Elves Without Clothes

Elveshouthout Clothes

by: Whomping Willow ~

Disclaimer: I still don’t own a house-elf or any of their other friends in J. K. R.’s world. I did turn
Hermione the studious bookworm into Ony the eager to please house-elf. Does that make me
bad?

Author’s note: Sorry for the long delay. I had so many directions I wanted to go with this one
and it was tough to choose just one.

                                                                        ***

Chapter eight: A Dream Come True ~

Hermione had seen Draco pale when she mentioned spells, and she wondered how he would
handle the fact that she now knew about the effects of the spell. Perhaps it was embarrassment
that had prevented Draco from confessing the results of the spell to her in the first place. She
hesitated, unsure of how to proceed.

- Where is that Gryffindor courage now? -

Denying knowledge was not something she was accustomed to doing and in her heart she knew it
would be akin to lying and lying to her master was strictly forbidden, but telling Draco . . .
especially after that dream . . . she tried to push away the fear that gripped her so she could tell
Draco the truth.

-Did Draco give me to the professor to prevent me from casting the spell again or because he
was humiliated that I had done so in the first place? -

Draco cleared his throat, preparing to speak and hoping to sound dignified. He was pretending to
examine his nails when he turned to face her and only glanced up for a moment before returning
to his perusal. ope opened his mouth to speak, but instead Ony’s words broke the silence.

“Why did you give me to Professor Snape, Master?”

Draco’s eyebrows rose sharply and his mouth opened and shut a few times before words were
actually formed. “I told you . . . it was to repay a debt . . .”

-What kind of fool do you take me for - “Are you sure you weren’t trying to get rid of me,
Master?”

“What? Why would I want to get rid of you? Did Snape . . . What did Snape tell you?” Draco
had shifted colors three times and his voice was rather unsteady.

Ony had never seen her master looking so unsure of himself. “He didn’t tell me anything . . . I
didn’t think to ask him about the debt or why I had been chosen as payment.”

Draco suddenly felt even worse than before. He had offered up Ony to the professor to save his
arse and she had endured an unknown number of humiliations and perhaps worse. With the way
the Headmaster was speaking when he had arrived, there may have been something to his
accusations after all and it formed a lump in his throat. It was long past time for him to come
clean.

“Well, first of all it was Snape that chose you as payment . . . and I don’t even want to
contemplate his motives.” He took a deep breath before he continued, “Ony, I should’ve told you
before, but . . . the spell that you cast on me, the one you’ve been asking everyone about . . . it –
it made me – gave me a . . .”

-Finally got the guts to tell me - “It’s okay Master, I know what it did,” Ony interrupted to save
him further embarrassment.

Draco’s eyes widened as he wondered who told her and exactly how long she had known. “Are
you aware that Snape knows about the spell and what it does . . . that he caught me taking care of
it in the shower?”

Hermione blushed heavily, causing Draco’s stomach to do a flip before tying itself in knots.

“Did he tell you what it does – what it did?” He knew he should’ve been the one to tell Ony
about the spell, and now he was afraid Snape was the one that had taken away his chance.

-Tell me? I wish! - “In a manner of speaking, Master.”

Draco’s face drained of color. “In a manner of speaking? What did he say – what did he do? Did
he make you cast the spell on him?” He was almost afraid to hear the answer.

-Why did I have to start this stupid conversation? - “No, Master. He said I cast it wandlessly,
but I didn’t mean to,” she turned a darker shade of crimson as she added, “he let me discover the
results for myself.”

“He what?!”

- Oh shit! - “I didn’t mean to do it. I was just thinking about the spell and wondering if that is
why you wanted to get rid of me, and suddenly he knew what I was thinking and . . . he didn’t do
anything wrong. He just wanted to make sure I understood the consequences of the spell.” The
words spilled out of her mouth becoming harded had harder to decipher, but still her master
understood.

“Consequences? He showed you his . . . the consequences?! What did he . . .”

-NO! Not that! Nothing like that! - “No! Nothing like that! I saw a bulge in his robes, nothing
more, and he took care of it himself.” -Like you did -

A look of relief washed over Draco before he remembered he still had some more explaining to
do. “Ony, the professor knew about the spell and was threatento tto tell my father. It would
have been beyond humiliating . . . if my father found out he would have been very angry and not
only at me.” Draco paused, trying to gather his thoughts so he could better explain. “The
professor told my mother about the incident with the chocolate . . . they were not pleased and my
father wanted to be sure you had been punished. I was afraid if Snape told my father that he
would make sure you were punished . . .”

-Chocolate, why did he have to bring up chocolate? - All it took was a mere mention of
chocolate to send Hermione’s mind on a trip down memory lane . . . it was a short trip consisting
of one glorious dream . . . blond hair and warm lips, demanding kisses . . . Ony blushed as she
tried to remember the feel of his lips on hers.

When Ony noticed Draco silently staring at her she realized how long her mind had been occupied
and replayed the conversation in her head so she at least had a chance of responding
appropriately. She was hesitant but finally asked, “You made a deal with Professor Snape to
protect me from your father, Master?”

Draco was curious about what had made her blush, but instead he asked, “do you understand
what he could’ve done? With his ministry connections . . .”

Hermione nodded. -He didn’t want his father to cause me trouble, so he hoped I would be safe
with Snape. -

“If I had known what the professor was planning I would’ve found another way.” Draco
murmured.

Hermione was staring at her bare feet mulling over Draco’s words before she decided what to do.
She lifted her eyes to meet her master’s as she stepped forward. She pressed her lips to his warm
cheek and whispered a quiet ‘thank you’ that was meant for his ear, but his sudden turn to face
her turned it into a muffled whisper against his lips.

Draco was surprised by the sudden expression of affection and turned to see what Ony was up to
and was even more surprised by the gentle whisper across his lips. The Hone one Granger he had
known had always disliked him and to the best of his knowledge had avoided the trappings of
romance. Ony herself had admitted that the golden trio was never anything more than platonic
friendship, but Ony had been anything but distant for quite some time and had just kissed him. It
was brief and never meant fos lis lips, but held more meaning than anything he had ever shared
with Pansy.

He took a deep breath and asked, “what are you thanking me for?”

-Oh my God, Draco kissed me on the lips. Thank you for turning your head . . . for having the
softest lips I could ever imagine - “Thank you for protecting me from your father and for getting
me back from Snape and . . . for letting me be your house-elf,” the last was said almost as a
whisper.

Despite the whisper, Draco heard her. He took a step back and nodded, “your welcome.” After a
thoughtful pause he said, “I have some errands I need to run, so you can take a few hours off,”
that said, Draco almost ran for the door.

Ony looked at the spot that Draco had so recently occupied. She wondered what it was that had
frightened him off so quickly. Hermione wondered if it was the kiss or if he was too embarrassed
to face her now that she knows about the spell, either way she hoped he would be back soon.

Meanwhile Draco was racing down the corridors toward the Headmaster’s office. He really
needed to speak with the Headmaster about making some arrangements. If he and Ony were
going to get any closer, he would need Dumbledore’s protection to keep them both safe from his
father. He had known for a long time that he didn’t want to be a Death Eater like his father, but
now he had one more solid reason to avoid taking the dark mark . . . he was falling for Ony and
had the sneaking suspicion she was feeling the same about him.

He ran into the Headmaster in the corridor near his office and consented to a meeting. “I was
actually on my way down to speak with you and Ony,” Dumbledore stated as Draco sat, and he
poured them both tea.

Draco opened his mouth to speak but the Headmaster continued.

“I questioned Professor Snape under Veritaserum, and he admits to no wrongdoinghis his part.
He claims to have done nothing unseemly with Ony, with or without her consent.”

Draco breathed a sigh of relief. He had been worried that he had put Ony into a situation that
allowed the professor to act inappropriately. If Snape had done anything indecent, he would
never forgive himself.

The Headmaster continued. “Of course, Ony is in most respects a house-elf . . . for her ‘consent’
is a relative term.”

“Are you saying that the Professor did do something inappropriate, but she consented because she
is essentially a house-elf?”

“What I am saying, is that it is possible that Ony could engage in activities she is not entirely
consensual to, in order to please her master. That power could be easily abused and I want to be
sure that nothing of the sort occurs.”

“Yes sir, I understand, but how am I supposo kno know . . . if she’s actually . . . agreeable or just
trying to please me?” Draco had never had such a hard time getting a sentence out in his entire
life and by the end he was a fair match for the Headmaster’s magenta robes.

“I am afraid that is a tricky question . . . that is why I believe it is time to end this now . . . before
a terrible misunderstanding occurs.”

“I will be sure to tell her. Do you think she will be all right? I know Ony had wanted to do this
house-elf thing properly,” Draco didn’t know why Ony had wanted to be a house-elf, but he knew
he would miss having her so close.

“I am sure she will be fine. She is after all a very resourcefull, bl, but don’t forget you must not
only tell her, but also present her with clothes.”

Draco nodded, “there is one more matter I would like to discuss with you, sir . . .”

Dumbledore smiled knowingly when Draco began to speak and didn’t stop the entire
conversation. It seems that Dumbledore could count on there being one less ‘future Death Eater’
in Slytherin.

                                                                        ***

When Draco left to run errands Hermione returned to her room. She was feeling concerned about
Draco’s hasty exit and vague excuse. Winky was waiting for her when she came through the door
and Hermione had rarely been so glad to see the little elf. Winky was balancing several bottles of
butterbeer and seemed a bit more out of sorts than usual.

“Ony, Winky is so sorry. I was not knowing about the professor . . .” the little house-elf
hiccuped.

“I’m all right, Winky. Professor Snape didn’t do anything wrong, not really. I am just glad to be
back with Draco.” Hermione blushed as she thought back to the kiss she had shared with her
master.

“Is Ony sure she is okay? You is turning pink,” Winky declared with a nervous look.

“I’m fine Winky. I was just thinking . . . how are you and Dobby doing?” she asked changing the
subject as she sipped on the offered beverage.

“Dobby and I is very happy. Is you thinking about boyfriends again?”

Hermione nodded. “I kissed Draco on the cheek,” she admitted shyly before adding, “and he
turned his head so I ended up kissing his lips.”

Winky squealed with glee. “I knew you would be liking Master Draco. What did Master Draco
do?” she asked bouncing on the balls of her feet.

“He . . . left,” she said only somewhat dejectedly. “He said he had some things to do.”

“I am sure it was something important to make your master leave after finally you kiss.”

It became apparent that Winky had a good head start on the butterbeer when she passed out cold
on the floor . . .

                                                                        ***

Draco didn’t return to his chambers immediately after his talk with the Headmaster. He had a few
errands he wanted to run before her saw Ony again. He knew she would be disappointed that her
time as a house-elf had come to an end and he wanted to make it as easy on her as possible.

As soon as his errands were finished, he called for Ony. She quickly made sure Winky was
comfortable and allowed her to sleep off the butterbeer in her chambers instead of trying to sneak
her back to Dobby. When Ony entered her master’s chambers, she noticed Draco looked tense
and was holding a gift box.

“Do you need me to wrap that for you, Master?”

“No Ony, that won’t be necessary.” He knew what he had to do but was loath to do it, and chose
to stall for time. “Ony, why did you want to be a house-elf?

 -I don’t know if I want to answer that. How could he ever understand? - Ony grabbed
handfuls of the sheet and proceeded to twist nervously. “If I tell you, will you tell me why you
agreed to be my master?”

“That sounds like a fair deal.”

Ony took a deep breath knowing that it would be no easier to explain this time than it had been
the last. “It all started with Winky. You see, since I started the House-Elf Liberation Front,
fourth-year, and since then I’ve been trying my best to understand how house-elves feel about
being freed. I’ve talked with them about it a few times, but I had difficulty understanding
Winky’s feelings toward her old master. She was so devoted and ashamed of the fact that he had
given her clothes . . . I needed to experience it to understand.”

“Do you understand Winky now, Ony? Have you seen why house-elves are so devoted to their
masters?”

“Yes Master. I understand now.” Ony could hardly believe what she had just admitted.

“I agreed to be your master for several reasons . . . I don’t want to follow in my father’s footsteps
and wanted to understand more about those who oppose the Dark Lord . . .” Draco shifted
nervously. “I thought it might help to learn more of the truth about muggleborns instead of the
propaganda I was raised with, and thought it would be a good opportunity to annoy you,” he said
with a smirk before turning serious, “but instead I realized I wanted to get to know you.”

- You wanted to get to know me? - She blinked -You don’t want to be a Death Eater? - Ony was
rather pleased with these revelations.

“I spoke with Dumbledore and he promised to find me alternate accommodations for after
Hogwarts, as well as protection from my father and the Dark Lord . . .”

“Master that is wonderful,” Ony squealed.

Draco smiled briefly before he continued. “I’m sorry Ony, but he has also put an end to your time
as a house-elf. He feels, that after the incident with Professor Snape it is just too easy for you to
be taken advantage of.”

Ony looked in horror from her master to the box in his hands. It couldn’t be true. He must be
lying.

“Master,” Ony squeaked eyes filled with despair. -No, please, I’m not ready to give you up yet -

“I wish I could say I’m disappointed, but I’m not . . . I don’t make it a habit to kiss my house-elves and I’m abo about to start. However I would quite enjoy kissing my girlfriend,” he looked
at her intently waiting for his words to sink in. When they did her eyes lit, but doubt still
restrained the joy.

-Did you just say ‘girlfriend’? - “Girlfriend?”

He took Hermione’s hand in his and pulled her closer, leaning down and pressing his lips softly to
hers. He was relieved that she didn’t pull away, instead leaning into the kiss. Her lips were warm
like he remembered from his dream and he wondered if she would forgive him for what he was
about to do.

He pushed the box into her empty hand and the spell was broken. Ony was free, but as Draco’s
lips explored her own she couldn’t think to care.

                                                                        ***

Hermione was permitted to keep her room near Draco’s until the other students returned from
Christmas break, and another house-elf was assigned to clean Draco’s chambers once again.
Hermione was free from Draco’s chores, but wow cow captured by his heart.

They scarcely spent an hour apart, talking well into the night. They discussed serious issues such
as . . . how they would deal with their friend’s reactions, as well as more personal matters. There
was little question in their minds about how Draco’s friends would react. Both knew that once
Draco’s friend’s found out it would only be a matter of hours before Lucius knew of his son’s
betrayal, but they swore not to worry about that until the time came. For now there were better
things to occupy them, including a fair bit of studying. For every correct answer they exchanged
a kiss, and both were compelled to choose questions from the others best subjects.

One night, with much blushing and embarrassment, Hermione had confessed the details of her
potion-inspired dream and to her amazement Draco had proved reality to be even better. He even
supplied the chocolate.

                                                                        ***

At the end of the third week, Hermione and Draco grew more anxious, but savored every moment
they had in their adjoining rooms. At night they held each other close and promised that no
matter what their friends said it would not change how they felt. They had confessed their love
beneath some borrowed mistletoe and greeted the New Year wrapped in each other’s arms. It
was a holiday they knew they would never forget.

Hermione wondered many times what the spell was that Dumbledore had used to bind her to her
master. It had given her the opportunity to experience life as a house-elf, and allowed her to see
Draco with new eyes. Although the spell was cancelled when Draco presented her with a fine silk
robe, she could still feel its lingering influence. She hoped the Headmaster would someday
divulge his secret, to quench her intellectual curiosity. Perhaps then she could find a way to share
whatever magic had brought her true love with others who were likewise in need.

When it was time for the train to arrive, returning the students from their holiday, they both stood
nervously in the entrance hall waiting for their friends to arrive. Draco was the first to find Harry
and Ron, but didn’t approach them. He waited patiently while his girlfriend explained about their
relationship in a quiet corner of the noisy room. Hermione left out the fact that she had spent her
holiday as a house-elf, instead vaguely crediting their new relationship to a scheme of
Dumbledore’s to promote cooperation amongst the houses.

Ron predictably ran off red-faced and shouting, creating a bit of a scene. It was no secret that
Ron had harbored feelings for Hermione, although they had never been anything more than friends
and never would be. To Draco’s surprise and Hermione’s relief, Harry took the news far more
graciously. He gave Hermione a brief hug and firmly shook Draco’s hand. No matter how happy
he was for his best friend, Harry wouldn’t let go until he was sure Draco understood the
consequences he’d face if he hurt Hermione. Draco was glad to see Harry’s loyalty to his friends
and hoped that one day he could be counted amongst them.

Hermione told H abo about her time as a house-elf once they were alone. She had never expected
Draco to suggest letting anyone know about the unusual origin of their relationship, but
understood why he made the exception when she saw Harry’s reaction. Hearing Hermione’s tales
about her time as Ony helped him to understand the dynamics that had created her relationship
with Draco, and Harry defended the couple from Ron’s ignorant attacks.

It was a relief to Hermione to have at least one of her friends supportive of her relationship. She
just hoped in time Ron would come around like he always did, but no matter what the future held
Hermione knew this would remain the best Christmas ever.

                                                                        ***

Fin

Please review.

Author’s note: I hope you all enjoyed my story. It’s been really fun to write, and considering it
was only supposed to be two or three chapters when I planned it, I think it exceeded expectations.
Thank you all who have reviewed. They have been greatly appreciated.

~ Whomping Willow ~