Chapter Seven: Training the Mistress

Hermione had decided to arrange a warm meal for those that were rejected from her employ to be led into the dining room before being sent on their way. Hermione insisted and the House Elves were over the moon. The Mistress gave them something to do. She gave them orders. Hermione grimaced as she remembered how she was manipulated by Bippy, the head house elf. One moment she was muttering about feeding all these people and spending money on catering, the next she was being sobbed on while being asked what the house elves did wrong. Bippy shook and attempted to punish herself for her lack of usefulness to the Mistress. Hermione relented, asking if Bippy would like to make the food only to be stared at from huge popping eyes, tears still sliding down her leathery cheek.

"Is that an order, Mistress?" She whispered.

"No. I wouldn't order you." Hermione was interrupted. Bippy was inconsolable as Draco quietly chuckled from behind the desk. "How do I make her stop?" Hermione asked worriedly, almost panicky.

"Give her what she wants."

"And that is?"

"She wants you to order them to make food for all of the applicants."

Bippy wailed louder, Hermione's robes were soaked as the Elf rested her face in Hermione's lap. Hermione was trying to pat the elf only to be rejected, a glower on her small face.

"Bippy. I would like it very much if you and the other house elves would make food for the people coming tomorrow." Hermione muttered, almost hoping that she wouldn't be heard. Bippy stood, a wide smile on her face as she patted Hermione's knee.

"It's okay. We is just teaching you how to be a good Mistress." Bippy's tears dried and a mischievous smile overtook her face as Draco winked at her from the other side of the room. Hermione was gaping like a fish as Bippy apparated away.

"What just happened?" Hermione asked flabbergasted.

"You, Hermione, were just manipulated by a house elf."

"How did this happen?" She whispered as Draco laughed.

"You never did understand House Elves."

She realized exactly how out of depth she was with the small headstrong beings. It seemed that they were more than capable of protecting themselves, for the most part.

"It would be easier on you if you just accepted that you are their Mistress and treat them in the way that they want. I've seen angry House Elves before, I promise you that she will not stop until you are completely wrapped around her demanding little finger."

"What about Dobby?" Hermione accused. Draco looked sad for a moment before apparently making a decision.

"Dobby was my grandfather's elf and he never really got along with him nor my father. I don't know exactly what happened, but I do know this; the other elves never intervened with his treatment and they are very protective of their own. My mother was forbidden from giving him any orders nor was he allowed to ever appear in front of me. When Grandfather died, the abuse got worse and Bippy stepped in. I was in the kitchen one night, nicking some of the leftover sweets, when I heard Bippy send Dobby to Potter, to prevent his return to Hogwarts. I was surprised when Potter not only showed up but arrived late flying that stupid car." He muttered bitterly.

"Are you excusing Dobby's abuse?"

"No. I am just saying that it was extremely unusual House Elf behavior. I've never before seen a Master/ House Elf dynamic like it." Draco frowned. "They need to feel like they belong like they are needed. They are a part of your family now and Bippy won't settle for anything less. Better just give in while you still have the appearance of dignity."

Hermione gave in, taking Draco's advice over the next few days. It was hard, as it went against her sense of justice but it became increasingly clear that Bippy would inevitably force an order out of her either way. It was obvious; Hermione was being trained. She had built a great amount of respect for the tiny elf, rivaling the affection she had had for Dobby.

An owl swooped in her window, an unknown barn owl that dropped his letter at the first opportunity. After making sure that the letter was harmless, she unrolled the scroll.

Hermione,

We have finally found the location of the camp known as 'Redcar'. I have never seen anything like what the muggles are doing, even at the very epicenter of Voldemort's operation that was filled with unimaginable depravity was less shocking. They are only feeding them enough to stay alive, well the useful ones anyway. It is sickening. They constantly beat them, trying to force the magic out of them. I am worried that one of the children will develop an obscurus. They are being used in experiments and as collateral against their parents, forcing their obedience. I was lucky to notice Andromeda and was able to meet her at the west fence. She has seen Ginny and Molly. They are still alive, Thank Merlin! I am not sure when Andromeda was taken but Teddy was captured too. She looks bad. I can't leave them in that place. I can't let anyone waste away in that horrible camp, most of all the children. Ron and I are going to break out as many as possible tonight but first, we need to take down the wards. I would recognize Dolohov's work any day. The officials offered him a deal, apparently. If he could erect wards that would keep the others in the camp, they would allow him to go free. That was two weeks ago. He has successfully raised the wards. I can only assume they kept their end of the deal. Be careful, you know that he has a personal vendetta against you. I will send as many victims to you as soon as I can. Only you can protect them now.

Love,

Harry.

"Merlin!" Hermione gasped. She handed the scroll to Draco, unable to give voice to the atrocities being committed by the muggles. He scanned it once and then a second time, hope and fear on his face. "Harry doesn't know that you are with me. It would be too risky for anyone to know exactly who I protect. I am sure your mother is alright. If she is, Harry will save her."

"I wish I had your faith, Hermione." He muttered. "Now, I will worry about the one thing I can do something about, Dolohov."