Bold + italics = parseltongue
Chapter 10
Since Harry was so sure the boat would steer itself, everyone relaxed on the benches but Harry wanted to see their path, so he took a position at the bow to appreciated the scenery as the boat cut through the water. A tourist boat waved to them but they took little notice.
The wind blew through Harry's hair and he smiled at the feeling.
"What do you think we'll find, Harry?" Dudley asked almost shyly.
"I don't know, Dud-ley." Harry said catching himself before falling back into the habitual shortening of his cousin's name. "Hopefully, the island will have a shelter of some kind. I'd love for it to be a castle but even a large house would be a welcome sight."
Suddenly, Harry's eye was drawn to something in the water. Was it some kind of magical creature or just a fish? He called Remus over. "I saw something under the water. What sort of magical creatures live under water again? Grindylow, merpeople, kelpies..."
"Kelpies are usually found in Ireland so I don't think we need to worry about that." Remus frowned into the water as Sirius transformed and joined them.
Ginny called from behind Harry. "Murtlap is usually found near water but they don't live in it. Any ideas, Luna?"
"Plimpies? Hippocampus? A floberty gibbet, perhaps?" When everyone looked at her funny, Luna explained that they were just like a flibbity gibbet except that they floated instead of flying. She backtracked with a shrug of her shoulders when the others sighed. "It was said by many that the Loch Ness monster might've been a hippocampus. Some tribes of Merfolk have been known to raise them. Greece is a prime example."
"What did it look like?" Remus asked, watching Harry intently as everyone came closer to find out what was going on.
"It almost looked like a horse." Harry shook his head before turning to peer beneath the waves. "But it was blue."
"Harry?" Dudley asked, tapping his cousin's shoulder.
"It was the same color as the water...almost like - but that's crazy right?" Harry asked himself softly.
"Uhm, Harry?" Dudley asked again.
"In a minute, Dud..." Harry huffed.
"You promised not to call me that!" Dudley gritted his teeth. "And we might not have a minute, Harry!"
Harry's eyes snapped over to his cousin's face and then over to where he was pointing.
"We seem to be leaving one loch to enter the next. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about, Dudley." Harry said, calmly turning back to consult with Remus. "Would a hippocampus look like water itself?"
"No, but they're able to camouflage." Remus told him.
"Like chameleons? I didn't know that. Well, perhaps the tales are true, then, and the creature was a hippocampus..." Harry smirked as his voice trailed off.
"Look at the houses on the coast! They're so beautiful!" Ginny called Luna over. "Oh! A castle is coming into view!"
Luna serenely leaned against the railing. "I'm sure that'll be Aldourie Estate."
Everyone's eyes turned to her.
"Knowing we were coming to Loch Ness, I looked up landmarks in the area." Luna's soft smile settled Harry's surprise but she went on. "Mac said Loch Ness was south of Loch Dochfour and I recalled that Aldourie Estate is a castle at the north end of Ness. I have a very good memory."
"Harry?" Dudley called. "Harry, something's wrong."
Harry sighed. He was certain it was nothing to worry about but didn't want his cousin thinking he was being ignored so he turned politely to look in the direction Dudley was pointing.
The small ship they were on was headed straight for a curve in the cliffs. It wasn't turning and the cliff face slowly got closer.
Harry thought for a moment. He considered several things he knew about Ravenclaw and the wizarding world in general. "Nobody panic! Remember platform nine and three quarters! Dudley, it's alright; don't panic!"
"S-s-secret entrance?" Dudley asked as he tightened his hold on the railing of the boat.
Harry nodded and allowed a small smile to form as the boat finally began to slow. It blossomed as the vessel sailed through the illusion of the cliffs without a hitch. Walls of stone were on either side of them for several long moments until they suddenly burst forth into a large hidden cove. "That's what I was hoping to find, Dudley." He pointed to the island that dominated the space.
The castle took up most of the land with the exception of a small boathouse that was a copy of the one at Mac's yard.
The boat moved slowly through the water until it gently bumped the dock.
"Well, let's see what we've got." Harry waved his wand to place the gangplank and walked onto the dock. "Sirius, there seems to be no danger of you being seen here. You can be human the whole time if you want."
The animagus came on land quickly, keeping pace with Remus to grin at his godson and clap him on the shoulder. "That's a welcome change."
The twins came next and then Ginny and Luna joined them. As soon as the vessel was empty, a portcullis lowered into place and the torch next to the door lit up.
It was getting late but the sun hadn't set yet so Harry looked at his guests. "I'll take the torch. Luna, would you like to join me?"
Luna only smiled taking her place beside him as he tried to lift the torch. Unfortunately, it wouldn't budge.
Remus pointed past them. "Seems like the next one lights automatically when all members of the group reach the first one."
Harry chuckled. "Alright then. Let's go."
Each torch lit up as they passed until there was a path of them leading back to the boathouse.
"Harry, where's Sigmund?" Luna asked softly.
Harry frowned at her. "In my rucksack, why?"
"Well, don't you think you ought to get him out?" She asked lightly. "It seems that the raven hasn't got anything to knock with."
Harry looked around for what she was talking about and saw it. Attached to the door by its tail feathers was a bronze raven. The talons were poised as if waiting to hold something.
He looked at his cousin in amazement. "I have got to stop being surprised by the things you seem to know." He went into his rucksack and came out with the silver snake. "Sigmund, do you recall the day you were given to my ancestor? Do you remember being integrated with the Potter wards?"
"I do."The snake told Harry.
"Do you remember a spell or ritual being performed?" Harry asked.
"No, the female serpent had soft, kind words with the lion. She told him about the spells within me and as she left, she placed me where you found me. I have been there ever since."
"My newfound cousin, Luna, seems to believe that, if I place you in the raven's talons on this door, you will automatically be integrated with these wards as well." Harry explained, showing the metal snake what he was talking about. "Shall we give it a try?"
Sigmund agreed and became still to allow Harry his chance. Harry stepped up close to the door and placed Sigmund into the raven's open talons causing several things to happen in rapid succession.
The raven's talons closed and its eyes glowed blue. Sigmund's eyes opened, glowing green. The door opened to reveal a middle aged male house elf.
"Who be invading the mistress's hidden home?" The elf demanded with his hands in fists on his hips.
"Hello. I'm Harry Potter." Harry told the elf. "I am a descendant of all the Hogwarts founders and as such, this place is one of my homes."
"If yer who ye say ye are, ye'll have a paper to prove it." The elf glared at him.
Paper? Harry frowned. Gringotts hadn't given him any papers. The only paper he had was ... he pulled out the envelope that had held the key.
"Roody was told but did not believe it!" The elf's eyes lit up and he began to bounce on his toes. "Roody thought the island would be lonely forever!" He hopped up and grabbed hold of Harry's arm. "T'was said that Lady Ravenclaw commanded Roody's ancestor to care for this cove! Roody's twice great grandfather was to find a mate in the second century of his life and have an offspring that would take care of the cove when he passed. Such was to continue until the heir to the mistress's title arrived. The story has been passed from father to son ever since. When Lady Ravenclaw left for the last time, she wrote a letter on a piece of parchment and transfigured the letter to an envelope. Into it she placed a key."
"The key opened the boathouse on Loch Dochfour and gave us access to the boat that brought us here." Harry turned the envelope over to show the elf the name on the label. "I am the Earl of Inverness."
The elf snatched it away and used his magic to change the envelope to its original state before giving it back to Harry.
My dear descendant,
I welcome you to Raven's Roost. You could not be standing here without very specific knowledge having come to light. I would've loved to see my family share my properties but they were entailed by law to go with the barony I was given early in 1054. In this castle you may find all kinds of interesting things. I certainly did. My hope is that it gives you refuge in a chaotic world.
Rowena Ravenclaw
p.s. Nessie was a lifelong friend. I ask that you keep her secret.
Harry turned to the others who were just as amazed as he was. "Well, that's certainly new information."
"Roody be ever so pleased to greet his new Master." The elf bowed.
Harry decided to nip this in the bud. "I'm not fond of formality, Roody. Please only bow this once... and the elves at my other properties call me Master Harry. I'd like you to do the same."
"As Master Harry wishes." He nodded his acceptance.
Harry introduced the others and asked after the state of the castle.
"Castle is being safe and sturdy, Master Harry. Roody be making up rooms when he saw the boat coming. The library is preserved well with glass windows that are warded against weather."
"Do we need to send for supplies?" Harry asked as the elf allowed them entry. He let the rest of his party go in first.
"Roody has already contacted the elves at Hogwarts for supplies."
"Hogwarts?" Harry was startled.
"Is where Roody's food supply comes from. Roody is living and working there during the school years and taking care of this castle during the summers, Master Harry."
"Does Dumbledore know that?" Harry asked urgently.
"Roody is a Ravenclaw elf, Master Harry, not a Hogwarts elf. Roody has no interaction with the headmaster." The elf reported. "Roody only works in Ravenclaw tower."
"Are there any other elves here?" Harry asked calming down slightly.
"No, Master Harry." Roody shook his head. "Roody is being the only elf descended from the one the mistress assigned here."
"Please begin taking us to our rooms. We'll be here for about three weeks." Harry informed the elf. "I don't mind waiting for the others to get settled."
Luna and Ginny were taken to Helena's suite which had two bedrooms with a shared bathroom and sitting room. Remus and Sirius were given Warin's suite. Dudley and the twins were led to guest rooms on the same floor as the others but as Harry was waiting for his turn he checked on Sigmund.
"Are you alright, Sigmund?"Harry asked softly.
The glowing eyes didn't falter as he answered. "Yesss. The raven isss in the process of accepting you and she needsss my memories to do ssso."
"It might help if you know my connection to Rowena Ravenclaw. I'm from her granddaughter Edith's branch of the family tree." Harry told him.
The raven's glowing eyes abruptly shut. A moment later, Sigmund's eyes stopped glowing as well. "We are accepted. My spellsss are now part of the wardsss here."
"Wonderful. We'll be here for about three weeks. I promise not to forget you when we leave." Harry told the guardian snake.
"Thanksss."
"If Master Harry will follow Roody..." The elf led him past a sitting room and the dining room to a staircase. "Master's guests are on the second floor as is the entrance to the master suite."
Harry smiled as he opened the door Roody pointed out. It was a beautiful sitting room with a cathedral ceiling and a view of the whole cove. The bathroom was located at the base of the gently curved spiral staircase which led to the loft bedroom.
Harry sighed in wonder. "It's amazing, Roody. I've never stayed anywhere like it."
The small creature bowed again. "Roody believes the master to be happy."
Harry chuckled. "Yes, Roody, I am."
"Roody will have supper ready soon, Master Harry." The elf said as he turned to leave.
"One more thing, Roody." Harry called. "I was hoping to browse Lady Ravenclaw's library. Where might I find it?"
"The library is on the third floor, Master Harry, sir." Roody told him. "It is having magical and muggle books in it, but Roody is thinking that what Master is really looking for is the mistress's private study."
Harry's lips curved into a smile. "You're a very smart being, Roody."
"Master Harry is to be coming with Roody." He led the way up the staircase to the painting that faced the bed. It was a seascape which prominently featured the birlinn boat they'd arrived in. "Master Harry must press the hidden button beneath the painting. Once inside, the larger library is also accessible and Roody is sensing that Miss Luna has already found her way."
Harry ran his finger between the wall and the painting and pushed the button he felt. The inside of Rowena Ravenclaw's private study was not what he'd expected. The desk was part of the bookcase that took up one whole wall. The outside wall was just a large window. An antique chair and a chaise lounge were lovely accent pieces and a door was located on the third wall. He opened the door to find Luna waiting with a smile so he invited her in. The two of them looked around for about an hour before Roody called everyone for supper.
Ginny and the twins had found interesting things in the library. Sirius and Remus had enjoyed their time alone. Dudley had napped after some more studying of the books Arthur had mentioned.
"Dudley, I got to wondering what they might ask us to do so I can keep you with me in the magical world." Harry told him. "I looked up laws on squibs and found a list so as soon as Hedwig arrives I'll be sending a letter to Korlag and my solicitor to find out if it's current and get the ball rolling."
Dudley grinned. "I can't wait!"
"We found something wonderful in Rowena's private study." Luna chimed in. "Her personal grimoire and journals!"
"Well, that's really something!" Remus said in a hushed tone.
Sirius seemed impressed also but only said that he wanted to sniff around for other secret passages.
Harry laughed and agreed to join him in case there were blood wards.
After their bellies were full, Roody showed them to an antichamber that resembled a sitting room. They chatted for a while but soon enough the young lord and his family headed off to bed.
/*/*/*/*/*
Harry looked around but couldn't see past the fog. He frowned, feeling like he'd been here before. He took a step forward and was able to make out the outline of a castle. His skin crawled with the feeling that he'd seen this castle before. He walked closer to get a better look at the large lake next to the castle. He knew the Black Lake only too well.
How could this be Hogwarts?
He looked at the castle again, closer this time, because from what he could recall of the previous version of this dream, that was more important than the surrounding area. The rubble was disturbingly colorful. He picked up a stone fragment and noticed that it was blue inside with a thin layer of grey on the outside. The next piece of stone he picked up was red and the next was a portion of two stones; one was yellow and the other was green. He dropped the fragments of stone and turned away from the horrific sight.
Hogsmead was just barely visible through the fog but it seemed unaffected by the damage to Hogwarts.
/*/*/*/*/*
Harry was trembling with shock as he shot up into a sitting position in his bed. He hurried into the secret study not certain what he was looking for but he couldn't just stand by and let this happen. Hogwarts was his home. It was where all his bloodlines converged. Hogwarts couldn't be destined for such a disastrous end. He had to figure out how to prevent it. He'd had the dream more than once. It had to mean something...didn't it?
He called for Roody while pacing and grabbing random books from the shelves. "How is everything at the school?"
"Hogwarts is being well - to my knowledge, Master Harry." Roody told him calmly. "Is Master Harry being well?"
Harry shook his head but his nervous energy drained slightly. "I'm not sure...I had a dream ...a disturbing dream." He ran his hands through his hair. "Are dreams reliable? Am I developing The Sight? Is that even possible?"
"Master has dreams of danger at Hogwarts? Master is due to go back there soon, but..." Roody became nervous and began pulling at his ears. "If there is being danger at Hogwarts, then he must not go back there!"
"It...it's probably just a dream, Roody. It has to be..." Suddenly reminded of another house elf, Harry snorted in disbelief that he hadn't thought of the former Malfoy elf in a while. "Is Dobby still at Hogwarts, Roody?"
Roody's ears flapped as he nodded his head. "Yes, Master Harry. Hogwarts is home to many elves including the two recently disgraced elves."
"Two?" Harry frowned but then it clicked. "Oh, the Crouch elf is there too? I see...Roody, if I asked, could you bring someone here?"
Roody frowned at Harry. "The wards is only allowing new Wizards to enter by boat or side along apparition with Master."
"What if I wanted to speak to one of my other house elves?" Harry wanted to know as he sat on the chaise.
"Master can call them by name as usual and they will be allowed because they be meaning Master Harry no harm." Roody explained patiently.
"And if I don't own the elf I want to call?" Harry asked carefully.
"If Master knows the name of an elf he doesn't own..." Roody looked intently at Harry, who nodded. "And wishes the elf's presence..." Harry nodded again. "Roody believes the elf would be allowed to pass the wards as long as they do not have ill intentions."
Harry hesitated but then pushed through the feeling. "Dobby?" He called.
Roody tensed up until the new elf appeared in their presence.
"Harry Potter calls for Dobby!" Dobby already had tears in his eyes.
"Dobby, I need to talk to you." Harry told him. "It's important."
"Roody will go now, Master Harry."
Harry nodded to the Ravenclaw elf. "I'll talk to you later, Roody. Thanks for your help."
"How can Dobby help Mister Harry Potter, sir?" Dobby's hopeful expression almost made Harry feel bad for calling him.
"I need to know how things are going at Hogwarts, Dobby." Harry said grimly. "I-I've had bad dreams and I'm worried."
"Harry Potter is worrying about Dobby? OH! Oh, Harry Potter, sir, is so sweet and kind!" Dobby wailed. "Headmaster Dumbles is being so nice as to let Dobby and Winky stay at Hoggy-warts, Harry Potter, sir. We is having roof and food! Dobby is being allowed to see Harry Potter sir in the school year! Dobby is so happy!"
"Dobby, can I trust you?" Harry asked softly. "I have a secret...or two."
Dobby seemed to calm down. "Dobby is loyal to Harry Potter and Headmaster..."
"Dobby, what I'm about to tell you might change your mind about the headmaster." Harry told him with a frown. He then filled his little elf friend in on the summer's discoveries.
"Dobby is being sad that Harry Potter is being treated this way." Dobby's eyes shifted along with his mood. "Dobby is being angry."
"Dobby, no." Harry cautioned his little friend. "If you want to be allowed full access to Hogwarts, you need to pretend. You can't help me if you don't."
"Harry Potter is needing Dobby's help?" The elf quivered with excitement.
"Yes." Harry nodded inwardly cringing because he recalled vividly the last time Dobby had 'helped' him. "But in order to help me you must pretend to still trust and obey Dumbledore. Can you do that, Dobby?"
Dobby frowned deeply as he thought this over. "Harry Potter is very good to Dobby and Dobby is wanting to say yes..."
"But?" Harry prompted with an encouraging nod.
"But, it is being Winky, Harry Potter sir! She is still very upset over being given clothes and the headmaster is giving us safe lodgings and food..." Dobby pulled at his ears. "He is doing so even though Winky is being a bad elf."
"And you're grateful to him." Harry said in understanding. "How is she bad?"
"She is not performing her duties, Harry Potter, sir!" Dobby wrung his hands mournfully. "She is getting drunk on butterbeer every day!"
Harry felt sorry for the poor elf. He knew what it was like to be kicked out of your home and mistreated by your family. "What if I gave Winky a place on one of my properties somewhere?"
Dobby's eyes filled with tears again. "Winky would be so happy as a bonded elf again... but Dobby would be lonely at Hoggy-warts without her. Winky is being like a sibling!"
"Dobby, I wouldn't keep you from seeing each other!" Harry tried to comfort his little friend. "If I didn't know you enjoyed being free, I'd offer you a bond as well!"
"Oh! Oh, Harry Potter, sir!" Dobby bawled falling on his little knees at Harry's feet. "Harry Potter is being such a kind wizard! Dobby is being so happy! Dobby was not knowing how to tell Harry Potter that being free isn't all Dobby thought it would be!"
"It's not making you happy?" Harry frowned as he sat on the floor to pat the elf's back.
"Free Dobby has to worry about food and roof and work. Free Dobby has to take care of Winky but she be spending money Dobby makes for other things on butterbeer!" Dobby blew his nose on a sock he pulled from his pocket. "Dobby is tired and having to do double workload because Winky only drinks."
Harry's frown deepened. "Do you think that would change if I offer her a bond?"
Dobby nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, yes, Harry Potter, sir!"
"Then how about this...I'll offer her a bond and you'll take a bit of time to decide if being free makes you happy." Harry tilted his head to the left to see the elf's face. "If it does, then you'll remain a free elf and my friend. If not, I'll find you a place on one of my properties."
Dobby exploded into a puddle of tears. "My friend, Harry Potter, is such a wonderful wizard! So wise! So kind and generous!"
"Winky?" Harry called, hoping to be heard over Dobby's commotion.
The female elf appeared in front of them holding a half-empty bottle of butterbeer and wearing a dirty, ripped dress.
Dobby hugged Winky and gushed about Harry's generosity until Harry blushingly stopped him.
"Winky, would you like to be bonded again? I mean, I know you feel like it's my fault you got clothes, so I would understand if you don't want to." Harry told her sadly.
"Harry Potter would grant Winky a new family bond?" Her chin wobbled slightly as her eyes welled up with emotion. "Winky is overwhelmed, sir!"
Harry held out his hand and she took it. "Before we perform the bond, I'd like to ask you something."
Winky looked up at him with a mix of hope and fear.
"No need to worry, Winky." Harry smirked sadly. "There's no right answer. I just wonder why you feel the way you do about being bonded."
She sighed and glanced at Dobby. "At Hoggy-warts, Winky is one of many house elves."
"We be faceless." Dobby murmured nodding his understanding. "Our work be blending in to the next elf's work. Many of the school children are unaware of us."
"Yes...but in her master's home Winky would be one of a mere handful." Winky bounced on her toes. "Her master would know her name and her duties. She would belong."
"Headmaster Dumbles knows Dobby." Harry pointed out.
"Dobby was called Donny yesterday, sir." Dobby looked at the floor sadly. "And he asked after Wonky's health. We was planning to ignore it because he is quite old."
Harry stared at his little friend. "Do either of you know how to bond with a wizard?"
"Roody be knowing which book to look in, Master Harry." Roody stood just behind Dobby. He led them into the hidden study and found a book.
Harry flipped through with a frustrated frown and tried to put it back on the shelf. "I can't read it."
Roody huffed and pushed the book into Winky's hands. "It is being written in the old elvish language, Master Harry, sir."
"Oh." Feeling silly, Harry just shrugged. "Erm ...Alright."
"There is being a spell." Roody said in a hushed tone. "If spoken by a wizard in a human tongue, it enslaves the elf and they has no recourse, but if an elf speaks the spell in the old tongue, it is a bond."
Harry stared at the Ravenclaw elf and then swung his gaze toward Dobby.
"Yes!" Dobby bit his lip and tugged his ears to hide his eyes. "It is being a long story, Harry Potter, sir. Dobby's ancestor was willingly bonded to the Malfoy line!"
"Willingly bonded elves don't long for freedom, Dobby." Harry shook his head. "I don't understand."
"For many years Dobby's ancestors lived happy in bond with the Malfoy family..." The elf explained while wringing his hands. "But then he- who- must- not- be- named rose to power and young master Draco's grandfather fell for lies and began to practice black magic. It corrupted him and he soon be treating elves differently to how he'd been taught. Dobby's father broke the bond but Master Abraxas Malfoy found his hiding place and used the spell to enslave. Father to son such tales are passed on."
Harry stared at him in horror. "That's terrible, Dobby."
"But Harry Potter saved Dobby!" The little creature grinned at him. "And now Harry Potter wishes to help Winky! Harry Potter is a great wizard!"
"Master Harry, Winky be ready." Roody said quietly. "Winky sings spell and when she finish you say 'I accept this bond'."
"She's going to sing?" Harry mused.
"Is the nature of old elvish." Roody shrugged and backed away.
Winky's voice rose and fell in a strange but pleasant rhythm which gave Harry a feeling of warmth and calm - similar to a breeze going through his hair or a wave flowing onto the shore.
Harry closed his eyes until the 'song' began to fade. The last note sounded happy and hopeful. "I accept this bond, Winky."
With that, Winky's skin took on a healthy appearance.
Dobby hopped up and down before rushing to hug his friend.
Roody showed only satisfaction.
"Roody, please find something suitable for Winky to wear." Harry said softly. "Winky, I'd like you to help Roody here for now. I'll find you the right permanent home soon but since my family is in residence at Raven's Roost just now I think we need you here. Dobby, I have a favor to ask you...please stay."
Dobby's head tilted in curiosity as the others left.
"I want you to be my eyes at Hogwarts...at least until I get there." Harry told the eager elf. "I want to know if Dumbledore says anything about me or my family. I want you to look around the castle. Check the wards."
Dobby's eyes glowed with interest as he listened to Harry's concerns. "Dobby can do this, Harry Potter, sir. Dobby can keep Harry Potter's secrets and pretend he likes Headmaster Dumbles."
"Then go. I'll see you in September." Harry sighed and tried to calm his mind. He had to plan two options for Dobby. He wanted things to work out either way the little elf chose.
At Potter Grove, he'd gone for a run or a swim to relax. With plenty of water in reach, he went looking for an access point and found himself at the door to Sirius and Remus's suite. Just as he'd hoped, his godfather answered and agreed to talk for a bit while exploring the castle for a place to swim. Harry filled Sirius in on his dream and his new elf while they walked the halls.
Finally, Harry resorted to asking Roody and even though it was nearly dawn, the elf directed them to go through the terrace garden. There, they found a small floating dock and immediately jumped into the water.
WARNING! There will be a small time jump from this point to the next chapter!