The Impromptu Run-In with a Deserted Place

AN: I am truly sorry that you had to wait so long for a chapter. Reading all the reviews and your hope that it will be continued really does motivate me a lot, knowing I have an audience is a precious feeling and honestly it feels like home. Most of you have probably come for the chapter and I would like to say thank you for those who are giving it a chance and those that are sticking with it. I put a lot of effort into this and I hope it shows. As always, lots of love and enjoy :)

As expected, the Leaky Cauldron was filled with bustling groups of witches and wizards, the smell of butterbeer filled the air as a fresh batch was instantly scooped by a harried looking woman. Harry managed to dodge past the stumbling drunks, staggering as he did so as his trim was stamped and caught on numerous feet. That and the effort of holding Hydrus close to him as he stumbled towards the gated alley made him infinity glad that he had no plans of coming back.

As the gateway to Diagon Alley opened up, Harry couldn't help the fond smile he shot at Hydrus. Hydrus - who's bleary eyes opened lethargically as the bricks clanked into place – snuffled back into a soft sleep. Clearly dismissing the sounds of children screaming their delight and the bustle of a community.

As Harry looked around, he couldn't help but feel bittersweet at the scene before him, the street was as packed as ever as people rushed towards the shops. He could see a large queue at Quality Quidditch Supplies which piqued his interest as he had hardly any news when he was at Grimmauld Place – the urge to fly was as strong as ever, though he doubts he will even have time in which to fly for enjoyment in the coming weeks if he was to run away from The Order. Harry reluctantly squashed down his curiosity as he hurried past the broom display and made his way towards the towering bank of Gringotts.

It was then that Hydrus opened his eyes again, his own green eyes staring blearily up at the ceiling before shuffling back to sleep, clearly unimpressed with another spectacular view. Harry had to smile down at that, it was strange seeing a baby so unemotional towards their surroundings but after a few weeks Harry learned that it wasn't as strange as he thought it was. Though he resolved to find out more about Gringotts protection at the front doors. He could have sworn he heard a buzz of energy surround them both before he crossed the entrance, the energy dispersing as quickly as it had come. He narrowed his eyes as he kept a firm grip on his baby, it could be harmless but with Harry's luck he wouldn't be surprised if it was an alarm system of some kind.

Like the Leaky Cauldron, Gringotts was also overrun with wizards and witches. Though unlike the pub, Gringotts was run in a sort of organised chaos as people queued and bustled around him. Harry quickly queued up at the head of the hall, watching the goblins half heartedly as he inched his way painstakingly forward.

"Next!"

The goblin glared down at him, his mouth suppressed into a tight frown,

"Your business today!"

"Err…I would like to withdraw some money from my vault please."

"Key."

Harry handed his key over, shuffling his feet slightly as the goblin took an unusual interest in it but otherwise appeared calm when the creature handed it back.

"Ragnok will appear shortly to accompany you to your vault. Wait by the ropes."

Now, Harry was well aware he was an awkward bugger. Years of being alone as a child and dealing with a large amount of people watching his every step made him feel too flustered to even say a proper hello. But that didn't mean he was manner less, so he dreaded up a memory of a boring lecture the Black mistress bestowed on him when dealing with goblins.

"Erm.. May your gold always flow and continue growing," Harry said, his face flushing a little at the unusual greeting.

The goblin stared at him in bewilderment, before snorting in amusement, his eyes as cold as ever.

"The book that you have picked up is obviously outdated." The goblin said, his attention on stamping the documents in front of him, "Does it look like that we goblins will bestow kindness to you wand wavers for a few simple words." The goblin snorted again, chuckling a little before coughing back to seriousness as Harry stammered.

"But someone said-"

- "'Someone' is wrong. I am insulted, not blessed." If Harry wasn't blushing before he was now, his face heating up furiously in embarrassment.

"Why are there even books on goblin etiquette if you just get insulted." Harry mumbled out, his ears burning, jumping when the goblin cut in-

"There is no goblin etiquette you foolish wizard. Although, perhaps if you lent us your tools we would be much more obliging…" Croaking laughter accompanied this as Harry realized the goblin was absolutely serious. Tightening his cloak around him and Hydrus, Harry made sure his wand was safely nestled between them. The movement wasn't lost on the goblin.

"Next time you visit, please refrain from speaking those ridiculous phrases. Ragnok here will now escort you to your vaults." The goblin paused, finally looking up from his documents and giving Harry a long hard stare, his gaze lingering on his scar before travelling down to Hydrus. A bloodthirsty leer upon his face as he eyed how Harry instinctively held his son closer to himself,

"Goodbye mister Potter." The goblin said, waving his hand in a final dismissal as he went back to his documents.

With an unnerving look back, Harry followed the goblin that waited by the ropes. The hairs on the back of his neck standing up as he was all too aware of the goblin watching him – even if he did hear the documents being repetitively stamped. Slowly he stepped into the cart with Hydrus firmly bundled to his chest, settling down for the no doubt the turbulent ride down to his vault.

The Potter vault was as glistening as ever as Harry ventured further into the alcove. There were many objects littered around that Harry was sure held absolutely no value but a pang in his heart wanted to take the lot and keep it close with him. It was times like these where he felt almost disgusted that he spent hardly ever time thinking of his own parents. And as a new father himself, he couldn't help but feel even closer but so far apart from the parents he hardly ever knew. He visibly shuddered off the thoughts – he could think about that later. Right now all he needed was means to live outside the wizarding world. He grabbed the pouch that lay haphazardly near the door, filling it with as much coins as he could, sighing in relief when he felt the pouch extend automatically as it was filled before making his way out. Hesitating slightly at the door, lingering wistfully at the secrets of his family's history before being urged by an impatient grunt from the goblin.

Thankfully when Harry was led back to the main hall, the crowd had dimmed significantly enough that there was already a free teller available. Averting his eyes from the previous one, he made a beeline straight to it. Stopping at a distance away from the desk before being called forward.

"You're business today?"

"I have some galleons I need to exchange." Harry said, already pulling the pouch out.

"To?"

"Harry started, "Erm, to muggle money?"

The goblin sniffed before tapping the desk with his pointed nail – "Place your amount here and I will exchange."

Oh. Harry looked at the pouch uncertainly before he set down the pouch with a load thump.

The goblin merely raised his eyebrows at the action whilst Harry gulped down his hesitance. It was a big step to just forget the world he treasured to go back to a world he had no idea how to function in. He honestly hoped he was making the right decision.

"You will wait." The goblin said, before jumping down with the pouch in his hand and through the door behind his desk. But Harry was restless, he felt that the longer he stayed here the more he was exposed. It also didn't help that holding a baby up for the whole hour he had been here was certainly not helping. In fact, the more he ignored the few people that were in the bank the more he felt eyes burning holes into his head. He tapped his foot... he fidgeted with Hydrus' few baby hairs. He swallowed some air. He hummed a little tune which he immediately stemmed down when a witch closest to him started a little longer than necessary. So, it was a relief when the goblin returned to desk.

"Your pouch." The goblet stoutly said, dumping the jingling pouch onto Harry's outstretched hand.

"I have taken 21 sickles and 56 knuts. An additional 5 galleons have been converted into muggle change. £31.28 is what you now have in coins."

The goblin then reached his knobbly hands into his breast pocket, pulling out a thick envelope "This envelop contains muggle notes of values 10, 20 and 50. I assume you know what they are." At Harry's nod he continued, "Your pouch contained 465 galleons, 1 galleon is worth 4.93 in British pound. You now have 2,290 and you have been charged 8 sickles and 13 knuts for this exchange."

Harry should have expected that, though to be fair he should have asked first how much it would have cost to exchange currencies.

"Any other business you wish to do."

Harry was about to say no, turning towards the entrance when he stopped himself suddenly. He stared at the portrait on the side of the bank. A Black portrait.

He turned so fast to the teller he gasped in pain at the loud pop that his neck bared. "I need to talk about the Black inheritance!"

"And why," the goblin drawled, putting down his papers, "Would you need such information Mr Potter?"

Harry stared at the use of his given name, so much for a goblin who didn't recognise him on sight. "Walburger Black, she said I need to go here to explain - to explain that I am now head of house…" Harry trailed off at the impassive look the goblin levelled with him.

"The late head of house had contacted Gringotts of the changes she wished to be made. However, it cannot be done."

"She sent me a vial of Black blood," Harry said, "As proof of - I dunno, her wish-"

"I suggest you do not tell anyone else of this Mr Potter." The goblin said sharply – "Blood is a very dangerous weapon after all."

Weary, Harry didn't want to sound like a petulant child, but he couldn't understand, "Black said I should be head of the house and that the blood will help in the proceedings."

"The problem, Mr Potter, is that reasoning is utterly void. Black is not of this century. Laws have since changed and so have matters of the house. Likewise, there are still living members of the Black house and an active member of the head of house. Despite the late black's disapproval, you cannot change the title of a living soul. Black does not have that authority."

"So… its worthless to even think about head of house?"

"Worthless..." The goblin murmured, "I suppose. Though, this would be a very different matter if the current, living head of house and the subsequent heirs have been removed Mr Potter."

Harry didn't even have to think about it, heatedly saying that it was not an option.

"I can't do that… I can't just murder someone."

"Then our business is finished."

"Wait"-

There was an undignified pause as Harry struggled to to reason with the goblin

"Well Mr Potter?"

"I have a houself..."

"How privileged," the goblin sneered dismissively, causing Harry to blush a little,

"No- I meant, the Black house-elf – he's loyal to me."

"Regardless Mr Potter, you would still need to remove the current head of house. Though a loyal house elf will determine next in ownership if there are multiple options of heirs - and if you are truthful - the next head of house will fall to you."

Before Harry could even say anything else, the elf in question was scurrying quickly towards him.

"Master Harry- Master- "

"Kreacher. What's happened"–

"Peoples be looking for you now."

"Already!" Harry couldn't deny that he was panicking. He thought he would have a little more time to gather essentials from Diagon alley, to already start running with just what they have would be horrifyingly hard. He couldn't help but look at the goblin who no doubt was listening to every word.

"We offer no sanctuary here Mr. Potter. This is a Bank." The goblin said shrewdly as he shuffled the papers on the desk, "I believe our business is now done. Good day." And with that he hopped of the desk and into the door behind his desk.

Harry swivelled around to Kreacher, his hands clenching tightly against Hydrus as he tried to calm himself, his blood running cold as he tried to fight his instincts to run,

"Okay, okay" Harry rasped out, "Kreacher, where's Dobby?"

"Other elf be hiding in the cauldron," Kreacher sneered out, "tells Kreacher to be taking master Harry and babe out of alley"

And with that Kreacher hurried out. Harry behind his heels as he wished desperately that he had that muggle contraption that carried babies, he was already out of breath.

"The pub!" Harry breathed heavily, thinking of the many fireplaces the Leaky Cauldron held. "We can use the floo!"

"Master shouldn't go through the pub."

Harry gulped as he looked down to Kreacher "Are the order already there?"

"Not order master Potter." Kreacher murmured and Harrys blood ran cold,

"Ministry?"

Kreacher nodded fervently, "I is hearing them to be guarding the doors…"

"Is there anywhere else…" Harry trailed off, already knowing the only option is to go through Knocturn Alley. "Right Kreacher, lead the way to Borgin and Burkes. We need a floo and they have one!"

"Master"-

"Kreacher please – let's just go!" Harry ran straight ahead to the alley, trying to remember his way down the flight of steps that Hagrid hurled him out of. He didn't check if Kreacher was following him or not, already knowing that the elf would follow him willingly if not bitterly. He slowed down to a gentle gait as he pushed through the crowd, scanning his eyes frantically for the dodgy artefact shop.

"There!"

They quickly made their way inside the shop, the door creaked open and somewhere in the shop a bell had rung. But Harry was in no mood to wait around, he quickly crossed the room to the fireplace that was hidden behind the glass containers only to find that there was no floo powder in the pot.

"That has been empty for over a decade."

Harry spun around to find the owner watching him from the doorway, his posture was anything but friendly and judging by the creepy smile as he watched Harry struggle to hold Hydrus – he knew exactly who he was.

"200 galleons they're offering"

Harry swallowed, "I can pay you more."

"Ahhh, but they leave me be for a year."

Harry nervously cast his eyes at Kreacher who had the good sense to hide behind one of the post.

"You wouldn't just let us go?"

The man's expression turned dark,

"Not on your life boy!" He hissed out, a manic glee swept his face and Harry's eyes widened as the owner fired a spell. Instincts telling him to dodge as another smashed into the book next to him as he grabbed hold of Kreacher.

A loud bang penetrated the room as Dobby appeared, a cloud of dust settling around him as he clicked his fingers. A thump followed and Harry breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thanks for that Dobby," he said, struggling to get up with one hand, "we've got to get out of here though, there's no floo powder!"

"We can just take you master."

"What do you mean?"

"We be apparating you to somewhere…"

If Harry hadn't been holding Hydrus he would have slapped his own face. Of course, he should have realised what with Dobby apparating in the shop with them that they can literally just apparate.

"You can apparate in and out of Diagon alley?"

"Yes master Harry,"

"The wards don't hurt you do they, if you go through them,"

"Dobby doesn't feel pain with wards. Wards are safe for master and baby."

"Okay, how do we do this?"

"Mr harry potter must be thinking of place. Dobby doesn't know where to take you, you must do it."

"Wher"- Harry cut off, the back of his spine tingling with dread, and if that wasn't a confirmation enough that they were out of time, the raised voices of alarm and mocking jeers coming closer spurred Harry to grab hold of Dobby,

"Okay, think of a place Dobby – and take us there."

"Dobby can't, Dobby doesn't know anywhere safe!"

"Dobby – you need to think-"

"-Dobby doesn't know"

"Kreacher!"

"Kreacher suggests you silence the elf-" but Harry wasn't listening, he grabbed Kreacher by the front of his tea cosy,

"You apparate us or I swear to god if Hydrus is taken from me I'll never forgive you!"

"I suggest Mr Potter that you unhand the house-elf, it would be detrimental towards your case with fraternizing with dark wizards if you were to harm another creature."

Harry slowly unhooked his fingers from Kreachers ragged shirt, his eyes wide as he whipped his head towards the door. The Auror stood in front of them, his face serious as he regarded Harry with his wand drawn. His eyes darting to the owner that lay on the floor before fixing his wand levelly at Harry,

"If you would be so kind to back away from the house elf, they will not be harmed,"

Harry stayed exactly where he was, he could feel Dobby shaking next to him and he moved a little so his body was covering the small elf. The Auror's eyes narrowed,

"I'm warning you for the last time before we forcefully restrain you Mr Potter. It would be beneficial for you if you were not dragged across Diagon Alley shackled.

Harry licked his lips, his wand drawn as he looked over to Kreacher. A slight nod was his only indication before he fired off the only spell he could use as a distraction,

"Serpentsortia"

The snake that flew out was vicious, enough to make the older man yell as he tried to banish the creature as Harry ran towards Kreacher. Another red light flew over the top of Harry's head and he knew that another auror had joined them

"Get Potter whatever's necessary! That's an order!"

Harry jumped as a dark blue spell zoomed past his leg, hitting the table and causing it to bubble and shatter, sending sharp shards around the room,"

"Dawlish! The baby must be unharmed!"

Dawlish? That bastard! A second less and that spell would have hit Hydrus. Harry's eyes were in slits as he fired of a stunner at the auror in the shop, there were now four of them,

"Dobby! Kreacher!"

"Master Harry!"

A hand grabbed the front of his robes, causing him to stumble a little, crying out as the hand tightened his hold on his arm - A hand forcefully grabbed the bundle in his arms. Panicking Harry cried out, his hands reaching forward before he was jolted upwards by an auror. And Harry was enraged, before he could stop himself, he kicked upwards, his foot connecting squarely between the legs, kicking across the face as the auror went sprawling down with a howl. He pushed his way outside the shop as he felt his whole body buzzing in an uncontrollable frenzy, he could feel his magic bubbling and heating as he sent flashes of sparks as he tried to find his baby,

"Hydrus!" He croaked out, stumbling quickly onto the street, knowing full well he was attracting an army of onlookers, His eyes were blurring as he faltered at the fact his son was gone.

"Potter!"

The auror was back, an ugly look on his face as he waved his wand and shot a spell, he turned to dodge but before he could a pair of hands settled on his waist and forced him into an apparition. The bright blue spell hitting him full in the chest as images flashed through his head. Forcefully he was shoved and propelled in different direction as blood dripped from his mouth, his stomach heaving as the wind rushed through him before he landed forcefully onto solid grass.

"Hydrus!" Harry wheezed out, coughing out a mixture of blood and spit on the ground in front of him "Hydrus!

"Harry Potter sirs, Kreacher has him!"

Harry whipped his head up, his neck protesting as he indeed saw Kreacher holding up a crying Hydrus who seemed intent on wailing his little lungs out.

"Oh thank Merlin!" He ran towards them, quickly grabbing Hydrus from Kreacher who seemed all too happy to give his ears a break. Quickly casting a silencing spell around them all whilst he calmed Hydrus down.

"Harry potter sir is hurt!" Dobby wailed,

"Its nothing…"

"Harry potter sir is bleeding!"

"Dobby. It's nothing. I need you to calm down! Can you do that for me?"

Dobby nodded, his ears flapping together as he sat down on the grass, taking fitful lungs of air as he quietened down. Hydrus was also easily enough to take care of. Harry gently rocking him against his chest, mumbling soft reassurances as the baby snuffled back. The little hands grabbing the front of his face which Harry happily obliged in, not regretting it in the least when Hydrus tried squeezing the life out of his nose and glasses. Though giving him a near heart attack when Hydrus' hands were painted in blood before realizing they came from him.

"Kreacher, I want you to try and find anywhere to stay," Harry asked, not taking his eyes off Hydrus as he casted a wordless episkey, "Somewhere muggles won't willingly wander in."

"Perhaps the graveyard will be suitable for masters needs", Kreacher said mulishly.

Graveyard? Harry looked up and immediately all the blood drained out of his face,

"Wha-what!"

A gentle mist surrounded the area as thousands of tombstones littered the decaying grass. The tall statue of the robed, winged man with a sheath hanging maliciously in the air was all too familiar to Harry. His heart beating furiously as he fought the urge to flee the premises and never looked back as images flashed furiously in his mind of anew born Voldemort,

Harry gulped down his fear as he rounded at Kreacher,

"How did we get here", he said furiously, and despite whispering his voice carried across the vast grounds. But it was dobby who answered,

"Dobby tried thinking of places Harry Potter sir, but you've also be thinking of places and Dobby had to quickly choose…"

"Okay, okay Dobby. But we- we can't stay here. Kreacher, we can't stay here!" Harry said beseechingly,

"Master Potter – Kreacher cannot go anywhere."

Now that Harry looked he realized both Dobby and Kreacher's faces were strained in a grimace, both ears drooping more and more as Harry realized they were trying to disapparate.

"Dobby cannot move. It seems wards are still here."

Of course – Harry thought despairingly. He remembered how he had to desperately cling to the body of Cedric as he portkeyed away from Voldemort. The anti-disappration wards must still be up.

"Let's just – let's just find somewhere to hold up for the night." He took a deep breath, his mind grappling at some sort of plan, "hopefully by tomorrow we can walk far enough to disapparate."

And on they went, Dobby trailing miserly behind him whilst Kreacher sneered up ahead. It seemed they were in a muggle town, the large manor beside the graveyard loomed over the small village even in broad daylight. Harry purposefully decided to head in the opposite direction and away from the muggle village. He remembered the days when Sirius first escaped, the ministry decided to warn the muggle population of his breakout – he wouldn't be surprised if his face was plastered all over the evening news come tomorrow. Oh god, his life as a fugitive has already begun.

The walk was far from gentle, there were a few close calls with the ground as Harry stumbled his way out of the grounds of the graveyard an onto a jumbled mess of stone and wood. At this point it was far safer to just hand his baby to Dobby who seemed graceful in comparison to his fumbling steps. Kreacher it seemed was content to glower his way through the day, his dark look towards the village clued Harry exactly what the elf thought about this environment and rushed to put an even greater distance between them. After all, nothing starts Kreacher on a rant then the sight of muggles going about their daily lives.

As soon as they reached the back gates, a long narrow cobbled road led away from the village lights. Their steps echoing greatly as birds cawed gently in the air. It was almost peaceful, Harry thought as he kicked the stones away from him, it seemed the mansion of his dreams served as a barrier of sorts between the village and the outskirts. Especially since it seemed there was absolutely no humans that ventured in broad daylight to the house or beyond. Or the giant trees that lingered ominously across the border of the walkway.

"Is the shield still up?" Harry had to ask, as fun as it was, they really would be better off elsewhere.

At Kreacher's pained look Harry couldn't help but sigh out loud – he had never felt as more tired as he did now, his legs aching with every step he took and now it seemed that they have to find some muggle means as of escaping.

"Perhaps master Harry should stop-"

"Its fine dobby."

''Kreacher can hear masters heavy pants as he stumbles like a fool-"

"-Thanks for that Kreacher. No really." Harry puffed out, "absolutely beautiful words of flattery there, you do realize I was basically locked in a house for over the year. It's not like there's much to do besides walk arou-"

Harry abruptly cut himself off, startled at the figure emerging from the distant hill. He squinted a little in the sun, picking out the pale jumper and trousers. No robes in sight. Still, Harry thought as he stayed uncertainly by the foot of the trees, it would be better if no one saw them.

"Into the trees."

At both Kreacher's and Dobby's blank faces, Harry merely pointed his finger at the distant figure. Turning quickly from the sight, he strode quickly to the edge of the forest, waving his hand for the elves to follow him before determinately walking into the woods. After all, compared to the forbidden forest, there really is nothing to fear from a simple land of trees in the muggle world.

But the trees weren't thick at all, in fact, it was quite sparse, the leaves a mixture of green and reds gave way to the flower road that they walked on. The sun blinking down on them as they strode what appeared to be a decaying path, the stone heavily hidden between moss and plants.

"Master really is a fool…"

Harry couldn't help the sigh that escaped him, it was a long winded one, his eyes even rolled back. it would seem he would have to deal with this for as long as he had them, though he still couldn't help throw a fond look over at Kreacher who merely looked disgusted at his passing look.

"How is master a fool?"

"Master is an idiot, no matter what peoples be saying, he is stupid"

"Master Harry is not – he is a great wizard!"

"A great wizard ha! Kreacher knows such lies you be telling-"

"-Harry potter sirs be the most kind and-"

"-and unwise he is. He prances through the forest whilst leaving poor Kreacher-"

"Kreacher I didn't-"

"-and Kreacher was going to tell him-"

"Tell me what?" Okay now Harry was exasperated

"-great master harry is a bumble and a fool,"

"Right okay. Dobby you deal with him.."

"-we houselves have also magic. We could make us invisible, but yous be leaving us to go in the forest."

Harry stopped still at that, mentally berating and smacking himself repeatedly in the head. It would simply take time to realize that he can use magic, and that he had his invisibility cloak, and that he had the magic of houselves at his side who seems to defy all wizarding defences – sans Voldemort of course.

"Kreacher, I am so sorry" Harry said sincerely,

"-master should be sorry-"

Okay, Harry was completely prepared to leave it at that, his head shaking at the complete maddening of the rambling houseelf. Though he should probably say something to Dobby who looked a little hurt at being excluded from this tête-à-tête.

They've been wandering in the woods for a good ten minutes but Harry felt that they were hardly moving at all, almost like they were circling the same spot.

"There's something here, I dunno. Something is telling me to stay here…" Harry trailed off, in truth he didn't know what he was feeling but his hackles weren't raised so to speak.

"Kreacher can sense some wards."

"Dobby can remove it if yous like?"

"No, I think its…" Harry felt the foreign sensation run against him again, "I think it's welcoming us." He missed the look of complete distrust from the house elves as he strode forward in the direction he could feel it from. However, he barely took a few steps before an icy feeling submerged him, and he wasn't the only one. Hydrus woke up with a cry, his eyes tearing up as he started to wail which Harry tried to calm immediately. Soothing his son's reddened cheeks with a finger as he tried to smile reassuringly at him but it came more of a grimace as he teared his eyes away to the scene in front of him.

The house was a ruin – that much was certain. And Harry didn't even know if you could even call it a house, what with its stone bricks interlaced with moss, the pointed roof broken in with its tiling in disarray, and by the size of it – only contains a large room about the size of the Dursley's living room – which wasn't huge to begin with. Harry stared at the shack, squinting in confusion at what appeared to be a snake nailed to the door. Harry started at the sounds of Kreacher muttering his way what he assumed were wards.

"-does again, master says sorry for running and he does it again-"

"Dobby" Harry cut in firmly, ignoring Kreacher as he gently swaying his now wide awake son, "how safe would you say this place is?"

"Dobby doesn't know master, dobby never sees this place before."

"I meant- is this place safe – from being found again?"

"Dobby thinks so master, we was trying hard to find you Mr Potter sirs, we was trying very hard."

Harry blinked at that. Slowly grinning at the thought that it could hide people around the area – its protection was very similar to the Black's family house that it was hard not to relax that he found a place so quickly.

"Kreacher?"

"what is master be wanting now?"

"Not wanting Kreacher" Harry said quietly, "I just want to know what you think."

Kreacher blinked heavily at that, his lips quivered a little and Harry was half afraid he would do a Dobby and cry then and there, thankfully he seemed to have held whatever emotion back, his chest quivering with each small breath he took, causing the chain around his neck to rattle.

"Kreacher...Kreacher believes this house is warded, very old protection I sense. Kreacher sees no reason not to stay here."

Even then the elf cast a disdainful glance at the shack, his nose scrunching in what appears to be disgust and Harry couldn't help but agree, its difficult to imagine this as a home when it was hardly comforting.

"Well," Harry said coming to a decision, "there's absolutely no way Voldemort-" Harry ignored the flinches, "-would come back here. he absolutely hates his father enough to pilfer his grave and also, it's a muggle neighbourhood. And Dumbledore – I never did give him a memory of where exactly I got taken after the cup – I just mentioned a graveyard. I think we are safe her – well as safe as we can be."

"Dobby doesn't like this place Mr Harry Potter sir, Dobby is feeling watched mostly."

"I don't really feel anything dobby, it seems like the house must have been calling for someone." Harry said, in his mind he couldn't shake off the feeling that the wards were greeting him, like an old friend. "If we see anything out of order then well leave immediately, is that okay?"

"Dobby also doesn't like the house."

"Yeah... it is a little shit to be honest." Harry said with a rueful grin, "Would you mind keeping Hydrus company, he likes you the most."

As usual, Dobby's eyes filled with tears but most surprisingly it didn't drop this time. He instead sat down in the field where the flowers grew and began to tell the tales of his sock collection. With that out the way Harry turned to Kreacher,

"You are definitely sure I can use magic?"

"Kreacher is positive master. Kreacher is never wrong. Unlike master Harry."

Harry ignored that, "Right then Kreacher. We are cleaning this house, every single thing has to be cleaned, repaired or just thrown away." Harry grimaced at how much time it would actually take, he couldn't even imagine where the bathroom was situated at…

~break~break~break~

There was no bathroom. Harry was honestly horrified at the thought of no water. He didn't even want to visualize on how the previous tenants even went to the toilet. If he did he might be sick.

"Kreacher?"

"Yes Master harry?"

"We are also cleaning the front yard."

Kreacher sent a look his way that he was positive was meant to convey how stupid he was, Harry couldn't quite disagree on that either – it seems obvious they would have to clean right up until where the wards end.

The shack was just as grimy and abandoned inside as it were on the outside. The smell of dead mice and stale damp made Harry cough to the point of chocking.

"Dobby! No stay outside." Harry shouted out, his nose burning as he scrambled to cover it with his t shirt "Just take Hydrus for a walk, this place really needs a good clean." And that was putting it mildly.

"Master Harry, Dobby can-"

Harry vehemently shook his head, "I appreciate it Dobby but I would rather someone stay with Hydrus that can easily be hidden. Me and Kreacher can sort it out."

If they can even sort it out. Whilst the smell of dust and damp walls was off putting, it was nothing compared to the fact that there was only one room in which the kitchen hastily lined up by the wall. Harry sighed to himself,

"How long before we can make this into a proper house?" Harry asked Kreacher, his hand leaning in the doorway, taking in the sight.

"Kreacher would need lots of materials, Kreacher can't say"

"Can't we magic it?"

"Master is an idiot, bricks from nowhere will disappear again."

Harry couldn't help but chuckle bitterly at that, it wasn't like he finished his education anyway. But he needed a plan, he couldn't let Hydrus live here like this, it was disgusting and the unhygienic state will no doubt be dangerous for anyone attempting to live here.

"Okay Kreacher, you get as much materials as you need- steal if you have to, I'll deal with the house."

Kreacher gave him curious look – most likely wondering how on earth Harry was going to deal with this before vanishing on the spot.

Interesting, Harry thought, you can apparate within the house's own wards but not outside it. Putting that at the back of his mind, Harry peered into the room, Casting lumos to unearth some scurrying rats eating away at the armchair. Harry vanished them without a second thought – including the armchair. In fact, there was absolutely no use salvaging anything within the room, the kitchenette vanished along with the old carpet and the dead snake nailed on the door had been removed. The floorboards itself was decaying as Harry went to get a closer look at it, there was hardly anywhere he could stand without a tell-tale creak and the wood bending at the uncomfortable weight. A nicely placed bombarda caused the whole flooring to collapse, making it easier to concentrate on vanishing just the floorboards. Except, there was around ten inches of floorboards that Harry couldn't vanish or break no matter how much he tried. Harry decided to leave it until Kreacher came back whilst he figured out how on earth this shack can become a home for him and Hydrus.

It was well past evening when Kreacher finally came back and in that time, he had changed Hydrus and fed him with an overexcited Dobby who hadn't been with a baby since the days of Draco Malfoy – Harry kindly told him to not mention that fact again. He also figured out that the stones and bricks that made up the walls of the shack couldn't be vanished, and with Dobby's inspection, they figured it was tied to the wards that kept its place secret – instead they used the flowers and sticks to finally design the house around it. So - suffice to say, Harry was a little miffed that half a day was spent waiting for the black elf to show up so they could hurry up and have somewhere to sleep for the night.

"Kreacher apologizes, Mistress's murderer of a son called me."

Ah – Harry didn't really know what to say. Although he still loves Sirius, he wasn't opposed to Kreachers' clear distaste of his godfather, even if he once would have been indignant on his behalf. Though it was worrying that his godfather can even call Kreacher.

"It would be less suspicious if you didn't answer right?"

Kreacher nodded "Mistress Black suggests we can listen."

"You mean keep up to date on what they're planning,"

"Kreacher hears The Order planning."

"I thought you couldn't say anything about the Order?"

"Not to outsiders Kreacher cannot. But master Harry isn't an outsider," he said with a sly smirk,

"I suppose not," Harry said with a frown but decided to leave it at that for the time being, "Anyway Kreacher there's this bit of floorboard that won't go away, I was hoping you could do it."

"Kreacher will try."

In fact, with one click of his finger, Kreacher managed to break the floorboards, or the spell that held the flooring together as they found something glittering in the darkness. There was a ring hidden beneath it and Harry held his breath as Kreacher circled around it, muttering to himself. It must be pretty important if it had that much spells keeping it hidden, unless the house was hidden in the first place so no one could find it. If not for the amount of protection it had around it, Harry would have just merely chucked it in a bin. However, it was relatively easy to disperse the protection charms what with Kreacher able to dissipate it with a click of his fingers. But there was a curse on the ring itself which Harry was reluctant to touch at all, instead he grabbed a twig that lay on the deserted floorboards to pick it up. And he was glad he did as the lone twig deformed right in front of his eyes.

"Do you think it's still cursed?"

"Kreacher suggests so."

"Your necklace!" Harry said with eyes wide, "It's glowing!"

Kreacher looked down alarmed, indeed the necklace was glowing a ghostly white, Harry didn't know if his eyes was playing tricks on him but he was sure the mist was almost moving. And he was sure the tingling at the back of his neck had nothing to do with the cold and everything at how the locket was reacting.

"Kreacher take it off!"

But Kreacher wasn't listening, he seemed transfixed at the sight on his chest. The mist was moving vigorously now, almost scouring towards the ring,

"Kreacher!"

Harry was horrified, he was sure that something was coming out the locket, and it was reacting strongly to the ring, enough that the ring as well seemed to be glowing in response. Harry grabbed Kreacher and yanked the necklace off of him, gasping as his hands grabbed the metal chain which was burning hot and jerked his hands off, letting it fall on the muddy ground below him. The glow eerily fading as the locket tumbled to the ground.

"What the actual fuck was that!" Harry whispered to Kreacher, looking over the elf for any signs of damage,

"Kreacher senses dark magic…Very dark…" Kreacher said woozily, his eyes drooping and opening as he tried to get out his daze. He lazily pointed to Harry "Master's scar is bleeding."

And sure enough Harry could feel the tell tale trickle of blood running down the side of his face, he quickly wiped at it before dusting it off on his jeans.

"Right kre-" Harry was drowned out by a blood curdling scream.

"Master Regulus's locket. My masters locket! Kreacher promised!"

"What-Kreacher!" To say Harry was alarmed was an understatement,

"Kreacher promised master Regulus,"

"Kreacher," Harry said, shaking the small elf, "Kreacher the necklace is here!"

"The necklace…the locket!"

"Yes yes," Harry said impatiently, "the lockets here!"

"Master Regulus's locket!" Harry intercepted Kreachers' arm before he could snatch the locket out of the ground,

"Are you crazy! I don't know what that thing is but we are leaving it alone!" At the dazed look in Kreacher's eyes Harry shook the elf again, "Kreacher do you understand me!"

"Kreacher, leaves it alone?"

"You leave it alone, that's an order, Kreacher," Harry said softly, "For your safety."

Harry didn't let go until he was sure the elf won't suddenly leap towards the locket – he really wants to know the story about that – and that Kreacher could stand on his two feet without swaying.

They stayed like that for a while, until Kreacher broke the silence with a muttered curse, causing both the locket and the ring to sit on the windowsill, away from where they could be touched again.

"Did you get everything you need to build the house up Kreacher?" Harry asked, eager to put the situation behind him,

"Kreacher got materials and more."

"What more?"

~break~break~break~

They worked well into the night and Harry thanked his lucky stars that he had two house elves otherwise he wouldn't have known what to have done. Dobby, it seemed had packed a tent similar to the ones him and the Weasley's shared during the Quidditch World Cup. Whilst Hydrus slept peacefully and warm in the tent, Harry was up to his neck in sweat and shivering as the cool air whistled through his hair.

Slowly, the house started to come together. A hallway was added behind the original shack as the stairs were built to what Harry hoped was a sturdy upper floor, a small rectangle of a kitchen situated nicely on the back whilst the living room nestled snugly on the right side of the house. On the left Harry insisted on Kreacher and Dobby having a room each which resulted in an awkward attempt at comforting Dobby in his cries of happiness and arguing with Kreacher on why he would not sleep in a boiler room. However, the next floor was tricky as they had no ground to work on. Trying to stabilize both the bricks and wood whilst they dried was difficult even with all three concentrating on the task, Harry's arm alone was aching something fierce as he tried to will his tired muscles to flex. Harry of course decided to work on where Hydrus will sleep, knowing somehow that even if this house is protected, he will be sleeping with Harry until he was comfortable with the house itself. With the nursery, they added a larger bedroom where Harry would sleep. It was something that Harry always dreamed about but could not actually believe that this is where he'll sleep. He also tried to hide his watery eyes as it was built, knowing that it will never be anything like the cupboard under the stairs, or a bedroom that was given reluctantly to him. It was built. For him. The bathroom was tiled up and a little balcony was added, and to finish off a small library was built, a medium room all by itself with all the books from the Black's family house. It reminded Harry of Hogwarts with its regal fireplace and red Persian rugs (courtesy of the stolen items of Grimmauld Place). It wasn't until morning that Harry can actually call people from plumbing – stuttering through the phone call in an effort to book in person his appointment – the address they gave led Kreacher straight into their offices and confounded them to touch up their bathroom to the 20th century. And then they did the same with the electronics – something Kreacher heavily disapproved off as Dobby had the time of his life with the box television that Harry spent an afternoon checking out in London. By four days, they had running water, a half-finished roof over his head and a warm place to sleep – though they were only temporary until he could actually buy some decent furniture. Harry also insisted on a radiator which surprisingly enough, Kreacher was enthusiastic about - he supposed after living in a boiler, having his own room and an object that can heat up a room in minutes was something to be happy about.

After a few days living off their food provisions on charmed chairs and tables – that will most likely disappear in an hour or so – Kreacher apparated them into the nearest city centre before answering to Sirius. Even though it was unlikely that they had anyone from headquartes posted in the north, Harry still kept his hair hidden with a hat and large sunglasses to cover his eyes – which he quickly took off once he realized how suspicious he looked anyway. Hydrus giggling as he went to snap the lenses from the hinges and ogling at the new site before him was what greeted the people of Yorkshire.

They worked out a system that day. Harry would get bags of food and toiletries, the little things like tissue paper and nappies and would wait off on the side. Calling for Dobby as he quickly appeared and diapparated with the bags of groceries was an efficient way to unload the heavy burden. Furniture was a little harder, they couldn't simply vanish it out of the shop – instead Harry had to politely tell them to take it out to his van that he didn't have, confound them and then ask Dobby to vanish it for him. Hydrus clapping his hands clumsily and babbling at the sight before him.

By the time they came to clothing Harry was very much tired. Although he loved Hydrus dearly, the non-stop babbling and crying took a lot of energy out of him. He was ready for bed and Harry wonders if this is what being a parent is really like. Though he still smiled whenever Hydrus tried to talk to him in a language only he could understand. It was precious, this feeling. One he intends on keeping forever.

By the time he came home, Hydrus was buzzing in energy, babbling on about his day as he was passed to Dobby who all too gladly fed him. Kreacher apparating in ten minutes later as he shuffled to get hot food ready. It seemed so domestic that Harry couldn't help but smile.

A couple of hours later and Harry sat on the sofa with a big thump, heaving out a sigh as the day was finally finished. Hydrus was safely asleep in his bed upstairs after the nightmare task of washing him and then lulling him to sleep. It was worth it though, to see his little baby so content. Putting so much trust in him, Harry felt like crying whenever he thought of that, it felt both a burden and a blessing. Still, whilst Kreacher and Dobby did a great job in moving the larger furniture, he would still need to unpack and find a home for everything that they have now purchased. He made himself a large cup of tea – thankful that he managed to get teabags – before he started on the tedious job of finally making a home.

~break~break~break~

He was somewhere… warm. No- he was warm. The shorts he wore to bed riding low as he wriggled around, shivering as his thighs were stroked, a gentle, soothing voice in his ear as another hand rested on his stomach. It felt... too warm, he could hear breathing in his ear as his heart raced, his breathing getting heavier as his eyes blurred. He felt… good. More than good, he felt... heated, excited. Fingers gently trailed down his stomach, tickling him slightly but arousing him so much more. He wanted to feel something, his breathing becoming more vocal, gasping for air as he thrusted upwards. He didn't even know what he was doing, his hands clenched desperately at his bedsheets as he slid up and down. Heat travelled right down to his groin, and to his cheeks as he desperately tried to figure out what was happening. Because something was touching him, feeling him as he was pumped once, the slippery liquid of pre cum drizzling down his fingers - fingers that was itching to mimic that feeling – and down the gap between his legs, a teasing finger guiding the white fluid between his cheeks and into-

He gasped, shooting upwards at the sound of crying. It took a second to realize he was sweating, his heart beat racing as he hurriedly got out of bed to Hydrus.

"Shushhh Hydee," he was still out of breath but that didn't stop Harry from talking to Hydrus gently,

"You okay baby?" Harry said, content with the snuffling the little boy deigned to answer him with,

"It's this house isn't it... it'll take a while to get used to..." Harry whispered over the sound of even more snuffling, "It's not like you to wake up this early."

Harry narrowed his eyes in suspicion, "You're not hungry, definitely don't need changing…"

Harry trailed off before he suddenly whizzed round, his wand automatically drawing out as he faced an empty bedroom. He could have sworn he saw something out the corner of his eye, something ghostlike.

And it had red eyes.

(The Locket and the Ring lay ever still on the windowsill.)