Hey everyone,
I'm really sorry, but I'm going to have to break the promise at the end of the previous chapter. I don't really have any idea on how to take care of the whole thing with the pendant or anything, so that story line is going to be put on hold for a while.
I'm really sorry, but it was either that or put the story on hiatus until the next Fantastic Beasts movie came out and I didn't want to wait on that.
Again, sorry,
Venquine1990
PS. In order to not be late for my monthly update, I forwent the Doc Manager editing. Apologies.
Chapter 54
A Change Of Topic
4th of November 1993
Great Hall, Hogwarts
Lily's POV
"I'm truly sorry, everyone. But if I wish to use this to get back my sister, I will first have to do some extensive research. Right now, while I recognize this trinket, I can't yet determine how it is determine to the mystery that is my sister.
I request patience and for us to simply focus on the task at hand;
The books."
There are a few among us who seem annoyed and/or disappointed. Yet the majority of the hall nods in understanding and agreement.
I take the book from my beloved husband and continue where he left off.
The House-Elf Liberation Front
This strange title causes much shock and confusion. Someone considers this a real change of topic and yet at the same time I find it more intriguing than confusing. And so I read.
Harry, Ron … do it –"
"You know what I don't get? Why we're making the same mistake as back in first and Second. This is the third time that we are just suspecting the most obvious suspect. And this is the second time that we ignored the unsuspicious yet suspicious new addition to the staff.
This is just like with Riddle and Quirrell." Harry mutters while sharing concerned and confused looks with Ron and Hermione. James looks at his grandpa in concern and the man sends him a short nod. More will be told later. I sigh in relief and read on.
Pigwidgeon was … coming next."
I smile at Hermione over this and she say: "Don't you worry, dear. I spent more than a decade having been locked up with four other men and I still don't get guy talk sometime."
There had been a few who had been shocked at my words at first, but now almost all women who are at least 16 years old or older giggle and snicker.
Some guys look offended, others pretend to look offended, even though they are suppressing grins. And yet others are looking as if they don't get what's so funny.
I really feel for this last lot as I read on.
"Right little … by now."
Sirius gives his son a grateful smile at this, even while the twins groan and thank their brother for ruining the surprise. Ron grins and shrugs carelessly as I read on.
Sure enough … on fire.
A couple of Badgers glare at the young man over this and some staff members also look deeply unimpressed. Yet then Jack turns to Eddy and asks:
"How much do you want to bet that the students who expected Harry to keep Cedric in the dark about the dragons either did something similar or got friends to do so?" And while the students in question turn red at this and look away, Eddy rolls his eyes and mutters:
"No bet." At which I smirk and read on.
Harry helped … rather guiltily.
"And besides, the rules never forbade other students from helping, just members of staff. That is, of course, unless the MMB made you put such a ridiculous rule into the rule set for this tournament." My brother in law moans in horrified despair.
And while grandpa reassures him that they will not let this happen, I read on with a bad feeling in my gut. But then I realize something. "If that had been the case, Harry's magic would have paid the price each time Hagrid, Sirius, this fake-Moody and Hermione helped him."
And this relieves me greatly.
"Yeah, go … shower. Harry."
"I really want to say that the Ministry would never sink as low as to humiliate someone like that. But by now, I just don't know any more what the MMB and that rat will make you people do or not do. I just don't know anymore."
Regulus sounds deeply and emotionally tired as he says this. Jeremy and Jason, who are seated on either side of the man, wrap an arm around him and gently lift him out of his seat. "Come on, mum. I think you can use a bit of a nap in the tent, just like Harry."
Regulus smiles at his eldest son gratefully and while he doesn't really lean on them, he lets them guide him indoors. Severus is quick to follow and so is Sirius. And as they follow, I read on.
"Want a … their cooking!"
Someone at another table grumbles that now the title of the chapter makes sense. At the same time Alice turns to the young girl and says:
"Sweetie, so far you've seen someone treat a House Elf absolutely unacceptably. You'll soon hear about Elves that are treated – fine, really. So why don't you come over sometime so you can see how someone treats House Elves nicely?
No offense, Albus." My grandfather shakes his head and says: "I know just fine that there is a difference between how an institution treats their House Elves and how a family treats theirs. I am not offended, Alice dear."
Both Alice and Hermione nod, Alice with a smile and Hermione in intrigued excitement. I know she's not mine, yet I feel proud of her nonetheless as I read on.
Just then … a bargain!"
At this James crosses his arms and says: "I won't deny my pride at your newest invention, but I feel I must deduce points. Never lie to your audience, not even for a prank. On long term, it can affect your reliability and that can affect your income drastically."
The twins look heavily startled, yet then Sirius says: "Don't you worry your pretty head, Jamie. I'm sure that, by the end of the next book our successors in mischief will have learned this lesson." James smirks and states that he agrees with his partner as I read on.
It was … really, dragons…
"Under certain circumstances, I presume. Surely you would never think of reliving something like this, right?" Sirius asks his son worriedly and the boy almost screams the word never. His parents nod in relief. And I ignore Hagrid's fallen face as I read on.
The start … these boxes…"
"Am I the only who's starting to feel as if it's better if we take care of these critters?" Isaac asks with a worried frown and his arms crossed. The rest of his group shake their heads and Irma mutters:
"Why do I get the feeling as if there is a reason other than CoMC that we keep hearing about these Skrewts?" And Harry groans:
"Because they're probably going to be part of either the Second or Third Task. And by then, I can only imagine what they will look and be like." Cedric winces and grimaces as well as I read on.
There were … fluffy blankets.
"Professor, if you want creatures to be comfortable, you need to use natural stuff like ashes, coals, moss, vines, leaves and things like that. Blankets are for humans."
Rosaline gently reminds the half-giant, who rubs the back of his head and mutters that he hadn't thought of it like that. He thanks her for the advice and I read on.
"We'll jus' … the others!"
"Hagrid, you may be the CoMC teacher, but you are just as responsible for the safety of the students as that of the creatures you use in class. You cannot forbid a student from defending themselves in your class any more than you can forbid them from using a wand in Charms. Understand?" Hagrid nods at me, though he has a disagreeing grimace on his face as I read on.
"Yeah, we … her arm.
Suddenly my Eddy shouts that he didn't even say anything. Everyone looks at the boy in shock and confusion and he moans:
"After mum advised Professor Hagrid and read on, all I could think was how could this possibly get any worse? And usually when I say it out loud, it gets worse. But this time I didn't say anything and it still happened."
His brothers and most of his Gang laughs and snickers at this and Irma gently tells him that you can't jinx the future. My boy groans nonetheless and I smile at him warmly as I read on.
Hagrid launched … why not?"
"Hagrid, two things.
One, from now on you will not show creatures that have an elemental feature to anyone under Fifth year and not without supervision of the Squad.
Two, next time I banish or forbid someone from the grounds, understand that that means that all contact with this person is forbidden as well by the staff."
What concerns me is that Hagrid looks ready to argue the first demand. I shake my head and wonder dearly if the man really is qualified to teach.
Thankfully he turns red, rubs the back of his head and concedes to the latter point. And when I look at Albus and the Squad, I know they will make Hagrid listen to both points.
I read on relieved.
Harry had … meant best."
Hagrid obviously disagrees with this and even seems ready to argue with Ron. But Minerva interrupts him before he has the chance.
"Hagrid listen, even Severus can vouch that, regardless of me being Head of Gryffindor, I have always been impartial in my treatment of all students, regardless of House.
I do believe that, with the trust that Albus and I placed upon you, we should be able to expect the same from you when it comes to the students and your projects.
Your opinion is not mine, but that does not mean that you don't deserve to voice yours any more than my Lions deserve to voice theirs, understand?"
What worries me is that, while Hagrid seems to disagree with the woman, he just silently accepts her words and keeps quiet. I send a worried glance at Albus, who nods to indicate that he has noticed the same and I read on.
Harry and … and obviously.
I know that Irma, Irina and James hate this woman on the same level as Sirius has grown to hate Barty Crouch Senior. Because of this, I am very grateful that they just keep quiet and that the rest of the school just lets me read on without commentary.
"It'd be … medical miracle."
"The worst of it all is, in a way that she has nothing to do with, she's even right. What I mean is that the Tournament is deadly and it could kill you.
What's wrong about all this is that woman herself. She seems to feel as if you're supposed to die in it. As if, if she just tells you enough times, it will happen.
What I wonder is this. Does she realize that this would make her guilty of secondary murder? After all, if Harry were to die in the Tournament, all students who share this class with him would remember her predictions and would accuse her."
The girl might not have her family with her, but Albus is absolutely right to hug precious Irma close against his form in pride.
At first many of us had been shocked and horrified to hear her admit that the woman was right. But the more the young woman spoke, the more I realized what she was going on about. And the more I realized it, the more I loved it.
And so I read on with a huge grin on my face. And I chortle a snicker as Irma quickly reassures everyone that she doesn't want Harry to die, she's just voicing a thought.
"You'd be … happened – please –"
"Ooooh boy, here we go. I may not be a Seer, but I can easily predict what is going to happen. my guess, expect potential disappointment in 5 pages from now, 10 at max."
Someone moans and grumbles. And while I grimace at his words, I also worry for the fact that he is probably right. And while her father and brother hold her close, I read on.
She seized … Liberation Front?
A lot of students look at Ron shocked, while the boy hits himself on the head. His sister giggles and Irina mutters: "I get the feeling that's going to happen more often." And because of her gift, I look forward to when this might be before I read on.
I'm not … show you!"
"Wait a sec." Harry mutters and he shares another look with his friends.
"No way." Hermione gasps after a minute or so.
"It can't be." Ron whispers, his eyes as wide as that of his friends.
Yet none of them elaborate and so I just read on.
She seized … Harry gasped.
Instantly I notice Lucius being startled and he turns to Albus. But when he whitens, the elder man is quick to state: "I would never, Lucius. The secrets of another are not mine and I would never have a former elf divulge them to me."
Lucius sighs in relief and mutters: "Good. After all, if you take into account just how – how horribly the MMB changed me and what it – heh – inspired me to partake in. I don't want anyone to know about that – ever."
The elder headmaster nods, while Elena and Elisa look at their father with looks full of concern and even a light hint of fright. Naturally Draco and Narcissa are quick to reassure them with hugs as I continue to read.
"It is … orange stripes.
"Great mother magic, what happened to that poor thing?" Gideon and Fabian chorus with their eyes wide in horror. Lucius sighs and mutters:
"He was Bella's elf before I got him. And even then he spent about a year or two with Walburga. And I mean MMB Walburga."
Instantly Sirius winces and mutters: "Enough said." Yet again I wonder about these changed memories about the man's mother and James seems worried about this too as I read.
"Dobby, what're … here too?"
Barty, who has been quiet for the most part, looks up shocked and startled. Yet then he sighs and says: "Three things, Albus.
One, I am beyond grateful for your decision not to question another person's House Elf about their family secrets, even if they work for you instead of their former employer.
On the other, two, I wish you didn't have this morale code and had questioned Winky after you hired her to work for you.
Unfortunately, and this is the final point, I really don't know if you'd have been able to get anything out of her. She respects my secrecy even more than you."
The man genuinely regrets this, yet at the same time I can't help but remember the words from the Harry that is still stuck in the future. And with those words in mind, I read on.
"Yes, sir, yes!" said Dobby, and he seized Harry's hand and pulled him off into the kitchen between the four long wooden tables that stood there. Each of these tables, Harry noticed as he passed them, was positioned exactly beneath the four House tables above, in the Great Hall. At the moment, they were clear of food, dinner having finished, but he supposed that an hour ago they had been laden with dishes that were then sent up through the ceiling to their counterparts above.
At least a hundred little elves were standing around the kitchen, beaming, bowing, and curtsying as Dobby led Harry past them. They were all wearing the same uniform: a tea towel stamped with the Hogwarts crest, and tied, as Winky's had been, like a toga.
Dobby stopped in front of the brick fireplace and pointed.
"Winky, sir!" he said.
Winky was sitting on a stool by the fire. Unlike Dobby, she had obviously not foraged for clothes. She was wearing a neat little skirt and blouse with a matching blue hat, which had holes in it for her large ears. However, while every one of Dobby's strange collection of garments was so clean and well cared for that it looked brand-new, Winky was plainly not taking care other clothes at all. There were soup stains all down her blouse and a burn in her skirt.
"Hello, Winky," said Harry.
Winky's lip quivered. Then she burst into tears, which spilled out of her great brown eyes and splashed down her front, just as they had done at the Quidditch World Cup.
"Oh dear," … difficult indeed –"
It obviously pains her, but Alice nods and says: "That sounds like just how things were before the MMB. Though back then, House Elf owners were often like Employment Agencies, at least with certain House Elves.
It really wasn't uncommon for House Elves to be requested to work for families within certain Alliances, especially when one such family was preparing for an important birthday party, a wedding or an Annual feast or ball.
Is that still done?" Yet even before the bubbly woman asks her question, she already has her answer. The Purebloods who are known to have House Elves, such as the Malfoys, are staring at her. My sister in all but blood sighs and mutters never mind as I read on.
At this … you, Dobby!"
Yet James frowns and mutters: "There's something wrong with that elf. Even with him having been Bella's and owned by a mind-altered Walburga, this is just – too extreme."
Harry wants to argue with his mother, but then he gasps and asks: "Mum, what – what if – what if Dobby – what if he is – is like Book-Ron? What if – what if – like Miss Jorkins, he – he came – he came across –?"
The boy doesn't need to finish his frightful questions. Everyone already knows exactly what he means. His mother grimaces and pulls his son comfortingly close against his form as he states that the boy might be onto something. And with dread in my heart, I read on.
(Please know, I LOVE Dobby! This is just for the sake of the Plot).
"Thank you … a month!"
My fellow prisoners and I all stare at Albus, who snickers and says: "You lot know me too well. Of course I would fuse a bit of link magic into whatever orders I give those two. I know what happens to truly free elves, even if young Dobby's extended freedom is most extraordinary."
Yet this last bit concerns me and I wonder to myself: "Is Dobby really a Free Elf? If he came across Pettigrew, what if that little rat bound Dobby to him, used this to strengthen the MMB and then erased the whole event from the poor little thing's mind?" And while I worry for the intriguing little critter, I continue to read.
"That's not … to you –"
Emily gently smiles at her daughter and says: "I don't disagree with you, dear, but I get the feeling that you might not be the right person to try and convince this little elf of this." Her sister sighs her resigned agreement to this and I read on.
But at … do it."
"I don't need to tell you what you already know, do I Barty?" Sirius growls at the man he now has a Blood Feud with.
And as proud as I have always known Barty Crouch Senior to be, the man is apparently either humble or humiliated enough to shake his head. I wonder if I should believe him as I read on.
"Can't house-elves … his head.
Lucius sighs and mutters: "I can't wait until this damned MMB is finally lifted. I – I want Dobby to see the new me, the real me. I – I want him to know that, without the MMB, I never would have done – what I did."
Again I share Elena and Elisa's concern, even though I know that Lucius had to do a few really horrible things when he was a Spy for the light. Yet at the same time I also share in their father's desire for this little elf to know the truth as I read on.
"You just … and bawled.
Barty himself shakes his head at this and says: "The only thing Medly and Ikky would be ashamed about was that Winky was too compliant. That she didn't motivate me into adhering to my wife's final wishes in a better way.
Otherwise, they wouldn't be ashamed, not at all. If anything they'd be glad that she was freed. They were actually alive after I listened to my wife's final wishes. They died shortly after and – I know. I know that Medly died worrying for her daughter."
I really know how this feels as I have gone through the last 12 years of my life, even if with me it concerned my baby boys and not a girl. Still, I know that in the end that doesn't make much of a difference and so I just read on.
"Winky," said … do you?"
This shocks and horrifies Molly, but her son is quick to reassure her. "It's not that I don't love your sweaters, mum, but I have my reasons.
For one, even if I'm just walking outside, in winter and while it's snowing, I still sweat like crazy. I sometimes feel like I'm in summer in a shirt that isn't even half as thick as your sweaters.
Next to that, I know I have a lot of grow spurts, but I have yet to grow out of the one you gave me when I was ten. And the same counts for the other two.
And finally – well, I just hate maroon. I told you several times, but you just keep sending one in that color. Plus, this makes Dobby happy, so –."
The woman sighs and it's obvious that she still feels a little bit bad about all this. Yet she nods in understanding nonetheless and says that she will try to work with these adjustments for Ron's next sweater. Ron sweatdrops, but he hugs his mum regardless as I read on.
Dobby was … that too!"
Isaac wants to correct his younger sister and even starts with the words hate to say it, sis, but Hermione sighs and mutters:
"It's not the elves that need to see that they're better off by watching Dobby. It's me who needs to realize that the Elves are setting the right example, not Dobby."
Her older brother and her twin nod at her, while her parents and the rest of the adults around her smile in pride.
I know that, from time to time, the young girl reminds me of myself when I was working on a project that I was dedicated on and I know how she feels as I read.
"Let's hope … tea cozy."
"What are we?"
"A couple of librarians?"
Funnily Irma Prince doesn't even seem offended.
She just sends the two boys an unimpressed raised eyebrow look.
"Wow, that was a bit of a useless chapter, huh? I mean, we didn't really learn much new stuff now, did we?" Someone asks. Their table partner shrugs and Joshua says: "We've got five books describing a total of five years of content.
There are definitely going to be a few chapters that might seem like filler and actually be as such. Though we could also encounter chapters that will have content that won't be relevant for a long time to come, sometimes maybe even for a book or two."
Mostly the Ravenclaws nod and then Edward laughs and says: "Besides, if every chapter is going to be serious and important, this whole reading would be a total downer. We wouldn't be able to enjoy anything or catch a break.
Those factors are vitally important and both the Books and the Time Sand that created them realized this. So yeah, sometimes we'll get a chapter where we can just catch our breath." And naturally I am not the only one relieved about this.
Whew! That happened,
I won't deny it, this chapter was HARD! I had to reread and reference several chapters of the story several times over. Normally a chapter of this story takes me a few hours. Now it almost took me the better part of a day and almost made me late.
Sorry about that,
Venquine1990
