14 Morning Surprises

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...

"He's a remarkably bright young lad, claiming the top spot in his year at primary school and showcasing impressive skills in football," Professor McGonagall remarked. "Those accomplishments are what attract scholarship offers, given the competitive nature of football in Muggle schools. The best talents are scouted, and scholarships are awarded with great pride for the school."

She continued, "Harry, however, is cautious and selective about the information he shares. I learned about the abuse because he believed that the magical community could provide the help he sought, especially when his pleas to the Muggle police yielded no results."

"I assure you, I will thoroughly investigate this matter. If I discover any interference with Muggle investigations, there will be consequences," she asserted, making her determination clear.

Albus, however, harbored concerns. He had halted two investigations against the Dursleys to maintain the protection of the blood wards. Despite his misjudgment, he couldn't fathom the extent of the Dursleys' cruelty, particularly resorting to physical abuse with a belt.

Acknowledging his error, he contemplated, "We must find a solution for Harry's living arrangements. Perhaps, for this summer, a room at the Leaky Cauldron could be arranged. We could ask Tom to keep an eye on him until we secure a more permanent solution."

McGonagall raised a valid concern, "Indeed, it's a thought, but is it wise? He's only eleven years old, mature for his age though he may be. Nonetheless, he shouldn't be left entirely on his own."

"Especially as he has no experience in how to behave in the wizarding world. If he were recognized, people would mob him to shake his hand or something ridiculous like that. You know how crazy they are about Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived," she said.

"Hm, probably you are right, I didn't consider that. But he also can't come to Hogwarts yet. And I don't want any of the pureblood elitists to get him into their hands," he informed her.

"You have two days while he is staying at St. Mungo's. The only alternative I see is sending someone to keep an eye on Harry while he is staying at the Leaky Cauldron over the day."

"Obviously, Harry is intent on gaining as much information on the wizarding world as possible."

"He won't allow himself to be forced into coming to Hogwarts. It will have to be his decision, and he has excellent alternatives in the muggle world," she said.

"Do you know which muggle schools have offered scholarships?" He asked.

"No, and even if I did, I wouldn't tell you. If you meddled in Harry's life again, he would never forgive you."

"I think he would be capable of attending another magical school outside of Great Britain just to spite you if you did meddle again."

"I didn't tell him how he was placed with the Dursleys, but I don't doubt he will find out soon. At the moment, you can still plead ignorance, but you don't want to have the boy as your enemy. That much I could see from his eyes," she told him.

He nodded thoughtfully. He would have to wait to see if Harry decided to come to Hogwarts. Perhaps he could positively influence the boy with a good choice for a guide and guard.

Perhaps Hagrid could give Harry the last necessary push in the right direction.

"I will find a good permanent placement for the boy. Meanwhile, I think the Leaky Cauldron will be our best bet. I think I could send Hagrid to look after Harry."

"After all, Hagrid was good friends with James and Lily, and Harry was quite fond of him as a baby. And he would be able to protect Harry well enough while he's exploring Diagon Alley and help him get his supplies," he suggested.

"Perhaps. But before you choose a family for Harry to stay with, make sure the boy agrees," she said.

"I have more work to do. Remember my warnings, Albus, don't meddle with Harry. He'll not forgive that."

With that, she turned to the door and exited the office.

...

In the morning, Harry awoke to find a tray of food held by a peculiar creature.

Two potions sat on the nightstand beside his bed.

"Ah, Mr. Harry Potter is awake. Good morning. I am Tibby. I am bringing your breakfast," the creature said.

"Good morning, Tibby. If you don't mind, I don't know much about magic and the wizarding world. What kind of race do you belong to?" Harry asked curiously.

"Oh, Tibby is a house elf. I work at St. Mungo's," Tibby replied.

"Okay, what are house elves like?" Harry inquired.

"We look after wizards and work for them. House elves are bonded to family or a building. Tibby is bonded to St. Mungo's," she said happily. "House elves work for wizards and keep their secrets."

"And what are you paid for your work?" Harry asked.

"House elves are not paid; that's not right. House elves just want to work," she answered, sounding slightly offended.

"Sorry, I didn't know you would find that insulting. It's just that all I have ever learned is that people are paid if they work for others. One way or another," Harry quickly explained.

"Tibby understands. But having a family or another bond is important for house elves. We get our magic from the bond," she explained.

"So, this is a form of symbiosis. You provide the family with your work and the keeping of their secrets, and in return, you get your magic from them," Harry realized.

"Mr. Harry Potter is right. Now Tibby has to go; more work to do. Healer Ickings wants Harry Potter to eat all the food," she said.

"Okay, thank you for the explanation about house elves, Tibby," Harry said.

Tibby smiled happily and popped away, leaving Harry pondering the strange but obviously friendly little creature. Then, he turned his attention to his breakfast.

He noticed a note instructing him to drink the pink potion before breakfast and the green one after. He took the pink potion, grimaced, drank a bit of juice, and then began to eat.

....

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