Harry felt as if a giant fishhook had slammed through his navel and the world started spinning much faster than it already did. Then he felt as though he was falling then as if he hit the ground with great force. Which he did. "What was that?"
"A portkey."
"Where are we?"
"Bristol, elves are valuable property. Yours are languishing. They need to properly bond with you before they sicken and die. Hence my bringing you here first."
"You mean elves are like slaves?"
"In a sense yes, in another no. You own them and are their master and they will stay with you regardless of how you treat them unless you give them clothes. But it is more of a symbiotic relationship. Do you understand this word?"
"A symbiotic relationship is one where both sides get something they need from the relationship."
"Yes as a wizard you get their service. They keep house, tend grounds, that sort of thing. They get to draw on your magic, you provide them with purpose, garments and food to eat. The amount even a hundred elves takes would be so small you never notice it but it is what gives them life. Setting them free is a death sentence most freed elves die within five years if not less; many take up drinking to numb the pain caused by the absence of the bond. Elves are trustworthy they keep their master's secrets. Owning a house elf can be rewarding for both parties. Come we are just outside the wards. We go through that gate and we are on your property."
The moment they crossed the wards eight beings two thirds Harry's size popped into being around them. "MASTER! Master is being here! Oh Happy, happy, happy day! Master has come!"
Harry was slightly taken aback by the eight green skinned creatures with tennis ball size eyes, but he knew these creatures lives depended on him so he shyly said. "Hello." All of them seemed to want to touch him as if to reassure themselves he was really here.
After several moments the oldest one said "Enough, I is Libby oldest house elf and housekeeper. It is so good see you master, it has been so hard." On the last phrase her eyes started to swim with tears.
"It's nice to meet you too Libby." The tears started to flood over Harry wondered what he had said wrong as the elf started to cry in earnest. "No, don't do that. I'm sorry I don't want you to cry."
"Sorry Master, but Libby is just being so happy, Little Master is kind just like Mistress Lily would have wanted." She wiped her eyes with the edge of the pillowcase she was wearing. She sniffed long and hard. Then said, "This is Zinnia she is been cook, Rudy is chief gardner, Bob is being his helper. Melvin is repair and maintenance elf. Taffy is laundry elf. Becky and Rose is being maids. We is keeping all Potter homes we allowed in, in best condition we can."
"What do you mean?"
"We is not allowed into Dowager Cottage in Godric's Hollow not for long, long time. Nasty old bugger man not allow us, he try to confine us here after Old Master died. He bound us to Potter properties so we couldn't search for little Master. He gives us two choices be bound or goes with him. There is not being enough magic and work so Sid, Wibbly, Gary, Penny, Mitzy, and Fara left with him but they still Potter elves. Unfortunately there is not much work at Potter Manse, it is not being finished. And we is taking care of the Loft. That is where Potter family paintings is being kept, it is so sad that there is no painting of Masters parents but that is way life is."
"Barchok told me I need to properly bond with you so you don't get sick. How do I…"
Libby took his hand and placed it on her head "I is accepting you as my master. Now you say I accept you as my elf."
"I accept you as my elf." Harry didn't expect for there to be a difference and felt ridiculous saying the words, but to his astonishment Libby seemed both younger and brighter afterward.
"Master is being so strong!"
The other elves quickly surged forward to do their own bonding with him. After which he finally got a chance to really observe his surroundings. The house was on a rise overlooking the sea. It had a garden like he knew his Aunt would love before a short picket fence with a gate that opened onto a path that led to a beach. The elves excitedly led him on a tour of the house. He could tell this was meant to be a vacation house it was two stories and the entry opened onto a great room there were stairs leading up to both sides of the upper story. Up the stairs were large almost dormitory style rooms. The elves excitedly showed him how Mistress Lily had improved the upper story by adding bathrooms to both sides. One side on the ground floor held a large kitchen and dining area that could easily seat twenty and a small library. In the library there were filled shelves and crates filled with books.
"Libby what, I mean why the crates?"
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