Chapter 38: The Dobby Proposition

"I had a feeling you would be back, Headmaster Dumbledore," Harry said as he and the others entered the headmaster's office.

"Ginny!" several voices said at once to greet her. Ginny immediately parted from Harry and was engulfed in a hug by her brothers. Her mom and dad were simply waiting their turn.

Once the Weasley family got their hugs out of the way, Professor Dumbledore spoke up. "I'm surprised you were able to think such a possibility," he said.

"Well… it seemed rather obvious something was up with your sudden dismissal," Harry said.

"Indeed. It is good to see you have all returned, and brought young Miss Ginevra back to her family," Professor Dumbledore said.

"What happened anyways?" Ron asked.

"That is a bit of a story," Harry said with a stretch.

Dumbledore nodded and waved his wand. Soon, there were more chairs for them to use. Harry, Hannah and Susan sat down in one each. "Now that we are all comfortable, do tell us what happened. If you will Mr. Potter," he said.

Harry pulled out a blackened and shriveled up book and placed it on the desk. "This is what caused everything this year," Harry started.

"A diary?" Ron asked in disbelief.

"It isn't a normal diary. We weren't able to really figure out what it was though," Hannah said.

"It is bad though. It had a lot of enchantments on it," Susan said.

"Didn't you have a diary, Ginny?" Mrs. Weasley asked.

Ginny didn't meet her mother's eyes as she nodded.

"What did this diary do?" Dumbledore asked.

"A lot of things. It would reply to you when you wrote in it. It thought for itself. It also belonged to Voldemort," Harry said.

The whole Weasley Family gasped at that. "Didn't I tell you never to trust something that spoke to you if you couldn't see where it's brain fits?" Mr. Weasley asked his daughter in disapproval.

"Yes…" Ginny said weakly.

"It is really powerful. I wrote in it once and it sucked Hermione and me into it. It showed us… an interpretation of what happened last time the Chamber opened," Harry said.

Dumbledore's eyes narrowed in thought as he asked, "What do you mean?"

"It played off my own fears and theories about what all happened. It seemed to be an expert at manipulating others. I might have fallen to it as well, if it wasn't as heavy handed in its approach with me. Things didn't add up though," Harry said.

"Since this is Voldemort's diary… It would make sense it was that powerful," Dumbledore said. He turned and gave the Weasleys a comforting look as he said, "Many have fallen to his manipulations. It is remarkable your daughter resisted as much as she did."

"The dairy… Or rather its shade… admitted as much to me. It talked about how it started doing work from the start with Ginny. He was taking a very easygoing approach. It kind of reminded me of a muggle anecdote," Harry said.

"What do muggles say about this kind of thing?" Mr. Weasley asked more eager than he probably should.

"If you put a frog into a pot of water and immediately start boiling it. They frog will jump out and escape. If you put the frog into a pot and slowly start raising the temperature until it is boiling. The frog will calmly sit there and not move," Harry said.

"In other words… Young Ginevra here, was slowly tricked over a longer period of time until it was too late," Dumbledore said.

"How did you know to save our daughter?" Mrs. Weasley asked. "We just heard about her being in trouble a couple of hours ago."

"I didn't know Ginny was the one in trouble. I happened to be… out and about when I saw the new words on the wall. After… After Hermione and Luna were attacked, I wanted to do something. Anything," Harry said.

"We did as well. We figured out Myrtle was the one killed last time the chamber opened," Hannah said.

"Harry was getting ready to go and we followed him," Susan said.

"I found out about the basilisk thanks to a crumpled-up note Hermione had in her hand. It seemed obvious what happened during the year after that. All of the petrified people saw the snake's eyes indirectly. Sir Nicholas got it full blast but was already a ghost," Harry said.

"We then confronted Myrtle, after finally finding her, and she told us about her death. She was very helpful after hearing Luna was attacked," Hannah said.

"Harry got the chamber open and we went inside. Then there was a cave in and we were separated," Susan said.

"Myrtle let me know they were okay and we went to confront the basilisk," Harry said.

"How did you survive the snake's gaze? It should have killed you instantly," Dumbledore asked.

"Myrtle helped out with that too," Harry started.

"A voluntary possession… I would give Myrtle a lot of points for that, but the school rules don't allow it," Dumbledore said.

"Once we got to the main part of the chamber, we saw Ginny. Then I noticed Voldemort's shade was there as well. I didn't know he was Voldemort at the time though. But it was fishy seeing the diary's memory come alive. It seemed to be… absorbing… Ginny's life force," Harry said.

Ginny shivered and held on tighter to her dad. He held her tight as his wife hugged their daughter the best she could. The twins, Percy, and Ron were completely in shock and just listened to Harry's tale.

"How did you defeat the snake?" Dumbledore asked.

"It wasn't easy. I was probably saved because Myrtle was still possessing me at that point. I found a really sharp piece of hard stone. It was a good length too. I tried a number of ways to attack the basilisk. In the end, I had to use the pointed rock to pierce the roof of its maw," Harry said.

The Weasleys gasped hearing that.

"And you lived?! You weren't stabbed by one of its fangs?" Ron asked in awe.

"I was struck by a fang. Myrtle took the venom though. It was still enough to break our possession early. Then I faced the Diary's shade. He shot a few spells at me that I desperately dodged. I got an idea because of the connection between the diary and the shade. There was also how it broke our connection as well," Harry said.

"I took the fang and stabbed the diary numerous times! Ink seemed to spout like blood from it. The shade shrieked in pain and exploded in light. At that same time, Ginny started to reabsorb her life force as the diary blackened and shriveled up." Harry actually mimed the stabbing motions while he spoke.

"When they were ready, they came back to us," Hannah said.

"We were able to safely clear away the cave-in by that time," Susan added.

There was a moment of silence after that. Everyone was taking in the information. After a few moments, Mr. Weasley spoke up. "I still don't know what to make of all of that, but it is clear we owe you for saving our daughter, Harry," he said.

He offered a hand and said, "It isn't much, but thank you. I don't know if we will ever be able to repay you, but if the Weasley family can ever be of help. Let me know and we will do what we can."

Harry took the hand firmly as he said, "I appreciate such a gesture of thanks. If something does come up, I will let you know Mr. Weasley. Right now, I'm just glad this chamber mess is over and Ginny is still alive."

"As are we," Mrs. Weasley said with a smile as she held her daughter tighter than Ginny was comfortable with. She was still drinking in the comfort and love from her mother.

"I wish her first year at Hogwarts could have been as enjoyable as it should have been," Harry said giving her a smile. Ginny smiled in appreciation of his words.

"Well. I think we can all breathe easier now. It would be prudent if Miss Ginny saw Madam Pomfrey. I'm sure you all want to spend some time with her privately as well, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore said.

"You are correct, Professor Dumbledore," Mr. Weasley said as he led his family out of the office.

"It would be best if you three saw Madam Pomfrey as well. Though… I wish to speak with you a little in private, Mr. Potter," Professor Dumbledore said.

Hannah and Susan looked to Harry for permission to leave. Harry gave them a smile and a nod.

[-] [-] [-]

"Is there anything else you wish to say? Since we aren't entertaining a crowd?" Professor Dumbledore asked with a reassuring smile now that they were alone.

Harry and Dumbledore were interrupted before Harry could answer though. The door opened and an angry Lucius Malfoy walked in with purpose. He had a house elf well known to Harry in tow. Harry did his best to hide his surprise. A few remaining puzzle pieces were fitting together.

"Lucius… This is a surprise. Though most likely not. How can I help you, Lord Malfoy?" Dumbledore asked as he placed the diary down. It was clear he wasn't at all surprised by the Pure Blood Lord's appearance.

Dobby's eyes lit up at seeing the diary. He quickly started pointing at it and then his master before hitting himself. Harry found another puzzle piece fitting together. He gave the small elf a slight nod showing he understood. Dobby seemed to sigh in relief, but got his master's attention.

Lucius frowned at the elf. He hadn't intended to bring him along, but this was urgent. He looked back to Professor Dumbledore and held his gaze. "I am here to ask why you are defying the Board of Governors and returning to the school. We both know you were suspended by unanimous vote," he said in as cool of a voice as he could.

"Ah yes… About that. It was curious, really. Lord Malfoy. I talked to the other eleven governors. I was surprised to hear they disagreed with the decision they supposedly voted for. It seems they felt removing me as Headmaster during the middle of such a crisis was the worst idea proposed," Professor Dumbledore said as Lucius Malfoy twitched at his words.

Harry might have felt a little smug or pleased by this, but he knew Dumbledore hadn't really tried to do anything worthwhile about the crisis. He also knew Dumbledore had nothing to do with the conclusion of it either.

Harry suspected Dumbledore would make it seem like he did play a role in the end, even if he admitted it was minor. Dumbledore had yet again shown how effective he could be when he desired by getting the decision reversed. It was a shame he didn't feel students being attacked required such effectiveness.

"So… Has the crisis been solved?" Lucius asked trying to maintain composure.

"Fortunately for us all, especially the muggleborns, it has been solved," Dumbledore said.

"Fortunate…" Lucius said barely hiding his disdain at the word muggleborns. "And who was the culprit?" he asked.

"The same as last time. Though he acted through another this time," Dumbledore said.

"Good to… hear," Lucius said.

"Don't you want to know more details? I mean it is a concerning issue for any parent of a student," Harry added.

"Yes… I would like to know more," Lucius Malfoy said begrudgingly.

Professor Dumbledore seemed to give Harry an almost smile before he answered. "It was again Lord Voldemort. This time he acted through a first year student though. If it wasn't for Harry and his friends, no one would have learned she hadn't acted of her own free will. It was one Ginevra Weasley," Dumbledore said.

"Lucky for her then," Lucius said as he gave Harry a brief look.

"Yes, very lucky. Imagine losing not only his youngest, but also the shame of everyone believing Mr. Weasley's own daughter was killing defenseless Muggleborns," Dumbledore said.

"That doesn't even take into account a pure blood girl was attacked as well," Harry pointed out.

Lucius briefly looked shocked before controlling his emotions. It was obvious to Harry Luna's attack wasn't part of the plan. Lucius hadn't even taken into account pure bloods could be in danger as well.

"Truly terrible... I'm sure," Lucius said with an edge to his voice. He couldn't show he suddenly cared more when a pure blood was involved. That could be seen as an admission of deeper knowledge regarding the crisis, if not actual involvement.

"Yes, it would have been. Imagine what would have happened to his Muggle Protection Act then. Something I believe you were very much opposed to, Lord Malfoy," Dumbledore said with only a hint of barely noticeable superiority.

Lucius Malfoy flinched at those words. "At least the matter is closed now," he said through his teeth.

Harry then asked, "Don't you want to know how a first year came across such a dangerous artifact? It is a worrying matter for us all."

Lucius looked to him and took in an almost seething breath. "How should I know or care the foolish girl came across such a thing?" he asked. It was obvious he was losing patience.

"I suppose you wouldn't care. You already knew the truth. You gave it to her that day in Flourish and Blotts. Slipped it in with her other books. Mr. Weasley's outburst probably inadvertently helped you keep from being noticed," Harry said.

Lucius looked like the only reason he wasn't exploding at Harry is because the Headmaster was also present.

"Though. It doesn't matter. One witness, even if they are The-Boy-Who-Lived, isn't enough. The only evidence of what really happened has been destroyed during the act of saving Ginny," Harry said with a dismissive shrug.

Lucius Malfoy blinked to that. He wasn't sure how to handle that statement.

"It would still be advisable not to go around handing out anymore of Voldemort's old school things. Next time, they might be found and used to get certain people's attention. If nothing else, I'm sure Mr. Weasley will be more than happy to investigate such things. With his daughter having been a victim, I'm sure even his love for muggles wouldn't hold him back. Both Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are very protective of their children," Professor Dumbledore said.

Mr. Malfoy then asked, "Are there any other matters?" He was more than ready to leave.

"Actually, there is… I almost forgot… Age, you know," Professor Dumbledore said in a manner that showed this was intentional and he was very much enjoying the moment.

"The thing is… Lord Malfoy… Coercing… whether through bribes or blackmail… is in clear violation of the Board of Governor's Charter. This means you have been hence forth relieved of your duties to the school and the board. I was to give this to you should I see you today, as I suspected I might," Professor Dumbledore said as he handed a rolled-up piece of parchment to the man.

Lucius Malfoy unrolled it to read quickly and grimaced.

"Unless you have personal business with your son. We are finished here," Professor Dumbledore said.

"Dobby! We're leaving," he said in a hiss of anger. Lord Malfoy left quickly and Dobby frowned as he jogged behind in an effort to keep up.

"May I use this?" Harry asked. He had an idea. It was definitely testing the line, but would work. He was sure.

"Of course… But we do have more to discuss today I'm afraid, given we were interrupted by Lord Malfoy. So, do return soon," the headmaster said.

Harry nodded as he took the diary and wrapped his sock around it while heading after Lucius Malfoy.

[-] [-] [-]

"Lord Malfoy," Harry called as he tossed the sock wrapped diary at the man. "For you," he said just as Lucius Malfoy caught the dairy in his hand through instinct.

"What the?!" he asked as he tore the sock off and tossed it. He glared at the ruined dairy and threw it to the ground. "You just wait, Brat! You'll meet your sticky end! Just like your foolish meddling parents. They too met a messy end," he seethed in anger.

Harry raised an eyebrow and gave a slight smirk. "Are you sure you should be saying such things in public to an Heir such as myself? That could be deemed as a threat to an Ancient and Noble house," he said.

Lord Malfoy was genuinely shocked hearing those words. He knew all about that, but for the boy to know already… And to also be aware of his status in the wizarding world. That was not good. Lucius couldn't just toss threats around anymore.

Harry gave a nod as he looked towards the house elf. He said, "I'll consider us even this time. I did sort of almost make a mistake that could be deemed equal in measure."

Lord Malfoy blinked to that. He looked down behind him and his eyes widened. Dobby was holding a sock… The sock he carelessly tossed. It didn't matter his intention in this situation. He could tell by Dobby's expression the house elf's magic interpreted this as dismissal from service.

"Dobby… Dobby is free! Dobby is free!" the house elf cheered and bounced in place.

Lord Malfoy stood there dumbfounded for a moment. He looked to Harry with anger in his eyes, but also acceptance. The boy was right… If he acted further on his impulses, it would be deemed a threat to House Potter. His first outburst was given the slide as merely a heated moment. He was about to storm out of Hogwarts, but it seemed Dobby had other plans for him.

"Dobby won't let Bad Wizard man hurt Harry Potter sirs! Dobby is freed! You will go now," Dobby said as he snapped his fingers. Lucius Malfoy was booted from the castle and to the edge of anti-apparition wards.

Lucius let out a growl and stomped his foot, but just apparated away. He would have to be careful around Harry Potter. "No… Heir Potter," he thought to himself gravely. He hated the thought, but it was true.

Harry also had more leeway than him as well in social matters. The boy was just an Heir at this point. He didn't have all the power of a Lord, but he also didn't have all of the expectations or restraints either.

[-] [-] [-]

"Master Harry Potter sirs is greatest most kindest wizard! He freed Dobby!" Dobby shouted in glee.

"You earned it," Harry said with a smile.

"But why? After everythings Dobby did…" the house elf then asked with a frown.

"Despite it all… I've grown a certain fondness for you," Harry admitted.

Dobby sniffed and hug tackled Harry's leg. "Yous is too goods for Dobby. Dobbys sorry he acted the ways he did," he said with sniffs.

"In a way, I understand why you did it all. We will have a discussion later about how you go about saving my life in the future, should you ever take it upon yourself again," Harry said.

"Dobbys will be betters! Dobby Promises!" he said through giant house elf tears.

"What will you do now that you are free?" Harry asked.

"Dobby will… Dobby will do whatevers he wants! Dobby is free House Elf! He will nevers works for mean bad wizard mans again," he said in determination.

"That's good to hear. I might have a proposition for you. If you are interested. May I talk to you later? I do need to talk to Dumbledore again," Harry said.

Dobby gave a watery smile. "Harry Potter sirs has job for Dobby! After all of this?! Job for a free House elf?!" he asked in happiness.

"I do. You will get to choose if you take it or not though. You are a free house elf now," Harry said with a smile.

"Dobby will listens! Just calls for Dobby. I is being theres!" the small creatures said with a bounce.

"Then I will see you soon. Maybe tomorrow though. I'm really tried after everything today. Enjoy your first night of freedom," Harry said with a yawn.

Dobby nodded and popped away.

"Huh. I forgot to ask him that first," Harry said to himself as he went back to the headmaster's office.

[-] [-] [-]

"Was your endeavor successful?" Professor Dumbledore asked. He wanted to try and overhear what all happened, but decided it would be better to hear the tale another time instead.

"It was. I gave someone, who deserved it, my appreciation for what they did," Harry answered causally.

"Good," Professor Dumbledore said. He turned a little more serious as he said, "Before we were interrupted, there was something I wished to ask you."

"Yes, Headmaster?" Harry replied politely indifferent.

"I got the feeling there was more to what all happened than you let on. Understandable, given the distraught nature of our company. And then we had that interruption," Professor Dumbledore said.

Harry gave only a slight nod in reply.

"So… I ask you again. Is there anything else you wish to inform me of?" Professor Dumbledore asked as he looked to Harry with a piercing gaze.

Harry was silent for a moment. He already had his answer though. "No. I don't believe there is, Headmaster," he said neutrally.

"Truly? Nothing at all?" the headmaster asked as he narrowed his eyes slightly.

"As I said. There is nothing more I wish to inform you of," Harry said again neutrally, but with his arms folded this time.

Dumbledore thought this was a tell from the boy, and he was holding on to something else. He was right that Harry refrained from speaking of something, but he didn't realize the boy purposefully let slip a tell for the headmaster. He wanted Dumbledore to know he was purposefully not telling him something.

"It seems we have an issue of trust. Unfortunate, truly," Dumbledore said with a sigh.

"That we do, Headmaster. I think you are under a false impression though," Harry said.

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow and studied the boy.

"The issue is on one side only. You haven't given me a reason to truly trust you, headmaster," he said.

"Is that so?" the elderly wizard asked.

"Yes. You keep too much to yourself, Headmaster," Harry said.

Dumbledore remained neutral as he said, "You are just a student at the end of his second year. Talented as you may be, you are still only a student. There are plenty of things a Headmaster would not chat about with their students, especially the younger ones."

"I'm not saying you have to tell me everything. I'm sure you have plenty of people you trust on your staff or outside of the school. I'm sure you could share even theories you have on matters with allies. Unless you don't even truly trust them," Harry said.

Dumbledore couldn't fully hide the twitch he gave to those words. "How then would you say I could gain your trust?" he asked in a level tone.

Harry leveled his gaze at the man. "Through your actions. During your discussion with Lord Malfoy, you essentially admitted to knowing who was behind the attacks not just this year, but last time as well. You probably even had just a couple of ideas on where the Chamber was located. You probably even already knew about the Basilisk."

"Hermione is brilliant, but as you pointed out to me, she too is just a second year student. If she figured it out… There is no way someone who was here for both openings of the chamber didn't figure it out," Harry said.

Dumbledore's eyes widened to that. He hadn't really expected Harry to truly catch on to that.

Harry then sighed in disappointment. "The worst part is… You cared more about politics and cover ups than the safety of your students. Even with Professor Sprout's mandrakes, there wasn't a reason to wait all year before using the cure," Harry said.

Professor Dumbledore remained ever still and focused. It was true what Harry Potter was saying.

"Both Colin and Justin have missed more than half of this year's classes. Hermione and Luna also missed part of the school year as well. Hermione does tend to over study, but even she can't know everything before the actual class. Luna is in her first year which is very vital to magical education," Harry said. He left unsaid how it should be obvious where a Headmaster's priorities should lay.

"I won't deny what you said has some truth. But it isn't that simple. It is hard for a student to understand," Dumbledore said.

"Which is why you should have said more to your members of staff and not a student. We would have seen you taking action and understood you were doing what you could. However, students weren't saying they were happy the staff were doing something about this. They were instead upset and angry while talking about how it seemed the professors weren't doing much about the situation," Harry said.

Dumbledore briefly frowned to that.

"Like I said. Actions are what I need to see for you to have my trust. What I saw was a Headmaster who cared more for coverups than actual solutions. A Headmaster who knew early on what was happening. Yet the solutions only started after he was dismissed, even if that dismissal was under false pretense," Harry said.

Dumbledore remained silent. He was furious on the inside, but at the same time he saw how intense Harry's green eyes were. Dumbledore felt his reflection in them almost. It was not pretty. Perhaps the boy was right.

"Is there anything else, Headmaster?" Harry asked. He was now in a more neutral tone.

"That is all for now, Mr. Potter. Perhaps you will decide to speak with me on these matters again in the future. If so, you know where to find me," the headmaster said.

Harry didn't react one way or the other to his statement.

"Now, go and speak to Madam Pomfrey. I'm sure it is only because she is currently busy, she hasn't kicked down my office door to take you to the Hospital Wing," Dumbledore said with a faint smile.

Harry looked to him for a moment and gave a faint smile in return. "She does take her duties very seriously," he said.

"That she does," Dumbledore said with a grandfatherly smile and light chuckle. He was wondering if maybe this was a way to gain Harry's trust. He was very good at acting personable and it had served him very well in his many years.

Harry was not at all impressed or buying the headmaster's act. He knew Dumbledore was eager for him to leave and trying to act like he really was approachable and trustworthy. Harry could respond to the gesture in kind, even if he didn't really like it.

[-] [-] [-]

"Should have come to me right away! What is the headmaster thinking ambushing you with questions?" Madam Pomfrey grumbled as she looked over Harry.

"You would have to ask him, though I'm sure he won't give much in the way of explanation," Harry said.

"Too right you are… You seemed to be mostly unscathed. Plenty of magical exhaustion, but nothing a good night's rest here won't cure. I need to make sure there aren't any complications with your recovery," she said before pointing Harry to a bed.

[-] [-] [-]

"Dobby," Harry said once he was in an empty room. He was released from the Hospital Wing that morning.

There was a pop announcing the arrival of a grinning Freed House Elf. "Master Harry Potter sirs called on Dobby!" the elf replied as he bounced in excitement.

"Good to see you, Dobby. How was your first night of freedom?" Harry asked.

"Dobby only cleaned what he wanted to clean! Dobby had Butterbeer to celebrate. Only two though… Theys is strong for House elves. Dobby also find all kinds of ways to wear his sock! After he cleaned it twice of course," Dobby said grinning.

"It was pretty dirty," Harry said with a chuckle.

"Dobby made it clean as new after first cleaning. The second was just to enjoy cleaning something already cleaned and by Dobby's choice!" he explained happily.

"That's good to hear, Dobby," Harry said with another chuckle.

"Dobby is happys to see Master Harry Potter sirs again. Is this about the job?" Dobby asked smiling widely. He then frowned for a moment and asked, "Or is this abouts Dobbys savings of Harry Potter sirs?" He looked like he was contemplating punishing himself for his actions.

"We will discuss that another time, Dobby. This is about the job," Harry said.

Dobby visibly relaxed.

Harry turned serious as he said, "I know a little bit about house elves, Dobby. I know you can't survive long without a family, magic institution or a source of some kind."

Dobby nodded solemnly. "Dobby was goings to look for works, but ask for payings and choose who his bosses is. Harry Potter sirs is rights about house elves. We cans survive a little longers, if we keeps from using too much magics, but it is not pleasant," he said with a grimace.

Harry nodded to show his understanding. "That is why I have a proposition for you, Dobby. You know where the Rust District is," he said.

Dobby nodded to that. He had felt something there, but he was too focused on his task to thoroughly investigate it.

"I learned of a family friend and met him over the holiday break. He is a werewolf," Harry said.

Dobby grinned to this. "All House Elves knows how to helps Wolfy wizards and witches, even withouts potions," he said.

Harry blinked in surprise to that. "I didn't know that," he couldn't help but admit.

"All wizards and witches would knows right ways to helps them through transforms, if they coulds listen to magic as House Elves can," Dobby said.

Harry smiled to this, "That could make this even better," he said.

"Dobby hopes so," the elf said.

"Back on topic… My friend's name is Remus Lupin. He lives in the Rust District now. Over the holidays, we discovered something about the Rust District. There is a part of it that is an ancient source," Harry said.

Dobby's eyes grew wider. This could be really good for him. It would also explain why his plan earlier in the year didn't work. If there was a source there and it was a strong one, the energy could interfere with Ministry tracking. They could account for that with a lot of work, but this was an ancient source. It could be they don't know it exists.

"There are other Werewolves who have joined my friend in the Rust District since then. We tend to attract those left behind or tossed aside. They have made a settlement of sorts there around the source. It requires great care, but they have kept the others safe from their transformed selves. If house elves can help with that, this will be even better," Harry said.

"We cans!" Dobby said eagerly. He wasn't even remembering to bounce in happiness, he was so excited.

Harry smiled to him. "I believe you. I was thinking you could join my friend and help the place out. Due to the nature of the situation, many of the muggles there know of magic now and don't fear it. The Rust District isn't really known to the ministry either and they aren't going to blab about anything that could get them in trouble. They could all use help, especially from helpful house elves," Harry said.

"This sounds like big jobs for Dobby. Dobby not sures he can do it alones, even with wolfy man's help," the small creature admitted.

"That is where the rest of my offer comes into play," Harry started.

Dobby was holding his breath in anticipation and almost seemed to hover in excitement.

"I was thinking you would know other house elves. Good, hardworking house elves that had been tossed aside or needed help. I figured such elves were well known for better or worse," Harry said.

"Dobby does know many elves who are good ones, but freed when theys didn't wants it. They had mostly decents wizards that released them for other reasons. Some to avoid bigger trouble for themselves and house elves," he started.

"Others because they couldn't support house elves any longer for one reason or anothers. Harry Potter sirs is right. These elves is knowns and seen as disappointments despite being good honest hardworking elves," Dobby informed Harry.

"I had hoped and believed that was the case, but I'm still relieved to hear it is true. I was thinking for this giant undertaking you could gather such elves and have them join you in the Rust District."

"If it will work. I don't know everything that is needed for such a setup. I was hoping you could meet with Mr. Lupin and the two of you could work together and see how to set it up. Boss… I mean Jett… the leader of the Street Knights can help as well if you need it," Harry said.

Harry paused for a moment and the atmosphere was thick with eagerness it seemed.

"What do you think of the offer? Do you want to help me and others build something?" Harry asked.

Dobby simply stared in awe at the moment. He truly looked at Harry for possibly the first time again. He should have realized sooner how great Harry was. He should have known Harry could handle Slytherin's beast. He frowned to himself, especially since he now knew Harry could speak the tongue through magic's whisperings.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked in concern at the elf's frown.

"Dobby is truly sorrys for his actions earlier in the year… If he had realized how great you really are… He would have tolds you more," he said.

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"Dobby didn't think at the time. Dobby could have tried harder to tell you about big snakey. Dobby didn't fully realize you spoke the tongue at the time," Dobby said.

"You mean Parselmouth?" Harry asked.

Dobby nodded.

"What would that have changed?" Harry asked.

Dobby was unsure how Harry would respond. He was free now, so he could say even more. Though his magic wouldn't allow him to say too much about old masters' secrets just yet. Dobby let out a breath. He would get this over with and punish himself later if he needed.

"Harry Potter sirs could have taken control of snakey. It would not kill its master with its gaze. Great Harry Potter. Wonderful Harry Potter sirs could have taken snakey and made it his," Dobby said.

"How?" Harry asked with eyes narrowed in thought.

"You's could have gotten to chambers and spoken to giant snakey first this year," Dobby said.

"But I'm not a direct descendant of Slytherin. I'm not his heir," Harry said in disbelief. "Why would I want a snake whose purpose was to kill muggleborns? Hermione's muggleborn and she's very important to me," Harry said.

"Snakey only kills muggleborns because master orders it too. It would not harm your Hermy or any others, if you didn't wants it to," Dobby said.

"But Voldemort was already it's master. He opened the chamber last time. I still don't see how I could, since I'm not Slytherin's Heir. I don't really want to be that closely associated with a wizard who had such beliefs," Harry said. He wasn't angry at Dobby, but he was a little offended by this all.

"Wizards and witches twists pasts. Theys forgets important… new onces," Dobby said.

"Nuance…" Harry supplied.

"That's what Dobby says," the elf nodded.

"What do you mean? How do you know this?" Harry asked.

"House elves know truths of many things. House elves always be listenings to magics. Wes never forgets. Wes also don't tells wizards if they nots asks, but Dobby is free house elf now. He cans says all he wants," Dobby said.

"I'm listening then. What is the truth behind Slytherin's claim of taking only those of the oldest and purest blood then? And having a beast that would rise to purge the halls of those unworthy?" Harry asked a little testily thinking back to the legend of Hogwarts' founding.

Dobby frowned. He wished he was better with words.

"Dobby be sayings pasts has been twisteds. Founders were great wizards and witches, but they has different believes than wizards now. Snakey tongue be meaning those with most potent magic. It was believed magic was in the bloods not just families. It was believed those who had most powerful magics also has most purest bloods," Dobby said.

Harry blinked in thought to that. Now that he thought on it, the sorting hat also said something about the houses and histories being different from what is taught. It seemed house elves were aware of these differences.

"It not bes about families. Even those like your Grangy would be purest of bloods back thens. She is powerfuls. Oldest families part means somethings that no longer exists," Dobby finished with a frown.

"If that is true… Why wasn't Hermione put in Slytherin?" Harry asked.

"Sorting hats not very thinkings really. It sorts peoples and knows some things, but it nots that bright otherwise. It also is affected by current beliefs too. It only knows what Hoggywarts wants it at certain times," Dobby said.

Harry gave a "Huh," in reply. He found it amusing Hermione could have been sorted into Slytherin in the old days and called a pure blood. That would really be something.

"How does this relate to the snake and chamber though?" Harry asked to get them back on topic.

"Slytherin's Heir be any who speaks snakey tongue. Giant snakey be bondings with anys who speak tongue as well. It bonds for 40 years at times. Yous defeated darkest meanest wizards and it beens fifty years since it last opened. If Dobby could haves gotten you to finds Chamber at start of school… yous could have controlled snakey. Not diary…" Dobby said.

Harry was quiet in thought for a moment. Dobby seemed to be waiting for him to reply. He wondered what it would have been like to control the snake. "So, what did he mean by those unworthy?" Harry asked.

"Wizards and witches always never learn proper histories… Bendys is terrible teacher and books get changed," Dobby said with a shake of his head.

"Wizards have enemies back thens. Meanies too. Muggles weren't helpless or weaks. Theys could kills wizards and witches, even if it bes tough at times. Snakey tongue meant invaders likes that. He not likes meanie muggles, but he nots wants to kills them alls. Founders all knew truths about muggleborns. They knews what it meants, even bestest wizards now not really gets this," Dobby said.

Harry sighed.

"What's wrongs?" Dobby asked.

"I just realized to an extent I've been doing what I wanted to prove was wrong. I was thinking too much about what everyone says they know. What everyone agrees is the truth. The Slytherins aren't exactly warm and fuzzy, and some of them probably really are as bad as people say they are. But I actually know some who aren't. I've gone on about people misunderstanding what Hufflepuffs really are like, but I did the same thing regarding others," Harry said.

He sighed again. "It is a difficult lesson to swallow," he said.

"Wes always be learnings. Not sure why Harry Potter sirs wants to swallows lessons though. Dobby will help if he cans," the elf said with a grin.

"It's a figure of speech…" Harry started. He then looked at Dobby's grin. He gave a chuckle. "You were joking…" he said.

"Dobby is free elf! He can jokes if he wants!" Dobby said proudly.

"Well… All of this put to the side. What do you think of the offer?" Harry asked.

Dobby turned serious as he nodded and said, "Dobby be honoreds to helps. Dobby already knows many house elves who be goods. There is being ceremony we can uses if source isn't strong enough alone. It not be sames as family bond. It be ancient ritual."

"It be calleds Elf Friends' Ritual. It makes us partners! It lets us have freedoms and helps as we cans and wants, and gives magic for house elves to lives. It be drainings when gone through though. Especially if many elves involves," he finished saying.

"I will trust you on that. We can figure it out, even if it means we have to phase in house elves. Take them in as smaller groups. I'm sure Hermione and Luna will be more than happy to help with such a ritual as well. Especially if you tell them it is an Elf Friend Ritual and not making you their house elf," Harry said.

Harry then smiled and offered a hand. "Welcome aboard, Dobby. I look forward to working with you," he said.

Dobby stared and sniffed happy tears at the offered hand. He just might ask Harry to do the elf friend ritual with him, even if it wasn't needed. "Harry Potter sirs is greatest and wonderfuls wizards. He wants to shake Dobby's hand!" he said.

Harry was going to speak again, but Dobby quickly grabbed his hand and shook it very enthusiastically. Harry gave a smile. The elf's energy and happiness were very infectious.

Once they finished their hand shake, Dobby took in a deep breath and looked more determined than Harry had seen so far. The elf even looked as if he was pulling up an invisible tool belt in preparation to get ready for the job.

"Dobby be busys! Dobby has muchs to do. He will meet wolfy man Lupin first. Then he will gets house elves. Then they alls fixes, cleans and betters Rust Districts and help other wofly mans and womans," he said with a serious nod.

"I had a feeling you would be the right elf for the job, Dobby," Harry said with a grin.

"Dobby be goods House Elf! Meanie bad wizard man be problems, not Dobby," he said.

"About that… I'm sure you know I'm kind of friends with Draco… is that going to be a problem?" Harry asked.

"Dracky be messy boy when youngs and tempers too. He and Missus not too bad. Theys just arrogants like most richy wizards. They not bes the meanie ones. Harry Potter sirs be goods for Dracky. He not wants to be exactly like father nows," Dobby said.

"Good to hear. That's a relief. I won't try to force you two together or anything, so that shouldn't cause any problems. One last question before you go," Harry said.

"Yes?" Dobby asked.

"I meant to ask this earlier. But why was it you said it wasn't He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, when it was?" Harry asked.

Dobby grinned again. "Dobby be clevers there and give clue. You could says his name when he was in school. It was befores he called himself that to everyones. You could say it without worries," he said.

Harry blinked a couple of times and shook his head. He gave a laugh. "Right… I just didn't make that connection," Harry said.

"Dobby migths have beens too clevers for Harry Potter sirs in that," Dobby said still grinning.

"Yeah yeah…" Harry said with a chuckle.

Dobby grinned one last time and snapped his fingers before disappearing as Harry left the room. The elf was ready to build something new with Master Harry Potter sir, even if Master Harry Potter sir didn't fully realize how big it would become. Dobby knew though.

Magic was telling him so, and house elves were experts at listening and communicating with magic. That was the whole reason why house elves only needed a single snap to use magic. That was all it took for them to say what they wanted and needed done. Dobby would use this knowledge to help other elves understand and join him in Harry Potter's Grand Plan.

It could be some of them already knew as well. Maybe that was why some of the elves he was thinking of hadn't found a new family, even if they easily could. Maybe they were even better at listening than Dobby and knew for years now what was going to happen. Dobby was ready to find out for himself, but first he needed to meet Best Wolfy Man.