The Betrothal

“What do you want Lupin?” Severus asks, clearly annoyed at is very presence by the way he’s refusing to even turn his head slightly to look at him.

“Can we talk for a moment? Privately.” Remus pleads and tries not to fidget.

Severus’ head snaps towards him as he gives Remus a sharp look.

“Fine.” The wizard agrees like the very word pains him.

Remus nods and quickly casts a muffliato charm around them so no one else can hear what they talk about. He does not need his words being relayed to Dumbledore.

“It’s about Harry.” Remus admits.

#####

Severus’ POV

Just hearing the boys name is enough to make Severus’ already prominent scowl deepen. Everything is always about the boy, every conversation, every note and every summons. Doesn’t matter who he’s talking to, Draco talks about Harry with regard to the betrothal contract, the Dark Lord with regards to if he should end his life or not, Dumbledore with his constant harping that the boy is the saviour and now Remus…no, Lupin.

Never Remus, not again, never again.

It doesn’t help that Severus has already had his view on Harry shifted today. The boy was raised by muggles, by some of the worst muggles that Severus has ever had the displeasure of knowing. It truly is no wonder that Harry is so terrible in his schooling if he was raised by those two incompetent morons. They truly were the worst sort of people. Constantly thinking that they are better than everyone else and therefore never needing to try to be better. If that doesn’t scream Harry Potter than he doesn’t know what does.

Severus ignores the small voice in the back of his head that asks but what if they treated him like they treated his mother, like they treated Lily. Harry was but a babe when he was given to the Dursley’s, they wouldn’t treat a baby with the same contempt and loathing. And as he grew they’d have grown attached to the boy. So he ruthlessly shoves that small voice down as he focuses on the man in front of him.

The man who was once a boy, with whom he’d found love. That thought too, is shoved as far into the back of his mind as physically possible. Which is unfortunately not far. Not matter how hard he tries his thoughts on Lupin never stay far away. Never disappear, they just lurk in the background like some sort of malignant growth.

“Isn’t everything?” Severus inquires.

“Severus.” Lupin sighs with a disappointed edge to it.

He has to fight not to reel back, like a snake poised and ready to attack. Instead he allows his hands to wrap around his robe and grip them with a tightness that likely has his knuckles turning white with pressure.

“It is Snape to you, Lupin.” Severus grits out.

He ignores the hurt look that comes across the other mans face before slowly resigned acceptance shows.

“You’re right, I’m sorry. I just wanted to talk to you about Harry and his recent change in behaviour.” Remus states.

That does catch Severus’ interest barely. After all how much could the boy have changed in a few months? It’s not like they boy became emancipated and then suddenly matured. Severus thinks it far more likely for Harry to have learnt of his Lordship and believed that made him invincible and able to command those around him. He’ll have to put a swift stop to that when they all return to school.

“Well then…get on with it.” Severus says.

“Before the end of school last year, how would you say Harry’s relationship with Dumbledore was?” Remus inquires.

“Amiable, Harry idolizes the man.” Severus answers, already bored with the questioning and it’s only just started.

“Hmm…and what would you say if I told you that Harry currently hates the man?” Remus questions.

“I’d call you a liar.” Severus states easily, he doesn’t add on the ‘because I already know you are’ to the end of that sentence.

It’s been years, bringing that up now would just be petty. Better to bring it up when it would have the most impact and will likely give him the last word. Remus seems to hear the unspoken words though as the man sighs before slowly drawing himself back up again, like he’s putting on metaphorical armor.

“Did you know that Dumbledore left Harry with Petunia?” Remus asks.

“Not until recently.” Severus admits.

“So you’ve never checked up on him outside of school.” Lupin says, mostly to himself.

“Of course not. What is this about, Lupin? I’m supposed to be getting my classroom ready for the start of school in a few days and this is taking up valuable time.” Severus snaps.

“Dumbledore never gave Harry the mind healer he said he would and he told everyone around Harry to not send him any letters. You tell me what you think all that means?” Lupin queries.

“I think that means that for once Dumbledore didn’t give in to whatever Harry wanted and now the boy is acting out. Feeling bolstered by his new title and emancipation.” Severus argues.

“That’s not…Severus have you ever actually looked at Harry and seen anything, anyone other than James?” Remus retorts, anger clear on his face.

“Of course…” Severus starts but gets cut off.

“There were locks on his bedroom door when I went to bring him here Severus. Locks, a doggy door and a bucket in his room. As he walks he favours one side over the other. Now you tell me that throughout the years you’ve taught him, you’ve never seen anything that would suggest abuse. That you’ve never seen it and just written it off because Harry is too like James for you to see him clearly.” Lupin demands.

Severus has to stop, has to fight not to freeze and back away from the slight growl that comes from Lupin. He has to think and truly take in what the man just said. Locks on his door, a doggy door and a bucket. Harry always comes back from the summer holidays looking thinner, sometimes with a limp or holding his ribs with a protect sort of urgency. Of course Severus has seen the signs, how could he not have when he used to show them just as clearly.

But Remus isn’t wrong, Severus always brushed them off. After all, the old fool of a man wouldn’t let that go on again. He wouldn’t put his so called saviour in that position. Dumbledore would not allow Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, to be abused. But Severus can’t hide behind his carefully constructed house of lies any longer. Not with Remus looking at him like that.

He doesn’t know what to say, how to defend himself. One moment Harry Potter was James’ brat, who was raised in luxury and could care less about those around him. The next he was Harry Potter, the boy that was just slightly too much like himself as a young wixen. And Severus doesn’t know how to deal with that, doesn’t know how to react.

“Severus, you don’t need to answer but just…just tell me you at least noticed how small he is. His parents weren’t giants but they weren’t that small.” Remus pleads.

“I have to get back, or I’ll be running behind.” Is all Severus says.

It makes him feel like a coward, tucking tail and running. But he can’t, he cannot admit to himself or to anyone else how much this conversation hurts. A reminder of his past that Dumbledore allowed and is allowing to happen again. No, Severus needs time and space and maybe some Fire Whiskey.

#####

Draco’s POV

There are a few more days until Hogwarts starts up again and Draco plus his friends have only just received their letters, informing them of what they need for the school year, that morning. Looking around Diagon Alley, from the comfort of Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, Draco can assume that the students of every school year only received their letters today as well. Considering just how many families there currently are in the cramped alley. Another thing he got in his letter, which wasn’t a great surprise but definitely welcome, was the Slytherin prefect badge.

Draco can’t help but wonder who the other prefects in his year are. Hermione, is the most likely Gryffindor female prefect but the male one could be anyone…bar Weasley that is. The boy’s got some of the worst exam results in the year, has repeatedly broken rules and honestly shouldn’t be looking after those younger than himself. It would make sense if they made Harry…Hadrian? If they made Potter the 5th year Gryffindor prefect. Whilst he may not have the best grades, and also has broken many school rules, he’s been known to stand up to bullies of all years and from all houses, to defend those from all years and all houses.

“Draco!” a voice practically yells in his ear making him jerk away.

“What Pansy?” Draco huffs as he rubs is ear.

“We asked what you thought the reason was that we got our school letters late.” Daphne informs.

Draco taps his finger on the table in front of him for a second, thinking over his words first, especially whilst they were all in public and unable to cast a privacy spell with so many adults that aren’t their parents around, before saying, “They possibly couldn’t figure out the right person for the a prefect position.”

Draco has to assume that Blaise had the same thought as him as his friend gives Theo a triumphant expression.

“Or it could be because Dumbledore struggled to find a defense Professor and therefore didn’t know what books the professor would be needing for classes.” Draco continues then pauses, Theo likely already knows this, as should Daphne and Pansy. Blaise likely wouldn’t as his mother isn’t in the Ministry. So their’s no harm in telling this piece of information. “My father told me that the Ministry had to assign their own defense professor as Dumbledore couldn’t find one.”

That has Theo sending his own triumphant look at Blaise from over his book. Their new defense book, that Theo has not been looking very happy with.

“So Draco, what had you thinking so hard that you didn’t hear us calling your name?” Pansy inquires.

Blaise snorts, “Isn’t it obvious? He only ever gets that look on his face when he’s thinking about his betrothed.”

Draco scowls, “I was just thinking about who else would be assigned the prefect positions in our year.”

“And Potter is the obvious conclusion for the Gryffindor’s.” Blaise continues, nodding.

“Actually I was thinking about how unfit Weasley would be for the position.” Draco says, mostly telling the truth.

“Sure.” Theo hums, glaring at the book in his hands.

“How did the book offend you Theo?” Daphne questions.

“It’s written for simpletons that have no need to ever cast a spell in their life.” Theo states. “Draco, did your father tell you whom the Ministry picked for the defense position?”

“No, he said the Minister was keeping it close to his chest for the moment. But the rumours state that whomever it is, they will be whipping Hogwarts into shape.” Draco informs.

That just goes to make Theo glare at the book harder. Pansy, as the closest to Theo makes the executive decision and removes the book from Theo’s grasp.

“No more reading for you.” She states, “Time to interact with the world.”

“I’d rather get…bludgeoned to death.” Theo states, pausing only when he seems to remember that they are in public and he can’t so much as mention one of the three unforgivables without gasps of shock and outrage from those around them. “Anyway, we should probably start calling in favours with the older years, I have a feeling were going to need help when it comes to studying for the defense practicals and exams.”

Daphne starts shaking her head before reminding Theo, “Professor Snape stated at the end of last year that with how many bad professors we’ve had that all older students should be willing to help younger years without needing trades or the collection of debts.”

“We need to start a study group.” Draco informs.

“We’ve already got a study group.” Blaise points out.

Draco sighs and fights not to slump in his chair.

“No, we need to find a way to start a study group with…Potter.” He says.

Theo looks at him, “Is this about the fact that he can apparently cast a patronus charm?”

His friend had clearly heard about it from his father after the trial.

“Partly.” Draco gives a clipped answer and hopes they’d all understand what he’s not saying.

His answer causes all of his friends to stare him down as they parse through what exactly he’s attempting to say without saying. Eventually his friends seem to settle.

“As long as we don’t also have to deal with Weasley, I’m fine with it. Potter does have the highest marks in the defense practicals.” Theo agrees.

“Will we also have to deal with Granger?” Pansy asks. “I don’t think I could manage staying in the same room as her without mentioning her hair.”

“She truly does need to find a way to sort out that messy mane.” Daphne sighs.

“I’m still not sure how she managed to tame it for the Yule Ball last year.” Pansy admits.

“I heard from a girl I was seeing that she had massive help from her roommates, Lavender and Parvati.” Blaise informs.

The girls nod in understanding before the table sinks into a nice quietness. They eat some of their ice creams and people watch until Draco’s eyes fall on a familiar person. Remus Lupin, their old defense against the dark arts professor, who turned out to be a werewolf. And he’s walking along side a smiling Hadrian Potter, who’s wearing different glasses. Draco can admit that they look good on him.

Draco can’t help but watch Hadrian walking towards Gringotts. He frowns however when he spots the group waiting for the Potter and Lupin outside of the bank. Draco turns back to his friends to inform them that they should probably head to their homes now, as he doesn’t want to deal with any of the Weasley’s. He stops however when he notices his friends smirking at him.

“He looks good in his new glasses.” Blaise smirks.

Draco sighs.

“To bad about the muggle clothes though.” Daphne shakes her head.

“Though with all the flying he does he sure is in shape.” Pansy teases.

Draco’s eyes automatically find Theo’s and he waits for the last jibe.

“I couldn’t care less about Potter and your crush. Let’s go. I can hear Mrs Weasley from here and she’s only going to get louder the further down the street they go.” Theo states.

Draco doesn’t breath a sigh of relief however because a second later Theo says, “his hair is longer, less messy, it looks good.”

The rest of his so called friends nod and chuckle as they leave the table and start heading towards the Leaky Cauldron so they can use it’s floo to return home.

#####

Harry’s POV

Harry woke up a little later than he usually would this morning, that does not mean that he was the last one awake however. In fact Harry was one of the first ones to wake up, he was always one of the first ones to wake up. But Harry could tell who was awake in the house because of his Black heir-ship ring…of at least he assumes it’s because of his ring. He kind of just woke up this morning, wondered who else was up and realised he could tell that Molly Weasley was in the kitchen, Arther Weasley and Remus were in the dining room and everyone else were asleep in their rooms.

He put on Dudley’s old clothes on auto-pilot, after coming out of the bathroom, before frowning at just how large the t-shirt was on him. Harry is thankful that he learnt the spell to resize clothing and had already done so for many of his (Dudley’s) jeans and trousers, having left the shirts large to not risk his relatives ire. But he wasn’t with his relatives right now and with the Potter Manor would be back in tip top shape by Yule, so Harry pulls out his wand and quickly says the incantation. His t-shirt shrinks until it fits him just right.

Once clothed, Harry exits his room on the third floor and makes his way down the stairs, through the hallway and down the stairs again. Harry vaguely recognises that a new person as entered the house as he makes his way down the last set of stairs tot he ground floor. When he makes it to the entrance room he finds himself staring at Bill Weasley and he has a momentary flash of panic.

What if Bill told his parents about his trip to Gringotts? What if they told Dumbledore? He wasn’t supposed to have left Privet Drive all summer. If they found out…

Harry takes a deep breath and reminds himself that he is an adult now, maybe not through years lived, but through legal means instead. Even if they knew he’d visited the bank this summer, there is nothing they could do about it. Other than annoy him that is, they could absolutely be very annoying about the whole thing. But there are certain things that he’s kept quiet because he wants it to be a surprise, like the fact that there will be no more money coming from his vaults.

“Morning Harry, you’re up early.” Bill greats.

“Good morning Bill. I guess I’m just an early riser.” Harry shrugs.

“Me too normally.” Bill gives a breathy chuckle.

“Wait, are only now just coming back from work?” Harry asks.

“Unfortunately. There was a small issue at the bank that took longer to fix than I thought it would. Can’t tell you about it though, part of my contract, you see.” Bill shrugs.

“Can I assume then that you haven’t told anyone about my trip to the bank?” Harry quietly questions.

“Of course not Harry, even if I could tell them, I wouldn’t. Somethings are best left private.” Bill winks at him.

Harry chuckles at that before asking, “Will you be joining us for breakfast or will you be going to sleep?”

“I’m here for breakfast, I have my own apartment near Diagon, for when I need sleep. This place weirds me out a bit too much for me to sleep here, too many dark objects giving off ambient magic for me to rest properly.” Bill shudders.

“Oh, I don’t feel anything.” Harry says.

“You wouldn’t. As a curse breaker, I’m trained to pick up on the magic given off by dark objects and curse.” Bill informs.

“Ah.” Harry nods. “Well, we should head into the dining room first. Everyone else is waking up, so it won’t be long until breakfast is served.”

“The Black heir-ship ring?” Bill checks.

“Yeah, you know I read over the summer that the Weasley’s were or are part of the sacred twenty eight. But I haven’t seen anyone wearing lord or heir rings.” Harry points out.

“You wouldn’t, Dad was never interested in that stuff and I can’t become lord Weasley until I’ve met all of the requirements of the house. The twins have it easier, when they become eighteen, they get to claim the Prewett lordship as twins from the bloodline.” Bill explains.

“None of my rings had requirements.” Harry says carefully because he has a feeling he’s about to tread on toes.

“They wouldn’t.” Bill states, “the only reason ours does is we’re considered blood traitors. And we will be considered blood traitors until I have earned the lordship.”

Harry wants to ask more questions, why are the Weasley’s blood traitors? What does that mean? What are the requirements? But he can hear feet coming down the stairs from above him so he pushes all of his questions down and gestures for Bill to head into the dining room first. He then follows behind him.

“Morning! Oh Bill! Are you joining us?” Arthur Weasley inquires.

“Yes and then I’m heading to my apartment to sleep, it’s been a long night.” Bill informs.

“You’d have normal hours and we’d see you more if you worked at the Ministry like your father.” Molly Weasley states as she walks in with food to place on the table.

“Percy works at the ministry.” Fred reminds as he and George walk into the room and take seats on either side of Harry.

“And we no longer see him at all.” George nods.

“Hush you two!” Molly snaps.

“Morning mum.” Ginny and Ron greet when they enter the room, completely oblivious to the amusement (Bill, the twins and Harry) and the tension radiating off their mother.

“Morning you two. Where’s Hermione?” Molly inquires.

“Here. Good morning Mrs Weasley.” Hermione greets her hair looking decidedly more messy than usual.

“Good morning dear.” Molly replies, “tried something new with your hair?”

Hermione huffs and blushes red. “I couldn’t find my de-tangling comb. I must of miss placed it, so I had to use Ginny’s hairbrush.”

“You can borrow my comb if you like Hermione.” Harry offers.

“Thank you Harry.” Hermione nods at him with relief in her eyes.

“You use a de-tangling comb Harry?” Fred inquires.

“I have thick hair, it is needed. Especially now that I’ve grown it out a bit longer.” Harry states.

“Long hair does look good on you.” George gives him a flirtatious wink, making Harry roll his eyes.

The flapping of wings brings Harry’s attention to the windows where he finds a few owls flying through the open window. Hedwig flies over to him with two letters of his very won. He takes them and looks at the seals, Hogwarts and his lawyers. Then a thought comes to him.

“If we’re under the Fidelius charm then how can we get letters? I’m sure I read that wasn’t possible.” Harry asks.

“Dumbledore found a work around.” Molly states.

“Actually it was Snape who found the work around.” Remus corrects.

“So we don’t need to worry about letters being tracked?” Harry double checks.

“No, even if we didn’t have the charm up, the wards on the house wouldn’t allow any spelled, charmed or cursed letters through.” Sirius explains as he enters the room looking tired.

That reminds Harry that he’d had a mail ward on him for most of his life and despite it breaking he’s still received no unwanted letters. He’ll need to speak with the goblins about that when he visits Diagon next, which should be soon, considering the letter in his hands. Harry goes to open his Hogwarts letter when he hears Molly gasp excitedly. He looks over and finds Hermione and Ron holding badges. Prefect badges.

“Oh this is wonderful!” Molly exclaims, “That’s everyone in the family!”

“What are Fred and I?” George asks.

“Next door neighbours?” Fred finishes.

Bill snorts.

“Oh hush you two.” Molly rolls her eyes.

Harry decides to turn back to his Hogwarts letter and ignore the uncomfortable feeling in his chest at the idea that Ron was somehow a better choice for prefect than him. But then harry starts thinking about it and realises something, it’s a reward. Not for anything Ron has done in school that could actually be considered prefect behaviour. But it is a reward from Dumbledore to Ron to Mrs Weasley for playing their part in their rolls in his life. It honestly makes Harry feel sick.

He takes a deep breath before opening the letter in his hands. He reads through it looking for a specific line. He doesn’t see it the first time through so he rereads it slower this time. Ah there it is. He will be taking his OWL in Runes this year instead of divination however professor McGonagall would like to speak with him about the change. Fair enough, it is a large change to make especially in OWL’s year.

“Yes!” Harry hears Ron exclaim happily, making him look up. “Did you hear that Harry? I’m getting a broom!”

“Congratulations.” Harry says before realising that he hasn’t said anything to Hermione about being a prefect. “Both of you for becoming prefects. It’s very impressive.”

“Thank you Harry.” Hermione smiles warmly at him.

“Didn’t you hear me? Mom’s going to be getting me a broom. Right mom?” Ron reminds.

“Yes dear, I’ll get you one when I go shopping for all your school supplies later today.” Mrs Weasley agrees.

“Oh? When will we be leaving?” Harry asks.

Hook.

“No dear, only I’ll be going. Don’t worry, I already have yours and Hermione’s keys. It’s just to keep you safe from any further attacks.”Mrs Weasley states.

Line.

“What do you mean you have their keys?” Bill asks, sounding worried.

Sinker.

“Oh nothing dear.” Molly tries to brush Bill’s worry aside.

“Dumbledore said it would be best if us kids didn’t go to Diagon Alley this year because of the death eaters, so I gave my key to Mrs Weasley.” Hermione informs before looking at the faces of Bill, Remus and Sirius. “Why?”

“Well Hermione, there are a few reasons. One is that being in control of your own finances is important. Another is that Goblins already have very little respect for wixen as a whole but they trust and respect each wizen with their own keys. If you’re giving others your key willingly then the Goblins view that poorly especially as the times others have done so before and it’s gone wrong, they’ve then claimed their key stolen and that the bank and therefore the Goblins, should have known better.” Bill explains.

“That’s awful.” Hermione states and Bill nods.

“A third reason is that the Ministry themselves don’t care who is holding the key that accesses your vault. In this case there is very little danger. In others however you could end up getting in a great deal of trouble if the person were to buy something illegal with the money retrieved using your key and believe me there are spells out there that can figure that out. Rarely used mind you, but they still exist.” Bill informs.

“I’ve never considered those points before, Bill. Mrs Weasley, I’m terribly sorry but I would like my key back.” Hermione apologises.

“Hermione, how is mum supposed to buy your school supplies without money?” Ron asks.

“We can all go shopping together.” Harry states, “I highly doubt anyone would attack us whilst were all together and out in the open.”

Mrs Weasley opens her mouth to argue but Arthur places his hand on her shoulder.

“Molly-kins, give the kid their keys back. Harry is right with you, myself and Remus I’m sure the kids will be fine.” Mr Weasley says.

“You have work.” Molly reminds.

“I got a letter telling me that I am being given the day off today as the Hogwarts letters came in so late.” Arthur informs.

Harry watches the way Molly frowns at her husband and can’t help the shiver that runs down his back at the sight. Something about it is off, very very off. But still Molly puts her hand in her pocket and pulls out two keys, she hands over Hermione’s easily but when she reaches Harry she pauses. Just for a second but it’s long enough for Harry, so he plucks the key out of her hand.

“Thank you Mrs Weasley.” He smiles at her.

She smiles back, forced.

“No problem dear.” She practically runs back towards the kitchen.

And now he has his old key back, Harry thinks victoriously. Then a thought comes to mind and he turns to Remus and Sirius.

“Do you both know if there are any uh magical opticians in Diagon?” Harry inquires.

Sirius looks confused at the word but Remus nods in understanding so Harry doesn’t explain further.

“No and yes. There are no eye healers set up in Diagon but there is a shop set up down Horizont Alley. Do you need new glasses Harry?” Remus questions.

“Yes, my current ones aren’t working as well as they used too.” Harry says, not mentioning the eye sight healing or the fact that he’d magicked the glass of his glasses to normal glass so he didn’t damage his eyesight again after the healing.

“Oh, I’m not sure we’ll have time for that.” Mrs Weasley states.

“Harry needs to be able to see mom.” George points out.

“How else is he supposed to find the snitch and win us the cup?” Fred nods.

“Everything is about Quidditch with you.” Hermione huffs, “Honestly. It’s more important that he won’t be able to see what the professors are doing or see what he’s writing…actually Harry are you nearsighted or farsighted?”

“Nearsighted.” Harry admits.

He used to not be able to see very far ahead of him, everyone would be blurry shapes to him without his glasses. Now it’s harder for him to read far away writing or see the details on someones face if they’re too far away but it’s much better than it was.

“Oh how awful. Is there truly no magical way to fix Harry’s eyesight?” Hermione inquires.

“There is.” Sirius says, causing Molly to hiss. “However it’s considered dark magic because the potion requires the patients blood and has therefore been deemed illegal.”

“Wait, it’s been deemed illegal just because it needs blood? Why? Does it need a lot of blood?” Hermione questions.

And if using blood is so wrong then why is it okay at Gringotts? Harry thinks.

“No, only ten drops, if my recollection is correct. It’s been lumped in with dark magic on the principal that anything that uses blood is dark.” Sirius states.

“That’s because it’s true.” Molly Weasley huffs. “Now enough of this, either eat your breakfast or go get ready to leave. We have a lot of shopping to do today and with the letters coming in so last minute, Diagon Alley is going to be packed. I want to get there as early as possible to hopefully miss the worst of it.”

Harry’s has been unable to eat his breakfast on account of his rings informing him it’s been tampered with again, so he gets up out of his chair and leaves the room quickly before anyone can bring up the fact he hasn’t eaten anything. Once he’s out of the room and up the stairs to the first floor he calls out for Dobby.

Both Dobby and Kreacher show up.

“Kreacher, why are you here?” Harry asks.

“Heir Black in Black house. Black elf serve Black heir in Black house.” Kreacher states quite adamantly.

“I understand that Kreacher, however I need breakfast and I can’t risk Mrs Weasley noticing you making me anything. Therefore I need an elf to buy me breakfast and bring it to my room. Dobby has the ability to do so and I was unsure if you had access to money for such a request.” Harry explains.

Kreacher scowls, “Kreacher does not have access to Black vault. Bad elf may serve Black heir.”

With that said Kreacher pops away, likely to sulk.

“Does Master Harry Potter sir want anything in particular?” Dobby inquires, happy smile on his face.

“Toast with honey and some fruit please Dobby.” Harry instructs.

Dobby gives a brief bow before he too pops away.

By the time Harry makes it up to his room so he can place the letter he received from his lawyers away, to read later, his breakfast is already placed on the desk waiting for him.

“Thank you Dobby.” Harry calls out, knowing Dobby will hear him.