2

A./N.: This is short and just about Harry and his thoughts, doubts and feelings. Enjoy.

Harry woke up in his bed in Gryffindor Tower. Ron's constant snoring sounded over from his bed. Grinning at his best mate's concert, Harry stretched and carefully slid out of bed.

Now that he thought about it ... how had he gotten into bed? He remembered sitting between Minerva and Albus with the photo album on his knees and them pointing out pictures and telling stories about both his parents. It had been a very enjoyable evening and after midnight his eyes had began to droop. All he could remember was that he had curled up in the armchair in front of the fire and Minerva had placed his baby blanket over him. Either she or Albus must have levitated him to the dorm.

But now Harry was worrying over something else as well. Had he given in to Minerva and Albus too soon. After all they had neglected him in the last 13 years. Not once had they checked on him, trusting rather in Petunia to overcome her jealousy and anger towards her sister. He could have told them that this was merely wishful thinking.

But Harry couldn't stay angry at them for long. Their reasons for not drawing attention to his whereabouts had been logical and for his sake, even if it meant 13 miserable years with the Dursleys. At least he was alive. Now was the time to make up for lost years and have a family. Sirius couldn't raise him because he was on the run from the Ministry and no one could prove his innocence since Pettigrew had disappeared. It was maddening that an innocent man had spent 12 years in Azkaban while a murderer roamed free.

Minerva and Albus were the only family who now wanted and could take care of him.

This brooding was getting him nowhere! A little frustrated, he threw his legs out of bed and sat up Quickly he dressed and patted in his socks downstairs. The common room was deserted except for Crookshanks, licking milk from a bowl contentedly. Dobby sat next to the cat and brushed out the long ruddy fur.

"Dobby!" exclaimed Harry, more than a bit surprised, "what are you doing here this early?"

"Dobby always comes here in the morning, Harry Potter, sir. Dobby takes care of Hedwig, Harry Potter's owl, and Pigwidgeon, Harry Potter's friend's owl, and Crookshanks, Harry Potter's other friend's cat. They help Dobby and Dobby helps Harry Potter and his friends", explained Dobby, smiling broadly up at Harry.

"Erm ... thank you, Dobby. I don't expect you to ... I ...", stammered Harry embarrassed.

"Dobby knows. Dobby likes to do it. But why is Harry Potter up that early?" asked Dobby, observing Harry shrewdly.

Harry squirmed uncomfortably under Dobby's gaze and struggled to find a pretext. His mind was blank though and he was aware that Dobby still waited for an answer. Large solemn eyes starred unblinkingly up into his own and Harry felt his resolve melt away.

"Is it because of Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall?" asked Dobby more wisely than he had ever shown himself.

Harry gaped at him for a moment and then nodded mutely. After a few deep breaths, he rasped out:

"How do you know about that?"

"Us House-elves know many secrets", replied Dobby proudly and puffed out his tiny chest.

Harry couldn't help but chuckle softly, feeling much better already.

"Would you mind if I go down to visit Hagrid?" asked Harry after a while.

Dobby shook his head and his lip trembled slightly because of Harry's consideration. Harry nodded to Dobby and put on his shoes. Climbing out the portrait hole, he had to endure the Fat Lady's remarks.

"Early riser, huh? And waking everyone else up as well!"

Harry didn't answer her but hurried through the corridors quickly. He was more than happy to be alone at the moment. Almost all the other students still thought he had put his name in the goblet of fire and either asked him how he had done it or accused him of cheating. It was really frustrating that no one except his closest friends believed him. Even Ron had asked him how he had managed. Harry had seen jealousy in his eyes and couldn't really understand where this was coming from. Ron had never begrudged him anything. On the contrary, Ron had pitied Harry for growing up with the Dursleys.

Suddenly he bumped against something soft and huge. Struggling with folds of fabric, he waved his arms around and kicked wildly.

"Hoho, Harry. It's just me, Hagrid, see", he heard a gruff voice far above his head.