Dobby's Deceit

by La Morraine

What if Dobby bound himself to Harry without Harry knowing about it? How would that influence the story? [Harry/Hermione]

19. Chapter 19

It took a while because work is a bitch. Sigh.

Also no beta, so don't nag about mistakes.

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Dobby's Deceit

Part 19

On Sunday, Professor McGonagall carried an old-fashioned radio into the Great Hall during breakfast and announced a listening hour for those who were interested in following the public session of the Wizengamot.

"The session, which Headmaster Dumbledore will moderate in his function as the Chief Mugwump of the Wizengamot, will start at ten in the morning, an hour from now," Professor McGonagall said. Her Sonorus Charm easily reached even the furthest and most tired students. "Everyone in the Great Hall will be required to be quiet. Drinks and snacks will still be served, but do try to keep the noise down. Anyone not complying will be removed at once and receive detentions from each of the heads of house besides. Thank you for your attention."

Snape scowled, his dark eyes sweeping over the students as if daring them to cross him.

"I think she should've said that this is history in the making," Hermione said to Harry and Neville. "During the last four centuries, only three impeachments were actually realized, although nearly ten times as many have been called."

"Why so few?" Harry wondered.

Hermione grimaced. "The rest of the Ministers died, either mysteriously or due to outright murder."

"Not all the rest," Neville interjected. "I think two managed to abdicate before that could happen."

"Right." Harry gulped down his tea. "Seems like this will be interesting."

"To say the least." Hermione took a sip of her elf berry juice. "I just hope that Lord Black has covered all his bases."

Harry refrained from reassuring her and instead finished breakfast and got the last of his homework out of his bag. Sweetie and Blue were sleepily flicking their tongues at his fingers. The tiny zing of magic that sparked between them caused their two siblings, who had wound around Harry's arms, to stir as well.

"Oh, you haven't finished DADA yet?" Neville asked, following Harry's example and placing his writing utensils and a couple scrolls of parchment onto the newly cleared table. "I thought last week's assignment was easy, for a change."

"That's why I kept it for last," Harry confessed. "I needed much longer for Tuva's essay."

"I've got Ancient Runes," Hermione said. "Too bad our partners in class are in different houses; we could've checked our work."

"Why don't you just go over to the Ravenclaw table and ask?" Neville asked. "I think they'd like that, especially Padma."

"Yes, she told me that she wants to do more for that class," Parvati encouraged Hermione.

"I don't know ... no one else is sitting with a different house." Hermione bit her lip. "What if they send me away? Most of them are still eating anyway."

"Oh, really." Parvati huffed, got up and marched over to the Ravenclaw table. After a few minutes of conversation she marched back, Padma and Lisa Turpin in tow. "Here you go. Have fun! I'm going back to my coffee and croissants."

Padma smiled shyly. "Thank you for thinking of it, Hermione. It is really okay, Harry? Neville?"

"Sure, there's room enough." Harry scooted a little closer to Hermione. "Sit down. Lisa, you can sit next to Neville. Are you also doing Ancient Runes?"

"Yes, actually. I'm a little hung up on that last problem."

The girls quickly sat down and placed their things. All five of them ignored Ron's annoyed scoff and Ginny's envious comments. With less than an hour to go before the start of the Wizengamot session, they were eager to get the homework out of the way.

To Harry, it was definitely a pity to hear Professor McGonagall call for quiet because the discussion after finishing their written parts had been inspired. Not even Zabini boldly squeezing in next to Padma could put a damper on his mood.

"What?" Zabini asked when the whole table stared at him, slack-jawed. "McGonagall will kill me if I walk over to the Slytherins now and I really need some breakfast."

"Silence!" Professor McGonagall called in just that moment, causing Zabini to smirk. "Herewith the first extraordinary session of the Wizengamot in more than a century and a half begins."

She switched on the radio and sat back down.

After a short bit of music, an announcer repeated almost verbatim what Professor McGonagall had just said, finishing with, "This live broadcast will be recorded and made available to every witch and wizard in Magical Britain. For the small fee of five knuts you can get your recording orb at the Ministry of Magic today. Don't miss this opportunity to take a piece of history into your home! And now ... I give you the Wizengamot!"

Applause sounded from the radio and Harry realised that a public session actually meant an audience. And that audience was apparently all for getting the show on the road.

"Thank you," Dumbledore said, "And welcome to Magical Britain's twenty-eight's preliminary impeachment session. A word before we begin. This meeting does not intend to judge the current Minister for Magic. As the magical citizens of Britain have called for Minister Fudge's impeachment, this is now Minister Fudge's chance to defend his position. I therefore ask that his speech not be disturbed. Failure to do so will be fined with fifty galleons and the immediate expulsion from the session. And now I give you Tiberius Odgen. Members of the Wizengamot, please rise."

Another round of applause sounded.

"Thank you, thank you," an audibly wizened wizard said. "Members of the Wizengamot, dear audience, take your seats." The rustling of cloaks and robes could be heard. "We have assembled today to hear the call for Minister Fudge's impeachment. Author of this call was none other than the Wizengamot's own Chief Warlock, Albus Dumbledore. Due to that conflict of interest, it falls to me as the oldest sitting member of the Wizengamot to read the call and moderate this session."

Harry tensed as Odgen cleared his throat. "They sure make it exciting," he whispered to his friends.

Zabini rolled his eyes and popped a piece of bacon into his mouth.

Odgen continued, "To give all of the esteemed citizens of Magical Britain the whole plea, I will now read Headmaster Dumbledore's letter to Minister Fudge in its entirety.

"Hogarts, October 21st

To the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge

To all members of the Wizengamot

To the citizens of Magical Britain

Subject: Call for impeachment

Dear Magical Britain,

It is with great sadness that I write this letter today.

After Sirius Black's escape from Azkaban prison last July, the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, has taken several questionable steps to ensure our public's safety, the worst of which certainly was the deployment of Azkaban's most terrible guards to Hogwarts. The dementors, who know nothing of kindness or compassion, promptly went on to accost the students on the Hogwarts Express on September 1st in their quest to find the escaped convict. Several students, as well as half a dozen aurors, were in grave danger that day due to the dementors' close proximity. All witnesses have reported that no supervision was on hand, and neither were they provided sufficient warning.

Furthermore, the dementors have since repeatedly tried to breach Hogwarts' wards, and taken to hovering near the Quidditch pitch, which is the closest public spot to the ward line and a popular space for the students to spend their free time. We can be thankful that nothing more than mild dementor exposure was the result of this foolishness!

From the first, students, their parents, and the teachers have loudly complained about your decision to station creatures of such malevolence around our beloved Hogwarts, and how could they not? It is known and verified that the Azkaban escapee you seek no longer resides in Britain, but has sought refuge with Gringotts in Italy. By now the whole magical world is aware of the fact that Sirius Black is planning on submitting to ICW justice. Your persistence to keep the dementors at Hogwarts regardless is therefore gross child endangerment, as well as endangerment of the magical public.

To prevent unnecessary harm or deaths, I herewith call for Minister Fudge's impeachment so that a wizard or witch of better moral values may take charge of our country's present and future dealings, as well as our children.

Thank you,

Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore."

The Wizengamot and its audience were silent for a minute, clearly digesting what they had heard. Then a man requested a second read, slower this time and with a small pause between paragraphs. Odgen was happy to comply, and afterwards called Minister Fudge to the stand to respond to Dumbledore's letter.

"Thank you, Wizengamot Elder Odgen, thank you," Fudge murmured as he climbed the few stairs to the wooden stand. He didn't sound particularly worried, even if he was a little winded from walking the short distance.

To Harry, it was amazing what he could take away from the proceeding without actually seeing anything.

"For those in our audience and among the listeners I shall explain that the Minister has two choices now," Odgen said. "First, Minister Fudge can acknowledge the accusation and immediately abdicate his position, or he can refute the claim and call first for a Wizengamot vote, which would be done today, and second for a public vote, which would be called on November 13th, a Sunday. Now, Minister, which will it be?"

"I refute Dumbledore's claims, of course," Fudge announced, and the audience began to talk amongst each other almost immediately.

"Order," Odgen called and banged a gavel. "Very well. Please state your reason or reasons for doing so now. Be advised that your statement, if found to be untrue, might be sufficient cause to remove you from your current positon."

"I understand," Fudge said in a clear and strong voice. "Dear citizens of Magical Britain, it is of course true that Sirius Black has left the country. However, my reason for keeping the dementors around Hogwarts are legit in that there might be a man at large that could pose just as great, if not even greater a threat to Britains magical and muggle citizens as Sirius Black. The name of that man is Peter Pettigrew and after reviewing Black's old case file, the DLME now has reasonable cause to believe him to be still alive and in cahoots with Black."

A storm of shouts erupted, both in the Wizengamot and in the Great Hall of Hogwarts. Knowing that calling for order would be futile, Odgen as well as Professor McGonagall let them rage. It was terrifying and sounded a lot like an angry mob would get up any second, pick up torches and pitchforks and maraud through the streets of London in a search for convenient victims.

"That disgusting, slimy man!" Hermione screeched. "How dare he!"

"Hermione! Calm down," Padma said urgently, tugging her down again.

"I can't! I'm so angry," Hermione raged. "That man deserves to fall into a lake filled with slimy eels and get roasted!"

Harry put his arm around her shoulders. "Sounds very good, but you breaking a vessel won't help anyone. It's okay, 'Mione. We knew Fudge would try something like this."

"It's not okay," Hermione replied with barely controlled fury. "And he'll pay for it."

"He will," Harry agreed. He gratefully accepted Neville's solemn nod and Dean's awkward pat on the shoulder.

Finally Odgen managed to call for order, banging his gavel like a handyman dosed to the gills with pepper-up potion and a gallon of coffee.

"Now, this information certainly is volatile," he said dryly. Harry imagined him giving Fudge a hard stare. "What are your sources? And why did this fact only get out now? Lord Black was in your custody for twelve years, Minister Fudge."

Fudge cleared his throat pretentiously before speaking. "After Black broke out of Azkaban in July, we received a couple of requests for his trial transcripts. As the case was so old, it took a while to unearth them."

Hermione's bitter, "Bullshit!" was heard in the whole hall, but none of the teachers reprimanded her for it, not even Snape. At least Malfoy's absence ensured that no slurs were being called.

"Once it came to my personal attention, it became clear that the case hasn't received the attention it deserved by the former administration," Fudge went on. "Black had apparently named Pettigrew as the true secret keeper of the Potters upon his arrest and in fact accused him of betraying the Potters."

Another round of shouts drowned out Fudge and Harry ground his teeth to keep his calm. It was infuriating how that man used the facts to suit his own purposes.

"Now, Peter Pettigrew has been declared dead twelve years ago, and that's what I, personally, still believe. However, we still do not the full truth about what happened that night, so Pettigrew might indeed have been the secret keeper, no matter how unlikely it may seem. He might even be still alive, if we decided to go there," Fudge said soothingly. After a smug little pause, he added, "Regarding the public's ire about my stationing the dementors at Hogwarts: If Pettigrew truly were still alive ... wouldn't it my job as Minister to ensure that this whole, confusing affair is investigated fully, and your children protected? Peter Pettigrew received an Order of Merlin posthumously, for Merlin's sake! No, I say, I have to do my very best to protect you good people, even if I have to chase shadows and ghosts to do it."

"But why use dementors of all foul things?" a witch demanded. "Isn't fugitive apprehension what the aurors and hit wizards are trained for?"

"It might seem extreme to the casual observer, but considering that Pettigrew might be Black's accomplice, I've decided to leave nothing to chance," Fudge answered slickly. "After the last blood war, we simply cannot afford to lose more witches and wizards to the machinations of You-Know-Who's followers. If our children are a little uncomfortable until this crisis is resolved, I'm prepared to take my lumps for it. Thank you."

Boos sounded as Fudge stepped down, and imprecations were shouted from the more furious visitors and members of the Wizengamot. Likewise, the students in Hogwarts erupted into shrieks of anger and colourful curses.

Odgen once more called for silence and immediately after asked the members of the Wizengamot to cast their vote. In the tense minutes it took to count wands, no one in the Great Hall spoke.

When Odgen finally spoke, the words boomed like a thunder clap in the silence. "With thirty-two votes to forty-three, the Wizengamot does not support the vote of no confidence."

Shrieks of absolute fury echoed out of the loudspeakers and were more than matched by most of the students. A lot of the teachers looked to be close to a rage themselves, although they held it together admirably.

"However, there is still the public vote to consider," Odgen cautioned once the excitement had died down a little. "With the Wizengamot voting no, the public will have to vote yes with at least a three quarter majority to make the movement stick." He cleared his throat. "Citizens of Magical Britain, I ask that you make use of the time given you to ponder your choices and vote as your conscience, and yours alone, dictates. This vote is compulsory for all witches and wizards who have reached their majority. It can be cast easily anywhere and anytime. Directions to that end can be found in tomorrow's edition of the Daily Prophet. The ICW will provide oversight to guarantee a fair, free, and secret vote."

Harry tuned out Odgen's goodbyes and instead concentrated on deep, even breaths to control his anger. While Sirius had warned him that the Wizengamot would most likely vote against the motion, it was still infuriating to actually experience it.

"Typical of the old pureblood geezers to support the Minister. Fudge should spend a week at Hogwarts and see how it is to have those monsters float so close by," Katie Bell fumed. "He'll so get a howler from me!"

"From me as well," Fred and George said unisono, an unholy grin on their freckled faces. "We might be able to find a way to fool the mail ward. Everyone who's interested, follow us!"

Nearly half of Gryffindor rose at one and ran after the twins while the students at the other tables took their time. Slowly they left the hall, most of them eager to write scathing letters and record ear-shattering howlers, all the while discussing Fudge's statement heatedly with their friends.

"Okay Harry," said Parvati when their group of friends was more or less alone at the table. "Fudge's counter to Dumbledore's call was ..." She hesitated and grimaced. "It was bullshit, but it also made sense. What's going on there? Why did he unearth Peter Pettigrew of all people?"

"It's a long story," Harry mumbled. "Hermione's on it."

"For the Herald," Hermione clarified when everyone stared at her. "It's top secret, unfortunately, so you'll learn about it with everyone else."

"But it'll be epic," Lavender guessed. At Harry's small nod, she slumped a little and exclaimed, "Merlin's beard. How much can Hermione reveal without pissing off the ICW?"

"Enough," Hermione said and grinned a little when Seamus and Dean hooted and drummed their fingers on the table. "Seriously, Dumbledore was the one to bring it up; he's the Chief Mugwump of the ICW, even if he had to recuse himself from the trial due to conflict of interest. He should've known better. The other judges will be so furious with him. Thanks to this manoeuver, the seal on the press is as good as recinded." She frowned. "He must've wanted to achieve exactly that, but I have no idea why."

"I can't think of a reason either," Lavender replied thoughtfully. "Other than an epic, international mud fight, of course."

"It could be an attempt to hurt Mr. Black's case to save face," Colin Creevey piped up. "Or maybe the headmaster thinks that Mr. Black is evil after all? I mean, if Pettigrew were truly still alive, it could be as Fudge said."

Runcorn half a dozen seats away snorted derisively and Lily Moon said, "Not bloody likely."

"Even if Dumbledore did believe that Lord Black were guilty, it's not his place to intervene in this manner," Hermione said, nodding at the exasperated, normally quiet girls. "If Dumbledore's so concerned, he can let law enforcement do their job and then let himself be called as a witness once the trial has started. Doing what he just did is underhanded and cruel. He knows that Sirius Black is Harry's godfather. His family. Every single piece of evidence so far points to Lord Black being innocent, right?"

"Right," Neville said firmly, the others nodding in agreement.

"I suspect that Dumbledore wants Harry back under his control - be his magical guardian, but for real, not just as his proxy," Hermione went on. "I can only assume that he wants control of his money and maybe even his magic - a true magical guardian can impose medical treatments and certainly wouldn't be fined for using magic on a ward. It's expected of guardians after all in the event of accidental magic or injury."

"I feel sick," Harry muttered and shuddered.

"I would too, in your place," Lily said shortly. "Nothing against Lord Black, but in case the trial is not open and shut in your favour, you better hope that the whole things goes on until after you've reached your majority, or you might get royally shafted after all."

"It's only two more years," Runcorn added. "Last of your line, you can claim your title at fifteen."

"True," Zabini said. He ate the last of his eggs with practiced elegance. "Though a magical guardian can prevent it - if the Wizengamot and the Department of Wizarding Child Services agree with the guardian's petition."

"But only after the ward applied for it at Gringotts, otherwise heirs would be prevented from applying since birth," Parvati chimed in. "But that's a topic for another day. Write a rehash of everything we know so far, Hermione. That way, people can get the full picture, especially about Dumbledore's shady actions. And I know you hate it when reporters do it excessively, but it's okay to finish an article with theories and questions, even if it's a lot of questions. In this case, they all need to be asked. Harry needs Lord Black to be free, and I don't see why we shouldn't be partial. Harry is a student here, after all."

"I can't wait to see the old goat's face when he reads that article," Runcorn muttered. "Make it a good one, Granger."

She and Lily got up and left the Great Hall, holding hands.

"She's so weird," Seamus told the others.

"But she's got a hot girlfriend," Zabini smirked. "I'd say it works for her just fine."

Harry couldn't help but grin with him while the girls all rolled their eyes.

"Anyway, this edition of the Herald will probably net us thousands of galleons," Lavender said. "International press will be desperate to pick up our articles, so what do you think should we do with that money?"

"Should we really make plans for money we don't have yet?" Dean asked dubiously. "And also, what do we really need? Aren't we set up pretty well already?"

"Well, for one there's the matter of funds for partners and sources outside of Hogwarts," Hermione began. "Not every expert is willing to give interviews for free. Then there are private investigators and outside reporters who'd be willing to work freelance on our behalf."

"Alright, I can accept those," Dean admitted, "but I thought the goblins would've thought of that already?"

"They have," Lavender said, "but that fund is tiny right now."

"The goblins definitely encourage us to become self-sufficient, so earning money for better equipment and support is a must. We'd have a hard time with normal school stuff, but right now nothing about Hogwarts is normal. We stand a great chance at filling our coffers for later, largely thanks to Harry, so it isn't that far-fetched to make a few plans now, as long as we don't dream too big."

Zabini tipped his imaginary head at Parvati. "Well said, Miss Patil."

Parvati's cheeks flushed a little. "The problem is that Lavender and I would love to have a house elf exclusively for the paper, because it could help full time and wouldn't be restricted to the castle and the grounds. But Dumbledore probably won't loan us one from the castle, and we can't bind one for this purpose either. The poor thing would be miserable without a proper master to bond with."

Harry glanced at Hermione and gave a small nod. Her whole face lit up in a lovely smile and she pressed against his shoulder in a substitute for a kiss.

A few minutes later, when they were out and walking towards Hagrid's hut, Hermione gushed, "This will be the perfect assignment and a stellar recommendation for your house elf service!"

"I'll write Sharptooth and ask what payment he thinks is fair. I guess I can give the Herald the mate's rates, but not by too much. People probably wouldn't take me seriously if that got out."

"And everyone and their grandmum would probably try to claim a special friendship with you," Hermione agreed. "It's not fair to you; just because you're young doesn't mean you're not trying to establish a serious business. You don't need to give adults another reason to treat you condescendingly."

"I'll find out, and I'll find the perfect elf for the Herald," Harry promised. "Maybe it can be my Christmas present to you all."

"You give the best presents," Hermione said, kissing Harry's cheek.

Patting the bag where he'd stored a dozen dead weasels, Harry said, "I'm sure the hippogriffs over there will all agree with you."

oOo

In the afternoon, Harry had an intense correspondence with Healer Williams. Harry's heartfelt thanks for keeping Sirius company were gratefully accepted, but a sense of guilty shame drifting from the written words brought up Harry short. It niggled at him weirdly and made him squirm a little, but as there were no danger vibes, he decided not to touch that one and instead go right in and make their two projects the topic of their discussion.

I met Hagrid yesterday and he made no mention at all of finding me reptiles to talk to - again, Harry wrote, still feeling a little miffed about it. I think Dumbledore really discouraged him after I told Hagrid that I don't want to write a paper or book or whatever with Dumbledore. I could look for some myself, I guess, but it'll be winter soon and most of them will go to sleep. I don't have the first clue where to look, and I wouldn't want to wake them just for this anyway.

It's not a huge tragedy, Healer Williams replied in his calming way, although it would've been a lot easier to have local reptiles on hand for your first trials. Gringotts is very tolerant right now and even curious to learn whether your talent could be cultivated in other parselspeakers, but sooner or later asking for favours will test their patience. That being said, I've asked and received permission to send a gold-horned field lizard this evening. It's native to Albania and Greece and a friendly fellow, at least he presents himself as such. His kind are generally not aggressive.

Sounds great. I hope I can talk to him at least a little. Do you have the questionnaire ready? In truth, Harry wasn't exactly looking forward to Healer Williams' extensive list of questions regarding the possible dialect of his reptile of the week, but he understood the necessity. Hermione, while not a linguistics expert, had nonetheless been able to explain the scientific method somewhat as it pertained to languages.

Nearly, but what I have will do for now. You can always fill in the last points later, Williams replied. Thanks for indulging me, Harry. I know that this is not your favourite thing to do, but as my family works with several other reptiles besides snakes, I'm eager to find out how we can improve our relationship even further. And never mind the possibility for advancement in the parsel community! Did you know that no known parselspeaker has a reptile familiar other than a snake? Not a single one?

Well, if the language is the problem, that could change, couldn't it?, Harry wrote. Or is it more of a magic thing?

You probably mean magical compatibility, and yes, it is nearly universally assumed that it has something to do with it, Williams admitted. After all witches and wizards have enjoyed the company of many different kinds of familiars, most of them non-speaking, for millennia. Why parselspeakers are so limited in their ability to bond to reptiles specifically has been accepted as a natural quirk of our affinity.

But that doesn't make sense, Harry protested. Hermione told me that there are beastspeakers, they can talk to all animals.

The echo of a chuckle drifted away from Williams' written words. Don't be offended, it might just be one of those things. We conduct these experiments to find out whether the ability to communicate will have an impact on our ability to work and bond with reptiles in general. Magical affinity between human magicals and magical reptiles might well increase with better communication and there's no telling what it will mean for our community. One thing's for sure: Once you're ready to go public with your discovery, people will probably go crazy.

Harry shook his head about Brady's enthusiasm. Or nothing more happens and all we've got is a huge headache to show for it.

I don't believe that, Williams answered, his letters sweeping and bold. They oozed confidence, which did a lot to make Harry feel better. You can already communicate with one species of magical reptile, and I'm convinced that our findings will be of relevance to the world.

Speaking of relevance, I've got a favour to ask, Harry scribbled reluctantly. It still felt odd to ask for favours, even if he had gotten better at asking for help. The snake guardian for Slytherin's library is bored. Do you have snakes that would like to talk to her? She likes the snakelings just fine, but they're a bit young to stay down there for long without someone watching out for them, and I guess the conversation isn't all that titillating just yet.

Harry grinned and stroked Sweetie's little head when she came out of his shirt sleeve to gnaw reproachfully on his knuckles.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart, but Audovera is very educated and probably yearns for a good debate partner," he told her. "Give it a year or so and you'll probably be more than a match for her."

Sweetie pouted. "I don't like being young, Harry. Siblings and I want to be helpful."

Writing began to appear on the page, but Harry pushed the journal away and gave Sweetie his full attention.

"It's good, being young," he said a little wistfully, resuming his gentle strokes. "You're protected and loved and can discover everything at your own leisure. When you're bigger and stronger, people will probably ask you for lots of favours, so enjoy it while you can."

"Harry loves me," Sweetie hissed smugly.

Blue poked his head out of Harry's collar, tickling him in the process, and demanded, "Harry love me, too!"

Sweetie flicked her tongue at her brother, which prompted Blue to flow out of his warm hiding place and give Sweetie a swat with his tail.

"Hey, none of that," Harry said, alarmed. "I like you all very much. Goldie and the quiet one, too. Please don't hurt each other."

Blue hissed huffily and pressed his small head against Harry's pulse point. A jolt of magic passed between them, something sulky and yet elated. "Gold sister will leave eventually. She can help the favourite. I want to help Harry."

"Then you can help me find cousins of yours to talk to," Harry tried to appease him. "It will probably be boring, but I could use the company."

"I won't leave for a long while yet," Goldie said imperiously. "I'll help choose good snake cousins for Harry to talk to. First brother will threaten them with bites so they'll behave."

Right on cue and like a little thug, the quiet brother appeared on Harry's other wrist, managing to look menacing without actually doing anything.

"And you, Sweetie?" Harry asked, hopelessly charmed by their support. "Will you help Blue and I when we meet them?"

Sweetie returned her brother's smack with one of her own. "Of course I will, Harry. We're small, but the world is big. I want to know many cousins. I also want to read many more books."

"I still can't believe that you know how to read," Harry confessed. "I see you do it all the time, even my protected journal, but ... how?"

"Magic," Goldie hissed smugly. "Our mother was the basilisk and had collected a millennium's worth of magic, so we're very magical. We understand all speakers and read all books."

Something stalled in Harry's mind and he needed a moment to shake the shock off. "Hold on, really? You understand all humans? And read all books? In all languages?" he asked dumbly. "You let me translate Sirius' letters!"

"So we could all learn to do it. We learn fast. Now there aren't any books we aren't able to read," Blue said. "Most are too thick, though. It's boring. And we lack context."

"Human speech is hard. We get pictures and impressions, mostly," the quiet male offered. "It might get better as we age."

Harry felt weak in the knees even sitting down. "That's not normal, though, or is it?"

Goldie scoffed with a sharp little hiss. "Of course not. We're unique and beautiful."

Harry placed all the snakelings onto the desk before him with trembling fingers and then rummaged through his book bag for the copy of Slytherin's journal. He opened the book and pointed at the text in parsel.

"What about this?" Harry asked. "It's super old, like, a thousand years or so. Why hasn't Brady shown you this already?"

"The favourite locks his treasures away," Goldie informed him. "Goblin contract and oath to you make him do that."

Then all four snakelings cocked their heads for a minute and took the pages in.

"Not very interesting, Harry," Sweetie finally declared. "It's about boring potions to heal great dragon sickness. Audovera already told us that the Slytherin speaker liked to invent those. I'd much rather read things about our magical brethren! Audovera says that there were many kinds on the grounds during the time she awoke. Her master often brought them for visits."

"We'll search Slytherin's library soon, I'm sure he must have written about them," Harry promised. He felt a little light-headed at the snakes' revelation. "Let me just ... I need to tell Brady about this. Oh, boy."

"I told you that we are helpful, Harry," Blue hissed with supreme satisfaction. He returned to Harry's right arm and slowly wound himself around, like an ornament. "We are the best."

"Except for Dobby and his friends, you're probably right," Harry said on an exhale. "Wow. That's really a huge surprise."

"Go on, tell the favourite," Goldie ordered. "If he asks, I'll help him read his book. He'll give brother and I lots of magic to feed on in return."

"You send more books soon, Harry," the quiet brother said. "Sister wants the favourite to be happy, and the favourite really likes your silly books."

"I will." Harry scooped the snakes up and gave each of them a little kiss onto their heads, letting as much affection bleed into it as he was able. "Thank you."

"Harry is always welcome," Blue said as he wallowed in the dancing magic on Harry's skin. It lit up his blue highlights and amber eyes and even made his grey, shiny skin a little translucent. It was odd to be able to see his tiny ribs and beating heart, and it touched Harry deeply to see him as the fragile little thing he was.

"Yes, always," Sweetie echoed the sentiment. She butted her tiny snout against Harry's cheek, tickling him with her sweet, childish love.

"You're terrible," Harry murmured as he cuddled and petted them all. "Brady will wonder what's up with me."

Soon enough, however, all the snakelings were back to curling around his arms and neck, favouring his natural warmth over a charm, and Harry went back to his journal. Healer Williams had answered his request for visitors for Audovera with a promise to send Portos and Snake along as soon as Harry could spare a house elf.

You're taking on a lot of social responsibilities, the healer continued. This is, of course, a good thing. However, I want you to remind yourself occasionally that you are, in fact, a young teenager who's going to Hogwarts to study magic and its use, and not a fully grown and educated head of house who has nothing to do all day but take care of his family. You need to take care of yourself, too. You have Sirius and Sharptooth and your house elves now to take care of part of your obligations.

I do, Harry quickly wrote back. And I understand, honest. But this is Slytherin business. It feels necessary. Audovera protects Slytherin's most important work, so she should get something in return, even if she's a magical construct and not a real snake.

Do you think she might be sentient?, Williams asked. Has Slytherin's magic woken her up?

Harry pondered that for a moment, absently petting Blue, who was once more wound around his neck. I don't know, he finally replied. Might be. She remembers everything we've talked about so far, and knows a lot of stuff from Slytherin's time. Does that mean she's alive, then?

Good question. Look up the definition of life and get back to me, Healer Williams wrote back. Where Magic is involved, one can never be sure when the line has been crossed. It is said that some magical creatures are purely the product of human artistry and Magic's gift. The hippogriff comes to mind, or the sphinx.

Speaking of gifts ... Harry swallowed. Lord, it's crazy, so I'll just say it: the snakes can read Slytherin's books. All of them. Apparently they can ready every book, in every language, and yes, they proved it to me.

A huge ink blot suddenly appeared on the page, and a magical stream of curses echoed through the Come And Go Room. Harry reared back in shock, only to break out into loud laughter a second later.

That's not funny, Harry!, Williams haphazardly scratched into the journal. If you want to prank me, find something else to do it!

Harry hiccoughed. He picked up his biro and shakily answered, It's not a prank, geez. I wouldn't do that to you, and neither would they.

Williams' writing leaked remorse, coupled with stunned disbelief. I apologize to all of you, but Merlin, Harry! Warn a guy!

I did!, Harry protested. Why won't people believe me when I tell them something?

Because it's unbelievable, Brady returned. Because if what you've just told me is true ... you have no idea, no idea at all, what kind of gift you're about to give to the world.

If you need proof, Goldie and her brother agreed to read your Slytherin book to you, so I guess Dobby will bring them back soon. You can use their translation as a control for the translators Sharptooth engaged. It might make the work easier, Harry wrote, a little huffily.

A few more drops splashed on the page from Healer Williams' end until the next bout of frantic writing appeared.

Harry, having the snakelings help in our effort won't just make the work easier - we will be able to develop a translation charm and cut the amount of work down to almost nothing. The snakes would be our Rosetta Stone; they're literally the key to Slytherin's secrets and mysteries. That's what's so incredible - such things normally don't just fall into one's lap!

Well, this thing did, Harry answered, still a little hurt from Brady's incredulity. Maybe Hermione's right about the stupid Harry Potter Factor (TM).

She just might be. But do you know what? I'm glad in this instance. Slytherin's basilisk was unjustly corrupted and killed, but we can do right by her by treating her offspring like the treasures they are, and do as much good with Slytherin's legacy as we can.

There was a pause and then Williams continued, I know that all of Slytherin's secrets are secrets of your magical house and therefore yours to use in whatever way you deem fit, but I solemnly vow that I'll render whatever assistance I'm capable of offering. You only need to ask when, or rather if, you're ready to explore your options.

Harry exhaled and frowned.

They're not the secrets of the universe, he wrote back, a little furious with Brady's willingness to pledge yet another oath. And even if they were, I still wouldn't keep them back if they can help someone. It's when, not if, so thanks for offering your help. I'll need it when the time comes.

Can you Floo call me?, Williams asked.

Confused about the nonsequitur, Harry nonetheless got up, went to the fireplace and tossed a handful of Floo powder into the merry flames. They promptly turned green and lost their heat. "Gringotts, Healer Brady Williams' office!"

"Step back, Harry, I'm coming through," Williams said, and a mere moment later he stood in front of Harry, staring at him like some sort of wonder of the world. "Can I hug you?"

Harry flushed, a little embarrassed and a lot surprised. "Er, sure."

With a gruff sigh, Healer Williams swooped in and enveloped Harry in his strong arms. "Thank you, Harry. And please forgive me for doubting you. I probably should get used to the fantastical when it comes to you."

"What are you thankful for?" Harry mumbled as he clutched the man as tightly as he dared with the snakelings on him. He felt guilty for liking it as much as he did, especially since he was missing Sirius fiercely and wished that he could hug him as well. "All I'm really giving you is a ton of work and responsibility. Dunno how you can find that great."

"It just is," Williams laughed, a little breathlessly. "Really, thank you. Since I've met you, almost every day is a surprise and a wonder. That you trust me so much is a gift in itself. I won't ever abuse it if I can help it, and you will let me take as many vows to that end as I deem necessary - without discussion."

"Brady," Harry complained.

"No, let me say this. It's important." Williams took a tiny step back and cupped Harry's shoulders with his warm hands. "Everything we're discovering in Slytherin's library is yours by right. It's your magical legacy now and it is your magical duty to do right by your ancestor's accomplishments, even if Slytherin's your family by right of conquest. Your need to care for Slytherin's most important magical guardian proves it. People will have to take extensive and intrusive vows to protect that legacy, it's normal and expected, so please get used to it. I certainly don't resent you for it, Harry."

"But I don't want you so ... beholden to me," Harry muttered. "You're my friend."

A smile lit up the man's face. "Yes, I am. It's kind of unprofessional, but that's exactly why I've given my healer's vow to you. It prevents me from doing you harm, be it out of maliciousness or love. It'll let me know when I can no longer be objective as your mind healer, so please don't worry about that aspect of our relationship." His smile softened a little. "When Healer Spleenbash asked me to submit my file for your perusal, I never imagined what taking you on as a patient would mean for my future."

Goldie unwound from Harry's arm and climbed over to Brady, neatly slithering up to his neck and settling there.

"It meant us," she hissed proudly.

"You're part of it," Williams agreed. "But certainly not all, love."

At Harry's dubious look, Williams explained, "Since the summer, I've helped with warding a wild garden with Malijar's Gift for ward stones; more or less illegally taught you charms and spells; watched four lovely death adders born of the oldest basilisk in existence hatch and grow; taken up the investigation of a possible case of family magic abuse; and now there's all of this frankly game-changing research you're allowing me to be a part of. It's ..." He sighed deeply. "It's magical. And I haven't even known you half a year, yet. What's more, I don't think you can really grasp the significance of it all. You're still so very young."

"Not too young not to know when I'm in over my head," Harry said stubbornly. The flush burned hotly on his face. "Without you and Sirius and everyone else I'd do nothing at all. It was just luck that Gringotts heard of the basilisk and wanted to buy it. Heck, it was only luck I managed to kill it in the first place."

"Luck is a part of life," Healer Williams said soothingly. "In no way does luck devalue your accomplishments. Dumbledore's phoenix helped in your fight against the basilisk, yes, but you still managed to defend your own life and that of the Weasley girl. You did that, no one else. You earned the good things that came of it."

Harry searched the man's face. "You really think so?"

"Yes, I do. More than the gold and the frankly priceless books of Slytherin's library you've earned Dobby's loyalty, the goblins' support, and the affection of your friends and these four little rascals. All of these, especially the positive relationships that you've formed so far, are the makings of a successful and happy life, and you deserve to have that, Harry. So much. Please don't ever doubt that."

"Everyone deserves a happy life," Harry mumbled, suddenly shy and a little uncomfortable with all the praise. He looked away from Brady's all too sincere face and focused on Sweetie's little head on his wrist.

"And you're certainly working towards that goal," Williams said with a grin, pulling Harry into another, nearly giddy embrace. "Seriously, I'm very grateful for all the professional opportunities you're throwing my way. If you keep it up, I'll have to beg for mercy because I simply can't take any more without resorting to extensive use of a time-turner. If I had myself as a patient, I'd kick my ass for even thinking about it."

Harry laughed. "Okay." He burrowed into Williams' chest. "I wish Sirius could be here."

"He misses you so much," Healer Williams sighed. "I'm fairly certain that this room is shielding my presence from Dumbledore, but it'd be foolish to risk your father's life on that assumption. It's nearly November, only two more months until you can see each other again. You can do it."

"It's much harder than I thought, having a family to come home to," Harry confessed. "I never really understood why people get homesick."

"But you do now," Williams said softly. He ruffled Harry's hair. "And do you know what? That's good. That's very good, even."

"Why? I feel miserable," Harry complained. After taking a deep breath, he stepped out of the hug and hunched up his shoulders. "Sometimes I wish I wouldn't feel like this."

"That's understandable," Healer Williams assured him. "When it gets bad, remind yourself that you've found an adult you can love. You've found a father who cares for you so much that he broke out of the worst prison in the whole magical world. It's not your love or your trust that hurts you, it's the separation."

"But isn't that kind of the same thing?" Harry asked, still frowning.

"Do you remember our first talks?" Williams countered the question. "You told me that you felt incapable of trusting adults because no one ever helped you when you needed it. Now, only three short months later, that has changed, mainly because you've decided to take a chance and allowed it to change. Feeling the pain of separation means that you're healing, and that pleases me very much. So no, it's definitely not the same thing."

Harry frowned. "That's good then, I guess, but I still don't like feeling like a firsty."

Williams laughed warmly. "Oh, I don't imagine you do. But you're only a couple of years behind, so I'd say you're doing great catching up with your friends. Besides, I'm a lot older than you and I still get homesick every now and then."

"You don't feel silly?" Harry asked. "It's normal even for adults?"

"Not in the least, and yes. What you're feeling is absolutely normal, even if your circumstances are anything but," Williams promised. "I know that you're doubting yourself often due to your less than optimal upbringing, and wondering where you fit in, so this is me telling you that you're doing just fine, and getting better every day."

Harry exhaled noisily. "Okay. I don't really feel like it, though."

"It'll take time to get there," Williams said, "especially now when so much is happening at once. That's normal, too. Just take a moment every now and then to reflect and it'll be fine."

Harry nodded. "I can do that when I train my occlumency."

"Good, but do me a favour and try to find other moments for it, too, so it won't always feel like work." The dinner bell tolled, causing Healer Williams to sigh. "I'd better go."

Harry hesitated for a second but then went ahead and said, "Can you give Sirius a hug from me, Brady?"

"If that's really alright with you," Williams replied, grinning. "I'll take any excuse to pop over there, you know. The goblins in Italy serve excellent tiramisu, and your father is a fantastic host."

"I know, Dobby sometimes brings me some for dessert," Harry admitted. "Sirius is right; it's definitely a reason to move over there." He huffed. "I wish I could just go."

"Wouldn't that be an adventure," Williams said a little wistfully. He hugged Harry a third time. "There, I'll give your father this one. He'll like it. Oh, by the way, Hermione's parents have contacted me and given permission for me to cast the parsel discretion ward on her. She'll receive a letter to that effect in the next days, but I thought you might like to tell her right away."

"She'll be relieved after what Malfoy tried to do to her," Harry said. "The Malfoys' first offer of weregild will arrive on November first. Mr. Finch said that it will most likely be insulting, despite his warning not to do it."

"That's the way of noble families," Williams said. "Not just here, the world over, I'm afraid. Hermione's blood status will be reason enough for them to try and devalue the trauma she suffered, but your lawyer is very good and will help Hermione's parents settle the issue to their satisfaction."

"As long as Professor McGonagall keeps Malfoy away from us, I'm not worried." Harry smirked a little. "In fact, I'm sort of looking forward to them sending a shoddy offer."

"I am, too," Healer Williams admitted with a grin. "Alright, it's really time for me to leave. Thanks for telling me about the snakelings. If it's alright with you, I'll take Goldie and her brother with me right now and have Dobby bring over the lizard after dinner. If you take to each other, he can stay a while. Dobby knows how to care for him."

"Okay. Thanks for organizing it." Harry let the quietest brother slither onto Brady's arm and petted him one last time. "I'll miss them. Goodbye you two."

"Goodbye, Harry," both snakelings hissed at once.

"Knowing them, they'll sneak back soon." With some reluctance, Williams grabbed a small handful of Floo powder, said another goodbye to Harry and the remaining snakes and then flooed away briskly.

"I really hate missing people," Harry mumbled when the fire had returned to normal.

"He's the favourite," Blue said. "It's to be expected."

For some reason Harry just knew that his little friend didn't merely mean Goldie's fascination with the man.

oOo

The gold-horned field lizard was, in a word, a riot. Barely arrived and happily warmed by a charm, he introduced himself as Stannis and proceeded to joke Harry's socks off. He had a strong foreign accent, though it wasn't nearly as bad as it was with the mokes, and as far as Harry could tell, the words the lizard used were very nearly all the same as Harry's.

"How can that be when you're not from around here?" Harry asked the little guy when the point came up naturally, carefully stroking over the gold-flecked back and tail. On the head, four small gold horns adorned the little black face, thus giving the lizard its name.

"Cousin moke issa closerrr rrrelateddd tue wyrrrms," the lizard told him. "Wyrrrms arrre a little strrrange, but we get on welll enuff."

"What's so special about wyrms?" Harry asked.

"They arrre close rrrelations of drrragonns," Stannis explained, "and drrragonnns arre not rrreally rrreptiles."

"What are they then?"

Stannis hissed with laughter at Harry's confusion. "They arrre drrragonns, of course. They arrre theirrr own species. We sharre some magic, but not much."

"So you don't speak with each other?" Sweetie asked and draped herself over the lizard's body. "Why?"

"We don't sharre many interrests," Stannis replied and nipped at her tail. "But sometimes they allow us tue sharre theirrr nests when itsa colde in my home countrry. Speaking of colde, laste moon I met a rrred-eyed rrrubywing. He wassa new at Grrringotts and frrrozen stiff, poorrre guy, ande I asked him: heye, you herrre forrr food and boarrrd?"

The joke was so bad that Harry burst out into laughter, nearly squishing Blue who was sulking underneath his pajama top. "I've got to tell that one to Brady."

"You wanta wrrrite a book about rrreptiles, you can also wrrrite a book about my jokes," Stannis said and let his third eyelid cover his large eyes in a blink. "Laughing speakerrrs arrre so funny. Yourrr magic tickles."

"Nobody's gonna believe me," Harry chuckled. He wiped his eyes and plucked Sweetie from the lizard's back. "But we can try."

"Time for bed now, Harry," Blue huffed.

Harry patted him, a little touched at the show of possessiveness, and charmed all three of his bedmates with warming spells and additional protections against accidental squishing. While Sweetie and Blue preferred to sleep curled around his limbs, the little lizard shuffled and shoved his way under Harry's pillow and burrowed there happily until the alarm chased Harry out of bed the next morning.

oOo

Harry, of course, couldn't help himself and introduced Hermione to Stannis as soon as class was over.

"He's handsome," Hermione said and smiled when the lizard wallowed in her hands, hizzing lazy nonsense. "And you really understand him?"

"Nearly every word," Harry confirmed. "He said it's different with the mokes because they're somehow related to wyrms, and wyrms are closer to dragons than reptiles. He also told me that dragons are their own species and don't share much magic with the others."

"Huh, interesting." Hermione quirked an eyebrow. "How is he, character-wise?"

"Oh, he's a total joker," Harry replied and told her a couple of the jokes Stannis had entertained him with last night. "He says I should publish a book with his jokes if I'm writing a book about him anyway."

"I guess that's fair," Hermione smirked.

"He's a total stage hog." Harry repeated that in parsel, which made Hermione look at him with bright eyes.

"Only because I'm that good," Stannis countered promptly and preened. "Yourrr woman agrrrees with me; herre magic was tickling me even if she issa not a speakerrr."

"Should we start with the questionnaire?" Hermione asked. "It's better when you're both in a good mood. We'll get more done."

Healer Williams had collected over fifty questions for them to ask, and since Stannis was an exceedingly cheerful and patient fellow, they managed to answer two thirds right away.

"We have time forrr the rrrest," the lizard said. He cocked his head and listened to the dinner bell. "Yourrr cave issa verrry noisy."

"If it's too much I can take you back to my dorm," Harry said. "There are a few juicy locusts waiting for you."

"Laterrr," Stannis replied. "I want yourrr female tue carrry me. She smellse so good."

Harry bit his lip as he glanced at Hermione.

"What?" she asked, bemused.

"Stannis asks whether you'd take him down to dinner. He likes how you smell."

Hermione blushed. "Oh. Uhm, sure. But he should stay in my bag. Dumbledore might notice otherwise."

Harry repeated her condition and received the lizard's agreement immediately. "He will stay there. I'll cast a warming charm on him, just in case."

"If this keeps happening, with him or other reptiles, I should probably learn that charm as well," Hermione said. Her face lit up with her smile when Stannis eagerly crawled into her cupped hands. "He's so friendly."

"And he has great taste," Harry teased her. "Watch." He demonstrated the charm for her. "You can try after dinner, if you want."

"Thank you, I will." Carefully, Hermione placed the content lizard into her book bag and closed it. "I'm a bit surprised at how much he seems to trust us."

"Yeah, me too. Brady said his kind wasn't especially aggressive, but we both know that it's not the same as being friendly."

"No, not at all."

Harry stood, packed away his writing things, and then offered Hermione his hand. "Let's go, I'm famished."

On their way, they were delayed for a minute by Jules, who proffered a sealed letter to Harry.

"It's from Mr. Hagrid's friend, Harry Potter sir," Jules squeaked. "He sent it with his house elf; it's addressed to you and Miss Granger directly."

"Did you offer Mr. Papageorgiou's elf refreshments?" Harry asked. "The dementors must be hell on you guys."

"We don't like them much, but we are hardy. Nikos is fine," Jules replied. He blinked up at Harry. "I have more news for you. It might take a little while."

"Later, then," Harry decided. He pressed Hermione's fingers apologetically. "Not because I don't want you to hear. I just don't want anyone else to hear."

"That's alright," Hermione said. "I have so much to do to manage the deadline for my articles that I'm almost glad to not learn even more exciting stuff."

Harry grinned and told Jules, "She's a big liar."

"She means well. She is a good friend," the elf said sagely. "I'll come at bedtime. Oh, and Romy told me to let you know that tonight's dinner is Indian dishes. She made all your favourites."

"Did she make butter chicken as well?" Hermione asked hopefully.

"Lots of butter chicken," Jules confirmed. Before Harry and Hermione could thank him, he popped away.

"His speech is so much better than the other house elves'," Hermione murmured. "It's still startling."

"You get used to it." Harry began to walk again and tugged Hermione along. "Romy said that most of his magic settled in his brain and not in his body, where their cores usually are. That's why he's so smart."

"Fascinating," she whispered. They were close to a well-travelled corridor and regretfully let go of each other. "If he weren't busy for you, he'd be perfect for the Herald."

As they entered the Great Hall, Harry searched for Malfoy's white blond hair, as was his custom after the attack, and only relaxed when the boy's absence was confirmed.

"I do it too, watching out for him," Hermione murmured, winding her arm around Harry's. "I still have nightmares."

"Dobby helps with those," Harry admitted. "If I never have to see Malfoy again, it'll still be too soon."

"It all depends on his parents." Hermione bit her lip. "I made mine promise that changing schools was one of the non-negotiable conditions of the wereguild."

"It's one of mine as well. In fact, I told Mr. Finch to agree to less money if Malfoy goes away." Harry snorted. "I feel like a prick for even thinking about letting Malfoy loose on other people."

Sighing, Hermione replied, "The difference will be that the teachers at another school will be prepared, should they even accept him as a student. Dumbledore doesn't seem to care much if someone gets hurt."

They reached Gryffindor table and gratefully sat down in a spot Seamus and Dean had saved for them. The food looked lovely and smelled divine, and Parvati's happy face told them all they needed to know about the taste.

"In the Yule edition of the Herald we should write an article about our house elves," Parvati said and snapped up the last samosa from a platter. Immediately the empty platter was replaced and Harry and Hermione both took a couple of samosas each. "This year they're really going for diversity."

"They serve less bread stuffs," Seamus complained. "I like me scones and breakfast rolls."

"They're just looking out for our health," Hermione said. "Anyway, are our articles about Snape done?"

"Done and edited," Lavender said. "I said it before, but this edition will burn Magical Britain."

"And Snape," Katie Bell smirked. "Merlin, the greasy git won't know what hit him."

"Did we tell you that he tried to bully McGonagall into letting him review our articles?" Fred asked. "He thought he was alone when he cornered our esteemed head of house, but he should've known that no one is ever truly alone at Hogwarts."

"No, you didn't," Hermione said, alarmed. "Was it very bad?"

"For McGonagall? No. For Snape?" George smirked. "Definitely. We followed him to the infirmary where he had to ask for assistance to get some very unfortunately placed boils removed. Our man Lee already saved this stellar Snape moment for posterity in a little cartoon."

"You'll see it next week," Fred said smugly. "You're not the only one that can keep secrets, Hermione."

"She could just ask us, you know," Lavender said and laddled a generous portion of lamb curry onto her plate.

"But I won't." Hermione gave a small grin. "I'm curious, but I like surprises."

"We visited Hagrid yesterday and he said that the hearing for Buckbeak will take place in January," Harry said. "Do you know more?"

"Nah, the Ministry has gotten careful after our letters for Lord Black's trial," Dean said. "At least, they haven't let slip anything to us. Lee's auntie hasn't gotten in trouble yet, but the writing's on the wall. She sent a couple of memos that were essentially placing a gag order on everyone. Fudge is not joking around."

"People do know how fishy this is, right?" Harry finished off his samosa and reached for the butter chicken. "Can he even do all that? Place gag orders just because he doesn't want people to know what's going on?"

"As long as he's the Minister for Magic, yes," Angelina Johnson said. "But I have a feeling that the ICW might get involved, and then all of this will come under review."

Percy, who'd kept quiet so far, cleared his throat. "I can't condone disrespect towards our body of government." Everyone around him groaned. "However, even I think that it is more than justified to disrespect some persons in the government."

"Truly, Percy?" Alicia asked, surprised.

Percy coloured a little. "I might want to work there one day, but I also want to be proud of the job I do. How Minister Fudge is handling Lord Black and the hippogriff's cases is a disgrace, frankly. And the headmaster's actions seem rather shady, as well."

"Hear, hear," Fred and George cried, raising their goblets. "Let us drink to civil unrest!"

"When it's warranted," Hermione cautioned, glancing towards the head table.

"And let's be polite about it," Percy added. "Because we're better than them."

"To polite, warranted civil unrest!" the twins cheered, not deterred in the least.

Harry bit back a laugh when everyone around them raised their goblets as well and repeated the words.

The rest of dinner passed quickly, with many different conversations taking up Harry's attention. He caught a helpful tip for his Ancient Runes essay and managed to head off an argument between Colin Creevey and a girl named Romilda Vane, who was heavily pushing for photos of Harry for her collection. Ginny Weasley, who sat close by, was listening attentively.

"I've sold the rights to my pictures for use in the Hogwarts Herald only," Harry told her. "That means Colin is not allowed to hand out pictures of me or anyone else without the permission of the persons in the picture."

"But Harry, you're famous. And cute!" Romilda fluttered her lashes. "Can't you make an exception?"

"No," Harry said simply. "People have used me to make money before, that's all gonna stop now. My lawyer has put out a magical cease and desist order on my dad's behalf. That means magic will help me protect my privacy and punish everyone who wants to use me in some fashion."

Romilda's face fell. "But ... I'm your biggest fan! I want something just for me. Just a couple of pictures. Please?"

Harry had to work to keep the horror from showing on his face. Instead he said, "I'd prefer you be the kind of fan who lets me have some privacy. I'm not very interesting anyway."

"Then how about going to Hogsmeade together? On a date?" Romilda asked, bold as brass. "I know that I'll have to wait until next year, but I can wait for you."

"Er, thanks. I'll think about it." Harry made a strategic retreat then, grateful that the girl had at least accepted that she wouldn't get any pictures of him.

"She's a fanatic," Hermione told him on their way back to the tower. She sounded annoyed but subdued. "As if you didn't have enough of those around you already."

"At least Colin's harmless and respects my boundaries ... after a couple of reminders. He's just excited."

Hermione huffed. "I shouldn't tell you this, but Romilda's known for dealing with potions. Nothing illegal, but her mum is a home brewer and always sends more than needed so Romilda can supplement her pocket money. I'm of a mind to tell Professor McGonagall. That can't be allowed."

"Brady said that self-medication is rarely good," Harry agreed. "He knows a lot of doctors who had to put themselves under oaths not to abuse the potions they have access to. They don't even want to sell them or anything, but he said that it's easy to poison yourself if it gets out of hand, and that'd be just a waste of money and education."

"Wow." Hermione stared at him. "I didn't know that, but I should have. It isn't exactly a secret that mundane doctors have the same problem. It's scary that someone who's supposed to be on top of their game to save lives could be under the influence."

"Brady has taken the oath as a precaution," Harry said. "Not because he's addicted to something, but because he doesn't even want to be tempted. He's taking his job super seriously. Oh! And he told me that your parents have agreed to the discretion ward."

"Really? Oh, I'm so glad!" Hermione gave Harry a quick hug. "I'm so curious how it will feel, magically."

"It settled easily on me," Harry said with a shrug. "But it's intrusive, since it feeds from the magical core."

"Can you feel that?" Hermione asked, a little shocked. "How?"

"It's a spell hook," Harry said, "and you know what I think about those. But I trust Brady and know that it's there. Meditating really helps with awareness, plus, I can take it off if I really want to."

"Let's go in there," Hermione said softly and pointed to the door of an empty classroom. As soon as they were alone and their privacy ensured, she asked, "What if someone uses the Imperius on you? That's a spell hook, too, right? Couldn't they force you to disable the spell?"

"They can try, but Brady used a personal dialect of parseltongue. No clue how that works, but it makes it very difficult for another parselmouth to end a spell." Harry frowned. "I know that parselspeakers could do a lot of stupid stuff with that, but they can do good stuff, too."

"I know." Hermione sat next to him on a table and pressed a kiss to Harry's mouth. "In fact, it's good that Brady cast the ward on you and not let you do it yourself. You could easily undo your own spell under the Imperius, after all."

"Right. After he's done it for you, I'd have a hard time, and you couldn't do it at all, which is exactly what you need."

"I still want you to be able to recast it, if necessary," Hermione confessed with a blush. "And, er, even if he's a doctor, Brady's also a man, and I feel a little uncomfortable discussing girl stuff with him."

"I get that," Harry said. "Should I ask him to find a female parsel doctor for you?"

"I probably couldn't afford it, but if there's one and she's willing to see me once a year or so ... Please." Hermione's blush deepened. "You're incredibly great, do you know that? Other boys would've run screaming from this talk."

"I'm too young to feel properly horrified," Harry admitted with a laugh. "I will, once Brady's starting to teach me about female stuff, you know."

That made Hermione laugh, too, and the embarrassed tension became a soft sense of togetherness.

"It's good that you'll learn about it," Hermione said. "It might take away some of the mystery, but I'd much rather know what I'm about than do something stupid that hurts you."

"Me, too," Harry murmured and turned a little so he could kiss her. "I like that we can talk about things."

"I hope it stays that way." Hermione carded her fingers into Harry's black hair and stroked his scalp in a gentle massage. His little sigh of contentment had her smiling against his lips. "But I won't be disappointed if you decide to keep some your boy secrets. My mum told me that it's important to allow for alone time and space."

"Your mum is brilliant," Harry confided and slipped his hands into her hair.

Then there was no more talk until the bell for curfew rang, and even then they kept snogging. It was an amused Betty that finally popped the both of them right onto their respective beds so the prefects wouldn't punish them for being absent.

oOo

Harry smiled at Jules, who was already waiting when he finally crawled into bed. "Sorry for making you wait. Did you put up a privacy ward?"

"It's quite alright. Harry Potter sir needs time with his Miss Mione to be happy. I want you to be happy," Jules responded. He bounced a little on his toes. "I made your bed private. Are you ready for my report?"

"Shoot," Harry said. Sweetie and Blue flowed from his arms onto the comforter to investigate the house elf. "I hope it's mostly good news."

"Very good news, Master Slytherin," Jules squeaked and quivered with excitement. "Seventeen Potter elves declared an interest in meeting partners to mate and start a family. They are just waiting for your approval to start the house elf call."

"Oh, that's the mental one, right? How does that feel, sending out a mental call?" Harry asked curiously. "I know what the book says, but I can't imagine it."

"It's like shouting out really loudly in your head that you want to start a family," Jules explained. "Magic carries our call into the world. Interested elves pick it up and come for a meeting."

"Are there ever elves from other countries answering those calls?" Harry wondered. "Your mum said that your father is a security elf for the gnomes of Switzerland, so they must've met somehow."

Jules' intelligent eyes brightened and he puffed up a little. "Elves are not interested in borders. First call goes out to Europe, but if that's not successful, we look further. My mother's second mate came all the way from Japan. He returned to his master once they'd created the child my mother wanted."

"But don't they want to stay together?" Harry was flabbergasted. "I thought you guys would stay with your woman?"

"Most want to," Jules agreed. "But my mother is a strong elf. She has no need of a full harem. She occasionally seeks strong mates for good offspring, and if she needs help, they'll answer her call, but mostly they all pursue their own work. She has all her offspring with her, you see. Except me."

"Wow, that's ... unexpected."

"I want to be with my mate ... if I can find one," Jules declared. "I'm not strong like Mother."

"I want what's best for you," Harry said. "I just hope I can bond that many new elves."

"There's lots of room," Jules assured him. "Lots and lots. On your word the Potter elves will begin to ready the house elf quarters for new arrivals."

"Then you have it. But before you go crazy, tell the new elves that I want to meet them. All of them. I trust you guys, but it's not just about me. I have to take care of Sirius, too."

"Your will be done," Jules said and bowed deeply. "Thank you."

"Never for that," Harry said firmly. "What else is new?"

"Fawkes visits the garden almost every day. He eats lots and lots of berries and caterpillars off the whomping willows. Willows are formidable opponents," Jules scowled. "I'm this close to asking my father to come visit! He might be able to fend the willows off."

"If he keeps the location secret, he can come for training," Harry grinned. "Ninja seems to like it a lot and he might learn something new."

"His trainees do, too. I will tell Father of your invitation." Jules picked up Sweetie and allowed her to wind around his shoulders. "Oh! She feels much stronger."

"She eats a lot." Harry poked her into the side. "The others, too, but that's okay. They're a great help. They'll translate Slytherin's library for Brady."

"I can tell Harry about funny magics on books, too," Blue said and nipped his sister's tail. "I see all."

"Dead useful, that," Harry praised. He caught the snakeling and chuckled when the little guy shot towards him in a strong leap, leaving it to Harry to catch him around the middle and break his fall. "I should take you flying sometime. You'd like it."

"Snakes not meant to go into the air," Sweetie hissed. "I'll stay on the ground."

"Is there anything dangerous on the books?" Harry asked. "Anything I need to tell Brady?"

"The favourite will only receive copies," Sweetie said. "Magics not dangerous for Slytherin's heir. Harry is safe."

"Great." Harry cleared his throat and returned his attention to the patiently waiting elf. "Sorry. Er, where were we?"

"You agreed to allow the Potter elves to call for mates," Jules said. "You also invited my father to test his strength in Potter's Field. I found an elf who's willing to go to Gringotts and sort your mail."

"Oh! That's fantastic! I was wondering whether I'd have to bring a new elf in after all. Who is it?"

"Patty is the one. She was your grandfather's secretary, she managed his correspondence and subscriptions to magazines and periodicals. Maybe you remember her; she's one of the oldest of your elves. Your family's death broke her heart."

Harry's relief ebbed a little. "Oh, I see. Didn't she want to go into retirement? I don't want to force her if it's too hard."

Jules shook his head. "With bond renewal, she's healing. She's ready for work with letters. I'll send her along."

"Please tell her thank you from me," Harry said. "It'll be a lot of work, though. If she needs help, please find her some, even if you have to find an extra elf after all." He paused. "I honestly have no idea how much mail it actually is. Sharptooth only tells me about inheritances and the especially crazy stuff. Sirius told the goblins to send form letters to normal people and burn the rest if it isn't bad enough to involve law enforcement."

"Patty will keep you informed," Jules promised. "On to your hotel in France: three of the Potter elves have permanently taken up work there for the time being. They don't want to rotate and the others are content to let them. You still only have one guest, but he's very satisfied so far. The human staff is seeing to his every need and allowed him to occupy a second room at a discount. He uses it as a studio."

"In the last dream, Dobby showed me his work. It's pretty great. Will there be other guests soon?"

At this, Jules' face fell a little and his ears drooped. "France is a popular destination, but the proximity to the mundane neighbours doesn't make the hotel very attractive to pureblood magicals."

"Screw them," Harry replied immediately. "I want guests who actually want to enjoy the place, mundanes in the neighbourhood and all. Dobby and Betty did fantastic work on it, I won't have them be sad just to make a few galleons."

Jules rubbed his wet eyes and took a breath. "Thank you, Harry Potter sir."

"Hey, it's not your fault humans are stupid," Harry said fiercely. "We'll find good guests for you to pamper, I promise. Tell Sharptooth to place an ad for the Christmas holidays. My aunt always got bonkers over those. Make it as French as possible, with fancy dinners and wine and whatever else you can think of. The visitors should have the Christmas of their lifetime."

"I will. Can I tell the staff to buy more rescue chickens for the hotel?" Jules asked. "Dobby wants to let them run around to take care of garden pests."

"Yes, of course. You've got a fund, use it. If you can rescue a kneazle or two, that'd be fine, too. The place is large enough."

"One of the employees has a krup she wants to take to work," Jules admitted. "The animal is her only family."

"She takes care of his business and makes sure that he's not bothering the guests," Harry said. "I'd just say it's fine, except I don't want everybody bringing their pets and feed them from the kitchen. Sharptooth would kill me. Also, it'd be unfair to ask the elves to clean up after other people's pets if they're not getting paid for it."

"It'll be an exception for Madame Lavelle," Jules agreed. "I'll tell Steward Sharptooth to place the addendum on her contract. Steward Sharptooth proposes the following penalties if the krup dirties the house or manages to steal food meant for the guests ..."

After the issue with the dog was settled, Harry listened with some astonishment to Jules' report of Dobby's work with the newly acquired land. Leaving it fallow for half a year clearly didn't apply to all of the plots; there were, in fact, already growing several kinds of vegetables and fruit under weather charms, as well as a small selection of medicinal plants and potion ingredients.

"But it's only been a few weeks since we got the land," Harry exclaimed. "Won't the magic leave the soil depleted?"

"Dobby is very eager to plant things for food and medicine, so he is extra careful. He went back for more Madeira soil," Jules said. "He wants to feed Harry Potter and his family and friends only the best things. Steward Sharptooth also sent charity contract to Margot Muschelschaum's Day School of Magical Academics to supplement their food offer for the students. About half of them are orphans while the rest come from underprivileged or difficult families. Almost all of them are reliant on donations for meals and supplies."

"How many students does the school have?" Harry asked, frowning.

"Over three hundred," Jules replied dutifully.

"What, really? They can't be all British."

"They mostly are. Your father says that the current Ministry doesn't give a rat's arse about poor kids." Jules wrung his hands. "Steward Sharptooth was sure that you'd be shocked. Gringotts has helped out the school for decades and takes on many deserving graduates for mentoring and apprenticeships or finds places with partners. You supplying food now will enable Gringotts to offer two more places after school, at least, and relieve the funds enough so that more wands can be bought for first years."

"Well. That's good!" Harry tried to school his face, even if the horror was still making his insides clench. "I didn't even know that school exists. Why aren't the students coming to Hogwarts? We aren't very many students and I know that Hogwarts has a scholarship fund. With Gringotts' help, it should work, shouldn't it?"

"Headmasters weren't interested in going against the Ministry's stance," Jules said. "Underprivileged students are mostly mundane-born or impoverished half-bloods. Former Ministers for Magic did not want mundane-borns in the Ministry, so they kept them from getting a good education at Hogwarts. Madam Muschelbaum founded the school in the eighteen fifties with nominal Ministry support and that was that."

"Tell me that those kids at least have a place to stay if their families are bad," Harry begged. "I wouldn't wish relatives like the Dursleys on anyone."

"There is a house for emergency care, but it's small." Jules tugged on his ears. "Jules feels a need to punish himself. Jules does not like it when Master Slytherin is unhappy."

"I'm not unhappy," Harry sighed. "I'm ... disappointed in society, I guess. I wish I could say it's a surprise, but it's not. Not anymore." He carefully pried the house elf's hands from his ears and held the thin fingers. Between them, their bond thrummed loudly. "Can you tell Sharptooth to send me more information?"

"Jules will," Jules said at once. "There is one last thing: the Hogsmeade weekend next Sunday. There is discussion about who of us will protect you."

Harry's mouth dropped open. "Really?"

"We all want to go," Jules explained, "but that would probably alarm Dumbledore."

"How many would you recommend, then?" Harry asked.

Jules wiggled his fingers in Harry's hold and smiled. "Four should be enough. I recommend you call Dobby and Betty and choose two Potter elves. It's politics, but Dobby also be very strong." His large eyes clouded a little. "Very strong."

"Don't tell me you have hero worship going on," Harry teased the little elf.

"It be hard not to," Jules said, slipping into the house elf dialect, and blushed. "Dobby be always working, and he be taking Master Slytherin's business very seriously. It be ..." He paused, a little embarrassed. "Attractive."

"Is that ... usual among house elves?" Harry released the elf's hands so he could cover his little burning cheeks with them.

"It's magic." Jules took a deep breath and the flush lessened a bit. "Dobby not know, so please don't tell him."

"Aw, no, that's your business," Harry promised hastily. "Besides, you also like Betty, so your plate is already pretty full. It'd be mean to make it even harder on you."

"Betty is so sweet," Jules sighed. After a moment he asked, "Is there anything else Jules can do for you?"

"Not right now." Harry patted Jules' shoulder and laughed when Sweetie crawled over his hand and onto his arm. "I'm really sorry for teasing you. You just surprised me. All of this is still new to me."

"For me too," Jules admitted softly. "It's ... overwhelming, finally being in a family. Being yours. There's so much magic shifting in your family web."

"It doesn't hurt you, does it?" Harry asked, worried.

"Not at all. But I'm glad to have our bond. It keeps me close and safe." Jules looked at Harry admiringly. "Jules will go now so Harry Potter sir can sleep."

"Thanks for your visit. Sleep well, Jules. And greet the others from me."

"Jules will," the elf squeaked and popped away.

Harry renewed the protection charms on the snakelings before snuggling in and turning off the light.

"Night, guys," he murmured, eyes already falling shut.

In what seemed to be no time at all, he felt himself wake in a spacious, nicely decorated apartment. Sun was streaming through large windows in a way that made it hard to believe it was situated below ground at Gringotts. Sirius was sitting at a desk and writing into a journal. He looked well and content and Harry felt a little twinge of happiness inside. Following his father around and watching him do mundane tasks should have been boring, but Harry enjoyed every minute of it. Since he felt so close already, he made an effort to fight the dream's sluggishness and reached out, trying to catch a wisp of his father's magic.

It was an effort, but eventually he did manage to catch the tiniest thread of that sorely missed presence. It wallowed in his methaphorical grip for a moment and then grasped back. Slowly, slowly, Harry and Sirius pulled on each other until their presences were solid enough to intertwine and Harry could finally relax into the magical embrace.

"Missing you is stupid," he mumbled in his sleep.

There was a huff of laughter stirring his hair and a fleeting kiss brushed against his forehead.

"I know. Sleep now, pup."

And Harry did, letting the dream go for a more natural rest.

oOo

"You're so quiet this morning," Hermione said as they warmed up for their exercise. "Is everything alright?"

"I just had dreams," Harry said quietly. "Of Sirius. It felt very real."

"Should we do something less dangerous today? You look like you could hurt yourself if we're not careful."

Harry quirked a grateful smile at her. "I'd actually appreciate it. I'm still a little out of sorts."

"Understandably. Okay, why don't we do some yoga first and see how you feel in twenty minutes or so?"

"Thanks, 'Mione. I'll make it up to you."

She smiled impishly. "Oh, you will."

Yoga was exactly what Harry needed to come to terms with his surprising dream meeting with Sirius. Afterwards, he was in a much better frame of mind to block Hermione's slow punches and do the kicks and jumps she asked him to perform.

During breakfast, they even managed to not talk about Malfoy, Fudge, or Dumbledore at all. Instead, they dreamed up their perfect summer holiday and leafed through the large picture books the Come And Go Room provided.

"That felt like a little holiday," Hermione sighed as they regretfully left the room for class. "Do you think the room can actually create a beach and water to swim in? Teaching you how to swim in a tropical paradise would be miles better than just using a pool."

"Let's try," Harry said immediately. "That beach in Maui was fantastic."

"It really was." Hermione patted her bag. "We should also respond to Mr. Papageorgiou's letter. It was very kind of him to donate two hundred galleons to the newspaper fund. Lavender will be over the moon once she hears."

"Let's send him some more of the photos Colin has taken." Harry pursed his lips in thought. "Although coloured photos would be so much nicer."

"Colin tried to interest Fred and George for the project, but they declined," Hermione said. "Maybe someone else will do it soon, Fred and George are not the only inventors at Hogwarts."

"Or ... I have an idea." Harry grinned at Hermione's little huff as the bell rang just then. "Let's talk about it later. It'll keep."

"Don't think I'll forget," she warned him. Approaching Professor Flitwick's classroom, they reluctantly let go of each other. "What will you do tonight while I'm with the Patronus Club?"

"I thought I'd practice some more for Tuva's class tomorrow. She said that my slicing technique still needs some work, and boomslang is tricky. It'll be good for our brewing, whenever the next time will be." Harry grinned. "Healer Spleenbash was quite satisfied with our potions. Dobby let me know this morning. We're good now."

"That's no reason to slack off," Hermione said with a teasing smile as they rounded the last corner.

Ron, who was hanging around the door, snorted. "Is there ever a reason for you to slack off, Hermione?"

"Certainly, in life or death situations," she retorted and flounced inside with an adorable little flip of her hair.

"Still a stuck up know-it-all," Ron muttered with a hateful glare. "I don't know how you can stand her."

"I won't enlighten you," Harry said in a low voice. "Just stay away from us if you can't even be civil."

"Her stuffiness brings out the worst in me." Ron's hands balled to fists. "She's honestly so boring. You should come with me, me and you and Ginny could play some pick-up Quidditch."

"What, and forget what an utter arse you've been?" Harry snorted. "Forget it. I've got more important things to do."

"School work and reading," Ron scoffed. "If you don't watch it, you'll be just like her. Boring and friendless."

"I don't know about that," Neville said and pushed Ron aside to get into the classroom. "Last time I checked, Harry had quite a few friends, me included, and so far I'm not bored. Maybe you're projecting."

"I'm what?" Ron demanded.

"Look, Weasley, your sniping won't win you any favours," Seamus called from his work table. "Just shut that miserable gob of yours while we still have some respect for you."

"You still have respect for him?" Dean asked, sounding honestly bemused. "How?"

"Me mum raised me to be kind," Seamus answered. "Especially towards intellectually challenged people."

Since Seamus wasn't even in the top fifteen of their year and everyone knew it, his words caused a round of laughter.

"Whatever," Ron hissed. "You'll see that I'm right, and that you're wasting your time with a know-it-all like Hermione. One day you'll regret not going out to fly in the sun, or having fun playing with real friends. You-know-who might kill you tomorrow and then what? All you'll have done is studying and hanging out with stuck up twats who wouldn't know fun if it kicked them in the teeth."

"Oi, can it, Weasley," Dean said and narrowed his eyes. "That sounds like a threat."

"It isn't," Ron said arrogantly. "I don't have to do a bloody thing. Everyone knows that there are still death eaters out there, and that they want Harry dead. It's just a matter of time until the next attempt. And do you know what? They'd just love to do a muggleborn like her in, too. Would serve her right for sticking to him like a bloody limpet."

"Detention for ugly language, Mr. Weasley. Report to your head of house after class for the particulars," Professor Flitwick called. He waved the boys inside and closed the door to his room with a little flick of his wand. "I don't want to hear such hate speech again, am I understood?"

Ron only scowled sullenly.

"Take your seats and hand in your homework," Flitwick said. "I'll pick five of you to demonstrate the seize-and-pull charm, and then we'll dig our teeth into the general counter-charm. Depending on how adept you are at it, we might work on it until Yule, as it has a great many uses and requires a certain amount of skill. The first student to properly cast the charm wins the choice of fifty house points and the last three classes of the term free, or extra curricular work to boost their grade by up to twenty percent. The second and third student will win the choice between lesser house points and class-skipping privileges respectively."

The offer was ridiculously tempting and Harry simply had to grin at Hermione's bright-eyed determination.

"Now," Flitwick called, "the first to demonstrate their seize-and-pull charm is Mr. Weasley. Come now, I won't believe you're shy after your impassioned debate with your house mates earlier."

Harry didn't smirk at Ron's unattractive flush of temper, but it was a near thing. Even better was witnessing the small professor's smackdown after Ron utterly failed at the charm. It was obvious that the boy hadn't bothered to practice, and being that disrespectful towards Flitwick was frowned upon even by the more antagonistic Slytherins.

The other four students thankfully did their charms just fine, and everybody was on their best behavour once Professor Flitwick started on the theory for the general counter-charm.

oOo

The afternoon had gone by in a blink, DADA even more so than Herbology. Professor Lupin truly was one of the most engaging teachers Harry had ever had, and he was determined to ace the exam. After a spot of tea after class, however, Harry was actually looking forward to spending time in the Chamber of Secrets alone, or as alone as his non-human friends would let him be.

"Dobby!" Harry cried when the little elf popped up right next to him in front of the large, heavy door to the chamber. "I wasn't expecting you. You've brought Portos!" For a long moment, Harry petted the boa constrictor and exchanged fond words. "It's good to see you both."

"Harry Potter sir's Healer Brady be saying that snake be companion for Slytherin's guardian," the elf explained. He eyed Stannis, who had come along and was settled on Harry's shoulder, right next to Sweetie and Blue. "He not be knowing that you be bringing lizard along."

"Audovera is lonely, she might like him," Harry said. "He's very chatty and social." He hissed the password at the guardian and slipped into the chamber. With another ominous rumble, the door closed again, sealing them in. "Thanks for the dream last night. It was great to see Sirius again."

"Dobby be watching. Dobby not be knowing that Harry Potter sir be reaching so far with magic." Dobby wagged his finger at Harry. "Harry Potter sir be strong, and he be having Malijar's Gift, but it be dangerous to reach so far. Harry Potter sir could get lost searching for his father."

"I'm sorry," Harry murmured. "I didn't want to worry you. It just happened."

"Dobby knows. Dobby not be angry, Dobby be worried. Take Dobby's hand, Harry Potter sir." With a swirl, Dobby transported everyone up into the secret room, right in front of the door Audovera was guarding.

"Greetings, Audovera," Harry called. "I brought visitors!"

Audovera raised her head from the door and slithered forward, leaning into the room. "Your house elf and the younglings. Greetings, all. And who might those two fellows be? They're handsome."

"The boa constrictor is Portos, and the gold-horned field lizard here is Stannis. He's originally from Greece. Both are currently with Gringotts' breeding program." Harry helped them both down and renewed their warming charms. "I hope you'll like each other."

"Hello, Audovera. I have fathered many beautiful young," Portos stated, watching her intently. "But none of my mates look like you. What sort of snake are you that you're gleaming and cold like sunny metal, but talking and moving like a breathing female?"

"I was made with magic," Audovera told him. "My master fashioned me after his own heart. I do not have a human body, but his love and attention gave me spirit. The young Master Slytherin has woken me again and has yet to send me back to sleep. Until he does, I'll remain aware."

"I won't do that to you unless you ask me to," Harry said. "You've missed so much already, it'd be mean."

"Thank you, Master," Audovera hissed and dipped her gleaming head in a little bow. Her attention then settled on the lizard. "I do not know your kind, Stannis Gold-Horn. Tell me about yourself and the land you came from."

Harry and the snakelings had to help translate for the first few minutes of small talk, but Audovera seemed to learn as they went, which was as astonishing as it was relieving for Harry. While he liked the snakes and Stannis a lot, he hadn't been looking forward to spending an hour playing interpreter for a private talk.

A mere quarter hour after making the introductions, Harry already left Portos and Stannis to their visit, taking Sweetie and Blue back down to his work table. Dobby had already placed several things in the preparation area.

"You're a fantastic spy," Harry said seriously. "I didn't even feel you close by when Hermione and I talked about this in the morning. The boomslang looks very fresh, did Tuva give you some?"

"Potions Mistress Tuva did. Your magic be feeling Dobby, you just not be alarmed." Dobby's large eyes were suspiciously shiny. "Dobby be cherishing his bond with his Harry Potter sir so much. It be great gift to have such trust. Dobby had forgotten how it feels."

"Aw, I'm sorry." A little helpless, Harry patted his chair, inviting Dobby to sit, and summoning Hermione's for himself. "Is it really okay not to notice you? I'd have liked that, actually."

"A good house elf not be noticed," Dobby said proudly. "A good house elf be in perfect harmony with his wizard or witch. This be strongest, richest magic because elf and wizard be sharing all." The wetness in his eyes got to be too much and a tear dripped down. "We be like one being. It be beautiful."

"Well, I want what you want, but I also really like knowing that you're there, since we don't see each other that much anymore," Harry tried to explain. "If you like, you can give me a pat or something. Would that be cool?"

"It be cool," Dobby agreed. "Dobby could stay a bit and help Harry Potter sir perfect his slicing technique. Dobby be very good at slicing things."

"Sure." Grinning, Harry jumped up from his chair, cleaned his hands with a quick charm, and then activated the necessary runes on his table. "Using the runes will never get old."

The snakelings were of the same opinion; they were watching the magic sweep away dust and little particles in fascination.

Under Dobby's patient tutelage, and with the help of Tuva's manual, Harry worked his way through several common kitchen ingredients before graduating to the actual boomslang. As he worked, Dobby regaled him with little tales of Healer Williams' visits to Rome, which took place once or twice per week, as time allowed. Lately there seemed to be a lot of dinners and late night talks about all kinds of topics.

"I'm sort of envious," Harry admitted, "even if Brady's going there mostly for business and healing stuff. The Dursleys have never taken me anywhere, except for that small island when Uncle Vernon tried to hide me from the post owls."

"Bad muggles no longer be having power to hurt my Harry Potter sir," Dobby said quite matter-of-factly. "Dobby and Ninja be making plans for bad muggles. Harry Potter sir not be saying no, or Harry Potter sir's father be very disappointed."

"Tell them to keep it legal," Harry sighed. "Sirius is working on getting free, not getting himself back to prison for muggle baiting."

"Harry Potter sir not be needing to worry. Dobby and Ninja be very good at faking things. If the police be noticing, it be looking like Bad Minister Fudge or Headmaster Dumblydore did it."

Harry burst out laughing. "Okay. Now tell me, truly, how are you doing? Jules said that you're happy being busy, but managing so much farm land must be exhausting."

"Dobby be having help from Potter elves, and Dobby mostly be using land that already be warded. It be much easier for weather control. First harvest be coming in around Yule. Oh, and Steward Sharptooth be telling Harry Potter sir next weekend that he be getting large orchard. There be all kinds of fruits!"

"Not another inheritance, I hope," Harry said with a grimace. "It's still really weird when strange people give me valuable things."

"No, Dobby be finding it and buying it. It not be expensive since it be very neglected. It also be close to muggle dwelling. Goblins be wanting to ward it before cleaning up, so Harry Potter sir be needing to approve funds and bind ward stones."

"Yes, of course, as long as Sharptooth says we can afford it." Harry put down his knife and critically eyed his work. "They pass muster, don't they?"

"Harry Potter be slicing very evenly," Dobby agreed. "It be good work for potions. Potions Mistress Tuva will be happy."

Relieved, Harry cleaned up his work table and stored the boomslang in the cupboard. Meanwhile, Dobby sent the prepped food stuffs to the kitchen for later use. When Harry returned to his table, he was astonished to find his little piece of Malijar's Gift sitting smack dab in the middle, glittering like the precious stone it was.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Harry asked. "Dobby, you didn't place it here, did you?"

"No, Harry Potter sir." Dobby hopped onto the table and looked closely at the stone. "It be having a mind of its own."

"True." Harry grabbed it and cradled it in his palms. "What's wrong? Were you feeling lonely in my bag?"

A little zip of magic shot through Harry. It wasn't particularly indignant, not like last time when there had been a definite feel of abandonement, but it was insistent enough.

"Oh." Harry exhaled. "I should probably commune with you. It's been a while." He cast a quick tempus. "I only have a half hour or so before Hermione's going to miss me, though."

The little stone gave another pulse of magic and Harry relented. There was so much free space in the Chamber of Secrets that it was easy enough to pick a spot far away from the potions lab for his circle. At least doing it alone had its definite advantages: Harry could cast the circle with his wand right around himself. His magic painted the runes and sigils into the air, where they hovered, glowing and patient.

"Okay then, let's visit properly," Harry murmured. He held the stone tightly, closed his eyes, and settled into his half lotus position.

At once the bright spot of energy in his fist flared and expanded, just like before. Harry's awareness tangled shortly with it, only to spread out and travel wide and far, to the connected ward stones of all his properties.

There was Potter Cottage, empty but for several chickens and two elves who were tending to the garden there, and also Potter's Field, where Ninja and his apprentices were waging war on the plant life. It didn't feel destructive; in fact there was a distinct sense of enjoyment to it, as if the wild garden itself had fun playing with the house elves. The large boulder and seven times seven small pieces of Malijar's Gift in the ground greeted Harry happily, their power rushing around him eagerly.

Then there was the newly warded hotel in France. For the first time, Harry got a feel for where the goblins had placed the ward stones and realized that he probably should have done this much sooner. Cool sunshine and the tartness of sea salt, wine, and crisp apples surrounded him, inviting him to a long, relaxing stay. The artist lodging there gave off a feel of creativity bordering on mania, but in a good way. The three Potter elves there startled when they felt Harry's touch and then sent a joyful little zing back.

Afterwards, Harry's magic reached out to uncharted area. Travelling to properties not yet warded, or warded differently than Harry was already used to, was a little harder and a little slower. The map in Harry's mind was also not as clear. What he experienced was still his, he knew this, but it felt fuzzy and incomplete. There were bright spots hopping about - Potter elves who had assigned themselves to work there. Each of them gratefully accepted Harry's touch and Malijar's Gift in his hands vibrated gently in an effort to support Harry's curious foray.

Finally, once he couldn't go any further, Harry slowly retraced his steps. He found and touched the ward stone of the property in France, then his wild garden, and at last his own home. Everything seemed to be fine and he felt a lot more settled than he had going into the communion.

"Harry Potter sir be needing to check in more often," Dobby squeaked once Harry had woken from his trance. "Potter elves be angry that Potter Manor not be accessible for Harry Potter sir, yet. They be wanting guiding touch very much."

"I don't like it, either," Harry admitted. "But I think I got a bit of a feel for it anyways." To the piece of Malijar's Gift, Harry said, "Thanks for that, buddy. It was nice."

The hum of magic lessened until the stone was once more inert.

"It feels rather satisfied," Harry said to Dobby. "Is it very crazy for wizards to talk to stones?"

Dobby grinned. "It not be much crazier than talking to snakes, and Harry Potter sir be doing that rather well."

"You're a riot," Harry returned with a chuckle. "Let me break the circle and then we'll get Portos and Stannis. I'm a little surprised that they stayed with Audovera the whole time. I honestly thought they'd get bored five minutes in because she's so smart."

The sight that greeted Harry upstairs rendered him mute for a second. Audovera had mostly left her place around the door she was protecting and was curling elegantly on the floor. Portos was partially entwined with her, while Stannis rested in a coil of her body. All three seemed to be absorbed in an intimate conversation.

"Hey," Harry murmured, unwilling to spook them. He cleared his throat. "I have to get back up ... unfortunately, it seems."

Audovera lifted her gleaming head and opened her hood a little. "It is fine, young Master. I understand. The visit was wonderful, thank you very much."

"You're welcome. I'll bring more friends as time allows." Harry looked at Stannis. "You learned her dialect really quickly. How?"

"Magic," Stannis hissed succinctly. He darted forward and nipped Audovera gently before untangling from her coils and waddling over to Harry. "This was the best day of my life."

Surprised, Harry picked him up and helped him settle on his shoulder. "Really?"

"Audoverrra is beautiful," Stannis confided. "Porrrtos and I arrre just stunned."

"Likewise," Audovera replied with something of a curtsey. "Come back soon."

Quite reluctantly, Portos slithered out from under her and crawled up on Harry's body. It was only thanks to Dobby's magic that Harry wasn't buckling under his considerable weight. "We may return, may we not, Harry?"

"Whenever you like and Brady says it's okay," Harry agreed. He turned to Audovera and looked her over. "You're sort of glowing. It's pretty. I didn't notice the blue pattern inside your hood last time."

"Prolonged interaction with magicals will awaken my finer features," Audovera admitted. "You'll likely discover more details as time passes and you don't send me to rest."

Harry carefully touched the side of her wide open hood and traced the finely crafted scaly pattern. "I'm looking forward to it. If you like, I can take a picture of you. I'll put it in my family album."

"You'd place my likeness close to your family?" Audovera questioned.

"I'm Slytherin now, and you're part of that family, right?" Harry asked. "I don't like Tom Riddle much, but you're okay."

"I don't like the Dark One either. I'll bar him from entering this room if he ever finds his way to this door," Audovera hissed. "None but you may step inside, even if they prove their claim with blood, young Master."

"Great. Thanks." Harry continued petting Audovera for a bit longer, smiling crookedly at her contented little hisses. "So, what do you do if no one's here to keep you company?"

"Nothing much," she murmured, undulating under his caress. "But I don't want to go to sleep, either."

Harry pursed his lips. "Can you read?"

"Not yet, but I can learn," Audovera said, visibly interested. "Who shall teach me?"

"The snakelings probably can," Harry said. "Would you be willing to try?" Both Sweetie and Blue nodded and Harry added, "I'd also ask Hermione, the girl that was with me. Do you like her enough to let her teach you? She's mundane born, though, and I know that Slytherin wasn't so keen on that."

"My Master Slytherin was a man of his time," Audovera hissed. "While he did not like peasant children very much because of their ignorance and uncouth manner, he did value intelligence and hard work. Your friend will do fine, if she is willing to teach me." She leaned further into the room and rubbed her snout against Harry's cheek. From the coldness of her metal a spark of magic travelled along his skin right down to his feet. It felt like a tiny lightening bolt had hit him. "I wish to be truthful, young Master. My Master Slytherin did not teach me to read because his magic fashioned me into a female. His indulgence for his creation did not extend as far as a formal education."

"That was mean of him," Harry huffed. "Hermione is the smartest witch I know. She'd probably have kicked Slytherin's bum if he'd tried to stop her from learning."

"Do not be irritated with him on my behalf," Audovera said, clearly amused. "My Master Slytherin did talk extensively to me about his work and presented me with many different kinds of snakes for companionship. While he was alive, I was not dissatisfied. It is only now that I learn that I might be capable of much more."

---

End of Part 19