A True Riddle

Chapter 21 - Visitors

"Mister Riddle." The voice that reaches Hadrian's ears is soft, just like the touch that gently shakes him into the land of the awake.

"What?" He mutters grumpily, blinking quickly to clear his eyes, they slowly slide into focus, latching onto Dobby's head, which is hovering a few centimeters away from Hadrian's previously sleeping one.

Hadrian jerks back, pressing into the bed, "Dobby?"

"Mister Riddle!" Dobby moves back.

"You don't need to call me that." Hadrian immediately responds. "What are you doing?"

"You must come with me. I need to talk to you."

Hadrian glances at Draco's peacefully sleeping form, "Now?"

Dobby nods, "Please Mister Riddle, it's important."

"Okay." Hadrian carefully slides out of Draco's grip, who stirs in his sleep at the loss. "Where do you want to talk?" He asks, shivering lightly in the cool air.

"Just outside will be fine." Dobby pads to the door, exiting the room. Hadrian follows, only pausing to pull a dressing gown around him.

"So what's this about?" Hadrian asks.

Dobby turns around, there is a metal object shining in his hands, "Mister Riddle, I believe I might have found a way to defeat Dumbledore." Hadrian tilts his head, listening, "There has been a story passed among the elves of Hogwarts, a story of the founders and their power."

"Oh?" Hadrian asks.

"It is said that should there be a wizard who is the heir of at least one of the houses, and possesses all of the talismans, then they will receive a boost from the residual power of the heirs themselves. I believe that this boost may help you defeat Dumbledore."

"Dobby, you're a genius!" Hadrian cheers, wrapping his arms around the thin house elf.

"You are too kind, Mister Riddle." Dobby says modestly, squirming, uncomfortable with the casual affection from a wizard.

Hadrian releases him, "Thank you very much Dobby, but I must get back to bed." Hadrian turns to leave, but before he can Dobby latches onto his hand.

"Wait, Mister Riddle. When Dobby heard of this he went searching." He nervously reaches into his raggedy robe and withdraws a small gold object.

"Is that...Helga's goblet?" Hadrian asks, curious.

Dobby nods, "It was given to the house elves of Hogwarts by Helga, but they have elected to give it to you, as it is important for defeating Dumbeldore and you are the protector of house elves." He holds the gold goblet out to Hadrian.

"Oh Dobby. How can I ever repay you?" Hadrian asks, gingerly taking it from him, turning it around to marvel at the badger engraving.

"Dobby needs no repayment, Mister Riddle has already given Dobby his freedom."

"Well thank you Dobby, I will be in your debt if this works."

Dobby grins shyly at Hadrian, dipping his head at the praise. "Dobby will let you sleep now, Mister Riddle."

Hadrian nods, "Goodnight Dobby, and thank you again." Hadrian turns and enters his bedroom (It's technically Draco's, but whatever, they both share it), leaving the small house elf standing outside the door, wondering if this odd wizard, who is blood of the most elitist wizarding line yet still a friend to elves, would survive the upcoming battle.

When Hadrian enters the room Draco's eyes are bright in the darkness, fixed on Hadrian.

"Hey darling, did I wake you?" Hadrian says softly, placing the goblet on his bedside table before slipping into the bed and pulling Draco's warm body into him.