Chapter 2

Several seconds later, Harry found himself in an old hallway that could be nowhere other than Grimmauld Place. Breathing in the smell of rotting wood, Harry took a couple steps, and then called for Kreacher. An instant later, a battered, but happy house-elf appeared.

"Kreacher," said Harry, "I think this house deserves some cleaning.

"Yes, Master, what should I do with my beloved mistress?"

"Wait, you know how to remove Mrs. Black's portrait?" asked Harry.

"Of course," said Kreacher "House-elves magic is much different from that of wizards."

"Kreacher, if you remove all the decorations, you may keep them in the basement, which will be your new room," said Harry

Kreacher stared at Harry incredulously for a moment, before breaking into sobs and hugging Harry's legs.

"Master Harry Potter is so kind to Kreacher! No one has ever given Kreacher anything! First you give Kreacher Master Regulus's locket, and now this," said Kreacher through sobs of joy.

"Kreacher, it's fine, just help me clean up," said Harry.

'Dumbledore was right about treating house-elves well' thought Harry.

Over the next couple months, Harry busied himself with the cleaning and refurbishing of Grimmauld Place. Ron and Hermione stopped by occasionally to help. Hermione seemed happier now that she had her parents back, and Harry noticed that Ron seemed happier and worked harder when Hermione was around. Their mood was much improved since the funeral, which happened last week. Harry had a pleasant eighteenth birthday near the end of the summer. His favorite present was the snitch Ginny had caught in his 6th year while he was in detention. He could not help remembering what had happened after that match and how it had changed his life. Ron put his head in his hands. Soon after was Ginny's birthday and it was an important one because she was going to be of age. Harry feeling uncreative had returned her present from his coming-of-age party.

At Grimmauld Place, Kreacher would sometimes give Harry large hugs, not at all related to what Harry was doing. Harry liked this Kreacher much more than the Kreacher of two years ago; Kreacher seemed to like himself more as well.

Harry was about to paint the master bedroom blue, when he realized that this permanent paint was too strong for his paintbrush. As he dipped it in, the brush melted. He considered using magic, but he needed some time out of the house anyway. "Kreacher!" yelled Harry "I'm going out of the house. I'll be in Diagon Alley if you need me."

Harry apparated outside of the Leaky Cauldron. As he opened the door, three wizards appeared in front of him. Harry whipped out his wand, but the wizards raised their hands.

"Harry!" said a voice that Harry recognized as the Auror, Dawlish "We mean no harm! We just meant to ask you if you supported Proposition 219, also known as the Free Peoples Bill."

"You shouldn't surprise me like that," said Harry "and what's this bill you're talking about?"

"Under all the legal terms, it basically makes all creatures and wizards more equal," explained Dawlish. "It also favors a more even distribution of wealth."

"Yeah, uh, that sounds great," said Harry, thinking of the Weasleys and their financial situation. The third wizard was frantically taking notes on everything Harry said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go buy a paintbrush."

The three wizards obliged and sat at a table. Harry entered Diagon Alley and quickly located Mrs. Skower's All Purpose House Supplies, entered, and bought an extra-strength paintbrush. He thanked the witch and exited. As he walked back, he passed Gringotts, where he was surprised to see Lucius Malfoy, apparently engaged in pleasant conversation with the three wizards who had questioned Harry. Harry found this somewhat disturbing, considering that there was no way Malfoy would agree with the even distribution of wealth.

Thinking hard, and wishing Dobby was still alive, Harry apparated back to Grimmauld Place. As soon as he began to paint, he heard a knock at the door. Wondering who it could be, Harry walked towards the heaven oaken door and opened it. He was surprised to see Andromeda Tonks at the door. Harry quickly shut the door after her, for it was cold, and winter was upon them. Mrs. Tonks was holding a little bundle that Harry assumed to be Teddy. Mrs. Tonks spoke first.

"I thought I should see you, since Remus named you the godfather of his child."

"I would be happy to help you in any way I can," offered Harry

"I just need you to watch Teddy for a while, because the Free People's Movement is requesting my help and I think it's a noble cause. Don't you? It's such a pleasure to finally help those who are in need."

"How long will I be watching little Teddy?" inquired Harry.

"They say now that the bill's past, they'll only need my help for a week."

"I can handle him, Mrs. Tonks, don't worry about him."

"Thank you so much for taking him Harry."

And with those last words, Andromeda Tonks handed him Teddy and disapperated.