The next morning, Hermione was summoned to the Headmasters office immediately after breakfast. She gave both Lucius and Severus a shrug before heading to meet him. She walked down the halls trying her best to figure out what this was about. Did he figure out a way to send her back? Was he upset with her friendship with Lucius and Severus? She had no idea a grew slightly worried, she didn't want to go back yet or be told to stay away from them.

She finally reached the Gargoyle and stepped onto the rotating stairs, letting them carry her to her destination. She knocked on the door and after hearing an ' Enter ', she pushed the door open and walked in.

"You wanted to see me sir?" She asked nervously.

Dumbledore smiled, "Yes I did. Sit child so I may discuss a few things with you."

Hermione did as asked but her nervousness only grew as she waited for him to speak.

"It appears to me, Ms. Granger, that you have made a few friends since coming here."

Hermione nodded numbly, she just knew he was going to tell her to back off.

"Good, good. I am glad to see that despite the prophecy and such that you are getting along." he paused for a minute to collect his thoughts, "I am having a bit of a problem with one of your friends and I was wondering if you could help me out. You see, Hogwarts is one of the many places unwanted or abandoned House elves go and generally they stay here until someone comes looking for one."

Hermione nodded

"And that has happened this morning. The problem is, that the elf in question is refusing to go."

Hermione let out a sigh, "Tibbs?" she asked

"The one and only." Dumbledore replied. "Now I have a few questions for you and that will decide the outcome of what will happen with him."

She nodded again, urging him to go on.

"Tibbs would rather stay with you rather then go to a new master so I am leaving the choice up to you. I would normally not make this an option, but in this case I feel it is everyones best interest."

"So Tibbs wants to bond with me?"

"It would appear so. He said you are nice to him and you are his only friend."

Hermione sighed, how many times did she try to free them?

"Can I talk to Tibbs before I make a decision?"

Dumbledore snapped his fingers and Tibbs appeared instantly. His ears were flattened and he looked scared.

"Come to me Tibbs" Hermione stated.

Tibbs walked closer looking as though he was going to be punished.

"Why do you want me for a master?" she asked him softly

"You need Tibbs and Tibbs needs you miss." he walked a little closer, "Tibbs feels wanted with miss, not like vermin and would like to bond with you."

"You understand that when I am sent back, you will have to be without me for a while."

Tibbs nodded enthusiastically, "Tibbs would happily wait."

Hermione sighed, as much as she didn't want a house elf, she couldn't stand to turn him down when he wanted it so badly.

"Tibbs – I really don't want to be a master and in my own time, I have been fighting to set the house elves free and get them wages for the work they perform."

His ears instantly flattened and his eyes teared up – he was afraid of being rejected by the human he wanted to be with most.

"But, if this is what you truly want, then I cannot find it in my heart to tell you no. I will bond with you if that is what you truly wish."

His ears perked up immediately and flopped back and forth wildly with enthusiasm.

"Well then, it appears that this is settled." Dumbledore stated, "All you have to do is join hands with Tibbs and he will do what is required to bond with you."

Hermione reached out and took his long fingered little hands into hers. Within seconds, their hands glowed a bright white and a black ribbon circled their wrist before disappearing.

"The bond is complete miss" Tibbs stated while shifting back and forth.

Hermione eyed him curiously before letting out a laugh, she knew what he wanted.

"Come here Tibbs" she said sweetly.

Tibbs came closer and wrapped his little arms around her neck to which she responded and returned the hug.

Dumbledore watched with amusement, he knew Tibbs would have a good life for now on.

Dumbledore cleared his throat, "I wanted to also let you know that we have yet to locate the book that sent you here. We are still searching and will let you know when we find something."

"I appreciate it sir." She replied

"I will also arrange for a small room to be added off of yours for Tibbs. As you are his master now, he will serve you and not Hogwarts."

Hermione nodded and turned to Tibbs, "The first thing I want you to understand Tibbs, is that I don't want you to call me master. You can call me miss or Hermione or what ever else you want but not that one."

"yes miss, Tibbs is happy to call you miss."

"good, now are you ready to go?"

He nodded again and reached for her hand, he knew most masters didn't allow close contact with them but she was different and wasn't ashamed of him like other humans were sometimes.

"Have a good day you two." Dumbledore shouted as they walked from the office.

A/N: just a short filler chapter as Tibbs will play an important role in this story. Also, I know her views on house elves so save your rants for someone else, lol. But if you could honestly say that you would tell him no.. then you are evil.

The next chap will have lemons in it...( rubs hands together and grins)