Time turned

(A/N hey just wanted to say something real quick. if you don't like my stories, don't read them. I appreciate all the reviews I get, but if you read a bit and decide it's not for you, you don't have to leave a comment saying as such. my stories aren't everyone's cup of tea, I don't expect it to be. anyway enjoy the chapter. possibly more than one today. )

When they all returned to the dragons lair they saw that one banner had completely changed. It held the same bright pink that her tunic did, but held a wolf holding a single rose in it's maw. Her name was stitched proudly above it. Dame Tonks L. Her new family motto is displayed below. Fidus et fortis. Tonks had dawned her new shield was on its hooks, and duel daggers strapped to her hips. Their handles were a dark almost black with bright red jewels on top. "Tonks that was an awesome performance!" Penelope clapped her on the shoulder. "Thank you. I think I'm ready for all it entails. According to Alrgon, a knight of Pendragon is available in any times of need. Basically if I am able I help. Wherever I am needed." A few of them gave her a head bow, others gave her wide grins.

$$$$

Tonks had taken to her role instantly. Adding on extra patrols of the castle, helping the younger years in all houses with their studying and homework. She even helped Hagrid when a few unicorns had turned up dead or missing.

She reported everything in a large leather ledger. And she impressed upon the others to do the same when they took their oaths.

The first Wednesday after her oath Tonks fell into her chair and groaned loudly. "If I never have to listen to Alrgon talk about weapons again I'll be a happy witch. Do we know exactly when the new head of house is starting?" Everyone shrugged. "Dumbledore said sometime after the new year. He had to come from America right?" Cedric asked, looking about. "yes. It's a name I know. He is good. Very good. I doubt any of us will be able to sit let alone sleep with how hard he'll work us." "That just makes me so happy inside." Tonks groaned out. The others just chuckled.

December came and soon the kids got ready to depart for home for the holidays. Persephone had been in contact with the goblins and had the house in England fixed up and ready for her and Harry. Dumbledore had tried a few times to talk to Harry but Harry remained adamant that if the current head of house, Sprout, was not there in the capacity of head of house he would not speak to the headmaster alone. The kids all took the carriages down to the hogsmead station, happily chatting to each other. "Persephone, I appreciate you taking me with you this Holiday." She smiled the cub happily on her lap chuffing softly as he snored. "No one should have to stay at school during Holiday. Besides I'd be completely alone except for a random house elf I know nothing about. I don't even have a name yet." "A house elf?" Hermione inquired. "It's a sentient being that lives like a parasite." Daphne started. Neville and Draco nodded along. "When bound to a family or "master" it syphons off their magic to stay healthy and strong. In return they do tasks for the families. Chores, cooking meals that sort of thing."

"Are they paid? Like servants?" Hermione pressed looking more upset as she thought about it. "Not in monetary means no. They get their magic replenished faster, they live longer and keep their sanity from what I remember gran saying. A house elf without a house goes mad." Neville placed a hand on his chin in thought. "But surely there are companies and such that the families pay to have the elves?" "No. They are bought And belong to the family for generations until they grow old and pass. Most elves will serve a family 40 or more years. My family has two, one helps my mother and father in house matters and one helped watch Astoria and myself. Now that we are older and no longer need rearing Tolly helps in the gardens and kitchen. She is family." Hermione was waging a war inside herself. Surely the house elves were slaves. But the way they spoke about how they lived and the relationship. She furrowed her brow.

$$$$

The sky was dark by the time the train pulled into the station. The few who had parents on the platform said their goodbyes and joined their families. Harry, Hermione and Persephone walked through the platform entrance and into the busy train station. Hades was in his basket, strapped to the top of her trunk, and Hedwig had chosen to fly and would most likely meet them there when she chose. Hermione spotted her parents and gave quick hugs to both her friends before dashing off. A squeal of 'daddy!' was heard as well as seeing a tall dark messy haired man spinning her around in a large circle. "I'm sure we will meet them on the return trip." Persephone chuckled. "Rude that one." Harry agreed in a joking mock. They soon we're outside in the cool London air. Persephone looked down at the address on the slip of paper and saw a bus. "There Harry! That one is the one we need."

Quickly they sprinted across the walkway and climbed aboard, Persephone paying the driver for the two of them.

An hour or so passed before Persephone had them get off. The town was smaller than they pictured it to be. A corner store and petrol station were still lit up, but the streets were mostly dark. "According to the note here, we follow this road about a mile that way and there should be an old gate. That gate will only open with me or you for now." Hades prowled ahead of them, pouncing on random leaves and sticks. His deep but young mow caused the two kids to smile. A sudden prek was heard above them and Harry let out a sigh of relief. Hedwig glided down on silent wings and landed on his shoulder, nipping his ear affectionately. They saw an old rusted gate off to the right, with vines grown all over it. "This must be it." Persephone spoke softly. They looked but could not see a house through the brush and vine, but with a simple touch the gate swung open.

Once inside the gate, it shut again, rattling softly with the effort. A soft pop echoed and a small house elf stood before them. "I being Folly. The Gallows house elf. I can be taking you inside and has dinner ready for you Mistress." Harry had to stifle a chuckle as Persephone's eye twitches. "I'm no Mistress.. please just call my Persephone." Folly looked her up and down and scratched his head. "But you being my mistress." Harry couldn't help himself he laughed. Once inside they were led to a dinner table and quickly began to eat. It wasn't extravagant but it was delicious. If Persephone had to guess, she would guess that the house had at least 5 bedrooms in it. With a large plot of land attached to the front and rear. She had seen what looked like a horse stable off to the side before they were ushered inside. They would have to take a walk tomorrow and explore.