[a/n]Conclusion to HDD#230 & SoHDD#101

Harry Does Different CCCDXIII

Not an Elf III

Arthur Weasley's involvement was a classic example of the road to hell being paved with good intentions, and it went wrong within seconds of Harry's appearance in Grimmauld's sitting room.

"Where, Miss Granger, is young Harry?" asked Dumbledore after he flamed in compliments of Fawkes.

Hermione was awed "That's really a phoenix isn't it? May I? So magnificent!"

The phoenix squawked and the Headmaster chuckled lightly "I dare say, on the heels of such praise my companion would be so inclined. But I suggest lightly and very fleetingly, just to be on the safe side."

"So soft." Cooed Hermione, she stroked the bird's breast with the back of her fingers.

Dumbledore grinned at his companion's response "Oh, well done, my girl. Telling him how young he looks is a sure way to guarantee friendship."

"The point of our visit, Headmaster." Snape was most impatient "Stop wasting time, girl, get that troublemaker boyfriend of yours."

She stiffened at the tone "You will have to be more specific, sir, there is more than one male in this house. None of which I am currently dating."

"Expect to be cleaning cauldrons when you return to school. Go tell Potter he has thirty seconds to make an appearance or he shall regret it." The Potion Master's tone brooked no disobedience. Smiling wasn't his thing, but he took pleasure in watching the girl's rapidly retreating back.

Hermione ran through the kitchen on her way to the basement where the library was not looking at anyone in particular "Professor Snape and Professor Dumbledore are in the sitting room!"

Mrs. Weasley repressed a celebratory grin.

Abcij

"Hi Professor Dumbledore." Said Harry brightly enough. He didn't address the Head of Slytherin "This is such an improvement over Privet I can't begin to tell you."

Not that the teen could do right by him, but that was an insult not to be borne and set off the whole string of events. Before the Headmaster could speak, Snape's voice was like a whiplash "I will not be ignored by an arrogant brat like you."

"What're you doing here?" if he'd been full-grown, Harry's tone would have been as menacing. He didn't pay attention to the arrival of the others.

Dumbledore sighed "It is precisely that type of behavior I was asked here to address with you, my boy. Backtalk to Mrs. Weasley is was truly regrettable, additionally it is decidedly inappropriate to backtalk Professor Snape. He is a Hogwarts teacher."

"He may be during the school year." Harry was glaring at the subject of his anger "But this isn't Hogwarts and it's not September, so I don't have to listen to the greasy git."

Severus looked at Sirius "Not inclined to address the brat's behavior?"

"Seems to be doing well to me, Snivilus." He put a hand on his Godson's shoulder.

Everyone watched as Snape went for his wand, and promptly vanished. The wand remained, at least until it flashed a bright yellow and orange. The ashes fluttered to the floor. Dumbledore scolded "Sirius that was uncalled for."

"Cool!" exclaimed Ron gleefully "This is a moment I'll never forget.

Mrs. Weasley gave his rear a swat "That was your professor, Ronald Weasley! Upstairs to your room! NOW MISTER!"

"That, boys and girls" Sirius was less gleeful than Ron, at least openly "is an example of the Black Family wards in action. Unfortunately, well…depending on your point of view… they are currently in non-lethal mode. Kids, your professor has merely been sent to his point of origin. Yes, Hermione, there is a book or two on the subject. Never bothered with the theory myself. Kreacher! Clean up the mess!"

The scraggly old elf appeared "Blood traitor master ordered. Kreacher obey."

"You and I can discuss Severus later, Sirius." Dumbledore's tone promised a lecture "Now, Harry, I really have better things to do than scold you for backtalking adults."

This Sirius interrupted "I imagine you are taking Molly's version of events at face value, Albus. Let me remind you of the fact Harry is MY Godson and I actually witnessed the incident in question. Harry never raised his voice to Molly, in fact, he more than once thanked her for past courtesies. I found his points logical and compelling. Let me assure you I take filling in for Lily and James quite…err, seriously…and any inappropriate behavior in my home will be addressed by me."

"It is, Sirius, exactly the problem." Mrs. Weasley was in lecture mode, though she wished her husband were present to support her "Other people have a different view of what is proper behavior."

"And you think housework rates over homework?" Sirius' tone was neutral in deference to the Weasley children's presence. "Especially work that can be done by the elf whose been neglecting it for decades. Or, even at the worst, done by wand behind wards that block The Trace?"

This decided the issue for every teen. They were already reaching for their wands.

Dumbledore didn't spend most of a century around hundreds of children every year without gaining a pretty thorough understanding. He saw which way the magic was flowing[1] It was time to save face "Sirius has a point, Molly dear. Look at it as educational. All of the youngsters can gain practical experience with magic. Even if a little illicit."

Fred and George beamed at that last word.

"Well, my task is here is done." Said Dumbledore cheerily "Weasleys, Sirius, Miss Granger and of course Harry, a pleasant day to you all. See you in September. Fawkes? If you please?" And he was gone.

Most of Grimmauld's residents were left wondering if they'd won or lost.

[1]The phrase does not precisely work in the Muggle world, however a very close concept is the expression is which way the wind blows