After their tiresome activity, Harry stayed at Hermione's house for a few hours. The duo talked and cherished their happiness together. These were moments of pure joy and happiness for the duo.
Harry, not burdened by the massive anxiety and insecurity of his past life, behaved differently. He was confident, calm and composed in his way. And this affected Hermione also. She behaved differently.
Finally, she was truly confident—not the fake, bossy facade she used to create for a false sense of security. She could speak her heart out. She felt truly loved and special.
Harry only left the Granger mansion when it was time for Hermione's parents to return from work.
For now, he did not delve deep into sensitive issues of Hermione's life, like her relationship with her parents, and focused on enjoying their time together. He felt that this was not the correct time and this topic would have to wait for some time.
With a promise of another visit soon, Harry bade farewell to Hermione.
When Harry reappeared next, he was outside the Potter Manor.
He covered the distance and arrived in the main hall of the manor.
Harry took a seat on the sofa.
After a few moments of contemplation, he muttered, "Dobby."
A few moments later, with a pop, the half-mad elf made his appearance. His face was filled with overexcitement and enthusiasm.
He was bouncing with joy as his already big eyes had widened even further. He was exhilarated to see 'the great Harry Potter.'
"The Great Harry Potter Sir," he almost shrieked, "called this useless elf."
"How great of you, the great Harry Potter sir," he cried.
Harry, expecting something like this, shook his head in disappointment. Disappointment at the what the elf's fate had dealt him in his previous life.
During his previous life, Dobby had suffered tragically. Abused for his entire life by the Malfoys, Harry had freed the elf at the end of his second year.
The elf had not lived long enough as a free elf. He was killed shortly by Bellatrix during their mission to rescue Hermione.
To be honest, while Harry had remembered the elf for some time after his demise, he was shortly forgotten. While Harry had grieved over Dobby's death, it had not been too heartbreaking for him.
But now that he was back, Harry could change the elf's life. The elf had been one of his greatest well wishers and though his action had almost harmed Harry, there was no doubt about the elf's intention.
In return, he would also gain a useful servant, saving him the hassle of doing some chores.
"Dobby," said Harry in a firm voice. The elf's excited voice calmed down as he gazed intently at 'the great Harry Potter sir'.
"I will ask you something, and you can answer it honestly," said Harry, to which the elf nodded fervently.
"Will you be willing to serve the House of Potter?" Harry asked.
Dobby was stunned hearing the question, his eyes widening in shock. Moments later, he jumped up and down as he shouted, "The great Harry Potter sir is asking this lowly elf to serve him?"
Harry shook his head, "Perhaps you did not hear me correctly, Dobby."
"I asked, will you be willing to serve House Potter?" He questioned again.
Dobby's surprise grew into shock. His eyes grew even wider as he muttered in a daze, "House Potter?"
Harry nodded. "Yes, when I take up the Lordship."
Dobby was stunned. There were two kinds of bonds an elf could form for its servitude.
The first and majority was that of a personal elf, where it would bond to serve a single person and, by extension, their family. But another type of bond, which tied an elf to a particular house, existed.
This was considered a position of prestige for any elf, and being the house-elf of the Potter house was something entirely on a different level.
While he would no doubt be very happy to serve Harry Potter, being an elf of House Potter was entirely different. And as a Potter elf, he would definitely have the chance to serve its lord, Lord Harry Potter.
Dobby nodded in excitement, "Yes, the great Harry Potter sir."
"I am so happy that the great sir considered this worthless elf for this position," he cried.
Harry nodded. Though he wished Dobby's behaviour to be a bit more appropriate, he knew it would take time.
"Good," said Harry. "In two months, I will take up my Lordship, and then you will be formally appointed as the Potter elf."
"And do not call me the great Harry Potter sir," said Harry. He continued before Dobby could protest, "You can call me Lord."
Dobby nodded. While his mind wandered about how his 'lord' would take up his Lordship in two months, as one was usually required to be twenty-one years of age to do so, while Harry was only eighteen.
Dobby did not dare to voice such thoughts. If his 'great Harry Potter sir' said this, it meant it would be correct.
Harry pulled out a pouch from his pocket and handed it to Dobby.
"Use this to buy things needed in the kitchen and prepare for dinner," said Harry as he handed his last bit of coin to the elf.
Dobby took the pouch as he said, "Yes, Lord," and vanished from the room.
He was excited to do the first task his lord had asked for him to accomplish.
.
.
.
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