A Short Stay in Purgatory

It's amazing how lightning storms are created to cleanse the world. If a person thought about it, this is the most violent way to purge the earth's surface of its filth. Each lightning strike lit the sky, each thunder crash shook the world.

In the smallest bedroom of four Private Drive sat a boy watching this particular storm. Now this boy wasn't the only person who found storms fascinating, but he was distinct regardless. His unruly black hair that would never lie flat, emerald green eyes, and thin frame made him unusual to the rest of the occupants. The two things that made him even more alone were that he was a wizard, and that he bore a scar that showed where he was hit with the killing curse and survived.

Harry Potter sat watching the storm and thinking about the events that had happened such a short while ago. He had been involved in the debacle at the ministry, in which only he was physically unharmed. He could remember how proud they were about their skills, all were at the top of the DA, and woefully unprepared for the fight.

The thing that had saved them was how underestimated they were, both in number and skill. It seemed odd to Harry as he sat watching the storm that he was the only one to not be physically injured, but the one with the most emotional damage. The death of his godfather Sirius Black had pushed Harry to the breaking point, and Dumbledore dropping that prophecy on him had broken his spirit, but now it was forged stronger.

Turning away from the window, Harry sat on his bed as his one companion flew to his shoulder. As he sat stroking her feathers he said, "one day in purgatory down Hedwig, a whole lot more to go." Deciding to get some memorization done, as he now had a dark lord to kill, he pulled out every book he had and began sorting them. Listening to the pounding of the storm, he sorted them into ones that held magic that could possible be useful in defeating the Death Eaters that would come after him and those that didn't.

He was tempted to burn the unnecessary books, except some of them were gifts. Separating the gifts from the completely useless, he began reading first year books and would work his way up to the previous year.

Harry was able to memorize a great majority of the spells in his beginner books. He moved on to second year books with the ferocity of a starving man. Harry had never been a bad student, but wanting to vanish into the crowd had taught him not to perform above average. Now that he no longer cared about blending in, he pushed himself to the limit.

No one, not even Ron and Hermione, knew that Harry Potter was very good at studying and preparing for a class, and that most of the time, the exception being potions, he never really tried as hard as he could. Everyone wanted the 'boy-who-lived' to be exceptional, and to spite them Harry did his best to blend in.

After finishing all his second year books, he turned to his third, and favorite, year. Third year reminded him of Sirius, but he refused to give in to his pain. It surprised Harry that he could remember things very clearly that he was reading, and for that matter how fast he was reading. Looking at the clock he saw that it was four in the morning. Deciding that he would pick it up in a few hours, he laid down and went to sleep.

The next day still held traces of the previous night, clouds threatening to pour out at a moments notice. Exhausted, Harry lay back and relaxed slightly and let his mind wander. He had heard that the second stage of grieving was anger, and he would stay there until he got some pay back. It would probably disturb Hermione that he wanted revenge, Ron wouldn't say anything out loud and would go along with it, but he wasn't too worried.

After a lying in bed thinking, he came up with an idea. Quickly making his way over to the desk and pulling out a piece of parchment and wrote two letters.

Dobby,

I would like for you to work for me. While I know that I am in a location that might reveal you, I would still like you to work for me. I understand that you work at Hogwarts and that Winky is under your care, or was at the last time I visited, I would be very happy if you would at least consider it.

The odd thing is Dobby, we are a lot alike. You lived with the Disgust of the Malfoys for years, much like I live with the disgust of the Dursleys. While my imprisonment can in no way compare to yours, I understand slightly what it might have been like.

Well enough of my ramblings, even if you cant or don't wish to work for me I would still be happy to be visited by a friend.

Harry

Remus,

I would ask how you are doing, but it's probably not to good. I would like to ask you some questions, but this is not the place to do it. I know that losing Padfoot a second time must really hurt, because it hurts me just losing him once. I would like to talk to you soon, as soon as you can.

I know that it wasn't my fault that he died, but I still feel some responsibility about it. I know that it is no more my fault than his, but I can't stop thinking about what I could have done different.

Please stop by soon.

Harry

Once he finished up the letters he called Hedwig over. "Go to Dobby last girl. Wait and see if he has a reply, if he doesn't then come on home. Fly safe." After she left, Harry left his room for a shower. A quick shower helped him feel rejuvenated and he stepped downstairs to get something to eat.

After giving his Aunt a large sum of money when he got home, there was food in the refrigerator that was for him and unappealing to Dudley. After making a few sandwiches, he returned to his room and continued his studying. A few hours after the sandwiches were gone, Harry heard a small pop. Pointing his wand, which he had been holding in his while practicing wand movements, at the sound he was pleasantly surprised to see Dobby holding an exhausted Hedwig.

After Dobby placed her in her cage, he answered Harry's unspoken question. "Mister Lupin was at Hogwarts visiting with Master Dumbledore. Dobby was asked to serve when Harry Potter's Hedwig came through the window." Dobby bounced from one foot to the other. "Mister Lupin says he will come soon, but not for a few days. Dobby would be happy to work for Harry Potter…" he looked unsure of how to say what his hesitation was.

Harry smiled and gestured to a seat. Dobby got a huge smile when he was asked to sit. Once he settled down, he continued, "Winky is not doing well Harry Potter sir. Winky is doing better, but Dobby is afraid to leave Winky."

Harry nodded, "and this is why you feel you can't work for me." Dobby bowed his head and nodded sadly. While Harry had thought about Winky and the state she might be in, after all she could never go back to her family as they were all dead, he thought that she might be in a better frame than she was. "Dobby, what do you think would help her to get better?"

Dobby looked at Harry curiously before replying, "Winky needs a master. Winky hates being free house elf." He stopped and drew what seemed to be a steadying breath. "Winky need to be bound to a master, but no masters or mistresses want a disowned house elf."

A sigh escaped Harry's lips, Hermione was going to hate him. "Dobby, while I would still like you to work for me, I believe that Winky is in desperate need of help. Would you please get her, I would like to speak with her." Dobby's eyes lit up, which was not the reaction he was expecting. Dobby jumped off the chair and with a quick bow he vanished.

Harry didn't have to wait long until Dobby returned with Winky. Winky tried to stand up straight, a look of pride showing in her face, it would be impressive if her eyes didn't appear slightly bloodshot as if she had been crying recently. Winky took a step forward, "Harry Potter sir ask for Winky?"

Harry smiled, though it was slightly strained. He kept thinking how many different ways Hermione was going to kill him. "Yes Winky, Dobby here tells me that you wish to have a master, is this true?" Her eyes lit up with barely contained hope, which sent any thought of me trying to get her on as a free house elf out a window, and she nodded very slowly.

"Then I would ask you to be my house elf." Harry held up a hand before she could accept. "There are a few things that you will need to understand as my house elf. First is that I would like you in something presentable, so you are to wear a robe with my personal emblem on it. Second, you will have a monthly stipend of ten Galleons for items that are for your enjoyment. Lastly, I would prefer that you call me Harry, as I don't feel comfortable being called anyone's master. Is there anything that you don't understand?"

Winky shook her head no, "nothing ma-Harry Potter sir."

Harry placed his hand on Winky's head in a ritualistic manner and said, "then I welcome you Winky into my service." Once that was done, Harry felt like he had come out of a trance. Glancing at Dobby showed that the house elf was overjoyed.

"Harry Potter sir is truly a great and kind wizard," Dobby said with a large smile.

As confusion reigned in Harry's mind, he realized that he was hungry. Before he could even say anything, Winky handed him a plate of food. After thanking her, he explained what he wanted as far as their help. Dobby was more than happy to help be an independent relay in between Remus and Harry.

After learning about what Winky could do as she now that she was in his service, he sent her after several catalogs of various stores, and to locate a place he could buy a trunk with a lot of extra room. After she left, Harry asked Dobby a question that had been bothering him, "how did I know how to do the binding ritual?"

Dobby shrugged, "Dobby does not know Harry Potter. Dobby has witnessed only one other, but Dobby never heard what was said." Harry thanked Dobby and asked why she had been so willing to wear clothes. "Winky want to serve. While most house elves this would mean freedom, Harry Potter made it a part of accepting to work for him." Dobby looked slightly wistful, "Dobby wishes he could stay, but Dobby has things to attend." After a goodbye, Dobby went off.

The next several days found Harry and Winky becoming very good friends. Winky had found a store that sold some multi-compartment trunks similar to the one used by the fake Moody in Harry's fourth year. Once he acquired it, Harry began buying various books that could be helpful. Winky ensured that he ate and did more than simply walk from his room to the lavatory.

Remus arrived at the door on a morning a week after he had first contacted him. After ensuring that it was indeed him, more by the look in his eyes than anything else, they went for a walk down by the park. The majority of the trip was made in silence except to talk about general things. Once they arrived at the park, Remus came to the topic at hand. "What did you want to talk about Harry?"

Harry shrugged, "I just wanted to talk. I realize that I am not the only one who lost someone and I thought you might like the company." Remus gave a genuine smile. "Besides, who else could I ask to talk to? Ron and Hermione wouldn't really understand, the Weasleys in general are out, the only professor I might turn to is McGonagall but she has many other people to worry about other than me, so that would make you the best choice."

Remus chuckled, "yes it does seem like that." We found a bench to sit on and enjoy the feel of the sun that had finally come out. We sat in silence for awhile until Remus asked, "so where do you want to start?"

Harry watched a few kids playing for a minute before he said, "I don't know. It's like every time I think my life is going somewhat good, I have people who care about me and I care about, it feels like some more powerful being throws something in to mess it up." He ran a hand through his hair, "I just get tired of fighting some fool who feels that he has to beat me."

Remus shrugged, "well there was that prophecy that was made, and the fact that you were able to beat him not only as a baby but several times afterwards." He ruffled Harry's hair, "you are a threat to him, you give people hope. That hope can cause a person to go to work even in fear because there is someone out there that goes through worse."

Harry nodded and they fell into silence again. "So how many of the order are watching us?"

"There had better be none, this is my time to guard you." Remus smiled. "Don't worry cub, you'll be leaving here soon enough."

They sat watching children playing until it was almost time for Remus to leave. Before Remus disappeared Harry said, "I would like to become an animagus if possible, mostly to see if I can."

Remus didn't seem surprised, he seemed a little sad. "Sirius was going to start teaching you this summer when you came. I'll get you all our old notes and then some."

After Harry returned to the Dursleys, he felt a small weight lift off of him. While it wouldn't relieve the guilt he felt completely, it felt so good to be without it.

The next morning Pig showed up with a letter from Ron, while Hedwig showed up with a letter from Hermione. After relieving Pig of his letter, I went to Hedwig and took hers. Ron letter was a poor attempt to talk about anything and everything except what he felt would upset Harry. Hermione's was fairly more direct.

Harry,

I just wanted to say hi and remind you that you can write or call me at anytime. I know that you are probably blaming yourself for what happened, but I want you to know that it's not your fault. Snuffles was there to protect you, his own actions placed him there at that place and that time. We may never know why it happened, but it did. Where ever Snuffles is, I bet he is watching over you.

Be safe Harry and write soon.

Hermione

Harry smiled, direct as always. He had always admired her for the way she had stood by him when he was right, and told him when he was wrong. Sighing, he went to get a book and begin reading a revised version of his fifth year material.

He worked late into the night trying to memorize the new spells, he got about a quarter of the way through before he gave up for the night. He would write his responses in the morning.

Winky woke him up in the morning to remind him about the letters he needed to write. Before she could disappear for breakfast Harry asked, "how is it that you know about my decision about the letters? I could have simply decided not to respond."

Winky bowed, "Harry Potter bound Winky to him. Winky is good house elf and always pays attention to master."

Harry smiled, a slight blush forming, "always?" Winky started to nod, before shaking her head no very quickly. She left to prepare breakfast, which she did in the trunk as it had the facilities, and Harry went out for a jog. Harry had gotten good at running distance, he ran from the Dursleys to the park and back in about twenty minutes.

Arriving back at the Dursleys, Harry went for a shower. Winky had been disgusted by Harry's muggle clothing and had resized it to fit Harry better. The result was that he no longer looked like a hooligan. After his shower, he sat and ate the meal Winky made while he wrote his letters.

Winky sat with him and ate, although she was uncomfortable with it. Winky had said that it wasn't proper for a house elf to eat in front of their master, but Harry had convinced her, without ordering her, that he wanted her there. Dobby showed up just as he was finishing with a smile on his face. After handing the notes from Remus, he and Winky left to do whatever.

Harry had realized that there was something between Winky and Dobby, and he was happy for them. At least two people he that he knew found some happiness in the darkness. After sending Hedwig with the letters, he began to try and read the notes Remus had sent him. On the top was a note that said, The map is the answer. Smiling he said, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

Lines swirled on the page before forming:

Messr's Prongs, Padfoot, Moony and Wormtail present: A guide to animagus transformation.

The page served as a menu for everything else, much like the Marauder's Map. Harry spent most of the day reading through the various things, the primary steps, shortcuts that shouldn't be taken and the like. By the end of the day he had a renewed sense of pride in his father and godfather's abilities.

Smiling he continued reading until suppertime. Dobby was still around so they had a pleasant conversation through the meal. Afterwards Dobby asked, "Harry Potter sir, may Dobby ask something of you?"

"You may ask Dobby, but I can't guarantee a response," replied Harry.

Dobby looked uncomfortable, as if he was unsure whether or not to continue. Winky placed a hand on Dobby's shoulder, which he returned with a smile. "Dobby would like to serve Harry Potter, like Winky serve."

Harry closed his eyes. 'Hermione's going to kill me, multiple times,' he thought to himself. "How exactly do you mean Dobby? I thought you liked being a free house elf."

Dobby rocked back and forth on his feet. "Dobby like being free house elf, but," he glanced at Winky, "Dobby feels it would be better for Dobby to serve Harry Potter."

Harry could feel his curiosity and embarrassment being perked. "Could you just be in my employ as a free house elf and that fix all the," Harry smiled, "problems?" Dobby looked surprised, but shrugged. Suppressing a laugh Harry said, "well then, you shall be under my employ until such time as you wish to leave. The same goes for you as well Winky."

Winky made as if to protest but Harry said, "I know that you wouldn't leave me, but if I have children and they treat you badly, you may leave at anytime."

After supper and a bit more reading, Harry went to sleep.

The next morning as he was enjoying a conversation with Winky and Dobby, Harry received a letter from a regal looking owl with a letter that Harry instantly recognized as Dumbledore's from the handwriting. Though he was loathed to read it, he still opened it.

Harry,

I understand that you have been in contact with Remus. I would say thank you for he has become much happier. Dobby has informed me that you have enlisted Winky into your services. I would have preferred that you have talked with me before you did this, but I understand that you have your reasons.

I find it very interesting to note that you have also retained Dobby in your service as well. He has informed me of such when I asked why he had not been attending his duties in the castle. You inspire a loyalty that few realize till they cross it my boy.

I will not take up anymore of your time except to say that a fair few of our members think that you run too much.

Albus Dumbledore

'So Dumbledore still wants all the cards in his hand,' Harry thought to himself. 'Well that's fine, but I don't think I'll play.'

Hedwig returned with a letter from Hermione that said she was glad to hear from him and gave the phone number 437-64663 and told him to call her sometime soon. He stroked Hedwig's feather's and said, "I hope she's got some owl treats for you girl. You spend a lot of time running messages between us.

Another week passed before Harry got a message via Dobby. It read:

Tomorrow an hour before dawn.

Soon, very soon his stay in Purgatory would be over. Soon he would begin preparation for the end.

A/n: 3615 words. This is my attempt to write a "official" story. Tell me if I should continue, and a better Chapter title.