Harry Potter and A New Chapter of Life

Chapter 3: Summer Begins

The next two days at Hogwarts were very time consuming for those who made the choice to remain. The majority of them were sent around the school repairing what could be repaired. Harry had taken his trip to Professor Dumbledore’s tomb and returned the elder wand, in hopes that its magic would be destroyed eventually.

The bodies of the fallen defenders had been transported to St. Mungo’s for burial preparations. Fred’s body was accompanied by a distraught George Weasley who had refused to leave his side and by Percy who ensured his mother he’d take care of George. The bodies of Tom Riddle and his followers were taken by Aurors to be disposed of. Harry felt a sense of satisfaction and relief as he watched Voldemort’s lifeless shell being removed and hoped that he would never have to see it again.

On the second day of repairs the school looked to be in noticeably better shape. The remaining Weasley family along with Harry and Hermione had just entered the Great Hall for lunch tired from a long morning of rigorous work. Ron and Hermione hand in hand led the way to the Gryffindor table. As they all took a seat at the table plates and platters full of a variety of food appeared in front of them.

“Brilliant!” exclaimed Ron as he began to pile food on to his plate and was already shoveling food into his mouth before anyone else finished making their plates. Ron then continued with his mouth full, “I’m so hungry I could eat a hippogriff.”

“Ronald Bilius Weasley do not talk with your mouth full.” Hermione scolded. That with along with a glare from Mrs. Weasley was enough for Ron turn red to match his hair and lowered his head.

Ron hurriedly chewed and swallowed his food before looking up still red faced from embarrassment from being scolded by Hermione and murmured, “Sorry.”

Harry was enjoying a conversation with Arthur and Ginny about quidditch when with a pop Kreacher appeared beside him. Harry shifted in his seat as did a few others turning their attention to the new arrival. The old house-elf still wearing his tea cozy gave a deep bow to Harry.

“Master Harry Potter, Kreacher requests permission to leave Hogwarts sir?” Kreacher asked as he straightened up.

“Of course Kreacher is everything ok?”

“Yes Master. Kreacher has a few things he would like to take care of if Master doesn’t mind. Kreacher doesn’t wish to tell Master what it is though, but will if Master orders Kreacher to do so. A good house-elf always obeys his Master, sir.”

“That is okay Kreacher you don’t have to tell me why. You may go. While you’re here I would like to express my thanks to you for your help during the battle. Thank you Kreacher.”

The old house-elf bowed again to Harry and with a shake of his head, “Master it is not necessary to thank Kreacher. Kreacher wanted to help Master finish the job and keep Master safe, sir.” Then with another pop he was gone.

Harry then returned his attention to his food and those at the table who casually went back to their meal. Harry noticed Hermione starring at him with a smile. Confused he asked, “What?”

“You made him very proud Harry. Not many wizards take time to show appreciation to house-elves and I say it’s safe to bet that you were the first to say thank you and actually meant it.” Hermione advised smiling.

“Well I was really happy to see him help.” Harry declared.

“I know we all were.” Hermione agreed.

“I’m just curious as to what he is leaving to do,” Harry admitted turning back to his plate of food.

“That’s my Harry always the detective,” teased Ginny causing them both to blush a little when everyone commented about “her Harry”.