Situational Ethics

Situational Ethics

By Mizzfreestyle/Zega

Edited by

Missy Padfoot

And

Effie-Chan

Posted on September 7, 2008

Chapter 26:

"The House Elves"

"Why do you require Dobby and Winky?" Dumbledore asked softly.

"In regards Erasmus," Remus began, "Sirius and I have come to the conclusion that Kreacher is inept. He needs assistance. We are hoping that you will lend us the two elves so that they might help Kreacher out."

"Ah. I see." Dumbledore stood up. "Does Harry know of your proposition?"

"Yes. He wouldn’t have it any other way."

"I am sure he does not want just anyone taking care of his son."

Remus nodded.

Dumbledore's eyes fell upon the quill on his desk. He touched it briefly before asking, "How long do you plan keeping Dobby and Winky in your services?"

"We are not sure," Sirius hesitantly admitted. "As long as it's necessary."

Dumbledore continued to stare at his desk. "Dobby is a free Elf. Winky, however, may find it devastating to be removed from this place so shortly after she has joined us. She is just warming up to Hogwarts."

"I see. If not Winky, then maybe another elf?"

"I think it would be best if we send just Dobby. The elves here specialize in house work and cooking. Not child care. I heard that Kreacher helped raise the Black children. So I propose this. While Dobby maintains the house, Kreacher can focus on caring for Erasmus."

Remus scratched his head while remaining pensive. Everyone knew that Dobby had originally served the Malfoy family. If Dobby managed to survive being in their service, he was quite capable of maintaining the House of Black. Remus raised his head, "That might just-"

Suddenly, the door to Dumbledore's office swung open and Snape stepped in. "Ah, Severus, there you are. I have something for Caitlin," Dumbledore picked up a small envelope. "If you could-"

Snape ignored Sirius' sneer. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Albus." Remus' and Sirius' ears perked. Snape continued, "I should have come to you sooner. She's been absent from our quarters. Do you know her whereabouts?"

Dumbledore released the envelope. "No, Severus. I do not." Dumbledore appeared just as surprised as his audience. Snape crossed his arms. Sensing Snape's urgency, Dumbledore turned to Remus and Sirius, "Remus, take Dobby with you and if he is unable to handle his workload, I will send another elf." He then dismissed the two and returned his attention to Snape.

Who had narrowed his eyes the way he always did when he was curious about something - he no doubt wanted to know what had been discussed before his arrival. Dumbledore explained briefly. "Caring for a newborn is a full time job, Severus. I am sending Dobby to help Kreacher."

That seemed silly to Snape. If the child had both parents as well as Kreacher, why would they require more assistance? Unless..., "Is the child alone?"

"Yes."

"Why not send him with his parents?"

"He would be too much of a distraction."

"Do they not have enough leisure time? Does Potter not spend his mornings and afternoons in the care of another professor? I have reason to believe that Lupin and Black have more than enough time to care for their br-"

"Eras' parents have obligations, Severus." Snape pursed his lips before Dumbledore asked, "You came to ask me about Caitlin, no?"

"Yes. I thought she would be in her office."

"Have you checked?"

"Would I have come to you unless I was certain of her absence?"

"When did you first notice it?"

Snape looked at the ceiling briefly, trying to remember. "Hmm. Around the start of the term. But her absences were not as frequent as they are now."

"You are her husband, Severus. You need to confront her."

Snape said nothing.

Dumbledore frowned. "Hmmm..." he wondered. He then looked up, recalling something.

Snape arched his brow.

"I remember seeing Caitlin in Harry's recent memories. Perhaps she is visiting him."

Snape swallowed. "At night? I seriously doubt that is appropriate."

"No. I don't think she’s there at night. Still... I will ask Harry. And Severus, next time you see Caitlin, I don't care what you are doing, call her attention and have her join you until you are free. I want you to question her and if she raises some suspicion, come back to me."

HARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTER

There was a pop besides Harry, making the boy jump. Dobby came running towards him, "Harry Potter sir, Dobby is honoured!"

"Hello Dobby!"

"Dobby is taking care of Eras now and is staying in Harry Potter's home! Dobby is most excited!" The elf bounced up and down, his oversized ears flopping as he did.

Remus and Sirius stepped into Harry's room. "We were unable to recruit Winky. Dumbledore thinks it is best to leave her at the castle."

"Winky is just liking Hogwarts," Dobby explained, "She is needing her new home now. She is not wanting to leave."

Harry nodded, recalling what had happened after she was separated from Barty Crouch. Harry didn't want to see Winky crying needlessly again with a bottle of Butterbeer in her tiny hands.

"Remus, were you..."

Remus shook his head. "No, Harry, we weren't able to ask. Severus walked in."

Harry's heart did something like a flip. "Is... he well?"

"That old bat is just as miserable as ever. Now his wife's run off on him," said Sirius with glee.

"Caitlin? No... she would never..."

"I don't think Caitlin is having an affair but she appears to have been running off."

"Of course she's having an affair!" said Sirius. "Who would want to stay with that greasy git?!"

Remus winced and passed a furtive glance at Harry. The boy was staring at the floor.

"But she said that Snape was the one who hasn't been around...."

"What do you mean, Harry?" asked Remus. "Has Caitlin been visiting you?"

"Just yesterday. Right after my lesson with Moody. We sat down and had a cup of tea. That's all."

Remus took a hold of Harry's arm and guided him to sit on the couch. "Harry, if you see Caitlin again look for either Sirius or me. Something is not quite right. I am not saying that she is dangerous but Severus would never take an issue to Dumbledore unless he was disquieted."

Harry nodded.

"Now, what we are about to do you cannot repeat to anyone. Understand, Harry?"

Harry was taken aback. What did his godfather and Remus have in store for him?

"Follow us."

Remus led Harry away from the couch and eventually through the front door. Where they were taking him, Harry hadn't a clue. But he followed.

His guardians were cautious. They crept down the steps and around the house as if someone or something was waiting just beyond the door for them. Harry followed, trying hard to find out what was going on. Then Harry saw a black, dusty bucket waiting against the house. "Harry, you are not supposed to know about this, but tonight you have a right to be home."

Harry's eyes gleamed and he couldn't keep his jaw from moving in a stunned fashion.

Remus explained, "This is a Portkey that will always be available to you. It won't take you directly to Grimmauld Place, but close enough. From there, we are going to walk home."

"How does it work?"

"As any Portkey does. Now, on the count of three."

"One."

Harry and the others positioned their hands just around the bucket.

"Two."

They lowered their hands so they were but centimeters away from the Portkey.

"Three!"

And that tugging sensation pulled just behind Harry's navel moments after his hand touched the bucket.

The green and bright area around him swirled and darkened to something that looked like the dirty alleyways of the city. Harry's face would have come into rather hard contact with the filthy stoned streets had Remus not caught him before he plummeted. Harry grimaced as a rat scurried from just under his nose.

Sirius straightened out his jacket and waited for Harry to return to his own feet. "Thanks."

"Come along, Harry."

Remus guided Harry out of the alleys and back onto the bustling streets.

Harry had to take extra care to keep Remus in sight. After all, Harry was not very tall and could easily be swept away by the crowd.

When they reached a clearance, Harry could see the residential area of the city coming into view. And there was Grimmauld Place.

Harry smiled and clenched his hands in excitement. He could hardly wait to see his son. He imagined that Eras must've grown since he had last seen him. Not by much of course, but newborns did grow fast.

Once the place came into sight, Harry rushed ahead, eager to see his son. He nearly ran nose first into the door while opening it, and barely tripped over the first step as he hurried up the stairs.

"Careful, Harry! Eras isn't going anywhere!" Remus called to him.

Harry gripped the knob to his room and pushed the door open. Kreacher was there, swiping the already clean floor. The crib stood in the centre of the room.

Harry gasped as he stepped forwards and Kreacher watched with obvious amusement. Erasmus made a slight whining noise as Harry scooped him up into his arms but quickly settled down. Harry held his son close and allowed a few tears to slip from his own eyes. He finally had his son back in his arms again.

Eras was not much heavier than before, nor bigger. He was very much the same, down to his baby scent. Harry placed the baby on the bed and began smothering the infant with kisses. "Eras. Oh, my precious Eras."

Remus and Sirius watched from the door with a rather indulgent smile upon their faces. "How is he, Harry?" asked Sirius.

"He's just as beautiful as ever."

Harry nuzzled his son's tummy and then kissed it. Eras reached up and clumsily grabbed Harry's hair with his little hands. "I love you, Eras."

"Do you think we made a mistake?" Remus whispered to Sirius. "You know, reuniting Harry and Eras?"

"He might not want to let him go again," Sirius whispered, "but he has every right to see his son."

Remus smiled.

From behind Remus, there was a sudden POP. The two turned around and saw Dobby. "You found the place okay then. I'm glad," said Remus.

Dobby rushed into the room and tilted his head as he saw Harry cradling the child.

"Dobby is very confused. Dobby is thinking that Eras is Remus' and Sirius' baby."

"No, Dobby. Eras is Harry's son."

Dobby's eyes widened beyond what everyone had thought possible and he slapped his hands onto his face in disbelief. "Eras is Harry Potter's son?!" He seemed to have great difficulty absorbing the information.

"Yes, Dobby, but you can't tell anyone. No one besides us knows... I think...."

Just when Dobby looked like he was about to explode, he rushed forwards and hugged Harry's leg. Harry jumped slightly and looked down at Dobby. "Congratulations Harry Potter, sir!" Dobby seemed to be quivering from excitement. He could hardly contain himself.

Harry knelt down, smiling. He was just about to show Dobby Eras when suddenly Kreacher spat, "Dirty house elf! He wills get young Master dirty!"

Dobby winced and spun around. Kreacher was approaching Dobby, looking just as hostile and distrustful as ever. Harry recalled receiving such a murderous look the first time he met Kreacher. "Kreacher. It's okay. Dobby is a good house elf. He's my friend."

Harry's words did not dissuade Kreacher from glaring holes into Dobby. "Vile creature! He is not disserving of work! He is not!" Kreacher pointed threateningly at Dobby. "Gets out!"

Dobby inhaled deeply then flaunted his broadening chest possibly as a means of intimidation. But Dobby's display did not deter Kreacher from lashing out.

Before Harry could comprehend what was about to happen, Kreacher launched himself at the other elf causing both of them to roll around the room in a ball of fury. "ENOUGH!" Harry shouted while his baby bawled in his arms.

While Dobby seemed to have calmed down, Kreacher was just about to claw his way out of Sirius' arms. "Enough...," Harry turned to the contentious and aggressive elf, "Kreacher, no more. I don't care if you don't like Dobby. Dobby is a good elf and he's here to help you!" Dobby nodded vigorously while Kreacher glared daggers at him. "I'm worried that Eras will distract you too much. I know that Eras demands a lot of attention, so I want you to focus solely on him. Dobby will maintain the house."

Kreacher directed his glares at Harry, "I has been taking care of this house all my life! Kreacher is fine on his own! Kreacher is not needing help! Kreacher is not wanting funny looking dirty house elf in this house!"

Dobby looked down at his mismatched socks and bright purple tie. "Dobby is not funny looking," the elf muttered. Remus placed Dobby back onto the floor and Kreacher sneered. "Dobby is a free elf." The elf stood proudly with his hands on his round belly.

Harry looked back at Kreacher. "I can't have quarreling in this house. Especially while Eras is here. This is an order, Kreacher. I want your word that you won't fight with Dobby anymore."

Kreacher's hooked nose curled even more. He snarled and Harry figured this was all he would get out of the elf until he adjusted to Dobby.

Once the heat died down, Remus led Dobby out of the room and Kreacher vanished. Harry plopped onto his bed while holding onto Erasmus. "You know, Sirius, I didn't expect for Kreacher to be friendly towards Dobby, but to physically assault him?"

"Not to worry, Harry. I will be here for the next few days to make sure they keep their bickering in check."

"But... I thought you had to be with me at the house."

"I do, but it's not like Dumbledore checks up on us. He only drops in when he gives your lessons and we are informed prior to your lessons who will be instructing you for the day. It's all part of Dumbledore's security plans. He really has gone an extra mile to make sure you are safe."

"Thank you, Sirius. I am really worried about those two... and what could possibly happen if they try magic and hurt Eras..." There was a sudden look of apprehension in Harry's eyes and Sirius immediately responded.

"Hush. It'll be alright. Just give Kreacher some time. Maybe he'll prefer taking care of Eras instead of his daily chores." He wrapped his arm around Harry's shoulder and gave him a light squeeze.

Eras looked at Harry then at Sirius, probably wondering who was going to feed him next.

Sirius then left Harry alone with Erasmus. Harry stroked his son's forehead and watched in amazement as Erasmus' big eyes slowly began to close as Harry stroked him over and over again. "Who's my precious boy?" Harry whispered softly.

Erasmus' eyes were closed and his little arms folded over. Drool began to escape his mouth and trail down his puffy cheeks. "Why can't they just let me take you with me?" Right. You know what would happen. He'd distract you.

That night ended up being just like the morning he had had to leave Erasmus the last time. Harry was trying hard this time, though, to keep himself from crying the Black Lake. After he had set Eras back into his crib, Kreature returned, looking mildly determined to be useful while another house elf prowled the house.

Remus turned to Sirius while Harry was distracted and placed a full kiss on Sirius' lips. "Keep close watch on Eras," he whispered to Sirius.

"You can count on me."

SEVERUSSNAPESEVERUSSNAPESEVERUSSNAPE

When Harry stepped past the entrance door, he saw that the fireplace had been lit and a man was seated in the chair facing the roaring fire. Harry stood, considering whether or not he wished to ask who it was. The voice that spoke took that decision from, however. "So you were gone."

Remus spoke, "Alastor, please don't tell Albus."

"It ain't my business," replied the ex-Auror. "He's with you and in your care. I trust that you watched over him."

"Yes," Remus confirmed.

"Good then. No harm done. So I have no reason to enlighten Dumbledore."

"Come, Harry. It's late and you need your rest."

But rest did not come to Harry while the boy stared sightlessly at the ceiling. He rolled over on his bed and tried facing the white door to his bedroom. It did not help.

He then sat up and tried counting hippogriffs in his mind. Harry's eyelids felt heavy and his eyes stung every time he closed them, but he just could not keep them closed. He felt these nerves coaxing him to get up and out of bed. After what seemed like an eternity of trying to get some shut-eye, Harry got out of bed and wandered to Hedwig's cage. The owl was not there, of course. She was out hunting.

Harry sighed and stared out the window. Then he asked himself, what was Moody doing in the mansion so late at night? Harry had had his lesson with him just earlier that day. He was not scheduled for another one for - possibly - two more days. Curious.

Harry pushed away from the window and then moved to open his door. Outside, the portraits were all snoring softly in their respective frames and Harry wished silently that he didn't have any trouble falling asleep, either.

But he was still quite awake. He moved down the stairs and remained mildly amused until he heard whispers up ahead down the hallway. Harry moved forthwith towards the dinning room to hear better. "We will stay close, lest he gets hurt." Harry immediately recognised the voice as Moody's.

Then the second voice spoke, "He is accident prone. Especially when he finds himself in a tussle." That voice...

Harry stepped forwards, hoping to catch a glance at the owner of that horribly beautiful voice, and it was just his luck that the wood beneath his weight creaked.

"Who is there?" Moody asked.

"It's Potter," Harry heard the voice whisper and Harry cursed. "I should go. Goodnight, Alastor."

"Goodnight, Severus," Moody then approached the entrance hall where he found Harry looking faintly like he had been kissed and his knees had given way. "Get a hold of yourself."

"Was.... Was he here?"

"Who, Severus? Wouldn't you like to know? No. He fire called me about your training."

"Why?"

"You'll see soon, Harry. Get to bed. You have lessons with me first thing tomorrow. Tonks can't make it and I have something special in mind for you. Off with you now. Hurry up."

Harry left the entrance hall, wondering why Snape had fire called and what Moody had in store for him.

A/N: I'll try my best to update more frequently. If you want to help me, comments, questions, and reviews will do the trick.