The Butler, In Service

Through a strange twist of fate, Harry becomes enslaved to Daphne Greengrass. However, he quickly discovers that he has developed new powers to aid and defend his mistress.

Chapter One: The Butler, Banking

The sunlight peeked through the curtains of the ornately decorated bedroom. A figure in a four poster bed, squeezed her eyes shut, and pulled the covers up to block out the invading sunlight as the curtains were thrown open.

"Good morning, my lady. It is time for you to rise."

"Ugh, Sebastian, it's still early." Daphne Greengrass moaned

"Indeed it is, my lady. However, regardless, it is time for you to rise." Sebastian chuckled. Daphne sighed, and sat up. Sebastian was stood by her bed, pouring her tea into a beautifully decorated teacup.

"This mornings tea is Darjeeling, imported from India." he smiled, handing her the teacup. Daphne glanced at Sebastian, and examined him for a moment. He was wearing his regular black tailcoat, the pin in his lapel designating him as the head butler of the House of Greengrass. His long black hair framing his face, still a little unruly. He wasn't wearing his glasses, but Daphne knew that they were tucked safely in his pocket. All in all, he looked almost unrecognisable. So vastly different from the first four years at Hogwarts, so different from how he looked that night. He looked older. Though he was in the same year as Daphne, he had evidently aged. The magic that bound them together had obviously had a hand in that. All in all, no one would ever guess that her butler Sebastian, was formerly Harry Potter, the boy who lived.

"What does the Prophet have to say on the recent Death Eater attacks?" Daphne asked,

"It would appear that Minister Fudge has still not admitted to the Dark Lord's return."

"Hmm, I suppose admitting that would mean admitting that we're about to go to war."

"That is true, my lady. Though-" Sebastian began.

"Don't even think about it, Sebastian." Daphne cut him off. "Your powers have developed a great deal over these past few months, but that's still not enough for you to take on the Dark Lord all by yourself. If I wanted you to go on a suicide run, then I would order it."

"Very good, my lady." Sebastian said, bowing.

"We'll need to go to Gringotts today, prepare my clothes, we'll leave shortly."

"Of course, my lady."

After helping Daphne into her dark blue formal robes, Harry apparated them to Diagon Alley. As they were walking down the busy street to the bank, Daphne caught a glimpse of red hair. Evidently, the Weasley's were out shopping for the coming school year. Skirting around the alley, Daphne and Sebastian took a slightly longer route to the bank. Upon arrival, Daphne told Sebastian to collect enough galleons from her account to cover the expenses of the coming years school supplies. Sebastian returned shortly after with a bag of galleons.

"How much did you get, Sebastian?" asked Daphne.

"50 galleons, my lady."

"That should cover my school supplies for the year. Are you quite sure that you'll be able to breach the school wards to help me?"

"Yes, my lady. If you call for me, I am capable of travelling from the other side of the world in a matter of moments. The feeble wards of Hogwarts shall be of no consequence to me."

"If you're sure."

"I am quite sure, my lady."

"All right, let's hurry around these shops, the headmaster wanted to meet with me later today, did he not?"

"Indeed he did, my lady."

The master and servant duo quickly went round diagon alley, taking care to avoid the family of redheads, before apparating back to Greengrass manor.

"Sebastian, the headmaster will be here shortly, could you prepare the drawing room for guests to be received in?"

"Of course, my lady." Sebastian nodded, and quickly headed for the drawing room.

A short while later, the telltale pops of apparition indicated the arrival of Daphne's guests. Opening the door, Sebastian was surprised to see not only Albus Dumbledore, but Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.

"Good afternoon, we're looking for Miss Daphne Greengrass."

"Of course, sir. My young mistress is awaiting your arrival in the drawing room. Please, follow me."

The two students, and their headmaster, followed the butler through the manors foyer and into the drawing room.

"Your guests have arrived, my lady."

Thank you, Sebastian. Could you please bring some tea through for our guests?"

"Of course, my lady." Sebastian, nodded, and left.

"You have servants?" Hermione asked, outraged. "That's inhumane."

"Sebastian is treated quite well, I assure you. Now, with what can I help you with?" Daphne asked, looking over her guests.

"Miss Greengrass, it is my understanding that your parents were killed last year, for opposing the Dark Lord?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"Your understanding is correct, Professor."

"Well, we were hoping that you might consider allowing us to help you. "

"And how do you propose it is that you could help me, Headmaster?"

"Allow us to move you to a secure location, which is unknown to the Death Eaters."

"And this secure location is unplottable, untraceable, and heavily guarded, is it?"

"Well, we have a contingent of aurors there."

"And, these are the same aurors that were supposed to be protecting your golden boy, Harry Potter? Has he been found yet?"

"It would appear that Harry Potter has still not surfaced." sighed Dumbledore.

"Then how am I supposed to trust you with my safekeeping, if you couldn't keep one boy safe."

Sebastian returned with the tea. The atmosphere in the room had become decidedly cold. As he poured the tea into the four teacups on the tray, Ron spoke up.

"Why are you so worried about Harry anyway?"

"Believe it or not, Mr. Weasley, I care a great deal about Harry's welfare. Do you have any leads on what might have happened?"

"None as of yet." Dumbledore said, accepting the teacup from Harry.

"I see." Daphne muttered "Well, I'm sorry Headmaster, I will not be leaving Greengrass Manor."

"But, Miss Greengrass-"

"Headmaster, please listen to me. Greengrass Manor is heavily warded, under the Fidelius Charm and is heavily guarded."

"How heavily guarded?" Ron asked

"Attack me and find out." Daphne smirked.

"What?"

"Go ahead." Daphne urged "Attack me. See for yourself."

Ron drew his wand and raised it to cast a stunner. Before he had even raised his arm halfway, he felt the cool steel of a blade at his throat. The Butler that had been stood by Daphne's side the whole time, was now stood with in front of her, his emerald eyes, glaring at Ron. In his hand, was a simple, but razor sharp, kitchen knife.

"If you could please lower your wand, Mr. Weasley?" the Butler smirked at him.

Ron, now very pale, lowered his wand.

"How extraordinary." Dumbledore muttered.

"Sebastian is quite the butler. He'll protect me from whatever may seek to harm me."

"Miss Greengrass, I really must insist that you come with us." said Dumbledore "Your butler is skilled, but he can hardly protect you from all the evils of the world."

"Oh? I rather think he can."

"How so?"

Daphne stood and turned to face Sebastian. "Sebastian, I order you to protect me from all harm, by any means necessary. Even if it means making enemies of the Order of the Phoenix, and the Ministry of Magic."

Sebastian knelt before her. "Yes, my fair lady."