[a/n]Sometimes that single new chapter and the story splutters out. But truth in advertising here's #2. And in a couple I'll add to #1. And a Thank You For Reviewing addendum: Marcus Rowland

Harry Does Different CDLIIIa

Truth About Dobby

Since the beginning of Third Year, Harry had caught snippets of Draco Malfoy talking to his hangers on. It wasn't any one specific comment that bothered him, if that was even the right word. He didn't even spare much thought on the matter. One night he was having trouble sleeping, it was about 3AM; Hermione would be so proud, Potions book propped on his knees. For no reason, a part of his mind found its way to his nemesis. And in a eureka moment, lucky for silencing charms, he exclaimed "That Malfoy! Been telling his friends Dobby's dead!"

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"The next week will begin the potions in Chapter Three." Sneered the surly professor "Try to be less a bunch of dunderheads. As it is I am sure few of you will be around for OWLs. Now get out." He had little patience for the younger years. This class in particular, since it included The Swine's spawn. At least the day was over.

Harry's initial instinct was to announce the House Elf's continued existence publicly to embarrass the Slytherin. In the light of morning, he'd paused to think. And did so for another full day, not saying a word. Ultimately, the reason for his lengthy Sorting asserted itself. Outside the classroom he separated from his friends and approached "I have something to discuss with you, Malfoy."

"What do you want Potter?" the Slytherin demanded from the circle of his friends.

To this the Gryffindor demurred "Uh-uh, just you alone."

"What? So Granger and Weasley can hex me from behind?" Draco nudged his minions, who chuckled appreciatively.

After exchanging looks with his friends, Harry answered "No Malfoy, I just thought …something like this, well… you'd want to hear it alone."

"What are you playing at Potter?" demanded Draco "What's this? And what's in it for you?"

Ron and Hermione both looked confused, only deepening the confusion. And Harry took advantage "No, they don't know either. Well, maybe a part of it, but not that moment of magic I had before the Sun came up. Aren't you the least bit interested?"

"And what's in it for you?" he repeated, betraying a hint of interest.

The Gryffindor shrugged, but looked calculating "Nothing at all. The information is free. You can do with it anything you want. I just think you'd want the chance to decide."

"Anything you want to tell me you can say in front of my friends." Declared Draco coldly, earning smiles from the surrounding Slytherins.

Harry turned to walk away, raising his voice to make sure everyone could hear "Right. That's fine. Let me know when you change your mind.

All the witnesses looked stunned… even, or especially… Ron and Hermione. But Harry maintained his silence. For days then, the Slytherin would fix the Gryffindor with looks mingled of curiosity and annoyance. This situation only intensified as time wore.

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"I suppose you told your pets all about whatever it is." Demanded Draco on the sixth day after the initial confrontation. He approached the Trio in the library and whispered curtly.

To that Harry smirked "If they knew it would likely be all over the school by now. And you'd know it. Having trouble sleeping, mate? You've looked better." He'd enjoyed watching the Slytherin deteriorate, losing points and not his impeccably appearing self for no apparent reason.

"No idea what you're talking about Potter." Draco snapped back "So? Beat it Granger Weasley. If he doesn't want my friends hearing, same for you. All I have to say is it better be good."

Nodding to his friends, he began "It's fine. I'll catch up later." And after they departed, sneering at the Slytherin "Could've avoided all your grief by talking to me last week."

"What do you know, Potter? Or rather think you know?" he demanded impatiently.

Here Harry smiled "One of your House Elves is missing. Or is he dead?"

"What do you know about that? And how?" the blond boy growled.

Enigmatic might be the wrong word for a barely-teen, but it is as good as it gets "I have my sources. First, how sure are you he's dead?"

"Maybe you don't understand about those creatures. With your Mudblood life." Draco sneered at him "Completely unimportant. We use them until they're useless. My father disposed of one recently, and yes, I have mentioned this to my friends in Slytherin. So what?"

Harry cheered internally, but said coolly "I don't know if it's what you were told, or just told to say. But Dobby is alive and well."

"Rubbish!" the word was uttered with the confidence of calling water wet "Again! You do not understand those creatures. Nor do I wish to waste my time teaching." Draco pushed the chair he was in away with unnecessary force and stood "I have important things to do."

Harry didn't stop him, he didn't have to, all he did was call out sharply "Dobby! Come here! I need you!"

"Great Harry Potter sir calls his Dobby?" a pop announced the elf's arrival just before he spoke. He flinched away from the blond wizard and emitted a fearful squeak.

Draco's temper went straight through the roof "How dare you! You lazy sack of flobberworm dung! Iron your ears! Then get back to the mansion and report your lies to Master Lucius! GO! !"

"WAH! nooooo! Dobby sorry! BWAHAHAHA!" the elf burst into sobs.

Harry got between them and put a protective hand on his shoulder "Remember Dobby, you called him Bad Old Master. Lucius gave you clothes. Set you free. You don't have to follow his orders let alone Draco here. In fact, if it helps I Order You To Disobey Draco Malfoy." After satisfying himself he turned on the Slytherin glaring "No wonder he acts like he does. But that's in the past. So am I right in assuming this little situation would cause some embarrassment?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Even as he said it, Draco cringed at how he sounded.

And so did Harry, grinned triumphantly, but his tone was neutral "Of course you don't …mate. Now, if you changed all at once it would look too funny. We both know that. In fact, it might be even better if you didn't change much. Why don't I just ask Dobby to not tell anyone he was a Malfoy elf?"

"IN exchange for WHAT?" demanded Draco, hotly.

The Gryffindor didn't answer directly, instead looking at the elf, said "Dobby, my friend, I'm going to ask you to let Draco call on you from time to time. NO! He can NOT order you to punish yourself. I FORBID it. Draco will just be passing messages to me whenever he happens to hear something interesting. In exchange, the Malfoy reputation is safe. Well, at least about this. Deal?"

"Don't expect me to shake hands, Potter." The Slytherin glared malevolently, turned on his heels and stormed off.