A/N: My thanks to TheGreatBubbaJ for beta-reading and correction of this chapter.
Chapter 4 – First Changes
To tell the sisters his experiences at Hogwarts was a cathartic activity for Harry and allowed him to examine, with his new critical eye and the girls' help, how strange his stay in the castle had been until then. It also greatly heightened his suspicions about the headmaster and his shame in having hitherto devoted so little effort to learning more about magic and this strange new world into which he was inserted.
"This elf you freed from Malfoy, where is he now?" Daphne asked after Harry finished his story.
"I don't know. I haven't seen him since," Harry replied, curious about her motives.
"Call him," she said simply, and Harry complied. A 'pop' and soon the excited elf was there with them, praising the 'Great and Noble Harry Potter, sir' for remembering of poor Dobby.
"Elf, are you currently connected to any family?" Daphne asked Dobby, who promptly said he was still free. The girl then asked Harry to take the elf at his service and, realizing the boy's reluctance, explained in detail the elves' need to be attached to a wizard or witch in order to survive. Harry confirmed the facts with Dobby and, convinced that the elf really wanted to be under his command, completed the quick adoption ritual.
Dobby wanted to immediately start working for Harry, but the boy couldn't think of anything for the elf to do. The Greengrass sisters, on the other hand, soon showed him the thousand and one uses of having an elf at their disposal, and handed the elf an initial list of tasks. Dobby left happy. With those two girls helping his master, his life would be quite hectic, just the way he liked it.
Every few minutes Dobby would come back with something for them. The first stop of the elf had been Gringotts, where Dobby obtained a form for Harry to fill out and sign, entitling the elf to make withdrawals and solicit services from the bank on behalf of his master. Minutes later Dobby returned from Gringotts with several rolls of parchment where Harry and the girls could check his financial condition and other important details. The boy also allowed Dobby to take his measures so that suitable clothes could be bought. A magical optician came by the Floo network and, after examining Harry, promised to deliver contact lenses for the next day. Harry thought it odd, but he accepted Daphne's suggestion of taking two transparent pairs and a brown pair for disguise.
Harry had to examine the paperwork Dobby had brought from Gringotts by himself, as the girls dived into the task of choosing the boy's next clothes as soon as Dobby brought the first catalogues. Not knowing much about finances and laws, Harry went on to separate the documents into three piles: 'Interesting', 'Not Interesting' and 'Ask the Girls'. Unfortunately, the last pile was by far the tallest. However, in the 'Interesting' stack there was some important information. Harry had enough money to live for himself until he was of age, when he would have access to even more money that might allow him to live his whole life without working. He also had some properties, perhaps even one that was habitable and could be his new home. Finally, the list of belongings accumulated in the family vault included several personal items from his parents, including some diaries and notebooks that could give the boy a much better sense of who they had been.
Time passed quickly, and soon was time for his 'second lesson' with Daphne. In a few minutes he was naked, with an equally naked Daphne hugging him and murmuring in his ear.
"Tell me, Potter, why do you think we are here, like this?"
Harry thought of simply replying 'Because it's so good,' but in the end he decided that a more elaborate response would be necessary to avoid the abrupt end of that hot experience. Still, he decided to make it clear how much he appreciated that situation.
"I think 'pleasure' is part of the answer. I really like being this way with you; and for me that would be worth it. But I know there's more. It is not only experiencing pleasure, but getting used to it and learning to control what we feel and how we act. I feel an inner fire ... As you said in the morning, if I do not control myself I can lose myself in this pleasure and end up doing, or committing myself to do, things that I will regret later."
"Impressive, a boy who can think in a situation like this, what a pleasant surprise." She replied, laughing in a way that rocked many things and greatly increased the boy's pleasure, somewhat harming that esteemed capacity to think.
"We are entering an age where our hormones will make us very vulnerable, Potter. For example, I currently have immense value. I am the heiress of an important, rich and powerful magical family. Two options open to me, depending on if my family wishes to preserve its autonomy or not. I could marry someone from a less noble family, demanding that our first male be declared a Greengrass and inherit control of the family directly from my father. Or I could be sold to an even more powerful family, who, if the heiress's position was not passed to Astoria, would receive control of my family. However, this would leave my father much richer and more powerful while he lived. Also of note, if I lose my virginity before getting married I will be considered a 'damaged commodity', and my value would fall considerably. In such a case, since I have a younger sister, it is more likely that my father would disown me, expelling me from the family, and making Astoria the new heiress. In that case, I would be in the same position as a Muggle-born, refused by those of pure blood and having to look for a half-blood or Muggle-born as a husband. "
"The kind of contract with me that would help Astoria would not be favourable to you, would it?" asked Harry curiously.
"My father would not take it, because your mother was Muggle-born. Your family is well positioned and relatively wealthy, but not enough to cover this alleged taint. Though I am pleased you are interested in helping me, Potter. However, we do not have to worry about it for now. My dad will not bargain me before I get my OWLs. He expects good grades to increase my value even more."
"It's so annoying to see you treated as commodities, I don't know how you've lived with it for so long!" The boy raged.
"Let's put this aside for now and go back to class. First, how to kiss, then how to excite a girl."
-o0o-
Harry woke up early the next morning, in a good mood and with a good disposition, so much so that he exercised for half an hour before taking a quick shower and preparing for a new day, wearing new and comfortable clothes.
Shortly after breakfast he had another 'lesson' with Daphne, which only increased his happiness and good humour. This morning, his mission was to try to 'read' the signals Daphne's body language passed to him, trying to figure out what she wanted and what she didn't like, trying to get his partner to the greatest pleasure without her having to tell him what to do. It was so much pleasure for both of them that they had to close the class earlier: a small accident occurred, and they both decided to leave for another shower.
Shortly thereafter, Daphne decided to begin the examination of the documents Dobby brought from Gringotts, leaving Harry in Astoria's care. The two of them decided to walk around the property, each wanting to talk about one issue with the other. Always the perfect gentleman, Harry let the girl begin.
"Harry, I've been thinking of everything you told us yesterday, and the more I think, the less I understand. To think that You-know ..." the girl then stopped at the expression of disgust on Harry's face, and resolved to correct himself. "Okay, V-Voldemort ... satisfied? But back to the subject, to think that Voldemort is the son of a Muggle, with how much he poses as guardian of the purity of blood and all this bullshit about traditions, and nobody knows of his past, that does not make sense! If Dumbledore, and probably others, know this, why has nothing come to the public? Why let him deceive other purebred youths with his lies, if truth could keep many from swearing fealty to him? One would almost think those in the know are trying to help him. The situation is even worse if he can return at any time ... Spreading the truth could hinder this return, or at least diminish his ability to gather support."
"I agree," Harry stated, before looking thoughtful for a moment. Finally, he expressed his doubt: "Do you think if we wrote everything we know about him in an article, could we get someone to publish it?"
"Difficult. The magical press is in the hands of purebloods, and even if it is true I do not think they would take the risk. Though come to think of it … Potter, there is someone who would print the real story of Voldemort regardless of the consequences, however there may be one small problem. The reputation of him and his magazine are not exactly the best, but you have befriended his daughter, that is an open door that we can explore."
"Luna? Does Luna's father have a magazine?" asked Harry curiously.
"He does. What do you think? I can call her by Floo and invite her and her father to visit us and interview you. We can first make a rough plan by listing all the important facts and mark which ones to divulge or not, which ones we can offer evidence or at least indications that can be checked, and so on. We must think well before we act, see if the timing is correct for what facts, and what others would be better left off for another time, you know?"
"No, but I'll learn from you, I'm sure," the boy commented, giving Astoria a big smile, leaving her immensely happy with the confidence and satisfaction Harry demonstrated with the help she had been giving him.
"Well, my most urgent matter is settled then. We will make the list, and after defining the topics, we will call the Lovegoods for a visit," confirmed Astoria before turning to Harry. "You had a subject to discuss too, did you not?"
"Oh, more than one." He smiled. "But there is one in particular: now that Dobby works for me and can withdraw money from the bank and make the purchases I need, what prevents me from simply hiding in one of my family's estates behind all possible protections? Heck, even a Fidelius spell with me as the guardian of the secret, leaving me sitting pretty to ignore the rest of the wizarding world entirely, especially the corrupt government and Voldemort?"
Astoria gaped at Harry then thought for a long time. 'Are all the Gryffindors so radical?' was the first thought she had. Then, thinking about the kind of life the boy had lived up to then, she concluded that the idea of putting everything aside was not so strange.
"I do not know, Potter. I would have to investigate the laws... Maybe it could complicate matters where the use of public services is needed, like St. Mungo's, Hogwarts, or the Knight Bus. Other than that, I do not see anything else. But these services are paid, so maybe..."
"Couldn't be there a lot of people like this, Astoria, hidden? Hogwarts is huge! How many students were there five hundred or a thousand years ago? I think it should be much more than it currently holds. And did they all die childless? Or have all they moved away, abandoning Britain forever? Of course, we had a fair number of evil wizards, but did they justify such a large drop in the magical population? Didn't even at least a portion of these missing people hide right here, instead of fleeing abroad or letting themselves be killed?"
Once again Astoria was astounded, but with a hint of mixed pride. She had given the initial push for Potter to start thinking for himself, and was now surprised by the results that had begun to appear in such a short time.
"That is a very interesting idea, Potter. Maybe Xenophilius, Luna's father, can help us unravel this case. But... what is your interest in this point? Run away from Voldemort if he comes back, or is there anything else?"
"All these girls who are in a situation like yours, or equally bad... or even boys, if there are some... I'm not sure, but it would be a way to escape the imposition of parents, or the government, or of any tyrant who appears trying to tell us how we should live our lives and what we can or cannot do..." elaborated Harry.
Astoria placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, making an impulse run through his body. The smile she gave him was like a reinvigorating potion to him.
"Potter, your willingness to help everyone is wonderful, but there are many obstacles. First, how to trust everyone? We would have to demand some form of magical contract or oath so that no one would betray the cause... And the money to support this whole group? Most children have very limited access to funds... And there is also the question that running away in this way means completely cutting the family ties ... For us, pure blood, this is a big step, and a step without return. If Voldemort really comes back, it is a possibility... it would give security... But, under normal circumstances, someone's situation would have to be really bad for them to even consider taking such a drastic step."
"Well ... I thought it might be a solution ..." said Harry, a little dismayed after the points raised by his friend.
"It is a solution, make no mistake. Although I do not think we could get many candidates right away, I think it is a great idea if we can find a Potter property that we could leave prepared for an eventuality. If the situation gets much worse, we could quickly hide there and think calmly about what to do next..."
"I noticed that there are several certificates of ownership in the material that Dobby brought from Gringotts. Would you help me examine them?" Harry suggested, already reanimated.
"Of course! Let's go home and start this already. I also want to see what Daphne has been doing in the meantime," replied the girl. "She can help us with this research, and to prepare the list for Luna's father."
-o0o-
"Hey, you guys, where have you been?" Daphne greeted them as soon as they entered the library. "We have a lot to talk about, quickly, sit down."
The two hurried to sit down and were soon bombarded with news: "The optician has sent your lens, Potter, that packet there," Daphne said, pointing to a small bundle at one corner of the table. "Mrs Mitchell called as well. She'll be here tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. with a specialist to see your scar. Potter, did you know that your family owned a small island hidden in Cardigan Bay? It is not very big, and here it does not say if there are buildings or not on the island, but there is a document here dated from the year 1,126 that says that the island was already yours 'long time immemorial' and that it is 'hidden from all others' since ever! It would be a perfect place to hide if You-Know-Who decides to get back! Or if you, the brave Gryffindor you are, resolve to fight him, it could at least be a secret base of operations!"
"How can we visit this place, if it's so hidden?" asked Harry.
"There is a special portkey in your family vault. I have taken the liberty of drafting a document on your behalf requesting it to be delivered to Dobby. In fact, I thought you would like to learn more about your parents, and I have also included the request to have the diaries listed on that parchment delivered," concluded Daphne, pointing to the list Harry had seen the day before with the contents of his vaults.
"Well thought out!" Harry praised as he signed the paper Daphne had given him. "Is Dobby doing something for you or is he free?"
With a loud 'pop' Dobby materialized alongside Harry. "Dobby is ready to serve the big, generous master Harry Potter, sir!"
"All these articles which are in the family vaults, can I already access them? I thought I could just use my personal vault..." Harry asked a little confused.
Daphne and Astoria exchanged a meaningful glance before the youngest replied, "I do not know if it is mere forgetfulness of adults or if you are being purposely kept ignorant of the minutiae of the magical world, but it is really strange that a person with your past knows so little of our world, Potter!"
"With so much that I am discovering now it seems there is a plot against me! What I do not understand is: what could anyone gain from my ignorance?"
Again, the two girls exchanged glances until finally Daphne replied: "We do not know at the moment. We need more information. It may be something connected to You-Know-Who, as it may also be something connected with your family, which is one of the oldest magical families on the Islands. The best we can do is correct those deficiencies without raising suspicions and keeping an eye open for the motives and intentions of those who try to manipulate you."
"If there is in fact someone trying to take advantage of your situation, they are more likely to try to strike before your adulthood. Have you noticed the number of spells, potions and hexes that can be used to manipulate a person's mind?" Astoria added with visible concern. "Daphne, we need to teach Potter about Occlumency and detection of potions and charms..."
"We ourselves must improve our knowledge, Tori," Daphne commented. "Maybe involve the whole group... Did you tell him about the group?"
"Which group?" Harry asked suddenly.
"Not yet," replied Astoria. "We talked about divulging some articles in the Quibbler then the conversation turned aside. By the way..."
"Wait a minute!" interrupted Daphne. "We need to get organized, create a priority list and stick as closely as possible to it. Do you see how we are working in many directions? We will need to focus on one point at a time, or we will not get many results, jumping from one subject to another according to the trends of the moment."
"How much time do we have? When do your parents come back?" asked Harry.
"They will come back on August 2nd, but that may not have much impact..." Astoria replied.
"We can meet somewhere else. Tracy's house, for example. Or at least we can tell our parents we will be there, and meet anywhere else," completed Daphne.
"We have about two months then, and I need to learn a bit of Runes and Arithmancy at that time," Harry interjected. "Can I do it?"
"The first year is pretty simple, Potter. With two hours a day per subject in a month you will be at the same point as me, as long as you work hard," Daphne explained. "By the way, those are my notes and the book of Runes we are using, and right there the same for Arithmancy. You can start now, while Tori and I start the priority list."
"Ma'am, yes ma'am!" replied Harry, giving the girl an irreverent salute before beginning his studies. Unfortunately, the Muggle reference to bossy Army sergeants went unnoticed by the two, who only took the act as another eccentricity of the boy.
-o0o-
Fortunately, Daphne was right and the opening chapters of Runes were nothing more than a history of its development and a classification of the different types that Harry could read and understand alone and quickly. The early Arithmancy chapters were even easier, just a review of the arithmetic Harry had learned in Muggle School before Hogwarts. When the three of them decided to stop for a late lunch Harry had already advanced over a third of the total Rune content and half the Arithmancy content, much to the astonishment of the girls.
"Argh! So that is why I could not beat Granger in Arithmancy!" complained Daphne. "You muggle-raised already enter Hogwarts with an advantage over us!"
"What do you learn before Hogwarts? Isn't there a prep school or something?" asked Harry.
Daphne was still too busy complaining about the injustice she had discovered, so Astoria replied to the boy, "No school. Our parents taught us the basics, and hired tutors for the rest, but the topics we studied have nothing in common with what we see at Hogwarts. We learn to read and write, our family history, magical traditions and customs, rules of fashion and etiquette, ballroom dancing, a bit about business and law... In short, lots of glamour and little practical content. Remember that the idea is to transform us into future model-wives. They do not want us to become independent and confident, that is just for the boys!"
Astoria's revulsion with the situation of the pureblood girls was visible (and audible) in the way she had expressed herself, to the point that Harry was curious about how a system that despised the qualities of half its members (not counting the contempt for the half-bloods and muggleborns) had succeeded in establishing itself and perpetuating itself for so long.
"Have you women never rebelled against this situation?" He asked.
"Yes, several times," was Astoria's answer. "But the situation is complex. As women, we do not have access to the wealth of our families, unless there is no man fit to become the head of the family. Even when we achieve to rule the family, there are laws severely limiting what a woman can do, while nothing limits men. An open revolt against the head of the family is a reason to be disinherited and sent out as pariahs. To someone with knowledge of the Muggle world, this could mean freedom and a new beginning, but imagine myself or Daphne in this situation: without documents, without proper instruction, not knowing how to survive in the Muggle world, with no one to help us... we would not survive."
"What if someone helped? What if you had the support of someone who knows the Muggle world, and who could support you for a while, until you learned enough to take care of yourself?"
"First, you need to understand that not all pureblood girls revolt against their situation, Potter," Daphne commented. "Some, like Parkinson, are happy with the prospect of being treated like luxury dolls and shine at parties and balls as an extra ornament in the arms of some powerful and influential wizard. But with You-Know-Who... ok, with Voldemort... satisfied? With Voldemort about to come back and support the purists even more... and this secret island and your willingness to help us... Tori, do you think the group would accept a male member? Do you think we can reach a mutual agreement, a vote of mutual help that gives security and benefits to all?"
Astoria considered for a moment before answering. "We do not know when he will return, but it would be wise to have a contingency plan. Put the visit to Potter Island as a high priority. Depending on the island's living conditions, we can think about the groups then."
"The 'groups'?" asked Daphne intrigued. "Are you thinking of trying to unite the three groups?"
"Sorry for the interruption, but what groups are you people mentioning so often?" asked Harry curiously.
-o0o-
Harry soon learned that there were three groups at Hogwarts made up of girls for the purpose of protection and mutual assistance among members: Morgana Le Fey, led by Professor Vector, and basically composed of pureblood girls of Slytherin and Ravenclaw; Ursula Southeil, led by Professor Sinistra, basically gathering English girls of any origin; and Maggie Wall, led by Professor Sprout, with a majority of members of Scottish or Welsh origin. It was the latter to whom Daphne and Astoria belonged.
It was no surprise for the boy to find out that the girls ranked 7 to 9 out of the top 10 positions of each year in academic terms. After all, he was friends with 'know-it-all' Granger and 'don't worry about it' Weasley, no surprise there. On the other hand, he was shocked to realize that girls needed protection from far more than bullying and romp. Serious crimes, such as rape and murder, were real dangers, and the laws didn't help as much as they should. To make matters worse, there was a whole repertoire of spells and potions capable of altering people's behaviour and memory, making it much more difficult to discover and prove what really happened. To further worsen the situation, the magical community had a tendency to regard the victims as partially guilty whenever something happened, as if it were the obligation of each to protect themselves, and the right of the criminals to seek undue advantages.
And the machismo of that society, then? Despite the girls' success in school, most purebloods felt that they should be barred from NEWTs, and some even advocated that they be taught at home without attending school at all. Harry was shocked to find that every woman who came to an important post was doomed to be alone. Minister Bagnold, only the second woman to hold office in the history of the Ministry of Magic, had been a spinster, as well as her predecessor, just as were the other women currently in positions of command in the ministry: Amelia Bones, Mafalda Hopkirk and Delores Umbridge. Hogwarts, despite Dumbledore's apparent progressivism, was not much different. Snape had been the first half-blood to get a position at school, and Remus and Hagrid shared the honour of being the first not totally 'human' students. Filch, though not a wizard but a squib, came from a pureblood family while Filius, in spite of the accusations of being part goblin, was in fact another pureblood, a victim of dwarfism. But not a single member of the school is or was married, which had already been the rule for decades. What a strange society this is!
-o0o-
"Got it," Harry commented after the explanation. "Only one doubt: why three groups instead of one?"
"Security and diversity," replied Daphne. "On the one hand, if one group is somehow subverted, the other two can aid in its restructuring. On the other hand, it is common for a person to feel more comfortable with some people than others, and have interests somewhat different according to their origin. With three groups, there may be options about who you will deal with and what matters or issues you will deal with most directly."
"So, do you think Voldemort's return would be enough reason to bring the three groups together?" asked again Harry.
"Certainly," said Daphne. "But that will be for after the holidays, at least. At the moment, we should limit ourselves to our group only. Decide whether we already involve more people or not in our plans."
"As long as we have a minimum of security that our secrets will be kept and we will not be betrayed, I am in favour of expanding our group of conspirators," said Harry confidently. "I don't like keeping secrets unnecessarily. I don't like the situation I see in the wizarding world. I don't like the way adults with power over my life have behaved. And, above all, I don't want to be, nor do I want others to be, unprepared for what may happen in the near future."
The two Greengrass sisters exchanged a glance, amazed at the resolve they saw in the boy. When they turned their attention to him, they found him lost in thought, with a distant look.
"Potter?" Astoria asked gently, trying to bring Harry's attention back to the present.
"Sorry, I was thinking ..."
"Really? Tell us," Daphne said with a smile that softened the harsh demand.
"I was wondering if this island would be big enough to start a new magic society from scratch, omitting all the mistakes we see in the present. I was wondering if a magical contract or oath could install the degree of camaraderie and mutual assistance we need. We will need to unite if we want to vanquish Voldemort. Alone we can at most survive, hidden and constantly afraid to be discovered or betrayed."
"A beautiful dream, Potter, and perhaps not wholly utopian," commented Daphne. "It all depends on finding the right mechanisms to enforce cooperation without overcoming individual freedom and the ability to progress."
"A great topic for the group to discuss, don't you think?" Astoria suggested, much more excited about the idea than her sister. "Shall we involve the group then?"
"Yes, but not so fast, little sister," Daphne said, cooling Astoria's spirits a little. "Let's wait for Mrs Mitchell's visit tomorrow. She was very worried about Potter's scar. Let's wait for the expert's advice before scheduling a meeting. "
-o0o-
The rest of the afternoon brought two news. Dobby returned from Gringotts with the desired items, but with a request from the goblin Ironclaw, responsible for the Potter family accounts, to meet Harry the next morning. And Madame Bones, just before dinner, called for Astoria in the flu network and reported that the double court for Sirius and Peter would take place in four days. The date had been carefully planned, with Dumbledore busy with a meeting at the International Confederation at the same time, Minister Fudge receiving emissaries from the Chinese magical government and the greatest possible opponents away, such as Malfoy and Nott, on vacation in Italy and Greece respectively.
After such a busy day, Harry's special 'lesson' was moved to the Jacuzzi in Daphne's suite and focused on the theme 'massage and relaxation for two'. It finished with the two so relaxed that they decided to sleep together on Daphne's bed, without even expending energy by dressing again.
-o0o-
The next morning Harry was instantly enrolled in another class upon awakening. His breakfast was a forbidden fruit, which the boy sucked willingly, guaranteeing two orgasms to his partner. The rebuttal left him in the clouds, with a goofy smile on his face that drove Astoria into laughter at the sight of him.
Soon after, before Harry visited Gringotts, the three decided to make a first visit to the Potter's island. They were curious to know the place and its possible usefulness. The island was approximately rectangular, about 3 kilometres long and some 800 metres in the widest part, and wasn't inhabited, although it showed clear appearance of having already been, by the various stone constructions near the centre. Although most of the buildings were heavily damaged and visibly worn by time and weather, two towers, one at each end of the building complex, still retained the appearance of functionality.
A quick inspection showed that both towers had the same structure and practically the same content. Six floors above ground and three below, about twenty metres in diameter each. The ground floor was a small entrance hall, a stable and a service area with laundry and depot for cleaning products, followed by a floor with kitchen and dining room while dormitories and living quarters were on the third and fourth floors, large library and a potions lab on the fifth floor and the sixth containing a collection of ancient weapons and armour plus typical observatory instruments. In the underground, the surprise: the two floors further down full with treasures of all kinds, from coins to metal bars, from jewels to barrels with precious stones. The first floor under the ground was a storehouse for food of all kinds, kept fresh by sets of runes to ward against the passage of time and decay.
"If we complete stockpiles of groceries and other commodities, fifty people can live in each tower for half a year before they have to search for more supplies. And with all that accumulated treasure, it would not be difficult to endure a few centuries..."Astoria said in awe.
"Strange all this treasure out of Gringotts. Imagine how much it would collect in interests!" said Daphne. "There must be a good reason why your family did not trust the goblins, I wonder what said reason was."
"That'll have to wait for later. I need to go to Gringotts now," Harry commented. "But first... Dobby!"
"Great master Harry Potter sir called?" asked the elf after appearing with a resounding 'pop'. "Wow, where are we, Master Harry Potter sir? The protections here are very strong!"
"They better be, Dobby. This island will be our refuge if Voldemort comes back to haunt us. Dobby, now that you've been here for the first time, will you be able to return when necessary, even if we're not here?"
"Yes, master, Dobby can now come here when necessary," the elf replied as he looked from side to side, assessing the place. "Master wants Dobby to arrange cleaning and repair of the whole place, master? Dobby would be immensely happy to be able to take care of everything, master!"
"Isn't it too much work for you, Dobby?" asked Harry, worried about the size of the task the little elf wanted to take on.
"But Dobby does not have to do it all alone, master! Hogwarts is on vacation, and elves there be bored by the lack of work!"
"Dobby, I appreciate your idea, but we would like to keep this island a secret," Daphne interjected, worried that the secret would soon be lost.
"Oh, but no problem, mistress friend to master Harry Potter. Dobby will only let the house-elves who promise to keep the secrets of Master Harry Potter to work here!"
"Then it's settled, Dobby," Harry replied. "You can bring your friends to help here, in your spare time. We want to leave the island ready in case Voldemort comes back, but there is not much urgency for now, okay? Your priority continues to be to answer our calls, right?"
"Oh, yes, great master Harry Potter! Dobby will take care of everything, especially any calls of the great master and his great companions!" replied the elf, hugging one of the boy's legs in gratitude.
-o0o-
The three returned to the Greengrass mansion by Harry's portkey, which always returned to the starting point of any visit to the island, and the boy then departed to Gringotts by floo, leaving the Greengrass sisters examining the pile of scrolls and notebooks that Dobby had brought from the bank so far.
Harry's encounter with the globin Ironclaw was long, tedious and difficult, and it took a lot of patience and a lot of apologies from the little Potter. Yes, people told the boy that he was famous in the magical world, but not that a vault filled with correspondence and gifts sent from all over the world awaited his attention in Gringotts!
'Could the group of girls help process and answer all that?' he thought, intent on finding a solution. 'Or maybe the Hogwarts elves? Better talk to Daphne and Astoria first.'