2. A Request

Twelve Grimmauld Place was dark and dreary, but was at least spotlessly clean.

Hermione blinked, looking all around. "Harry?"

"Master Harry! Welcome home!" A young female elf stepped forward to take their cloaks.

"Harry? Was that…Winky?" Hermione demanded. A mulish expression hardened her features. "Harry James Potter!"

He met her accusing stare unflinchingly. "Yes, Hermione, I've taken on another house elf."

"Why would you do such a thing?"

"I felt I owed it to Dobby."

Hermione pulled up short. "What? What does Dobby…"

"Winky was his friend. She mattered to him. I couldn't let her die, once I knew I could save her," Harry explained.

Hermione was astounded when he described the house elf bond.

"Then…" his friend swallowed hard. "I have to say, you did the right thing, Harry. But you always do the right thing."

"I try." Harry returned her smile. He led the way into the kitchen, only for Hermione to stop short at the sight of the snowy owl perched in the window.

"What…?"

"I named him Pavo." He glanced back at his friend. "Hagrid found a nest in the Forbidden Forest, with two fledglings still alive. Being Hagrid, he took care of them. He gave one to me and one to Luna. One more bond between us, I guess."

"Were they…"

"Hedwig's? I don't know, but I like to think so." He stroked the owl's head.

Hermione nodded slowly. "I understand."

She did; she was aware of how deeply her friend had grieved for Hedwig, even more than for some humans who'd fallen in the Battle of Hogwarts. As the snowy owl rubbed his head against Harry, she rejoiced that he'd found some consolation.

Daphne Greengrass's lovely cerulean eyes roamed all around the tiny café.

"I've never been in a muggle restaurant before."

"What would you like?" inquired Harry.

She seemed uncertain, so he prompted "Tea or coffee?"

"Um, tea. I guess."

"Fine. What cake do you like?"

She said hastily, "Whatever you're having is fine."

Harry went to the counter and returned with a tray.

"Sticky toffee pudding," he explained, handing a dish to Daphne. "They make it so well here, I can never resist it."

"But I thought treacle tart was your favorite!" She exclaimed, then turned pink.

"So it is. But how did you know that?"

The blush deepened. "I guess I …heard about it at Hogwarts."

She was relieved he seemed prepared to let that go.

For a few moments, they concentrated on their dessert.

Finally he said, "What did you wish to see me about, Greengrass?"

Harry waited. And waited. Finally, when he was about to prompt her again, Daphne blurted, "Millicent Bulstrode!"

Harry blinked in surprise. "What about her?"

The blonde girl finally looked up. "Her trial is coming up, and I thought…I hoped, you'd speak for her, Potter."

"Why?"

"Isn't that what you do? Try to save people?"

"Not Death Eaters!" Harry snapped.

"She isn't a Death Eater." Daphne placed one slim hand over his in appeal. "She…she's a half-blood, and she was just trying to get by. You know what it's like in Slytherin!"

"Tell me."

"People who aren't purebloods are targeted. Millicent was, right from the first day. For years she's been the butt of every prank, mocked and hazed and made fun of. I know she didn't want to join the Death Eaters, or the Inquisitorial Squad, or…"

"Stop!" Harry held up one hand. "The point is, she did join. Actions have consequences. Is she a good friend of yours?"

"No." Daphne shook her head. "I told you she was a target. I didn't want to risk befriending her."

"Did you take part in the hazing and pranking?"

"No," Daphne admitted. "But I didn't do anything to stop it, either. I just stood back, I only worried about myself, and my sister."

"So, what's different now?" Harry inquired.

She gave him a look of appeal. "Astoria told me that …you're going to testify for Draco."

Harry could see where this was going. "I'm…reluctant. Draco was in over his head, I know. But still…he did let Death Eaters into the school, and he did obey Umbridge and the Carrows. If Narcissa hadn't lied to save me, I tell you I wouldn't lift a finger. But she did, and this is the repayment she asked of me. I can't refuse, but…I'd rather let justice prevail."

"I understand that, but Millie…she has no family left, Potter! And no friends. If you don't speak for her, she has…nothing. Nothing at all." The last words were a whisper.

"If I do intervene on Bulstrode's behalf," Harry said carefully, "it may affect any efforts on behalf of Draco. I only have so much political capital, and…just about everyone is avid for revenge! People died, or sustained life-altering injuries at the hands of Voldemort's forces. Somebody has to pay. Tell me, which would you choose for me to save? Millicent Bulstrode, or Draco Malfoy?"

Daphne deflated. "I don't know," she said helplessly. "I never much liked Draco, but Astoria loves him. I don't know what to do!"

"Neither do I," confessed Harry.

"Whatever you decide, Harry," said Hermione gently, "I won't blame you."

He gave her a twisted smile. "Others will. No matter what I do."

Hermione sighed. "It's inevitable. So many are hungering for revenge! Even the Weasleys want…" she broke off suddenly.

"It's okay, Hermione." Harry's eyes softened as he looked at the one person who'd always been there for him. "I already know my relationship with the Weasleys will never be the same. But you…"

"No." Hermione shook her curly head resolutely. "It won't be the same for either of us, Harry. You won't marry Ginny, and I…can't marry Ron. Looks like we'll spend Christmas together, just the two of us!"

"You're sure about Ron?"

"Yes, we should never have attempted to be a couple. What do we have in common? You wanted to be part of the Weasley family, and I was missing my parents. So we tried to fit in. But we don't, and it's better to face the truth right now."

Harry was struck by something she'd said. "You want to spend Christmas with your parents, Hermione? I'd be happy to get a portkey for you."

"I know. But I think better not. Even though they realize why I had to get them out of the country, they are having problems with the means I used. I think they'll come around eventually, but it will take some time."