Child of Hogwarts: Part I

Chapter 29 - The House-Elf and The Horcrux

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

The House-Elf and The Horcrux

Harry awoke the following morning feeling quite refreshed, in his familiar bed in Dumbledore's quarters. His first thought upon opening his eyes was for Hermione – she would be released from hospital this morning.

He hopped out of bed excitedly, tearing for his wardrobe and selecting the first set of robes his fingers touched. He dashed through his necessities in the bathroom, changed as fast as he could, and bounded down the stairs to the study. To his shock, both McGonagall and Dumbledore were sitting in armchairs in front of the fireplace, still dressed in their dressing gowns and looking just as startled to see Harry.

'You are up very early, my boy,' said the headmaster in surprise, giving Harry a critical once-over with his eyes as he set a cup of tea down upon the table.

Harry glanced at the mullioned windows. The light outside was pale and cold – dawn had clearly barely broken.

'Er – sorry, professor,' Harry said in chagrin, 'I didn't realise the time.'

'It's quite alright, Harry,' Dumbledore said with an easy smile, conjuring a third cup. 'Why don't you have a seat and some tea. It will be a little while until breakfast, I'm afraid.'

'Er – right, thank you, sir,' said Harry, taking the proffered cup and a place on the sofa.

'You're feeling better?' inquired Professor McGonagall solicitously, gazing appraisingly at him.

'Oh yes, thank you, ma'am,' he agreed immediately, sipping at the warm tea. 'I was hoping to go down and see Hermione...'

'Of course,' she said with a smile. 'I'm sure she would be delighted to see you – in an hour or so.'

Harry blushed again at the reminder of the time. Dumbledore chuckled from his chair.

'Ah, the stamina of the young,' he said admiringly. 'To bounce back so quickly from perilous adventures.'

McGonagall snorted as she refilled her own cup, apparently sceptical. Harry shrugged.

'I just wanted to make sure she's ok, professor,' he said.

'Understandable, of course, Harry,' Dumbledore replied. 'And I shall not keep you from your friends, once the hour is a little more reasonable. But as long as you are up, perhaps we could discuss in more detail some of the events of last night.'

Harry squirmed a bit, wondering if a reprimand was coming. But Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling at him, and he reasoned that the headmaster could not be too angry.

'Relax, Harry,' said Dumbledore kindly, apparently reading his thoughts on his face. 'I am not plotting to put you in detention for the rest of the year.' From the other end of the table, McGonagall gave a grunt of slight disagreement; Harry rather thought her views on the matter might differ, but Dumbledore merely continued to smile. 'I recognise that you did attempt to follow my instruction, though obviously I would have preferred that you not enter the Chamber of Secrets on your own, whatever the circumstances.'

'But –' Harry began, but Dumbledore held up a hand for silence.

'I know what you are going to say, Harry. And I know that no matter my feelings on the matter, your kind heart and bravery will always drive you to make these choices in the face of danger. It is both the trait I admire most in your character and the one which causes me the greatest anxiety.' Harry blushed under the scrutiny, staring down into his teacup. 'You have shown growth over the past few months,' the headmaster continued. 'At the beginning of term, you would not have gone to Severus for help at all – and that was a choice that shows both maturity and thought, Harry. There is no more I can ask of you than that. I will not ask you to change who you are, but only request that you continue to curb reckless action with intelligent forethought and recognition of your own limitations.'