A/N: Thank you to all those that have been reviewing. I'm open to suggestions to the story so please R/R. An additional thank you to my three betas Rivenn, haydenrocks14, and IamSiriusgrl.

Disclaimer: I wish I could be as good as JK Rowling but I'm not. This is her stuff and not to mention the influence that this story took from various fanfics.

Chapter 21
Snape VS Dobby

Over the next few weeks, Harry managed to let go some of the self blame for what happened with the help of his friends and to a greater extent Ginny. The group was sitting in their common room as Hermione made her way into the room and sat next to Ron.

Hermione asked, "Is every body packed yet? The train is leaving early tomorrow so there won't be any time to pack in the morning, especially if you want to have breakfast before we leave."

Ginny responded for everybody saying, "Don't worry Hermione. We are already done packing. I already forced the guys to start their packing yesterday."

Hermione smiled then asked Harry, "Harry, what are the plans for the break? Are there any new developments?"

Harry said, "No, nothing new so far and hopefully not. You all are going to go to Grimmauld Place tomorrow after the train ride. Kayla will be going there as well. I'll take the train ride to the station and leave from the station to where I've stayed all summer long. In two days, I'll go and pick everybody and your parents up from Grimmauld place with help from Nightlight, Sunrise, Sunset, and Blaze. From there everybody will be spending the holidays together until two days after Christmas where I'll be heading over to America to meet up with Kayla. Kayla will stay with us until two days before Christmas where she will leave for the States to spend time with her mother. Well, at least that is the plan for now."

Hermione nodded her approval while Kayla said, "Harry, I wanted to talk to you about that. My mom wanted to spend some time in England so she was thinking about coming here for the holidays. Instead of you coming to see us after Christmas, we were wondering if it would be fine if we stayed at your place for the entire break or at least through Christmas."

Harry said, "That's not a problem. When is your mum coming?"

Kayla responded, "She was thinking about Christmas Eve. She has a few things to take care of at work and with her friends back home so that's why she'll be arriving Christmas Eve."

Harry nodded and the group spent the night either playing some wizards chess, exploding snaps, just talking, or meeting up with other friends because they knew that tomorrow was going to be hectic and the possibility of forgetting to wish somebody a happy and safe break.

The next day everybody was dragging their trunks down to the entrance of the castle so the house elves can take the trunks down to the train. The group was part of a mad dash to the station with everybody excited about going home for the holidays. The train ride home was uneventful as Harry and his friends pretty much stayed in their train compartment the entire time. When the Hogwarts Express reached Kings Cross, the platform was full of people waiting to meet up with their friend or family member from Hogwarts. Harry also noticed a large group of red heads that were accompanied by Order members and he knew that Dumbledore was going to try to keep Harry at Grimmauld Place.

The group made it off the train and was immediately assaulted by hugs from Mrs. Weasley and greetings of either handshakes or hugs from the rest of the people waiting on the platform. Nightlight chose that moment to show up and sat on Harry's shoulder once the last hug was greeting was completed. As they were about to leave Harry said, "I guess I'll leave from here. I'll see you all in a few days."

Mrs. Weasley grabbed Harry's hand and said, "No Harry. You're going to stay with us until we head over to your place so we know that you'll be safe."

Harry shook his head and pulled his hand away while saying, "I'm sorry Mrs. Weasley but I have a few things to do and I'm very much capable to taking care of myself."

Kingsley said, "Harry, we have heard all of the stories that you've gone through and survived. But there is a bigger issue here and it's our job to be here to protect you."

Harry knew the answer already but asked anyway, "Who was it that told you I need protecting and sent you here?"

Kingsley said, "Dumbledore sent us. He didn't want a repeat of what happened over the summer about not knowing where you were. So this time, we're to stay with you at all times and you are not to leave HQ."

Harry looked around and saw Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Mr. and Mrs. Granger, Mrs. Longbottom, Mr. Lovegood, Kingsley, Remus, Tonks, Mad-Eye, and he could smell the firewhiskey from Mundungus but he was hidden. That lead Harry to think how many other people are hidden that he did not know about. The odds were against him so he said, "There's not much you can do if I choose not to go with you."

Kingsley pulled out his wand but Harry pulled his out quicker with a flick of his wrist and a rose wand was in his right hand. He pointed the wand at Kingsley and said, "Moody's probably disappointed in you right now, out drawn by a kid. What ever happened to Constant Vigilance?" Harry looked over to Moody who was nodding his agreement with what he just said.

Harry walked over to Ginny and whispered to her, "I've got to go before this gets really nasty. I'll see you in a few days." Ginny nodded and he gave her a kiss on the cheeks. Harry took a few steps away from everybody and said, "I guess I'll see you all sometimes soon considering you are all probably going to run back to my house to tell Dumbledore what is about to happen here."

Nightlight jumped up and was hovering just above Harry within arms length. Harry continued on to say, "I'll see you all in a few days and let Dumbledore know that we have issues again and I mean issues." With that, Harry reached up and grabbed onto Nightlight's tail feathers. In a burst of blue and white flames Harry was gone.

After Harry left, Remus started to laugh uncontrollable. Mrs. Weasley turned to him and said, "This is not good Remus. He was supposed to come with us and look what happened."

Remus managed to calm down a bit and said, "What he just did is exactly something James or Sirius would do. There's nothing to worry about, Harry can take care of himself." The kids nodded their agreement but the adults didn't.

Kingsley said, "Did Harry tell you something that the rest of us don't know?"

Remus thought about it for a second then said, "He didn't tell me anything that I can think of that he didn't tell anybody here."

Mrs. Weasley and a few others knew something was up but also knew that Remus wasn't going to talk either. She ended up saying, "Come on kids, let's get back to headquarters where it is safer and so we can let the headmaster know what happened."

Ginny was thinking, 'It is happening just like Harry said it would. I want to be there when they tell Dumbledore.'

The group had three ministry cars waiting for them to take them back to Grimmauld Place. The ride home was amusing to the kids as they heard the adults' debate between Harry's disrespectfulness to them and Dumbledore and where he really went. Remus was just as amused as the rest but didn't say anything. He just sat back and let the other adults' debate with Tonks giving him knowing looks.

Once the group arrived back to Grimmauld Place, Mrs. Weasley pushed the kids to go upstairs to unpack while she went to go floo Dumbledore. The kids rushed up to their rooms and left their trunks there to get back in time for what they were hoping was for some action. They got back down just in time to hear Mrs. Weasley say, "…was gone. We're not sure where he went."

They heard Dumbledore say, "I'll be over in a minute and can you get everybody together including the kids?"

Mrs. Weasley replied, "Of course, Albus."

Mrs. Weasley went off to gather everybody for a meeting that they already knew would happen once Harry disappeared with Nightlight. The adults trickled in along with a few other people that weren't on the platform like Snape, McGonagall, and other people who were part of Harry's advance guards that rescued him from the Dursleys during the summer before his fifth year.

The kids were gathered on one side of the room and as far away from Snape as possible. They were flanked by members of the Weasley family. Remus was sitting in the corner farthest from Snape and tried to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Dumbledore came into the room by the assistance of Fawkes. He waved his wand around and the kitchen table was pulled towards the fireplace with a few chairs behind it and conjured a few extra chairs for guests to be seated at. Dumbledore sat at the middle of the table and was joined by McGonagall to his left and Kingsley to his right.

After taking a seat and calling the meeting to order, Dumbledore said, "Kingsley, please tell everybody here what happened at Kings Cross for the benefit of those that were not there to see it."

Kingsley went through with the story just as it happened without any editorializing. At the end of the story, while everybody was contemplating what happened, Snape arrogantly said, "I told you that boy was a menace. He has no respect for authority. Just like his father."

Ron, Charlie, Bill, Fred, and George were just about ready to hex the potions master but were restrained by Hermione, her parents, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Nobody thought to restrain Ginny as she held back just long enough so that the boys were distracting her parents when she stood up and said, "What would you know about it Professor? You're never there and all you ever do is criticize people. Some would think that you need to grow up." Ginny knew about what Harry saw in the pensive due to one of their many sessions talking through their mirrors.

A few of the people in the room looked upon Ginny with approval while her mother turned to her yelling, "Ginerva Molly Weasley, you are to apologize for your behavior."

Ginny said, "I didn't do anything wrong. I just merely stated a fact. What has Harry done to Professor Snape to provoke him to always insult Harry? Even I know how much belittling Harry gets from him," Ginny was pointing at Snape, "He's just lucky that Harry doesn't teach him a lesson. I can say this though; there was one good thing about Harry going to the Dursleys every year. He learned to live with being abused and insulted all his life that it is either just going in one ear or out the other which I hope is happening or it's all building up inside and one day you all will pay the price for putting him in this situation." She was pretty much yelling at the end.

Snape sneered, "What would you know about it Ms. Weasley? You're obviously biased in favor of Potter. You would do anything for him and who knows what you do behind closed doors."

Ginny pulled out her wand so quick that nobody saw it happen. She said in a calm cold voice, "Don't ever insult me like that again. Harry may be willing to ignore your rants but I promise you that I will not."

Snape also pulled out his wand and asked, "Is that a threat Weasley?" While he was pulling out his wand, the rest of the Weasley clan had also pulled out their wands and had them pointed at Snape.

Dumbledore said in a commanding voice, "That's enough. Everybody put your wands away. Severus, you are wrong to insult Mr. Potter and Ms. Weasley. Ms. Weasley, you are not to take that tone with a professor. Now everybody calm down and take a seat."

Everybody slowly lowered their wands and took their seats while glaring at each other. Remus was having a fun time watching it unfold thinking that he wanted to be the first to tell Harry what was happening here.

After all the commotion was gone and order was restored, Dumbledore asked, "Does anybody know where Harry went?"

Nobody said anything but Remus had an idea. Even if he wanted to tell everybody where Harry was at but he couldn't because of all the protection charms on Potter Mansion would make it useless. Dumbledore had a feeling that Remus had some information but had no way of convincing the werewolf to talk. He was hoping that Harry told one of the students where he was staying. He turned to the kids and said, "Did Harry tell any of you where he went?"

Ron, Hermione, Kayla, and Neville shook their heads while Luna was staring off into space which seemed like she wasn't paying attention and Ginny was defiant and didn't respond while maintaining an expressionless face. Dumbledore sighed then said, "Alright, I ask that everybody please keep an eye and an ear out for anything about Harry." He turned to Ginny and said, "Will you please excuse us Ms. Weasley."

Ginny asked, "Why do I have to leave? What are you trying to hide?"

Dumbledore said, "I need to speak to the Order about a few other matters and your friends already offered their assistance already and they should be able to handle it. If we need you Ms. Weasley then I will ask you."

Ginny didn't like that answer at all but in a huff got up and made to leave when Dobby popped in the middle of the kitchen. Dobby was searching the room for something or someone and when he found his target he headed over to it. Dumbledore asked Dobby, "Dobby, how are you today?"

Dobby stopped and replied, "Dobby is fine Headmaster but Dobby has urgent business Dobby must do and can not talk now."

Dumbledore asked, "Dobby, do you know where Harry is and can you tell us?"

Dobby replied, "Dobby will not tell Harry Potter's secrets."

"Dobby, you must tell us where Harry is so we can make sure that he is safe."

Dobby was getting restless with not being able to carry out his duty and said, "No more talk. Dobby must do what Harry Potter says and will not tell Harry Potter's secrets." Dobby walked over to Snape and said, "Mr. Harry Potter says for Mr. Snape to leave his house immediately."

Snape looked down at the house elf and arrogantly said, "What are you going to do? Tell Potter if he wants me to leave than for him to come and make me."

Dobby replied, "You will not insult Harry Potter. Harry Potter has given Dobby permission to dispose of Mr. Snape if he does not leave. Now leave!"

Snape pulled out his wand and started to say an incantation when Dobby raised his hand and Snape slammed into the wall behind him and leaving the potion's master barely conscious. Dobby walked over and grabbed Snape by his wand hand and started to drag him out of the house. Ron, Fred, and George were laughing while many others were trying to hide their grins. Hermione and Neville were shocked at what they were seeing. Dumbledore said, "Dobby please leave Professor Snape alone. He will leave in just a moment."

Dobby while still dragging Snape said, "Mr. Snape must leave immediately. Harry Potter no want Snape any longer than necessary." Everybody followed the elf out into the foyer to watch in disbelief at what Dobby was doing. Dobby opened the front door and levitated Snape. Snape was floating in the air in front of Dobby like he was a ghost and then in a thrust by the elf, Snape flew out into the street to fall on his back as Dobby closed the front door. Dobby disappeared and a few people cheered like the Weasley men.

The rest of the meeting was uneventful with Ginny being excluded. While all of this was going on, Harry was decorating his house and doing some last minute shopping in Diagon Alley and muggle London. While decorating Dobby showed up and told Harry what was going on and Harry sent Dobby to dispose of Snape while smiling at all the mental images of all the possible ways of getting rid of Snape.

The day arrived for Harry to escort his guests to Potter Mansion. The time of departure was set for the night time under the excuse of trying to not draw attention but Harry had a surprise set up. The surprise was mainly for Ginny but decided that there was no other way for him to pull it off especially over the break without everybody else being able to participate. Everybody invited to come was waiting anxiously as the clock hit eight o'clock.

Blaze showed up first in the middle of the kitchen which startled everybody. Sunrise showed up next immediately followed by Sunset. Nightlight showed up next with Harry hanging on. Once Harry managed to get his footing, he was bombarded by hugs from Mrs. Weasley and Ginny who also gave him a kiss. After the kiss from Ginny, the two of them were beaming at each other while Ginny leaned against him. Harry said, "Good evening everybody. How's everybody today?"

Everybody gave their greetings but what Harry didn't expect was there were a few extra people there like Kingsley and Snape. Once he saw Snape, he knew that Dumbledore wanted him to let Snape accompany him but didn't want to mention anything and listen to what ever crazy idea that Dumbledore would actually think that Harry would let Snape tag along. Harry asked, "Alright, if everybody is ready, let's get ready to go. The Grangers joined with Tonks and Remus will be getting there with Blaze. The Weasleys will be getting there with help from Sunrise. Sunset will take the Longbottoms, Lovegoods, Kayla, and Professor Dumbledore. Ginny will be joining me with Nightlight. Are there any questions?"

Almost everybody nodded except for Dumbledore, Snape who was sneering, and Kingsley. Dumbledore said, "Harry, I would like for Severus and Kingsley to accompany us on our stay if that is possible."

Harry thought about it for a moment then said, "Kingsley is more than welcome to join us but Snape will not be joining us. As a matter of fact, I don't think he is even supposed to be in Grimmauld Place."

Dobby showed up and said, "Harry Potter sir, Dobby is sorry for not taking care of Mr. Snape. Dobby will take care of him right now. Dobby wanted to wait for Harry Potter sir because the Headmaster said that he wanted Harry Potter sir and Mr. Snape for something so Dobby thought it was fine. Dobby is sorry. Dobby bad house elf."

Dobby was about to hit himself on the counter when Harry said, "Stop Dobby. Remember, what we talked about. No punishing yourself. It's alright. I want to hear what Professor Dumbledore can say to convince me to let Snape come."

Dobby nodded and said, "Dobby will wait for Harry Potter sir to arrive." He then disappeared back to Potter Mansion.

Dumbledore said, "Harry, you must treat Professor Snape with respect." He was emphasizing the word professor.

Harry said, "I don't have to do anything with Snape. I am on break away from school and this is my house so if anything, Snape is trespassing."

Dumbledore was about to say something when Snape said, "Do you think I really want to go to your little hide out Potter? I am only here because the Headmaster thought you needed my help."

Harry replied, "Then it is settled. You don't want to be anywhere near me and I don't want to be near you either. So we will just stay out of each other's way and interact only when absolutely necessary like in class. Remember to don't let the door hit your boney ass when you leave."

Most of the people were trying to hide their grins and hold in their laughter at what Harry just said but that only managed to make Snape angrier. Snape said, "You will not disrespect me like that. If I have to, I will teach you a lesson myself. The same lesson that I should have taught your father."

Snape pulled out his wand but he was too slow as Harry already had his wand drawn and pointing at him. Dobby showed up in a pop again between Harry and Snape while facing Snape. Harry said, "You will not speak of my father from that filthy trap that you call a mouth. I suggest you leave or Dobby here will be showing me a repeat of what he was telling me he did to you a few days ago." Harry paused a moment, then said, "As a matter of fact, I hope you try to stay because I would like to see your greasy ass get taught another lesson. It seems that Slytherins don't seem to learn their lessons the first time around but that could be due to the lack of a brain in their heads."

Snape was about to say something when Dumbledore said, "That's enough. It looks like there will be no way for you to join us. Severus please return to the castle."

Snape was about to say something but the look on Dumbledore's face told him otherwise. When Snape was turning to leave, Harry winked at him which provoked Snape to lose control and charge at Harry. Dobby reacted right away and blasted Snape into the wall and then pulled the potions master out of the front door. After Snape was gone, Dobby disappeared.

Harry turned around and saw a few people hanging on to each other to try not to fall down from holding in their laughter. He said, "That was pretty fun. I must remember to do that more often."

Dumbledore said, "Harry that was not necessary. I also know that you provoked him at the end there. I saw you winking at him because of your reflection off the mirror by the door."

Harry replied, "I'm not going to deny that I winked at him. It was his fault for not being able to restrain himself. After all, if this was to happen at school, we all know that he would get away with it and now he's on my territory and will bring him just as much hell as he does when I'm in his presence at school."

Dumbledore sighed then said, "Harry, I wish that you would put the past behind you."

Harry said, "I never pushed first, I also didn't give the second blow, but if he thinks that he will be able to get away with it anymore then he is sorely mistaken. I've tried putting it behind me but it is Snape that always pushes and I'm tired to ignoring. It's time for me to defend myself because you obviously have looked the other way each time or have no control over him."

Dumbledore was about to say something when Ginny came up to Harry, took his hand in hers, and said, "This debate will always go in a circle and I'm glad that Harry is standing up for himself. Let's just go and try to have an enjoyable Christmas."

Harry nodded and said, "Alright, there are just a few more things that I need to say before we leave. First of all, everybody will be arriving just outside of the wards and you all will not know exactly where we are going. Once we get there, I will place a charm on each person that will allow re-entry just in case anybody has to leave. And finally, since we are arriving outside of the wards, please be on alert and have your wands close by."

Harry waved his wand into the air and a shower of silver sparks rained from the ceiling as one by one people started to glow. After it was done, Ginny asked, "Harry what did you just finish doing and why were we glowing?"

Harry said, "I casted a charm to disable all tracking charms. The longer you take to glow then the more tracking charms there are on you. Now let's go and remember 'Constant Vigilance."

Dumbledore deflated just a little slightly which Harry was the only one to notice and made a mental note. Shortly afterwards, everybody disappeared from Grimmauld Place. They all appeared almost at the same time in the middle of a forest clearing. There was enough light outside to see where everybody was at and who was who but it was still dark outside.

Harry pulled out his wand and slowly looked around using the infrared abilities of his glasses to see if there was anybody around. Once everybody saw what Harry was doing, the kids were pushed to the center while the adults were forming a perimeter around the kids and the Grangers. They were also trying to see if there was any danger.

Harry saw nothing, lowered his wand, and said, "It looks clear." At that, everybody else lowered their wands but kept it out in their hands just in case. Harry said, "Everybody please get closer together so I can administer the charm to enter."

The group bunched up tighter as Harry raised his wand muttering a charm that nobody could hear. There were gold sparkles in the air and rained down from the sky. Harry said, "It's done." He turned to Remus and said, "Professor Lupin, do you want to do the honors of telling everybody where we are at?"

Remus was smiling, nodded, and then said, "It would be my pleasure Harry. Everybody, I want to welcome you to Potter Mansion."

Ginny asked, "Is this true? Harry, how did you find this place?"

Harry took Ginny's hand and said, "Yup, I found it when I visited my family vault. Apparently, it was kept a secret from me."

After what he said, Harry was getting a few curious looks while Dumbledore was trying to look surprised. Harry continued on saying, "Will everybody please follow me."

The group walked on a dirt trail into the forest. After about five minutes of walking with the added comfort of the three phoenixes and the white tiger nearby they came upon another clearing. This time, there was a large mansion a few ways back but what made it look even more captivating was there were multi-colored twinkling lights dispersed throughout the front lawn or more appropriately field. There were lights above them and along the ground that made it look like you were walking amongst the stars and constellations. Some lights were spinning together while others were twinkling and many that were free standing or shooting across the field.

The group was in awe and silently enjoyed the scene around them. The couples were holding each others hand while the rest were wishing they had somebody to share it with. Harry squeezed Ginny's hand and whispered, "I originally intended this just for you but there was no way for me to do this without everybody finding out. I hope you don't mind."

Ginny reached up to give Harry a kiss then said, "I love it Harry. Thank you so much for all of this."

Once they made it to the front doors, the doors were opened automatically with four house elves standing in wait for Harry's arrival. Harry said, "I would like to welcome everybody to Potter Mansion. Please make yourselves at home. There are a few rules though but I'll tell you all in a minute. First I would like for you all to meet, Ray and Rain." Harry gestured to the two house elves dressed in red and blue respectively. He continued to say, "I believe that most of you have already met Dobby and the house elf on the end is Winky if you don't know her already." The house elves bowed and Harry said, "If you need anything please let me know or one of the house elves. Now, if you will all follow me into the library."

Hermione's eyes lit up along with her parents' eyes when the word library was mentioned. The group followed Harry into the library and took seats around the desk. Harry went around the desk and said, "Would anybody like something to drink? We'll have dinner shortly."

A few people nodded and Rain popped in with a tray full of butterbeers while Ray popped in with a tray with some appetizers. While everybody were biting on some snacks and drinking, Harry said, "Please feel free to explore the house and the field behind the house. You all might find the back a bit interesting, too bad Hagrid is not here to see it. Well, I want everybody to feel comfortable so please feel free to ask. Now onto the rules that I was talking about, the first is Hermione is not allowed into any of the libraries in this house."

Hermione gasped as a few people laughed at her reaction. Harry said, "Sorry, Hermione. I saw your eyes once you came in here and don't worry. You can spend as much time you like in here as much as you want. Well, there are two libraries here but you won't be able to get to the other library though. The other library is located on the third floor which is off limits to everybody. I was told by the Ray and Rain when I first arrived that by tradition, nobody is allowed onto the third floor because it is warded for Potters only. There is also the holding cell in the basement and the training room on this floor that is off limits to everybody. It is for safety and security reasons but other then that this house if available to everyone. The house elves will show you all to your rooms where you all can unpack and dinner will be ready in half an hour. Please feel free to explore."

The house elves showed up and escorted everybody to their rooms. Mr. and Mrs. Granger, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Lovegood, and Mrs. Longbottom shared a suite. All of the boys shared a suite and the girls shared a suite opposite of the guys. Remus, Tonks, Kingsley, and Dumbledore shared a suite across from the other adults. Everybody had their own bedrooms with the exception of Fred and George who shared a room and the married couples. Everybody was surprised at the amenities in their bedrooms from the large soft bed to the luxurious bathrooms.

Dinner in itself was a joyous affair with much laughter and talking. Harry decided to suppress his growing animosity towards Dumbledore for the holidays while Dumbledore was trying to calculate a plan to get Harry to listen to him while playing his game of acting in front of everybody.