Albus just hoped she wouldn't find anything. He had stopped two investigations against the Dursleys because he thought it was vital for Harry to have the protection of the blood wards. But he also didn't think the Dursleys would go as far as beating him with a belt. They wouldn't be nice to Harry, but he didn't think family could be that cruel. Obviously that had been a big mistake. He should have investigated more and probably made his point clearer towards the Dursleys.
"So we will need to find a solution for where Harry is going to live in the future. I guess for this summer he could take a room in the Leaky Cauldron and we can ask Tom to have an eye on Harry until we find a better solution." Dumbledore pondered.
"Yes, I also had the idea, but do you think that is wise? After all, he is just eleven years old. He is quite mature for his age, but nonetheless he shouldn't be on his own. Especially as he has no experience how to behave in the wizarding world. If he was 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 have 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 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 would, I wouldn't tell you. If you meddled in Harry's life again, he would never forgive you. I think he would be capable to attend 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 if Harry decided to come to Hogwarts. Perhaps he could influence the boy positively 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 left the office.
.....
Harry woke up in the morning, seeing a tray of food being held by a strange creature. There also were two potions on the nightstand beside his bed.
"Ah, Mr Harry Potter is awake. Goods morning. I is Tibby. I is bringing your breakfast." The creature said.
"Good morning, Tibby. If you don't mind, I don't know that much about magic and the wizarding world. What kind of race do you belong to?" He asked curiously.
"Oh, Tibby is a house elf. I is working at St. Mungo's." Tibby said.
"Okay, what are house elves like?" Harry asked.
"We's are looking after wizards and work for them. House elves are bonded to family or building. Tibby is bonded to St. Mungo's." She said happily. "House elves do 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 like she was insulted to think about being paid.
"Sorry, I didn't know you would think about that being insulted. It's just that all I have ever learned is that people are paid if they do work for others. One way or another." Harry quickly said.
"Tibby understands. But for house elves having family or other bond is important. We is getting our magic from bond." She said.
"So this is a form of symbiosis. You give the family your work and for the work and keeping their secrets and 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 wondering about the strange but obviously friendly little creature. Then he turned his attention to his breakfast. He saw a note 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 started eating.
.....
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