Harry Potter and the Extremely Weird Year

Chapter 3

Just as Harry had feared, Stan, had questioned Dobby closely about how he called the bus. "Master called it for him, sir, master wants Dobby to do something for him," Dobby had said. Harry still knew they weren't completely buying it. Why would a house elf need to take a bus anyway? Harry was squirming around under his cloak, after all, he did have an owl in there with him.

Occasionally, Dobby would look in Harry's general direction, to make sure he wasn't showing.

"Dobby," Stan said abruptly, "dincha ya here about that kidnappin?"

"No, sir," Dobby lied. "Who was it, sir?"

"The minister of magic," Ernie the driver interrupted. "Mr. Cornelius Fudge."

"Oh," said Dobby, "do they know who did it, sir?"

"No," said Stan hardly above a whisper," all they know is it 's black magic."

Harry sat on the bed beside Dobby, hardly listening to the conversation. He was worried for Sirius' safety, after all, everyone Harry knew eventually got themselves hurt---or killed. He wondered what Ron and Hermione were doing---if they were thinking about him too. He knew better than to try to run to one of their houses; they were pretty easy targets.

" 'Choo want anything to drink?" Stan's words made Harry come back to reality.

"No, sir. Is Dobby almost there?"

"Yes," said Ernie Prang, the bus driver. "Should be very soon. There is only one more person ahead of you."

For the rest of the drive, Harry sat there silent. He wasn't sure if what he was doing was such a good idea. He realized he must of drifted off, because the next thing he heard was Dobby whispering and the slight cooing of Hedwig.

"Harry Potter, we're here," Dobby said very quietly.

Already?

Stan and Ernie said good-bye to Dobby and asked him to come again. "Good-bye, sir," Dobby had said.

Harry watched as the bus disappeared again "Harry Potter," Dobby said, " where are you, sir?"

"Right here," Harry said, touching Dobby on the head. "I'm going to let Hedwig out." Hedwig flew out from under Harry's cloak happily. "Now, Hedwig, you go fly around for awhile. I have something I need to do." Hedwig obviously understood, and flew away immediately.

"Where is it we go now, sir?" Dobby asked.

"Just follow the sound of my voice."

Harry lead Dobby up the long path to the cave where Sirius had lead him, Hermione, and Ron--- making sure they didn't run into anyone. When they finally came very close, Harry stopped.

"What is it, sir?"

"I have to go in alone." Dobby looked up at Harry confused. "Only for a little." He added hastily.

"Alright, Harry Potter must be careful."

Harry smiled. "Don't worry, I'll be back soon."

Harry making one last adjustment to his cloak, ventured forward into the cave. It was just as he remembered except, that it was a little more brightly lit. As he got to the inside, he realized Sirius wasn't the only one there; Remus Lupin was too.

"What does Dumbledore suggest we do, Sirius." The tone in Lupin's voice made Harry halt.

"I don't know, Remus, we're just suppose to do as he says." Sirius sat down on the ground, and began to twiddle his thumbs.

Lupin sighed and sat down beside him. "How's Harry?"

Harry didn't know what he should do. Should he let them know he was there, or keep listening to the conversation? Eventually Harry's curiosity got the best of him, and he decided to keep listening.

"Harry's fine," Sirius said a little to quick for Lupin's comfort.

Lupin put his hand on Sirius' shoulder. "He's a good kid, Sirius, he'll be fine."

Sirius smiled one of his very rare smiles. "I know."

Harry was stood there smiling, eyes wide. He then realized it had been awhile and he better check up on Dobby. Harry made his way out of the cave; still, with the humongous smile plastered to his face.

"Dobby, I'm back." Harry pulled off the cloak for the first time.

"What is it you are going to do Harry Potter?" Dobby asked eagerly.

"I'm going to stay here," Harry looked down for a minute. "Can you do me a favor?"

"Anything, sir."

"Can you bring me my trunk?"

"Oh, yes, sir."

Harry looked at Dobby thoughtfully. "Thank you--- for everything. You saved my life."

"Dobby likes Harry Potter."

"Thanks, Dobby. I don't want anybody to get suspicious, so don't bring me my trunk until a week has passed." Harry paused for a second. "You're going to have to use the Knight bus, since there are wards or something around here."

"Yes, sir."

"I owe you one."

Dobby looked embarrassed. "Harry Potter owes Dobby nothing!"

"Now get along. Don't want to linger too long."

"Good-bye, sir," Dobby said, turning to make his way back down the path. "Oh, and, sir?" Dobby said turning abruptly.

"Yes?"

"Happy birthday."

Harry, then put his cloak on, and proceeded back into the cave.

Sirius and Lupin were still sitting on the floor, except, Sirius was now sitting in one of the corners. Harry was just about to show himself when he heard something---or someone. Dobby? Harry knew it couldn't be him, he just watched him leave! Then, there were footsteps right behind Harry, and something almost hit him.

Then he saw her.

"Sirius? Remus?" she called.

"Yes?" they both coursed.

"I have another letter from Dumbledore."

Sirius hurriedly took it from her. "Thank you."

"No problem." She turned away and started back out of the cave.

Harry stood in shock. What was she doing here?

For the person who had dropped off the letter, had been old Mrs. Figg.