I own nothing but the plot, and not even all of that.

Dobby lay in his cubbyhole, hyperventilating with nervousness. He was a thieving house elf. He had taken things that had not belonged to him. This was nearly a mortal sin for a house elf. He had no choice, though. He had to keep Harry Potter away from Hogwarts any way he could. He held a pulsing, blue cube in each hand and was guiltily going over and over in his head how he had obtained them.

His plan was weak, he knew. He thought that just maybe if Harry Potter thought his friends had forgotten him, he might not want to come back to school. He had been on the lookout for any owls trying to reach Harry Potter, but he was only able to intercept his Hogwarts book list.

He had looked everywhere for Harry Potter to try and warn him, but he wasn't anywhere Dobby could pop to. He had sneaked into Harry Potter's friends houses and tried to find any letters that could give him a clue. That's when he saw the young witch Young Master called "the know-it-all mudblood" watching a small image of Harry Potter coming from a small, blue cube. As he watched, she then spoke to the cube, and he realized that this was why there were no owls. The cube was how he was communicating with his friends.

He was quite frustrated by her attention to the cube. The girl never seemed to leave it alone. She even slept with it in her hand. It took a few days before she was distracted enough by packing books that he could take it from her nightstand. He didn't like to think of stealing, but if he had to, he would in order to save Harry Potter.

Dobby only had the cube in his hand for a moment before considering who else Harry Potter might give a cube to. He knew from Young Masters ranting that the young Longbottom boy was a good candidate. He searched the boy's room at Longbottom Manor as thoroughly as he could without risking discovery, but failed to find one. Then, in a stroke of luck, he overheard the Longbottom boy discussing his upcoming year at Hogwarts with his Grandmother. Dobby was relieved to hear him say he wished he knew how Harry Potter was doing. If he had a cube, he'd know.

The only other places he could think of with reason to contact Harry Potter and the need for quick communications was Gringotts and Hogwarts. Dobby was not stupid enough to try and search Gringotts. Goblins didn't use house elves, so he would be noticed immediately. Goblins also took a very dim view of stealing, and were not the sort to listen to excuses or to make exceptions. Hogwarts, on the other hand, wouldn't notice him at all. With over a hundred elves, one more wouldn't be seen as anything unusual.

Searching the head of Gryffindor's office turned up nothing. The only other one he could think of who might have a cube was Dumbledore. That's where he very nearly got caught. Dumbledore's phoenix didn't see the house elf, but detected his presence anyway. The bird also noted the disappearance of the cube, and flashed away as soon as Dobby took it.

Dobby was quick, but the phoenix was quicker. Dobby was just about to pop out again when the fire bird was back with the Headmaster. It didn't take Dumbledore long to see that the cube was missing. Dobby, shivering in his cubbyhole at home, trembled again at how angry the Headmaster had gotten when he saw it was missing.

Like a summer thunderstorm, Dumbledore's anger was both fierce and short lived. The veil of his doddering grandfather figure was only out of place for a moment before the old man got control of himself. For that instant, though, Dobby was more terrified of the Headmaster of Hogwarts than he was of his own Master. Since Master had a habit of dismembering house elves who displeased him, that was saying something.

Dumbledore hadn't yelled, and he hadn't smashed anything. He just stood there, staring at the spot where the cube had been. A wind suddenly blew around his office like a dust devil, swirling papers off of his desk and sending everything small fluttering about. A light shown in his eyes that spoke of a fury unleashed. Then, it was all back to normal.

That was when Dobby, who was invisibly cowering in a corner, made his escape. He had only just gotten away, but he didn't think Dumbledore had seen him. Dobby was still terrified two weeks later, shivering and waiting in fear that Dumbledore would find out that a thieving house elf had taken his cube. The guilt of the thefts was gnawing at Dobby's mind. He left his cubbyhole only for work and food. He punished himself constantly, even without having to be reminded. Young Master had never looked so pleased with the elf before.

Hermione Granger was in Flourish and Blotts getting her books for the upcoming school year when she got her first look at her new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. When she received her book list, she was ecstatic to find that there were seven books listed for the course. Her parents were far less enthused to find they had to pay for seven books for one class.

"Isn't this the class that's supposed to be cursed?" asked her father.

"It was," answered Hermione, emphasizing the past tense, "Dumbledore said it last year, the curse is now broken."

"That doesn't explain seven books," added her mother.

"The new professor probably wants to get us caught up," replied Hermione, "seeing how there hasn't been a proper professor in so long."

"What's up with these titles?" asked her father. "Year with the Yeti? Wandering with Werewolves?"

"Things can be strange in the magical world," answered Hermione.

Then came the actual shopping day. Hermione had hoped that Harry would be back by then, but wasn't surprised that he wasn't. She knew his scheduled arrival wasn't until the day before their return to Hogwarts, and her parents wouldn't let her wait to get prepared.

It was a busy day in Diagon Alley, with most of the students and parents shopping on that day. It had been a mad house inside the bookstore, with Gilderoy Lockhart doing the book signing. As it turned out, it was Lockhart himself that was to be her new professor. All the witches in the shop were quite enamorred with the good looking wizard, and Hermione had gotten caught up in admiring him, too. Not even the Weasleys getting into a scuffle with the Malfoys had distracted her from getting some extra good parchment that she earmarked for Defense classes.

Hermione's enthusiasm for her new professor lasted until they were halfway back to the new house. Hermione was skimming through her new books in the car, and came to a startling discovery.

"Ummm," she said, "these aren't textbooks."

"What's that, Pumpkin?" her mother asked.

"These Lockhart books aren't textbooks," she repeated. She was flipping through the books rapidly, switching them out one after the other.

"What do you mean?" her father asked.

"There's not one spell description in any of these," Hermione said, her scathing tone indicating how offended she was. "No wand movements, no incantations, nothing! It's just a bunch of stories about him doing all these heroic things, but no mention of how he actually did them." Her parents, recognizing a storm on the way, tried to calm her down.

"Perhaps he saved those parts for the class," her mother suggested, weakly.

"Yeah," her father agreed, "that must be it. Why a professor would do that, I don't know, but..." His voice trailed off as he saw his daughter glaring at him in the rear view mirror.

"He had better have," Hermione muttered darkly, as she moved her nicest parchment from Defense over to her Transfiguration materials.

Dan and Emma Granger traded a look. God help this professor if he hadn't. They were both well aware that accuracy in textbooks was almost a religion to their daughter. There was a favorite family story, now lovingly shared in family gatherings the world over, of how a nine year old Hermione had written a textbook printing company fifteen times. She badgered them until they had finally agreed to revise a science textbook that incorrectly stated that there were only three states of matter. This Lockhart fellow had no idea what he was in for.

The Sun-Earth L3 Point was no different than any other random spot of space in the Sol system, except in one regard. It was the one place in the system where an object would be forever out of sight from Earth.

Between any two bodies in space there are 5 points of gravitational stability. Earth scientists called these Lagrangian Points. Different worlds in the Galactic Republic had different names for them, but Republic pilots tended to call them parking spots. Left on their own, objects left in these areas tended to remain there, though minor corrections needed to be automatically made due to the gravitational effects of other bodies. The L3 point always existed on the opposite side of the larger of the two bodies, so it was forever hidden from direct observation from the smaller body.

At the Sun-Earth L3 Point, first one, then another spaceship suddenly appeared. They were Delta-7 Jedi Starfighters attached to removable hyperspace rings. They detached from their rings and maneuvered away. It would take them several hours to reach Earth, but leaving the rings here protected them from observation from the Earth. A third ship dropped out of hyperspace beside the two fighters. It was larger and bulkier than the sleek design of a starfighter. It was a troop transport. Larger even than the standard dropships, it could not only deploy troops, but also house them indefinitely. Each fighter took position as escort to the transport, and all three ships accelerated away and began the journey around the sun.

Albus Dumbledore sat at his desk, going over the paperwork for the incoming first year class. He noted that the last of Arthur and Molly's children was starting this year. He spent a moment wondering if William or Charles was going to have children soon. There was a gap coming up after Genevra graduated when there would be no Weasleys at Hogwarts. He thought about how happy that would have made Argus Filch, and his face darkened.

That was a definite black spot on Albus's judgement. It was obvious, in hindsight, how disgruntled Argus was becoming, and the very many opportunities that had been missed to help the man cope with his place in this world. That Argus has been willing, even eager, to embrace Voldemort's control in exchange for the illusion of power was incomprehensible to the Headmaster.

The trial, held over the summer break, had laid it all out in undeniable detail. Argus Filch was not a victim, but a willing participant in the abduction of Daphne Greengrass. A squib had kidnapped the heiress to one noble house and the betrothed to another. The Wizengamot sentenced Filch to life in Azkaban after only two minutes of deliberation. There was no doubt that he was guilty, nor that he deserved such punishment. Albus was concerned how much emphasis the Wizengamot was placing on Filch's status as a squib. He wouldn't change the ruling, but he would change the evidence that was presented, if he could. Guilt or innocence should be determined by physical evidence, not on the status of one's birth.

He was pondering a most peculiar riddle involving Harry Potter and the Jedi. When he had laid down the ward stones for the Granger's new home, Miss Granger reported experiencing the most peculiar sensation. She was looking up at the sky and thinking of Mr. Potter, when she could suddenly 'feel' him there with her. She was adamant that it was a true communication. He would have to consult with the Jedi when they returned to determine the accuracy of this report.

Harry Potter was scheduled to return to Earth today. Last year he had been a harbinger of change for Hogwarts. Dumbledore wondered what this year would bring.

Hedwig was a very unhappy owl. She was a bird of prey, a post owl, a majestic symbol of elegance and intelligence, a devourer of bacon, and currently a prisoner of war. At least, that's what she would say if she could speak. The large snowy owl detested her traveling cage almost as much as she despised the jumps into hyperspace. For Harry, though, she tolerated it.

She was of two minds about Coruscant. On the one hand, she had found a very tasty rodent that was considered a pest in one of the local parks. The Jedi deemed it quite safe for her to eat. The caretakers of the park were very enthusiastic about the vast reduction in their population caused by the freely hunting owl.

On the other hand, there were no other owls in that strange sky. She had to limit how high she could fly due to the odd vessels flying in constant streams of traffic. She was also restricted in how far from the Jedi temple she could go. Any number of the lower classes inhabiting the street levels would see her as prey. She was looking forward to the companionship of the other post owls at Hogwarts, and to her being freed from this cage.

Hermione was nearly finished reading her transfiguration textbook when the doorbell rang. She was sitting one on a the sofa in their new living room waiting for the arrival of Harry and Master Toma. She ran for the door, threw it open, and then was wrapped in the arms of her favorite Jedi.

"Harry," she said, not caring that his shoulder was going to get wet from tears, "I'm so sorry I never answered your message. The Holocube is missing!"

"Its ok, Hermione. We figured that's what it was, and I'll have another one for you soon."

"What about your mission," she asked, "the last I heard, Master Amani was still missing."

"The mission didn't exactly go according to plan," admitted Harry, "but we did get Master Amani back in one piece."

"What exactly," asked Emma Granger, who had just finished greeting Toma, "does 'not according to plan' mean in this context?"

"Well," answered Harry, not sure how the Grangers would take the news of him in combat, "the gentlemen holding Master Amani required a bit of... persuasion before they agreed to release him."

"Dare I ask," asked Daniel Granger, "what the Jedi version of 'persuasion' means?"

"I infiltrated an enemy stronghold," Harry said, "and in the process of freeing Master Amani we were required to fight for our lives in a gladiatorial arena."

Toma gave Harry a look that clearly said that Harry could have worded that better. Harry, who was trying to continue the rapport Dan Granger and he had established at Christmas, ignored it.

"We were winning," Harry added, "until Master Toma walked in and stopped everything."

"How did he stop the fighting?" Emma asked.

"No," Harry corrected," I mean he stopped everything. Bolts of energy hanging in midair, it was really cool."

Daniel, impressed, held his hand up, palm out towards Harry. Confused, Harry did the same. Daniel slapped their palms together, giving Harry his first ever high five.

"Boys," whispered Hermione.

Daniel Granger may have been fooled by Harry's nonchalant delivery, but Emma was not. She immediately looked him over for lingering injuries.

"How are you, Harry?" she asked.

"I'm fine," Harry answered. "Just some bumps and bruises, and they've all been healed."

"That's not what I asked," Emma said, kindly, but firmly. "How are you?" she repeated, this time putting emphasis on the 'you'.

"It's been difficult," Harry answered. "But the Jedi have an excellent support system, they've helped me."

Emma then contributed to that assistance by wrapping Harry in a hug. Sometimes, Harry thought, the simplest things worked the best.

Harry and Toma were being given a tour of the Granger's new home. As they did so, Harry explained to Hermione that the feeling she had that day that was real. He explained how Jedi meditation could sometimes show things that were happening even on distant planets. Harry couldn't guarantee that he would be able to do that anytime, but it had very much been appreciated.

Harry explained to the Grangers that he had already gone to Diagon Alley, and was able to obtain his supplies and books despite having not recieved his book list.

"It's possible it was just too far for that owl," theorized Harry. "I should talk with Headmaster Dumbledore and let him know he should send any messages through the Holocube. We're still not sure how that owl got my letter to Coruscant last year, but If hate for any owls getting hurt trying to make the attempt."

"Dumbledore's Holocube went missing, too," Hermione said. "He came here a few weeks ago and wanted to borrow the one you left for me. That's when I found that mine was gone. I had seen it only that morning, so it must have been taken while I was still in the room. I think that Dumbledore realized that as well, as he packed our house in a minute and got us out of there. He also warded both this house and the old one." Harry and Toma shares a glance.

"What's going on?" asked Hermione.

"I'm not sure yet," said Master Toma, "but I don't like that it seems like someone is trying to block Harry's communications while he is off world."

They were just being shown the guest bedrooms that Harry and Toma would be staying in that night when they encountered a most peculiar sight. Sitting on Harry's bed was a small, bruised creature with overly large eyes and long, floppy ears. The Grangers all recognized it as a house elf. It seemed very nervous.

"Harry Potter!" The elf squeaked, standing up and smoothing down the filthy tea towel he wore. "Such a honor it is."

"The honor is mine," answered a confused Harry. "May I know your name?"

"Dobby the house elf," replied the elf.

"How did you get past the wards?" asked Hermione. "I thought the Headmaster had an anti-intrusion ward added. Dobby looked sheepish, but did not answer the question.

"I'm pleased to meet you, Dobby," said Harry. He had decided a diplomatic approach would probably work best, as the creature appeared very skittish. "Please be seated. How may I be of service to you?"

Dobby began to wail at this. Eventually, he calmed down, blew his nose into his tea towel, and sat back down.

"You offers to serve Dobby?" The house elf sniffled. "And to sits with him, as an equal? Dobby has heard of your greatness, but of your kindness, Dobby never knew."

"Of course you're an equal," said Hermione. "Why would you think otherwise?" Dobby looked at her in confusion.

"Because," he answered, "House elves is not equal. We are bound to our families and required to serve them, even if we are treated like vermin." Dobby's eyes went wide and he tried to punish himself by hitting himself about the head with the nightstand lamp, but Emma Granger would not let him.

"Stop it, Dobby!" she yelled. She was trying to wrench the lamp from Dobby's hands, but was unable to. Suddenly, it flew out of his hands and Toma caught it. "Thank you, Toma," she said to the Jedi Master.

"Now, Dobby," She said, turning back to the house elf, "there is to be no hitting in this house. Not even of yourself."

Dobby lay there, panting from the beating he had given himself.

"Dobby understands," he said. "Dobby will have to do extra punishments later, but he will try not to here."

"I don't want you to punish yourself at all," cried a very upset Hermione.

"It is required," said Dobby. "Dobby's master commands, and Dobby must." He looked at the nightstand again and his hands twitched in the direction of the lamp. Hermione stepped in between the table and the elf and gave Dobby a warning look.

"Let's all go into the dining room and have some tea," Emma said. Dobby disappeared in a flash. The Grangers and the Jedi rushed downstairs and saw that Dobby had a tea service set up for five already.

"Dobby," said Emma, "all are welcome at our table for tea. Please set a place for yourself." The house elf burst into a fresh round of tears, but did as he was asked.

Hermione poured for everyone, including Dobby. The elf was sniffling the entire time, but between mother and daughter, they managed to calm him down. Toma and Harry, both recognizing that the elf was responding better to the mother and daughter team than he would have to either Jedi, let the two women lead.

"Now," asked Emma, "why don't you tell us why you are here?"

"Dobby has come to warm Harry Potter," Dobby said. "Harry Potter must not return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this year!"

There was a beat of silence for a moment as everyone tried to process that.

"I see," responded Emma. "Why shouldn't Harry return to school? He needs his education."

"Harry Potter needs to be safe," replied Dobby. "There is a plot! A plot to bring terrible danger to Hogwarts!"

"What sort of plot?" asked Toma. Dobby started to struggle with himself, clearly wanting to tell everything he knew, but also struggling to keep himself from hitting himself as punishment for betraying his family. Emma quickly put a stop to it.

"That's enough, Dobby!" she said, "We understand that you cannot say." Dobby settled down.

"I have to go back, Dobby," Harry said to Dobby's horror. "Every friend I have on this planet will be there. If there is danger, then I will be there to protect them."

"So noble, Harry Potter," Dobby sobbed, "But Harry Potter must stay safe!"

"You took the cubes," said Hermione, "didn't you?" Dobby's eyes opened wide in terror.

"Dobby is sorry!" he cried out. "Dobby thought if Harry Potter thought he was forgotten, he might not come back."

"I understand," said Hermione, gently. "I forgive you. You have to give them back, though." Dobby's ears drooped. He pulled the Holocubes out of his tea towel and held them in his hands.

"Dobby will give them back if Harry Potter promises he will not return to school!" Dobby said, tears streaming down his face.

"Dobby," said Hermione, "I understand why you took them, but you know that stealing is wrong. Please give the Holocubes back to me now." Her voice brooked no argument. Dobby was conditioned to obey commands. The impulse to do so now was strong, even if these people were not family. The kindness they had shown him tipped the balance, and he agreed to return the stolen items. He handed the small, blue cubes to Hermione with his apologies.

"Dobby," Harry said, "I need you to understand that I will be going to school. I cannot just quit and run away to be safe. That's not the Jedi way."

"Dobby understands," the elf said, nodding. "Dobby wishes Harry Potter would reconsider, though." He snapped his fingers and disappeared.