Hall of Heroes
A Harry Potter Fanfic
Chapter 3
Free!
More than a month had passed when Headmistress MacGonagill again announced an addition to the Hall of Heroes. "Tonight's inductee may cause some controversy among some of those here today. I would ask that you do not interrupt the ceremony, and take any disagreement up with the head of your house, or myself," she added in a stern voice. "This may also pertain to the next inductee, as well."When everyone had been seated that night, the students noticed several unusual additions to the people on the platform. A very unhappy looking Draco Malfoy was seated next to Kreacher and Griphook the Goblin, and Harry Potter was also on the platform. Kreacher had lost some of his 'mean and ugly' look, and was wearing a clean loincloth. A number of house elves were huddled in the corner, looking around nervously and whispering to each other. Most of the students also recognized Mr. Ollivander, from whom they had purchased their wands, who was seated off to the side and next to an easel with the covered picture of the night's inductee. Professor Firenze, the Centaur, approached the platform, his hooves padded in black cloth to quieten them, in honor of the occasion. "I have been asked to be in charge of tonight's induction, as the individual we honor tonight was not human." At this pronouncement, many students looked at each other, most curious, and some indignant. However, the latter remembered MacGonagill's warning and remained quiet. Professor Firenze continued "Mister Draco Malfoy will say a few words, as he grew up with our inductee. Mister Malfoy? Draco approached the podium and glared at the student from Slytherin, who were either laughing quietly at him, or glaring at him. He straightened his Slytherin robes and tugged at his tie, as if to loosen it. "He served my family, but would sometimes disobey, if he thought it was the right thing to do, even knowing that he had to punish himself for doing so. After my father inadvertently freed him, he came to Hogwarts and served here until his death. He turned to glare at Harry, and returned to his seat.Next we will hear from Mister Griphook, who is also representing Gringotts Bank." Griphook approached the front of the platform, carrying a long, heavy, and narrow wrapped package in his arms. "My life was saved by the quick actions of tonight's hero only moments before he gave his for others. In Honor of this, I have convinced my fellow goblins to make permanent loan of the sword that was used to help destroy Voldemort." He then unwrapped the package that he carried to reveal the Gryffendor Sword. "It has been agreed to display this sword in the Hall of Heroes in honor of those who died to defeat Voldemort. Gringotts has also agreed to underwrite the cost of tonight's hero's display." He smiled, revealing pointed teeth, then returned to his seat.
Firenze again made the introduction. "Next will be Mister Harry Potter." Harry stood, and shook hands with Griphook and Firenze as he passed them on his way to the front of the platform. "He saved my life several times, the last, taking a knife thrown at me by one of Voldemort's Death Eaters. Even wounded badly, he continued to strive to carry out his mission. In his honor, I am presenting the mate to the sock that freed him. I could never find a replacement for it anyway." Several people snickered at this. Those that knew the story whispered it to those who were curious about it.
"Next is Mister Ollivander," continued Firenze. Mister Ollivander carried the easel to the center of the platform and set it down. "I am donating the picture frame, because my life was also saved by our Hero. I had been held captive for some time, and had no hope left that I would be rescued. In fact, I was anticipating my death at any moment, either directly by Voldemort or one of his Death Eaters. His actions speak well of his entire race." He glanced to the rear corner of the platform and smiled at those gathered there. "Kreacher, would you be so kind as to assist me, please?" After receiving a nod from Harry, Kreacher shuffled over and helped Mister Ollivander settle the easel into place and gripped the cloth covering the painting. The Hogwarts House Elves came from the corner and gathered around the easel and bowed their heads as Kreacher removed the covering, revealing a moving portrait of none other than Dobby. Many of the people gathered began to applaud, and Hermione Weasley subtly waved her wand, causing a flood of S. P. E. W. propaganda to appear. After receiving a nudge from Hermione, Ron touched a button on his robes, making it blink the S. P. E. W. logo.
Headmistress MacGonagill approached the front of the platform. "All Dobby wanted was to be a free house elf, and to be appreciated as such. He is now! You are dismissed," she added as she surreptitiously dabbed at a tear with her hankie.