Harry Does Different Zz

Last DA

While Harry wanted to ask out Cho Chang, he had been catching bits and pieces of Susan Bones and Hannah Abbott talking. He'd heard enough to make a connection he just never did. SUSAN Bones was related to the AMELIA Bones at his underage magic trial. An idea had been brewing around in his head. And as he helped her with a Patronus Charm it suddenly crystalized. With a small regret, he glanced at the Chinese girl. "Good job, Sue. Keep at it." He complimented the stream of silvery light "You're as good as I was at this point. Listen, if I wrap up a bit early, can you spare a few minutes?"

"Why sure Harry." The redhead said, delighted.

Hannah smirked at her best friend as the dark-haired wizard walked away "Teacher's pet!" she teased.

"Silencio!" Susan abruptly fired. The spell basically glued her friend's lips together.

Harry turned at the disturbance and grinned "Ah. Miss Bones poses us an interesting question for after Christmas. Hannah has been silenced. If she was in a fight, what should she do? Think about it."

"Ewwwww… Harry." Fred complained.

George added "Giving us"

"Homework!"

To which, Harry quipped "Five points, each Weasley."

"Hey!" snapped Ginny and Ron. The room chuckled.

Harry went to the front yelling "I am proud of all of you! We're all doing AMAZING! Give yourselves a hand! Now, everyone have a great Christmas. Don't forget the homework."

Cho Chang was trying desperately not to look eager. She had, naturally, noticed Harry watching her. Had seen his smiles. Had NOT seen the recent slight frown. And was DEEPLY disappointed [later she would be angry] when he did NOT approach her. But went up to that over-boobed Hufflepuff. She walked out in a tiff. Wait'll she tells Marietta about this!

"Sue. Thanks." Said Harry as he walked up. "Alright there, Hannah? Heehee!"

Hannah gave him a rude gesture.

"Sorry about that." Susan only half apologized "So what's up?"

He shrugged "Nothing too important, really. I realized something that should have been obvious."

"Well, you're a boy." She quipped "I take it this epiphany somehow involves me?"

Cho watched them talking together, and standing way too close for her liking. And she realized Harry wasn't even interested in looking at her. She stomped her foot and stormed out.

He gave her a bit of a look, but revealed his discovery "You are related to Amelia Bones. Director of the DLME."

"Well that's no great secret. My Auntie." Said Susan, lightly mocking him "What was your first clue?"

This time, Harry snarled a bit, then just nodded "Yeah, we met briefly when I got tried for underage magic."

"You know, she told me about that. Stupid waste of everyone's time. A case like that just doesn't go to court." she explained "It'd be like the Queen dealing with a parking ticket. And expelling you would've been overkill."

"Thanks." He said with a nod "Anyway, do you happen to know how Amelia took Lucius Malfoy bribing his way out of jail?"

Susan giggled "Oh Merlin! Harry. She was pissed. Sent Fudge a Howler."

"Real good. Hoped that's what you'd say." He felt giddy as his idea just hit paydirt "DOBBY!"

*pop* "What can Dobby do for Great Harry Potter, sir?" the elf flopped his ears on the floor.

Harry rolled his eyes "Stop that, Dobby, please. I'm not Lucius! Susan, this is my friend Dobby."

"Great Harry Potter sir introduces Dobby as a friend." He sobbed "Thank you Great Harry Potter, sir! Thank you!"

Harry rolled his eyes again "He takes a little getting used to. But he's great. Anyway, Dobby, I have a question. As a House Elf, are you obligated to keep a FORMER master's secrets?"

"No sir Harry Potter sir." Dobby answered "Bad master gave Dobby no such order."

This was PERFECT, but Harry fought to stay calm. The Elf was excitable enough. So coolly, he asked "Sue, Dobby used to be the Malfoy elf. Do you know about any of Mr. Malfoy's activities for Volde-?" He stopped himself as his friend flinched at the feared name.

"Bad old master never kicked Dobby out when You-Know-Who gave orders." He answered "Dobby had to serve visitors. You-Know-Who likes to torture. If elves around You-Know-Who didn't have to torture bad wizards or bad witches."

Harry dropped to a knee, and at eye level told the Elf "I'm sorry you ever went through that. And I promise I will do everything in my power to stop him from torturing or killing anyone else. Now, Dobby, Susan's aunt is the boss of all the Aurors at the Ministry. It would help everyone if you tell her all about everything you saw and heard at the Malfoys'. Will you do that?"

"Harry Potter sir asking for Dobby's help?" he wanted to know.

Harry nodded "Yes. Please."

"And Dobby will be helping Harry Potter sir?"

"A lot, I think."

Dobby was overwhelmed "Dobby would help Harry Potter sir end You-Know-Who?"

"I'm sure of it." Harry confirmed "Would you go home with Susan? Tell her aunt everything you know?"

Dobby nodded his head, blissfully, replied "Yes sir, Harry Potter sir. Harry Potter sir's Miss take Dobby's hand."

Susan blinked at the elf's implication. Harry blushed. Susan's eyes met Harry's just as she and Dobby became a puff of smoke.