Bab 37: The Uncontrollable House-Elf
The creature, resembling a goblin, could teleport at will, appearing and disappearing without a trace. It showed remarkable resistance to the Axii Sign.
The only good news was that it bore no malice toward him.
The bad news? Its master likely did.
Harry picked up his quill and quickly scribbled a note: "Urgent—contact Snape, save me!"
He tied it to Hedwig's leg and sent her off to Hermione, but barely ten minutes later, Hedwig returned, confused and pecking at his head for owl treats.
An uncanny magical ability.
Harry's face darkened as he considered the implications. The creature had intercepted the letter without him sensing anything. Moreover, it could seemingly hear its master's summons at any time.
Could it be watching him 24/7?
That night, Harry pretended to sleep but got up in the dead of night. He tied another letter to Hedwig, opened the window, and threw her out.
Less than ten minutes later, she returned, proud and perky.
The creature could indeed monitor him at all times.
The next day, Harry used Hedwig as bait, hoping to engage with the creature. However, it proved elusive. It snatched the letter before vanishing instantly, clearly wary of his Signs.
At dinner, Harry turned to Vernon and said, "Uncle, I'm afraid I'll need to borrow some money."
"Your parents' inheritance isn't enough for all your freakish expenses?" Vernon sneered. "Not a chance. You won't get a single penny from me."
"You gave me fifty pence for Christmas," Harry replied.
Vernon's smug smile froze.
"I only need enough for a ride to London," Harry continued. "Of course, if you're free, you could drive me there."
"To meet your freak friends?" Vernon spat, dragging his fork across the plate with a grating screech.
"Actually, I've been targeted by a dangerous creature," Harry said calmly, cutting his sausage. "I'm going to London for help."
The three Dursleys froze, staring at him.
"A dangerous creature?" Vernon's voice trembled, nearly reaching Petunia's shrieking pitch.
Harry nodded.
"How dangerous?" Petunia stammered, trembling.
Harry shrugged. "I can't handle it on my own."
Vernon shot to his feet, pointing to the door. "Out! Now! Get out of my house!"
Harry set down his knife and fork, giving Vernon a level look.
Grumbling, Vernon pulled out his wallet, tossed a £20 note on the table, and repeated, "Get out!"
Harry pocketed the money, nodding politely. "Thank you. I'll pay you back."
He got up and grabbed a kitchen knife, tucking it into his waistband. "Aunt Petunia, I'll borrow this for now."
Petunia watched, wide-eyed, as Harry expertly secured the knife at his side, nodding stiffly.
"Just a knife? No other freakish tools?" Vernon snapped through gritted teeth.
"I'll be back," Harry said over his shoulder, pausing to add, "after I deal with the dangerous creature."
"You'd better not come back!" Vernon shouted, his anger laced with desperate hope.
Some problems couldn't be solved alone.
Harry walked to the station, boarded the subway, and headed for the Leaky Cauldron. Surely that creature couldn't intercept him in a bar full of wizards.
If it could, he'd head to Diagon Alley, where there were even more people.
As Harry turned into a secluded alley, there was a sharp pop. Dobby appeared, pleading, "Dobby begs Harry Potter—please don't go any further."
"Harry Potter mustn't return to Hogwarts."
Harry's cold laugh echoed in the narrow alley. "Finally decided to show yourself?"
"Shall we have a proper talk?"
Dobby trembled but said nothing.
"If you can convince me, I might not go back to Hogwarts," Harry said, slowly reaching toward his waist as he approached Dobby.
Dobby's eyes lit up with hope. "Truly?"
"Convince me first," Harry replied, stopping just within striking distance. "Start by telling me—who is your master?"
Panic flashed in Dobby's eyes. He began bashing his head against the wall. "Bad Dobby! Bad Dobby! Dobby has betrayed his master by speaking to Harry Potter!"
"Stop!" Harry barked. "Who is your master?"
Dobby let out a piercing shriek. "Dobby cannot say! It is the master's secret. If Dobby reveals it, Dobby will be punished!"
He resumed punishing himself with even more fervor.
"What are you?" Harry asked, grabbing Dobby's wrists.
Dobby sobbed, "Dobby is a house-elf."
"And what does a house-elf do?"
"House-elves serve wizarding families forever. A house-elf with no family is the most wretched, pitiful creature."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Are you from the Malfoy family?"
Dobby's eyes widened in terror. He clawed at his ears and slapped his face, screaming, "Oh no! Harry Potter can read Dobby's mind! Dobby said nothing, but Harry Potter still knows!"
Harry's expression turned cold. "What is their plot?"
Dobby trembled, but some deep-seated magical binding prevented him from speaking further. He continued to punish himself instead.
"You can't stop me," Harry said, lifting Dobby to eye level. "Professor Flitwick will fetch me in a month. Do you think you can take on a skilled wizard?"
"I don't need your protection," Harry said mockingly. "Someone who punishes themselves for speaking ill of their master can't possibly protect me."
"I just want to protect Harry Potter!" Dobby cried.
"I fought Voldemort last year and survived," Harry said coolly. "Do you think the Malfoys are worse than him?"
Dobby's sobs quieted. "But Harry Potter will still be in danger…"
"Your 'protection' feels more like imprisonment," Harry said, eyes sharp. "You think you can make decisions for me?"
He drew the knife from his waistband, pressing it to Dobby's throat. "If you truly want to help me, tell me what the Malfoys are planning."
"Dobby cannot betray his master!" Dobby cried, ripping his ears in anguish.
"Then stop interfering," Harry said coldly. "Or I will end you."
"Harry Potter refuses to listen to Dobby's warnings, so Dobby must act!"
An overwhelming surge of magic erupted from the house-elf. Trash cans flew into the air before crashing down with deafening clangs.
Harry's Sign flared.
Igni!
Flames coiled around Dobby, scorching his skin and reducing his magical presence by half.
Harry hurled his knife, but it clattered to the ground as Dobby vanished with a pop.
Moments later, a stern-looking brown owl landed on Harry's shoulder, extending its leg.
Opening the letter, Harry read:
Dear Mr. Potter,
We have received a report that at 9:12 PM you used the Levitation Charm in Old Spinner's End, London. Please await the arrival of Ministry officials at your current location.
As you know, underage wizards are prohibited from using magic outside school. Further violations may result in your expulsion (Clause 3, Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery, 1875).
Please remember, under the International Statute of Secrecy, Article 13, any magical activity that risks exposure to Muggles is a severe offense.
Enjoy your summer!
Mafalda Hopkirk
Improper Use of Magic Office, Ministry of Magic
Harry's face darkened.
A house-elf's magic had been mistaken for his own.
Pop!
Harry instinctively swung his knife—
But instead of Dobby, he collided with a wizard who stumbled back, clutching his chest.
"Merlin's beard! Are all young wizards this aggressive now?" the man groaned, straightening himself. "Arnold Peasegood, Obliviator Headquarters. Care to explain what's going on, Mr. Potter?"
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