Chapter Twenty-One

A\N; I apologize for the last chapter, I know it was short. I know I might not have explained, but I am American. I know next to nothing about British slang or available foods or money. Thank you for pointing out about the graham crackers and the 100 pound notes, I really do appreciate all your help. Thanks again for all who reviewed, favorited, and followed my story. This has gotten a better response than I could have hoped for. Thank you all!

Harry could do nothing but gape as they entered the huge foyer. He turned around and around, and his eyes seemed to grow larger and dart everywhere at once. The walls were panneled in a rich cherry wood, with small gold accents in the corners and along the baseboards. The rug was a deep crimson with a complicated gold knot pattern. The pictures on the walls were mostly seascapes or country scenes to provide a startling contrast.

Remus chuckled, "I was like that, too the first time I saw it."

Sirius laughed, "You? Prongs swore up and down I looked like I was about to pass out for ten minutes!"

Harry laughed, "really?"

"Yup," said Sirius, "felt like it, too for a while."

Harry giggled as Sirius ruffled his hair, "want to see the rest of the house now?" he asked.

"Yeah!" replied Harry, bouncing excitedly.

"The let's go!" exclaimed Remus, taking them both by the hand.

Just as the trio passed through the inner doors and into the hall, they heard a number of loud popping noises.

Standing in front of the little family were about twenty house elves.

"Young master Harry is being home!" said an older elf, all but bouncing in place.

Harry moved behind Sirius and Remus, not quite knowing what to make of the little creatures, who were all bouncing excitedly and jostling slightly to get a better look at him.

Remus ruffled Harry's hair as Sirius laid a gentle hand on his shoulder, "it's OK pup," said Sirius, "they're house elves. They won't hurt you."

Remus smiled at him, "did any of your books talk about house elves?" he asked.

Harry smiled, "only a little. One book just says they work for most pureblood families. The rich ones, anyway."

"That's right, Master Harry," said an elf, stepping forward, I is Dee, Head Potter Elf."

"You all worked for my parents?" Harry asked eagerly.

"Yes Master Harry, and yous grandparents, too. The older ones did." said Dee, "what wizard books isn't saying is house elves can't replenish they's magic by themselves, so we is bonding to wizard families so's we can have magic."

Harry looked curiously at the elf, "what does 'replenish their magic' mean?" he asked.

Remus answered him, "think of a person, or elf's magic like a glass full of water. When we use it, it's like taking a sip out of the glass. The more you use, the faster it goes. Understand so far?"

Harry nodded, "yes."

"Good," said Remus, "now with us, the glass will refill itself eventually, like putting it under a tap."

"And house elves can't fill their glass?" asked Harry.

"Not unless they're bonded to a wizard, no." answered Sirius.

"And because we is wanting magic, we is offering to work for the wizards so's we can have it." said Dee.

"Wow," said Harry, "I didn't know so many people worked for my family."

Dee bounced excitedly and cried hugging Harry's leg, "Young Master is calling us people. Like equals!"

Harry looked confused, "but you are, aren't you? I mean, you can walk, and talk, and think, right? So that makes you people, just a different kind."

At this all the elves burst into tears. Harry looked horrified, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. Please don't cry."

Dee smiled at him, "Young Master didn't hurt ours feelings. We is crying because we is happy and sad. Happy because Young Master thinks of us so well. Sad because it bes reminding us of things Mistress Lily bes saying many times."

Harry smiled, "really? My Mum said that?"

Dee nodded, "Mistress Lily being saying that a lot."

Harry just smiled widely.

"Would Young Master bes liking to see the rest of Potter Manor?"

"Yes please," said Harry politely, "umm-why do you call me Master?"

"That bes a sign of respect, Master Harry," said Dee.

"Oh," said Harry.

Potter Manor is so BIG! Thought Harry as they walked through the rooms.

From the hall, Dee showed them the living room, a huge room with several large couches and squishy armchairs set with many tables around an ENORMOUS fireplace.

"Wow," said Harry in amazement, "this place is huge! How big is it?"

Dee smiled at the child's excitement, "Potter Manor is having seven floors, and magic is being used to make the rooms bigger."

Harry grinned, "can we explore?"

Sirius and Remus smiled at each other while Sirius ruffled Harry's hair, "you bet, Pup!"

Remus patted his shoulder, "let's go!"

…..

AN; Another chapter! Sorry about the long wait. To stacygrrl2002 The Potters didn't know how old Harry would be when he found the trunk, or even if he would find it. It was a contingency plan, one of a few they had. As for how Harry can read books meant for an 11 -year-old, he is a genius. I myself was reading books for older children even before I entered school. Harry's intelligence and attitude is a mixture of my own experience and fantasy. Thanks to all my reviewers!

Kiani Skyrider