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***
A day after my birthday, I was sitting at the edge of my bed, thinking about how I could get into the family library—not the act of entering itself, but how to do it without being noticed. Lucius and Narcissa had made it clear that it was forbidden territory for both Draco and me, something about "books far too dangerous for children."
It was a reasonable excuse, I suppose. I wasn't exactly eager to open some ancient book and end up cursed, or mumble the wrong word and set the manor on fire.
But waiting wasn't a luxury I could afford, even with that paper saying my mission was of "indefinite" duration. I didn't really buy that. I doubted Death would be pleased if I took too long to hunt the targets. 'That thing didn't seem very patient...'
Back to the library situation—the biggest problem was the eyes and ears around the house. There were the many "living" portraits in the corridor near the library that would surely rat me out, and the house-elves, always attentive, would rush to alert Lucius and Narcissa if I tried anything.
With my hand on my chin, I closed my eyes, trying to organize my thoughts. I could just ask Narcissa to let me read a few books, which might work to some extent—but what were the chances she'd give me anything useful? Probably just books on blood purity and blah, blah, blah. No, that wouldn't do.
And Lucius? Not even worth considering.
I stood up and began pacing around the room, the carpet muffling my steps. 'Guess that's what it'll have to be'. After a few minutes of thinking, I reached the inevitable conclusion: I'd have to take the risk. "Dobby!"
Within seconds, a loud pop broke the silence, and there he was, materializing in the middle of the room. "Young Master Cassius, did Dobby hear a call?" he asked, looking nervously at me.
I understood the reason behind his anxiety. For some reason, over the past two years, Lucius had turned Dobby into his personal punching bag. Not that he treated the other elves kindly, but with Dobby it was particularly cruel—shouting, physical punishment, even spells when he was in a bad mood.
"Dobby, I need your help with something," I said, sitting back on the edge of the bed. "But it's a secret. You can keep secrets, can't you?"
His eyes widened, and he nodded so vigorously that his ears slapped against his cheeks. "Dobby keeps secrets, yes, sir! Dobby never tells anything the young master asks not to tell!"
"Perfect." I paused, choosing my words carefully. "Lately, I've been wanting to learn more about the magical world. Unfortunately, my parents prefer to leave my magical education and understanding until after I turn eleven. But I'd like to at least read about it in the library."
Dobby hesitated, his ears drooping slightly. He wrung his hands, the torn pillowcase swaying with the motion. "The library is a forbidden place, little sir. Master Lucius said I should warn him if the children tried to enter. Books there are… dangerous." He swallowed hard, his eyes darting between me and the floor. "Dobby doesn't want little master to get hurt."
I had expected this resistance. "You're right, Dobby. That's why I want you to get safe books for me."
The elf opened and closed his mouth, clearly caught off guard. "But Master Lucius said—"
"He said to warn him if I entered the library," I interrupted. "He didn't say anything about you going in and bringing me a book, did he?"
Dobby blinked rapidly and took a step back, his hands still twisting the torn fabric. "But… but little Master Cassius, what if… what if Master Lucius finds out?" he asked, voice trembling more than usual. "Dobby doesn't want to disobey. Master Lucius would be very angry, very angry indeed!"
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees, and fixed my gaze on him, keeping my voice low and calm, like I was sharing a secret between friends. "Dobby, think about it. How could my father possibly find out? You're a house-elf—you go in and out of every room in this house without anyone noticing. You're practically invisible when you want to be."
He shook his head, his ears flapping again against his cheeks. "Dobby would have to hide from the other house-elves, sir, and the portraits! What if Dobby is seen taking a book from the library?"
"Dobby," I continued, now with a touch more firmness, "the portraits won't pay attention to you entering the library. To them, you're just… well, a house-elf doing your usual duties. You just need to be quick and discreet. Take only one book at a time, so you don't draw attention. As for the other house-elves… I know you'll figure something out."
The elf didn't look entirely convinced by my words, biting his lower lip. "But… what if the book is dangerous? Master Lucius said the books are dangerous, little sir. Dobby doesn't want to hurt little Master Cassius."
I sighed and ran a hand through my hair, trying to stay patient. "That's why I said to bring only safe books, Dobby. Just simple ones, like… I don't know, magical history or beginner spell guides. Things that won't cause any trouble. You know which ones are harmless, don't you?"
Dobby opened his mouth to protest again, but I raised my hand, cutting him off before he could start. "And more importantly, Dobby, none of this breaks any rules. Lucius said not to let me into the library. He never said you couldn't get a book for me. There's no order forbidding that, right?"
He stayed silent for a long moment, his eyes bouncing from the floor to me and back again. I could almost see the gears turning in his head. "Dobby… Dobby supposes that… maybe… it's not against the orders…"
"Exactly!" I exclaimed, clapping my hands on my knees. "You're not disobeying anyone, Dobby. You're just helping me learn a little more, like a good friend. And I promise, you won't be punished. I wouldn't let that happen."
Dobby looked up, "Little Master Cassius… would protect Dobby?"
"Of course I would," I said, with as much sincerity as I could muster.
He still looked conflicted, his ears twitching slightly, but his posture relaxed a bit. "Dobby… Dobby can try, little sir. But only safe books! Very, very safe!"
"Perfect," I said, allowing myself a small smile. "Start with something simple, like a book on the history of magic or basic spells. Bring it here tonight, when everyone's asleep. Okay?"
Dobby nodded slowly, still nervous. "Dobby will try, little sir. Dobby will be very careful!"
"I know you will."
***
When the clock struck midnight, a familiar pop broke the silence of the room, and Dobby appeared in the corner, holding a book with trembling hands. "Little Master Cassius, Dobby did it!"
I was already in bed, ready to sleep, but I jumped up in an instant and walked over to him. "Did everything go well?"
"Yes, sir!" Dobby replied, stretching out his arms to offer me the book. His eyes shone with pride for having managed to bring it to me.
"Well done, Dobby. I knew—" My voice faltered as my eyes landed on the book's cover. 'The Troll and the Three Little Wizards.' "…you could do it."
***
[3 years later]
"Cassius."
A voice echoed, distant, as if coming from underwater.
"Cassius."
Closer now, cutting through the fog of sleep.
"Wake up, you idiot!"
I jolted awake as two hands shoved me off the bed. "Ugh!" My body hit the floor with a dull thud, the weakness of sleep slowing my reflexes.
I got up, rubbing my sore shoulder, and glared at Draco's smug grin from the other side of the bed.
"Are you insane?" I growled, my voice rough from just waking up.
"I called you three times," he said, crossing his arms like that justified pushing me onto the floor. "Now get dressed! Father's already coming to take us to the match."
"Tsk." I cracked my neck, feeling the muscles protest. "You know I'm not gonna let that slide, right?"
"Yeah, yeah. Just hurry up, slowpoke!" Draco shot back, waving off my threat with a dismissive gesture. He spun on his heel and left the room, the door clicking softly behind him.
'Idiot.'
***
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, images or songs featured in this fic. Additionally, I do not claim ownership of any products or properties mentioned in this novel. This work is entirely fanfic.