Harry Potter tossed and turned in his bed, the covers tossed aside and forgotten in his sweat-stained fervor. The voices of people he didn't know passed in memories not his own. A man he didn't recognize meandered around a large family manor that had long ago fallen into disrepair.
The man was of average height for an adult, his long-matted hair could have been any color with the amount of dirt caking the locks, his mouth was a twisted sneer that was missing a few molded teeth, and his small dark eyes stared in opposite directions.
The man paced back and forth, ranting to himself in a hissing language that Harry found himself strangely able to understand," not my fault, not me not me," he raved pulling at his disheveled beard. A sharp knock broke the man from his ravings, and he stormed his way over to the door in a fury at having been interrupted.
Once the door was thrown open the silhouette of a handsome young man became visible. He had dark hair, sharp cheekbones, and piercing dark brown eyes, they seemed to study the older man like a snake assessing a meal. He didn't seem older than sixteen years old and yet he held a terrifying presence.
"What you want," the older wizard asked harshly, looking the teenager up and down with curiosity," you look like that muggle up the way."
A quick look of rage and a pinpoint of red rose in the teens' pupils but then was quickly snuffed out as his face schooled back into an easy mask of indifference," I came, dear uncle, to tie up loose ends and leave something for safe keeping here," at this, his eyes darted down to the ornate ring resting on the other man's finger.
"Eh? Uncle? I don't have any nephews, the only other family I have is my good-for-nothing sister who ran off with that muggle! Jokes on her though, he up an' left her sorry ass after she ran out of love potion," this made the man laugh evilly at his sister's misfortune, and for a fraction of a second, Harry could see the look of rage flit across the younger man's face yet again.
"Yes, well I'm afraid this will be the end of this happy… reunion," at this the teen quickly drew a bone white wand and pointed it squarely in the middle of the forehead of the man," Obliviate!"
A soft green light impacted the man's face wiping any expression from his features," Now uncle you will remember killing the entire Riddle family in their dining room. You entered through the side door sneaking past the muggle groundskeeper, crept into the room, and only made yourself known by using the killing curse in quick succession on each resident until they were all dead, and then you left the same way you came, returning to your own home."
As the teens' uncle stared blankly into space, he strode forward slipping the ring from the man's finger, gazing at it greedily. He made his way to the middle of the room standing in front of the long disused fireplace and dug his wand into his chest right where his heart was.
Harry stood confused at what the boy was doing, until a sickening crunch echoed around the room, followed by a disembodied howl that emanated from a thick black smoke that hovered just at the tip of the teen's wand.
The teen stared at the mist his face growing pale, and his heavy breaths coming in ragged wheezes," the second step to securing my legacy," the smile the other boy had was ghastly as he took the black mist and pushed it into the ring he had stolen.
It seemed for a moment like the ring might burst apart as the mist sank into the metal, causing a blood-curdling metallic scream to emanate from the abominable piece of jewelry. Just as the cacophonous noise reached a fever pitch, the noise ceased all at once casting the room into eerie silence.
The teen stood panting, covered in sweat, and then he turned allowing Harry to see the horrifyingly familiar red eyes of Lord Voldemort.
Harry screamed.
Unknown Location
June 30th, 1992
2:30 a.m.
Shooting awake, Harry Potter found himself shivering covered in sweat, the dream of Voldemort sending shivers down his spine. Looking around fully expecting to see the inside of the Ravenclaw Boys Dormitory he was shocked when he found not the familiar blue and bronze drapes of his bed hangings, the emptied beds of the other boys, and his comforters, but the dilapidated walls of a horrifically familiar house.
It was the house from his dream, now decades old and in far worse disrepair, but it was the same house. A cold shiver ran down his spine as something metallically cold bit into his palm.
Looking down and finding himself filled with even more horror, if that was possible, he found the ring that had been suffused with some evil taint from a teenage Voldemort. Harry cocked his arm back to fling the putrid artifact away but found his muscles contracting against his will.
'Oh no, boy. I didn't allow you consciousness out of the kindness of my heart! I wanted you awake for this,' the voice of Voldemort whispered hatefully into the recesses of Harry's mind.
To Harry's utter disbelief, his body moved against his will pulling the ring back towards his chest, the icy metal stinging through his shirt making Harry cry out in pain. Looking down he could see it wasn't just his imagination that the ring was startlingly cold, he could see a thin layer of hoarfrost coating his pajama shirt spreading outward at an alarming pace.
'That fool Dumbledore is so proud of you, I could see it in his eyes when he came to talk to you in the Hospital Wing. It sickens me. At first, I thought I would bide my time until my main soul came back and then I would either leave you to join with my main soul or kill you myself using your body, but I have a far better idea that will shatter that old fool.'
Harry could barely hear the voice even though it was speaking from inside his head, the frost was rapidly spreading under his shirt and onto bare skin underneath. All the while his scar was pulsing in agonizing flashes making him writhe against the cracked wooden floor sending splinters into exposed flesh due to his frantic motions.
Harry ripped at his shirt with his free hand tearing the fabric away to see black veins standing on end under his skin, all of them originating from the ring.
"W-What are you doing," Harry cried out, tears falling unbidden from his eyes.
'Gaining more power,' the voice hissed gleefully.
The same black mist from Harry's dream poured out of the ring crawling its way along his chest, whispering against his collarbone, and finally prying its way into his eyes, mouth, and nose. Harry choked, crying black tears that swiftly crawled their way back into his tear ducts.
As the smoke crawled fully into Harry's body, he shuddered in revulsion wishing he could move his arms to claw at his flesh, but his hands moved against his will collecting his wand that he had not noticed, pointing it at his head.
"Obliviate," the voice hissed overlapping with Harry's own voice, the spell wiping any memory of this from his mind.
June 30th
9:30 a.m.
Harry woke up stretching languidly feeling like it wasn't the first time he'd woken up this morning, but not knowing why that was. Maybe he was just out of sorts because he was missing his friends, it had been a full week and a half since the Hogwarts Express had left Harry all alone save for a few staff members in the castle.
'I wonder how Fleur is doing,' Harry wondered throwing his bed covers aside and striding down toward his trunk at the foot of his bed.
Harry quickly grabbed a few clothes, a simple pair of black jeans, and a blue hoodie. He made his way to the communal Ravenclaw boys shower tugging his pajama top and bottoms off with a yawn.
"Mrow,' Cobalt yowled from between Harry's legs where he hadn't noticed the feline when he had woken up.
Harry stooped down picking the now almost fully grown cat up and patting his head," Sorry buddy I didn't notice you. I'll take a quick shower then we can pop down to the kitchens and get us both some breakfast, sound good?"
Cobalt purred in approval but quickly changed his tune, as Harry tried to set him down to enter the showers Cobalt yowled yet again, clearly not wanting to be put down.
"What do you want to take a shower to?" Harry asked in astonishment, having thought cats hated water and by proxy so would kneazels.
And yet the purr that the cat gave in return answered Harry's question causing him to shrug and walk into the showers, the needy feline in hand.
All the while Harry never noticed the new bit of jewelry that sat around his ring finger.
Great Hall
10:00 a.m.
Harry sat at the staff table with Septima, Professor Flitwick, and Professor Dumbledore. He had originally at the start of the summer tried sitting by himself at the Ravenclaw table, but Professor Dumbledore was hearing none of it and had told Harry to eat with himself and any other professors that were present when he entered the Great Hall in the mornings.
"So, Harry how is it staying at Hogwarts over the summer? Is it to your liking?" Dumbledore asked with his signature eye twinkle on display.
'No, I'd rather be at Privet Drive being beaten and raped. What do you think you old idiot,' Harry reeled back for a moment at his instant hateful thought. He hadn't ever thought something so hateful towards the headmaster and he had no idea where the vitriol had come from.
"Y-Yes, sir. It's much better than my old home," at this Professor Flitwick gave both Harry and Dumbledore an inquisitive look not knowing what the specifics of Harry's home life were like most likely.
'At least the old man didn't just tell everyone about me being abused. Well except my closest friend that is,' Harry thought bitterly.
Thankfully Professor Flitwick had the decency not to openly ask and the conversation steered toward the next school year.
"Harry when did you have in mind to start collecting your school supplies," Septima asked smiling at him warmly.
"I was thinking of going in late August when the Weasleys are going. Fleur planned on going at the same time, but in the meantime, she asked if I'd want to come over to see the house she and her family were staying in while in the UK," Harry turned his gaze over to the headmaster," that is if it's okay for me to go, sir."
"Why of course, Harry! What sort of man would I be if I begrudged a youth the company of his friends? Just be sure to ask me or another staff member if you might be able to use their Floo Network."
Harry frowned looking at Septima," Floo Network?"
"Right! Headmaster Harry hasn't ever used the Floo before so someone will need to show him," Septima turned to Harry with a kind smile," let me know when Fleur wanted you to come over and I'll show you."
"Well actually, she was a bit antsy and wanted me to come over today," Harry said, fidgeting nervously.
"That's fine, let's wrap up this breakfast and head over to my office and I'll show you," Septima laughed at Harry's shy demeanor.
The pair finished their food waving goodbye to the teachers and headmaster, both talking casually about classes, either that Harry would be attending or that Septima would be teaching.
"You'll be much happier during the third year because that's when you choose your electives you'll be studying up until the fifth year then you take your O.W.L.s. Fleur is going to be very busy with her O.W.L.s looming over the end of the year," Septima laughed no doubt thinking about all the other students working themselves up into a panic.
"Trust me she'll be fine," Harry smiled shaking his head thinking about his friend's exam scores at the end of last year," she got all O's in every class last year."
Septima blanched at that," I knew she got that score in my class, but she got them in every single one she was taking?"
"Yep," Harry laughed sticking his nose up in the air, pretending to throw long hair over his shoulder in the way Fleur did, and mimicking her French accent," of course she did!"
Septima laughed at Harry's exaggerated impression of his friend. The pair walked in companionable silence until Septima got an odd gleam in her eye and turned to Harry.
"What?" Harry asked slightly nervous at the funny look she was giving him.
"What's going on between you and Fleur," the wicked grin Septima shot at Harry reminded him very much of the Cheshire Cat," I saw the way she was giving you longing looks at the end-of-year feast."
Harry felt his face go hot his gaze shooting quickly from Septima to the floor," we um… kind of kissed before I ended up in the hospital wing."
Any sign of mirth left Septima's face as she stopped Harry, grabbing him by the shoulders and spinning him to face her," what happened? Are you okay? Fleur is a fair bit older than you and I don't want anything untoward happening."
Harry smiled, feeling very affectionate for his surrogate sister," no, I didn't mind it much at all, and if I'm being honest, I don't mind Fleur being the first person I've voluntarily kissed," Harry quickly shut his mouth having realized he let something Septima didn't know about slip out. Sure, she had admitted early on when helping him learn a few spells in Diagon Alley that she had been told about his rather rough treatment by the Dursleys, but she had never said anything about knowing he had been raped. Even Dumbledore had known he was being beaten but not about his aunt's treatment of him.
Septima herself had told Harry she had been mistreated by her muggle mother after her father had died. She hadn't gone into detail, but she had shown him a great number of scars that were very similar to a few of his own.
"Harry," Septima paled picking up on his slip of the tongue," what do you mean your first voluntary kiss?"
"Of course, she would catch that slip, she was a Ravenclaw herself when she attended Hogwarts," Harry swallowed still unused to voluntarily telling people about his… upbringing.
Harry cleared his throat casting his eyes down again, but this time in shame that always came unbidden," m-my aunt, she… well she did things to me."
Flicking his eyes quickly up to Septima he could see her face growing pale, all the color draining and her lips turning down into a thin frown," so that's why Dumbledore let you stay here instead of sending you back to the muggles," a sudden horrified realization crossed her features," is that what that look your aunt sent you when I came to get you was about? I thought she was worried about you, but I suppose the bitch was just worried you'd tell someone. I'll flay that cunt alive! Did Dumbledore fucking know? I'll pull each hair from that old codger's beard out one by one and use a sticking charm to turn them into eyebrows for the asshole!"
Septima's angry hiss startled Harry and he quickly shook his head," Dumbledore didn't know. Not until after I found the Mirror of Erised in an abandoned classroom at Christmas. I guess he was there wanting to see what I'd see in the mirror, and he investigated what made me react so negatively when I saw what it showed me."
Septima visibly calmed herself, taking in deep breaths that seemed to only make her more tense," what did you see, if I may ask?"
Harry nodded his Adam's apple bobbing up and down as he swallowed," I-I saw myself with Fleur and my parents along with Fleur's little sister Gabby."
Septima frowned clearly what could have upset me.
"I... hate my father," Harry admitted not able to keep a bit of venom out of his voice at the word hate.
Septima frowned," why do you hate your father, Harry?"
"Because my aunt was infatuated with him. She wanted what my mom had and since she knew she would never get it either because my father never would have spared her a backward glance, or because he was dead, she took what she wanted from me since I look exactly like him," Harry resisted the urge to cover his face and violently shoved down the hatred at knowing he still looked like his father.
"I-I'm sorry, Harry," Septima stooped down reaching forward to touch him but she quickly thought better of it retracting her hands hesitantly," I know you don't like touching, but could I hug you?"
Harry nodded resigned to the ever-affectionate state of other human beings that made him want to retch due to the closeness. But at the same time, he wished he was a normal boy able to receive affection with relish, and yet he was cursed to shudder in fearful revulsion as her arms circled him.
"I hate myself," Harry shuddered under the closeness of his surrogate sister desperately wishing he could feel happy for the consolement and yet only feeling deathly ill at the feeling of his skin crawling at the forced remembrance of his time at Privet Drive.
Harry lightly tapped Septima on the shoulder a silent request for space.
A teary-eyed sniffle came from her as she leaned back gazing into Harry's eyes," And what about Fleur? What happened when you kissed? Were you alright?"
Harry smiled thinking about his angelically beautiful friend his heart giving a small flutter he thought he knew the name of but didn't want to utter. The implication of the feeling makes him sad at the thought of chaining Fleur to his broken self if he puts a word to the emotion," I didn't react badly. I was surprised but oddly happy at the same time."
Septima wiped her eyes smiling warmly at him," what did you do about it later? Did you tell her how you felt?"
Harry nodded and yet slowly shook his head as if saying yes and no," I told her it meant a great deal to me she had shown that interest in me, but I couldn't give her an actual answer because of how… broken I am."
Septima grimaced but nodded clearly understanding," Listen Harry when I was in school, I had a good friend I loved dearly. She was the only bright patch in a dreary existence for me. When I found out I had fallen in love with her I closed myself off from her, scared she would just end up treating me the same way as my mother. You know better than anyone how being mistreated every day of your childhood can affect you, and while you had an extra degree of horrible treatment heaped on top of it, I don't think you should just turn her away because you're scared. I did that and I've regretted it every day of my life since. I'm not saying you should throw caution to the wind and proclaim your love, but you shouldn't just tell her you need time and never answer her because you think you might hurt her, or she might hurt you."
Harry looked down in shame, he had been planning to do exactly that, never answering Fleur and keeping their relationship the same due to his fear," thank you Septima. That helped. I won't answer immediately, but I won't let my fear make decisions for me."
Septima smiled nodding as she stood back to her feet," Good, now let's get going I've still got to explain Floo travel to my little brother who's been living under a rock."
Harry rolled his eyes a small smile flitting across his face.
Fleur's P.O.V
Cool crisp water ran along Fleur's hand, the soft burbling stream she was knee-deep in tickled her fingers pleasantly. Gabby giggled her small feet splashing in the stream her hair plastered to her face after she had tripped just a few minutes ago.
"Are you almost ready to 'ead back to ze manor Gabby," Fleur called over getting her sister's attention.
"Oui, je suis prét, laisse-moi juste prendre mes chaussures!" Gabrielle called back as she stumbled from the stream grabbing her sandals she had thrown to the side.
"You should really practice your English more Gabby," Fleur chided as she stepped out of the water herself," after all I 'ave better things to do zan play translator for you when you go out into ze village market."
Gabby groaned as she slipped her sandals on and fell in step beside Fleur," mais je ne veux pas. L'anglais est stupidement difficile."
Fleur smiled down at the girl as they crossed the threshold of Delacour Manor," of course it is 'ard ze English love to be obtusely difficult," Fleur laughed seeing Gabby kick her sandals off haphazardly next to the door.
"Fleur!' Their mother yelled from somewhere in the recesses of the manor.
"Yes Maman," Fleur yelled back padding her way further into the house where she thought she heard her mother yell.
Her mother was stooping in the middle of the lounge room in front of the fireplace, in the heart of the crackling fire was a face that made Fleur cry out in excitement," 'Arry!"
Fleur rushed over to sit beside her crouching mother to greet her friend," Why did it take you so long to call us over ze Floo 'Arry?"
The amalgamation of ash and cinder that molded together to form Harry's face moved in a very complicated manner making the visage of Harry look very conflicted," Sorry about that Fleur I was planning out the start of next year's Dueling Club schedule since we'll be starting it from the start of the year. That and I was practicing a few spells, but I guess the time got the better of me."
Fleur smiled," Zat is fine thank you for preparing ze schedule ahead of time, but did you give any thought to coming to stay for a few weeks over ze summer?"
Harry seemed to frown in worry before his face schooled back into a soft smile that made Fleur's heart flutter," I have and it's the reason I called over the Floo. I'd be happy to come and stay a few weeks, that is if it's alright with you Mrs. Delacour."
"I 'ave no issues with you staying 'Arry," Apolline smiled casting her gaze serenely between both Harry and Fleur.
'Oh no,' Fleur groaned lowly to herself,' Gabby must have told maman what Harry and I discussed at the end of the year.'
Harry being the ever-oblivious person he was didn't catch Apolline's looks and just smiled, the fire in the heart of the fireplace roaring upwards in emerald torrents. After a few seconds, Harry came tumbling out narrowly missing Fleur's mother who had just stepped to the side," Sorry about that." Harry groaned from the floor.
"It is quite alright dear. Fleur shows 'Arry where 'e will be staying. And you," turning to Gabby, Apolline scooped the young girl up, a small giggle erupting from the girl's mouth," will 'elp me make diner."
"Mais maman, je veux taquiner Fleur å propos de Harry!" Fleur blushed very glad their mother had taken the girl completely out of the equation. She didn't need the little magpie squawking over every little interaction she and Harry had.
"Come, ze manor is large, and if I don't show you ze way you may get lost," Fleur sighed ushering Harry toward the stairs in the foyer where she and Gabby had entered earlier," ze bedrooms are on ze upper floors."
"What's the bottom used for," Harry asked inquisitively, turning his head in every direction clearly in awe of the large house he was to stay in.
"Mainly ze sitting room where we came from, ze dining room, and ze kitchen where our 'ouse elf makes ze food."
Harry's head swiveled back to Fleur, his bright eyes shining with curiosity that made Fleur's heart flutter," what's a house elf?"
Fleur lightly tapped the heel of her hand against her forehead in a manner that clearly said, 'Oh of course'. "I often forget you did not grow up in ze magical world, a 'ouse elf is a magical creature zat binds itself to a person or family to sustain zemselves with ze ambient magic ze person or family supplies zem with. In return, ze 'ouse elf will often do 'ouse work like cooking, cleaning, and ze like."
Harry didn't seem pleased with the explanation making Fleur frown before she quickly realized why," Do not worry 'Arry we do not mistreat our 'ouse elf we consider 'er a part of ze family. Lipsey!"
A small crack announced the small elf's arrival. Fleur looked over Lipsey her small dress she wore was quite grimy, house elves couldn't be given new clothes after all, but the state of her health was what spoke volumes for her treatment in the Delacour house. Lipsey was small but healthily so, her long ears flared up and out into sharp points that bounced in excitement, and her wide sparkling gray eyes shot between Fleur and Harry.
"How can Lipsey be helping Miss Fleur," Lipsey squeaked excitedly.
Fleur smiled down at Lipsey dismissively waving her hand," I just wanted 'Arry to meet you. 'E as met papa, Maman, and Gabby so you were ze last family member for 'im to meet. Well, at least ze last zat lives with us."
Lipsey bounced excitedly over to Harry taking his hands in hers, her eyes beaming up exuberantly at him," Oh, you is mister Harry Potter! Miss Fleur talks about you very much, Lipsey is so thankful you made friends with her!"
Harry smiled down at Lipsey in the very kind way that he had smiled at Fleur when he was gazing at her full Veela form and trying to reassure her he wasn't put off by it," of course Lipsey, Fleur is my best friend by far, and I'm thankful you take such good care of her," Harry looked around conspiratorially before stooping down to speak in a stage whisper," between you and me I don't think Fleur could cook a meal to save her life. She tried making me a few snacks last year and they were either burnt or completely raw, sometimes both, I don't have any idea how she did it."
Lipsey laughs wagging her finger at him," Mister Harry Potter isn't to be speaking meanly about the young miss, even if it is being true."
Fleur groaned not realizing she had put two people together not realizing how well they would get along, and at her own expense at that," Can we please continue ze tour, and not talk about my cooking talents."
"Or lack thereof," Harry helpfully posited eliciting another laugh from Lipsey.
"Of course, Misses, Lipsey will be returning to the kitchen to prepare tonight's meal," with a pop Lipsey was gone.
"She is rather nice," Harry smiled stepping lightly along as Fleur ushered them both further into the upstairs corridors.
"Yes," Fleur smiled fondly," she 'as been with us ever since Gabby was three years old." Fleur laughed a memory flitting into her head.
Harry glanced over smiling," what? What so funny?"
"I was just remembering when Lipsey joined ze family. We 'ad been visiting my grandmother because our previous 'ouse elf 'ad died of old age, and grandmother's elf, Pinsy, 'ad a few grandchildren that 'ad turned old enough to begin 'ouse elf work. Well, when we begin interviewing each one the interviews go quite as you would expect, very droll and run of ze mill. But when we get to ze last elf Pinsy shook 'er 'ead very 'ard, crying out 'Don't even be considering that one she's far too lippy!' and Gabby being the very eloquent three-year-old zat she was cried out 'Lipsey!' making everyone laugh. But true to Pinsy's word ze elf cried back 'I is not Lipsey!' she 'as been with our family ever since."
Harry laughed very loudly grabbing his sides as he struggled to gain his breath," t-that Is one of the m-most ridiculous s-stories I've ever heard. And I had Fred and George try to convince me Snape was secretly in love with Dumbledore."
Fleur laughed at the ridiculous notion, her sides beginning to hurt from the strain," Alright, alright we are 'ere zis is your room. Mine is right down ze 'all on ze right, feel free to unpack your things and then come and find me. I want to see some of those spells you 'ave been practicing."
Harry nodded turning the knob to his bedroom door and disappearing inside. Fleur made her way over to her room, her steps a little quick as she hurriedly opened her door, and frantically began putting away clothes she had haphazardly thrown around.
'Merde, ze last thing I need is 'Arry seeing one of my bras laying around,' Fleur hurriedly stuffed one of the garments into her hamper along with a few pairs of panties she had discarded when heading to her ensuite bathroom. She also quickly cast a scouring charm at her wall, erasing a scorch mark she had made when she had been mad about some nonsense a few days ago.
Harry's P.O.V
It was odd being in such an opulent room, let alone the house, and it made Harry feel very much out of place. Sure, it was fantastic seeing Fleur again, but he was still confused about his feelings regarding the girl.
'Girl,' Harry sneered involuntarily,' if you can even call that thing a girl.'
Harry stifled a horrified gasp at that thought. What was the matter with him? He would fully expect some such horrible vitriol to come from someone like Draco Malfoy, but himself? How could he think such an awful thing, and about his best friend no less?
'Best friend,' laughed the sickening voice of Voldemort in his head,' that thing should be wiped from the face of the earth. Its kind should sicken you, but to openly consider a relationship with the beast. Unthinkable.'
'Shut up,' Harry shouts in his head, fervently wishing the voice would go away.
'I am going nowhere, boy.'
Harry slams his palms against his head hoping the blows will drive the terrible voice from him. All the answer he receives is a low amused chuckle that holds no real mirth.
"Mister Harry Potter," a small reedy voice called out startling Harry.
Whirling around Harry caught sight of another house elf, but this one was far less healthy-looking than Lipsey. The elf was sort, with large batlike ears, bulging green eyes, a ragged pillowcase, and several bruises scattered all along his skin.
"W-Who are you?"
"I am Dobby, Harry Potter sir," Dobby's large eyes greatly unnerved Harry, they seemed to stay right through him," Dobby is here to warn Harry Potter about a terrible plot that is to take place at Hogwarts this year, but Dobby is shocked to see Master Harry Potter already afflicted with the taint of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."
Harry blinked owlishly at the house elf, slowly processing what he had said," You… you can tell Voldemort is somehow in my head?"
Dobby nodded solemnly," Harry Potter's core is very strong, but the fragment of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named that is in Harry Potter is very strong." Dobby's large ears twitched as his eyes swiveled to look at Harry's hand," Harry Potter sir, where did you find that ring?"
"Ring? I don't have any- "Looking down at his hand, Harry blanched at the piece of jewelry adorning his left ring finger," where did this come from?"
"Harry Potter sir, you must be careful the plot Dobby came to warn you of could only serve to strengthen the fragment inside of Harry Potter," Dobby's upper lip trembled in terror as he gazed at the ring on Harry's finger," Dobby can sense that ring is what strengthened the fragment inside Harry Potter, but not how. Harry Potter sir needs to consult a goblin, and soon, they can tell Harry Potter what the ring is."
"Dobby why are you telling me this? Surely you could have warned someone more important than me."
Dobby gave Harry a sad smile," Dobby can only do so much, even after warning Harry Potter so vaguely Dobby will have to shut his ears in the oven door."
"Won't your family realize something when you have to do that?"
"Dobby doubts it, sir. Dobby is forced to punish himself often, so he doubts his family will notice."
Harry's eyes watered feeling awful at not knowing how to help Dobby. It hadn't been long ago that Harry was being treated very similarly," is there any way I can help you Dobby?"
Dobby shook his head, his large ears slapping the sides of his head," Dobby can only be set free by his masters presenting clothes to him, and while Dobby is treated poorly it is more important that Harry Potter is warned about, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Not so long ago, Dobby's kind was treated like vermin by the followers of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, and while Dobby is still treated like vermin, Harry Potter must be warned so he can prevent He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named from returning."
Harry started to reply but before he could Dobby's ears twitched, and he began to tremble.
"Dobby is being called by his master. Remember what Dobby has said Harry Potter sir and be careful when returning to Hogwarts," a low pop signaled the elf's departure leaving Harry in heavy silence.
'I've got to talk to Fleur about this,' Harry threw his shrunken school trunk to the foot of his bed, unshrank it in one quick motion, and then strode out of the room heading towards Fleur's.