"Halt! Who goes there?"

Draco burst into laughter at the sight that appeared before them. Wielding a spear that looked grossly disproportionate to its body size was a tiny house elf. It was clothed rather smartly, in a pressed green frock with elaborate silver embroidery, a crisp looking apron, and an ancient looking knight's helmet. The helmet was far too large for the tiny creature and its ears stuck awkwardly out the sides.

"Umm, hi..." Harry tried to smile at the odd little creature, but was rather sure that it came off as a grimace. He was pretty sure that he knew, at least by sight if not name, all of the Hogwarts's house elves by now. This little elf was definitely not one of the ones that he had met in the kitchens or around the castle. "I am…Harry, and this is my friend. Is there anyone at home?"

Harry had not been expecting a house elf, but he hoped that this did not mean that this place was occupied. It would not be good if he and Draco would need to look for a new hiding place.

"How did you find this place? Are you a Slytherin heir?" The elf's attention had focused on Draco's robes and on the crest stitched there.

"We came to find a sanctuary. We are sorry to intrude; we did not know people still lived here. We had thought that the house of Slytherin had been long abandoned. We will just go now…if it is possible could you not mention our visit to anyone." Harry pulled a still sniggering Draco toward the exit. "Please accept our apologies for intruding."

"Wait! Don't go!" The elf's spear dipped down again and it pushed the helmet mostly off, "You are not intruding. Are you Slytherin heirs?"

Draco spoke for the first time since they entered, "Can't your magic sense if we are of Slytherin blood?"

The elf looked uncomfortable, "This house has been long forgotten and the magic it holds is all but gone. There is scarcely enough magic left to sustain me. I am a shame to my race, for without the houses magic I can no longer preform my duties properly."

"We are not Slytherin by birth, but we will not hurt you or this house. We are just looking for a safe place to hide away where no one can find us. Would it be at all possible to stay here, just for a little while?" Draco was starting to sway a little and his gaze was glazing over again. Harry could tell that his mate needed rest, and more blood replenishing potion soon.

"I should not be permitting strangers to enter the house of Slytherin, but I am ashamed to admit that I do not want you to go. I…I have been alone so long…I am not a good elf." Harry felt sorry for the elf, which was obviously on the edge of tears.

"If you would allow us to stay we would be very grateful. My mate is very weak and I need to take care of him." That seemed to clinch it for the little elf and she lowered the spear completely.

"Are you soulbonded? I think I can sense that."

Harry smiled broadly, "Yes, we just found each other. Do house elves have soulbonded mates?"

The little elf bit her lip, "I don't know…I am a very bad and stupid elf."

"You don't sound stupid to me," Harry said soothingly, "What is your name?"

"Whimsy, sir."

"Well, Whimsy, is there a place that I can let Draco rest for the night?"

Whimsy nodded and led him up the large staircase to the second floor. It was slow going with Draco, and by the time they reached the top Harry could feel the blonde's hand shaking in his. Harry kissed his mate's knuckles whispering they would be there soon.

"Here you go, sirs." Whimsy said as she opened a large set of doors. "This was the little mistress's room and is the most ready for guests."

The room was beautiful. The walls were stone, but the ceiling was an intricately painted fresco of a forest glen full of wild flowers that swayed in an unseen breeze. A large four-poster bed that dominated the room. It too was carved with small, delicate flowers that seemed to climb on coiling vines. It was lovely, but the bedding was old and tattered. Harry reached out and touched it and it felt like the old material was about to turn to dust in his fingers. There were sconces on the walls for light, but the giant light from the entryway provided more than enough light to see.

Whimsy was wringing her small hands, "My deepest apologizes my lords. The house's magic is nearly depleted, and I have no way of creating new linens."

Harry smiled at the little elf, "Not to worry Whimsy. I will take care of it."

Harry ushered Draco into a delicate looking armchair and then started digging in his backpack. First he plucked up the second blood replenishing potion and handed it to his mate. Draco took it immediately, laying his head back against the chair and closing his eyes. Harry gave his cheek a quick kiss then pulled out the pillows and sheets he had grabbed from the hospital wing. With a wave of his wand he aimed a banishing spell at the old bedding...and promptly banished the entire bed.

"Oops!" He stared at where the bed had stood in astonishment.

Draco's sleepy sniggers could be heard beside him, "Nice one Potter."

"I think something is wacky with my wand." Harry said, tapping his wand against his leg.

"Please tell me you remember the counter charm."

"Yeah," Harry carefully moved his wand in the needed movement. The bed returned to its original position, old bedding and all. This time Harry just removed the old sheets and coverlet by hand, trying and failing to handle them without tearing the ancient fabric. Giving up and tossing the shredded remains in a corner, he lay out the hospital sheet on the old sagging mattress. It was much too small for the large bed but he didn't dare try to enlarge it.

Harry then helped his mate to his feet and into the crudely made bed. Draco made another cooing-hum in his throat as he leaned against his mate's side while crossing the room. Once Draco was settled onto the sheet Harry added a hospital pillow and blanket to the bed, tucking everything around his mate until he was as comfortable as possible.

"Try and stay awake until I can get you some water." Harry said as he brushed Draco's bangs away from his already sagging eyelids.

Draco nodded and Harry turned to Whimsy, who was hovering in the door as if she didn't quite know what to do with herself.

"Thank you for everything Whimsy. If it isn't too much trouble could you show me where the kitchen is?"

If it were possible, the comment made Whimsy look even more awkward, "Umm, yes my lord, this way."

Harry followed the little elf down the large staircase, through a large formal dining room, and into a large kitchen. There was no stove or oven, but instead three large fireplaces lay along one wall. A large trough sink took up almost another entire wall. Cauldrons and pans were neatly organized on open shelves and intricate fine china was displayed in glass cabinets next to the door leading to the dining room.

Not wanting to invade the little elf's domain Harry turned and asked where cups would be found. The elf rushed over to a nearby shelf and produced a delicate looking china cup and a pitcher for water.

"You wouldn't happen to have any tea as well? Something warm would do Draco well."

Whimsy looked terrified, "No, my lord. I apologize, but the house has not supplies left. It...it has been a very long time since anyone was here and all of the stores have long since been used up. I am so sorry, but I am unable to leave here and have no way of procuring new food. There is water though!"

Harry looked around the kitchen again. The fireplaces stood empty of fire, wood, and even ash. There was an entire set of empty shelves and empty glass containers. Indeed it looked more like a prop kitchen would in some museum. Then a thought occurred to Harry that had his stomach twisting, "Whimsy, if you cannot leave, and there is no food, what do you eat?"

Whimsy knotted her hands together, "House elves don't need to eat as frequently as humans. And we can get by on much less."

"But you have to eat something, you can't live on air."

Whimsy bit her lip, "When the house still had a little magic left we could conjure a little food. And before my father died, he taught me how to hunt the rats that sneak through the pipes under the castle...there is just enough for one elf."

Harry was sure his stomach had wound itself in to a permanent knot at this point. "So you are...alone here? Alone in this old decaying place?"

Whimsy nodded dejectedly, "I am sorry I can't be of more service to you, my lord."

Harry reached out and patted the poor little elf's shoulder, "Hey, don't worry about it. I will get everything we need, and anything you need as well."

Whimsy's large eyes filled with tears, "You are generous, my lord, but I am not worthy of your benevolence. A house elf's purpose is to care for the humans that give them the honor of their home and magic. I have never been able to fulfill my proper purpose as a house elf."

"It seems to me that it is a two way street then. If you are expected to serve, then the people you serve ought to ensure that you have the magic and supplies you need. My friend Dobby is a house elf and his former masters were cruel and unreasonable. I helped Dobby gain freedom and he is now enjoying some time free of people's rules."

"But if he is not bound to a magical family he will not have access to any magic!"

Harry smiled thinking fondly of his little friend. "He has some magical stores that will last him a little bit longer. After that he has asked to be bound to me, unless he chooses to live a life without magic. I have also offered him a job if he wants to work without magic. My godfather passed away last year and left me this big, old house and Dobby may help me fix it up."

Whimsy seemed fascinated hearing about another elf and the world outside her closed off world. Harry wondered just how long it had been since she had talked to another living thing.

"If you like maybe I can bring Dobby here to meet you after I figure out how to keep Draco safe." Harry smiled a little at the look of wonder that crossed the elf's face. It was as if she had never thought of seeing another house elf.

"I would hate to impose on you, my lord."

"It is not problem, besides you letting Draco and I stay here for the night may just save his life, and for that I owe you anything you could possibly want. Oh, and you can call me Harry."

"Would that not be horribly disrespectful, my lord?" Whimsy looked aghast at the very idea.

Harry chuckled, "Things have grown quite a bit more informal in recent years. Just how long has it been since you have had people here?"

Whimsy looked down sadly, "Well before my lifetime, I am afraid. The Slytherin family left this house, taking most of the house elves with them about a thousand years ago. My great-grandparents and a few other elves were left to care for the house until the family returned…but none have."

"I can't believe that your family just abandoned their house elves like that!" Harry fumed, "That is just so wrong, you should treat any house elves as members of your family. That is how I think of Dobby, and we aren't even bound."

"You are a very kind wizard, My…Harry." Whimsy smiled at him, "Dobby will be a very luck elf."

"I think that I will be the lucky one, Dobby is one of the most loyal, generous, and selfless creatures I have ever met."

Whimsy grinned at his description, "I find myself filled with anticipation at the thought of meeting someone you hold in such high regard."

"Whimsy, I know that we have only just met, but if there is anything you ever want or need all you have to do is ask. You have helped Draco and me more than you know, or I can ever repay. I thank you. Now, I better get Draco that water before he crashes."

Before Harry could even take a step towards the glasses Whimsy had rushed over and grabbed a glass and was filling it at the sink. She offered to carry it up to Draco for Harry, but he declined and insisted that she rest after having an exciting day with two strangers barging into her home. She seemed reluctant to leave his side, which was understandable since she had been alone for so long, but Harry felt that he needed a little alone time with his soulbonded. They both needed a moment to relax, get settled, and talk. Harry's mind was already bursting with half-formed plans, but Draco was a part of him now and he couldn't form any ideas without getting his input. Besides, Draco was a Sytherin, and Harry would be a fool to pass up a chance to plan and scheme with the Slytherin prince.

Draco was propped up on pillows, his color looking slightly better already. He was looking at the patched skin covering his forearm as Harry walked in. He quickly tucked the mutilated mark out of sight as he caught sight of Harry, but Harry climbed onto the bed, placing the water on the bedside table. He pulled Draco's arm back out from his side and kissed the recently mended skin. "Don't hide from me Draco. Everything that you are is part of me, just as everything that I am is part of you. Now that we have found each other you don't ever need to worry about being alone again. And if you ever feel like you did tonight, like you did on that rooftop, just tell me, and I will show you just how much your life means to me."

Draco's eyes looked a little moist for a few moments before he blinked and muttered, "Soppy, Gryffindor sentimentality." But as he said it he was pulling Harry close for a soft kiss.

Harry could tell that both he and Draco were completely exhausted when neither of them tried to deepen the kiss or take advantage of their close proximity. Instead Draco just tugged Harry down so that he was lying beside his and their bodies seemed to naturally conform into an optimal cuddling position, with Draco's head pillowed comfortably on Harrys broad shoulder.

"Have some water, love." Harry whispered and Draco grumblingly reached over Harry and gulped down a few mouthfuls from the glass. "Now a pain-relief potion, with all the turbulence tonight I don't want you waking up with a headache."

Draco glared at him, but dutifully took the potion which had been sitting right next to the glass of water.

Harry smiled at the blonde's glower, and kissed his temple as he snuggled back into place, "So what do you think of the hiding place?"

Draco snorted lightly, "A little dank, and dusty, but I suppose that it beats the alternative."

"The alternative being Voldi-Snort's hideaway."

Draco winced and nodded, "And the company seems much improved here."

"Yeah, poor Whimsy! Can you believe that she has never actually met another person?"

Draco rolled his eyes and kissed Harry's shoulder, "I was referring to you, you dolt."

Harry blushed, "Well, um, thanks."

Draco managed to smirk and yawn simultaneously, which, as it turned out, was adorable.

"You get some sleep." Harry said stroking the blonde's cheek, "Don't worry if I am not here when you wake up. I will have to get you supplies."

Draco looked up at his face looking slightly panicked, "You will come back."

"Always." Harry kissed his lips softly, trying to convey just how much he meant the words.

Draco relaxed and lay his head down, his chin on Harry's chest so they could still look at each other and talk, "Like you could stay away if you tried. I have an arse to die for."

One of Harry's hands skimmed down Draco's back and gave the tempting muscle a quick pinch, "No argument's here!"

The boys sniggered for a moment before settling back into comfortable silence.

"Draco, how much do you know about house-elves?"

Draco snorted, "Is your Gryffindor heart bleeding over little Whimsy already?"

"Um, no, well yes..but that is not what I was talking about. Do you remember Dobby?"

Draco sniggered to himself, "Weirdest house-elf I have ever met. He was funny though, he used to keep me company when I was a kid. Father was pissed when you helped him get free."

"Well, Dobby and I are really close. We have talked about him bonding to me at some point, but I was wondering what your opinions on the matter where. I was thinking of asking him to bond with us now so that he could help us. Do you think that it is worth him knowing your location?"

Draco hummed to himself, "Most house-elves are loyal to a fault, but there have been cases of disobedience."

"I trust Dobby with my life, but your life is the most precious thing in the world to me and I won't risk you for anything."

Draco smiled sappily for a moment at Harry's words before refocusing, "I think that the benefits far outweigh the risks. As much as I don't like to think about it, you can't stay down here with me. It would draw too much attention if we both went missing at the same time."

"I was thinking much the same thing." Harry said forlornly, "I will come down here as frequently as possible though."

"We may have to find a different way to get you here then. You don't want to get caught sneaking into a girls bathroom." Draco sniggered.

"I know that house-elves can apperate inside of Hogwarts, maybe Dobby can side-along me."

Draco hummed to himself, "I know that they can side-along, Dobby actually side-alonged me when I was seven and broke my arm out on the quidditch pitch at the manor. Father was not pleased, I think Dobby got caned for that, even though I was out in the gardens with mother and Dobby just happened to find me after I had snuck away and tried flying an adult broom."

"And you wonder why Dobby was chomping at the bit to get out of that house."

Draco shuddered, "He wasn't the only one."

Harry rubbed circles on Draco's back, "Don't worry, Love, you won't ever need to go back there unless you choose to."

Draco hummed, nuzzling into Harry's chest. "Mmm, sounds like a plan."

Harry could feel his eyelids tugging down and could only imagine how tired his mate must be. "Let's get some sleep, my love. I will stay until dawn, but I have to head out early to make it to breakfast."

Draco mumbled something that sounded like an agreement, but may have been a yawn. Harry smiled to himself and snuggled into his mate's warmth. There were going to be some serious challenges ahead for them, but Harry couldn't be more content at the moment.