Harry's Second year/how the hope of 17 is dashed away
A/N Wow this took me hours to write! It's a really pivotal chapter and sets us up for Harry's third year which is when the action really heats up. Thanks for reading and please let know your thoughts in the comments.
The academic year was honestly weird. It started off on a high as I realised it would be my last year. I felt a certain affinity with the seventh years that year. I still saw them as hopeless children, incapable of looking after themselves or their surroundings but this was my year. I'd started my time at Hogwarts as a traumatised 10 year old, they'd arrived six months later as excited first years but we would be leaving together. I was seventeen in the summer, so just had to get through this year.
That renewed joy nearly got me through to Halloween, combined with the still weekly chats with the Twins. We were run off our feet catering to the fool of a Defence Teacher. By the way that infamous Cornish Pixie incident that apparently caused Potter and his mates so much angst? They stuffed a few pixies in the cage and left giggling. Who had to deal with the inevitable breeding season? The only one downstairs who could reach the high points! I spent many a night on ladders attempting to spray and remove their nests.
Halloween changed the whole atmosphere in the school. We weren't usually affected by the moods of the student population but you do notice when ¾ of the school are living in fear. No one talks about it but three students were removed from Hogwarts that year. Two were Muggleborn and maybe a little bit too free in their letters to Mummy. For the other, a fourth year Ravenclaw from a new money Pureblood family that had been decimated in the last war, it was the last straw and her whole family migrated to Canada. There were a few elves who had been around the last time the Chamber had opened but the non-senile ones refused to talk about it. House elves don't really gossip, it can make it very frustrating to get information from them.
No one had ever come down to the kitchen to brief us on what was going on so when I met up with Fred and George a few days later it was very much my hope to get information out of the now fourteen year olds. Unfortunately, that was their hope too. Not ridiculously they'd assumed in my secretive role at Hogwarts I would have all the answers.
We'd met in the Transfiguration Towery this time and bless them they'd even brought me a chocolate frog to butter me up. Whilst the young ladies in fourth year were beginning to admire their improved attempts at flirting, I was still thankfully very much immune. Probably because they practised them on me first and I even rated them. I had barely sat down before the traditional ambush.
"Ahh Elodie, my beauty, your light grows more bright every day! Started Fred with an arm round my shoulder.
"To our most favourite mystery, might she accept this small totem of our deepest affection." George continued with a flourish, the effect slightly ruined by the chucking of the chocolate frog and my inevitable inability to catch it.
Despite the cringing I couldn't help my smile. For four years, they'd been the only ones to really see me and for that I couldn't be more grateful still now. Honestly not sure what I would have done without them.
"Soo rating?" they asked.
"Solid 4 if she's generous. I know you're into the quidditch girls but still throwing things into their faces is not romantic." Honestly the girls in their year owed me such a favour.
Fred shrugged it off. "Just have to date a seeker then! Anyway, my little baguette, tell me what is going on with this Chamber? What's the secret? Why is it a cat who got caught first?"
Assaulted by the barrage of questions, my heart did sink a little. I held up my hands for mercy. "I don't know! Honestly, I was hoping you could tell me! Have the teachers not mentioned anything? I was thinking you'd have a class and do your homework about it like good little schoolboys."
Their faces fell in confusion. George ventured. "Elodie, are you serious you don't have a clue? The teachers aren't telling us anything. They're saying just to be careful and the patrols are increasing. Without this map we wouldn't be able to get out of the common room! We thought you would have had meetings."
I shrugged. "Maybe, the invitation to meetings doesn't get to the kitchen. I thought there was something going on. The teachers are coming down to the kitchens later and later. Sprout and McGonagall was looking for tea at 1am. The only ones usually awake at that time are Snape and Madame Pomphrey. They're moaning more about their workload than I've ever seen."
"Elodie you're up at 6am why are you still up at 1?"
Another shrug "Someone has to wash up the mugs." At their concerned look I hastily added, "Don't worry! I'm good at finding times during the day to sleep as well as pushing through it!"
"Elodie, honestly, why do you stay here? You work stupid hours and don't seem to enjoy it whatsoever. Leave! If you worked in Hogsmeade, we could still see you!"
And that was their great naivety and privilege. The assumption that my life was a choice. I had never had any choice in my life. I didn't want to break their bubble so responded with a rueful laugh "Uhh, it's ok. I like Hogwarts, even though there would be certain things I would change. Anyway, it's nearly midnight, you need to go! Remember you've got that transfiguration essay to do tomorrow. Give me a shout if you need a spare tie, Fred. You haven't had one in two weeks."
"You're a lifesaver Elodie!" He shouted as they descended down the stairs into the corridor, staring at some bit of paper. Merlin that was a close one. They weren't eleven anymore, but I could deflect for one more year. In the summer, I'd leave the day of my birthday and be free. I'm not sure whether I wanted to stay in Britain or even could but whatever happened I'd write. On my way back I nearly had several close calls bumping into various patrolling teachers. They were seriously annoyed about Dumbledore and this increased pressure. Teaching at Hogwarts carries enormous respect and some power but the pay and conditions aren't that great. The administration was stuck in the 1700s. If teachers wanted something they had to write it down, give it to Mopsy who would deliver it to Dumbledore. Then there would be the vain hope, new equipment for 2nd year Charms would be deemed relevant amidst the competing concerns of ICW, Ministry or other world affairs.
The months passed, the worry and tension grew. Fred and George were increasingly unable to make it to our rendezvous due to the patrolling schedule. The teachers grew more snappish and apparently lessons had diminished to the same routine of read, practice, read. With all that was going on, the looking out for first years was inevitably diminished and a fair few slipped through the cracks including a little red headed girl. Finally, after the March mass petrifying including Hermione, we completely abandoned our meetings. It wasn't safe for the twins. It wasn't safe for me either but no one remembered this. The lonely night work continued.
Dumbledore was an elusive figure to the main school after that aborted Quidditch Match. He increasingly didn't show up in the Great Hall and instead demanded meals at odd hours. The whispers about him began to grow and the Prophet had coded hints of incompetence. It was only Muggleborns getting petrified but still it didn't look good. It all came to a heed in May.
In the weeks leading up the 24th May I began to see Dumbledore more. He would sometimes come down to the kitchens at funny hours, only discuss something with Mopsy or Quats. I would notice him staring at me in the corridors at night occasionally. I was too scared to talk to him but it unnerved me more.
On the night of the 24th we'd been told there would be a Governor's meeting and the "French girl" should be in the office with packed sandwiches and provisions at 8pm. I did think it was strange the food should be packed up but just shrugged at another mad notion. I was there for nearly two hours before at 9.45pm Dumbledore came barging in, grabbed my arm and threw me into the literal fire with a shout of something I didn't quite hear.
I landed heavily onto a threadbare carpet into a house that had clearly not been cleaned in a while. I had just sat up, breathing heavily when the man himself swept into the house.
With a snort of contempt, he looked at me before barking, "Girl! Get up. The kitchen is there. Get me some firewhiskey and food now."
I scrambled to my feet and took the basket to another dusty dirty room. Opening the cupboards, I was thankfully able to find a relatively clean plate and glass to fulfil the order. Presenting the plate to him, he shooed me off with another snort and demanded the bottle as well as a bedroom cleaned. Realising I wouldn't get any answers I went up to investigate and discovered several bedrooms. With no wand or washing supplies, I chose the cleanest bedroom and with an old ripped shirt discovered in a cupboard I gave it a perfunctory clean and went down to the kitchen. The basket would keep things relatively fresh and I took advantage of the silence to eat a sandwich.
At around midnight it was clear Dumbledore was in some drunken stupor but I tried to rouse him. Finally, I was able to get him awake enough to stumble up the stairs and into the bedroom. Deciding to take advantage of any sleep, after a quick clean of the living room I took the smaller bedroom and fell asleep within minutes.
Waking up naturally to the sun shining through the windows was a strange experience. I'd sat up in a panic and the little clock informed me it was only 7am. It was a curious thing, clearly magical, noting the weather, date, as well as signs for prison, pub and school. All the little hands had long broken off. With a quick glance in at Dumbledore it was clear he would not be awake for some time yet. Instead, I luxuriated in the silence and even made myself a cup of tea. The basket, packed by Mopsy, was a lot fuller than one would expect for a Governors' meeting, so after quickly setting up the supplies for a classic full English I took myself out for a quick walk to establish my surroundings. We were really in the middle of nowhere, I realised after counting four fields of cows. I did, however, note a sign for Godric's Hollow but it didn't mean anything to me then. Dumbledore didn't emerge until about 1pm when he wolfed down the now lunch completely ignoring me. It was a funny feeling. On one hand, I had no idea what was going on but on the other hand it was the most relaxing time I'd ever had.
At about 4pm I did pluck up all my courage and knock on the study door with a cup of coffee. Dumbledore lifted his head up and glared.
"Uhh... Professor Dumbledore should I try to contact Mopsy or Hogwarts to let them know. Do you know how long we are here for?"
He took a gulp and then stared. I was just about to retreat when he remarked "Still got that accent have you?" still brusquely but with less hostility.
I just nodded in shock. "Always despised the French. Your whore of a mother was the most vile parasite I've ever encountered. This is damn good coffee though. Mopsy always makes drain water. Maybe you should be my personal house elf instead if we go back." He added with a mocking grin.
"If… you mean you don't know when that will be?"
He exploded with a slamming of the mug. "Of course, I don't know you stupid girl! That bloody Malfoy has used his cronies to depose me. Of course, I knew what was coming but that man is just scum. How did he ever convince that fool Smith?"
"So, we just wait here?"
He rolled his eyes with a mutter. "Why the hell did I ever bring you?"
"Why?"
He smiled again with that sneer. "Well, Mademoiselle I suppose I wanted to see what seven years of Hogwarts education has done for our resident scullery brat. After all, I'm aware you're seventeen soon and can finally start to be of use. Many of my Ministry associates could do with a sweetener." He added with a strange lustful snort.
I recoiled at the implication and using all of my courage. "Well, unfortunately Professor, I'll be seventeen, of age and able to make a choice. This house elf life will not be that. That choice does not include Hogwarts." I brought myself to my tallest height and delivered my parting blow.
He laughed and my heart sank. "Oh, my dear, your choice is and will always be utterly irrelevant. This "house elf life" does not expire at seventeen. That enormously expensive ritual all those years ago is indeed permanent. I'm afraid you're stuck with us a little longer." He added with a grin of triumph.
I felt my face go ashen. Shit. I'd never been really sure about what that agonising ritual entailed that I'd endured six years ago but I'd never dreamed. Never thought it was physically possible…
"What?" I near whispered.
Dumbledore smiled again with that grotesque mocking grin. "Well, my little parasite, that ritual effectively bound you to me for life. You cannot leave."
"How?"
"As a teacher I always found the best way of learning was to experience it. Go. Try to run away from me. Unlike Hogwarts, there's no ancient charms here. I promise I won't come after you. Allez."
I was so very confused but even in my stupor I knew I had to try. He was right, I'd been stuck in Hogwarts for years and had always known the charms would stop me. But here, I could feel a lack of the omnipresent Hogwarts murmur that comes from the centuries old charms. Could I just walk out the door?
"How do I know you won't just curse me?"
He scowled but then unexpectedly threw his wand at me. "Take it with you then. I'll just have to go to Ollivanders this afternoon."
This was his parting blow. Even as I walked towards the door, his wand in hand, wishing and hoping I could get out I knew it would be futile. Nonetheless I tried and it did seem to be working. I could feel a slight pressure but that was it. I walked down to the end of the street. The pressure was growing in my stomach but I put it down to nerves. Could I make a run for it? I began to run. It was glorious, I was flying to freedom! I'd spent years watching apparition lessons in the hall. I knew the theory, repeated verbatim every year by that mousy Ministry wizard. I could still hear the man and his breathy voice endlessly squeaking about the three D's.
"Remember ladies and gentlemen. The three D's! Destination, Determination and Deliberation!"
I put my foot forward, desperately thinking of the field behind Bathilda's house, my last real home. I used to play there for hours, while my mother gardened or sewed. I could do this. I spun round and…
Pain. Terrible excruciating pain. My vision blurry I could barely see the old roses my mother had taken so much care of. My first thought was that I'd splinched myself. With shuddering shaking hands, I anxiously felt down my body. Two arms, two legs, ten toes, ten fingers, two ears, millions of hairs and one head. I couldn't feel blood or a specific injury just this stomach curdling burning pain emanating from my stomach but spreading throughout my body. It was crippling me but I managed to shake my foggy mind away from that one thought to remember the medicine packed in the bag of provisions at Godric's hollow. Somehow that thought sustained me and I could even feel that pain reduce a little.
Strange that. It was subsiding a little so I could stand. Why would this mysterious pain decrease when I thought about going back to the little house, going back to… My blood ran cold. Dumbledore. This was why he was so blasé about me leaving. He knew. I bitterly accepted defeat. The pain still near unbearable I stuck my foot forward and thought of that despicable kitchen.
I landed on the hard tiles of the kitchen with Dumbledore's silver shoe visible. He leered down at me. "Learnt your lesson hmm?" He leant down to retrieve the wand with a barked, "make me a cup of tea."
Bones still aching, I hauled myself to my feet with the help of the kitchen counters. Barely able to lift the kettle to the sink I stood there for a good 10 minutes, not really thinking, just numb. It was over. My frail hopes over the past eighteen months cascading to that glorious moment of freedom before. I was stuck. I had noticed this bond/chain was apparently only valid until his death but I knew Bathilda was at least thirty years older and she was still here at least physically. I could be over 50 by the time he died. I briefly considered the idea of poisoning the madman's tea but that was soon discarded with the engulfing pain that made my knees buckle.
So, I couldn't harm him but did I have to work for him? I waited but no pain ensued after making a cup of tea and drinking it myself. After a good half hour, the psycho himself swept into the kitchen. He saw me drinking the tea and scowled.
"Ahh, you've found that little loophole. Well, small parasite I may have promised your mother to avoid physical harm but there's plenty I can do mentally. It's perfectly within the terms of our agreement to lock you in a cupboard for the next ten years, with a charm to remove all your senses. You'll be able to eat, but not see, hear or taste anything. Is that preferable to serving the great institution of Hogwarts?"
Again, I was silenced and simply shook my head.
"That's what I thought. Now make me that tea."
The next few days were a numb blur. I cooked, cleaned, made endless cups of tea but it was light work. Dumbledore spent his days reading and drinking, we kept largely out of each other's ways. I tried once more to leave but the pain was horrendous and stopped me in my tracks before the end of the road. The thoughts just keep reverberating around my mind. I'm trapped. Stuck in Hogwarts. Not yet seventeen and my life is over. No adventure, no travel, no friends, just me. I can't even see or speak to the other people in the castle.
On the fourth day, that repetitive jumble was whirring around my mind, when I finally shook myself out of the stupor. I couldn't change my location or my enslaver but could I change the job? Let's be clear, it was evidently transparent I was a terrible cook and cleaner. I'd heard the grumblings of the house elves. My only real asset was my height. What could I do in Hogwarts that I'd actually enjoy? It was really anything to do with people or talking to them. I spent the whole day considering what I could do. I had no real education so professor was out of the question. There was no way I could pass for a student nor would Dumbledore permit it. I thought about my interactions with the Twins. What did I actually do for them? I chatted, laughed at their jokes, gave them flirting tips. Unfortunately, official Flirting Adviser was probably not an acceptable job title. I suppose I listened to them too and helped them. The amount of times I'd slipped a spare tie, found old quidditch gloves or discretely added a slightly late essay to the pile of an unsuspecting professor. Seven years of living in the shadows helps you to observe. I knew a lot of the names of students. Could that work for me? Could I be a sort of listener, advice giver? Whilst Heads of House were supposed to do this, their workloads were too high. This is how children slipped through the gaps.
I was still formulating my plan when we got the call. Harry Potter had saved the day and his job. It was back to Hogwarts. This delay did sort of help as the case of Ginny only strengthened my proposal. Two days after the summer began, I knew Dumbledore had a spare afternoon, so I summoned up all my courage and knocked.
"Yes? Oh you. What?" he answered fairly brusquely.
"I have a pro-proposition." His eyebrows substantially ascended up his face.
"Hmm, and what does the little gu-gutter sssnipe want?" He sneered, mocking my slight nervous stutter.
"My job. It needs to change."
"Oh, does the little rat want to be a professor, despite not being able to read?"
I shook off the taunts. His words did not hurt me. I continued. "I'm not a good house elf but Hogwarts doesn't need a house elf. Hogwarts needs a listener. Someone to speak to and advise the pupils so another Ginny Weasley doesn't happen."
He snorted. "And what do you know of the students. You've been mouldering in the kitchen for seven years."
I slightly smiled at his ignorance. "This year's first year had forty pupils. This is slightly higher from last year. Probably because of Voldemort. There were fifteen children who struggled to settle. Twelve didn't properly eat the first few weeks. By Christmas, five were still not happy. Three are still not happy, obviously Ginny Weasley, but also Zacharias Smith in Hufflepuff and Victoria Knight in Ravenclaw. There are eight children who struggle with organising, Helena Carrow has forgotten her…"
I was interrupted by the shaking of his hand in the air. "Alright but what would you do? I don't need a counsellor."
I was seized by a strike of inspiration. "Currently, there's a shortage of equipment, not because we don't have the budget but because no one has checked or authorised the supply. In February, Professor McGonagall ordered thirty new hats for the seventh years to transfigure but if she'd had time to check, the supply from last year was in a cupboard on the 2nd floor. That wasted 23 galleons."
"Then, why the hell did you not say anything"
"Not allowed to speak to teachers." I shrugged, seeing his eyes darken.
"Leave, you'll be informed of my decision."
One week later I had my decision. He'd spoken to the head house elves and even to McGonagall. He didn't reveal he'd enslaved a ten year old but instead spoke to her about any flaws in the antiquated system. I was now Hogwarts personal assistant. I would assist the professors with logistical and administrative duties, do patrols as well as assisting the Head Boy/Girl and the students. I was a sort of liaison between the House Elves and humans of Hogwarts. It wasn't exactly what I'd planned but I would now be visible and play a real part in school life. Due to this, I had an actual job description as cleared by the Board of Governors. My existence was explained away in some convoluted story of Dumbledore that stayed far away from the truth. The truth of my enslavement was a bitter sting but I felt a little optimistic if only excited for the twins' reactions.
It wasn't the worst summer I'd ever had. Then it all went slightly to shit. In hindsight, it was one of my biggest blessings. On 22nd July 1993 at approximately 4.12am Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban.
