oooOOOoooOOOooo
It was a rainy afternoon when Harry had a sudden thought. "Remember when we heard Professor Quirrell talking to someone in the forest, probably Snape?" he asked.
"Yes," said Dudley, slowly.
"Remember how we discovered the Philosopher's Stone after that and kind of lost track of the first conversation?"
"I guess we did," said Dudley. "What of it?"
"I think that Quirrell or Snape, possibly both, are trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone," said Harry, contemplatively.
"What makes you say that?" asked Dudley. He remembered the conversation between the two. It was rather suspicious.
"If you remember back to the beginning of the semester, it was in the paper that someone had tried to break into Gringotts right after Hagrid removed the Stone from the bank."
"That's true," said Dudley, sitting up.
"Then, we saw the three headed dog?" said Harry.
"Right," said Dudley, slowly.
"Well, I saw a huge, bloody bandage on Snape's leg. It looked like a bite from a large animal. Remember when Tracy said he had been in the infirmary for a dog bite?" asked Harry.
"Yeah. Okay," said Dudley. "I'm with you."
"Well, then, we heard that conversation and Snape said he knew Quirrell was trying to steal the Stone. I believe him but the only way Snape would know about that would be if he was trying to steal the stone, too. How else would he know about the dog? Why else would he want to know if Quirrell knew how to get passed it?" asked Harry.
"Yeah. That is a good question," said Dudley.
"What I don't understand is, why would the Flamels give the Stone to Hagrid? He doesn't seem the right type to keep something like that safe, does he?" asked Harry, doubtfully.
"No, he doesn't," agreed Dudley, firmly.
"I think we need to investigate. If someone is trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone, the Flamels will die if they succeed. They need the Stone to live. It would be murder to steal it," said Harry with conviction.
Dudley agreed. "Yeah! It would be. They don't deserve to die! Not when they found a way to keep living. I wonder if they even know the Stone is here?"
"I doubt it. We should try to find a way to contact them, as well," said Harry.
"What will we do to keep the Stone safe?" asked Dudley.
"I don't know. We might need to steal it ourselves and hide it away until we can give it back to the Flamels. They don't deserve to die if someone stole the Stone," said Harry stubbornly.
Dudley hesitated. "Let's do some more research first. If we have to steal the stone, we will but we'll need to be ready. That dog doesn't seem easy to slip past."
"Right. Easter Break is next week. We'll search the library when we get home. We'll search for ways to get past the dog and other types of traps. When we get back from break, we'll bring Hagrid a gift and see if we can pump him for information," schemed Harry.
"Agreed," said Dudley. He loved a good adventure as much as Harry did. He just wanted to be safe about it.
The week passed quickly. The day before the group was set to leave for the Easter holidays, the Headmaster approached Harry again. Harry sighed. It had been a good long stint with only evil looks and vile plots. Harry wished the man would just stay away.
"Harry, my boy. I trust you'll be staying in the castle for the break? Lots of adventures for a young lad to experience during such a special time," wheedled Dumbledore. Harry wanted to ignore the man and keep walking but that might be rude enough to justify a punishment.
Harry turned to the Headmaster. "I'm sorry, Headmaster. Were you talking to me? I didn't hear you say Mr. Potter," Harry said, leveling the man a look. Dumbledore gave him a sour look in return.
"I most certainly was, young man. As you well know. I've a mind to give you detention every night during the break," said the old man with a gleam in his eye. Daphne cast a Patronus Charm. The albino doe ran off quickly. The Headmaster's mouth dropped open.
"Where did you learn that Charm? That's much too advanced for a first year," said Dumbledore. None of the children answered.
"Very well, that will be detention for all of you when you return, and for you Harry, during the break," Dumbledore said.
"What for?" asked a belligerent Flitwick. Dumbledore gave Daphne a nasty look and turned to the smaller man.
"For cheek. I won't have the students giving me attitude," said Dumbledore, pompously.
Flitwick looked to Harry. "I asked him if he was talking to me. He didn't say Mr. Potter," said Harry. Flitwick gave Dumbledore the evil eye.
"What's this?" asked Flitwick.
"Harry knew I was talking to him. He was being cheeky. I won't have it," said Dumbledore.
"Harry who? There are over a dozen Harry's in this school. I do not see how asking a clarifying question is cheek. You may be go, students. You will not receive detention during the break or afterwards, not for this incident," he said, seriously.
The students started walking away.
"Oh, and Mr. Potter? If I were you, I'd have your guardian write to the school board. You deserve to be treated with respect and to be allowed your education in peace. The Headmaster hasn't spoken with another student, beside the Head Boy and Head Girl, all year long. Yet I find he feels the need to harass you every few weeks," said Flitwick. Harry gave the Headmaster a vicious look and nodded.
"I'll have my father write to the board forthwith," said Harry, turning to stomp away. The other New Marauders followed, each shooting the Headmaster a look as they walked.
They left bright and early the next morning for the train. Oddment agreed to pack the students both breakfast and lunch to eat on the train rather than chancing another confrontation with the Headmaster. Harry just wanted to go home to his father. He already decided another prank was in order.
Draco visited during the train ride.
"I say, Harry. What is the Headmaster's problem with you? He seems to have quite the bee in his bonnet where you're concerned," said Draco, sitting across from Harry. Terry, Anthony, Dudley and Neville were playing a round of gin, a Mundane card game. Draco was watching in fascination while he chatted with Harry. The girls were out visiting. Dudley and Harry would go soon.
The other students looked at Harry sympathetically while Harry looked miffed. "I don't know what his obsession is. He seems to think he should have some power and control over me beyond that of a Headmaster to a student but I don't know why. He's a right bastard. He's the reason my aunt is dead," said Harry, seething.
No one said anything for a moment. "How is he responsible for the death of your aunt?" asked Draco.
"He left me on a porch in the middle of the night after my parents died. I was able to walk at that age. I must have wandered into the road. The lorry driver who hit her said that she ran into the road. She gave her life to save mine. She threw me to safety and took the hit herself," said Harry miserably. Dudley shared a sympathetic look with Harry. Dudley never blamed Harry for his mother's death. No, he completely blamed the Headmaster, just as his father did.
"That's atrocious. To think. Leaving the heir to several noble houses alone on a doorstep. In November, no less! It's a wonder you weren't killed by the cold," said Draco, shaking his head in disgust.
"I agree. The Headmaster seems incapable of acting in a responsible manner when it comes to me," said Harry.
"The way you were insulted by McGonagall is nothing to ignore, either. Actually casting a verification spell on your Gringotts documents. The nerve! They had the Gringotts seal, didn't they?" asked Draco.
"Yes, they did," said Harry, crossing his arms in his anger. It was the only sign of distress he allowed to escape his public demeanor. Draco approved.
"You really should write to the school governors. My father is a school governor. You could write to him. I'd be glad to make the introduction today, if you have a few moments," offered Draco.
"I think that would be lovely," said Harry, perking up immediately. "My father said he would write to the school governors if the Headmaster's behavior continued. The Headmaster just won't stop!"
Draco puffed up. "I'll come to your carriage when the train is close to King's Cross. We can disembark together," Draco said, cheerily. He would be very pleased to introduce his father to Harry and his brother, even if Dudley was a Muggleborn. Draco hadn't even thought the derogatory term in relation to the other boy. Dudley was one of them, the upper crust, as was Hermione, who was already properly betrothed, as a proper upper crust girl should be. Draco was reconsidering his own options in light of all he'd learned about Harry Potter. He'd also be proud to introduce Harry to his father. His father would be very proud that Draco had acquired such a prestigious friend.
Draco left soon after that. Harry sat in silence, brooding about his treatment by the Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress. Harry had been a model student yet they treated him like trash. He was the lord of several prestigious houses, yet they treated him in a subpar manner compared to the other students. It was preposterous.
Dudley finished his hand and stood. "Come on, grumpy guts. Let's go schmooze. Father would be disappointed if we failed to take the opportunity," said Dudley. Harry grumbled but stood. He cast a spell to iron the wrinkles out of his robes and straightened his tie. He fixed his hair and checked his gold chains to make sure they were laying properly. When he was done, he checked over Dudley and Dudley checked over him. They both nodded and headed out the door.
It was about six carriages in that things got interesting. Dudley and Harry entered the compartment that contained Fred and George Weasley. They were both stocky and thick through the shoulders. They had giant grins on their faces. Another redheaded boy was present. He was tall and thin but had glasses. He was lecturing the other two.
"... and I won't have you selling the abominations you created to the other students. Why, I saw an entire compartment of second years that had been turning into giant canaries! You wouldn't know anything about that, would you? There were feathers everywhere. It took me 20 minutes to clean up and lecture the students about proper decorum. You should be ashamed," said the older boy.
"Right, Perce," said one of the stockier boys.
"Ashamed, we are," said the other twin.
"To have you as a brother," said the first. Both twins cracked up laughing.
"I'm telling mum. She'll search your things. Then, the truth will out!" said Percy, turning his back on his brothers, coming around to face Harry and Dudley.
Harry started speaking. "Hello, I'm Harry Potter. This is my brother, Dudley Dursley."
Percy straightened. "I'm Percy Weasley. I'm a fourth year this year. These are my brothers, Fred and George. Is there something you needed help with?"
"Not in particular. We just wanted to stop in and introduce ourselves," answered Dudley.
"Well met," said Percy, bowing with his hand wrapped over his fist.
"Well met," echoed the boys, holding up a fist that they clenched with their other hand.
"Well, if you don't need anything, I must be off. I still need to check in on Ronald before we arrive. He would forget his head if it wasn't screwed on," said Percy, somewhat scathingly. Harry just smirked. Percy left the compartment. Harry turned to the twins.
"Pompous Percy really will tell mum," said one twin to the other.
They turned to look at the two boys. "I don't guess you want to buy a lot of prank products right now, do you?" he asked, looking like he was sure they wouldn't.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps. May we see these wares?"
The twins grinned evilly and started pulling bags and boxes out of all kinds of odd places. They set to enthusiastically explaining what each product did and how it was reversed. Harry and Dudley got more excited the more they heard.
"Have these all been tested?" asked Dudley, cautiously.
"Tested each and every one on ourselves or our siblings," said one of the twins with a charming smile.
"Tested more than one on everyone of our siblings," said the other, matching the charming smile. Harry laughed.
"How much for the lot?" He asked. It was a big purchase but not more than a dozen of each of six different products.
The twins' jaws dropped open. "All of them?" asked one boy in a squeaky voice.
Harry nodded, smirking. "I've got a few uncles who really need pranking."
"Moony will kill you," laughed Dudley.
"Padfoot will help me get the lot of you," said Harry, grinning.
"The Marauders," they said reverently, together.
"Oh," groaned Harry. "Padfoot's head is going to swell so big!" The twins looked at each other, a conversation in eyebrows happening quickly.
"You're the new marauders," they said together, turning back to the Dursley boys. Harry and Dudley gulped. They hadn't meant to let that cat out of the bag. They didn't say anything.
"You don't have to worry," said one twin.
"We would never tell," said the other.
"Prankster's honor," they said, crossing their hearts. Harry grinned.
"We can neither confirm nor deny that accusation," said Harry.
"We don't need you to," said one of the twins, smirking back.
With that vow on the honor of pranksters everywhere, Harry and Dudley made their purchase and continued on their way, schmoozing with their fellow students.
They were finally close to arriving at Kings Cross station when a knock sounded on their train compartment door.
"Enter," called Harry. Draco Malfoy came into the room. Harry, Dudley, Hermione, and Neville had already changed back into their muggle finery, dripping with silver and gold. Draco smiled at them all. They looked regal, if not wizarding levels of regal.
"Good evening. I hope I'm not intruding. I wanted to see if you still desire an introduction with my father?" asked Draco.
Harry harrumphed. "No, you're not interrupting. I'm glad you remembered. I am very interested in making your father's acquaintance. My father … would likely best be communicated with via post. My father is not aware of the magical world."
Draco blinked at that information. "Your father doesn't know? Where does he think you go for 10 months out of the year?"
"He believes we attend the Loch Beannach School for the Gifted. That is the mundane face for Hogwarts. While we adore our father, we believe his life is more peaceful, as is our own, if our worlds are kept separate," Harry said, diplomatically. Hermione nodded.
"My parents are the same," she said, supporting Harry's way of dealing with the situation.
Draco was very surprised by that. Pleasantly so. His father might believe in a more … radical approach to separation of the mundane and magical worlds but he would approve of this method of handling the situation as well.
"My magical guardian is Sirius Black. He won't be able to pick us up today. We will be departing with Daphne's parents. Our car will take both groups home," said Harry. Draco smiled. His father was on decent terms with Jason Greengrass. His mother approved of the family. They were a respected line of purebloods.
"Excellent. I'm afraid my father is not on great terms with Sirius Black. Sirius is my mother's first cousin. Sirius hates all things associated with the Black family. My father took offense and said something he shouldn't when they were younger. They've never mended fences," Draco said delicately. Draco's father might have called Sirius Black a wastrel and a blood traitor. Sirius might have called Draco's father a Death Eater. Publicly.
Harry was well aware of the situation. He decided to address the falling out politely.
"Quite. Sirius can be quite stubborn, sometimes to his detriment. My Regent, Andromeda, greatly regrets her estrangement from your mother. She speaks highly of her, despite the separation," Harry said, gently. Draco looked interested to hear this.
"My mother feared that her older sister no longer desired any contact?" Draco replied.
"Andromeda shares this fear," said Harry.
"Perhaps we can orchestrate a meeting?" Draco said, slyly. Harry grinned in return.
"We'll think of something," Harry assured him.
The train pulled into the station and Harry and his group descended the train. Harry and Dudley said goodbye to their friends and hello to the Greengrass family.
"Lady Greengrass, Lord Greengrass, Astoria," said Harry, after Daphne was done greeting her parents and sibling.
"If we may, I'd like you to accompany me to meet with Lord Malfoy. Draco has offered an introduction and I'd like to accept," said Harry, seriously. Jason and Annette exchanged a glance.
"Is everything alright, Harry?" asked Annette.
"Mostly. The Headmaster seems determined to persist in his harassment of me. I would like to have father write to Lord Malfoy about the issue but would want to … smooth the way for such an interaction. It would be important for Lord Malfoy to understand father interacts with the school through its guise as the Loch Beannach School for the Gifted," said Harry.
Jason couldn't help but agree. A muggle writing to Lucius Malfoy would need much greasing of the wheels to have a positive outcome. Jason wasn't so sure about the supposed Imperius Curse that Lucius Malfoy had been under during his service to the Dark Lord. Having Harry Potter speak to Lucius Malfoy might also be a dangerous endeavor. Jason was willing to try in such a public place.
"Alright. I am amenable to easing such an introduction, as well," said Jason, pompously. Harry smiled in relief. He did understand some of the undertones to an interaction with Lucius Malfoy, who was from a traditionally dark family.
"Please, follow me," said Draco, bowing to lead the ladies and gentlemen over to meet his father. Draco strutted like the cock of the walk while he led the distinguished procession over to meet his mother and father.
Draco walked up to his parents and bowed deeply. The rest of the group followed suit, though Jason and Annette only bowed their heads in respect upon arriving.
"Mother, Father. It is a pleasure to see you again. I have missed your company dearly since the Yuletide," Draco said, full of pomp. Lucius straightened up to see Draco's entourage. He put on his most lordly demeanor.
"Draconis. It's a pleasure to see you, my son. I trust your trip was enjoyable?" asked Lucius.
"It was, Father. Thank you for asking. Mother, you look lovely," said Draco, kissing her hand.
"It's my joy at seeing you, darling. Please, introduce us to your friends," said Narcissa, noticing the distinguished looking group of children that accompanied Draco.
"Mother, Father, you already know Lord Greengrass and his wife, Lady Greengrass," Draco said, waving to the adults.
"Of course, Jason, Annette. Lovely to see you again. To what do we owe the honor?" asked Lucius, bowing to Jason and Annette in a prayer position. Narcissa followed suit. Jason and Annette returned the favor.
"The pleasure is ours," said Annette. "Narcissa, darling. It's so wonderful to see you again." The women air-kissed each other's cheeks. "One of our charges was interested in making your acquaintance."
Lucius raised an aristocratic eyebrow and looked to the children.
"Father, Mother, if I may. This is Heir Harry Potter, heir to the houses of Potter, Black, Gryffindor, Slytherin, and Peverell; his brother Dudley Dursley, heir to the house of Fineman; one of his betrotheds, Hermione Granger, heir to the house of Dagworth-Granger; and I believe you've already met Heir Neville Longbottom, Heir Daphne Greengrass, who is also betrothed to Heir Potter, and her sister Astoria. Everyone, this is my father, Lord Lucius Malfoy, and my mother, Lady Narcissa Malfoy nee Black," Draco said, carrying out the introductions beautifully. Lucius nodded at each child while Narcissa studied each one like they were a specimen, especially the lovely young ladies. Narcissa was always on the lookout for a suitable betrothed for her son.
Annette noticed. She still had one marriageable daughter left.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Malfoy, Lady Malfoy," said Harry. The other children echoed his sentiments and gave deep bows or curtsies to the distinguished couple.
Lucius raised an eyebrow to get such a warm welcome from Harry Potter, of all people.
"The pleasure is ours, children. I must say, while I am glad to meet you, I am somewhat surprised you are glad to meet us," said Lucius.
Harry decided to address the issues frankly. "I understand there are some incidents in your past that some might find would prevent civil relations between us but I see no reason to meet those expectations. Draco speaks highly of you and we view him very highly. He is a well-mannered and knowledgeable person," said Harry.
"Spoken like a true Ravenclaw," said Narcissa, smiling.
Harry preened under the compliment.
"Harry was actually coming to seek your assistance, father," Draco interjected. Lucius looked intrigued.
"What is it that you need assistance with?" asked Lucius.
"I would like to ask your permission for my father to write to you, in your guise as school governor. I have been having some trouble with the Headmaster and might need some further assistance," said Harry, looking annoyed.
Lucius' other eyebrow shot up to join the first. "Do tell," he said.
Draco piped up to explain the instances he had seen personally.
"Then, they cast a verification spell on his documents from Gringotts, father! They finally had to admit Harry had a right to every one of those house affiliations but it was unseemly," said Draco.
Narcissa was scandalized. "In front of the entire school? That is atrocious," she said, offended on Harry's behalf.
Lucius also looked offended. "The Headmaster should be well aware of the etiquette for verifying the veracity of claiming a house. The proper procedure is to contact the Ministry's Division of Family and Inheritance Services and request confirmation. While the FIS will only confirm or deny, not give any additional details, they will gladly do what they can."
"I wasn't aware of that, Lord Malfoy," said Harry.
"Certainly the Headmaster was aware. He is Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot," said Narcissa. Lucius and Jason agreed.
"He has harassed Harry on several other occasions. He attempts to deny Harry's right to return home during school holidays. Further, he is pushing a relationship with the Weasley family when Harry is not interested in further developing the connection," said Draco, disgusted. Being friends with Ron Weasley was despicable to even think of. As far as Draco knew, the only respectable Weasleys were the oldest two boys, Bill and Charlie. One was a cursebreaker for Gringotts and the other a dragon tamer. Draco's fascination with dragons made dragon tamers alright in his book, no matter their lineage.
"He tried to give Harry detention during the Easter break, simply because Harry asked the Headmaster if he was talking to Harry. The Headmaster refuses to use the proper form of address with Harry, so Harry honestly wasn't sure if the Headmaster was talking to him or not," said Daphne, outraged.
Lucius Malfoy furrowed his brow. "This does bear further investigation. I would be delighted if your father were to write to me. I'll take this matter before the board. If possible, capture each episode with as much detail as possible, including all possible witnesses."
Harry took a deep breath. Now came the part he wasn't sure about. "Thank you very much, Lord Malfoy. Your offer of correspondence is much appreciated. However, I do think it prudent to mention that my father is unaware of the magical world. I think it is well known I was raised by my mother's mundane family," Harry said, hoping Lucius would be amenable.
Lucius' brow furrowed, but he made no other move to show the untenable nature of the suggestion.
"How is it that your father does not know of the magical world?" asked Lucius.
"My betrothed and I feel that our parents have a more peaceful life, as do we, if the knowledge of the magical world is kept from them. It is not necessary for them to be aware of the magical world for us to be fully participating citizens of the magical world. We seek to profit from both the magical and mundane worlds, so find having connections in both to be amenable to us," said Harry, taking Hermione's hand. Hermione squeezed his hand and gave him a small smile. Daphne nodded her head in agreement, as did the Greengrass parents.
Lucius was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't as hard of a line as he would like to take but it was acceptable behavior for mundane born children. "A wise decision. I commend you for taking both the care and concern for your magical brethren and your mundane connections into consideration. I wish the practice was more widespread."
"Agreed," said Hermione. "The mundane world is a wonder all its own but it is and should stay fully separated from the magical world. While persons of magical capability should be able to interact with both worlds, as they please or not if they so please, it would be best if mundane persons had no knowledge of a world they cannot be a part of. History shows such knowledge only breeds mistrust and violence," she said authoritatively.
Lucius let out a small smile. "I couldn't agree more. With age, I see the value of allowing the mundane folk to live in peace, as long as they are fully separated from the magical world. I must admit, I do view mundane borns as potential security risks, but if more mundane borns took the route you have taken, I believe that risk could be eliminated peacefully."
Harry was relieved to hear this. Harry admired the Malfoy family. They were wealthy, full of class, and powerful to boot. Only their connection to Voldemort and his followers taints their good name. Harry smiled at Lucius. "I can see that our views align on this matter. Peace and prosperity is all I seek in life, and good friends and family to share it with."
"Here, here," said Narcissa, smiling beautifully at these wonderful children. They were their sort of people, she could tell. She couldn't help but notice the way the youngest girl, Astoria, had eyes for only Draco. Draco preened at the attention from the gorgeous young girl. "Perhaps we should get together sometime during the summer. We would be glad to host you all for a day."
Annette noticed the byplay between Draco and Astoria, as well. Astoria would be starting Hogwarts next year. Annette would love to see her as well settled as Daphne was before she left for school. Jason was thankfully unaware. He just saw the opportunity for closer ties with a powerful family.
"I think that would be a marvelous idea. Perhaps we can treat the children to a quidditch match and make a day of it?" said Jason. Lucius thought that was a fine plan.
"Wonderful idea. I'll see about getting box seats for the Wimbledon Wasps. That's Draco's favorite team," offered Lucius.
"That's my favorite team, too," Harry said, grinning at Draco. Draco grinned back.
"It's settled then," said Narcissa. "Annette, I'll invite you around for tea so we can plan."
"Splendid," said Annette. Neither woman misunderstood what they would truly be planning.
The group split up shortly after the quidditch plans were tentatively decided. The Greengrasses joined Harry, Dudley, and Hermione in the car. First, they dropped Hermione off. Then, the Greengrasses departed, before Harry and Dudley rode home.
Their father met them at the door, excited to see his boys.
"Papa!" yelled Harry and Dudley, since they were home alone with only their father and Betsy in the hall.
"My boys!" said Vernon, holding his arms wide open for his boys to run into. He scooped them both up in a big hug. "How are you, chaps? I've missed you fiercely!"
The boys laughed at their papa's massive hug. "We missed you, too!" they echoed.
Vernon let the boys down and they started talking a kilometer per second about everything that had happened since last he saw them. Vernon laughed and led his excited boys into the dining room for a late dinner. Betsy had all their favorites waiting for them.
"And then, the Headmaster tried to give me detention to keep me from coming home for Easter break!" said Harry, his face in a pouty scowl.
"He threatened to give all of us detention when we got back to the castle after break," included Dudley.
"What?" thundered Vernon. "That overblown childminder has the nerve to treat a lord in that fashion? We'll have his job for this. I'm writing to the school governors!" Vernon said, pounding his fist on the table. Harry and Dudley couldn't help but smirk. The Headmaster had done it now.
"We already spoke to one of the school governors, Lord Lucius Malfoy, papa. He said to please write to him. I'm to include every instance of harassment and discrimination from the Headmaster," said Harry, smugly. "His son is a good friend of ours." Vernon puffed up in pride.
"That's my boy. Making friends with the important people, just as you should," said Vernon, pounding his fist one more time.
"They've invited us to watch a game with them this summer, papa. They're getting box seats to Harry and Draco's favorite team," Dudley bragged. Vernon's mustache twitched as he tried not to grin.
"As they should! They recognize quality when they see it. They should only be so lucky as to be associated with a Dursley! We'll have to repay the favor. What say you we take their son to see the World Cup with us? It's being held in Glasgow this year," said Vernon.
"Can our other friends come, too, papa? We're all invited out with the Malfoys," Harry wheedled.
"Certainly. I'll see about getting us a box, as well. It's the only way to watch a game," said Vernon.
The boys grinned at one another.
Vernon went straight to his study after dinner to write his letter. Harry and Dudley came with him and gave every detail of every instance of harassment the Headmaster had enacted against Harry.
Vernon gave the letter to Betsy to post. Betsy promised she would see the letter was delivered right away. She did exactly that. She personally delivered the letter to the Malfoy family elf, an impertinent and strange little elf named Dobby. The odd little elf was always punishing himself and speaking poorly of his masters. It was unseemly. For all that, Dobby was a good elf. He just was unhappy with his family. Betsy felt sorry for him.
Dobby took the letter to his master the very next morning with his other missives. Dobby made sure that the letter from Harry Potter's uncle was right on top, so his master would see it first thing.
A week later, the strange little elf popped up in the Dursley home, right in front of Harry and Dudley. Their father had just left the room. It startled both boys.
"Who are you? What are you doing in our house? Betsy!" Harry demanded.
Betsy popped up into the room. She saw Dobby and immediately set about scolding him.
"This home is being a mundane home. Not all of the residents of this home is being knowing about magic. You must not be popping into this house without first finding one of the house's elveses alone! You be knowing this is being elf etiquette!" said Betsy, casting a notice-me-not elf charm on the doorway.
Dobby started pulling and twisting his ears harshly. The corners of his ears started to look red and started to crack.
"Stop!" Dudley demanded. "We'll have no self-inflicted violence in our home, either."
Dobby froze. If he couldn't punish himself, he didn't know what else to do.
"Dobby did not be knowing. Dobby be wanting only to give Harry Potter, sir, his letter from Dobby's master. Dobby's master be wanting Harry Potter, sir, to give this letter to his guardian," said Dobby, tears welling in his eyes.
"No harm done, but please do not do that again," said Harry, sternly. "I appreciate you providing your best service but please know in this house, elves stay hidden or wear glamor necklaces that allow them to appear as humans."
Dobby looked at Harry with desperate gratitude on his face. "You would be providing such to your elveses? To let them appear above their station?"
Harry looked confused. "Elves are not lower station than humans, Dobby. We are equals. Elves merely thrive on providing excellent service. They deserve respect and gratitude for providing such."
"Dobby's masters do not be seeing it that way, sir," said Dobby, weepily. Harry was uncomfortable with the display of emotion.
"The Malfoys is being a traditional family. They treat their elveses with respect but they are being very exacting in their standards," said Betsy, defending the Malfoys. She gave Dobby a judgmental look. He wore the traditional pillowcase but his was ugly, dirty, and worn. Dobby showed no pride in himself. She knew him to be a good elf who provides excellent service but he was disrespectful to tradition and the expectations of traditional families.
"Do they force you to wear that?" asked Dudley, disgusted at the oversized rags the elf wore.
"They force Dobby to wear a pillowcase," said Dobby, blowing his nose on the edge of his clothes.
"Do they force you to wear one that's so dirty and raggedy?" asked Harry, appalled. Dobby looked uncomfortable, then defiant.
"Dobby wears the first pillowcase he ever put on during his servitude. Dobby is protesting his treatment. Dobby wants to be a free elf," said the little being. Betsy gasped.
"You is being a bad elf! You wants to be being free? You would be needing to steal magic if you did not be having a reciprocal bond. Who would you steal it from?" she demanded.
Dobby shook his head, viciously. "Dobby would be working for pay. Dobby would be being paid moneys and magics for his work. Dobby would be his own master," he said, stubbornly.
Betsy just shook her own head. "What would you be doing as your own master? Who would want to hire a bad elf?"
Harry looked thoughtful. There were several Potter properties and a couple dozen Potter elves. There was one elf Harry couldn't stomach, though.
Harry had only met the dastardly little thing once. Sirius had taken Harry, Dudley, Hermione, and Daphne to his ancestral home before it was renovated to look through the library. The place was dreary and felt heavy and gloomy. Somehow, the whole place felt uninviting and menacing, like evil lurked around every corner.
An ugly, old house elf, in what was basically a diaper made of rags appeared and began berating them all. Sirius had been enraged. He'd ordered the evil little thing, that was called merely creature, to shut up and leave them alone. The elf had given Sirius a vicious look and popped away.
Draco and Harry were hoping to find a way to get Andromeda and Narcissa in a room together. What if they brokered an elf trade? Sirius would love a quirky elf that wanted to be paid.
"How much would you expect as payment?" Harry asked, suspiciously.
Dobby looked thoughtful. "A knut per week is what Dobby would be asking, plus all the ambient magic I be needing."
"Is that a lot of magic?" asked Dudley, shrewdly.
Betsy answered. "It is not a noticeable amount. The Potter homes is being magical. They is providing more than enough magic for all the elveses."
Harry nodded his head. "I have an idea. How would you like to be traded to another family? My godfather has an elf that would do well in a traditional setting. He would be glad to set you free and hire you," said Harry. Harry was sure it would be true. Sirius would think it was funny.
Dobby looked so hopeful; it was disturbing. "Really? You would be doing this to help Dobby?"
Harry looked pleased. He would make a valuable ally with this act. His godfather would also owe him a favor for getting rid of Kreacher. It was a wonderful plan to bring his beloved Regent and her sister into contact with one another. Harry thought it was about time.
"Excellent. I'll see what I can do to set things in motion. Please give my regards to Lord and Lady Malfoy. Please tell Draco that I'll write to him soon."
Dobby started sobbing again, but popped away to do as Harry told him to do. Harry shook his head at the display.
Harry and Dudley took the letter from Lord Malfoy to their father.
"Father?" Harry asked, his father. He was in the parlor with Jason Greengrass, discussing some potential investments. They were really just shooting the breeze and enjoying some fine scotch but they were both pompous enough to enjoy making their tet-e-tet seem more important than it was.
"Harry! Dudley! Come say hello," said Vernon, waving the boys into the room. They walked in, greeting Jason as they did.
"What can I do for you boys?" asked Vernon, once the hellos were properly said.
"You have a letter, Father. From Lord Malfoy," said Dudley. Harry handed the letter over.
Vernon took the letter and started to read it. His mustache twitched in pleasure.
"I'll read it to you," said Vernon.
"Dear Mr. Dursley,
I am greatly perturbed to hear of the character assignations and harassment your ward has continuously experienced from Headmaster Dumbledore. It has been my concern for some time that Headmaster Dumbledore may be beyond the age where it is appropriate for him to continue in so many demanding positions. I can promise you that I intend to fully investigate the claims young Heir Potter has made. If I find them to be valid, I will take this matter before the board of school governors.
Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention.
Sincerely,
Lord Lucius Malfoy
Head of House Malfoy
Chief of the Hogwarts Board of Governors"
Vernon smacked the obviously expensive paper with the back of his hand.
"I trust this man will get things done. This is the power of having connections, boys. The importance of cultivating important and powerful friends!" said a slightly tipsy Vernon.
"Here, here," said Jason, raising his glass. "It's the only way to get results when your problems come from powerful foes, too."
"Exactly," said Vernon, pleased with the results so far. "Of course, we'll have to make sure he follows through."
"I trust he will. Lucius is many things but he is also a man of his word," Jason assured Vernon.
"Powerful men always are varied in their natures," said Vernon.
Harry and Dudley listened to the older men boast of the antics of their younger years with avid interest. They were practically taking notes.
Speaking of taking notes, Harry and Dudley started taking notes on the next prank they wanted to pull. They decided to talk to Sirius and Remus to see if their ideas were feasible.
"We want to use a combination of a potion and a rune scheme," said Harry, enthusiastically.
"Yeah! We want to do one better than we did before!" grinned Dudley.
"We really want to get the Headmaster! And everyone else, too!" said Harry.
Sirius laughed. "That's my boys. Get them coming and going. What did you have in mind?" The boys explained the prank they hoped to pull. Sirius thought it was hilarious.
"That's inspired. A little out of season, maybe, but I think your plan will do nicely," praised Sirius, grinning. "It also creates almost a signature prank from you, though I feel you'll be mixing things up enough to keep things fresh."
Remus smiled his agreement. His cubs always chose pranks that were funny rather than cruel. It made him proud of them and ashamed of themselves all at the same time.
"We can use the rune schemes to trigger the decorations and the singing. The potion can trigger the hairstyles and costumes. Have you started your research at all yet?" asked Remus.
"We have!" said Harry, dragging out the notebook he and Dudley had been keeping their ideas in. He handed it over to Remus.
"This is very well done, boys. You should be very proud of yourselves. There are a few changes we'll need to make, but I can help you with that. I have a few books that might help us with ideas for the potion. Let's go see," Remus said, his eyes sparkling. Sirius jumped up in anticipation and hurried to following the boys to the books.
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