James Potter and the Crimson Thread

20. WORLD IN COLLAPSE

The ship ride back to Hogwarts was a long and solemn affair, despite the happiness borne of Norberta's unscheduled union with Montague Python. Archibald Hokus had insisted that Norberta, being lamed already with her wounded wing and long accustomed to the ministrations of humans, join their traveling circus as an accompaniment to Montague's act.

"She will revitalize our entire program!" he had proclaimed after corralling both dragons in the safety of Montague's paddock. "We've wanted a second dragon for years! Montague's our star performer, of course. Now, with Norberta his grand love added to the show, we shall truly be a wonder of the wizarding world! I can see it now!" He raised his arms and framed his hands, as if envisioning a tent-sized placard, "Montague & Norberta! The Beast-Wedding of the Century! Of the Millennium!"

At Harry's insistence, Hokus had vowed to have Norberta officially registered the very following day, as "a rescued orphan beast of origins unknown" as per Ministry regulations.

In response to this, Hagrid had offered his tearful goodbyes, blowing his nose prodigiously on a hankie provided by Ron from one of his coat

pockets.

"Keep it, Hagrid," Ron had said as the half giant offered it limply back to him. "Think of it as a, er, memento of the night."

Harry took Heddlebun into custody, magically shackling her with a lanyard charm as they returned to the Gertrude, much more quickly and stealthily now that Norberta was no longer part of their entourage. Thus, less than twenty minutes later, back on board and standing on the gently rocking bow, James' dad had quietly consulted with Ron and Hermione, explaining why he'd returned with a captive house elf in tow rather than a lovesick dragon, and debating what they should do with her.

"Officially speaking, we're all home snug in our beds right now," Ron reminded them. "We can't just pop over to the Ministry with a magical prisoner all of a sudden. Things like that require explanations."

"Titus is on duty tonight," Hermione suggested. "He could bring her in. But can you trust him, Harry?" Things had been better lately between James' father and his partner, Titus Hardcastle, but everyone still remembered that, for a brief time during James' fourth year, Titus had sided with his superiors at the Ministry against his boss and friend.

"I can," Harry answered, "But I won't. Even if Titus was willing to guard our secrets, this little elf has no such obligation or concern. More importantly, I don't think the Wizengamot would have the slightest clue what to do with her. There are no laws on the books regarding rogue house elves, simply because there has never been any need. What she represents is an all new dilemma for the wizarding world, and one that no one is prepared to confront. Not with so many other, larger cauldrons to boil at the moment."

"Well, we can't just set her free," Ron said, frowning.

"Allow me to be her charge," Merlin suggested from the nearby shadows, an ominous note in his voice. "After all, she has apparently corrupted at least one of the elves in the employ of Hogwarts School. I should very much like to interrogate her about who else might be a part of her secret cabal."

Harry shook his head. "I've considered that, Headmaster. And it's a tempting idea. But our prisoner has already answered that question, at least as much as I am certain she ever intends to. According to her, all house elves are part of her cabal. And I have a sinking suspicion that she is telling the truth. At least, as far as she knows. No, I have another warden in mind

for Miss Heddlebun."

With that, Harry drew his wand from his pocket and flicked it lightly toward the sky. "Curatio," he said quietly, firing a narrow pencil- beam of deep purple sparks high into the sky. The spell emitted an almost sub-audible chime, like anchor chains clattering in bottomless depths.