Never Return

The next day was normal...or at least normal Harry tried to make it. Classes went as usual and Hermione was trying to find in the books to see if there were any other options than going muggle, but Harry had a feeling that she might know he will take that route He did wanted to tell her about Dowd and Charlotte Potter, but he knew he couldn't. Besides, Dumbledore might already know about them. Harry wouldn't be surprised if the headmaster told the American Potters that he was in a safe and loving place.

It was lunch and Harry knew he had an hour before class, but first he needed Dobby. Harry knew Dobby can keep a secret. Dobby does have a worship of him, not a hero worship like Colin Creevey, but a worship of respect, which Harry appreciate.

"Are you really going to do the...m route, Harry?" Hermione asked.

Harry shrugged. "I'm still thinking about it. I'll let you know this weekend."

Harry hated lying to Hermione, but he knew he had to. He knew she'll be furious with him, but Harry knew Hermione was understanding enough on why he did it. Besides, he didn't want to risk Dumbledore and the ministry finding him in Gotham. That was something he didn't wanted. Harry knew he'll have to worry about education later, but right now, his main priority was escaping.

"I'll be right back," Harry finished his lunch. "I think I misplaced my essay for Sprouts'."

Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes. "This is why I always told you to duplicate your homework."

Harry chuckled. "I will, I will."

As Harry gave Hermione a quick goodbye, he got up from his seat and headed to the doors. While he was walking, he felt his feet fused together, as he slipped and fell. The people around him laughed. In the corner of his eyes, he saw Ron and Seamus were laughing at him with their wands at him. Harry glanced back and saw there was rope tied to his ankles. As much as Harry wanted to say something, but he didn't want to. Then Neville got up and ran over to him. Neville cut the ropes and helped him back onto his feet, glaring at Ron and Seamus, but the two laughed at them even more.

"Thanks Neville," Harry said.

Neville smiled. "No problem Harry. Don't pay attention to those gits."

Harry could tell right away that what Neville said was genuine. Ever since his fallout with Ron, Seamus was against him, Dean didn't had an opinion (in fact he was very quiet about the subject and didn't want to be involved), but Neville, despite not being opinionated, Harry knew that Neville believed him. Harry wished that he had more time to get to know Neville more, but he knew that maybe someday, he can.

"Oh Ronnikins!" a familiar voice spoke. "Wait until we tell mum this."

Ron rolled his eyes. "Fuck off, Fred! It's not like she'll believe you!"

"There is someone who she will believe," George said.

"Oh and who will that be?" Ron sneered. "A gnome?"

"No, me," another voice said.

Harry and Neville turned as they saw Fred and George, glaring at Ron, but next to them was Percy. Harry hadn't seen Percy since the Quidditch World Cup and from what he knew, Percy was working at the Ministry of Magic. Harry knew Percy must've been very busy, but he was probably visiting his siblings and saw this. Now Harry thought about it, he never considered how many people actually did believed him. He only assumed it was just Hermione and Sirius.

"Mum would be very disappointed in you, Ron," Percy crossed his arms. "I know Mum can be overbearing at times, but she did raised us to have proper manners."

Ron snorted. "C'mon Seamus."

At that Ron and Seamus left the great Hall. Harry blinked a few times as Neville helped him back onto his feet. Fred, George, and Percy walked over to him, checking to see if he was hurt anywhere else. The only thing Harry could do was to stared at them. He couldn't help and be appreciated that both Fred, George, and Percy believed him.

"Th-Thanks," Harry sputtered.

Fred grinned. "Anytime Harrikins!"

"If you need help to deal with Ron, let us know, Harry!" George beamed.

"I'm sorry about, Ron, Harry," Percy said.

Harry looked at the twins and Percy. He knew that Ron came from a big family and how successful his siblings were. Bill was a curse-breaker, Charlie works with dragons, and now Percy is working at the Ministry of Magic. Of course Harry knew that Fred and George wanted to own a joke shop for people. Mrs. Weasley disapproved, but gave in since she knew that there was no way she was stopping Fred and George. Harry could see why and how Ron would be jealous of his siblings, but the thing was that Ron was special in his own way. Ron taught him how to play wizard and muggle chess. Harry always thought that Ron being a chess player was cool, since McGonagall was one, but of course Ron wanted to be a quidditch player and be in his favorite team. If not, then an auror.

However, Ron being jealous of him? Harry wasn't even his brother, but a best friend. He always thought Ron would always support him. They both decided to be aurors together for Merlin's sake! At first Harry thought he wanted to be an auror, but thinking about it, after his name was pulled out of the goblet, Harry wanted to be a healer. Being an auror...why would he wanted to go through constant danger all the time? Besides, healing people was something Harry was interested, but of course being a healer might not happen since there was a fifty-fifty chance he might loose his magic.

"It's fine," Harry shrugged. "You don't have to apologized for him. Anyway, I gotta go. I misplaced my essay. If I don't find it before class, Hermione will give me an earful."

With that, Harry left the Great Hall. It didn't took him long to get to his dorm room. All of his belongings were already packed and his bed was made. It looked like as if no one had been there for a while. Harry put on some privacy spells and silencing charms. After making sure he put enough charms, he gave himself a satisfying nod.

"Dobby!" Harry called.

Then there was a cracking sound as Dobby appeared. Dobby was wearing clothes and tons of hats on top of his head. Harry couldn't help and chuckle a bit. He knew Dobby love clothes, but he did wondered how Dobby was able to balanced those hats.

"Harry Potter called Dobby, sir?" Dobby asked.

Harry nodded. "Yes, I did...Dobby, I know you love being free, but...would you like to work for me?"

Dobby smiled. "Dobby has already been working for Harry Potter."

Harry frowned. "What do you mean?"

"When Harry Potter helped freed Dobby from bad master," Dobby explained. "The ownership went to you. It's a magical bind."

Then there was silence. Harry could swore he heard a pin dropped. Harry knew he was still new to the whole wizarding world and all, but how come no one told him this detail? Harry knew he wasn't the most brightest person in the world, but this was pushing it.

"I'm so sorry Dobby!" Harry apologized. "I didn't know."

Dobby patted his leg. "It's okay, Harry Potter, sir. It's a secret that only house elves know. No wizard or witch will know about this information unless a house elf wants them to know."

Harry nodded, slowly. Well, at least that explains it. Thankfully, Harry didn't had to let Hermione know about that tiny little detailed. Harry didn't want to know what would happen if she did know about that detail. It was best to keep it to himself.

"Dobby, I have something important to tell you," Harry said. "you can't tell anyone."

Dobby nodded. "Dobby understand Harry Potter."

Harry chuckled. "Thanks, Dobby. Anyway, there's something I need to tell you...It's just that...I'm...well, my godfather, Sirius and I are leaving Britain and going to America...Gotham specifically. Dumbledore wants me to participate in the Triwizard Tournament, but I don't want to be in anymore danger. We're leaving tonight and I want you to come with me."

Then there were tears in Dobby's eyes. "Dobby is honored to go with Harry Potter. Dobby will always follow Harry Potter. Dobby will make sure Harry Potter and godfather are well taken care of! What does Harry Potter wants Dobby to do, sir?"

As much as Harry did expected Dobby would say yes for obvious reasons, but he was still glad that Dobby agreed to this. He wasn't sure if it was because of the magical change of ownership or Dobby's own desires, but he was sure that if Dobby didn't like anything, Harry would want him to voice his opinion.

"I need you to put Hedwig in her cage," Harry said. "Make sure no one sees you. After that work in the kitchens, don't tell anyone, and pretend nothing happened. Meet me here around eleven forty-five at night. After that we'll leave and go to Gringotts."

"Dobby understood, sir!" Dobby said.

With that Dobby apparated. Harry smiled to himself and mentally cheered. His plan to have Dobby to come with him work in his favor. As much as Harry wanted to get used of this luck he had, but he knew he couldn't. Luck was never on his side, but it was a nice feeling.

Harry grabbed his essay and his bag as he headed out of the Gryffindor Common Room. As he went inside to Sprouts' greenhouse, he saw Hermione already there. Harry wouldn't be surprised that she was prepared for the today's lesson.

"Got my essay!" Harry grinned.

Hermione shook her head and chuckled. "Honestly Harry, what am I going to do with you?"

Harry smirked. "Want to sneak into Hogsmeade and get some butterbeer? My treat!"

Hermione playfully crossed her arms as if she was pretending to think. "Well, I did helped you look into those books..."

"So...?"

"I guess it wouldn't hurt as long as we don't get caught."

Harry snorted. "Let's hope not."

Hermione laughed and Harry smiled. Harry felt his heart sunk. He was going to miss Hermione. She was always there for him and the friend he needed. Yes, Hermione can be a bit bossy and doesn't understand social ques, but Harry knew Hermione would improve on that and he knew that she will be able to make friends when he's not around. Even though it was his last day with her, he wanted to make it last, even if it means sneaking into Hogsmeade.