Another chapter. Sorry for the production delays. I am trying to be consistent with postings. My goal is at least one per week. Not so sure I am meeting that right now.
Thank you for your comments. I try to answer each and every post. However, guest comments and not be responded to personally.
Thanks again to Rob4133- without his help this would not be possible, both inspiration and technical assistance.
As always your comments help keep this alive.
Bob
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Draco and Pansy slipped into the compartment. The standard compartment was thrice the size and the benches were transfigured to Lazyboys.
"Welcome come on in! Have a seat. Do you want a drink before we get moving?"
"No, not right now. This is much more comfortable than the other compartments. Why has no one done this before?"
"To be honest Draco, we hadn't either. But Harry and I wanted to be comfortable this trip."
Hermione waved to Pansy who looked a bit nervous walking into the lion's den.
"Relax Pansy," Daphne said opening one eye. Her chair was already vibrating and just felt so good. Last night was a late night and the guys had insisted that the ladies join them in a 3 kilometer run this morning. The girls were unsure but they thought it had something to do with them forcing the guys to get up at 5 am when they were initially going to give running a pass until after the hols. "As the guys had said, we may not agree on everything, but no one is going to attack you for your beliefs."
"We may kick Harry and Neville's ass today though." This was from the normally placid Luna.
"Do you let your women talk to you that way Potter?" His voice was light, not intended to anger.
"Of course. I have to live with them. And a certain someone better remember I know how to make her favorite pudding, and if I tell the elves to forget they will." Harry peeked at Luna.
Her mouth opened in surprise, "Oh Harry I'm sorry," she said jumping on him once more hurting the guys.
"Must you try to break my balls? Do you not want to have children in the future?"
Everyone was laughing at the interplay. "I don't know Potter. Withholding pudding is a pretty serious offense. Since we're at an impasse I think we need to go to a disinterested third party. 'Mione what do you think?"
"Well."
"You said disinterested!" Harry protested. "What about Neville? He's disinterested."
"Nevy?" Luna's voice was dangerous.
"Leave me out of it mate. My girls will kill me."
"What about it Draco? Help a guy out will you?"
"Lord Potter," Pansy said getting into the swing of things. "He's wise enough to know when to stay out of a woman's way." She added almost under her breath, "If he knows what's good for him."
"Potter you're on your own." He was laughing. The ride had never been relaxing before. Always some kind of political task or intelligence mission. "I think you are a bad influence. All of you. You're going to give Pansy Ideas."
"Oh no, that's not true Drakey. She's always had them. She just didn't let herself trust before. She's learning how to now."
"It's all over. Luna has just christened him with a nickname. You're in trouble now." Tracey too had her chair vibrating. She didn't even open her eyes for the exchange.
"What's that mean?" Draco was a little concerned. He thought perhaps he misread intentions here. He could get defensive if he had to.
"It means," Harry said as he capitulated to Luna and Hermione's kisses. They had transfigured their Lazyboy into one huge chair and the girls were not done assaulting his neck and cheeks and lips with kisses. "You are being adopted by us. When Luna gives you a nickname you're family."
He was smiling, but it was a sad one. "It's not as easy as that. My father wants me to get close to you and slowly bring you to follow the dark lord. Barring that, I am to find a way to leave you defenseless and make you a target."
"What do you think Draco?" Neville asked. "What do you want to do?"
Draco was silent for a moment and had a conversation with Pansy that involved eyes, head shakes, and shoulder shrugs. They came to a decision when she finally nodded, her eyes hopeful. "I see my mother dying a bit more every day. Forced into a marriage that she doesn't want." He paused and interrupted himself. "I'm giving you great power here Potter. The little boy you saw before believed in the nonsense my father espouses. He speaks of pureblood power and how muggles and half bloods are scum, only to be used and disposed of. The first time you mentioned Voldemort being a half blood I asked him whether the rumor was true. He came to the school the next day and he and my godfather beat me like a drum. I could barely move."
"Move? You could barely breathe," Pansy interrupted. "Madam Pomphrey said if we had waited much longer you would have died." She started crying and covered her face with her hands. Tracy pulled her wand and made a few passages with it, and the two Lazyboys merged into one. It was much easier for Draco to console her this way.
"Pansy. What of your parents? Are they true believers of Voldemort?" Hermione asked when she had calmed.
"They believe what ever is best at the time. If all of a sudden muggles would give them the greatest advantage, then they would be muggle lovers." Her tone was bitter.
"Some people do that because they're scared and want to protect their family."
"I know." It wasn't the first time she had heard this argument.
"Look," Harry said, drawing eyes to him. "It's not as if we don't have our differences. I told you before I may not agree with something you say, but as long as you are not hurting anyone, then you have a right to say it. Hermione and I listened for a long time while Neville and the other girls educated us on Pureblood politics and customs."
Draco snorted, "You still aren't good with the customs. That would have earned you a beating from my father."
Daphne added drolly, "You should have seen the two of them when we started."
All of the others laughed.
After the laughter stopped, "Now I'm not making promises. At least not right now. But if I could protect your mother, would that help you?"
His sudden intake of breath showed that Harry had hit a nerve. "If you could protect my mother from my father and the dark lord's ass kissers, that would ease my mind considerably. What would you want in return?"
"Not to be attacked." Harry didn't hesitate for a second, he had rehearsed this all morning. "I understand it would put you and Pansy in a difficult position at school, but you telling people to stay out if it and not choosing sides would save a lot of lives."
"Your name carries weight in the school. Many would follow your lead," Neville said without opening his eyes.
The two visitors looked at each other, "We will consider it."
The group talked of inconsequential things for a time, before Luna interrupted. "We will be having guests soon."
"It didn't take a seer to know that was going to happen." Harry scoffed.
"Do you not like my predictions anymore Mr. Potter?" Her voice rose, but there was no rancor in it.
"I like your predictions fine, Miss Luna," he said kissing her. "And I like YOU even more. But everyone knows we get a visit from some wannabes every time we take this trip. It's obligatory."
"Why were you always doing that, Drakey?" Hermione was always curious. "Especially after the first couple of failed attempts, still you sought confrontation."
He shook his head, "I'm not sure I like the nickname Drakey."
"Well I do Drakey!" Pansy burst in.
"Shit, you see what a corrupting influence you goodie two shoes are?"
Luna started to look at her shoes.
"Never mind Luna love."
"As far as the meetings, at first I was supposed to befriend you but I messed that up badly. Then Snape offered house points and then gold for someone to injure or embarrass you. Now that Snape is gone, so will the gold."
"He was never going to pay anyway. He's as cheap as they come."
Neville interrupted, "Here they come."
"How many?" Hermione didn't even put her book down.
Draco looked around and the girls took no action at all. They read or relaxed with their eyes closed. He saw Luna with her shoes off peering into them. He was sure she was trying to determine what made them goody. "What do you need me to do?"
"Three, no four," Neville answered.
Harry shook his head, shrugged and said. "I don't know. Relax and enjoy the show?"
The words were barely out of his mouth when the door opened. Four bodies rushed in, wands sending curses at the teenagers. "Die Potter. You and your bitches with you! The dark lord will reward us!"
Draco was nervous as the pale yellow and red and blue curses flew at him and Pansy, but all of them were shielded.
The four Slytherins, all upper years kept casting, growing angrier because their spells were having no effect. To add insult to injury the girls never even acknowledged they were being assaulted. The guys just laughed and gave then the 2 fingered salute. The leader of the group, Britthaven grew angrier. His face got red and spittle flew as he cursed.
"Neville. I'm tired. End this please." Tracy didn't even open her eyes. She had gotten no sleep the night before.
It was just dumb luck that the reflected curses didn't hit the attackers, The curses hit the floor ceiling and one even hit the wall outside the door.
"I'm sorry Trace, Harry and I were just having some fun. Harry get the window please."
"Huh? Oh yeah. Sorry." He gestured and the large expanded window that had stretched from floor to ceiling disappeared. A giant invisible hand pushed the cursing attacker out of the compartment. Into the bright light before once more becoming the regular wall and window.
"Thank you. It was much too bright in here."
"My pleasure. Next time you should go to bed when the rest of us do."
She sat up, her eyes bloodshot. "Next time just shut up. It's your fault I was up."
"How is it my fault?" Tracey over reacting was not unusual.
"I'm allergic to chicken feathers!"
There was a moment of silence as everyone processed the statement when at once everyone burst out laughing. After another moment so did Tracey.
"Drakey. I think I'm going to like our new friends."
"Shit. I hate that name."
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The other 3 hours were spent in relative silence as everyone dozed. Finally, the whistle blew its warning, informing everyone they were ten minutes out. When the train finally stopped the mad dash to get to the loved ones began. The six along with Drakey and Pans, (he was trying that out on her, more to get a rise out of her.) Waited until the rush ended.
Most of the crowd has dispersed but there were plenty of people there, along with Amelia Bones and 2 of her Aurors. "Lord Potter, a moment of your time please."
"Madam Bones, Happy Christmas. What can I do for you?"
"I'm afraid there has been a serious accusation made. Four people have accused you of attempted murder."
"You're under arrest Potter. You and your ...ladies will have to come with us."
"When did you become her boss? Who the hell are you anyway? Never mind. Shut up, I don't want to hear it." Harry waved a hand at the Auror. His short brown hair was cut like it was done with a weed whacker. One brown eye drooped lower than the other, and he had a scar that extended from his right ear to the corner of his mouth. His auror robes looked to be as old as he was. He tensed up ready to pull his wand, but a sharp look from his boss stopped him.
"Mr's Britthaven, Dirkson, Harris and a Miss Smith. All say that you threw them off the train.
"I'm not sure that thrown is the right word. What would you call it sweetie?"
Hermione didn't even pause to think. "Defenestration. They went out the window."
"That's a confession if I ever heard one. Come on, don't fight me boy, while I put these cuffs on you."
"Director, are your personnel issues this bad? Or is this take a wanna be to work day?"
He once more started to pull his wand, but Harry stopped him this time. "Don't even think about it. You don't stand the slightest chance of getting a spell off. I respect your boss here and will comply with whatever she decides. You didn't notice the Lady Luna flanking both you and your partner did you?"
The two turned around and saw Luna there smiling at them, scratching her ear with her wand.
Hermione whispered in his ear. "Really! I thought she looked familiar. When we are done here cousin stick around so I can say hi and formally introduce myself to you."
She nodded, unsure what to do. Auror training didn't cover arresting relatives or interviewing them either.
"Ahem. Lord Potter. It's been a long day already. and the four juveniles are complaining of pain and are being seen by the doctors in St. Mungo's. I need to interview them again."
"I'm sorry, director."
"So what is their condition? Being evicted from a fast moving train, I would think that they would be seriously hurt."
"No, they were wet. You threw them off while you were on a bridge." Her hair was cycling from blue to green to pink to black and then over again. Harry wondered if she knew with very little effort she could get a job as a traffic light.
"Dammit. Some people can't do anything right." He yelled to Neville and the girls, who along with Draco and Pansy were having a discussion with Madam Longbottom. "Hey, Longbottom! You screwed up. They all survived!"
"All of them? Potter you moron. Can't you do anything right?"
"Don't blame me, snake lover. I only held the window open. You were the bouncer."
"Potter you are such a whiner. Blaming everyone else when you are obviously the incompetent one."
"Yeah! Well, I hate you Longbottom."
"Isn't that the witty comeback?"
"Director. We can have them each blame the other and get a confession that will implicate both. With the testimony of those fine students, It should be enough for a dozen years in Azkaban. Especially for the Potter brat."
Bones gaze was penetrating. She just discovered another suspected mole in her department or perhaps just an idiot. "Don't be so sure. Those two are closer than brothers. They wouldn't be talking at all if they were guilty. There's something else in play here." She saw Harry smile and wink before she continued, "And they had best get at it. I have a long day ahead of me still and my niece deserves some face time with me."
As soon as Harry started to yell the other group started to draw near. "I'm sorry director. Of course, you are correct. It is as Hermione said the four were defenestrated." "Hermione I like that word." "And as I said I opened the window and Lord Neville ushered them out."
"There you have it director. Arrest them."
"What is your name? You really can't be that stupid. Do you know how difficult it is to arrest two Lords of Ancient and Noble Houses?" Harry got himself back under control, as Neville and the girls smirked at the obtuse Auror.
Neville asked, "Did anyone think to do a prior incantum on the wands?"
"They dropped them when they went into the water."
"I can't believe the luck," Harry said to no one in particular. "We cross one bridge in the entire six hour trip and only one body of water big enough to hit. What kind of luck is that?"
"It's more than that," Tonks interjected. "None of them can swim, they might have drowned, but the engineer just happened to look back at the lake at that exact moment. Thirty seconds on either side and they would all be dead. He called the Aurors and we responded immediately."
"It's like they hit the lottery. Their good luck, our bad."
"Is it that bad that four students survived?" His voice was not kind.
"Not normally, but they burst into our compartment screaming insults at the girls and throwing nasty hexes everywhere. They were first lucky because we all held shields up and none of their reflected spells hit them. Then they were lucky to hit the only place outside the fast moving train to survive. Then they were lucky to drop their wands and they either floated away or on the bottom of the lake. Then they were lucky the engineer saw them and called for the Aurors and then they were lucky to get some competent assistance. Normal Auror time to respond is what 30 minutes?"
The guy couldn't help himself. Thinking he was doing the Auror corps a service he answered, "20, and we only have your word against theirs."
"The word of two lords. Who are they again? But so the Director can get some well deserved down time. Let's make this even easier for you. We have a witness. I assume they have none?
"I am sure your witness is well paid for."
"Even Tonks was surprised by that. Her hair went white and her face changed shape and color before she once more regained control.
Harry sighed. "Let's put this to bed shall we?"
Everyone looked at him curiously but Hermione intervened. "It's a muggle newspaper reference. What Lord Potter means is let's finish this up."
"Director Bones, did you want to question our witness?"
"Please Lord Potter."
Draco and Pansy had been hiding behind Madam Longbottom, stepped out. "Auror Clarke-Smythe Isn't it? I've heard my father speak of you. I'm wondering just what benefits one derives from angering 2 lords of Ancient and Noble houses as well as angering the one in charge of keeping him employed on a matter that was bound to come down to the classic 'he said- she said?' I will pass on to my father the cunning and intelligence displayed here. Director Bones everything Lord Potter and Lord Longbottom has said is the truth. Unfortunately. Including I suspect the questions of competence and whining." He looked directly at the Auror. "I believe the muggle expression is, 'I don't have a dog in this race.' So I will keep my eyes and ears open and choose my moment. I have learned something, that some older heads obviously have not."
"So the four students were the aggressors."
"Correct, both my fiance and myself saw the whole thing from the beginning."
"It was quite pathetic really." Pansy joined in. "They entered, tried to kill everyone and were rushed right out where the window is. Really, this whole aftermath is much ado about nothing."
Hermione rejoined, "Ah, Shakespear!"
"Who? Was he there too?"
Madam Bones had declined to the invitation for Susan to Join Harry and the girls. But she did indicate that both she and Susan would be at the Longbottom's annual New Year's eve ball. Emma was waiting on the muggle side of the train station. After apologizing for the delay Harry introduced Tonks as his cousin.
Emma immediately invited them over the next day in the afternoon. She wouldn't commit without speaking to her parents but after exchanging phone numbers the group left to go home.
"Luna dear. Your father will be spending the day with us tomorrow. That's why he's not here to pick you up."
"I got his owl the other day, thank you mum."
Emma teared up. Not a wise thing to do while driving, but she quickly got herself under control.
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They discussed the term and all of the issues they faced, especially the headmaster and his future plans. "It's sad really. He at one time was the leader of the light. A large part of the victory over Germany can be laid at his feet. But he's fading, I think perhaps going senile. At least that's what Hermione thinks and the wizarding world is in jeopardy."
Dan had finished the last patient, another 'Christmas emergency,' Too many people breaking their teeth on nuts. "That's what nutcrackers are for," Emma and Hermione said simultaneously. Obviously a favorite rant of the dentist.
"Well it's true. But how do you know his plans?"
"He doesn't realize it, but he talks to himself all the time. According to the hat, more and more. Fawkes is barely there anymore, and the hat says she only stays at all because at one time he was a great man."
Luna asked, "I thought Fawkes was a male?"
"Don't ask me. Ask the hat."
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Christmas came early. After going to midnight mass, and then staying up another hour or so answering all of Luna's questions. Which went way beyond Hermione's knowledge. Hermione thought she was going to have a hard time explaining the witch burnings and other atrocities in the name of God or the church, but Luna waved that away, "There are small minded, evil people everywhere. I find this fascinating, can we learn about it together?"
Hemione threw her arms around the blonde's neck and was jumping up and down. It had made her Christmas. "Harry I know how you feel when I do it to you."
"Good, does that mean you'll stop hurting the guys?"
She scoffed and snorted, "Nooo, but I'll know how you feel."
"Gee thanks Luna. Happy Christmas." He toasted her with his mug of hot chocolate.
As they were finishing breakfast Xeno showed and extended the time at the table a bit. Luna was a bit perturbed. She had been eyeing all of the brightly wrapped presents all morning. "You came late on purpose daddy."
"I did? That's amazing that you could tell that? You didn't wake everyone in the house early did you?"
"Umm, no?"
"Did you lie in wait to try to capture Santa Clause again?"
"That's silly Daddy. You know Santa hardly ever visits muggle homes anymore."
All of the stockings were emptied, and some of the small gifts exchanged when the rooms ambiance changed. A sudden tenseness was felt. For once the girls sat on the couch together, without Harry being in the middle. "What's wrong?" Emma was afraid to ask.
The teens all looked to one another. None of them wanted to go first.
"It will be a quiet Christmas if no one speaks anymore."
Then all three decided to speak and then they all stopped. Not wanting to interrupt the other and not really wanting to go first either.
Dan decided. "Harry. Your go."
He sighed. "Just to put everyone's mind at ease. We're fine. We still love each other but we have a disagreement. It's our first fight really."
"It's not fair to call it a fight Harry. Disagreement is closer."
"I like kerfuffle."
"You would," Harry said and Hermione snorted.
"Whatever it is New Years is coming soon. What was this squabble about?"
"Ooh that's a good one."
"Ahem," Emma interrupted.
"Here it is. I wanted to get you something special for Christmas and the ladies disagreed with me. I can see their side of the argument and they could see mine. So we're at an impasse. I wanted to do this. And while they agree in principle they disagree in the application of this. But we want it clear. We all love all of you. And this is not me 'going crazy' as it was suggested to me."
"So before we look at these gifts, let me see if I understand. You three spent a lot of money on the gifts."
"Correct."
"Did it hurt your financial standing at all?"
"Not in the slightest."
"Emma?"
She thought for a moment. "Will there be a need to spend a lot of money every time a special occasion arises?"
"Not as a general rule. If there is something that is needed, or even if something is wanted. But as a general rule, I, like all of the Potter forebearers want to make money and only spend wisely."
"Xeno? Any questions?"
"Thanks Emma. Just one. Does this hurt your relationship with either of the girls?"
"Not in the slightest. And in a few moments, you will see how it can go a long way towards giving them a feeling of security."
By this time both of the girls went to Harry and were hanging on him. While not a major point of contention, they didn't like the disagreement at all.
"Ok kids let's have them. We'll accept them because they are offered in love and will not hurt you at all."
Harry pulled two envelopes from the very deep pockets of the bathrobe he wore. "Mum, Dad. Dad. Happy Christmas."
Emma and Xeno opened the envelopes. While Dan peered over her shoulder. Inside were two documents. Their eyes got big. Very big. "Harry, girls this,... this is so much. You paid off the mortgages for the house and for the dental office? That was over a half million pounds."
Emma started to tear up and Dan was goggle-eyed at the two notes marked 'paid in full.'
"Times are uncertain. You need the financial security that goes with this. We know that your earning power was well controlled and you would have been able to pay this but now you have more control and it gives you more options and fewer concerns."
Having already agreed they couldn't very well back out. Luna looked to her father. The document contained a color brochure that being magical in nature had a picture of a machine running.
"Daddy? Are you okay?"
"Lovebug? Are you sure? I mean... this this. It's too much."
"Now I see that Harry was right. Thank your gut for me Harry. I'm glad you listen to it. I just wish I could hear it when it talks to you."
"What did they give you Xeno?"
"It's a top of the line printing press. Its Dwarven made. The best press you can find in the world. It prints in black and white and color and one man on this can do the work of 5 on the press I have." Dan took the brochure and they all looked at it impressed. He was concerned that he was going to faint.
"It also comes with a goblin controlled building. Things may get worse before they get better and we want you safe. And we want the truth to come out. There's not a lot of that out of the Prophet these days."
"Harry, these are very nice gifts. Thank you."
"You're welcome Mum, but we are not quite done yet."
"Harry. Dad this is what we talked about. To be perfectly honest, I am being very selfish in giving these gifts to you."
"How's that?"
"Because everything we are doing here is about your safety. If you are safe and secure, the girls are going to be happy."
"Okay, but I hope we're done."
"How does almost sound? Really. I think everyone will like these. Dobby?"
Dobby appeared wearing his boxers that said 'I'm the best', with one neon green sock and the other a hot pink. He carried 2 long boxes and gave one to each Granger and the other to Xeno.
"Great socks Dobby."
"Thanks you Capn Dan. The great Harry Potter gave me another pair just like them!"
The Grangers had two shotguns in their box one obviously meant for a woman, the other box had a shotgun as well as a pistol. "In with the documentation, you will see a membership as well as lessons paid through the next 2 years. The owner of the gun club is a squib so he knows all about magic. Between the shotguns, and the elves and the wards, you should be safe. But Winky and Dobby know the rules to follow in an emergency.
Emma rose from her chair and went over to Harry. She hugged him tightly, he knew where the "hermihugs" came from and kissed his cheek. "Are we done yet Mr. Potter?"
"Well the guys are but I have one more thing for a big girl and two more things for the younger girls."
"Harry," she said dangerously.
"Trust me Mum. Winky!"
Winky appeared in her new uniform. It was a soft pink and went with her complexion perfectly. "Master Harry and the girls give me a new uniform!" She said proudly. "It's not clothes because it's all part of a uniform."
"You look lovely Winky," Emma said.
"Besides, you're family now Winky. The only way you'll leave is if you want to. That's Lord Potter's word on that."
Her smile got even bigger.
"Winky would you give the ladies the next gift?"
The three girls opened the packages. They were each the same size box. Only the wrapping paper was different. "Emma opened it wondering. She smiled at the gift, when she turned it over... "Really Harry? Harry Potter panties?"
"You don't like them 'Mione?"
"I didn't say that! I'll just put them with my other set of Potter panties."
Dan was laughing, he couldn't get the image out of his head while tears glistened in his eyes. "I'm sorry," he said after awhile. "I just could picture your Mum saying, "Oh I wish I had a picture of my son in law. Oh. Wait a minute, let me show you!"
Even Emma thought that was funny. Eventually.
"Harry? Did you forget us again?"
"Luna, I said I wouldn't ever forget another important date like your birthday or Christmas, and I meant it. So you're looking for more than just underwear, huh?"
"Yes please."
He wasn't going to tease. Not after the disagreement. Although mild, it still bothered him. "You had better check you stocking."
"We emptied our stocking!" Hermione jumped up and ran to her and Luna's stocking another small package was inside. "How did you get that in there?"
He wiggled his fingers, "Magic!"
They each had an identical locket. Inside was a picture of the three of them apart and coming together in a hug and the bright flash of light was testament to the band they shared.
Emma and Dan looked at it, and while it was and seemed to shine with its own light, it wasn't like the gifts he had given them. Each of the lockets looked to be in silver or white gold and had filagree designs on it.
Xeno looked at it, even more surprised at this than the other gifts. "Is this Goblin made?"
"It is."
"White gold?"
Harry shook his head, "Goblin platinum and mithril."
"I didn't think they would sell their work to a nongoblin."
"They don't. Neville and I are friends of the goblin nation."
"Go and put these on your ladies. It's important that you do it."
The girls grabbed him and after giving him a big kiss took him upstairs to dress and let him put them on their necks. Keying the necklaces to the three of them.
"After the money he spent on us, shouldn't he have spent more on the girls?" Emma was worried that Harry may have indeed been "showing off," with his money.
"You don't understand. Don't equate the size of a package with the value of it. I am by no means an expert. But I have done enough research into goblin made artifacts and I know what I am talking about. The money he spent on your mortgages and my building and printing press wouldn't pay for one of those necklaces."
"What?"
"First of all, it is almost unheard of for a nongoblin to own any goblin jewelry. As he said, you had to be a goblin friend to even consider it. And there aren't that many people in the world that could afford one of them, and he bought two. There was so much magic wrapped in those lockets, I can't even begin to comprehend all of the charms. There is a lot more than what you see with Harry Potter, and I think only our girls know just how deep he is."
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Dobby sat outside near The great Harry Potter's rock. "If this spot helps The great Harry Potter, maybe it will help me too." It was freezing cold but Dobby was inured to the cold. In fact, he snapped his fingers and a snowball formed near him. Pulling his shorts open a bit, he stuck the white ball on his crotch. He sighed and tried to remember, "Was it two days or maybe three?" Sighing once more, "So many she-elves, so little of Dobby."
EARLIER
"You is The great Dobby Potter. I is Betsy."
"I'z remembers Betsy. We worked in the Hoggywarts kitchen together last week. Just like we'ze do today."
"But the mean old goblinz didn't go cry cry saying the Dobby Potter beat him till yesterday."
"Winky was nears me entires time. She did stinky stinky magics with me."
"But Winky can't make little elfsie with me. I need you, Dobby Potter."
"I is life mates with Winky Potter and Misty Longbottom."
"I not want life mate. I want baby!"
Misty and Winky showed they paid attention to their mate. They both popped into the kitchen right next to Dobby.
"You is life mates to two she-elves?"
"The great Harry Potter has two life mates. The great Nevy Longbottom has two life mates! Miney and Moongirl share and Daffy and Trace share Lord Nevy."
Betsy was curious and forgot for a moment what she was there for. "But no other he elf has two shes!"
"There is no other Dobby Potter!" Misty defended.
Winky crossed her arms on her chest. "What you want with our Dobby Potter?"
"I wants elf baby! All other he elfs have life mates but they can have babies at masters house~!"
Winky felt bad for the young female. Monogamy wasn't an issue for house elves. But raising babies at Hogwarts was not allowed. She shared a look with Misty, who nodded. Neither even thought to ask Dobby. This was she elf business. She looked kindly at the hopeful female. "We ask master Hoggywarts elf. If ok with Hoggywarts it okay with Misty and Winky."
Things were winding down , the students would be leaving in an hour, the Head elf, Bossman sat with his feet elevated smoking on a pipe. He didn't care for it, but every head Hogwarts elf had to sit and smoke the pipe and lose his name and become Bossman.
"Bossman," Betsy said curtsying. She was nervous and being polite couldn't hurt. "Betsy wants baby."
"I remember when Betsy came to castle, looking to bond with Hoggywarts because there is no good master or mistress. You old enough for baby Betsy?"
"I is 30 today. I is old enough!"
He shook his head negatively and took his feet down and finally looked at her. "But I is too old Betsy. I cannot give you baby elf."
Indignant she answered, "I don't want Bossman! I wants The great Dobby Potter! He will give me great elf baby!"
"But where will baby elf go? Master Beardface Goatman he not allows baby elfs in Hoggywarts." He looked sad. This came up every once in a while and while the others were used to it, no one liked it. The headmaster has forbidden elven babies in Hogwarts. Every year the elves ask Dumbledore for permission every year he said no. Every year there were fewer elves. There just wasn't enough babies raised by the families. And no right minded elf would ever think of having a baby in an evil home.
Betsy began to cry and Dobby looked on in anger. "If Dobby can find place to raise elf babies can we use Hoggywarts come and go room?"
Bossman stood up and looked at the young hero. "You can use come and go room as much as you need. You going to save house elfs before we all go quiet? How many elf babies you going to make?"
Dobby scoffed, "That she elf business. Youse talks to Winky and Misty." He turned to Betsy and smiled , "Mmmm - mmm youse is so pretty. Let's go and make you pretty elf baby." Taking Betsy by the hand and popped out of the room. The young elf suddenly happy.
He said to Winky and Misty. "We need to make a lot of elf babies before weez all gones. Can Dobby make enough elf babies? Where can you love all of the elf babies?"
They looked at each other and smiled. The great Dobby Potter lives with the Great Lord Nevy and The great Lord Harry. They will take care of elf babies. How many babies you need the great Dobby to make?"
Bossman thought about it and snapped his fingers and a giant sign appeared on the wall in the kitchen. "Dobby Potter" appeared at the top in giant gold letters flashing like a gaudy neon sign. In slightly smaller letters "Baby Maker" also flashed in counterpoint to the words above. "We need 67 babies at least."
Betsy's name appeared, "number one of 67." Then Bossman broadcast to all the Hogwarts elves. "Dobby Potter will be making babies. Winky Potter and Misty Longbottom will raise them in Lord Nevy and Lord Harry's home. Tell all the elves everywhere. Get you name on the list!"
Every female gasped and fifteen seconds later the other 66 spots were filled. Suddenly, the other 77 female elves that worked in Hogwarts castigated Bossman. "We was working. It's not fair, We wants babies too!"
"But he is just one elf!"
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Dobby returned with a much happier Betsy 30 minutes later. He was proud of himself for the good work he had done. When Misty and Winky started to berate him.
"Dobby Potter! Where you bees?"
The big eyes grew even larger. A little while ago they had told him to go and do this. "I be in go and come room!"
"It take you long time. No time for long time you need short time with she-elves?"
"Dobby confused. What she-elves. I only bees with Betsy, I wants to make like like to you and Winky too!" He thought he had sussed it out.
Winky interrupted. "You don't have time to like like with Misty and Winky. You have to like like with she-elves!"
Misty took over, Dobby's head started to go back and forth between the two of them, they weren't making much sense. "You have to like like now with Mona."
"Who is Mona?"
"I is Mona! Come on Dobby Potter. We has to like like!"
"You hurry back you has to like like with she-elves!"
And so it went Dobby went to the go and come room and he was forced there several times. It wasn't until after she elf number six that he even saw the list. Bossman had insisted that he take a rest from like like. When he pointed the list out in bold shining letters on the wall. Sixty names had blue sad faces and only seven had yellow happy faces. He must have been getting tired. He spoke to himself in the third person, "I don'ts thinks Dobby can like like 60 more she-elves."
Bossman heard him, "Youse young and strong. Youse Dobby Potter. Every she on island need you."
"Dobby you hurry up! Miss Monica wants to like like you. Then you have to like like a lot more!"
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At first, it was a pleasurable experience. Then it soon turned to one the approaching that of an unwanted task. Soon it was work, and then after like like with 30 something she elfs; it was hell. "Mean ol masters better than this. At least they left me by my ownsey after beating me.
Noticing he was surrounded by more females, he just assumed he was back to work. Grabbing the nearest elf hand, he said with his eyes closed and head hung low, "Mmmmm -mmmm youse so pretty. We go like like and give you pretty elf baby."
Bossman pulled his hand away, "No more like like, Dobby Potter need healing. Youse two bring him to Nurse Flower."
His head and ears were hung low, his skin an unhealthy blue color. Even Misty and Winky realized they had pushed him too hard. "Come Dobby weez goes and sees Madam Flower. She helps you finish like like."
"Nooo. Dobby bees good! No more like like, please?" He looked up tears in his eyes. Years of punishment with the Malfoy's couldn't break his spirit, one afternoon of like like had done him in.
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She thought she was going to catch a break. But Potter screws with her time off even when he is not here. "Dobby," she asked concerned. "What is the matter with you?" She said a little more sharply than she intended. Dobby looked like crap.
"Dobby was like like with she-elves and ..."
"Dobby how many times did you like like today?" The elves had their own magic and seldom needed help. But every once in a while they needed human assistance.
Dobby shook his head, "Mees don't remember. Here you see." He snapped his fingers, which actually hurt him bringing another wave of pain to his face. There scattered around the room was the images of 34 she-elves.
"Okay, that's pretty clear. I don't need to know why, but no more like like for a while Dobby."
His ears perked up first, but the girls yelled at him. "No!" Dobby you has to like like a lot more Bossman says."
Sighing he seemed to pull out of his stupor a little and blankly looked up at Poppy. "She elves know what is needed for like like. Dobby doos his best." To Poppy he said, "Mmmm - mmmm youse so pretty. We'ze going to like like and Dobby going to give you pretty elf baby. Come let's go to the come and come room. We can like like there."
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Harry hadn't even realized that the girls hadn't given him any presents. He was so happy to be with a family that loved him he was content just to receive the obligatory socks and underwear.
The family had sat down to a marvelous meal cooked by Winky. She evaded questions adroitly when asked where Dobby was. "He is hard at work for Bossman, head elf of Hoggywarts. "Knowing she was going to be asked, she added, "He likes what he doos for Bossman."
Emma asked, "You mean he likes working on Christmas?"
With a straight face, "Yesm. He a-okay. He even like like it!"
"If the elves aren't joining us. Who is the extra place for?"
Hermione loved magic and serendipity. There was a knock at the door. "Well go answer the door and find out!"
Opening the door, there was no one there except a huge black dog with a large red bow on it. The door left opened, the black dog pounced on the surprised teen and licked him like there was no tomorrow. For his part he wasn't letting go. He hugged that dog as tears fell unashamedly from his face.
Everyone else had been in on the secret. The girls finally separated the two by the most effective means, "The food is getting cold. Come on Harry, Padfoot still needs to eat and regain some lost ground."
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The slave had been taking it easy. His watchers had ignored him. Still he didn't notice until after all of the dishes were done. He wasn't sure but he thought there were more elves in the kitchen than he had ever seen before. Where before there had been one large sign with Dobby's name featured prominently. Now he saw there were four even longer signs. Even Captain Oblivious couldn't miss the signs first listed a few days ago. Now there were his names and 467 other elves names all numbered. Only the top 30 or 40 had happy faces. It didn't affect him until he realized there was almost no attention on him.
He listened to the susurrus of conversation and he kept hearing "Dobbie," the hated "Potter" name, and something about like like.
Ensuring he didn't ask an elf dressed in the Hogwarts pillow case with a huge "H" on it. He asked a passing elf to feed him. She looked around and not knowing what a human was doing here, but not seeing any harm in it, she snapped her fingers and a huge amount of fresh food appeared.
Ron was happier than he had been in months. Realizing furtive actions would be suspicious. He had never been a genius, but he was sly. "Excuse me," he asked still another elf. "I've been ill. And everyone has left to go home. Can you find some clothing for me?" And really pushing his luck, "and maybe a wand? Even the healer went on holiday."
Every elf knew about the famous Come and Go room. That's where the Great Dobby Potter was going to take little Natale in just another day or so. After all, she was only number 189 on the list. She disappeared, and for a moment Ron thought he had pushed too hard, only to have her reappear after another minute.
She answered in a french accent, "Find clothing that will fit you. It is very cold outside. Zere are wands at ze bottom of the box."
Giving her his biggest smile he thanked her, and then waited until she was out of earshot to call her a little french whore.
The little elf was right. The winter was cold and the snow deep. Fortunately, the clothing and the boots were old, but very well made. He saw the smoke rising from Hagrid's hut. He knew he couldn't go there. He realized he would feel better if he had a bow and arrow in his hands. He thought of going to the Burrow. But cursed each and every one of his former family. They didn't try even once to help him. They would only turn him in to Potter and his whores.
No there was only two options at this point. Either try to get with, and live like a muggle. He snorted in derision. He was a pure blood, he could blend in perfectly and life would be easy. "No," he told himself. "It would be difficult to get to a muggle village in the cold. Good thing Hermy and Loony helped me. I'm sure that arse Potter made them treat me like a slave. "I'll kill him and the squib and then they will fall at my feet." He reveled in the fantasy before realizing he was standing in the open. "No they told me what to do, I'll go to my real family. The Centaurs will take me in!"
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Flashback Christmas Day 6:00 pm
Winky and Misty "popped" into the Grangers while everyone was sitting and telling stories.
Harry was the first to acknowledge them. "Happy Christmas! Won't you join us?"
"Thank you, Lord Potter," they both a big smiles and curtseyed. It had been a wonderful day, and they were loved by everyone here. "But weez have she business," Misty answered. "We need to talk to Lady Potter."
"Certainly." "Lady Potter. Our friends need your help." He had a twinkle in his eye, not unlike the headmaster. He knew Hermione would enjoy her first "official" Lady Potter act.
Hermione revelled in the idea of being called Lady Potter. Everyone there knew it wasn't legally her title yet. But everyone also knew only death could prevent it from occurring. Trying her best not to giggle and trying to sound regal, she answered. "Of course, she business. Do the males need to leave?"
The two had a silent conversation of shrugs, ear flaps and eyes growing larger and then squinting. Winky answered, "No it's a-okay. Weez need your permission to have elf babies at Potter manor." Both elves sounded hopeful, they would be in a lot of trouble if they were told 'no.'
"Elf babies!" Hermione, like almost every other woman in the world, she imagined holding and playing with 2 or 3 little tiny elf babies. She didn't hesitate. "Of course you can have elf babies at Potter manor. As many as you want!"
Unable to restrain themselves, the two elves "popped" onto her lap and hugged and kissed her before thanking her. They barely remembered to curtsey before disappearing.
Luna had been enjoying the day immensely. Daddy was finally healing and she was loved by more people than ever before. But something at the edge of her awareness had been nibbling at her consciousness. Last year she would have called them nargles, now she knew better. She had fallen into a light trance and was walking down the possibilities, several things called out to her but two important ones. One jumped out and grabbed her attention distracting and obscuring the other issue which may have been even of more import when she heard her love say, "Of course you can have elf babies at Potter Manor!"
'Mione? What did you just agree to?"
