BACKSTAIRS AT HOGWARTS
Chapter Eleven - A Journey
Winky didn't have much time to brood about her upsetting news. The next day, a cauldron explosion during potions class in the morning, and a massive mid-air collision during afternoon qudditch practice nearly filled the hospital wing full. Winky worked twelve hours with only short breaks for a quick bite to eat, and she didn't require any potion to put her to sleep that night.
A few days later she had her conference with Professor Dumbledore, and several hours after that a large Hogwarts owl soared out of the owlery. She was carrying what looked like a simple greeting card, addressed to Arthur Weasley at the Ministry of Magic. However, when he received it, he immediately knew it was much more than that. Quickly he muttered a spell, and the card expanded into two full sheets of parchment covered with small, neat writing.
The Crouch home had already been sequestered by the Ministry of Magic. Ministry wizards and witches made good use of Winky's information to detect and neutralize the dozens of enchantments and protection spells that had been put on it. However, their searches of the building had resulted in very few discoveries that would be helpful in the fight against the dark forces. They were also unsuccessful in entering two parts of the house.
Some days later, Dumbledore sat in his office with Arthur Weasley's recently-decoded answer in front of him on his desk. He heard a knock on the door and said "come in, please."
Dobby and Winky stepped into the room. Dobby was wearing a blue shirt with red shorts, his pink tie, one violet sock, and one sock with yellow and green stripes on it. Winky was wearing a gray skirt with a white blouse.
"Master Dumbledore Sir has asked to see Dobby and Winky?"
Dumbledore answered "yes I did, Dobby. Please take seats."
The two elves hopped onto the side chairs, their little legs sticking straight out after they were in place.
"Winky," Dumbledore said, "the information you gave us about the Crouch house was very helpful, but Arthur Weasley tells me in this letter that they are unable to find the secret room you said was behind a cellar wall. Can you tell me any more about it?"
"Master Barty is discovering it when he and Winky is very young. Winky crawls through a small hole in the wall, and looks around with a candle. The room is very, very old, and filled with dust and cobwebs. She is not liking being there alone, but does as she is told. Later, when Master and Mistress is away, Master Barty makes the opening bigger and does an enchantment that is making part of the wall open like a door."
"I believe you said there was a certain way to open it?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes, Master Dumbledore sir. You has to touch two stones at the same time. They is so far apart that Winky isn't able to reach them without help, and Winky is forbidden to even try."
Dumbledore picked up a piece of parchment from his desk and showed it to her. "Are they the stones you have marked in this diagram?" he asked.
Winky looked closely at the diagram. "Yes, sir," she answered.
"Unfortunately the Ministry wizards are unable to open the door by pressing those stones, Winky. Their detectors indicate there is still dark magic in the house, and the readings are strongest near the secret room. They have used every known spell in an attempt to open it, but all have failed."
Dumbledore paused for a moment, looking seriously at the two elves. Mr. Weasley mentions another area of the house they have had trouble entering, but he gives no details. "If you consent, I would like to send you both to assist the ministry wizards there."
"Send Dobby and Winky to the Crouch house?" Dobby asked.
"Yes, Dobby, I'd be very pleased if you could escort Winky there, but understand if you need to think about it."
"Dobby is always happy to do as Master Dumbledore asks," squeaked Dobby. He then looked at Winky expectantly.
She remained silent for several minutes, a range of differing emotions registering on her face as the considered the proposition. Finally she said "Winky is also wanting to help. When is you wishing us to leave, Master Dumbledore sir?"
"As soon as you possibly can," Dumbledore answered.
"Then we must think how we is to get there," Dobby said.
"I've thought of that," Dumbledore said. He picked up a long brown paper package that neither elf had noticed leaning against one side of his desk, and handed it to Dobby.
His green eyes again becoming the size of tennis balls, Dobby slowly tore the paper, and a moment later he sat in amazed silence staring at the broomstick across his knees. It was clearly marked "Cleansweep 4" in shiny gold letters, and "Dobby" in slightly different lettering. His eyes now the size of headlights, Dobby looked up at Dumbledore.
A Cleansweep 4 was not in the same league as the Nimbus 2000/2001, Firebolt, or even a Cleansweep 7, but it was nonetheless a very good broom. This particular example had been factory-rebuilt, and would be more than adequate for one or even two elves.
Dobby finally found his tongue. "Master... master Dumbledore knows Dobby can fly?"
"Yes Dobby," I saw you stay on a broom for hours under perfect control."
Winky, who did not like heights, was looking on in great alarm.
Dumbledore spoke to her. "There's no reason for concern, Winky. I have every confidence in Dobby's airmanship."
With a squeak of delight the little elf was on his feet, tightly holding the broom that was taller than he was. "Thank you, thank you, Master Dumbledore sir!" he squealed, practically hopping in excitement.
"Dobby, would you like to demonstrate for us?" Dumbledore asked.
"Oh yes sir!" Dobby squeaked excitedly.
Dumbledore waved his wand in the direction of the window, which swung open. Dobby eagerly straddled the broom and kicked off, gliding slowly out the window. Once he was outside he put on a burst of speed and was over the Forbidden Forest in seconds. He then executed several turns, climbs, and dives with ease. Winky watched in amazement as he flew back toward the window, which he neatly passed though. A second later he made a perfect, soft landing.
Despite her initial reservations, Winky was impressed.
Dobby grinned and asked "would Winky like to go for a ride?"
Winky looked at Dobby severely, her tiny fists on her hips. "Winky will go for a ride with Dobby" she said, "but he must behave himself. No funny business!"
Dobby meekly turned around and dropped the broom on the floor. He then stood beside it and extended one hand. "Up!" he squeaked, and the broom jumped into his hand. Then, with the broom hovering about a foot off the floor, he helped Winky climb onto it and showed her the proper grip. He climbed on himself and kicked off softly so that the broom flew very slowly out the window.
Gradually Dobby gathered speed as he flew in a slightly different direction than he had gone before, with Winky's hands clasped tightly around his waist. He made a long sweeping turn, then stopped in midair.
"Winky can open her eyes now," he said.
"How does Dobby know Winky's eyes is closed?" she demanded.
"Dobby knows Winky very well," he squeaked back. "Look ahead of us!"
Winky uttered a squeal of wonder. Never before had she seen Hogwarts from the air, and the sight was breathtaking. Its dozens of towers, hundreds of windows, and countless rooms were even more spectacular than when seen from the ground. Dobby slowly flew around the entire castle, and Winky completely forgot they were 200 feet off the ground. Finally he guided the broom back to Dumbledore's window and made a landing equally as soft as before.
Winky was flushed and even smiling. Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling as he asked "did you enjoy your ride, Winky?"
"Oh yes, Master Dumbledore sir!" she squealed without even thinking.
"Very good," he answered. "Now both of you please look at this map and the route I recommend you follow......
About two hours later the heavily-laden broomstick was headed southward. Both elves were wearing their Weasley sweaters, scarves, and stocking caps. Dobby also had on his sunglasses and new jacket. Winky was wearing her cape, though she had changed from a skirt to jeans for the trip. A carefully attached set of saddle bags carried extra clothing, food, and money that Dumbledore had advanced them to cover any expenses. However, the most valuable item it contained was Winky's invisibility cloak.
As Dumbledore had predicted, Dobby turned out to be a good airman, making maximum use of clouds, flying out of the sun, and even trees to avoid being seen. Winky gradually relaxed as she became accustomed to the idea of being high in the air, and before long she was following Dobby's lead as he guided the broom.
The trip actually took two days, and the first night, cold and hungry, they stopped at a large manor house where two old elf friends of Dobby's lived. He knocked softly at the back door, and a moment later the elf Nimby answered, holding a lantern in his hand.
"Who is there?" he asked.
"'Tis Dobby and his friend Winky."
"Dobby!" Nimby squeaked, "you's always turning up at the strangest times! Where has you come from now?"
"From Hogwarts. Dobby and Winky is been sent on a journey by their master."
At this point Notty, the other elf, came to the door wearing a small tablecloth. "Dobby!" she also squeaked. "Come in!"
Dobby introduced Winky to the other two elves as they stood near the black cast iron cookstove, warming their chilled bodies.
As Nimby set a small table, Notty ladled soup into bowls from a cast iron pot on the stove. She set the bowls on the table and Nimby brought a loaf of bread, which he sliced and buttered.
"Eat," Nimby urged. "You looks half-starved and half-frozen!"
The two visiting elves didn't need any further persuading. They eagerly sipped the delicious soup, which warmed as well as nourished them. In almost no time the bowls were empty, and Notty jumped up to refill them. When Dobby and Winky had finished their second helpings of soup, Notty appeared with two slices of apple pie.
When they could eat no more, Nimby cleared the table and everyone sat down with cups of cocoa. Dobby could not reveal the exact nature of the journey he and Winky were on, but they found plenty of other things to talk about, not the least of which was the unusual status of two free elves who knew Harry Potter. As bedtime approached, Notty spread out two pallets with blankets on either side of the stove, and a short time later everyone turned in.
Early the next morning Dobby and Winky, both full with a large breakfast, climbed onto the broom and made a gradual ascent. Nimby and Notty waved goodbye from the back door, still not quite believing what they were seeing.
Several hours later Dobby began watching for landmarks on the ground more carefully. Finally he landed in the upper branches of a very tall tree and pulled out the map Dumbledore had given them. He studied it carefully for several minutes, then gave a determined squeak as he took to the air again.
About twenty minutes later Winky squealed "that is Winky's old master's house!"
As Dobby descended, they spotted Arthur Weasley with one ministry witch and two ministry wizards standing in the back yard of the Crouch house. The broom touched down lightly, and Mr. Weasley hurried over to welcome the two elves.
Winky had mixed emotions as she entered the house where she had lived most of her life, but she reminded herself that it was a house of the dead. Both her human and elf families were gone, and nothing would bring them back.
"Winky," Arthur Weasley said, "we have a number of questions, if you don't mind."
"What would sir like to know?" Winky asked.
"First of all, we've found a very unusual bedroom upstairs, and we'd like to know more about it if possible. We've had almost as much difficulty with it as with the secret room in the cellar."
"Winky is thinking sir means Master Barty's room. Winky will show sirs and madam its secrets." She hurried up the stairs with everyone else following her.
Winky stopped in front of what appeared to be a normal wooden door, but anyone touching it quickly realized it was in fact made of iron. It was secured with a massive lock that was resistant to both physical damage and unlocking charms. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small key which immediately expanded to about eight inches in length. Winky pushed it in the keyhole and gave it two complete turns. The lock's bolt slid back, and she pushed the door open. Her key immediately began to shrink again and she put it back in her pocket.
There was a large unmade bed against one wall, a wardrobe cabinet, and a desk, all coated with dust. On the walls were several quidditch posters so old and faded that the subjects on them barely moved anymore. The windows were covered by massive iron bars, and in one corner a ladder led to a trap door in the ceiling.
Winky noticed the ministry witch looking out the window. "One-way glass," Winky said. "My old master is made it so Master Barty could see out, but no one can see in."
A quick scan with detection instruments showed the room's walls, floor, and ceiling were also reinforced with iron bars and protected with very strong anti-penetration charms.
Winky looked around the room, a range of emotions registering on her face before she spoke again. "Every night Winky brings her young master to this room and locks him in. She then climbs that ladder, pulls it into her room above, and locks the trap door. She has observation holes to watch her young master, and alarm spells on the windows and doors will tell her if he is trying to escape."
"Every morning Winky first checks the observation holes, then opens the trap door and drops the ladder. She unlocks the door and takes her young master in his invisibility cloak downstairs. Winky is given permission to use all her magic to stop him from getting away, and he must wear the cloak anytime he is not in his room. If Winky has to leave the house, she must first lock Master Barty back in this room."
Leaving the ministry witch and one wizard to continue examining the room, Arthur Weasley led everyone back downstairs to the kitchen. Two small rooms opened off one end of it, and the cellar door was at the other end, near the back door.
Winky pointed to the small rooms and said "that is where Winky and her mama lived. After young master is brought home from prison, Winky is moved upstairs to the attic." As she spoke, Winky picked up and lit a small lantern. Without being asked, she led the way down the cellar stairs.
At the bottom she stopped to examine the wall. Dobby had grabbed another lantern, and the two ministry wizards lit the ends of their wands to provide as much light as possible. Winky carefully looked up and down the stone wall, frowning slightly. Several times she carefully counted the stones up and across, but still remained puzzled.
At last, holding the lantern very close to the wall, she gave a squeal of triumph. "He is moved the stones!" she said excitedly. "Sirs, please press that stone and that stone."
The wizards did as she asked and immediately part of the wall swung inward like a door.
"Splendid!" said Mr. Weasley excitedly, "but it's very dark. Is it safe to go in?"
"Sir is very wise," Winky said. "Dobby, bring that wooden pole."
Winky carefully pushed the pole Dobby handed her into the opening. Instantly, a huge battle axe swung down in a deadly arc, chopping nearly a foot off the length of the pole.
"Oh well done, Winky!" Mr. Weasley said as he very carefully aimed the beam of light from his wand into the room beyond. After more careful examination, he and the other wizard decided it was safe, and cautiously entered.
Shelves on one side were full from floor to ceiling with books about dark magic. Shelves on the other side were full of jars and other containers holding ingredients for concocting almost any dark potion. Several jars were labeled with the names of deadly and illegal potions. The third wall had a work table against it with a cauldron, scales, beakers, jars, and numerous other items of equipment on it. In the middle of the room was a desk covered with piles of parchment, quills, and candles.
The witch and wizard who had remained upstairs were now in the cellar, looking at everything in amazement. "There's no way we can carry this lot away ourselves," the witch said. "I'm going for a ministry truck." She stepped back into the middle of the kitchen and disapperated away.
The remaining wizards started examining and listing the articles they had discovered. Many of them were very old, but there were more recent documents on the desk, apparently drawn up when Voldemort took up residence there. Most importantly they gave names and locations of active death eaters.
The elves returned upstairs and built a small fire on the kitchen hearth. Winky filled a large tea kettle and hung it on a hook over the fire. A moment later she joined Dobby, who was standing in the kitchen doorway looking outside.
"Come with me," Winky squeaked softly as she took hold of Dobby's hand. She led him through what had once been a very beautiful garden, now rapidly being overgrown. Coming around a large oak tree, she stopped in front of two mounds, each marked with a small gray stone. The one on the left was engraved "Minnie," and the one on the right was engraved "Pinny."
"Your mama and grandmama?" Dobby asked.
"Yes," Winky answered in a tiny, soft squeak. A single tear was forming in one of her big brown eyes as Dobby held her hand tightly.
Winky remained silent, keeping her thoughts to herself. After a few minutes, she turned and walked back towards the house.
The kettle was boiling now, and she set out the tea things, not noticing that Dobby had quietly disappeared. When the tea was ready, she called the wizards from the cellar. Dobby also returned, stopping to wash his hands at the sink.
"Thank you, Winky," Mr. Weasley said. "That was very thoughtful!"
"Sir is very welcome," Winky answered.
"Would Winky like to take her tea outside?" Dobby asked.
Winky looked at him questioningly, but picked up her cup and walked towards the door. Dobby led her down the path they had covered earlier, but Winky squeaked in surprise as they rounded the big oak tree.
Somehow in that very short period of time, Dobby had tidied up the area around the two graves. The weeds were all pulled, leaves had been raked away, the little headstones had been scrubbed, and there was a single white rose on each grave. Winky was completely speechless, but she put down her teacup and hugged Dobby so hard he nearly squealed himself.
"Thank you, Dobby!" Winky finally managed to squeak, her big brown eyes brimming with tears.
There seemed to be no need to talk, so they finished their tea in a comfortable silence.
The quiet interlude was interrupted by the sounds of the arriving ministry truck, which had somehow managed to pass through the unopened gate on the driveway. For the next two hours, everyone was busy carrying items from the cellar room to the truck, and it was dark by the time everything was done.
As the truck drove away, Arthur Weasley spoke to the two elves. "I want to offer you both my sincere thanks for all your help today. Without you, it might have taken us months to get into that room."
Dobby bowed, and Winky curtsied. "Sir is every welcome," they chorused.
Mr. Weasley continued "I don't like the idea of leaving you alone here tonight. Would you like me to stay with you?"
"Sir is very kind," Dobby said, "but Dobby and Winky will be alright here. We will leave for Hogwarts early in the morning."
"Well then, if you're sure...." Mr. Weasley said.
"Very sure," Winky answered quickly.
"Then thank you again. Be assured that I will let professor Dumbledore know how much help you have been," Mr. Weasley said just before he disapperated.
The two elves returned to the kitchen where they stirred up the fire and prepared their own dinner. When everything was washed up, they found bedding and made up the beds in the two long-disused elf rooms. Both of them were very tired, and were asleep almost as their heads hit the pillows.
Several hours later Winky was awakened by the sound of a door's squeaky hinges. She heard muffled voices, and her blood ran cold at the words "that fool Weasley is finally gone!"
With amazing speed she jumped into her clothes, then wrapped the invisibility cloak around herself. Quickly and quietly she slipped into Dobby's room. She carefully put one hand over his mouth and shook him awake. His huge green eyes shot open but he saw Winky holding a finger up to her lips in the moonlight and remained quiet. A moment later, his own blood ran cold as he heard the voice of his old master, Lucius Malfoy.
"DAMNATION!" How did those fools manage to open the room!?" Other, less distinct voices could also be heard.
Instantly Dobby was out of bed, pulling his clothes on over his pajamas. He picked up his broomstick and Winky threw the invisibility cloak over the both of them. Cautiously they stepped into the kitchen, only to see Malfoy raging at two other death eaters at the cellar door, which was uncomfortably close to the outside door.
Dobby hesitated only a moment before extending one finger. There was a loud crack, and next second all three death eaters were tumbling down the cellar stairs. Dobby bolted for the door, but felt Winky holding him back just as they were nearly through it. The death eaters were still in a heap at the bottom of the stairs as Winky pointed her finger at them. There was a loud bang, and suddenly they found themselves being dragged by an invisible force back up the stairs, their screams and yells of rage confirming the fact that this was actually more painful than tumbling down.
Malfoy managed to draw his wand when they reached the top. He shouted "stupefy!" "crucio!" and several other spells which broke numerous items of crockery, but completely missed the short, invisible elves. Dobby pointed his finger again, and with another loud crack the death eaters were again tumbling down the stairs. Winky raised her finger once more, and this time the cellar door banged shut. The key turned in the lock, then flew across the room and landed in the fireplace.
This time Winky didn't try to hold Dobby back, and the instant they were outside, they jumped on the broom and kicked off hard. Dobby noticed that Winky was kicking with him, which gave them an extra boost. Dobby flew fast and low for several miles before he spotted a barn with a hay loft on its upper floor. He guided the broom through a large opening and landed in the hay.
Dobby scampered to a far corner where he got out of his pajamas and dressed himself properly. As he was returning to where he left Winky, he heard her suddenly start to giggle.
"What is so funny?" he demanded, thinking that she was laughing at him.
Winky giggled even harder, but was finally able to say "Dobby's old master Malfoy! He is so funny when Dobby is sending him tumbling down the stairs, not knowing what is happening!" She then started laughing so hard she had to sit down, tears of mirth streaming down her face.
Dobby had almost never heard Winky laugh before, but he couldn't help joining with her, especially when she reminded him of how Malfoy had looked.
The elves were still tittering as they climbed back on the broom and set a course for Hogwarts and home.
Chapter Eleven - A Journey
Winky didn't have much time to brood about her upsetting news. The next day, a cauldron explosion during potions class in the morning, and a massive mid-air collision during afternoon qudditch practice nearly filled the hospital wing full. Winky worked twelve hours with only short breaks for a quick bite to eat, and she didn't require any potion to put her to sleep that night.
A few days later she had her conference with Professor Dumbledore, and several hours after that a large Hogwarts owl soared out of the owlery. She was carrying what looked like a simple greeting card, addressed to Arthur Weasley at the Ministry of Magic. However, when he received it, he immediately knew it was much more than that. Quickly he muttered a spell, and the card expanded into two full sheets of parchment covered with small, neat writing.
The Crouch home had already been sequestered by the Ministry of Magic. Ministry wizards and witches made good use of Winky's information to detect and neutralize the dozens of enchantments and protection spells that had been put on it. However, their searches of the building had resulted in very few discoveries that would be helpful in the fight against the dark forces. They were also unsuccessful in entering two parts of the house.
Some days later, Dumbledore sat in his office with Arthur Weasley's recently-decoded answer in front of him on his desk. He heard a knock on the door and said "come in, please."
Dobby and Winky stepped into the room. Dobby was wearing a blue shirt with red shorts, his pink tie, one violet sock, and one sock with yellow and green stripes on it. Winky was wearing a gray skirt with a white blouse.
"Master Dumbledore Sir has asked to see Dobby and Winky?"
Dumbledore answered "yes I did, Dobby. Please take seats."
The two elves hopped onto the side chairs, their little legs sticking straight out after they were in place.
"Winky," Dumbledore said, "the information you gave us about the Crouch house was very helpful, but Arthur Weasley tells me in this letter that they are unable to find the secret room you said was behind a cellar wall. Can you tell me any more about it?"
"Master Barty is discovering it when he and Winky is very young. Winky crawls through a small hole in the wall, and looks around with a candle. The room is very, very old, and filled with dust and cobwebs. She is not liking being there alone, but does as she is told. Later, when Master and Mistress is away, Master Barty makes the opening bigger and does an enchantment that is making part of the wall open like a door."
"I believe you said there was a certain way to open it?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes, Master Dumbledore sir. You has to touch two stones at the same time. They is so far apart that Winky isn't able to reach them without help, and Winky is forbidden to even try."
Dumbledore picked up a piece of parchment from his desk and showed it to her. "Are they the stones you have marked in this diagram?" he asked.
Winky looked closely at the diagram. "Yes, sir," she answered.
"Unfortunately the Ministry wizards are unable to open the door by pressing those stones, Winky. Their detectors indicate there is still dark magic in the house, and the readings are strongest near the secret room. They have used every known spell in an attempt to open it, but all have failed."
Dumbledore paused for a moment, looking seriously at the two elves. Mr. Weasley mentions another area of the house they have had trouble entering, but he gives no details. "If you consent, I would like to send you both to assist the ministry wizards there."
"Send Dobby and Winky to the Crouch house?" Dobby asked.
"Yes, Dobby, I'd be very pleased if you could escort Winky there, but understand if you need to think about it."
"Dobby is always happy to do as Master Dumbledore asks," squeaked Dobby. He then looked at Winky expectantly.
She remained silent for several minutes, a range of differing emotions registering on her face as the considered the proposition. Finally she said "Winky is also wanting to help. When is you wishing us to leave, Master Dumbledore sir?"
"As soon as you possibly can," Dumbledore answered.
"Then we must think how we is to get there," Dobby said.
"I've thought of that," Dumbledore said. He picked up a long brown paper package that neither elf had noticed leaning against one side of his desk, and handed it to Dobby.
His green eyes again becoming the size of tennis balls, Dobby slowly tore the paper, and a moment later he sat in amazed silence staring at the broomstick across his knees. It was clearly marked "Cleansweep 4" in shiny gold letters, and "Dobby" in slightly different lettering. His eyes now the size of headlights, Dobby looked up at Dumbledore.
A Cleansweep 4 was not in the same league as the Nimbus 2000/2001, Firebolt, or even a Cleansweep 7, but it was nonetheless a very good broom. This particular example had been factory-rebuilt, and would be more than adequate for one or even two elves.
Dobby finally found his tongue. "Master... master Dumbledore knows Dobby can fly?"
"Yes Dobby," I saw you stay on a broom for hours under perfect control."
Winky, who did not like heights, was looking on in great alarm.
Dumbledore spoke to her. "There's no reason for concern, Winky. I have every confidence in Dobby's airmanship."
With a squeak of delight the little elf was on his feet, tightly holding the broom that was taller than he was. "Thank you, thank you, Master Dumbledore sir!" he squealed, practically hopping in excitement.
"Dobby, would you like to demonstrate for us?" Dumbledore asked.
"Oh yes sir!" Dobby squeaked excitedly.
Dumbledore waved his wand in the direction of the window, which swung open. Dobby eagerly straddled the broom and kicked off, gliding slowly out the window. Once he was outside he put on a burst of speed and was over the Forbidden Forest in seconds. He then executed several turns, climbs, and dives with ease. Winky watched in amazement as he flew back toward the window, which he neatly passed though. A second later he made a perfect, soft landing.
Despite her initial reservations, Winky was impressed.
Dobby grinned and asked "would Winky like to go for a ride?"
Winky looked at Dobby severely, her tiny fists on her hips. "Winky will go for a ride with Dobby" she said, "but he must behave himself. No funny business!"
Dobby meekly turned around and dropped the broom on the floor. He then stood beside it and extended one hand. "Up!" he squeaked, and the broom jumped into his hand. Then, with the broom hovering about a foot off the floor, he helped Winky climb onto it and showed her the proper grip. He climbed on himself and kicked off softly so that the broom flew very slowly out the window.
Gradually Dobby gathered speed as he flew in a slightly different direction than he had gone before, with Winky's hands clasped tightly around his waist. He made a long sweeping turn, then stopped in midair.
"Winky can open her eyes now," he said.
"How does Dobby know Winky's eyes is closed?" she demanded.
"Dobby knows Winky very well," he squeaked back. "Look ahead of us!"
Winky uttered a squeal of wonder. Never before had she seen Hogwarts from the air, and the sight was breathtaking. Its dozens of towers, hundreds of windows, and countless rooms were even more spectacular than when seen from the ground. Dobby slowly flew around the entire castle, and Winky completely forgot they were 200 feet off the ground. Finally he guided the broom back to Dumbledore's window and made a landing equally as soft as before.
Winky was flushed and even smiling. Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling as he asked "did you enjoy your ride, Winky?"
"Oh yes, Master Dumbledore sir!" she squealed without even thinking.
"Very good," he answered. "Now both of you please look at this map and the route I recommend you follow......
About two hours later the heavily-laden broomstick was headed southward. Both elves were wearing their Weasley sweaters, scarves, and stocking caps. Dobby also had on his sunglasses and new jacket. Winky was wearing her cape, though she had changed from a skirt to jeans for the trip. A carefully attached set of saddle bags carried extra clothing, food, and money that Dumbledore had advanced them to cover any expenses. However, the most valuable item it contained was Winky's invisibility cloak.
As Dumbledore had predicted, Dobby turned out to be a good airman, making maximum use of clouds, flying out of the sun, and even trees to avoid being seen. Winky gradually relaxed as she became accustomed to the idea of being high in the air, and before long she was following Dobby's lead as he guided the broom.
The trip actually took two days, and the first night, cold and hungry, they stopped at a large manor house where two old elf friends of Dobby's lived. He knocked softly at the back door, and a moment later the elf Nimby answered, holding a lantern in his hand.
"Who is there?" he asked.
"'Tis Dobby and his friend Winky."
"Dobby!" Nimby squeaked, "you's always turning up at the strangest times! Where has you come from now?"
"From Hogwarts. Dobby and Winky is been sent on a journey by their master."
At this point Notty, the other elf, came to the door wearing a small tablecloth. "Dobby!" she also squeaked. "Come in!"
Dobby introduced Winky to the other two elves as they stood near the black cast iron cookstove, warming their chilled bodies.
As Nimby set a small table, Notty ladled soup into bowls from a cast iron pot on the stove. She set the bowls on the table and Nimby brought a loaf of bread, which he sliced and buttered.
"Eat," Nimby urged. "You looks half-starved and half-frozen!"
The two visiting elves didn't need any further persuading. They eagerly sipped the delicious soup, which warmed as well as nourished them. In almost no time the bowls were empty, and Notty jumped up to refill them. When Dobby and Winky had finished their second helpings of soup, Notty appeared with two slices of apple pie.
When they could eat no more, Nimby cleared the table and everyone sat down with cups of cocoa. Dobby could not reveal the exact nature of the journey he and Winky were on, but they found plenty of other things to talk about, not the least of which was the unusual status of two free elves who knew Harry Potter. As bedtime approached, Notty spread out two pallets with blankets on either side of the stove, and a short time later everyone turned in.
Early the next morning Dobby and Winky, both full with a large breakfast, climbed onto the broom and made a gradual ascent. Nimby and Notty waved goodbye from the back door, still not quite believing what they were seeing.
Several hours later Dobby began watching for landmarks on the ground more carefully. Finally he landed in the upper branches of a very tall tree and pulled out the map Dumbledore had given them. He studied it carefully for several minutes, then gave a determined squeak as he took to the air again.
About twenty minutes later Winky squealed "that is Winky's old master's house!"
As Dobby descended, they spotted Arthur Weasley with one ministry witch and two ministry wizards standing in the back yard of the Crouch house. The broom touched down lightly, and Mr. Weasley hurried over to welcome the two elves.
Winky had mixed emotions as she entered the house where she had lived most of her life, but she reminded herself that it was a house of the dead. Both her human and elf families were gone, and nothing would bring them back.
"Winky," Arthur Weasley said, "we have a number of questions, if you don't mind."
"What would sir like to know?" Winky asked.
"First of all, we've found a very unusual bedroom upstairs, and we'd like to know more about it if possible. We've had almost as much difficulty with it as with the secret room in the cellar."
"Winky is thinking sir means Master Barty's room. Winky will show sirs and madam its secrets." She hurried up the stairs with everyone else following her.
Winky stopped in front of what appeared to be a normal wooden door, but anyone touching it quickly realized it was in fact made of iron. It was secured with a massive lock that was resistant to both physical damage and unlocking charms. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small key which immediately expanded to about eight inches in length. Winky pushed it in the keyhole and gave it two complete turns. The lock's bolt slid back, and she pushed the door open. Her key immediately began to shrink again and she put it back in her pocket.
There was a large unmade bed against one wall, a wardrobe cabinet, and a desk, all coated with dust. On the walls were several quidditch posters so old and faded that the subjects on them barely moved anymore. The windows were covered by massive iron bars, and in one corner a ladder led to a trap door in the ceiling.
Winky noticed the ministry witch looking out the window. "One-way glass," Winky said. "My old master is made it so Master Barty could see out, but no one can see in."
A quick scan with detection instruments showed the room's walls, floor, and ceiling were also reinforced with iron bars and protected with very strong anti-penetration charms.
Winky looked around the room, a range of emotions registering on her face before she spoke again. "Every night Winky brings her young master to this room and locks him in. She then climbs that ladder, pulls it into her room above, and locks the trap door. She has observation holes to watch her young master, and alarm spells on the windows and doors will tell her if he is trying to escape."
"Every morning Winky first checks the observation holes, then opens the trap door and drops the ladder. She unlocks the door and takes her young master in his invisibility cloak downstairs. Winky is given permission to use all her magic to stop him from getting away, and he must wear the cloak anytime he is not in his room. If Winky has to leave the house, she must first lock Master Barty back in this room."
Leaving the ministry witch and one wizard to continue examining the room, Arthur Weasley led everyone back downstairs to the kitchen. Two small rooms opened off one end of it, and the cellar door was at the other end, near the back door.
Winky pointed to the small rooms and said "that is where Winky and her mama lived. After young master is brought home from prison, Winky is moved upstairs to the attic." As she spoke, Winky picked up and lit a small lantern. Without being asked, she led the way down the cellar stairs.
At the bottom she stopped to examine the wall. Dobby had grabbed another lantern, and the two ministry wizards lit the ends of their wands to provide as much light as possible. Winky carefully looked up and down the stone wall, frowning slightly. Several times she carefully counted the stones up and across, but still remained puzzled.
At last, holding the lantern very close to the wall, she gave a squeal of triumph. "He is moved the stones!" she said excitedly. "Sirs, please press that stone and that stone."
The wizards did as she asked and immediately part of the wall swung inward like a door.
"Splendid!" said Mr. Weasley excitedly, "but it's very dark. Is it safe to go in?"
"Sir is very wise," Winky said. "Dobby, bring that wooden pole."
Winky carefully pushed the pole Dobby handed her into the opening. Instantly, a huge battle axe swung down in a deadly arc, chopping nearly a foot off the length of the pole.
"Oh well done, Winky!" Mr. Weasley said as he very carefully aimed the beam of light from his wand into the room beyond. After more careful examination, he and the other wizard decided it was safe, and cautiously entered.
Shelves on one side were full from floor to ceiling with books about dark magic. Shelves on the other side were full of jars and other containers holding ingredients for concocting almost any dark potion. Several jars were labeled with the names of deadly and illegal potions. The third wall had a work table against it with a cauldron, scales, beakers, jars, and numerous other items of equipment on it. In the middle of the room was a desk covered with piles of parchment, quills, and candles.
The witch and wizard who had remained upstairs were now in the cellar, looking at everything in amazement. "There's no way we can carry this lot away ourselves," the witch said. "I'm going for a ministry truck." She stepped back into the middle of the kitchen and disapperated away.
The remaining wizards started examining and listing the articles they had discovered. Many of them were very old, but there were more recent documents on the desk, apparently drawn up when Voldemort took up residence there. Most importantly they gave names and locations of active death eaters.
The elves returned upstairs and built a small fire on the kitchen hearth. Winky filled a large tea kettle and hung it on a hook over the fire. A moment later she joined Dobby, who was standing in the kitchen doorway looking outside.
"Come with me," Winky squeaked softly as she took hold of Dobby's hand. She led him through what had once been a very beautiful garden, now rapidly being overgrown. Coming around a large oak tree, she stopped in front of two mounds, each marked with a small gray stone. The one on the left was engraved "Minnie," and the one on the right was engraved "Pinny."
"Your mama and grandmama?" Dobby asked.
"Yes," Winky answered in a tiny, soft squeak. A single tear was forming in one of her big brown eyes as Dobby held her hand tightly.
Winky remained silent, keeping her thoughts to herself. After a few minutes, she turned and walked back towards the house.
The kettle was boiling now, and she set out the tea things, not noticing that Dobby had quietly disappeared. When the tea was ready, she called the wizards from the cellar. Dobby also returned, stopping to wash his hands at the sink.
"Thank you, Winky," Mr. Weasley said. "That was very thoughtful!"
"Sir is very welcome," Winky answered.
"Would Winky like to take her tea outside?" Dobby asked.
Winky looked at him questioningly, but picked up her cup and walked towards the door. Dobby led her down the path they had covered earlier, but Winky squeaked in surprise as they rounded the big oak tree.
Somehow in that very short period of time, Dobby had tidied up the area around the two graves. The weeds were all pulled, leaves had been raked away, the little headstones had been scrubbed, and there was a single white rose on each grave. Winky was completely speechless, but she put down her teacup and hugged Dobby so hard he nearly squealed himself.
"Thank you, Dobby!" Winky finally managed to squeak, her big brown eyes brimming with tears.
There seemed to be no need to talk, so they finished their tea in a comfortable silence.
The quiet interlude was interrupted by the sounds of the arriving ministry truck, which had somehow managed to pass through the unopened gate on the driveway. For the next two hours, everyone was busy carrying items from the cellar room to the truck, and it was dark by the time everything was done.
As the truck drove away, Arthur Weasley spoke to the two elves. "I want to offer you both my sincere thanks for all your help today. Without you, it might have taken us months to get into that room."
Dobby bowed, and Winky curtsied. "Sir is every welcome," they chorused.
Mr. Weasley continued "I don't like the idea of leaving you alone here tonight. Would you like me to stay with you?"
"Sir is very kind," Dobby said, "but Dobby and Winky will be alright here. We will leave for Hogwarts early in the morning."
"Well then, if you're sure...." Mr. Weasley said.
"Very sure," Winky answered quickly.
"Then thank you again. Be assured that I will let professor Dumbledore know how much help you have been," Mr. Weasley said just before he disapperated.
The two elves returned to the kitchen where they stirred up the fire and prepared their own dinner. When everything was washed up, they found bedding and made up the beds in the two long-disused elf rooms. Both of them were very tired, and were asleep almost as their heads hit the pillows.
Several hours later Winky was awakened by the sound of a door's squeaky hinges. She heard muffled voices, and her blood ran cold at the words "that fool Weasley is finally gone!"
With amazing speed she jumped into her clothes, then wrapped the invisibility cloak around herself. Quickly and quietly she slipped into Dobby's room. She carefully put one hand over his mouth and shook him awake. His huge green eyes shot open but he saw Winky holding a finger up to her lips in the moonlight and remained quiet. A moment later, his own blood ran cold as he heard the voice of his old master, Lucius Malfoy.
"DAMNATION!" How did those fools manage to open the room!?" Other, less distinct voices could also be heard.
Instantly Dobby was out of bed, pulling his clothes on over his pajamas. He picked up his broomstick and Winky threw the invisibility cloak over the both of them. Cautiously they stepped into the kitchen, only to see Malfoy raging at two other death eaters at the cellar door, which was uncomfortably close to the outside door.
Dobby hesitated only a moment before extending one finger. There was a loud crack, and next second all three death eaters were tumbling down the cellar stairs. Dobby bolted for the door, but felt Winky holding him back just as they were nearly through it. The death eaters were still in a heap at the bottom of the stairs as Winky pointed her finger at them. There was a loud bang, and suddenly they found themselves being dragged by an invisible force back up the stairs, their screams and yells of rage confirming the fact that this was actually more painful than tumbling down.
Malfoy managed to draw his wand when they reached the top. He shouted "stupefy!" "crucio!" and several other spells which broke numerous items of crockery, but completely missed the short, invisible elves. Dobby pointed his finger again, and with another loud crack the death eaters were again tumbling down the stairs. Winky raised her finger once more, and this time the cellar door banged shut. The key turned in the lock, then flew across the room and landed in the fireplace.
This time Winky didn't try to hold Dobby back, and the instant they were outside, they jumped on the broom and kicked off hard. Dobby noticed that Winky was kicking with him, which gave them an extra boost. Dobby flew fast and low for several miles before he spotted a barn with a hay loft on its upper floor. He guided the broom through a large opening and landed in the hay.
Dobby scampered to a far corner where he got out of his pajamas and dressed himself properly. As he was returning to where he left Winky, he heard her suddenly start to giggle.
"What is so funny?" he demanded, thinking that she was laughing at him.
Winky giggled even harder, but was finally able to say "Dobby's old master Malfoy! He is so funny when Dobby is sending him tumbling down the stairs, not knowing what is happening!" She then started laughing so hard she had to sit down, tears of mirth streaming down her face.
Dobby had almost never heard Winky laugh before, but he couldn't help joining with her, especially when she reminded him of how Malfoy had looked.
The elves were still tittering as they climbed back on the broom and set a course for Hogwarts and home.
