Harry Potter and the Magical Mop
NdA : This was first a one-shot written in french for a trial. I have decided to develop the idea in a long story that should cover from the first year to (at least) the end of the war. I have the keypoints somewhat decided up to third-fourth years, but do not hesitate to make suggestions. Though please do not be offended if I decide not to take them into account. Also, English is not my native language, so I apologize in advance for any mistake I might make.
Disclaimer : The characters belong to J K Rowling.
Prologue
On his fifth birthday, Harry Potter was alone at number Four, Privet Drive. Though he knew the meaning of the word ''birthday'', he had never actually celebrated his. This year was no exception. In fact, it was worse than usual.
His uncle, aunt and cousin had gone to visit Aunt Marge, Vernon's horrible sister for the afternoon. Usually, in cases such as this, Harry would go to Mrs Figg until their return. Today however, the old lady was out of town – apparently one of her many cats was sick – and she could not watch him. Furious and not at all desirous to bring ''the freak'' to his sister – in his brand new car, too! - Uncle Vernon had therefore decided to give him an extensive list of chores to complete before their return, along with an even greater list of the punishments to expect if anything was left undone or any damage made to the house.
Unfrtunately for Harry, the list was far too long for a five-year-old child to complete in so short a time. Halfway through the afternoon, he still had the whole house to scrub and knew he would never manage it in time.
Desperate, and because it was his birthday, Harry decided it could not hurt to make a wish. As he once again squeezed excess water from the mop, he begged :
'' Please, I work hard and I do not want to be punished again! Please, help me finish in time!''
As sooon as he finished his plea, the mop escaped his grasp, fell on the floor whgere it starting scrubbing with resolute quickness and efficiency. Harry stared at it in shock for some time before smiling and wooping with joy. He then ran to finish the other tasks while the mop cleaned the floor.
A couple hours later, the house was cleaned and all the other chres fully completed. Harry thanked the mop for its help.
''I truly wish I had a friend like you!'' he concluded.
And the mop wrapped itself around his leg, hidden by his far too large trousers.
O0oOo0o
Some months later, as Harry was running from Dudley and his friend – who were apparently in dire need of a human punching ball – he speeded towards the stairs. As he started climbing, he whispered :
''Now, Mop!''
The Mop immediately unwrapped itself from his leg and grabbed the ankle of his nearest pursuer. The boy fell down the few steps he had taken and onto his friends. Before anyne had the time to wonder why he had stumbled, Mop was hidden back against Harry's leg.
Days, weeks, and then months and years passed. Mop helped Harry when it could but always remained hidden. Every year, on his birthday, Harry thanked whoever had given him this first, fierce and loyal friend.
It would not be until his eleventh birthday that he would learn that the magic animating Mop was in fact his own.