Chapter 25: A Hierarchy of Elves
Harry and Hermione were still sleeping. It had been a little over two days. Their bodies kept changing with the new magic. Remus, Sirius, Ruki, and McGonagall would take turns watching them. Jing, Longwei, and General Xu had made arrangements with the goblins to make it possible for the merpeople to leave the Black Lake. They quickly realized they needed the public's help. Merpeople weren't easy to move, hide, or disguise. They needed to be in water, and moving large pools was simply not practical. They needed people to be willing to help and keep quiet if they saw something. It had taken an obscene amount of money and manpower, but the British wizards and witches had to wake up to the horrors of the war and realize that they were about to be under the dominion of a psychotic dictator.
The day after the fight, the twins had insisted they felt well enough to distribute the Quibbler, and so Xenophilius put out a special edition with information of all that happened so far with a precise timeline, a very long obituary, and a list of missing persons. The pictures shocked and appalled everyone. That special edition was the first massively printed journal of colorful wizarding photographs ever. Remus and Sirius insisted that it was necessary for people to see the blood. People needed to see the wreck, the death, the Morsmordres. It cost five times as much to produce the paper with colorful ink, but the military people agreed it would be a turning point for everyone else.
Those who had stayed neutral so far because they had no kids at Hogwarts and their businesses were surviving would have to choose sides was no longer optional. Remaining neutral would be criminal in this context. One of the non-magical soldiers had been assigned with taking pictures while two other PA members covered him. He turned out to be quite skilled. And so, the people of the United Kingdom opened the special edition of The Quibbler with horror and shock. Hearing whispers and forbidden radio shows was very different from seeing the actual war in front of them.
The front page showed a Hogwarts on fire with several Morsmordres in bright green that contrasted against the smoke and the darkness of the sky. The only words on it were: Hogwarts No More. When the readers turned that page, the back showed an article titled: We Won't Give Up. The picture that occupied half the page showed Minerva McGonagall covered in blood and debris, with her arms extended protectively in front of a few students who had their wands throwing spells from behind her.
Families that had children in other magical schools or who were too young to attend Hogwarts were terrified. There were pictures of maimed elves and brutalized teenagers. Young men and women were burnt, covered in cuts, blood, and bruises, their clothes a mess... their eyes void and haunted. Soldiers carrying dead kids, dead elves, the fyendfire, the explosions, the werewolves attacking, the giants, it was all too much. Their country was at war, and anybody could be next.
General Xu contacted the muggle authorities to warn them that shit was hitting the fan from all directions and they should prepare for an all-out war in England. Prime Minister Blair had been briefed. The Queen's security was at the highest level seen in history... World War II included. Australia was overtaken. They still had no information on the Grangers' whereabouts. Russia was on its way to the same fate as the Aussies. Scotland and Ireland were quickly filling up with rebel cells. The military men had a meeting to discuss how best to execute the recovery of Madam Pomfrey, Ginny's file, and the whole clan of merfolk that were at the lake.
Ruki used the back of her wrinkly hand to wipe the sweat off of her brow. She was used to working hard, but the weather here was getting to her. It had been 18 years since she had stepped onto this island, and her old body was no longer used to it. On the first days, she had to adjust to the difference in altitude, and her head was in a lot of pain. Dobby approached her right away. He was glad to have a senior Potter elf back home. Dobby was trying his best with Kreacher's help, but there was so much to do, too many tasks to assign, and so many elves to guide.
FLASHBACK
"Ruki," Dobby bowed deeply.
"Dobby," Ruki nodded as she applied bandages to her arm. Dobby took over the healing.
"Welcome home," Dobby smiled through his pain. He was bone tired from popping so many elves, "How can I helps? What do you wants to do? Why didn't yous tell me who you is?"
Ruki coughed a bit, "Dobby, please calm down. You are already helping. I was so glad to know Master Harry had your help. I was under compulsions. I wanted to go to him, but Dumbledore bonded me to the school, so I couldn't leave without his permission."
"He be doing it on purpose," Dobby gasped, horrified. To keep an elf from serving their true master was barbaric.
"Yes, when Headmistress McGonagall gave me permission, I started to try and look for him... but since I was bonded to Master James and Mistress Lily, I thought the bond was dead. I tried to feel for it, but my core couldn't find it," Ruki sighed.
"I is sorry..."
"Don't be. It wasn't until I saw Master Harry again that I felt some magic that was binding me vanish, and I found the bond thread again. It didn't occur to me to go to the cemetery... That was very smart of you, Dobby," Ruki smiled.
"I needs you to helps... Dobby only is having experience at former master's home. I is born there. All I is knowing after that is Hogwarts. Potter Family is having too many properties and elvesies. Dobby is not knowing what to say when orphan elves be asking questions," Dobby looked on the verge of tears at having to admit his shortcomings.
"Worry not, Dobby. I will take over as soon as Master Harry is awake, if you give me leave to do so. In the meantime, please refer all elves to me when they have questions so I can guide them," Ruki smiled.
Dobby nodded so fast his ears clapped. "Yes, of course."
END FLASHBACK
Ruki checked all the indicators on her master's and mistress' diagnostic spells. They were coming back to normal. Their hands were still wrapped around the Elder Wand. Ruki sighed. So many had died for the so-called unbeatable wand. What a waste! The wand was only as unbeatable as the wizard that held it. And it worked particularly well for the heirs of the House of Peverell. When the wand chose Hermione as well, it measured her. It weighed her core, ethics, values, and morals, and it accepted, for the first time since its creation, to obey two masters simultaneously. Not even her former mistress, who studied the hallows extensively ever said something like this was possible. It was the stuff of legends.
Ruki smiled. Her master had to go and choose an exceptional witch. Of course. She still remembered him when he was in his nappies. He was such a happy-go-lucky baby. He was rarely cross. He was sweet, and his magic was impressive even as a baby. His parents had been so in love, so young... so betrayed. Ruki wished she could have saved her family, but she had been ordered away. By the time the compulsion stopped, it was because her masters were dead. When she recovered from the shock and went to find baby master Harry, Hagrid had taken him away.
In all her clan's years working for the Peverells and then the Potters, they had written manuals on every detail elves needed to know to work for the family. In them was the entire family history with detailed timelines. Additionally, the manuals contained sensitive information on wards, family runes and rituals, wand lore, and potion making. The Peverells had been deeply involved with wand lore, specifically, and runes. The Potters were always potioneers. The interest in rituals heightened with her mistress Lily's marriage into the family. She was a very skilled Potion Mistress in training. She was killed before she could take her Mastery exams. What a tragedy it was having lost her master and mistress.
Now that she was back with their heir, she was determined to see what mistress Lily wanted through to the end. It didn't matter what this cost her. For a Head Elf, a future with no family to take care of was pointless. They would die eventually. She would rather die a dignified death doing everything it took to try to save their charge. It was the only way forward. Ruki couldn't care less if she would die young for her kind's standards. Harry would survive her and have his own family with the new Lady Potter and a new Head Elf she would train would take care of them for years. Ruki had gone through both their lives inside their minds.
Elves had superior legilimency skills. People thought they could anticipate their masters' and mistresses' needs because they knew them well through working with them for years. While this was partially true, the reality of their impeccable service was that their brains were wired differently. They could read their humans' minds, but they could also sense their feelings. Elves were attuned to their humans' emotions. They could sense their fear, their sadness, their joy. When some of their humans died, they could carry on living only if someone of the same family was still alive. When they couldn't contact their surviving family, they could form temporary second bonds for magical sustenance, but that was pale compared to the magic they received from their families, especially when a family had such powerful witches and wizards like the Potters.
Ruki had made a circle of runes around her humans, which seemed to be helping them the most. If all went well, they should be up and about soon enough.
"Kreacher," she called.
Kreacher popped next to her and bowed deep, "Head House Elf Ruki, how can Kreacher be of service?"
"Thank you, Kreacher. We will have guests at the lake soon. Have you warned the clan there?" Ruki asked.
"Yes, Kreacher did."
"How did they take the news?"
"They are concerned and wish to speak to Lord Potter before the guests arrive. Kreacher is warning them that Lord Potter is in recovery, but they insist," Kreacher explained.
"I see. I will do my best to wake Lord Potter. In the meantime, tell Lord Chang that when the guests arrive, they are to stay at sea until Lord Potter talks to the local clan and gives the go-ahead."
Harry felt energy, loving energy, tingling up toward his face from his left foot. He opened his eyes slowly. His body felt strong and full of energy but stiff and uncomfortable. How long had he been out? He tried to sit up, but his hand was a bit numb, still holding the wand and Hermione's equally frozen hand. He turned to see her. She was a bit pale, but other than that, she was more beautiful than ever. He kissed her forehead, and she woke up with a smile.
"Hey, stranger," Hermione whispered.
"Hey..." Harry was cut off by Hermione kissing him deeply.
The wand fell to the floor as they got lost in each other's embrace.
"Ahem..." Ruki cleared her throat.
Harry pushed Hermione behind him. His hands were covered in raw magic, ready to kill. When he saw it was a uniformed elf, his magic vanished. That was the loving energy he felt. He stared at the elf, and his eyes widened. He had seen her before. Not at Hogwarts... Where?
"Master Harry," Ruki smiled.
"R-Ruki?" Harry blinked, perplexed.
Ruki gasped, "Do you remember me?"
Harry gaped for a while, "I... I think I do... I just don't know where I've seen you before."
"At Lord and Lady Potter's home in Godric's Hollow, Master," Ruki's eyes filled with tears.
Harry stared, stunned, "You... You were employed by my parents?"
"Yes, Master Harry. I was what humans would call... your nanny, sir. But I was the Head Potter House Elf."
Harry approached Ruki, and his hands went to her cheeks. Images of a younger Ruki flashed in his eyes, and he could hear his own laughter as a baby. He felt so much love flooding him. His heart reached out to her. She hugged his head, and he sighed. This was the smell! He remembered this smell when he was a child. It was a combination of some fragrant oils. He always tried to replicate it with the flowers in the Dursleys' garden, but he never could manage. Hermione stretched her arm out to squeeze Ruki's hand. They shared a smile and a nod of respect.
Hermione held Harry's arm with her free hand in silent support. "Were you away when...?"
Ruki nodded and tried to hold back a sob, "Lord Potter sent me away. I tried to come back, but I couldn't. Refusing our humans' orders is detrimental to our health and well-being. I tried and tried and even blacked out with pain, sir. But I couldn't leave Potter Manor until... until they were gone. I went back for you as soon as I could, but Hagrid had already taken you. I had to chase out the slimy git who was crying over mistress Lily... like he had any right to touch her, the miserable sod."
"Slimy git?" Hermione asked before she could help herself.
"Severus Snape," Ruki replied with a frown.
Harry blinked his confusion away, "Severus Snape cried over my mother's body?!"
Sirius baritone added, "Whoa, Snape can cry?!"
Remus smacked the back of Padfoot's head as a reflex. Sirius let out an exaggerated 'Ouch!' as both came into the room, "Harry, Hermione, are you alright?"
Harry looked a bit green, "I don't know..."
Hermione smiled and nodded slightly.
"Why would he be crying over Lady Potter's body, though?" Hermione frowned. "They weren't even friends at that point... Right?"
"He never moved on... Who is-?" Remus stopped talking suddenly. His eyes flashed silver as Ruki pointed at him and Sirius with her long index finger, "Ruki?"
"Master Moony," she smiled indulgently.
Sirius ran to her and hugged her tightly, as he suddenly remembered her too, "I am so glad you are here with us! Thank you for everything you did for me!"
"It was my duty and my honor, Master Padfoot. You were a second son to the Potters and a brother to Lord James and Lady Lily," Ruki replied, hugging him back. "Remus!" she exclaimed when the man pulled both Sirius and her up into a big hug.
"Sorry to interrupt the moment... They were never together, right?" Harry asked.
"No. Never. Just in his mind," Remus replied with a frown.
"Ugh. Gross," Hermione grimaced.
"Master Harry... I am sorry to take over the conversation. We can talk about your parents at length later, but you are needed at the lake," Ruki looked very uncomfortable to interrupt.
Harry gasped and ran to put on his trainers and a shirt, almost falling on his face as he rushed, "THE MERPEOPLE! What day is it? What time is it? Did they get Madam Pomfrey? What about Ginny's file? Are they alright? Are they here yet? Can I help?"
Remus and Sirius shared a smile. This right here was exactly why people wanted to fight for and with this young man.
"Calm down, sir. You have 'a well-oiled machine here,' like your mother used to say. The General, his wife, Lord Chang, and Longwei devised a plan they could execute without you. They managed to get a US submarine to help, and even the Royal Marines. They should be alright. I hope you don't mind, sir. I took a drop of your blood to access the cave. The General needed some TNT. Murcus' clan should be getting here today. However, the island's lake has its own clan, and they are asking to speak to you. They are concerned about possible territorial rifts," Ruki explained.
"I had no idea there was a clan there," Harry said. "Oh no..."
"What, sir?"
"We feel so disrespectful. We threw Mr. Weasley's ashes in their territory without asking!" Hermione explained.
"How come the island didn't tell me there was a clan here? It told me about the distribution of the house, the caves, the lake, but never its inhabitants..." Harry scratched his head as he stood up.
"Let's go," Hermione stood up.
"No, Mistress. Pardon me, but clans are very particular about bloodlines. You were bonded into the family. They will want to talk to the Potter heir," Ruki warned, although she sounded apologetic about it.
"Oh, I see. Well, then go, love. I will get updated by Dobby, and then we can talk," Hermione pecked his cheek, donned a house robe over her pajamas, and left the room. Remus and Sirius followed after her. They needed to update her on their suspicion of Bellatrix being pregnant.
Harry held Ruki's hand, and they were gone.
Within the curtains surrounding one of the Infirmary beds, Ginny groaned as she tried to sit up on her hospital bed. Every inch of her body hurt. She had no idea how long she had been unconscious, but somehow, she felt like a long time had passed. Light bothered her dry eyes. She blinked to try to moisten them. Her skin felt tight and itchy. She tried to move her hair out of the way, only to find that she was tied up. Both her hands and feet were bound to the bed. Her body was covered by a sheet all the way to her clavicles. Her feet felt bare. She could hear the ocean. That meant she was still on the island. Her throat was parched. She tried to speak, but all that came out was a croaky groan.
Draco Malfoy parted the curtains and peered inside. He seemed surprised, but he had a small smile on his face.
"Hello, Ginevra," he placed a tray full of vials on her bedside table.
She groaned again as she tried to speak. A coughing fit rattled her body.
Draco took the pitcher and glass and served her water. He transfigured an empty vial from the tray into a glass straw. He placed the straw right in front of Ginevra's lips.
She shook her head.
"You think I poisoned this?" Draco raised a brow at her. "Well, color me surprised, I thought you'd be more disgusted at my cooties, but I can drink first if you are so concerned."
Ginny narrowed her brown eyes at the blonde and looked at the glass intensely as if daring him to drink.
"I won't use the straw. Don't worry," Draco moved the straw away and took a sip from the glass. He waited, and she kept her suspicious look but motioned for him to place the glass close to her. "Slow, small sips, or you'll start coughing again."
Ginny rolled her eyes but obeyed. After about half the glass, she tried speaking again. "W-Where's the H-Healer?"
"Andromeda," Draco corrected.
"W-What?" Ginny blinked.
"The Healer's name is Andromeda... Unless you mean her assistant. In that case, it's Lady Greengrass," Draco explained in a leveled tone.
"I n-need one of them, whichever, I don't care w-who," Ginny replied.
"You will not be untied if that's your aim, Ginevra," Draco warned.
"You don't know t-that," Ginny spat.
"Oh, no, I do know," Draco pulled the collar of his shirt away; a reddish bite-shaped scar was there. "You are tied because you attacked me, and Andi doesn't want to risk it happening again."
"What is that?" Ginny looked shocked and confused.
"A souvenir from your latest freak out," Draco shrugged and uncapped a couple of vials. "Here you go... A nutritional potion and a pain reliever. Andi mentioned you would still be sore."
Ginny sniffed the vials and grimaced. They smelled right, so she drank them. After her second one, she coughed, "I didn't do that... I would never even want to touch you. Why would I bite you?"
"Because I am scrumptious, and you know it," Draco said very seriously. Had he been anyone else, and had she been anywhere else, she would have laughed. But why didn't she remember? The last thing she remembered was Longwei throwing her around like a rag doll.
"You wish," Ginny smirked.
"No, not really... They have already tried to remove the scar, and it is not budging. That leads me to believe that you bit me fueling your bite with angry magic, and now I will have to explain this for the rest of my life," Draco frowned.
"I need to see a h-healer," Ginny insisted, her cheeks red with embarrassment.
"They are busy. I will let them know you are awake, though. They will come to see you as soon as they are able?"
"Busy?"
"Yes, Ginevra. The world doesn't revolve around you, despite what you may think. We have many injured people and elves that haven't been helped yet. That's why you are in the Weasley Room and not in the Infirmary," Draco replied.
"What the fuck are you doing in our room?" Ginny narrowed her eyes at him again.
"Helping your mother," Draco shrugged as if a Malfoy helping a Weasley was the most natural thing on earth.
Ginny frowned through her shock and concern, "What? Why? Is she okay? Is my family okay?"
"Well... let's see. People didn't want to tell you, but I think you need to know, so you reign in that nightmare you call a temper... Ginevra, your mother's heart is in trouble. She has very chronic high blood pressure. Andi put her on a potion regime. Mrs. Weasley is on a special diet. She has to do some light exercise and take mandatory naps. I just gave her a few drops of sleeping draught, and she's out for..." Draco looked at his cracked watch, "For at least an hour. William is helping the Healers, as is Charles. The twins, I think, are helping with the distribution of meals... which means I am sticking to an apple and coconut water again," Draco grimaced. He still remembered the taste of his last joke meal. Ugh.
"So, they are all okay?"
"That's all I can tell you, Weasley," Draco's eyes darkened with an expression she couldn't read.
"Is Fleur alright? The baby?"
"Yes. She can't move much, but thank Merlin the special pillows are here, so she's sleeping better. So is Tonks... I was starting to fear for my life when I had to talk to them," Draco chuckled.
Ginny took a deep breath and looked away.
"You won't ask about Potter and Granger, then?"
"No."
"I see. Trouble in paradise?" Draco lifted his brows.
"Mind your own business."
"I will. Just keep in mind... That ship has sailed. There is no way you can get back together with Potter."
"Did I ask you?" She turned to him with a lifted brow. Draco shook his head. "I didn't think so," she said.
"What is it about them together that bothers you so much? I thought you were friends... Friends are supposed to be happy for their friends' happiness... or so I am told," Draco said, thinking back on how Luna had become his best friend here so unexpectedly and so quickly. Months before he saw her again at Malfoy Manor, he wouldn't have given a damn if the girl died a horrible death... Now, he would kill anyone to keep her safe and happy.
"I am not going to spill out my guts to you, snake," Ginny turned her face away.
Draco laughed, "No worries. You already have... Literally. Threw up on my shoes twice. Andi would wake you up long enough to help you change, and then I would help administer the needed potions. Funnily enough, it was always my shoes you threw up on. Never hers."
"Semiconscious me knows what's up," Ginny quipped but didn't turn back toward him.
Draco chuckled. "I should bill you for those shoes. They are formal dragonhide."
"Fine, as long as I get to put them on and kick them deep into your pretentious arse!" Ginny replied.
"You are getting nowhere near this pretentious, high-quality porcelain, bitable arse," Draco quipped back and walked away, closing the curtains behind him.
Ginny huffed indignantly but couldn't come up with a reply before he left.
Severus Snape was losing his mind. He had gone through at least 20 advanced healing potion books and couldn't find a perfect antidote to the winged serpent's venom. If that was even what had bitten him. That was how it was described, but how was it possible?! There were no such creatures in the United Kingdom. Has Potter been importing dangerous creatures to help his cause? Damn it all to hell. He recoiled slightly as Nagini's vibrating tongue caressed his cheek. The threat was clear. Fix him or else... Riddle was on a cot next to Severus' workstation. What they had done so far had helped somewhat, but the Dark Lord remained unconscious.
Madam Pomfrey had gone to fetch some ingredients from the greenhouse, and she should have returned by now.
"Rowle," Severus called one of his 'comrades.' Severus caressed his side subtly. He was still tender from Lady Greengrass' stab.
"What?"
"Where is the Healer?"
"How the fuck should I know?"
Severus rolled his eyes so hard he saw his tortured childhood, "She should have come back already. If something happens to her, the Dark Lord will rip out your heart and feed it to your children... raw," Severus said in his usual grave tone. "Go get her. I need her help figuring this out."
"SNAPE!"
"What?"
"She's gone!"
Severus lifted his eyes from the potion he was stirring. "Gone as in dead?"
"Gone... as in she left the island!"
"WHAT?! How? That's not possible! The floo isn't working. Only the Dark Lord can apparate in and out. The dementors wouldn't let her fly past them and live to tell the tale. She didn't swim away eith-" Severus' eyes widened. "Is the Black Lake okay?"
"Okay? What does that even mean? I don't know, why?" Rowle replied among pants from how fast he had run in.
"Because the only other way for her to leave would be for the merfolk to, somehow, help her out into the ocean. However, the passageway was blocked with the previous attack and-"
The building rattled with an explosion. Severus could barely jump out of the way as the cauldron fell and spilled all its contents, starting to melt the carpet under the workstation.
"Are we under attack again?!" one of the young recruits asked. He looked terrified.
"Go figure it out! I have to stay with him and keep him safe," Severus motioned at the Dark Lord, who was still unconscious. Bellatrix could be heard screaming for Riddle upstairs.
Way below the castle, Murcus smirked. She never expected dynamite to be so fun to use. True, they would have to rebuild if they ever came back, but knowing the monsters in the castle were probably terrified made up for that. Maki, who knew the patterns of Death Eaters, was assigned with recovering Ginny's file. She was smart enough to make the most of the explosion and popped around successfully until she got to Madam Pomfrey's office. Maki didn't know why this was so important, but it would help Harry Potter and his soulmate, so she was willing to die for the file.
Firenze had managed to get Madam Pomfrey from the greenhouse and to the shores where the grindylows waited to take her down. Maki had appeared next to her by the shore and helped her do a bubble head charm after placing one on herself. The elf was usually terrified of water, but she would prevail. When they got to the surviving caves, Murcus was waiting impatiently. Fortunately, the Healer's compulsions were almost gone, and with a couple of harsh slaps from Murcus she was back to her albeit muddled and confused self. Murcus swam one way and then the other in her version of pacing. She really hoped Harry Potter and his people would come through. Otherwise, her whole community would likely perish. Her guards got ready to cut intruders in half. They almost did just that to five divers.
"Murcus?" a woman asked, removing some sort of breathing tube from her mouth and raising her hands so they could see she was unarmed.
"Who are you?" Firenze asked.
"Mrs. Xu. Wife of General Xu. We are here on orders from Harry Potter to get you out," she provided an identity oath. "The men behind me are Royal Marines. They are trained in difficult ocean extractions. We will be moving through the dark depths of the ocean for a while. Lieutenant Colonel Chang," she pointed at him. "Managed to get help from a United States' submarine. Once we are far enough away that we can't be easily seen or targeted from the island, they will light up the way so we can swim to the surface and get to our next transportation that will take you safely to headquarters," Mrs. Xu paused; she could sense the tension rising, "Or, if you prefer, you could go to a different place. However, we can only take you so far."
Firenze went underwater to get the response so he could interpret. After a few seconds, he said, "We want to go to Harry Potter's land."
"It's in the Caribbean... Just so you know. Different weather, dangers, and conditions," Mrs. Xu said, emphasizing the last word.
Firenze frowned, "What conditions?"
"Lord Potter's territory is his. It will not be yours, not now, not ever. You will need to request an audience with him to discuss the specifics. He knows you are used to having your own space, but he cannot accommodate you to the level you are used to. But, as you know, these are desperate times," Mrs. Xu explained.
Firenze went down and resurfaced, "Murcus has agreed. Let's go."
Ruki stepped into the lake slowly. Her finger dipped in the cool water, and a magic ripple lit up the lake.
"Master... I may have overstepped."
"How?" Harry was confused.
"I was approached by Dobby and Kreacher for help leading the elves. They were uncertain as to how to handle some questions and concerns..."
"Well, you are a Potter elf... It makes sense," Harry smiled at the blushing elf.
"Sir... Us elves... we need a chain of command. I was Head House Elves for your parents. But I know you have a long relationship with Dobby and Kreacher, and if you prefer one of them to take the role, I will be happy to train them to Potter Head House Elf's standards, sir," Ruki tried not to look as heartbroken as she would feel.
Harry looked at the elf and felt his parents' love inside him. "Ruki, do be serious. You saw me in my nappies, probably even in my mother's womb... I love Dobby and Kreacher, but both of them served a small family. This family is... well. I am sure you have seen enough. And with all the new elves and people here, I would be so relieved to know you are guiding everything... if you are so inclined. I am sure there could be no better Head House Potter Elf," Harry squeezed her hand.
"Oh, thank you, Master! Thank you! Thank you!" Ruki hugged his legs. "I thought you wouldn't want me to serve in this capacity because I am... old now."
"Nonsense! You are in your prime!" Harry smiled. "If you ever feel you need an assistant or you want to rest, do let us know. We don't want you to be exhausted or get sick."
"I certainly will, Master. If I may give you some advice for your meeting?"
"Always," Harry nodded with enthusiasm.
"Be polite, Master. It was their lake before your parents were even born... and they will survive you," Ruki recommended patting his hand as a grandmother would.
"Yes, ma'am," Harry replied instantly.
Ruki smiled. Her charge was such a good Master and human.
"But who will interpret for us? Do you know Mermish? I don't," Harry was concerned.
A deep voice replied, "Worry not, Heir Potter. I can speak your language."
"You can? Oh, that's wonderful," Harry smiled, turning to face him. "I was worried we would have to sign to each other."
The merman looked bigger than Murcus. He was sitting on a large stone in the middle of the lake. He had a longer, stronger looking tail. His body was made to swim. His back and shoulders were broad. His arms looked like they could swim for days. His skin was ebony with a shifting deep green and golden sheen to it. When the light hit the scales on the tail, they shifted from green to a pinkish hue. His eyes were impressive. There was a mix of deep blue with purple specks, which contrasted beautifully with his complexion. His gills had closed, and ears sprouted, Harry noted.
"Your grandmother taught me how. She was a remarkable woman," the merman replied. "My name is Omari; I speak for my clan."
Ruki chuckled.
"Is something funny?" Omari frowned.
Harry tried not to panic as he looked at Ruki questioningly.
"Your name, honored merman."
"Ruki... I-" Harry began.
The merman laughed. "You spent any time in Africa, Head House Elf?"
"A bit," Ruki smiled at Harry in an 'I will tell you later' kind of way.
"Omari means 'speaker' or 'chief,' human. That's what your elf finds amusing. My name is 'speaker,' and I speak for my clan."
"Oh!" Harry let out a nervous chuckle. "That is funny."
"Lord Potter," Omari started.
"Please, sir. Let me begin our conversation by apologizing wholeheartedly to you and your clan," Harry bowed low. Omari gasped at the gesture of respect.
"Sir?" Omari asked, perplexed.
"When we did the funeral rites for Mr. Weasley here... We didn't ask for your permission, but I didn't know you lived here. You must think I am an abysmal lord... and you would be right. I am new to this whole Lordship situation, and so much has happened that I can't seem to keep up as well as I would like and-"
"Lord Potter, breathe... Us merfolk believe that when beings die, they should go back to nature. For our clan, it is an honor when we are chosen as the final resting place of anyone... However, I must admit... We are concerned about the fire hair girl... She spent a significant amount of time talking to herself mostly. But it was all very unkind. Maybe she was just too full of grief, but she didn't sound well. I am sorry if I am overstepping, sir... She is not okay," Omari said, interrupting Harry and pointing at the side of his head.
Harry sighed, "We know, Omari. Hopefully, if all went well with the extraction... we should get her the help she needs."
"Good... I am glad for her and her loved ones. Her father's spirit has been very sad. It doesn't help that he couldn't remain as a ghost. Lord Potter, if I may... my clan has been here for almost 400 years since we escaped slavery. We are concerned that this clan you are helping may want to... um... how can I put it? Overstay their welcome. Merfolk... we are territorial. We don't fare well... sharing leadership. Things can get bloody, and they have in the past."
"Thank you for contributing to keeping this island how it is," Harry smiled. "I am sure the lake would be in disarray without you."
Omari nodded. He was glad the young man was polite and respectful. "It is our duty to keep our home in good condition... Lord Potter, we don't want to seem ungrateful... Poseidon knows many wizards have banished clans from their properties, even going as far as slaughtering them all, and your family has been exceptionally good to us. Murcus is a very headstrong leader, if gossip is to be believed. She will not like bowing down to any others."
Harry looked thoughtful for a while; Hermione's thoughts suggested an alternative, "Omari... If you think this is too much of a problem for your people, we can always build a pool by the beach. We hope that Murcus' stay with us will be a short one, but we can't be sure," Harry looked down and sighed. He may not survive this war.
"You will get to see it, sir."
"How did you-?"
"This is not like the other wars. Everyone who is still alive in England has been personally hurt by this madman. Now that you are, I hear, all over the press... they will rally behind you," Omari nodded.
"The press? I don't understand... Ruki-?"
"I will show you later, Master,"
"Oh? Okay, then," Harry was surprised to feel he could trust Ruki, no questions asked. "Omari, please consult with your people and let me know," Harry requested.
"I did, sir. We want assurances in writing that this lake is ours."
"You want me to give up ownership of this part of the island?" Harry asked in his most neutral tone, trying to understand.
"Never, sir. This island is yours. Your assurances in writing would be that you support my leadership of this clan and that no other clan will be allowed to remain here permanently or claim leadership from under us," Omari explained.
"Ruki?" Harry looked, and she was gone. She popped back with a confused Ted Tonks and his briefcase.
"Harry, I am glad you are awake. Are we doing this? I already spoke to Omari and had drafted an agreement," Ted squeezed Harry's shoulder. "This acts as a usufruct that I am sure you will see the benefits for, Lord Potter."
"What is a usufruct?" Harry scratched the back of his head.
"A usufruct is the legal right of using and enjoying the fruits or profits of something belonging to another. In layman's terms, you own the land, Omari's clan can stay here for as long as agreed and benefit from the land, and you get no financial gain... if any. In return for the financial gain they may receive, they are to take care of the upkeep of the lake," Ted explained as she fiddled with the locks on his briefcase.
"Oh... If Omari thinks this is acceptable..."
"Yes, Lord Potter. We agree."
"Good, I knew we kept Ted around for a reason," Harry chuckled as Ted finally opened his briefcase and handed Harry a scroll.
Hermione, I need your brain before I sign something I maybe shouldn't, he spoke in his mind.
Of course, Hermione stopped her conversation and turned away, "Harry needs me. Give me a minute." She closed her eyes and focused. He read slowly, giving her time to re-read anything she thought merited just that. They went through it all. Love, do you trust Omari?
He seems trustworthy.
Can you ask for an oath?
That wouldn't be polite, love. I-
"Master, I think it's important for you to know that Omari and his people have made a fealty oath to you, Lady Potter, and this cause," Ruki interrupted.
Good, Hermione smiled. How he could tell she was smiling from here was beyond him. Sign it. They need to feel supported before they go out on a limb for us.
"Thank you for the update Ruki. I wasn't aware of that. I appreciate your trust and support, Omari," Harry said as he signed with a blood quill. "Please thank your people on my behalf."
"No need, sir. They are watching," Omari smirked.
Harry noticed just now all the pairs of eyes that were staring at him from the lake and behind the waterfall. Young and old, male and female, they were all staring with slight smiles on their faces.
"Oh! That's brilliant... Hello, everyone," Harry waved. "Thank you for your trust and for all you do to help the ecosystem of this island. Is there anything we can do to make you more comfortable?" Harry asked with a smile.
A quiet murmur went by.
"If it's not too much trouble... We would really appreciate if those tall trees," Omari pointed at the specific ones. "Could have some branches trimmed. As you can see, the lake is not getting enough sun. The water is getting too cold in the depths, and algae are not thriving because of this."
"Of course. I imagine things have grown a bit out of control. Ruki, please assign who you think would do best to come here and change the landscaping to the satisfaction of Omari and his people," Harry smiled, and Ruki nodded. She popped away and came back with four former Hogwarts' elves.
"This is Jeky, Mudi, Stoky, and Purt... Elves, this is Omari. Our resident chief merman and Lord Potter's friend. He will let you know what needs changing. Please make sure it is all up to his standards," Ruki stated in a confident tone.
"Yes, Head Elf Ruki," they chorused.
"Lord Potter?" Jeky's nose almost touched the ground in his reverence. The elves behind him looked nervous.
"Yes, Jeki?"
"Thank you, sir," Jeky's eyes were full of tears.
"Whatever for?" Harry knelt in front of the elf, to the utmost shock of the remaining elves, Omari, and his clan.
"Jeky is never being so... so well treated before, sir. The island is being the prettiest place. I is having delicious, plentiful meals, even seaweed, and avocado mash! I is even having my own nest! And it is being just for me; I is not having to share like at Hogwarts. Jeky is been hearing good things about the Potter family and Lord and Lady Potter, sir. But Jeky couldn't believe humans to be so kind to unimportant elves like me, sir," Jeky started sobbing.
Harry's heart squeezed. "Come here," Harry hugged the elf tenderly, minding the bandages. "I am so glad you are happy here. I am sorry I have been unconscious and didn't see it happening myself. You all deserve to be safe, healthy, and respected. This family I have here... Well... It's a strange one, as you have seen. There are a lot of us, and it can get a bit crazy. But if there's one thing for sure is that you won't ever be mistreated or abused or used like cannon fodder," Harry pulled away from the hug but kept his hold on the elf's forearms. "You are not unimportant. You matter to me and to Hermione. You matter to Ruki, to Dobby, and to Kreacher. You matter to each other. Each and every one on this island, all beings, and creatures, matter greatly to me. What you do for all of us is so important, so essential... If it weren't for all of you elves, this island would have collapsed long ago. For everything you do, kindness and a decent standard of living is the bare minimum we can give back," Harry let go of the elf and turned to the others. "I hope I will have some time to get to know all of you. But in the meantime, if you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to ask me, Lady Potter, or Ruki."
The elves were clearly touched by his candor. "Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."
"Omari, I need to get going... Sleeping for two whole days is not a good idea around here."
"Lord Potter... Before you leave, we would like to help you with your training down by the beach. We were unsure before because we didn't know you... but I think we have seen all we needed," Omari offered Harry his hand.
Bow over it, Hermione said in his mind. Don't shake it. It's a sign of respect, of equality.
Harry did as she instructed, and Omari looked genuinely over the moon, "That means a lot to us. Please talk to General Xu when he returns."
Omari bowed over Harry's hand as well, "You are a different sort of human. A better one."
Harry was deeply touched by the compliment, "Thank you... Ruki?"
"I will tell the General to come to the lake, Master. Worry not," Ruki nodded. She took his hand and popped them away.
The General coughed out salty water as his wife helped him into the ship. The Death Eaters had tried to attack them from the shores, but they had only managed to reach his oxygen tank, leading to Mrs. Xu having to share her oxygen with him. Fortunately, they had planned for this and were carrying tanks that were bigger than they needed. Several elves were hovering over the water, invisible, and they took down two Death Eaters using a bazooka they were taught to use. They shot at the island, not the people, and the chunk of stone that fragmented and fell buried the two men. The elves got burned by the barrel of the weapon because they forgot the heat protection they were supposed to bring, but they were so happy to hit their mark that they didn't care much. Harry and Hermione ran to the General.
"General! Do you need a healer?" Hermione asked. He seemed unharmed, just very winded.
"No, just some water," Harry handed him and Mrs. Xu a bottle.
"Thank you, son. Mission Accomplished," the general replied, taking slow sips after he opened his wife's bottle and his own.
"Thank you for doing this. I am so sorry I couldn't go with you," Harry helped him sit as Andromeda began to wake Madam Pomfrey. She had been knocked out because she had a panic attack when a great white shark swam a bit too close. She screamed, and the breathing tube left her mouth. Then she couldn't grasp it. Murcus had hit her head with the back of his trident, and her head lolled. She then placed the tube back but had an elf do the bubble head charm again. They had chosen to use muggle equipment in the Caribbean because they would no longer have the Marines with them.
"Don't be... You, like all great leaders, need to learn to delegate and to trust your people can handle things when you are unable to, Harry," the general hung onto Harry's shoulders.
Harry stared at the man, stunned. "You think I'm a great leader?"
"The success of this mission proves you are. Everyone who was already healed was volunteering to go and risk their lives for this cause. Chyou and Longwei asked a US submarine for help so much over the radio from San Juan that the officers came all the way down to the island if only to figure out what the hell was up their ass. Luna did some of her chakra magic, and they quickly agreed to help," the general replied as he turned so Harry could remove his broken oxygen tank.
"The Queen was shown a copy of The Quibbler. She was so horrified that she herself called the Head of the Royal Marines and ordered them to do whatever they could to help us," Mrs. Xu added. "The way those men can swim in horrible conditions, I am telling you! Even the merpeople were impressed!"
"Her Majesty is helping us? Thank Merlin for that," Hermione helped Mrs. Xu to remove her equipment.
"General Xu, did you manage to get Ginny's file?" Harry asked, dreading a negative answer.
"Oh! Yes! We did! We lost a couple of elves in that attempt, though. I am really sorry."
Harry felt as if he had been punched in the gut. "Fuck. Okay. Do we have their bodies?"
"No."
Hermione held Harry from behind as he grimaced.
"We tried, Harry. But if we had gone up there, there would have been more casualties. Riddle is still out of commission, but his minions are scared and angry, so they are more vicious than usual," Mrs. Xu explained.
"Fucking hell. Okay... Who were the elves?"
"Mupi, Goti, and Paki, Harry. They had just recently joined us from Hogwarts," Mrs. Xu said.
Harry took a deep, shaky breath. He dreaded to think what the Death Eaters would do to the elves' bodies.
Mrs. Xu peeled off her suit and handed Harry a file inside a hermetic bag, "Here is her file."
Harry took it gently, "Thank you for this... for everything," he turned around and, taking Hermione's hand, he went over to Madam Pomfrey, who was pale and looking around scared.
"Madam Pomfrey!" Harry exclaimed. He almost fell as the matron jumped in his arms, shaking like a leaf and soaking him through.
"You... You... You had them do all of this for m-me?!" She said through chattering teeth.
Harry squeezed her gently, not knowing her injuries, "Madam Pomfrey... after everything you have done for me... It was the least we could do."
"Ms. Granger!"
Hermione hugged her too.
"Madam Pomfrey, come. Let's get you to the Infirmary," Hermione wrapped the woman's arm around her neck.
"Of course, I can work right away," the healer nodded.
"Oh no, ma'am. Absolutely not. You are a patient until Healer Tonks, and Assistant Healer Greengrass say otherwise. You have been mistreated, and your mind has been abused for a long time. You need to recover first, I-"
"Poppy!" Mrs. Weasley ran to them and took her friend in her arms instead. "Morgana! I thought I would never see you again."
"Molly!"
"Mrs. Weasley, we need to get her to the Infirmary," Harry smiled at seeing the women seemingly over the moon to be in each other's company again.
Harry and Hermione popped one woman each into the Infirmary.
"Harry Potter," Firenze nodded. "Murcus thanks you for keeping your word."
"Thank my people," Harry nodded respectfully at Jing and Longwei, who were being handed towels by Daiyu.
"What is the verdict?" Firenze related Murcus' question.
"Verdict?"
"Are we to stay in the ocean, or can we stay in the lake?" Firenze asked.
"Lord Potter, if I may?" Omari swam up to them.
"Absolutely, Omari," Harry smiled.
Murcus turned, trident in hand, a scowl on her face. She began to speak rapid mermish to Omari, who spoke just as quickly. Harry and Hermione looked at each leader with concern. Their voices started escalating in decibels.
"That's enough!" Harry raised his hands, and a cool blast of air pushed the leaders back and away from each other.
"Lord Potter, I told her of our agreement in blood. She insists we have to share the bounty," Omari said, clearly offended.
"I think there has been a misunderstanding, Murcus. We agreed to get you out of Hogwarts safely. You are here seemingly unharmed. Your clan is here. You are somewhere safe," Harry said with a frown. "We never promised any land... or rather water."
Hermione configured a bobby pin from her hair into a needle and pricked her finger, offering a drop of blood to Murcus so she could speak, "Here."
Murcus licked the needle, "We are not sea people. We are lake people. While we can swim in the ocean, we are not supposed to stay there for long. We get sick. What were you expecting us to do? Hang out in the borders of your island for Poseidon knows how long?"
Omari threw his strong arms up in annoyance, "You are not asking for a place to stay! You are asking for a bounty! For profit! The lake is owned by the Potter family and my clan, represented by me, get 100% of the usufruct."
"How are we supposed to live? How are we supposed to rebuild without any means of sustenance? I refuse to bow down to you... You can't even see the needs of my people!" Murcus pointed at Omari with her trident.
Firenze got deeper in the water and stood on his hind legs, kicking repeatedly, making Murcus move back, "Murcus!"
"Firenze! OBEY ME!"
"NO! I told you that you had my gratitude and support. Not that I would be your slave! You cannot hurt him!"
"Omari, please return to your lake. I apologize for all of this. We will proceed with plan b," Harry bowed over Omari's hand and Murcus gasped, outraged.
"I see how it is..." Murcus grunted
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, perplexed.
"You bowed to him but didn't bow down to me!"
"Whoa! I didn't learn that was the proper way to greet merpeople until today! When I met you, I was a little preoccupied, if you recall!" Harry replied, immediately covering Hermione with his body as Murcus' trident pointed in their direction.
"You brought us here, to the middle of nowhere. You owe us for the life of the human and the paper you requested, and you will not even respect my right to be incensed at how you treat me?!"
"Murcus," Hermione began.
"Do not parrot on what your man is saying!"
"Lord Potter is within his rights to give his land and water to whoever he pleases. Omari approached us with respect and with the goal of mutual cooperation. He wanted to protect his people from what he thought could be a conflict that would escalate quickly. He asked in good faith whether we could reach a formal agreement, and we did. You have no right to come here expecting us to boot Omari and his clan from their lake. They were here before Harry's parents were born, and they will survive both Harry and me," Hermione said this slowly, struggling to keep her cool.
"You expect me to be a doormat! Is it because I am a female? I am expected to roll over and let the men lead?! I would think you, of all people, would know better than that!" Murcus yelled at Hermione, baring her teeth.
"I do not support females because they are females. I don't respect them for their genitalia. Respect is earned, and it must be mutual. You come as a refugee to Harry's home... Our home," she added the last part when Harry's arm snaked around her waist. "We are willing to host you, but under the conditions we decide. If you can accept that, we will find a way to make you comfortable enough for the duration of your stay. If you don't, we will take you out of the wards, and you can find your own space!" Hermione yelled back, baring her own teeth as well.
Charlie strolled over to the scene, staring with heart-shaped eyes at both clans. He bowed to both leaders and motioned for them to go underwater. Harry, Hermione, and even Firenze stared in amazement at the flurry of bubbles that came to the surface as Charlie spoke to the merpeople. After a while, his head came out.
"What is this about a plan b, Harry?"
"We can build them a freshwater pool by the beach. Where they would have to stay until the war ends and they can go back home," Harry answered.
Charlie went back under. After a lot more bubbles, he came out with a severe frown and looking over his shoulder, he declared, "Don't you make me have to go back under because I will unleash them on you!"
Omari's eyes widened as he went back up. "You have nothing to fear from me and mine, Lord Potter."
"Nor mine. We just want to choose how to build the insides of this...pool," Murcus said with a frown.
Harry decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth. "Thank you. Both of you... Ruki."
"Yes, Master?"
"When the landscapers are done, please have them come see Charlie. He will be in charge of creating the artificial lake as per Murcus' wishes... within reason, of course," Harry said with a smile.
"Harry... I have never done something like that," Charlie was shocked.
"I have full faith in your abilities. In any case, if you need any help... Remember that you have two Marauders to consult; the twins can help too. Anyone else that you need or anything we need to order, please call Ruki," Harry smiled.
"Yes, sir," Ruki snapped her fingers, and the elves that had been working on the trees blocking sunlight from the lake appeared behind her. "Lord Potter wishes for you to help Charles Weasley make an artificial lake."
"Your elves did great work with the landscaping around the lake. Murcus and her clan are in good hands," Omari smiled at the elves, who sparkled at the compliment.
"Thank you, sir!" Jeky bowed.
Harry smiled at the foursome. They were covered in bits of leaves and branches. Additionally, their hands looked covered in tree sap, "Jeky, Mudi, Stoky, and Purt... I am very proud of you. Thank you for your help. Please do take a break to get cleaned up and have something to eat."
"Thank you, Master!" the four elves chorused.
"Firenze, is there anything you need?" Harry asked.
"If it is not too much trouble, I would appreciate having my own space," Firenze side-eyed Murcus.
Harry nodded. "Once you get any healing you need, and after you have rested and eaten, please go around the island and let me know where you want to stay and what you need us to do to make that area more to your liking and to fulfill your needs."
"Thank you, Harry Potter."
Hermione beamed at Harry. She was so proud of him, "Love, we should probably go talk to the general... Have him update us."
"Yes, of course."
A/N: Thank you for reading! I worked hard to update before the year ended. I want to welcome all the new followers and thank you for the favorites of my stories and me as an author. It is humbling and inspiring that anyone wants to read my plot bunnies. I wish you all strength, resilience, and good health for the coming year. I hope you are happy and healthy wherever you are. Enjoy the New Year's Eve celebrations and the first days of the year. I appreciate your comments and messages, and I hope you continue to join me in this adventure during 2023. I have added my socials to my profile's description in case you want to see me or see what I am up to besides writing. -Lux-