I am, too," Healer Williams admitted with a grin. "Alright, it's really time for me to leave. Thanks for telling me about the snakelings. If it's alright with you, I'll take Goldie and her brother with me right now and have Dobby bring over the lizard after dinner. If you take to each other, he can stay a while. Dobby knows how to care for him."
"Okay. Thanks for organizing it." Harry let the quietest brother slither onto Brady's arm and petted him one last time. "I'll miss them. Goodbye you two."
"Goodbye, Harry," both snakelings hissed at once.
"Knowing them, they'll sneak back soon." With some reluctance, Williams grabbed a small handful of Floo powder, said another goodbye to Harry and the remaining snakes and then flooed away briskly.
"I really hate missing people," Harry mumbled when the fire had returned to normal.
"He's the favourite," Blue said. "It's to be expected."
For some reason Harry just knew that his little friend didn't merely mean Goldie's fascination with the man.
oOo
The gold-horned field lizard was, in a word, a riot. Barely arrived and happily warmed by a charm, he introduced himself as Stannis and proceeded to joke Harry's socks off. He had a strong foreign accent, though it wasn't nearly as bad as it was with the mokes, and as far as Harry could tell, the words the lizard used were very nearly all the same as Harry's.
"How can that be when you're not from around here?" Harry asked the little guy when the point came up naturally, carefully stroking over the gold-flecked back and tail. On the head, four small gold horns adorned the little black face, thus giving the lizard its name.
"Cousin moke issa closerrr rrrelateddd tue wyrrrms," the lizard told him. "Wyrrrms arrre a little strrrange, but we get on welll enuff."
"What's so special about wyrms?" Harry asked.
"They arrre close rrrelations of drrragonns," Stannis explained, "and drrragonnns arre not rrreally rrreptiles."
"What are they then?"
Stannis hissed with laughter at Harry's confusion. "They arrre drrragonns, of course. They arrre theirrr own species. We sharre some magic, but not much."
"So you don't speak with each other?" Sweetie asked and draped herself over the lizard's body. "Why?"
"We don't sharre many interrests," Stannis replied and nipped at her tail. "But sometimes they allow us tue sharre theirrr nests when itsa colde in my home countrry. Speaking of colde, laste moon I met a rrred-eyed rrrubywing. He wassa new at Grrringotts and frrrozen stiff, poorrre guy, ande I asked him: heye, you herrre forrr food and boarrrd?"
The joke was so bad that Harry burst out into laughter, nearly squishing Blue who was sulking underneath his pajama top. "I've got to tell that one to Brady."
"You wanta wrrrite a book about rrreptiles, you can also wrrrite a book about my jokes," Stannis said and let his third eyelid cover his large eyes in a blink. "Laughing speakerrrs arrre so funny. Yourrr magic tickles."
"Nobody's gonna believe me," Harry chuckled. He wiped his eyes and plucked Sweetie from the lizard's back. "But we can try."
"Time for bed now, Harry," Blue huffed.
Harry patted him, a little touched at the show of possessiveness, and charmed all three of his bedmates with warming spells and additional protections against accidental squishing. While Sweetie and Blue preferred to sleep curled around his limbs, the little lizard shuffled and shoved his way under Harry's pillow and burrowed there happily until the alarm chased Harry out of bed the next morning.
oOo
Harry, of course, couldn't help himself and introduced Hermione to Stannis as soon as class was over.
"He's handsome," Hermione said and smiled when the lizard wallowed in her hands, hizzing lazy nonsense. "And you really understand him?"
"Nearly every word," Harry confirmed. "He said it's different with the mokes because they're somehow related to wyrms, and wyrms are closer to dragons than reptiles. He also told me that dragons are their own species and don't share much magic with the others."
"Huh, interesting." Hermione quirked an eyebrow. "How is he, character-wise?"
"Oh, he's a total joker," Harry replied and told her a couple of the jokes Stannis had entertained him with last night. "He says I should publish a book with his jokes if I'm writing a book about him anyway."
"I guess that's fair," Hermione smirked.
"He's a total stage hog." Harry repeated that in parsel, which made Hermione look at him with bright eyes.
"Only because I'm that good," Stannis countered promptly and preened. "Yourrr woman agrrrees with me; herre magic was tickling me even if she issa not a speakerrr."
"Should we start with the questionnaire?" Hermione asked. "It's better when you're both in a good mood. We'll get more done."
Healer Williams had collected over fifty questions for them to ask, and since Stannis was an exceedingly cheerful and patient fellow, they managed to answer two thirds right away.
"We have time forrr the rrrest," the lizard said. He cocked his head and listened to the dinner bell. "Yourrr cave issa verrry noisy."
"If it's too much I can take you back to my dorm," Harry said. "There are a few juicy locusts waiting for you."
"Laterrr," Stannis replied. "I want yourrr female tue carrry me. She smellse so good."
Harry bit his lip as he glanced at Hermione.
"What?" she asked, bemused.
"Stannis asks whether you'd take him down to dinner. He likes how you smell."
Hermione blushed. "Oh. Uhm, sure. But he should stay in my bag. Dumbledore might notice otherwise."
Harry repeated her condition and received the lizard's agreement immediately. "He will stay there. I'll cast a warming charm on him, just in case."
"If this keeps happening, with him or other reptiles, I should probably learn that charm as well," Hermione said. Her face lit up with her smile when Stannis eagerly crawled into her cupped hands. "He's so friendly."
"And he has great taste," Harry teased her. "Watch." He demonstrated the charm for her. "You can try after dinner, if you want."
"Thank you, I will." Carefully, Hermione placed the content lizard into her book bag and closed it. "I'm a bit surprised at how much he seems to trust us."
"Yeah, me too. Brady said his kind wasn't especially aggressive, but we both know that it's not the same as being friendly."
"No, not at all."
Harry stood, packed away his writing things, and then offered Hermione his hand. "Let's go, I'm famished."
On their way, they were delayed for a minute by Jules, who proffered a sealed letter to Harry.
"It's from Mr. Hagrid's friend, Harry Potter sir," Jules squeaked. "He sent it with his house elf; it's addressed to you and Miss Granger directly."
"Did you offer Mr. Papageorgiou's elf refreshments?" Harry asked. "The dementors must be hell on you guys."
"We don't like them much, but we are hardy. Nikos is fine," Jules replied. He blinked up at Harry. "I have more news for you. It might take a little while."
"Later, then," Harry decided. He pressed Hermione's fingers apologetically. "Not because I don't want you to hear. I just don't want anyone else to hear."
"That's alright," Hermione said. "I have so much to do to manage the deadline for my articles that I'm almost glad to not learn even more exciting stuff."
Harry grinned and told Jules, "She's a big liar."
"She means well. She is a good friend," the elf said sagely. "I'll come at bedtime. Oh, and Romy told me to let you know that tonight's dinner is Indian dishes. She made all your favourites."
"Did she make butter chicken as well?" Hermione asked hopefully.
"Lots of butter chicken," Jules confirmed. Before Harry and Hermione could thank him, he popped away.
"His speech is so much better than the other house elves'," Hermione murmured. "It's still startling."
"You get used to it." Harry began to walk again and tugged Hermione along. "Romy said that most of his magic settled in his brain and not in his body, where their cores usually are. That's why he's so smart."
"Fascinating," she whispered. They were close to a well-travelled corridor and regretfully let go of each other. "If he weren't busy for you, he'd be perfect for the Herald."
As they entered the Great Hall, Harry searched for Malfoy's white blond hair, as was his custom after the attack, and only relaxed when the boy's absence was confirmed.
"I do it too, watching out for him," Hermione murmured, winding her arm around Harry's. "I still have nightmares."
"Dobby helps with those," Harry admitted. "If I never have to see Malfoy again, it'll still be too soon."
"It all depends on his parents." Hermione bit her lip. "I made mine promise that changing schools was one of the non-negotiable conditions of the wereguild."
"It's one of mine as well. In fact, I told Mr. Finch to agree to less money if Malfoy goes away." Harry snorted. "I feel like a prick for even thinking about letting Malfoy loose on other people."
Sighing, Hermione replied, "The difference will be that the teachers at another school will be prepared, should they even accept him as a student. Dumbledore doesn't seem to care much if someone gets hurt."
They reached Gryffindor table and gratefully sat down in a spot Seamus and Dean had saved for them. The food looked lovely and smelled divine, and Parvati's happy face told them all they needed to know about the taste.
"In the Yule edition of the Herald we should write an article about our house elves," Parvati said and snapped up the last samosa from a platter. Immediately the empty platter was replaced and Harry and Hermione both took a couple of samosas each. "This year they're really going for diversity."
"They serve less bread stuffs," Seamus complained. "I like me scones and breakfast rolls."
"They're just looking out for our health," Hermione said. "Anyway, are our articles about Snape done?"
"Done and edited," Lavender said. "I said it before, but this edition will burn Magical Britain."
"And Snape," Katie Bell smirked. "Merlin, the greasy git won't know what hit him."
"Did we tell you that he tried to bully McGonagall into letting him review our articles?" Fred asked. "He thought he was alone when he cornered our esteemed head of house, but he should've known that no one is ever truly alone at Hogwarts."
"No, you didn't," Hermione said, alarmed. "Was it very bad?"
"For McGonagall? No. For Snape?" George smirked. "Definitely. We followed him to the infirmary where he had to ask for assistance to get some very unfortunately placed boils removed. Our man Lee already saved this stellar Snape moment for posterity in a little cartoon."
"You'll see it next week," Fred said smugly. "You're not the only one that can keep secrets, Hermione."
"She could just ask us, you know," Lavender said and laddled a generous portion of lamb curry onto her plate.
"But I won't." Hermione gave a small grin. "I'm curious, but I like surprises."
"We visited Hagrid yesterday and he said that the hearing for Buckbeak will take place in January," Harry said. "Do you know more?"
"Nah, the Ministry has gotten careful after our letters for Lord Black's trial," Dean said. "At least, they haven't let slip anything to us. Lee's auntie hasn't gotten in trouble yet, but the writing's on the wall. She sent a couple of memos that were essentially placing a gag order on everyone. Fudge is not joking around."
"People do know how fishy this is, right?" Harry finished off his samosa and reached for the butter chicken. "Can he even do all that? Place gag orders just because he doesn't want people to know what's going on?"
"As long as he's the Minister for Magic, yes," Angelina Johnson said. "But I have a feeling that the ICW might get involved, and then all of this will come under review."
Percy, who'd kept quiet so far, cleared his throat. "I can't condone disrespect towards our body of government." Everyone around him groaned. "However, even I think that it is more than justified to disrespect some persons in the government."
"Truly, Percy?" Alicia asked, surprised.
Percy coloured a little. "I might want to work there one day, but I also want to be proud of the job I do. How Minister Fudge is handling Lord Black and the hippogriff's cases is a disgrace, frankly. And the headmaster's actions seem rather shady, as well."
"Hear, hear," Fred and George cried, raising their goblets. "Let us drink to civil unrest!"
"When it's warranted," Hermione cautioned, glancing towards the head table.
"And let's be polite about it," Percy added. "Because we're better than them."
"To polite, warranted civil unrest!" the twins cheered, not deterred in the least.
Harry bit back a laugh when everyone around them raised their goblets as well and repeated the words.
The rest of dinner passed quickly, with many different conversations taking up Harry's attention. He caught a helpful tip for his Ancient Runes essay and managed to head off an argument between Colin Creevey and a girl named Romilda Vane, who was heavily pushing for photos of Harry for her collection. Ginny Weasley, who sat close by, was listening attentively.
"I've sold the rights to my pictures for use in the Hogwarts Heraldonly," Harry told her. "That means Colin is not allowed to hand out pictures of me or anyone else without the permission of the persons in the picture."
"But Harry, you're famous. And cute!" Romilda fluttered her lashes. "Can't you make an exception?"
"No," Harry said simply. "People have used me to make money before, that's all gonna stop now. My lawyer has put out a magical cease and desist order on my dad's behalf. That means magic will help me protect my privacy and punish everyone who wants to use me in some fashion."
Romilda's face fell. "But ... I'm your biggest fan! I want something just for me. Just a couple of pictures. Please?"
Harry had to work to keep the horror from showing on his face. Instead he said, "I'd prefer you be the kind of fan who lets me have some privacy. I'm not very interesting anyway."
"Then how about going to Hogsmeade together? On a date?" Romilda asked, bold as brass. "I know that I'll have to wait until next year, but I can wait for you."
"Er, thanks. I'll think about it." Harry made a strategic retreat then, grateful that the girl had at least accepted that she wouldn't get any pictures of him.
"She's a fanatic," Hermione told him on their way back to the tower. She sounded annoyed but subdued. "As if you didn't have enough of those around you already."
"At least Colin's harmless and respects my boundaries ... after a couple of reminders. He's just excited."
Hermione huffed. "I shouldn't tell you this, but Romilda's known for dealing with potions. Nothing illegal, but her mum is a home brewer and always sends more than needed so Romilda can supplement her pocket money. I'm of a mind to tell Professor McGonagall. That can't be allowed."
"Brady said that self-medication is rarely good," Harry agreed. "He knows a lot of doctors who had to put themselves under oaths not to abuse the potions they have access to. They don't even want to sell them or anything, but he said that it's easy to poison yourself if it gets out of hand, and that'd be just a waste of money and education."
"Wow." Hermione stared at him. "I didn't know that, but I should have. It isn't exactly a secret that mundane doctors have the same problem. It's scary that someone who's supposed to be on top of their game to save lives could be under the influence."
"Brady has taken the oath as a precaution," Harry said. "Not because he's addicted to something, but because he doesn't even want to be tempted. He's taking his job super seriously. Oh! And he told me that your parents have agreed to the discretion ward."
"Really? Oh, I'm so glad!" Hermione gave Harry a quick hug. "I'm so curious how it will feel, magically."
"It settled easily on me," Harry said with a shrug. "But it's intrusive, since it feeds from the magical core."
"Can you feel that?" Hermione asked, a little shocked. "How?"
"It's a spell hook," Harry said, "and you know what I think about those. But I trust Brady and know that it's there. Meditating really helps with awareness, plus, I can take it off if I really want to."
"Let's go in there," Hermione said softly and pointed to the door of an empty classroom. As soon as they were alone and their privacy ensured, she asked, "What if someone uses the Imperius on you? That's a spell hook, too, right? Couldn't they force you to disable the spell?"
"They can try, but Brady used a personal dialect of parseltongue. No clue how that works, but it makes it very difficult for another parselmouth to end a spell." Harry frowned. "I know that parselspeakers could do a lot of stupid stuff with that, but they can do good stuff, too."
"I know." Hermione sat next to him on a table and pressed a kiss to Harry's mouth. "In fact, it's good that Brady cast the ward on you and not let you do it yourself. You could easily undo your own spell under the Imperius, after all."
"Right. After he's done it for you, I'd have a hard time, and you couldn't do it at all, which is exactly what you need."
"I still want you to be able to recast it, if necessary," Hermione confessed with a blush. "And, er, even if he's a doctor, Brady's also a man, and I feel a little uncomfortable discussing girl stuff with him."
"I get that," Harry said. "Should I ask him to find a female parsel doctor for you?"
"I probably couldn't afford it, but if there's one and she's willing to see me once a year or so ... Please." Hermione's blush deepened. "You're incredibly great, do you know that? Other boys would've run screaming from this talk."
"I'm too young to feel properly horrified," Harry admitted with a laugh. "I will, once Brady's starting to teach me about female stuff, you know."
That made Hermione laugh, too, and the embarrassed tension became a soft sense of togetherness.
"It's good that you'll learn about it," Hermione said. "It might take away some of the mystery, but I'd much rather know what I'm about than do something stupid that hurts you."
"Me, too," Harry murmured and turned a little so he could kiss her. "I like that we can talk about things."
"I hope it stays that way." Hermione carded her fingers into Harry's black hair and stroked his scalp in a gentle massage. His little sigh of contentment had her smiling against his lips. "But I won't be disappointed if you decide to keep some your boy secrets. My mum told me that it's important to allow for alone time and space."
"Your mum is brilliant," Harry confided and slipped his hands into her hair.
Then there was no more talk until the bell for curfew rang, and even then they kept snogging. It was an amused Betty that finally popped the both of them right onto their respective beds so the prefects wouldn't punish them for being absent.
oOo
Harry smiled at Jules, who was already waiting when he finally crawled into bed. "Sorry for making you wait. Did you put up a privacy ward?"
"It's quite alright. Harry Potter sir needs time with his Miss Mione to be happy. I want you to be happy," Jules responded. He bounced a little on his toes. "I made your bed private. Are you ready for my report?"
"Shoot," Harry said. Sweetie and Blue flowed from his arms onto the comforter to investigate the house elf. "I hope it's mostly good news."
"Very good news, Master Slytherin," Jules squeaked and quivered with excitement. "Seventeen Potter elves declared an interest in meeting partners to mate and start a family. They are just waiting for your approval to start the house elf call."
"Oh, that's the mental one, right? How does that feel, sending out a mental call?" Harry asked curiously. "I know what the book says, but I can't imagine it."
"It's like shouting out really loudly in your head that you want to start a family," Jules explained. "Magic carries our call into the world. Interested elves pick it up and come for a meeting."
"Are there ever elves from other countries answering those calls?" Harry wondered. "Your mum said that your father is a security elf for the gnomes of Switzerland, so they must've met somehow."
Jules' intelligent eyes brightened and he puffed up a little. "Elves are not interested in borders. First call goes out to Europe, but if that's not successful, we look further. My mother's second mate came all the way from Japan. He returned to his master once they'd created the child my mother wanted."
"But don't they want to stay together?" Harry was flabbergasted. "I thought you guys would stay with your woman?"
"Most want to," Jules agreed. "But my mother is a strong elf. She has no need of a full harem. She occasionally seeks strong mates for good offspring, and if she needs help, they'll answer her call, but mostly they all pursue their own work. She has all her offspring with her, you see. Except me."
"Wow, that's ... unexpected."
"I want to be with my mate ... if I can find one," Jules declared. "I'm not strong like Mother."
"I want what's best for you," Harry said. "I just hope I can bond that many new elves."
"There's lots of room," Jules assured him. "Lots and lots. On your word the Potter elves will begin to ready the house elf quarters for new arrivals."
"Then you have it. But before you go crazy, tell the new elves that I want to meet them. All of them. I trust you guys, but it's not just about me. I have to take care of Sirius, too."
"Your will be done," Jules said and bowed deeply. "Thank you."
"Never for that," Harry said firmly. "What else is new?"
"Fawkes visits the garden almost every day. He eats lots and lots of berries and caterpillars off the whomping willows. Willows are formidable opponents," Jules scowled. "I'm this close to asking my father to come visit! He might be able to fend the willows off."
"If he keeps the location secret, he can come for training," Harry grinned. "Ninja seems to like it a lot and he might learn something new."
"His trainees do, too. I will tell Father of your invitation." Jules picked up Sweetie and allowed her to wind around his shoulders. "Oh! She feels much stronger."
"She eats a lot." Harry poked her into the side. "The others, too, but that's okay. They're a great help. They'll translate Slytherin's library for Brady."
"I can tell Harry about funny magics on books, too," Blue said and nipped his sister's tail. "I see all."
"Dead useful, that," Harry praised. He caught the snakeling and chuckled when the little guy shot towards him in a strong leap, leaving it to Harry to catch him around the middle and break his fall. "I should take you flying sometime. You'd like it."
"Snakes not meant to go into the air," Sweetie hissed. "I'll stay on the ground."
"Is there anything dangerous on the books?" Harry asked. "Anything I need to tell Brady?"
"The favourite will only receive copies," Sweetie said. "Magics not dangerous for Slytherin's heir. Harry is safe."
"Great." Harry cleared his throat and returned his attention to the patiently waiting elf. "Sorry. Er, where were we?"
"You agreed to allow the Potter elves to call for mates," Jules said. "You also invited my father to test his strength in Potter's Field. I found an elf who's willing to go to Gringotts and sort your mail."
"Oh! That's fantastic! I was wondering whether I'd have to bring a new elf in after all. Who is it?"
"Patty is the one. She was your grandfather's secretary, she managed his correspondence and subscriptions to magazines and periodicals. Maybe you remember her; she's one of the oldest of your elves. Your family's death broke her heart."
Harry's relief ebbed a little. "Oh, I see. Didn't she want to go into retirement? I don't want to force her if it's too hard."
Jules shook his head. "With bond renewal, she's healing. She's ready for work with letters. I'll send her along."
"Please tell her thank you from me," Harry said. "It'll be a lot of work, though. If she needs help, please find her some, even if you have to find an extra elf after all." He paused. "I honestly have no idea how much mail it actually is. Sharptooth only tells me about inheritances and the especially crazy stuff. Sirius told the goblins to send form letters to normal people and burn the rest if it isn't bad enough to involve law enforcement."
"Patty will keep you informed," Jules promised. "On to your hotel in France: three of the Potter elves have permanently taken up work there for the time being. They don't want to rotate and the others are content to let them. You still only have one guest, but he's very satisfied so far. The human staff is seeing to his every need and allowed him to occupy a second room at a discount. He uses it as a studio."
"In the last dream, Dobby showed me his work. It's pretty great. Will there be other guests soon?"
At this, Jules' face fell a little and his ears drooped. "France is a popular destination, but the proximity to the mundane neighbours doesn't make the hotel very attractive to pureblood magicals."
"Screw them," Harry replied immediately. "I want guests who actually want to enjoy the place, mundanes in the neighbourhood and all. Dobby and Betty did fantastic work on it, I won't have them be sad just to make a few galleons."
Jules rubbed his wet eyes and took a breath. "Thank you, Harry Potter sir."
"Hey, it's not your fault humans are stupid," Harry said fiercely. "We'll find good guests for you to pamper, I promise. Tell Sharptooth to place an ad for the Christmas holidays. My aunt always got bonkers over those. Make it as French as possible, with fancy dinners and wine and whatever else you can think of. The visitors should have the Christmas of their lifetime."
"I will. Can I tell the staff to buy more rescue chickens for the hotel?" Jules asked. "Dobby wants to let them run around to take care of garden pests."
"Yes, of course. You've got a fund, use it. If you can rescue a kneazle or two, that'd be fine, too. The place is large enough."
"One of the employees has a krup she wants to take to work," Jules admitted. "The animal is her only family."
"She takes care of his business and makes sure that he's not bothering the guests," Harry said. "I'd just say it's fine, except I don't want everybody bringing their pets and feed them from the kitchen. Sharptooth would kill me. Also, it'd be unfair to ask the elves to clean up after other people's pets if they're not getting paid for it."
"It'll be an exception for Madame Lavelle," Jules agreed. "I'll tell Steward Sharptooth to place the addendum on her contract. Steward Sharptooth proposes the following penalties if the krup dirties the house or manages to steal food meant for the guests ..."
After the issue with the dog was settled, Harry listened with some astonishment to Jules' report of Dobby's work with the newly acquired land. Leaving it fallow for half a year clearly didn't apply to all of the plots; there were, in fact, already growing several kinds of vegetables and fruit under weather charms, as well as a small selection of medicinal plants and potion ingredients.
"But it's only been a few weeks since we got the land," Harry exclaimed. "Won't the magic leave the soil depleted?"
"Dobby is very eager to plant things for food and medicine, so he is extra careful. He went back for more Madeira soil," Jules said. "He wants to feed Harry Potter and his family and friends only the best things. Steward Sharptooth also sent charity contract to Margot Muschelschaum's Day School of Magical Academics to supplement their food offer for the students. About half of them are orphans while the rest come from underprivileged or difficult families. Almost all of them are reliant on donations for meals and supplies."
"How many students does the school have?" Harry asked, frowning.
"Over three hundred," Jules replied dutifully.
"What, really? They can't be all British."
"They mostly are. Your father says that the current Ministry doesn't give a rat's arse about poor kids." Jules wrung his hands. "Steward Sharptooth was sure that you'd be shocked. Gringotts has helped out the school for decades and takes on many deserving graduates for mentoring and apprenticeships or finds places with partners. You supplying food now will enable Gringotts to offer two more places after school, at least, and relieve the funds enough so that more wands can be bought for first years."
"Well. That's good!" Harry tried to school his face, even if the horror was still making his insides clench. "I didn't even know that school exists. Why aren't the students coming to Hogwarts? We aren't very many students and I know that Hogwarts has a scholarship fund. With Gringotts' help, it should work, shouldn't it?"
"Headmasters weren't interested in going against the Ministry's stance," Jules said. "Underprivileged students are mostly mundane-born or impoverished half-bloods. Former Ministers for Magic did not want mundane-borns in the Ministry, so they kept them from getting a good education at Hogwarts. Madam Muschelbaum founded the school in the eighteen fifties with nominal Ministry support and that was that."
"Tell me that those kids at least have a place to stay if their families are bad," Harry begged. "I wouldn't wish relatives like the Dursleys on anyone."
"There is a house for emergency care, but it's small." Jules tugged on his ears. "Jules feels a need to punish himself. Jules does not like it when Master Slytherin is unhappy."
"I'm not unhappy," Harry sighed. "I'm ... disappointed in society, I guess. I wish I could say it's a surprise, but it's not. Not anymore." He carefully pried the house elf's hands from his ears and held the thin fingers. Between them, their bond thrummed loudly. "Can you tell Sharptooth to send me more information?"
"Jules will," Jules said at once. "There is one last thing: the Hogsmeade weekend next Sunday. There is discussion about who of us will protect you."
Harry's mouth dropped open. "Really?"
"We all want to go," Jules explained, "but that would probably alarm Dumbledore."
"How many would you recommend, then?" Harry asked.
Jules wiggled his fingers in Harry's hold and smiled. "Four should be enough. I recommend you call Dobby and Betty and choose two Potter elves. It's politics, but Dobby also be very strong." His large eyes clouded a little. "Very strong."
"Don't tell me you have hero worship going on," Harry teased the little elf.
"It be hard not to," Jules said, slipping into the house elf dialect, and blushed. "Dobby be always working, and he be taking Master Slytherin's business very seriously. It be ..." He paused, a little embarrassed. "Attractive."
"Is that ... usual among house elves?" Harry released the elf's hands so he could cover his little burning cheeks with them.
"It's magic." Jules took a deep breath and the flush lessened a bit. "Dobby not know, so please don't tell him."
"Aw, no, that's your business," Harry promised hastily. "Besides, you also like Betty, so your plate is already pretty full. It'd be mean to make it even harder on you."
"Betty is so sweet," Jules sighed. After a moment he asked, "Is there anything else Jules can do for you?"
"Not right now." Harry patted Jules' shoulder and laughed when Sweetie crawled over his hand and onto his arm. "I'm really sorry for teasing you. You just surprised me. All of this is still new to me."
"For me too," Jules admitted softly. "It's ... overwhelming, finally being in a family. Being yours. There's so much magic shifting in your family web."
"It doesn't hurt you, does it?" Harry asked, worried.
"Not at all. But I'm glad to have our bond. It keeps me close and safe." Jules looked at Harry admiringly. "Jules will go now so Harry Potter sir can sleep."
"Thanks for your visit. Sleep well, Jules. And greet the others from me."
"Jules will," the elf squeaked and popped away.
Harry renewed the protection charms on the snakelings before snuggling in and turning off the light.
"Night, guys," he murmured, eyes already falling shut.
In what seemed to be no time at all, he felt himself wake in a spacious, nicely decorated apartment. Sun was streaming through large windows in a way that made it hard to believe it was situated below ground at Gringotts. Sirius was sitting at a desk and writing into a journal. He looked well and content and Harry felt a little twinge of happiness inside. Following his father around and watching him do mundane tasks should have been boring, but Harry enjoyed every minute of it. Since he felt so close already, he made an effort to fight the dream's sluggishness and reached out, trying to catch a wisp of his father's magic.
It was an effort, but eventually he did manage to catch the tiniest thread of that sorely missed presence. It wallowed in his methaphorical grip for a moment and then grasped back. Slowly, slowly, Harry and Sirius pulled on each other until their presences were solid enough to intertwine and Harry could finally relax into the magical embrace.
"Missing you is stupid," he mumbled in his sleep.
There was a huff of laughter stirring his hair and a fleeting kiss brushed against his forehead.
"I know. Sleep now, pup."
And Harry did, letting the dream go for a more natural rest.
oOo
"You're so quiet this morning," Hermione said as they warmed up for their exercise. "Is everything alright?"
"I just had dreams," Harry said quietly. "Of Sirius. It felt very real."
"Should we do something less dangerous today? You look like you could hurt yourself if we're not careful."
Harry quirked a grateful smile at her. "I'd actually appreciate it. I'm still a little out of sorts."
"Understandably. Okay, why don't we do some yoga first and see how you feel in twenty minutes or so?"
"Thanks, 'Mione. I'll make it up to you."
She smiled impishly. "Oh, you will."
Yoga was exactly what Harry needed to come to terms with his surprising dream meeting with Sirius. Afterwards, he was in a much better frame of mind to block Hermione's slow punches and do the kicks and jumps she asked him to perform.
During breakfast, they even managed to not talk about Malfoy, Fudge, or Dumbledore at all. Instead, they dreamed up their perfect summer holiday and leafed through the large picture books the Come And Go Room provided.
"That felt like a little holiday," Hermione sighed as they regretfully left the room for class. "Do you think the room can actually create a beach and water to swim in? Teaching you how to swim in a tropical paradise would be miles better than just using a pool."
"Let's try," Harry said immediately. "That beach in Maui was fantastic."
"It really was." Hermione patted her bag. "We should also respond to Mr. Papageorgiou's letter. It was very kind of him to donate two hundred galleons to the newspaper fund. Lavender will be over the moon once she hears."
"Let's send him some more of the photos Colin has taken." Harry pursed his lips in thought. "Although coloured photos would be so much nicer."
"Colin tried to interest Fred and George for the project, but they declined," Hermione said. "Maybe someone else will do it soon, Fred and George are not the only inventors at Hogwarts."
"Or ... I have an idea." Harry grinned at Hermione's little huff as the bell rang just then. "Let's talk about it later. It'll keep."
"Don't think I'll forget," she warned him. Approaching Professor Flitwick's classroom, they reluctantly let go of each other. "What will you do tonight while I'm with the Patronus Club?"
"I thought I'd practice some more for Tuva's class tomorrow. She said that my slicing technique still needs some work, and boomslang is tricky. It'll be good for our brewing, whenever the next time will be." Harry grinned. "Healer Spleenbash was quite satisfied with our potions. Dobby let me know this morning. We're good now."
"That's no reason to slack off," Hermione said with a teasing smile as they rounded the last corner.
Ron, who was hanging around the door, snorted. "Is there ever a reason for you to slack off, Hermione?"
"Certainly, in life or death situations," she retorted and flounced inside with an adorable little flip of her hair.
"Still a stuck up know-it-all," Ron muttered with a hateful glare. "I don't know how you can stand her."
"I won't enlighten you," Harry said in a low voice. "Just stay away from us if you can't even be civil."
"Her stuffiness brings out the worst in me." Ron's hands balled to fists. "She's honestly so boring. You should come with me, me and you and Ginny could play some pick-up Quidditch."
"What, and forget what an utter arse you've been?" Harry snorted. "Forget it. I've got more important things to do."
"School work and reading," Ron scoffed. "If you don't watch it, you'll be just like her. Boring and friendless."
"I don't know about that," Neville said and pushed Ron aside to get into the classroom. "Last time I checked, Harry had quite a few friends, me included, and so far I'm not bored. Maybe you're projecting."
"I'm what?" Ron demanded.
"Look, Weasley, your sniping won't win you any favours," Seamus called from his work table. "Just shut that miserable gob of yours while we still have some respect for you."
"You still have respect for him?" Dean asked, sounding honestly bemused. "How?"
"Me mum raised me to be kind," Seamus answered. "Especially towards intellectually challenged people."
Since Seamus wasn't even in the top fifteen of their year and everyone knew it, his words caused a round of laughter.
"Whatever," Ron hissed. "You'll see that I'm right, and that you're wasting your time with a know-it-all like Hermione. One day you'll regret not going out to fly in the sun, or having fun playing with real friends. You-know-who might kill you tomorrow and then what? All you'll have done is studying and hanging out with stuck up twats who wouldn't know fun if it kicked them in the teeth."
"Oi, can it, Weasley," Dean said and narrowed his eyes. "That sounds like a threat."
"It isn't," Ron said arrogantly. "I don't have to do a bloody thing. Everyone knows that there are still death eaters out there, and that they want Harry dead. It's just a matter of time until the next attempt. And do you know what? They'd just love to do a muggleborn like her in, too. Would serve her right for sticking to him like a bloody limpet."
"Detention for ugly language, Mr. Weasley. Report to your head of house after class for the particulars," Professor Flitwick called. He waved the boys inside and closed the door to his room with a little flick of his wand. "I don't want to hear such hate speech again, am I understood?"
Ron only scowled sullenly.
"Take your seats and hand in your homework," Flitwick said. "I'll pick five of you to demonstrate the seize-and-pull charm, and then we'll dig our teeth into the general counter-charm. Depending on how adept you are at it, we might work on it until Yule, as it has a great many uses and requires a certain amount of skill. The first student to properly cast the charm wins the choice of fifty house points and the last three classes of the term free, or extra curricular work to boost their grade by up to twenty percent. The second and third student will win the choice between lesser house points and class-skipping privileges respectively."
The offer was ridiculously tempting and Harry simply had to grin at Hermione's bright-eyed determination.
"Now," Flitwick called, "the first to demonstrate their seize-and-pull charm is Mr. Weasley. Come now, I won't believe you're shy after your impassioned debate with your house mates earlier."
Harry didn't smirk at Ron's unattractive flush of temper, but it was a near thing. Even better was witnessing the small professor's smackdown after Ron utterly failed at the charm. It was obvious that the boy hadn't bothered to practice, and being that disrespectful towards Flitwick was frowned upon even by the more antagonistic Slytherins.
The other four students thankfully did their charms just fine, and everybody was on their best behavour once Professor Flitwick started on the theory for the general counter-charm.
oOo
The afternoon had gone by in a blink, DADA even more so than Herbology. Professor Lupin truly was one of the most engaging teachers Harry had ever had, and he was determined to ace the exam. After a spot of tea after class, however, Harry was actually looking forward to spending time in the Chamber of Secrets alone, or as alone as his non-human friends would let him be.
"Dobby!" Harry cried when the little elf popped up right next to him in front of the large, heavy door to the chamber. "I wasn't expecting you. You've brought Portos!" For a long moment, Harry petted the boa constrictor and exchanged fond words. "It's good to see you both."
"Harry Potter sir's Healer Brady be saying that snake be companion for Slytherin's guardian," the elf explained. He eyed Stannis, who had come along and was settled on Harry's shoulder, right next to Sweetie and Blue. "He not be knowing that you be bringing lizard along."
"Audovera is lonely, she might like him," Harry said. "He's very chatty and social." He hissed the password at the guardian and slipped into the chamber. With another ominous rumble, the door closed again, sealing them in. "Thanks for the dream last night. It was great to see Sirius again."
"Dobby be watching. Dobby not be knowing that Harry Potter sir be reaching so far with magic." Dobby wagged his finger at Harry. "Harry Potter sir be strong, and he be having Malijar's Gift, but it be dangerous to reach so far. Harry Potter sir could get lost searching for his father."
"I'm sorry," Harry murmured. "I didn't want to worry you. It just happened."
"Dobby knows. Dobby not be angry, Dobby be worried. Take Dobby's hand, Harry Potter sir." With a swirl, Dobby transported everyone up into the secret room, right in front of the door Audovera was guarding.
"Greetings, Audovera," Harry called. "I brought visitors!"
Audovera raised her head from the door and slithered forward, leaning into the room. "Your house elf and the younglings. Greetings, all. And who might those two fellows be? They're handsome."
"The boa constrictor is Portos, and the gold-horned field lizard here is Stannis. He's originally from Greece. Both are currently with Gringotts' breeding program." Harry helped them both down and renewed their warming charms. "I hope you'll like each other."
"Hello, Audovera. I have fathered many beautiful young," Portos stated, watching her intently. "But none of my mates look like you. What sort of snake are you that you're gleaming and cold like sunny metal, but talking and moving like a breathing female?"
"I was made with magic," Audovera told him. "My master fashioned me after his own heart. I do not have a human body, but his love and attention gave me spirit. The young Master Slytherin has woken me again and has yet to send me back to sleep. Until he does, I'll remain aware."
"I won't do that to you unless you ask me to," Harry said. "You've missed so much already, it'd be mean."
"Thank you, Master," Audovera hissed and dipped her gleaming head in a little bow. Her attention then settled on the lizard. "I do not know your kind, Stannis Gold-Horn. Tell me about yourself and the land you came from."
Harry and the snakelings had to help translate for the first few minutes of small talk, but Audovera seemed to learn as they went, which was as astonishing as it was relieving for Harry. While he liked the snakes and Stannis a lot, he hadn't been looking forward to spending an hour playing interpreter for a private talk.
A mere quarter hour after making the introductions, Harry already left Portos and Stannis to their visit, taking Sweetie and Blue back down to his work table. Dobby had already placed several things in the preparation area.
"You're a fantastic spy," Harry said seriously. "I didn't even feel you close by when Hermione and I talked about this in the morning. The boomslang looks very fresh, did Tuva give you some?"
"Potions Mistress Tuva did. Your magic be feeling Dobby, you just not be alarmed." Dobby's large eyes were suspiciously shiny. "Dobby be cherishing his bond with his Harry Potter sir so much. It be great gift to have such trust. Dobby had forgotten how it feels."
"Aw, I'm sorry." A little helpless, Harry patted his chair, inviting Dobby to sit, and summoning Hermione's for himself. "Is it really okay not to notice you? I'd have liked that, actually."
"A good house elf not be noticed," Dobby said proudly. "A good house elf be in perfect harmony with his wizard or witch. This be strongest, richest magic because elf and wizard be sharing all." The wetness in his eyes got to be too much and a tear dripped down. "We be like one being. It be beautiful."
"Well, I want what you want, but I also really like knowing that you're there, since we don't see each other that much anymore," Harry tried to explain. "If you like, you can give me a pat or something. Would that be cool?"
"It be cool," Dobby agreed. "Dobby could stay a bit and help Harry Potter sir perfect his slicing technique. Dobby be very good at slicing things."
"Sure." Grinning, Harry jumped up from his chair, cleaned his hands with a quick charm, and then activated the necessary runes on his table. "Using the runes will never get old."
The snakelings were of the same opinion; they were watching the magic sweep away dust and little particles in fascination.
Under Dobby's patient tutelage, and with the help of Tuva's manual, Harry worked his way through several common kitchen ingredients before graduating to the actual boomslang. As he worked, Dobby regaled him with little tales of Healer Williams' visits to Rome, which took place once or twice per week, as time allowed. Lately there seemed to be a lot of dinners and late night talks about all kinds of topics.
"I'm sort of envious," Harry admitted, "even if Brady's going there mostly for business and healing stuff. The Dursleys have never taken me anywhere, except for that small island when Uncle Vernon tried to hide me from the post owls."
"Bad muggles no longer be having power to hurt my Harry Potter sir," Dobby said quite matter-of-factly. "Dobby and Ninja be making plans for bad muggles. Harry Potter sir not be saying no, or Harry Potter sir's father be very disappointed."
"Tell them to keep it legal," Harry sighed. "Sirius is working on getting free, not getting himself back to prison for muggle baiting."
"Harry Potter sir not be needing to worry. Dobby and Ninja be very good at faking things. If the police be noticing, it be looking like Bad Minister Fudge or Headmaster Dumblydore did it."
Harry burst out laughing. "Okay. Now tell me, truly, how are you doing? Jules said that you're happy being busy, but managing so much farm land must be exhausting."
"Dobby be having help from Potter elves, and Dobby mostly be using land that already be warded. It be much easier for weather control. First harvest be coming in around Yule. Oh, and Steward Sharptooth be telling Harry Potter sir next weekend that he be getting large orchard. There be all kinds of fruits!"
"Not another inheritance, I hope," Harry said with a grimace. "It's still really weird when strange people give me valuable things."
"No, Dobby be finding it and buying it. It not be expensive since it be very neglected. It also be close to muggle dwelling. Goblins be wanting to ward it before cleaning up, so Harry Potter sir be needing to approve funds and bind ward stones."
"Yes, of course, as long as Sharptooth says we can afford it." Harry put down his knife and critically eyed his work. "They pass muster, don't they?"
"Harry Potter be slicing very evenly," Dobby agreed. "It be good work for potions. Potions Mistress Tuva will be happy."
Relieved, Harry cleaned up his work table and stored the boomslang in the cupboard. Meanwhile, Dobby sent the prepped food stuffs to the kitchen for later use. When Harry returned to his table, he was astonished to find his little piece of Malijar's Gift sitting smack dab in the middle, glittering like the precious stone it was.
"Hey, what are you doing here?" Harry asked. "Dobby, you didn't place it here, did you?"
"No, Harry Potter sir." Dobby hopped onto the table and looked closely at the stone. "It be having a mind of its own."
"True." Harry grabbed it and cradled it in his palms. "What's wrong? Were you feeling lonely in my bag?"
A little zip of magic shot through Harry. It wasn't particularly indignant, not like last time when there had been a definite feel of abandonement, but it was insistent enough.
"Oh." Harry exhaled. "I should probably commune with you. It's been a while." He cast a quick tempus. "I only have a half hour or so before Hermione's going to miss me, though."
The little stone gave another pulse of magic and Harry relented. There was so much free space in the Chamber of Secrets that it was easy enough to pick a spot far away from the potions lab for his circle. At least doing it alone had its definite advantages: Harry could cast the circle with his wand right around himself. His magic painted the runes and sigils into the air, where they hovered, glowing and patient.
"Okay then, let's visit properly," Harry murmured. He held the stone tightly, closed his eyes, and settled into his half lotus position.
At once the bright spot of energy in his fist flared and expanded, just like before. Harry's awareness tangled shortly with it, only to spread out and travel wide and far, to the connected ward stones of all his properties.
There was Potter Cottage, empty but for several chickens and two elves who were tending to the garden there, and also Potter's Field, where Ninja and his apprentices were waging war on the plant life. It didn't feel destructive; in fact there was a distinct sense of enjoyment to it, as if the wild garden itself had fun playing with the house elves. The large boulder and seven times seven small pieces of Malijar's Gift in the ground greeted Harry happily, their power rushing around him eagerly.
Then there was the newly warded hotel in France. For the first time, Harry got a feel for where the goblins had placed the ward stones and realized that he probably should have done this much sooner. Cool sunshine and the tartness of sea salt, wine, and crisp apples surrounded him, inviting him to a long, relaxing stay. The artist lodging there gave off a feel of creativity bordering on mania, but in a good way. The three Potter elves there startled when they felt Harry's touch and then sent a joyful little zing back.
Afterwards, Harry's magic reached out to uncharted area. Travelling to properties not yet warded, or warded differently than Harry was already used to, was a little harder and a little slower. The map in Harry's mind was also not as clear. What he experienced was still his, he knew this, but it felt fuzzy and incomplete. There were bright spots hopping about - Potter elves who had assigned themselves to work there. Each of them gratefully accepted Harry's touch and Malijar's Gift in his hands vibrated gently in an effort to support Harry's curious foray.
Finally, once he couldn't go any further, Harry slowly retraced his steps. He found and touched the ward stone of the property in France, then his wild garden, and at last his own home. Everything seemed to be fine and he felt a lot more settled than he had going into the communion.
"Harry Potter sir be needing to check in more often," Dobby squeaked once Harry had woken from his trance. "Potter elves be angry that Potter Manor not be accessible for Harry Potter sir, yet. They be wanting guiding touch very much."
"I don't like it, either," Harry admitted. "But I think I got a bit of a feel for it anyways." To the piece of Malijar's Gift, Harry said, "Thanks for that, buddy. It was nice."
The hum of magic lessened until the stone was once more inert.
"It feels rather satisfied," Harry said to Dobby. "Is it very crazy for wizards to talk to stones?"
Dobby grinned. "It not be much crazier than talking to snakes, and Harry Potter sir be doing that rather well."
"You're a riot," Harry returned with a chuckle. "Let me break the circle and then we'll get Portos and Stannis. I'm a little surprised that they stayed with Audovera the whole time. I honestly thought they'd get bored five minutes in because she's so smart."
The sight that greeted Harry upstairs rendered him mute for a second. Audovera had mostly left her place around the door she was protecting and was curling elegantly on the floor. Portos was partially entwined with her, while Stannis rested in a coil of her body. All three seemed to be absorbed in an intimate conversation.
"Hey," Harry murmured, unwilling to spook them. He cleared his throat. "I have to get back up ... unfortunately, it seems."
Audovera lifted her gleaming head and opened her hood a little. "It is fine, young Master. I understand. The visit was wonderful, thank you very much."
"You're welcome. I'll bring more friends as time allows." Harry looked at Stannis. "You learned her dialect really quickly. How?"
"Magic," Stannis hissed succinctly. He darted forward and nipped Audovera gently before untangling from her coils and waddling over to Harry. "This was the best day of my life."
Surprised, Harry picked him up and helped him settle on his shoulder. "Really?"
"Audoverrra is beautiful," Stannis confided. "Porrrtos and I arrre just stunned."
"Likewise," Audovera replied with something of a curtsey. "Come back soon."
Quite reluctantly, Portos slithered out from under her and crawled up on Harry's body. It was only thanks to Dobby's magic that Harry wasn't buckling under his considerable weight. "We may return, may we not, Harry?"
"Whenever you like and Brady says it's okay," Harry agreed. He turned to Audovera and looked her over. "You're sort of glowing. It's pretty. I didn't notice the blue pattern inside your hood last time."
"Prolonged interaction with magicals will awaken my finer features," Audovera admitted. "You'll likely discover more details as time passes and you don't send me to rest."
Harry carefully touched the side of her wide open hood and traced the finely crafted scaly pattern. "I'm looking forward to it. If you like, I can take a picture of you. I'll put it in my family album."
"You'd place my likeness close to your family?" Audovera questioned.
"I'm Slytherin now, and you're part of that family, right?" Harry asked. "I don't like Tom Riddle much, but you're okay."
"I don't like the Dark One either. I'll bar him from entering this room if he ever finds his way to this door," Audovera hissed. "None but you may step inside, even if they prove their claim with blood, young Master."
"Great. Thanks." Harry continued petting Audovera for a bit longer, smiling crookedly at her contented little hisses. "So, what do you do if no one's here to keep you company?"
"Nothing much," she murmured, undulating under his caress. "But I don't want to go to sleep, either."
Harry pursed his lips. "Can you read?"
"Not yet, but I can learn," Audovera said, visibly interested. "Who shall teach me?"
"The snakelings probably can," Harry said. "Would you be willing to try?" Both Sweetie and Blue nodded and Harry added, "I'd also ask Hermione, the girl that was with me. Do you like her enough to let her teach you? She's mundane born, though, and I know that Slytherin wasn't so keen on that."
"My Master Slytherin was a man of his time," Audovera hissed. "While he did not like peasant children very much because of their ignorance and uncouth manner, he did value intelligence and hard work. Your friend will do fine, if she is willing to teach me." She leaned further into the room and rubbed her snout against Harry's cheek. From the coldness of her metal a spark of magic travelled along his skin right down to his feet. It felt like a tiny lightening bolt had hit him. "I wish to be truthful, young Master. My Master Slytherin did not teach me to read because his magic fashioned me into a female. His indulgence for his creation did not extend as far as a formal education."
"That was mean of him," Harry huffed. "Hermione is the smartest witch I know. She'd probably have kicked Slytherin's bum if he'd tried to stop her from learning."
"Do not be irritated with him on my behalf," Audovera said, clearly amused. "My Master Slytherin did talk extensively to me about his work and presented me with many different kinds of snakes for companionship. While he was alive, I was not dissatisfied. It is only now that I learn that I might be capable of much more."