Chapter 15: Chapter 15: "Unspoken Tensions"
As Charles gently fell asleep, Harry was once again left with nothing to do. He had tried to read one of Madam Pomfrey's medical books, but the complicated words just didn't make sense to him. Letting out a big sigh, Harry lay back on his bed and stared up at the ceiling, feeling utterly bored.
Looking for something interesting to read, Harry reached for the only book on the bookshelf that seemed appealing, 'Hogwarts, A History'. This book was written by Bathilda Bagshot, a well-known witch who lived near Harry's family in Godric's Hollow. Harry had met her a few times, and his parents knew her too, but he didn't know her well because he spent most of his time with his grandparents. The only thing Harry really knew about her was from the canon where Voldemort's snake, Nagini had killed her and then used her body to set a trap for the Harry on the Horcrux hunt.
Within the pages of 'Hogwarts, A History', Harry found a fascinating escape. The book didn't have much about the founders of Hogwarts, but it did explain how Hogwarts was created.
Hogwarts was built in the 10th century, a time when it was dangerous to be a witch or wizard because people who didn't have magic (Muggles) didn't like them and often tried to hurt them. To keep the school safe from Muggles, it was hidden in the Scottish Highlands with lots of spells, so any Muggle passing by would just see ruins and danger signs.
The book talked about the four founders of Hogwarts: Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff, and Salazar Slytherin. They all wanted to create the best magic school in the world, and each of them set up their own house in the school for students who shared their values.
Gryffindor was for the brave, Ravenclaw for the smart, Hufflepuff for the loyal and fair, and Slytherin for those who were ambitious and clever.
However, not everything was smooth among the founders. Salazar Slytherin didn't want students from non-magical families (Muggle-borns) to attend Hogwarts because he thought it would make it easier for Muggles to find out about the school. This caused a big fight with Godric Gryffindor, who was his close friend until then. Their argument led to Slytherin leaving the school.
Harry thought about how their falling out reminded him of rivalries from stories, like Madara-Hashirama and Naruto-Sasuke. Imagining Gryffindor and Slytherin calling out each other's names like characters from the Naruto anime made Harry laugh. "Godric..." "Salazar..."
After that, nothing much about the founders is talked about in the book. The book also contained a lot of information about the various Headmasters at Hogwarts and the major events that had taken place at Hogwarts during their tenure like the various Triwizard tournaments and the casualties each time. It was fun reading how despite the death toll, the tournament continued to be conducted for a long time.
The tranquility of the hospital wing was interrupted by the arrival of the group from Gringotts, their somber expressions casting a shadow over the room. The atmosphere in the room grew heavy with their entrance, but it lightened somewhat when Charles woke up from the noise and reached out with tiny hands and looked for attention.
As the adults gathered around Charles, Harry, still engrossed in 'Hogwarts, A History,' observed the changes in their demeanor. His father, James, particularly caught his attention. Every time his father's gaze met his, Harry detected a hint of anger, almost as if he had taken away something precious from him. The absence of the Potter heir ring on James's finger and the overall dejected mood of the group were clues that Harry couldn't ignore.
Piecing it all together, Harry deduced that James had likely failed the Lordship test. He had heard the adults discussing it and from what he knew of James, he did not have much hope of passing the test. Harry had even heard his grandparents discussing it. They had decided to give James lessons to learn the values of a true Potter and increase his chances after the war was over.
From the attitude James had towards him just now, Harry could easily deduce that the ring had deemed James unworthy, and due to this, Grandpa Potter had probably named Harry as the next heir. Now, the current still-childish adult James was jealous and angry at Harry for this. As if this was his fault. But this realization brought also brought a mix of emotions. On one hand, he felt pride in being picked as the Heir Potter, but on the other, he sensed the brewing storm of resentment from his father.
Harry had always known that he would inherit the title, it was his birthright. But he had expected it to be passed down from James. Now, with this unexpected twist, it will be thrust upon him sooner than anticipated. He could now undertake the lordship test at 17, rather than waiting for James to pass it down. However, the evident resentment in James's eyes worried him. If James's anger persisted, and if Dumbledore or anyone else made certain suggestions, Harry might find himself having a difficult childhood or be sent far away from home in a fit of spite.
This unexpected turn of events also brought a sense of urgency. Harry understood that he needed to prepare for an uncertain future, one where he might face challenges from his own family. He was determined not to let his circumstances dictate his destiny.
While he recognized the limitations of his age and the overarching authority his parents held over him, he was determined to try. Harry had made a silent vow to himself to live this life to its fullest, free of regrets and he was going to try his best in ensuring nothing could stop him from fulfilling his promise. He would fight for a better future even if he ended up in an orphanage or, even worse, with the Dursleys. Harry had read enough fan fiction to guess possible futures.
Amid these thoughts, the hospital wing was suddenly bathed in a warm, crimson light. A magnificent phoenix appeared, its fiery feathers illuminating the room. The room fell silent in awe of the creature's majestic presence.
The phoenix, with its regal bearing and captivating beauty, held everyone's attention. It circled the room gracefully before coming to rest near James. Its arrival and the soft trills from its beaks seemed to momentarily lift the heavy atmosphere, casting an enchanting spell over the occupants of the room.
Harry watched, fascinated by the phoenix, his thoughts momentarily diverted. The presence of such a magical creature was a rare and awe-inspiring sight, reminding him of the wonders of the wizarding world he had yet to explore. The appearance of the phoenix, a symbol of renewal and resilience, seemed almost symbolic, mirroring Harry's own determination to rise from the challenges he faced.
Chapter 16: Chapter 16: “House Elves”
The sight of Fawkes, Dumbledore's majestic phoenix, always filled Harry with a sense of wonder. The fiery bird, with its shimmering feathers, was a symbol of rebirth, known for its healing tears and the ability to teleport. As he watched the phoenix, Harry found himself daydreaming. The idea of having a magical creature like the phoenix by his side was enticing. He decided to travel the world in the future, scouring every nook and cranny, in search of his own phoenix. But he knew he'd have to be strong, both magically and mentally, to embark on such a journey.
Harry's musings were interrupted as James reached out for a piece of parchment clutched in Fawkes's talons. James's face darkened as he read the contents. "The Longbottom Manor has been attacked by Death Eaters," he announced gravely to the group. "Thankfully, there is no news of any casualties. The Death Eaters have been arrested. But Dumbledore asked us to go there immediately."
Lily and James exchanged horrified glances. The Longbottoms were not just acquaintances; they were dear friends. Their shared experiences at Hogwarts and in the Order had forged an almost familial bond.
"Harry, look after Charles," Lily instructed, her voice trembling with emotion. Without waiting for a response, she and James hurried after Dumbledore along with Sirius.
Madam Pomfrey, sensing her services might be needed, quickly spelled her office shut, ensuring Harry couldn't access anything dangerous. She then locked the wing, leaving the two boys inside, and followed the others.
Alone, Harry prayed for the safety of the Longbottoms. He hoped the Longbottoms came out of this attack without any injury and Neville would grow up in a happy, loving family.
With the adults gone, Harry was bored again. He played with Charles for some time but the one-year-old boy quickly got tired and fell asleep.
The quiet of his temporary housing and being closed inside eventually began to wear on Harry. In search of some form of escape, he briefly entertained the idea of sneaking out, but after a few half-hearted attempts that ended in failure, he resigned himself to staying put. With a heavy sigh, he redirected his attention back to 'Hogwarts, A History,' hoping to find some distraction in its pages.
Amid the stillness, Harry's thoughts unexpectedly drifted to another significant figure in his life, one he had momentarily overlooked amidst the turmoil: Mira, the Potter family's house-elf. Mira had been a constant presence during Harry's early years, especially in times of conflict when companions his age were scarce. To Harry, Mira was far more than just a servant; she was a trusted friend and confidante. The realization that he had neglected to check on her recently weighed heavily on him, stirring feelings of guilt.
The dynamic between wizards and house-elves had always been complex, marked by varying degrees of dependence and affection.
House elves are considered an integral part of many wizarding households. Unlike, in the muggle world where people hire nannies and maids to take care of their children and the house chores, in the wizarding world these things are undertaken by house elves.
Wizards disliked doing these chores and felt doing these things beneath their stature hence there has never been a wizard nanny or a wizard maid in the whole history of the wizarding world.
Seeing the ideal opportunity, house elves willingly took up this role.
House elves are said to have been cursed by some wizard in ancient times which made their bodies unable to produce or absorb magic. But they need magic to survive.
This made it so that to survive they need magic from another source. The source could be a wizard or a magical building. When house-elves saw that the wizards needed someone to take care of their everyday needs, they volunteered for the role on the condition that they formed a bond with them. The bond lets the house elves able draw on their masters' magic for sustenance.
For generations, house-elves like Mira had dedicated themselves to the care of wizarding families, becoming indispensable to their daily lives. Mira, in particular, had been a fixture in the Potter household, caring for Harry and his grandparents with unwavering loyalty.
Lily Potter, however, like many Muggle-borns, struggled with the traditional wizarding view of house elves as subservient. She did not like that the house elves were treated like slaves by some families.
Despite knowing that the relationship was for mutual benefit since the elves needed the magic from the wizards, she felt house elves should not be treated the way they were. She and most people like her advocated for a more egalitarian approach, believing there was no need for the house elves to work for magic and the magic should be given to them for free since it was essential for their survival.
This perspective had caused friction between Lily and Harry's grandmother and this was one of the reasons why Lily wanted to live with James in another home.
Despite the familial disagreements, Harry had formed a deep bond with Mira. He cherished her company, often involving her in his activities and adventures outside the home.
In the quiet wing, with his brother asleep beside him, Harry felt a pang of longing for Mira's company, for the familiar comfort she brought to his life. Mira was close to his grandparents so Harry knew she must be feeling devastated. Harry felt a surge of empathy for her.
Deciding to check on her, he softly called out, "Mira, Harry needs you." He was not sure if she could come to see him at Hogwarts.
To his relief, a pop sounded, and Mira, the house elf, appeared before him. Her small stature and large, expressive eyes, filled with sorrow, immediately conveyed her grief. Her attire, a neatly kept skirt emblazoned with the Potter crest, was a testament to her association with the Potter family.
"Master Harry," Mira greeted, her voice tinged with sadness. The lines of distress on her face were evident. She was haggard and Harry knew she must have been suffering alone for the past few days without any company.
After comforting Mira, who was grieving the loss of the elder Potters, Harry asked "Are you okay now Mira? Are you bonded to anyone now?"
Mira's eyes welled with tears. "Mira met Master James a few nights ago, but he said they didn't need an elf. Mistress Lily doesn't like seeing Mira around."
"So, Mira has been at the Potter Manor, maintaining it. The manor's wards provide Mira with enough magic to survive," Mira added.
Feeling a profound connection with Mira, Harry asked, "Would Mira like to bond with Harry?"
Mira hesitated. "Young master might not have enough magic yet."
Harry smiled confidently. "Mira should try and see again."
Harry feels he's grown stronger, perhaps due to the memory awakening and the absorption of the leftover soul energy from Voldemort's soul shard.
To her astonishment, Mira found that Harry indeed had enough magic. They immediately went through the bonding process, and Harry felt a surge of happiness. He now had a loyal friend whom he could trust unconditionally.
With Mira accompanying him, Harry was free from boredom. Their conversation soon turned to the abilities of house elves. Harry was astounded by Mira's magical capabilities. As he listened, Harry couldn't help but think how foolish many wizards were for not recognizing and valuing the immense potential of their house elves, treating them as mere servants rather than the magical powerhouses they truly were.
Before she left, Harry whispered, "Remember, Mira, our bond should remain a secret for now." Harry did not want to fight with his mother over this.
Mira nodded in understanding. "Mira will not speak of it, Master Harry," she promised, before vanishing with a soft 'pop'.
Left alone once more, Harry returned to his book, his mind a whirl of emotions.
Hours later, Madam Pomphrey returned, her face pale and drawn. "Your parents will be back late, Harry. Try to get some sleep."
As Harry lay down, he felt a mix of emotions: sadness for the Longbottoms, gratitude for Mira, and apprehension about the future. As sleep began to claim him, Harry realized that despite the challenges ahead, he was not alone. With Mira by his side and his newfound strength, he felt prepared to face whatever lay ahead.
In this moment of reflection, Harry drifted into a restful sleep, gathering his strength for the days to come.
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