I'm reborn as Harry Potter

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***

Honestly, myself, I couldn't think of a suitable place to hide and lay low for a while. Fleur's place was off-limits to me, as I didn't want to draw even more attention to her. Riddle would be the first to look for me, and thanks to Snape, he would know that I was definitely not at Delacourt Manor. I hope I can keep the new family safe by my absence.

And no one else should be looking for me, because once again Dumbledore thinks I'm dead, and he killed me himself, even if he didn't want to. Though maybe if he got all the knowledge out of my head that he wanted, he would have killed me anyway. I'll get to the old man yet.

Fleur would know I was okay, and that's what mattered. Either way, I didn't know where to go. The paranoia in my head was developing at a rapid pace, and every place that came to mind was soon criticised. I couldn't go to the flat, because the goblins knew about it, and they were big talkers. I couldn't go to Godric's Hollow, for the ruined house, even though it belonged to me, must be under someone's watch, for it must be a memorial and all that. I could take my chances and hide at Hogwarts, which would be the last place they'd look for me, but it was probably the beginning of term, and one of my former friends had a Marauder's Map that would give me away before I could get to the Room of Requirement.

With each option denied, I was starting to get more and more worried. Dobby was apparating at my command in several leaps to cover his tracks, and such exertion did nothing to alleviate the headache. On the third or fourth jump, I passed out, and I could only hope that Dobby, despite his apparent simplicity, would come to the same conclusions as I had by thinking of a better place.

***

When I opened my eyes, I saw a white ceiling with an amazing bas-relief depicting some kind of battle. There were people, centaurs, mermaids, and even a couple of giants. And the picture was so detailed that I could see every little detail. Amazing work that must have cost a lot of money. So I was definitely not in a hospital.

Turning my head, I was surprised to note that I didn't have any pain, I felt fresh and rested, and only a faint throbbing in my temples reminded me of a headache.

When I held my hands up to my face, I almost shrieked-all my fingers were in place, and my left pinky was no different from the rest. I thought of nothing better than to bite it, and it responded with a pleasant pain that told me it wasn't some magical prosthesis, but actual restored flesh.

It was only as I savoured the fullness of the returned sensation that I noticed that the magnificent bas-relief was not the only decoration in the room. I was lying on a large bed with posts on which a canopy hung at the sides. The carved wood with gold elements seemed a bit fancy, but the comfort I felt overrode any design flaws. The room had the same carved furniture, a huge white rug on the floor, and a large number of gold-rimmed paintings on the walls, but they were all empty.

At first I thought that Dobby had been transporting me straight to Buckingham Palace, but then I realised that the Queen's chambers were unlikely to have centaur pictures. So I'm in a magical house. Or rather, I'm in the home of some rich wizards. And what rich wizards do I know that Dobby can get into? Oh, shit.

- Master, are you awake? - The houseboy appeared beside me, staring at me with his huge eyes. 

- Dobby, are we in the Malfoy house? How did you even think of that? - The elf was immediately confused and began nervously rubbing the sheet, which in his understanding was clothes.

- Master asked me to hide it so no one would find it. But Master was sick and needed help. Dobby wanted to take it to the hospital, but then the master would be recognised. So Dobby got his old friends to help him hide his master. And Mitty helped his master to get well. - At that moment, another houseboy appeared next to Dobby and started looking at me with interest.

- Mitty? - I decided to ask, and he nodded.

- Yes, Harry Potter sir. I am Mitty, House elf of the Malfoy family. I have healing powers. Dobby asked me to help, and I did. I've regrown your finger, healed your bruises and dealt with your headaches. I also cleaned your clothes. I hope you don't mind. Master Draco often gets injured while training or flying on a broomstick, so I am good at dealing with such injuries. Master Lucius and Mistress Narcissa are always pleased with Mitty and do not punish him.

This House elf expresses himself better than many people. Now I feel even more strongly that the Malfoys got rid of Dobby on purpose.

- So the Malfoy family has several House elf, each with their own area of responsibility?

- Yes, Master Ga...

- That's right, Harry Potter sir," Mitty looked disapprovingly at Dobby, who was trying to cut in on the conversation, and continued: - "there are five elves on the estate, responsible for cooking, cleaning, gardening, healing and shopping. There used to be an elf who did various requests and errands for the masters," another, much more disapproving glance to the side, "but the masters decided to give up that position and divide his duties between us.

- Thank you very much, Mitty, for that detailed explanation. And thank you, Dobby, for getting me out and bringing me here. But hang on. Mitty, won't your hosts mind you bringing a stranger into their house? And why are you helping Dobby, I can see you two aren't exactly on good terms.

Dobby looked down at the floor, but the healer elf nodded and continued his measured speech.

- Dobby has lived with us for many years, Harry Potter sir, I personally delivered his mother. Even though he has left us and gone, I will always treat him as my son. - My houseboy let out a loud sob and Mitty placed a hand on his shoulder affectionately, smiling. I felt superfluous, in this togetherness of creatures that wizards never paid much attention to. Well, except Granger, but I'd rather not mention her.

- As for your first question," Mitty continued, "a fortnight ago, before he left, Master Lucius personally warned us that he had opened access to the manor for you. He said it was unlikely you would ever be here again, but that if you did, we should help you and honour any request. Within reason, of course, is how he put it. I believe that helping you heal your wounds and rest is reasonable. He also asked me to warn you that you may not be the only guest at the manor while he and Mistress Narcissa are on holiday in Europe. He said he hoped that this would smooth over some of the misunderstandings that had arisen between you, and be a kind of thank you. He didn't say for what, but, Mistress Narcissa understood him.

I was liking this elf more and more by the minute. He was behaving as dignified as possible for a houseboy. In fact, the more I get to know house elves, the more I'm surprised by their differences. Ricky, for example, is quiet and efficient. Dobby, on the other hand, prefers to act spectacularly and boldly. Kreacher, in turn, is a rather lazy and vindictive elf, but Mitty is calm and wise. I wonder, if I ever gather an army of House elf, how long will it take me to take over the world? I digress, though.

- So Lucius knew I was coming to his house? That's odd, because even I didn't know that, and I didn't think it would happen.

- I didn't, Harry Potter sir, I just assumed it. And as you can see, he was right. I hope you're well and happy. If you need anything you can call me or tell Dobby. Even though he may not have the rights in this house now that he used to, he'll be able to find any of us quickly.

- Thanks a lot again Mitty, you've been a great help to me, your masters must be proud of you.

In response to my words he only nodded and silently disappeared, leaving me alone with my own elf.

- You're good, Dobby. I wouldn't have thought of that. They won't be looking for me here.

- Is Master Harry Potter sir not angry? Dobby was afraid the master would be angry because the master doesn't like Draco and Lucius.

- 'Don't worry, Dobby. Lucius and his wife are away for an indefinite period of time, and their son is at Hogwarts and will be there until at least the Easter holidays, so we have the house to ourselves. The main thing is not to overstay our welcome.

Not knowing what to think about the whole situation, I decided to just relax for a while and get a good night's rest. Despite such a helpful action on the part of the elder Malfoy, it was unlikely that I would ever have friendly feelings for him. Just remember the fact that he almost killed me at the end of my second year, and only Dobby could stop him. Plus, he's Draco's father, that blond misunderstanding who can't live without shitting on someone. Although, in light of my new attitude towards Ron and Hermione, some of Draco's jokes now seem rather amusing. As for Narcissa, I know next to nothing about her. I remember that in the original interpretation of the story she would save my life, but to what extent she has similar traits here, I don't know.

In any case, it would be necessary to leave this house at the earliest opportunity, it was only important to determine in advance exactly where to go. Part of me couldn't think of anything but Fleur, and I couldn't wait to see her again, but I tried to suppress that urge, because the farther I was from her, the safer she was. Besides, she should not draw attention to herself now, for the reason that Sebastian had a lot of work to do, and should not be distracted. It is up to Sebastian to make sure that France is properly prepared for a possible war. I, for my part, will endeavour to make sure that war does not cross the Channel.

- Dobby, go to Delacourt Manor and tell Fleur I'm all right. Just don't tell her where I am. - I knew she'd be angry, but I didn't see any other way. - Tell her I love her, and we'll be together again soon.

Dobby nodded and disappeared. Not as silent as the other elves, but I wasn't picky. I rolled over on the bed, savouring its softness, and tried to sleep again, getting rid of all my worries, but something was keeping me awake. Some little thing that indicated that I hadn't taken everything into account and hadn't paid attention to everything.

Trying to understand what it was, I replayed the events of the last few days in my head several times, but not finding what my subconscious was trying to tell me, I gave up. I decided that I couldn't sleep, so I decided to walk around the estate and see how the wealthiest wizards in Britain lived.

As soon as I got to my feet, another House elf I hadn't seen before appeared beside me.

- Harry Potter sir would you like to dine? - The house elf looked at me with a hunted look, as if I was going to punch him when he offered me food.

- That would be great, thank you," I tried to look as friendly as possible. - What's your name?

- I'm Dinky, sir," the creature squeaked, not at all relaxed by my friendliness.

- Nice to meet you, Dinky," he sounded like the elf in charge of cooking. Only why is he so scared, are the Malfoys beating him up for being a bad cook? - Are you scared, Dinky? I'm not going to hurt you.

He relaxed a little, but still tried to keep a respectful distance.

- It's alright Harry Potter sir, everything will be ready in a few minutes, I'll set the table in the small sitting room.

He apparated away and I headed for the bathroom. Inside I had to call Mitty again and ask him to explain how everything worked in here. The large bathroom in the centre of the room, tiled in dark green, stood out with a copper hue and lots of taps on the sides. In some ways, it reminded me of the headmen's bath at Hogwarts, only on a smaller scale and more ornate. Unfortunately, I hadn't been able to figure out how to use it myself. More than anything at this point, I wanted to be in the cosy, little shower of my flat, where everything worked perfectly well without magic.

After Mitty explained everything to me, I lay down in the tub, soaking my head in the warm water, and exhaled in satisfaction. How I had missed this. I'd been a prisoner, and I'd died, and I'd been in a landfill, and now I was getting rid of all the effects, becoming a fresh and awake Harry Potter again.

After I got out of the bath, I put on the same jeans and black t-shirt with a print of some rock band on it, and went in search of the small living room. This time it was decided not to yank the elves and use their help. That way I could both find my way and explore my surroundings.

It wasn't just a manor house, but a palace with everything you could possibly need. My room was on the third floor, and as I made my way down the corridors, I found more than ten bedrooms, several halls of various sizes, including a huge space that seemed to be used for balls, a dueling ground, two laboratories, and even a small museum with various pieces of art. To my immense relief, I never encountered a single moving portrait. There were a few frames in the corridors, but all the canvases were still empty, as if their occupants had abruptly decided to go off to visit someone. The reason for this became clear later, when I found only broken frames in the place of a few paintings, apparently subjected to a powerful explosive spell. Lucius had had enough of the talking portraits, and I couldn't blame him, they did look a little creepy.

After more than half an hour of wandering, I was finally able to find the room that was the small sitting room. This was clear because this was where the table was set for one person. It was only when I saw the plates of food, which were steaming with a tantalising aroma, that I realised how hungry I was. How good it had been in the beginning, with everyone trying to feed me and give me wine, but now such simple pleasures were much rarer in my life.

After I'd paid tribute to Dinky's cooking, who, in the absence of my hosts, had obviously missed cooking, and pleased me with five dishes at once, including a magnificent steak, I leaned back in my chair and patted myself on the stomach in the best Vernon tradition.

- Thank you so much, Dinky," I said, glancing at the elf who'd been hiding behind the door the whole time. - It's delicious.

- Harry Potter sir can't thank Dinky enough," squeaked the houseboy, who, judging by his appearance, was even younger than Dobby. - It was Dinky's duty to feed the hosts and their guests.

- Even if it is, there are always different ways to feed a guest, Dinky. You've put in the time and effort to make it delicious, so I owe you a debt of gratitude. After all, you could have just cooked something inedible and not wasted the host's food.

- Harry Potter sir didn't like the food? - Obviously he didn't understand the point I was trying to make. - Please don't punish Dinky, Dinky will be fine! I'll cook more, just don't send a red ray at me like another guest of the hosts! Dinky will try harder, just don't punish him! - He ran up and put his arm round my leg, tears were streaming from his eyes, and there was such a plea in his voice that I felt uneasy.

- Calm down, Dinky, I won't punish you. I liked everything," I tried to soothe the distraught houseboy by putting my hands on his shoulders, but it only made him shudder and shake even more. - It was delicious, don't worry, you...

I froze in mid-sentence, feeling the pieces of the puzzle in my head coming together. That's what was bugging me! Mitty said there might be other guests here besides me, but who are they? And Dinky's so afraid I'm going to curse him with a red ray because it's happened to him before... A red ray, that's Cruciatus!

And who would show up at the Malfoy house at any moment throwing Cruciatus at House elf? There's only one person I know of. And is it a person?

I'm such an idiot. I knew that Riddle had lived at Malfoy Manor for a while, but I didn't pay any attention to that fact, thinking that since the Malfoys were gone, there was no reason for him to be here. But this environment was perfect for his ego, regardless of whether or not the real owners were present. Either way, this is probably where he holds his Eater meetings, enjoying the luxuries that belong to him. We need to leave now. I don't want to run away from Dumbledore and fall right into Riddle's hands.

- Dinky, tell me, this other guest you speak of, does he come here with other people and does he look like a snake? - I decided to confirm my suspicions. What if I'm exaggerating and it's just some Blaise Zabini throwing tickling charms at the housemates. But Dinky nodded sharply, confirming that it was time for me to find a new habitat. Somewhere I could spend more than one day.

- Don't be afraid, Dinky. I'm not going to punish you. If these people are cursing you, why don't you just hide? - He looked at me as if I had said the biggest stupid thing in the world.

- Master Lucius said Dinky must obey the guests," he explained. - How can I hide, with these people demanding food.

Yes, I've been too confident in the independence of houseboys, forgetting that they can't disobey their masters' orders. Only the likes of Dobby can do that. Speaking of Dobby, I never asked him about the Elder Wand. I didn't depend on it, but I wanted to have a weapon in case things didn't go as planned.

- All right, I got it. Say, Dinky, how often do these people come?

- They show up every day at seven o'clock sharp. - There was an immediate reply.

Glancing at the large wall clock, which, like the rest of the room, was clearly an antique, I realised that I still had plenty of time. A whole minute and a half.