Chapter 3: 3. First Visible Change
What emerged from my wand was not the majestic and imposing deer described in the books, or the large and powerful one from the films, but an eagle, which was no less majestic than the old deer. It was only 1.10 cm tall, but when it opened its wings, its wingspan reached a dazzling 2.20 cm.
Its flapping wings released a powerful silver dome, which pushed the dementors away and gave a calm and peaceful aura to the environment.
Beside me, Hermione was dazzled, watching the bird circle around Sirius's fallen body, which despite breathing, seemed very exhausted, and mine, which did not escape my now sharp vision, gave a strong spasm, and started breathing again.
Realizing that there was no more danger, I held Hermione's hand tightly, as I led her into the forest, undoing my Patronus, knowing that soon, Snape would be there to recover the fallen bodies. We ran into the forest, where we found Buckbeak, a little injured, but still looking at us in that superior and arrogant way that every hippogriff, or at least he, has.
After doing the whole procedure again, I bowed in respect to the bird, inducing Hermione to follow my steps.
We climbed on the animal's back and began to fly around the towers, looking for where Sirius was being held. Soon, we found him at the top of the tower near the Ravenclaw common room.
"Hermione, steady Buckbeak next to the window, I'll open a path and Sirius can climb on it. Then take us to a place where we can land and let Sirius escape with Buckbeak. It also needs to be close to the castle, so as not to delay our return to the hospital wing." I indicated, and she nodded that she understood.
As soon as we were approaching the bars of the window, I pointed my wand between the bars and the wall.
"Liquefacit."
It was a spell Harry had read about in one of his books during his time at the Dursleys'. It was either do this or stare at the ceiling for the entire vacation. Hermione didn't seem surprised as she watched the castle wall begin to melt like lava.
There, lying down and staring in surprise, was Sirius, who began to smile wider when he saw us. "A ride to freedom?" I asked the man, who laughed but quickly covered his mouth, trying not to make any noise.
He ran and jumped on Buckbeak's back, who complained a little but still did what Hermione was guiding him to do. Before he was too far away, I cast a 'Reparo' on the wall, which returned it to normal.
This spell only worked if there were still all the 'pieces' of the broken or, in this case, melted object. It could also be used if there were replacement parts for what was missing. We landed, and Sirius stayed on Buckbeak, taking the reins while Hermione and I jumped. After thanking the animal, I look at Sirius.
"Stay hidden for a while, and try not to make any funny faces, please." I ask the man, with a pleading expression.
"Don't worry, puppy, I won't throw away this freedom you gave me." He winks and looks at Hermione. "You're the smartest girl I know, Hermione, very similar to Lilly." He compliments her.
"Don't go complimenting other people's girls, or you'll get a kiss from my fist, pads." I joke, taking the man by surprise, while Hermione's cheeks blushed heavily.
"Very good Harry, just like the Potters before you, you got the best girl." He says excitedly, and starts to turn into Buckbeak. "Unfortunately, we can't celebrate, but soon Harry, soon. See you." He finally says, with Buckbeak riding for a while and taking flight, flying away.
Hermione stares at me a little. "Jealous, I see?" She laughs, but the blush remains.
"Of course, after all, my girl is the best girl, I tell Sirius about that." I joke, making a pun with the name. "I wanted to hug you and kiss you for the rest of the night, but we need to go back, Hermione. Time is running out." I say, holding the girl's hand and running into the castle.
We finished climbing the stairs and passed Dumbledore, who looked at us confused for a moment, but soon went on his way, smiling calmly. We entered the hospital wing at the exact moment of our time transfer.
Ron, still asleep, I cast a sound-muffling spell around Hermione and myself, catching the girl surprised by my attitude.
"I'll explain later, Hermione, I just ask that you trust me." I say, receiving a nod from the girl, confirming. "Dobby." My words had barely finished when the little elf appears in front of us.
"What can Dobby do for Master Harry Potter, Sir?" he says somewhat excitedly.
"How about we start by you calling me just Harry? That would be very nice and shows that I am indeed your friend, Dobby, which is what I really want to be. Now, I want to ask, are you still free? And what problems does that bring you?" I sit down on the stretcher, pulling Hermione to my side.
Dobby rubs his little hands a little awkwardly. "Dobby is still a free elf, Dobby didn't want to join Hogwarts through magic. Dobby's magic is weaker, but he can still do a lot. Dobby is happy to be free." This ending seemed to have been said with great force, when trying to lie, and make people believe that it is not a lie.
"My friend, I'm sorry it took me so long to realize." I let go of Hermione's hand, getting off the stretcher and kneeling in front of the little elf. My arms wrap around the little one, who starts to cry very hard, while returning the hug.
"Dobby, do you want to take care of me and my family, being our house elf?" I ask, still during the hug.
"Master Harry would make Dobby the happiest elf in the world if he accepted Dobby as his house elf." he answers, with his cheerful high-pitched voice. I feel my body warm up a little, just as I see Dobby have a slight glow.
"Dobby is now the house elf of Harry Potter's family." he says, jumping up and down while still in the hug. I was happy, the little boy's joy was contagious, and even Hermione, who glared at me, still couldn't help but smile.
I give the girl a brief, explanatory look and turn my attention to Dobby. "Dobby, can you stay working at Hogwarts for a while? If you can't, look for Sirius Black, and don't let him make too much of a mess. If you think he's going to do something dangerous, come talk to me before you do anything. Okay?" I ask the little guy.
"Dobby will do as Master Harry Potter asks." he says in a devout, almost manic voice.
"So, just call me Harry, that's my order." I give the little boy a smile. "Now go." As soon as I finish speaking, the little elf disappears in the same way he appeared, going to do what I asked.
Then I turn to face Hermione. She just raises an eyebrow. "Explain." Her authoritative voice makes me sigh.