position, he had grown accustomed to such treatment, and merely tried to sit still as Hermione set to work. He no longer minded the casual embrace with the girl he thought of as a sister, but there were still limits to what he felt comfortable with.

"Ron," he began, "thanks for coming mate, really. After you're performance, I bet Moody is kicking himself for not taking you on to train personally as well."

"Harry, after what he put you through, I was glad he wouldn't take me. I've never seen a man enjoy hurting someone so much and NOT delve into the dark arts."

Laughing, he saw Ron eying a butterbeer, and nodded in assent, letting his friend nurse the bottle. "How is the old sadist doing anyway?" Harry asked. "I haven't seen him since he brought a group of recruits here to train close to a year ago now."

Ron shook his head, "Still going strong, and scaring the shit out of the recruits. He likes mentioning you whenever he can. You'd be surprised the instant respect it gets him when he tells recruits he was the one who got you started on the path to being such an amazing duelist. It also gives him an excuse to curse them when they give anything less than their best."

Harry grinned, "Forget all the times I threatened to curse that man during sixth year, I'm just glad he's doing all right. You would think he would have retired by now, but I guess we should have known better than to think he'd not do something to make a difference."

"I think it's partially because he's happy with people looking up to him," Hermione said. "Not that he is seeking the attention mind you, but during wartime the people need a hero to look up to. It's very similar to how people idolize you, especially after how you tricked Voldemort. I honestly think that alone has immortalized you more than surviving the killing curse did."

He let the comment roll off of his back, just smiling down at Hermione when she finished applying an ointment to his ribs. "I don't know why it's such a big deal. Honestly, I'm surprised muggles can't see Tom's ego from space at this point," he shrugged before slipping on his shirt and grabbing a butterbeer.

Hermione took a seat beside her husband, and fixed Harry with a long look. "Harry," she started, "the fact that you fooled Voldemort into using a magical vow is amazing, never mind his ego. He wasn't considered one of the most brilliant students to pass through Hogwarts for no reason. You basically destroyed his power base in one fell swoop. Neither Voldemort or his followers can harm muggles until they kill you, or it violates the oath. Don't you see how important that is?"

He frowned, "Oh, I know it was important, but it just hasn't been enough, Hermione. He's still going around killing witches and wizards wherever he pleases. No matter how much better we get at keeping everyone safe, he only finds new ways to catch us off guard and hurt everyone." Harry took his glasses off and placed them on a nearby table before running a hand through his hair, "I'm just so tired of this. He's winning slowly, and I know the aurors and I are doing the best we can, but that doesn't stop the body count from rising. How long until someone we know or care for ends up being injured or killed? I don't think I can take having anyone else I know dying on me."

"And here you are, asking me to leave the castle. Why should I, Hermione? I try to enjoy life where I can, but we both know what will happen if I expose myself. Voldemort will attack and people will die, he's done it before. I'm not trying to brood, but you've seen what's happened the few times I've left the castle for fun. Staying here means he's just as willing to hide himself, and I think I'd sleep easier knowing nobody died because I wanted to get some fresh air."

Hermione walked over to sit on the arm of his chair, and she placed her hand on his shoulder. "But Harry, it isn't healthy to live the whole of your life penned in like a common criminal. You know she wouldn't want you to live like this."

Harry glared up at her, "Don't tell me what she would want. I know she'd be angry at me, all right? What do you expect me to do? I'm happy here, so there's no reason to put people's lives on the line by leaving. I'll go out when I'm needed, fight Voldemort, and hopefully end this damned war as soon as I can."

Seeing how close to tears Hermione was, Harry was unsure of what to say, and instead sighed deeply. He hadn't meant to lose his temper, but sometimes it got the better of him, especially when she tried to make him justify why he should put others at risk. Not to mention the dream still had him on edge and irritable.

Ron cleared his throat, "Right mate. I think for now we'd best forget about it and get to what I needed to talk to you about. The order wanted to let you know they have another group of hopefuls lined up already. I'm thinking they want to squeeze a class in while Voldemort lays low after your last duel. They'll be here tomorrow, so don't expect to get much down time."

Harry smiled, glad for the change of topic, and not at all minding the work. "That's fine with me. I like helping people with learning how to defend themselves. Besides, I can't afford too much down time, and the classes keep me sharp."

The red head nodded, "Exactly. Though you'd never guess who they picked up out of France to attend."

"You didn't mention anything unusual when we talked last night, Ron. Is it someone we know?" Hermione asked, looking interested now, and she squeezed Harry's shoulder once before standing up and sitting down beside her husband.

Ron grinned like the cat that had caught the canary, "Just another one of Harry's damsels in distress."

Thinking back, Harry tried to recall who he had saved in France recently. There had been a few fights between him and Voldemort in England's sister nation. Slowly, a sense of dread filled him, "Please say it's not Minister Petit, Ron. You know she's way too high profile to teach, and besides, she wasn't very happy with my breaking into her house to stop that assassination attempt."

His friend was now smirking, "Hardly. She probably wouldn't know the business end of a wand if she saw it. Think a bit further back, you know, when you were scrawny and only half as famous as you are now."

Harry threw his empty can, striking the other man in the head, who didn't even grace him with an upset look for his efforts. Even though it was a fair amount of ribbing, he found it funny as well, and it was becoming clear who Ron was referring to. Back in his school days, he had rather limited interactions with the French.

"Gabrielle?"

Hermione looked at Ron, excitement written over her face. After Ron nodded, Hermione clapped her hands together in delight, "That's wonderful news. The Delacours have been doing their best to remain neutral after the incident with Fleur, but its good news to know that not everyone in that family has closed themselves off from the war."

As soon as she said it, Hermione regretted it, because the excitement that had filled the air was replaced by guilt.

Ron cleared his voice, taking the first step in breaking the tension. "Well," he said, "I don't know about that, but she certainly seemed willing to join. She's training to be a medic, but she also was among the top of her class from Beauxbaton."

Harry took a calming breath, letting the good news wash away the sadness, and smiled at his friends. He was already getting excited at the prospect of what tomorrow would bring. "Well, I can't wait to see her. The only news about how she's doing comes second hand from Bill, and he doesn't drop by very often now that he has a daughter to care for."

Ron nodded, "Yeah mate, it will be a nice change, but enough of that, fancy a game of chess?"

Harry chuckled and pulled out the board from beneath his coffee table, setting it up to enjoy a quiet afternoon with family.

XxXxXx

Gabrielle Delacour stood before the gates of Hogwarts, her long blond hair rising off her back as a spring breeze danced around her. Ahead of her was a majestic place full of history, a location that had witnessed more pivotal moments for the magical world than she could count, and she could hardly wait to enter those ancient halls.

Shielding her eyes, she swept her gaze over the towers, her breath catching as the light from the rising sun wove a halo around the school. Beauxbaton had a graceful beauty that could not be diminished by comparison, but this castle displayed its strength with a grandeur that could draw the breath from its observers.

Admittedly, it lacked the French style she so adored, yet Gabrielle was forced to admit to herself she preferred this school's presence over Beauxbaton. And now she would be able to take the next step in her education here.

"Gabrielle," a voice called out from behind her, and she turned to face it. Without needing to see the face, a smile came to her lips at hearing the sound of an old friend's voice. It had been a welcome surprise to see that her childhood friend had been selected to attend these seminars as well, and it was heartwarming to have her there.

"Yes, Olivia, welcome to Hogwarts," she replied to her friend, properly intuiting the source of the girl's awed look.

The girl swallowed deeply, her brown eyes reflecting worry, but also a sense of excitement. "This is...not what I expected," she admitted.

"I should think not, I highly doubt it could ever be what one expects the first time," she said soothingly.

Olivia gave her a weak smile, and Gabrielle took her hand, hoping to provide her friend with a bit of comfort. Her friend was what many would have called a late bloomer. She had never been remarkably beautiful or intelligent, but her character had shown through from the very beginning, and Gabrielle had worked slowly on trying to help her confidence so she could reach her full potential someday. For Olivia's sake, she hoped that this seminar would help build her confidence enough to bolster her abilities so she could showcase her talent with medical magic.

"Don't worry, Olivia. I know the woman who will teach us, and I think you will find she is most accommodating," she assured her friend, though it had been a few years since she last interacted with their soon to be teacher. She hardly doubted, however, that such a fine individual would stoop to such a level as to disappoint them in such a short time.

"For an English woman, you mean," said another from behind them, instantly recognizable by its strongly French accent.

"No Maurice, even by our understandably high French standards I believe she will do." The people around her laughed as she flipped her hair over her shoulder while speaking, her tone obviously teasing.

Maurice was a fellow graduate of Beauxbaton, and though they were hardly the closest of friends, it was common knowledge the love Gabrielle held for Hogwarts. "It's been nearly nine years since you've been here, hasn't it," he asked her.

Gabrielle nodded and noticed they had attracted the attentions of the Englishmen and women in their group. "Indeed, and it almost feels as if I've returned home, Maurice. Oh, it sounds silly, for I spent such a short time here, but the place had such life to it that our school lacked. And the instructors truly were superb. Whoever the instructor is for this Defense seminar is, I truly believe that we will be taught by the best."

"Be honest Gabrielle," Olivia broke in, "You're more interested in seeing Professor Granger than our defense instructor. Professor Morel always said you were one of the best defense students he's ever taught, are you sure you won't learn some defense as well? I can't stand the thought of you getting hurt."

Gabrielle softened and gave her friend an embrace, "Don't worry love; I intend to learn how to protect myself. To ignore someone who is so obviously skilled would be foolish, but you know my discomfort with fighting. I never could describe to Professor Morel my inability fight seriously, but I understand the need."

"Well I, for one, am glad I won't have to duel you all the time then," Maurice said. "You can be quite dangerous when you are properly motivated. More so when you decide to use your charm."

Smiling sweetly, Gabrielle relinquished control over her Veela magic, and a wave of magic rolled across the grounds, sweeping over the men in the area. Even Maurice, with his own Veela heritage, flushed at the desire she birthed in them. "Whatever do you mean, Maurice?" She spoke demurely, reigning in her magic as she felt the glares of some of the women fall upon her.

Olivia simply shook her head, and Gabrielle was glad to see that she was feeling more at ease. "You're so bad Gabrielle," she whispered.

Gabrielle smirked and leaned over so she could only be heard by her friend, "Maybe, but it's so much fun on occasion." Standing up straight, she tried to return to a more dignified standing with the rest of her group, "Enough of that, though, as I believe we're expected inside. I've been dying to find out who the other instructor is; regardless of if I'm taking his classes or not, so come on." She grabbed Olivia's hand and they began walking up towards the castle.

Taking their time to maintain a certain level of dignity, and to take in the surroundings, Gabrielle and Olivia slowly led the group to an expanse of grass that led up to the entrance of Hogwarts. Before it stood two figures that brought a smile to her face.

It appeared that Ronald and Hermione Granger were waiting for their arrival, and she gave them a slight wave in greeting. It was a moment before they must have overcome their shock at receiving such a warm greeting, but she could just make out their merry smiles after a moment. She could hardly fault them the discourtesy, after the way the rest of her family had shunned the Weasleys when Fleur had passed. To her, the loss of her sister was tragic, but she could hardly fault these people for the choices her sister had made in trying to help.

Gabrielle faltered for a second, wincing a bit as she realized that part of their reaction was indeed her fault. Olivia gave her a queer look, but Gabrielle just kept walking. It was her fault alone for not trying to rectify the situation by contacting them before now. Beyond the occasional visit to see Bill and her niece, she had effectively cut herself off from the Weaslys as well. It was only their large heart that allowed them to overlook such a rude gesture on her part.

When she drew even with the couple, she swallowed her doubts and embraced the witch and wizard, who returned the gesture with the nearly ritual enthusiasm she always equated with her extended family.

Stepping back, she bowed her head once to both, "I'm truly sorry for falling out of touch with you and your family."

Hermione waved a hand, dismissing the notion at once, "Nonsense. Given the relations with your parents, and your schoolwork, it's perfectly understandable to be distracted."

She shook her head, "None the less, it was a boorish thing of me to do, and I ask for your forgiveness."

"Come off it and introduce us to your friends," Ron told her, his grin taking the sting out of the words.

Gabrielle smiled, "Then let me remember my manners. This is Olivia Perrin," she said before lightly pushing the girl between the shoulder blades so she moved closer to the couple. Olivia shyly held out a hand. Hermione took the girl's hand for a moment before Ron moved in, lifting up the hand to kiss the back, offering a small greeting in French that made Olivia blush.

Hermione glared at her husband, "Ronald Weasly, are you trying to flirt in front of your wife?"

Ron took a step back, his hands rising up to put space between him and the witch, "Don't blame me Hermione. I mean, come on, it's not every day you see a beautiful young French girl for the first time, I just wanted to be polite."

Olivia hung her head as she blushed deep crimson, and Gabrielle laughed, catching the winks the Grangers gave her. She would have to ask them how they had picked up so quickly on their friends' inherent shyness.

Moving to the side to provide a clear view of her other classmate, she gestured at Maurice, "And may I introduce Maurice Mowak."

Maurice moved forward and slipped a hand around her waist while extending the other to grip hands with Ronald. Doing her best to hide her blush, Gabrielle reminded herself to berate the boy later for such an action, as it was horribly embarrassing and he had no right to do so. Truly, there was little to hold against Maurice, for he was a fine individual, and fortunately relatively immune to her Veela charm, but he missed some facet that would have made her interested in pursuing a relationship with him.

When Hermione raised her eyebrows in an unspoken question, she shook her head slightly, causing the brunette to frown. No doubt her feelings mirrored Gabrielle's own at the moment. Maurice had made his attraction to her plain enough, though it was taking it too far to breed such ideas that they were intimate in front of so many.

"Pleasure to meet you both," Maurice said, oblivious to the byplay between the witches. "Both of you are quite the legends in France, and I count myself lucky to be taught by you two. Though, I admit it's a bit of a surprise, will you be the one teaching us?" he asked, directing the last question at Ron.

The other man grinned and shook his head, "You'll have to wait to get inside to see about that, now won't you?"

Hermione smiled once more, breaking away from the side of Ronald, "On that note, give me a moment to get everyone else ready, then we'll be taking you up to where you'll be training. We've warded this area so your arrival won't be noticed, so don't wander too far as we can't guarantee someone might not be spying on us through some other means."

Politely excusing herself Hermione moved on and Gabrielle took the chance to remove Maurice's arm. Though he frowned at her action, he was at least courteous enough at this point to not press the issue. Instead he turned to engage Olivia in discussion, drawing both of them back towards the crowd that Hermione was addressing. Though perhaps she should have joined them, Gabrielle instead took the chance to remain behind and speak with the red head who had remained behind. "I should congratulate you on overcoming the fascination you had with Veela last time I saw you, Ronald."

He made a face, "First, it's just Ron. And second of all, I get promoted to one of the highest ranks an auror can have, and the first thing you do is congratulate me on keeping my tongue in my mouth. No respect, I tell you."

He winked at her and she just gave him a skeptical look, causing him to let out a deep laugh that matched his large frame. "Fine, maybe I did have a bit of a hang up on Veela back in the day. I'm just an average bloke, after all. And besides, Hermione was standing there right next to me, and she's easily the most beautiful woman I've ever met, no offense to your heritage. I guess there is also the fact I've received some training to not lose it when a Veela shows up, not that it would do much good if you decided to go all out on me. You've grown to be quite the beautiful woman."

Gabrielle blushed at the compliment and bowed her head, "Of course I want to wish you congratulations on your promotion as well, Ron. Though it was hardly necessary with the reputation you've been garnering lately, Bill made sure to inform me all about it the last time I came to visit little Isabelle."

Ron nodded, seeming to be at ease around her, so Gabrielle ventured on to ask a question, "I do have a question for you, though. I know that it may be better if I didn't, but Bill never would tell me, and you're even closer to the source, but you don't have to answer if you don't want to of course."

The red head smiled at her, "You're babbling Gabrielle, and it doesn't suit you."

Ducking her head to hide her flushed cheeks, she spoke up, "How is Harry fairing? No one would even say if he is well or not."

Ron seemed to deflate a bit, and placed a hand on her shoulder, "I'm sorry no one has told you anything. It's not that we wanted anyone to worry, but there is some pretty strong magic protecting his secrecy. I really can't tell you anymore than that, not when he is such a huge target for Voldemort's side of the war. All I can say is that you shouldn't worry, all right? Trust me, when there is more time, and we're someplace secure, you'll have the chance to find out about him, okay?"

If it wasn't for the grin he gave her, she might have felt worse about the lack of an answer, but she simply accepted it for now. Of course Gabrielle understood the need for secrecy, and though it hardly seemed fair that those who cared for him had to be left in the dark, it was much better than seeing some dark wizard track him down to enact revenge.

Perhaps it was the fact that such lack of faith hurt on a level deeper than simple concern for Harry that made it hard to accept. She would often deny it to save her dignity, but she had been quite enamored with the Harry Potter after being saved by him. A childish dream had been that the boy would remember the girl he had plucked from the hands of the merpeople, greeting her with many a romantic confession and perhaps a passionate kiss or two.

Shaking her head, she reminded herself that though it had been silly, she was quite young, and had been ill prepared for being rescued. To a girl who had lived an insular lifestyle, being rescued by someone as cute and courageous as the boy who lived had been nearly guaranteed to leave an imprint on her. It also didn't help that said boy had continued to grow into a man of considerable strength and looks, with an air of mystery that made most women swoon.

For a time she had followed the events surrounding his life with a passion, amassing a large collection of books, newspaper clippings, and other such items that referenced him, even things that spoke ill of him. Though, in truth, the hateful writings had only been kept as a reference for masterfully crafted letters berating the original author for their words. It had also been rather fun seeing the responses she had received when various editors had realized a proper ten year old girl could know so many derogatory phrases.

She had continued that pattern through the first half of her second year at school, when word of Harry Potter's engagement to Ginerva Weasly had rocked the magical community. Gabrielle had spent the entire duration of the Winter Holidays on her parent's estates, locked in her room crying and inconsolable. While her parents had been relatively clueless about the source of her hurt, Fleur had understood completely. Her sister had even separated from the side of her husband Bill in the last trimester of her pregnancy to provide the shoulder Gabrielle had so needed to cry upon.

Following that heart breaking event, she had thrown herself into her schoolwork, ignoring the war that drew closer each passing day, working through her melancholy as best she could.

Then the world she had struggled so much to start rebuilding fell apart around her in the wake of the battle at Godric's Hallow. Her sister had never made it back from that battle. She had refused to remain in the care of the Weasly matriarch to rest after giving birth, and now she would never be able to see her sister again.

Another victim's name had percolated through her grief, however, and she had spent hours crying for the loss of Ginerva Weasly as well. Not because she had been attached to the girl, but for the poor boy who had lost his life line. Both Gabrielle and Harry had lost the one they loved the most in the fighting, and she had wanted little more than to rush to that tragic hero's side to support him as well as receive his support as well.

Once she had worked through enough of her grief to interact with society once more, her chances to reach out to the boy had been impossible. He had effectively become invisible to the public eye, and it seemed cruel to push Bill so soon after the loss of his wife and sister into aiding her search. As the years had passed, the secret of where the boy who lived was residing had become something of a worldwide mystery, and while Bill was among the few who knew, but would not disclose it. All everyone could count on was that when Voldemort was preparing to attack the magical world, Harry would be there to stop it.

Not to say it was ever easy, though. Harry was obviously the superior duelist at this point, but Voldemort had obviously resorted to some very dark magic and some horrible things to avoid being slain by anyone. Each time the dark lord escaped to recuperate, so would Harry, and then the two men would remain hidden away from society until the next time they fought.

Slowly she had been forced to realize that there was little a young girl like herself could do to comfort a man like him, so she had stopped trying, and had moved on. Though, she could hardly deny that there would always be a portion of her character that had been shaped by that boy, and she would never have it any other way.

Mentally shaking herself, she tried to push out the heavy thoughts that hung about her, and instead engaged Ron in a discussion about his family. It had been a long time she had truly interacted with his family, and she missed their vivacious mannerisms, and was pleased to hear they were doing well.

In a few moments Hermione had finished preparing everyone, no doubt covering some material Gabrielle would have to ask Olivia about later. For now, she simply kept her pace so that she was a few behind the Grangers as they marched up and into the castle.

After a moment Hermione began to slow, and receiving a light tap on her shoulder, Gabrielle matched her pace, falling behind the other students. When everyone had passed them, the older witch gave her another embrace, slightly misty eyed, "Oh, it's good to see you again," she gushed. "I was worried you would hold Fleur against us like the rest of your family."

Gabrielle hugged her back, both hands resting on her shoulders before pulling back and looking at the woman seriously. "I would never do such a thing. My sister was brave and did the right thing by fighting those beasts, and to hold this against you would dishonor her memory." Having decided to try and steer the conversation away from continued apologies, she smirked, "And I will enjoy picking your brain, Madam Granger. I don't doubt I have much to learn from you."

Hermione smiled, her fears mostly forgotten. "I saw some records of your scores; you're a very brilliant witch Gabrielle. I don't doubt you'll be able to pick up on what I have to teach and much more. In fact, your defense scores were also quite impressive, and second only to your friend." Hermione nodded her head in the direction of Maurice.

Gabrielle let out a breath, signaling her frustrations. "Maurice is a friend, and little else, though he seems to wish for more. As for his scores, it is undeniable that he is a very accomplished duelist. With him in the defense classes, you have little to fear when it comes to lacking talent. I will attend when it's needed, of course, but I fully intend to get the most out of your classes while I am here."

At the last few words, Hermione looked ready to laugh at her, "Did I say something amiss?"

The brunette shook her head, "No. It's simply that you remind me of myself when I was preparing to leave Hogwarts. I too was a rather accomplished dueler, but had little interest in actually continuing to study it in depth. You'll simply have to ignore my reaction to your statement until you've taken a few classes and made up your own mind. I can guarantee that the instructor is superb, however, and even if you still don't care for it, you might benefit learning from the other instructor as much as you can."

"You would say that about your husband, I'm sure," Gabrielle replied, smirking when Hermione had the dignity to lightly blush. Though, she was only partially joking with the witch, as Gabrielle had been quite taken aback with the amount of love Ron seemed to harbor for his wife, and she for him.

"Perhaps," Hermione replied, and then smiled in a way that reminded her of the twin brothers in the Weasly family, full of mischief and promises of embarrassment in the future. "But you heard Ron; you'll have to wait until we're inside to find out who it is. Now come on, we're falling behind." Hermione took her hand and let her past the dining hall, which was filled with children and adults alike. All looked ready to begin their days, and she could make out some students embracing their parents in what looked to be a heartfelt goodbye.

"Hermione, what are all these people doing here? I was under the impression that Hogwarts was still a boarding school."

As expected of the other witch, her back straightened, and took on a pose that reminded Gabrielle of some of her professors from back in France, all without slowing or taking her eyes off the group ahead of them. "That would be the result of the headmistress's actions. We now serve as a safe house for the families of students and people important to the war effort. Initially we had received complaints from the board of governors, but soon enough they too had become targets, and since offering them similar protection, we've not had another problem. It is a much better arrangement for the students as well; knowing that their families are safe here helps them remain focused and much happier. If you find time in the near future, I suggest you go down near the Quidditch pitch to visit the temporary homes we've charmed to fit everyone."

Blinking owlishly, Gabrielle couldn't help but wonder why no one had ever offered something similar to Beauxbaton students. Surely someone must have thought to share the idea with the French, now that Voldemort had taken such an interest in their country, and she voiced the concern to Hermione.

"It's not secure enough," Hermione said offhandedly, then stopped to turn around, looking embarrassed at the way her words had come out. "I'm sorry, it's wasn't meant to sound that way."

Gabrielle waved away her apology, "It's alright, but I don't understand. I was under the impression we have not only cast the same wards, but that the strength of each is no different than the one's surrounding Hogwarts."

Hermione took a moment to collect her thoughts before beginning to slowly work through the reasoning. "What you say is true, but there are two large reasons why Hogwarts is capable of offering people this luxury. The first, and more important, is the age of our school. That means that while the wards may not be stronger than those at Beauxbaton, they've had time to bleed into the surrounding land. If you'll recall Kipoff's first law from your Ancient Runes class, you'll remember that he stated magical nodes in contact with non magical items will eventually bleed their magic into the non magical material. It is no different for wards, since they utilize key points to strengthen the ward, and that magic suffuses the land, creating a buffer of magic that makes it harder to attack key areas. Beauxbaton is still new enough that if Voldemort truly wished to make a concerted effort, he could probably attack the needed portions of the ward to make them collapse, given the right rituals and preparations."

"That's a horrible thought," shuddering as she admitted that.

"Yes," Hermione said, "but one that isn't very likely to happen. Not only would it take so much

time that someone would be bound to notice it, but it's very difficult. Which is the other reason Hogwarts is a much better location than Beauxbaton when it comes to offering protection. Currently, the French school of magic has a few highly gifted teachers, but is mostly populated by students. While this is true for Hogwarts as well, we get a significant amount of foot traffic. We are home to some of the strongest and most brilliant magic users the world has to offer, and those who don't live here, stop by often. While Voldemort himself is strong enough to fight off people of that sort, his followers are not. Now think if Harry were to arrive and engaged Voldemort while everyone else attacked the death eaters. We would be able to destroy nearly his entire power base in one fell swoop."

Hermione didn't need to say more, having given Gabrielle more than enough to think about while they ascended a maze of staircases. Finally they turned a corner, and her guide let out a sigh before taking a deep breath, "We're here, and it begins again I suppose." The witch turned to face Gabrielle, "I hope you, out of everyone here, will end up enjoying these classes, Gabrielle."

Before she could reply, Hermione turned around again, waving to catch the attention of Ron. Gabrielle might have tried to find out the reasoning behind the vague remark, but Ron seemed to have been waiting for them, leaning against a very odd portrait of a man teaching trolls to dance.

"Ready, love?" The redhead was beaming at them, and his wife just nodded, moving forward to

stand in front of everyone, looking every bit the authoritative figure.

"I want everyone to pay attention," she began, "don't worry about your things for they've been sent to your rooms already. As it is early in the day, we wish to not waste any time, and will be beginning your training shortly. Before we can enter, however, we have to ask something of each of you."

Taking out a parchment, Gabrielle took careful note of the emblem used. In the style of a full scale wizarding portrait, there were two men, one clearly a wizard and the other a muggle, clasping hands. Along the top was a crest with Novus Cruor written in it, which if he latin was correct stood for New Blood, a fitting title for those who fought the blood prejudices of their society.

Holding it up for all to see, Hermione went on with her explanation. "This is a contract to enforce a level of secrecy about what you will witness here. While we selected you to come here after very thorough screenings, it's not impossible that we could be wrong. I don't think I have to tell you how important this is to the side of light, and we can't afford anything you learn here being leaked to the enemy. This will act the same as a wizarding oath, and failure to comply will result in the loss of magic, along with some other consequences. I will give you as long as you need to pass it around and read it, but I will say there is nothing in there that you aren't used to seeing in a standard secrecy contract. I also have copies available for anyone who wishes to review them at a later time. They're not to leave this castle, but until you leave, I'm more than willing to loan them to any who need it. Now, let's begin."

The contract was first handed to Gabrielle, who had moved closer during the talk. She could feel everyone's eyes on her, and while she did skim through the document, as any person should do with such things, her faith in these people was what convinced her. Winking at the bushy haired witch looking at her, she pulled out a swan feather quill, and wrote her name with a flourish at the bottom of the contract.

For a brief moment, her magic flared in response to the oath she had just made, providing a soft glow in the otherwise dim hallway. Passing the parchment and quill to Olivia, she was pleased at how quickly the other girl signed as well. The precedent of having two people display so much faith had been a good effect on the crowd, for most were content with barely skimming the document before adding their own signatures.

Leaning over, Ron smiled at Gabrielle and Olivia, "Good show, you two." Pushing himself away from the wall, he began to slowly pace in front of the portrait, and on the third pass, a door opened on the opposite wall. "Welcome to the Room of Requirement."

Their guide moved back, allowing others entrance first, and Gabrielle stood back, letting the others pass so she could roll her eyes at the man for his continued theatrics. Surely he had more in common with those twin brothers of his than he would admit to. He simply grinned before they all filed in to a room that resembled a scene from artistry.

As far as the eye could see were fields of rolling grass, domed by the clearest blue sky Gabrielle had ever witnessed, and it seemed to extend forever. No one spoke, instead letting a soft wind provide the only proof that there was indeed noise at all in this place.

It was perhaps the most magical, and relaxing, place she had ever seen. It would be easy to lose herself to the vibrant colors and sensations, and never again notice that she was inside of a castle. In a place like this, she could only wonder how it was possible that some saw magic as a simple tool, when it was capable of such art.

Turning, she could only convince herself that this place did not exist was by the archway that Hermione and Ron were placing wards over. Even to the sides of the exit, no wall existed, and she could see a forest in the distance.

Perhaps it was that level of inspection that allowed her to notice the shift in magic around her before the rest of her classmates. She had never been terribly proficient at sensing magic, but it was familiar, and very strong, so she could hardly miss it. Stepping to the side, she narrowly avoided being struck by a stunner, and released her wand from its holster, gripping it tightly. A shield came into life and broke with the next stunner that impacted against it, but it had sufficiently absorbed the magic to keep her safe.

Sparing a brief glance over her shoulder, she saw that many of her class had not been so lucky. And those who were still standing were only just reacting to the threat, Hermione and Ron included. For a moment she felt torn, but quickly moved to cover Hermione, shielding her while she prepared herself for the attack.

"Hermione, you're a medic, I shall cover you," she said, eyes scanning the grass ahead, looking for whoever was attacking. Distracted as she was, she had no way of protecting herself when she heard a soft voice invoke the petrification spell from behind her, immobilizing her and causing her to fall to the ground.

For a moment, she struggled against the spell restraining her, intent on striking back at her attacker before they could harm anyone else. Yet she stopped as soon as she truly had enough time to process the information. Surely the only people behind her who could have performed the spell in such a hushed voice and still be heard were their very guides, and she trusted them inherently. Indeed, if this class was about defense, then such an attack would not be so unlikely, and would serve as a fine beginning to their lessons.

So it was a look of understanding she gave the witch who stared down at her a moment later. She also enjoyed the warm flush of pride that spread through her as Hermione gave her an approving and pleased look.

After a moment, the last frantic sounds had passed, and Ron moved into her line of sight. "That's all of them, mate," he cried out. A moment later he had his wand pointed at her, and she was being held up with a levitation charm, still bound. For a moment she wondered what the purpose was to leaving her immobilized at this point, but Ron simply grinned, pointing towards the landscape ahead of the class. For a moment nothing was visible, then slowly a man pulled off an invisibility cloak a few hundred feet away, revealing himself only to her. She was the only one who was in any position to watch now, and she did not doubt that had been Ron's intention at the time.

Slowly the man made his way forward, light streaking from his wand to each student, petrifying them one by one. More importantly though was her body's reaction, for she felt her knees going weak as the man drew closer and she could make out his features.

The man was quite obviously Harry, though he hardly resembled the boy he had once been. This boy was tall, powerful, and so unconsciously sexy that her Veela nature began to try and assert itself, arousing her and giving her a heady feeling. Swallowing to wet her parched throat, she felt herself compelled to stare. It was hardly fair to say that the boy walked like a normal man, for he had such a liquid grace that made her mind wander towards thoughts of seeing just how graceful he could be behind closed doors. And his muscles were also clearly visible through his black shirt. The boy had remained lean, but the muscles he sported now looked good on him.

It was with an audible gulp that she began to work upon forcing such thoughts out of her head, and instead tried to appraise him fairly. She had been unable to expect that her Veela magic would react so strongly to him, and she would not greet him as a silly and smitten woman.

But then again, she could probably get one hell of a kiss out of him before he could react.

Taking a deep breath, she ignored her rebellious Veela blood and took a fairer look at Harry, and the first thing she took note of were his eyes.

They had hardly changed, despite the hardships and passage of time, and it put her at ease to know he was still the hero. His actions spoke strongly for his case, but there was something of his character that could only be understood after looking into his eyes. They still held a bright light that she always equated to the dichotomy of innocence and strength. And even the changes to those emerald eyes of his were welcome. They looked less guarded, more open to the world, and she felt herself sinking into them against her better judgment.

She was in deep trouble, and she knew it. This man was making her lose her decorum, and no one had ever done that to her before. Closing her eyes for a moment, she performed a breathing exercise as she forced her Veela magic further down inside of her. It was almost annoying how easily he had made it run out of her control, but with it under control, she felt the attraction weaken.

Opening her eyes, she saw Harry standing there counting out the group, and smiled when he finished, obviously finding something pleasing about having two dozen men and women there. Everyone except for Gabrielle was unconscious, though, and he didn't seem to be in a rush to wake them up.

"Hey there Gabby," he said, giving her a small grin and an accompanying nod, "Just give me a moment, will you?" Rolling up his sleeves, Harry began the act of enervating all those present with a single incantation that did nothing for their paralysis. Perhaps she would have questioned it more, but trusting in her previous realization that this was a lesson, she accepted his actions as having a purpose. As such, it caught her by no surprise when Ron's levitation spell over her seemed to waver for a second, before she was caught up in another spell.

Only this one had come from Harry, and with it, he lifted the entire class into the air and began to march them across the field. His actions spoke of an incredible mastery over his magic, for he never let his control slip for a second, his wand casually aimed behind him as he looked out for some as yet unknown spot deeper in the room.

The class, however, had seemed to catch on to who this man was, and it was a palpable feeling of excitement that they exuded. Their entire class had only dreamed of learning from someone as powerful as Harry Potter, but they had dared not hope that he would actually be their instructor.

Though she still did not much care for the idea of learning to fight, she certainly was planning on attending more than the most essential seminars now that she knew Harry was teaching it.

Finally their precession stopped at the edge of some woods, lined with boulders to mark the boundary, and there it was that Harry took a seat. With a wave of his wand they were back on the ground, followed shortly by another incantation that released the entire group from their stasis.

Blinking, Gabrielle thought that it might have been a mistake to do so. Harry was instantly surrounded by the excited crowd, each begging him to answer their questions. Standing back, she resolved herself to not act the same way, and instead watch what would happen.

And then Harry surprised her by showing just how much he had changed, and simply leaned back, crossed his arms, and seemed to be willing to wait as long as it took for the inquiries to pass. Last she had heard of his character, he would have blown up at these people for pushing him like they were, and it was a pleasant change to see that he wasn't.

Still, his posture was not arrogant, and bespoke of his characteristic humility towards his accomplishments. Seeing him as he was, she honestly wondered how the others could honestly expect him to capitulate all the details of his life before he hardly knew them.

His patience did seem to have a limit however, or rather his desire to teach won out over deciding to wait, for he looked up and winked at her before turning to the rest of his students. "All right you lot," he said loudly, breaking through the clamoring, "I came here to teach grown wizards, not school children. So quiet down and I'll get started."

"How do you honestly expect us to calm down? We find you hiding in here while we've been fighting your war for years?" one of the English aurors said with a level of heat.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "I'll ignore the insult, since I know the person who recommended you Johnson, and I know he's a good judge of character. Now, as to the part about whether it is my war alone. Let me ask you something, as this ties into my first lesson well enough, what is it that Voldemort is after?"

"He wants to rid the world of muggle born and half blood."

"No. What many do not know is that Voldemort is a half blood. That fact is a point of shame for him, and it does breed contempt for anything related to muggles, but not enough to start a war. After all, he's Voldemort, in his mind he believes he could destroy them all simply enough without this fanfare. Try again Johnson."

To the auror's credit, he took a moment to truly consider the question before replying slowly. "Power perhaps?"

"Wrong, Johnson," Harry said simply. "He has nearly as much raw magical power as I do, so I understand his position there. With the dark spells he uses, he will never be wanting for enough magical power. And other forms of power are beneath him, at least from his perspective. Gabby?"

Though she had become the focus of the entire group, Gabrielle ignored them and took a moment to truly consider the question in depth. There were many classical reasons people would deign to become a dark wizard, but for what motivation did Voldemort act. His actions simply denied logic. With the power he wielded, nearly any position in both the muggle and magical societies would not have been beyond him, and he could have had anything and everything he ever wanted. He would have even been thought of as one of the strongest wizards to have ever lived even if he had lived a modest lifestyle.

Perhaps it was just that inclusion into a group of elites that was the problem. To a woman with full control of her Veela heritage, she understood the lengths men would go to gain access to something they desired. To have any peers that might be as good or better than you was something most men vying for her attention could not stand.

"Pride."

Harry smiled broadly at her answer, obviously immensely proud of her. "Correct."

Maurice stepped out of the crowd, "But I don't understand, Mr. Potter. He bases his wars on the ideals of purity of blood, and his actions speak of a desire to be strong. It's a horrible thing, and no reasonable member of society could ever respect or be proud of such a beast."

Harry leaned back, propping himself up on his hands and made himself comfortable. "Perhaps, but I can tell you that the answer is there none the less. Maybe you should be the one to explain it to them Gabby, as you were the one to reason it out first."

She shrugged, sending her blond tresses everywhere, "I'm Veela, it's something I have been forced to understand quite well."

While Harry nodded, obviously seeing her point, Maurice continued to look confused, so she continued. "Maurice, do the men not drool over women of our race? You have seen the lengths they go through to have us in their beds. They will stop at nothing to make an impression that will last with us forever. No man would settle for being second best in such circumstances."

She waved her hand, indicating the entire expanse of the fields around them. "Is it not the same then? He wishes the world to know him for all time. The man who removed the impurity of our wizarding blood would surely never be forgotten."

Harry nodded, "She's right. I will not say there are no other reasons for him to act this way. Chief among them being his strong desire for revenge against those he felt have disgraced him or done him a disservice. Trust me, I know exactly how much he likes being disgraced," he gave them all a dry smile, and Gabrielle smiled back. He had indeed disgraced the dark lord with his binding him in an oath.

"Very few people look beyond what he does to try and figure him out. I don't want anyone here going into a fight with him or his followers if you're not prepared to understand what he might do next. It takes a lot of the fear away from him to realize he's just about as vain as the Wyrd Sisters, only with a lot more nasty ways of going about getting attention and far uglier. I don't expect any of you to have to fight him, that will be my job, as you pointed out Johnson. But I can't win this alone, so I have to make sure you all are ready to contribute everything you can. This is not my war alone, and no matter how powerful I am, I need help to finish him. So let's stop talking and get to work. We can have some more of these talks a little down the line."

Standing up, he brushed his pants off. "Now, people who want to be medics go meet with Hermione, and those more interested in actual dueling with me. Don't think you won't be taking classes from the other instructor as well, though. I will make sure everyone of you is ready to handle any situation you may find yourself in, so we'll be seeing a lot of each other these next two months. First though he need to get a feel for what you can do. Oh, and Johnson, you're my partner today." Everyone laughed at the horrified look on the young auror's face before they began to break off.

Gabrielle felt slightly torn at this decision, and remained still for a moment. It was obvious that she would have to follow Hermione if she were to learn the skills she coveted most, but she also wished to speak to Harry more. Perhaps it was a bit vain to wish to catch up on old times at this point, but she had been incredibly pleased to see him, and now she was feeling insecure about the chances to speak to him from this point on.

She was surprised though when he left his group to come over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder and grinning. The touch was warm, and she was surprised at how calm he looked to be touching a Veela. "Hey, that was a great job Gabby. It's been awhile, but when I saw you try to protect Hermione so she could help everyone, I knew we made the right choice. You're going to be an amazing medic."

She smiled, "Thank you, but I must say, you must have amazing vision to be able to see that from so far away. And here you hide your eyes behind glass? You're holding out on the female population, Mr. Potter."

He tapped his glasses, and leaned in to whisper conspiratorially. "The truth is Hermione fixed my vision awhile ago. The glasses are mostly for show, but they do have the ability to focus things that are far away." He leaned back, looking at her intensely, "Officially I shouldn't say I'm surprised, but you're the second person I ever met who understood Voldemort so quickly, besides myself. Why don't you stay around after class, and we can talk and catch up on old times?"

Gabrielle's smile was positively radiant, "I would enjoy that immensely, thank you."

XxXxXx

A/N:

Thank you for reading the first chapter of One Sided Sun.

To those of you who do not speak French, and don't worry, I do not either, the title of this chapter should mean 'A Stirring'.

I suspect that a future chapter will be slightly long in coming. While this story will not be long, there is still a large investment in time to producing a well crafted chapter. Seeing as I am moving out of the country in a few weeks time, it is unsure when I will have time to continue to write. I shall not quit, but there may be a delay. I am sorry to those this may disappoint.

As always, please review, as this gives me an idea of what you, the reader, liked or disliked. I cannot promise to change somethings, but I do wish to know where I can improve.

With that, I wish everyone the best, and I will see you in the next chapter.