Survival Bonds

Chapter 18: Happy Birthday

"Are you sure it's alright for me to see my friends." I ask Snape- Severus now.

"Yes P... Harry. You will be perfectly safe at Hogwarts for a few hours. We cannot do this regularly, so make this visit with your insufferable friends count." It's been so long since I've seen then or spoken to them. "It is imperative that you do not tell them the nature of our relationship." He says the last word with a scoff. "You are merely staying at a safe house in a location that you are unsure of."

"Right."

"I am serious Harry. If your friends have information about your whereabouts, then they will only be that much more of a target from the dark lord. As such, Niffy is accompanying you to ensure that you do not lose your tongue." I laugh lightly at that. "She is also accompanying you for extra protection- one can never be to careful after all." When I laugh again he looks at me seriously. "I would not doubt her Harry." He actually smiles. "I would sooner go up against the dark lord himself then try to hurt someone that Niffy has decided to protect."

"Niffy will make sure that Harry comes back safely and all in one piece." She assures.

"I will open up the floo, Niffy, I expect both of you back by five." That gives me almost four hours with them. I haven't been able or allowed to owl them other than that one letter I handed off to Dumbldore. This will be my first contact with them in what feels like forever. I've wanted to talk with them for so long. I knew it wasn't feasible though. It was actually Severus who set this up. He told me if I wanted to see my friends he could arrange it. I'm thankful for it.

The two of them have been staying at Hogwarts. Both of their families have aurors watching their home at all times to protect their family, and it's not lost on me that Severus is the one who set that up too. I didn't even think that they might would be targeted.

When I walk into the great hall, Hermione immediately embraces me, then Ron clasps me on the back.

"We've been worried sick. When the headmaster said that we would get to see you today, we were so excited." Ron says. "Didn't think we were ever going to hear from you."

"There's just been a lot going on, and I'm not able to communicate with the outside world while I'm in hiding." Hermione looks to the elf quietly at my side.

"Harry, who is this."

"This is Niffy. She is the house elf at the safe house that I've been staying at."

"Niffy is pleased to make your acquaintance." She says politely. Both openly look at her. I forget that she's severely physically disabled. I'm so use to it now that I don't even think about it.

"Harry! I can't believe you are taking advantage of a house elf. What about S.P.E.W.!"

"'mione, I promise, I'm not taking advantage of Niffy."

"Harry, we should free her at once." Niffy hold up her hand.

"Niffy is already a free elf. Niffy has been free for a long time, but indulge me miss. Niffy enjoys taking care of her masters."

"You shouldn't have to care for any master though. You deserve..."

"Miss, please do not speak for Niffy. Niffy is very happy." I can't hold back from actually laughing

"Just save it for another elf 'mione, this one appears all set." Rom pipes in.

"Sorry Niffy, Hermione means well." I say lightly. Niffy nods.

"Yes yes, Gryffindor's often do." She smiles at me. "Niffy will sit and wait until Harry is ready to leave. Simply tell Niffy if you are needing anything." She sits down a few seats away. Close enough to keep an eye on me, but far enough away to give us some privacy. Hermione hands me my schedule. Trust her to already have it for me.