Chapter One: The Favour

It had been two weeks since Dumbledore's funeral. Harry was back at Black Cottage. Ron and Hermione were together at her parent's house, much to the displeasure of Mrs Weasley. Ron had told her that he was going with Hermione, and that as he was seventeen he could do what he liked, and so he had. He and Hermione Apparated back to her house and had told her parents why they were home so early and their happy news. Ron was invited by Richard to have a drive of his car for practice before taking his driving test. This proved to be a good distraction as Ron really liked driving and he passed his test the previous day.

Harry had kept himself to himself since he had returned to Black Cottage. Sirius had not confronted him about what he and Dumbledore had been doing. Harry had not told him any of his plans. He talked to Ron and Hermione every night on the mirrors.

'How are you holding up?' asked Ron.

'I'm all right. Sirius and Remus haven't asked me any questions yet. But they will,' replied Harry.

'Do you want us to come over?' asked Hermione.

'Yeah, that would be great,' said Harry.

The next morning Ron and Hermione travelled to Black Cottage via Apparition. The place had had the Fidelius Charm put on it by Sirius and he was the secret keeper. Sirius had given the secret over the mirrors the first night back. They got to the front door and knocked.

'Who is it?' said Sirius' voice.

'Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger,' said Ron through the door.

'What were the first words Ron Weasley spoke when we first met?'

'Fuck. Shit. Bloody dog,' replied Ron chuckling.

'Correct,' said Sirius before he opened the door.

Hermione rolled her eyes at the childishness of the security question and its answer. They walked inside and went to find Harry in his room. They knocked on his door and entered. Harry was pacing when he saw who it was.

'Come in, guys.'

Ron and Hermione went inside and took a seat on his bed.

'So, what do you want to do, mate?'

'I want to go to Potter Manor, and there, Hermione, I'm going to ask you a big favour,' said Harry.

Whatever they expected Harry to say, it certainly was not that. Ron and Hermione agreed to his request and so an hour later, Hermione side-along Apparated Harry to Potter Manor, as Ron Apparated solo.

When they got inside the house, Harry spoke, 'I've found the perfect place for the Dursleys. Here. But I need a big favour, Hermione. I need you to cast the Fidelius charm over Potter Manor and make me the Secret Keeper.'

'I don't know how to cast the Fidelius Charm, I'm sorry,' said Hermione.

'I thought you'd say that. But there is a huge library here, and I'm sure there is a book with the full instructions on how to do it.'

'Okay, let's search,' she said.

Together the three of them searched the enormous library until Ron tried summoning the book. It worked and Hermione looked through the book and found what she was looking for. She read and reread the chapter a few times. She practiced the wand movements for a few minutes as she murmured the instructions to herself.

She then looked up at Harry and smiled.

'Okay, I'm ready. It's a Charm that requires a fair bit of magic behind it, but the incantation is a simple one. Are you ready?' she said.

Harry nodded.

Hermione began to wave her wand and as she did, she said, 'Fidelio Potter Manor! Fide Harry Potter!'

Harry looked around at the house as Ron said, 'Whoa! The house is gone!'

'That's because I haven't told you its location,' said Harry.

'So, tell us then.'

Harry then told Ron and Hermione where Potter Manor was and then grabbed a quill and some parchment, then he called 'Abby!'

A house-elf appeared and bowed low to Harry.

'Did Master Harry call Abby?'

'I did. I need you and two of the other elves to go to number four, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey. I need you to give this note to Dudley Dursley. Tell him he is to read it, memorize it and get his parents to do the same. While they're doing that, I need you to bring them and their belongings here. Can you do that?'

'Of course, Master Harry,' squeaked Abby.

Harry then gave her the note and they waited after the elf Disapparated.

It was twenty minutes later when the three elves returned with an excited Dudley, a trembling Petunia and an angry Vernon.

'What the bloody hell do you think you are doing, Boy!' Vernon bellowed.

'I'm saving your worthless fat arse, you fat piece of Walrus shit!' replied Harry.

'How dare –!' began Vernon, but was cut off by Harry.

'Shut your bloody big mouth, now! You are in my house, and you will be silent while I tell you why you are here.'

Vernon looked around the enormous drawing room and to his wife and son. They both told him to be quiet without speaking.

'Good. I have had you brought here because Albus Dumbledore is dead. That means the magic he evoked around Privet Drive could have ceased to be working, which means that you are all vulnerable to attack by Lord Voldemort and his followers, commonly known as Death Eaters. This house is under the best protection possible and you will be safe here. However, none of you will be able to leave this house until all the danger is past. If I left you in Privet Drive, you would be in great danger from being tortured and murdered by Voldemort. Any questions?' said Harry.

'This is for our protection?' said Dudley.

'Yes. Now, you have just met a few of my house-elves. While you live here, you will treat them with respect. They are very powerful magical creatures and have feelings. So, don't piss them off. While they are here to maintain my house, they are not going to be cleaning up behind you all of the time. You are to treat my house with respect. If I get one word from any of my elves that you have been mistreating them or disrespecting my house, I will have them expel you and leave you to take your chances on the outside. Do you understand?'

All three of them nodded.

'How big is this place?' asked Dudley curiously.

'It is a Manor house, so it's rather large. I'm sure you'll have fun exploring it while you stay here. Unfortunately, there is no television, telephone, or anything electrical here. Don't worry, when it gets dark, the elves will light the lamps. I am afraid you will be very bored throughout your stay here, I apologise for that, but what are a few creature comforts compared with your safety?'

The Dursleys all looked at one another, but said nothing.

'Abby will show you to your rooms when we leave,' said Harry.

Harry then walked over to Hermione and took her arm.

'Harry?' said Dudley.

'Yeah?' replied Harry.

'Thanks,' said Dudley quietly.

'You're welcome. Goodbye.'

Then with those three words and a nod from Harry, the trio Disapparated back to Black Cottage.