The Better Chaser; James Potter

Chapter 32- Fake Mission

The rest of the day was also great. Never in my entire life could I imagine myself eating lunch, and enjoying it, with the Potter's but alas here I am. When we got back we all walked into Potter's house like a happy family all laughing at a joke that Sirius made. I swear it was like shit out of a movie. I never knew families could be so natural and happy like this. It was like a breath of fresh air.

Eventually Lily had to go and it was time for me to meet up with Mark so he could take me to Kings Cross. Mark and I made up a fake mission, just some patrol, so that Effie and Monty would let us out without suspicion. This however blew up in our faces because they suggested that Potter, Remus, and Sirius should come shadow us to see what a mission for the order is like, since it was a pretty tame one that would not take much time. Too caught up in our lie we had no choice but to agree and Mark apparated us to Kings Cross,

I turned to the boys who all look confused at the location, "This isn't a mission," I stated blandly, "I'm meeting up with someone and I needed an excuse for your parents to let me go. Stay here. Mark watch the boys," I said 

"I'm on babysitting duty now?" He groaned,

"We aren't babies," Potter huffed under his breath,

"I'll just be a few minutes," I said as I walked away,

"Be careful," Mark said and he grabbed my arm making me stop in my tracks and turn towards him,

"I'm always careful," I smirked and walked to the alley where I was supposed to meet up with Tikki. I stayed hidden behind a dumpster when I felt a crack next to me and I saw Tikki with my trunk and a duffle bag,

"Master I followed your instructions! Tikki must be quick or other Masters will find out!" She said panickly,

"Tikki wait!" I held her arm. She flinched in return which made me frown, "Tikki I can't thank you enough for everything you did for me all these years. I'm really going to miss you,"

"It is Tikki's purpose to serve her masters," She said bowing,

"Tikki are you happy with my parents?" I asked bluntly,

"Tikki cannot speak ill of her masters," She said shyly,

"How about if I freed you? I can give you clothes. Here," I said opening the duffle bag and taking out a tank top," She gasped when I pulled out the top, "I would understand if you don't take it, the choice is yours to make. This way you can go work anywhere! You could come to Hogwarts! That way I can check up on you!" I said excitedly,

Tikki just stared at me with her large eyes wide open, "Master is too kind, house elves never have a choice," 

"Now you do," I said smiling at her as I held out the top again. She shakily reached out a hand and grasped the top,

"Thank you Master," She said with a bow,

"My name is Reigna now Tikki, and you don't have to bow anymore. You're a free elf," I said patting her head and smiling at her. She then leapt at me and hugged my leg whispering thank you, over and over again,

"Tikki will go to Hogwarts, she's heard many rumors about how they're treated and thinks it would be a nice change," She said shyly,

"I would love that! I can visit you in the kitchens whenever I want," I smiled at her 

"Thank you Mas- Reigna," She corrected with a small smile,

"It's the right thing to do Tikki, Thank you for bringing all my stuff," I smiled at her. She smiled back softly, and apparated away, clutching the tank top I gave her with her dear life.