Harry Potter and the Jacobite Elves
Rating: M
Summary: Harry takes possession of the Black family's castle in the Highlands of Scotland. Up to and amidst the celebration of Hogmanay (New Year's), he discovers that there is some very old business to attend to.
Disclaimer:
I have not claim to characters or scenes from the Harry Potter series, which belongs to JK Rowling and associates. I get nothing from this except the enjoyment of imagining and writing the story. I am making no money from this (rats).
Taking leave
The four young people gathered in the great hall, near the fireplace which was connected to the floo network. This portal had many wards on it, so that it could not be used by any that had not been approved by those within the house – this precaution had sometimes proved necessary over the long years of inter-clan strife in the Highlands.
Ron and Ginny were dressed in their normal day clothes, and had their possessions in rucksacks. Harry had found a tartan dressing gown in his closet, which he had been sure had not been there earlier in the day; his pyjama bottoms struck out under the hem. He had tartan bedroom slippers on his feet.
Hermione was clad in her nightgown and new dressing gown. Both Harry and Ron remarked on how beautifully it went with the bit of her nightgown which showed at the neck and at the bottom. She had soft fluffy bedroom slippers on, and whispered to Ginny that she had tried on some 'bunny' slippers she found in the closet in her room, but was uncomfortable because the bunnies kept looking up under her nightie.
Winnie appeared with a slight pop, handing Ginny a package. She smirked and said "Something for your brother's eyes, lassie. Elspeth was quick." The old elf and the young lady both laughed with a twinkle in their eyes.
Hamish appeared, accompanied by a female elf of similar vintage, and a couple of younger elves carrying two boxes.
Hamish looked at the two siblings with sorrowful eyes. He said, "I am sorry for your leaving us, but given the reasons that Harry has told me of, just now, I would not have you stay, as that would be against your will. However, with the Laird's permission, I would like to send a present along to your family." He gestured to the young elves carrying the boxes, which they set down by the fireplace.
"You have been told that my wife, Lindsay", at this point, gesturing to the elder female elf, who bowed to the young people, and received a returned bow and a handshake from each in acknowledgement, "is the taste-mistress at the whiskey works. For many years, when there was a significant event, she would prepare a commemorative liqueur, or other potion. The rather satisfying one she made up, when the Bonny Prince came to claim the throne for his father, was very well received and a muggle version of it is still popular among the Scots."
"After the Battle of Hogwarts, she prepared a brew which brings to the imbiber's mind the heroism of those brave ones who fought on the side of the Light. It reminds them, with visions of the day, their exploits and their deeds. One of your elder brothers was one who fell during the Battle and, although he was a bit of a rascal, when you drink you will recall all the bravery and courage of a good man. Please accept this with the heartfelt thanks and admiration for your fallen brother, from all of us at the castle."
"On a happier note, again with the Laird's permission," looking at Harry, who nodded (as they had had a brief discussion before the parting, and Harry would not have dishonoured the old elf by refusing any reasonable request), "you and your family would be most welcome to join us at our Hogmanay ceilidh. We would be honoured if you would attend."
Ron asked "What's Hogmanay, and what is a kay-lee?"
Hamish grinned and said, "Laddie, it's the grand party to see in the New Year. Please come and bring your whole family."
Ron thanked Hamish for this generosity and thanked Lindsay as well, through his sobs. Ginny knelt down and hugged the pair of elves as she cried, kissing them on the cheeks as she did (which surprised and pleased the elves greatly). Standing up, she asked "How are we going to carry them?"
Hamish answered, "These lads will deliver them." As Ginny and Ron stepped into the fireplace, and tossing the floo-dust in, called out "The Burrow", the two younger elves picked up the boxes of liqueur and disappeared with pop, returning a moment later without the boxes.
Hermione turned to Harry and buried her face in his shoulder, sobbing "He's left me.., us again, hasn't he?" Harry nodded.
Hermione looked up to Harry's face, and asked, "Can I sleep with you tonight?"
Harry looked at her. "Sleep?" Through her tears, she nodded "Yes, sleep. Like we did in the tent. You held me when I cried or had nightmares, and I held you when you had nightmares. Like that, just providing some comfort."
Harry thought about why Hermione had been crying when they were in the tent, and nodded. "Of course, you can sleep with me. For comfort." He then considered what they were wearing, and said "Should we go put on all our clothes and get the elves to lower the temperature to around freezing, to make it more like the tent?"
Hermione looked up at his face again, and said "I don't think we have to go that far. I think just our dressing gowns will do." And with a bit of a twinkle in her eye, she added, "After all, I don't think we want to be too comfortable, do we?"