Rufus Scrimgeour’s composure faltered momentarily as he absorbed Harry’s unexpected question. The mention of a “creature” was not what he had anticipated. His initial purpose for this visit had something else alltogether. The fact that Harry had referenced a creature threw Rufus off balance, momentarily disorienting him.
Rufus cleared his throat, regaining his authoritative stance. “Creature?” he repeated, his tone steady but his mind racing. He quickly realized that Harry was referring to Dobby, the house-elf. The realization came with a cold jolt—Lucius Malfoy’s intentions were becoming clearer. If Harry was aware of Dobby, it likely meant that Lucius had not abandoned his plan. Rufus’s thoughts were a flurry of strategy and implications.
“Could you describe this creature to me?” Rufus asked, masking his concern with a professional demeanor.
Harry hesitated, his nerves evident. “Well, he was a small, strange-looking creature,” Harry began, trying to recall Dobby’s distinctive features. “He had big, bat-like ears, and his eyes were huge, like they were always wide open. His skin was sort of a light brown color, and he wore a ragged cloth around himself. He seemed really… anxious, like he was scared of everything.”
Rufus nodded thoughtfully, mentally aligning the description with what he knew of house-elves. He raised his wand and, with a soft incantation, summoned a house-elf from the Ministry. The elf appeared with a quiet pop, its eyes wide and attentive.
Harry’s eyes widened in shock as he saw the elf. “That’s… similar, but not the same,” he said, his voice tinged with surprise.
The house-elf, whose name was Pippa, bowed deeply. “Good day, Master Rufus,” it said in a high-pitched, almost squeaky voice.
Rufus turned to Harry, noting his bewildered expression. “This, Harry, is a house-elf. They are magical beings bound to serve wizarding families. They’re known for their loyalty and often work in the homes of witches and wizards. However, a rogue house-elf in a private residence is a serious matter.”
Harry listened intently, his curiosity piqued. “So… what happens now?” he asked.
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Rufus offered a reassuring smile. “You’re not in any trouble, Harry. This matter will be addressed properly. The real reason for my visit is to discuss your immediate future.”
Harry’s expression shifted from apprehension to curiosity. “What do you mean?”
Rufus continued, “I need you in the magical world for a few days. There are some important matters that require your attention, and I’ll explain everything in due course. For now, I’d like to offer you a change of scenery. How would you feel about staying with your friends, the Weasleys, for the rest of the summer?”
Harry’s eyes lit up at the prospect. “You mean… stay at Ron’s house?” He could barely contain his excitement.
“Yes,” Rufus confirmed. “I think it would be a good opportunity for you. If you’re willing, you should pack your belongings. I’ll arrange for you to spend the remainder of the summer in magical Britain.”
Harry nodded enthusiastically, eager to leave the confines of the Dursleys' home. “I’ll pack right away!”
As Harry bustled around his room, quickly packing his trunk, Rufus made his way downstairs. He paused at the bottom of the stairs, noticing Vernon and Petunia peering around the corner, clearly trying to eavesdrop. A faint, amused smile touched Rufus’s lips.
He turned to the Dursleys, who were watching him with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. “Harry will be staying with a friend for a while,” Rufus said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Vernon, his face a mask of frustration, demanded, “Where are you taking him?”
“Just to stay with a friend,” Rufus repeated, his voice firm. “It’s a temporary arrangement.”
As he prepared to head back upstairs to collect Harry, Rufus suddenly stopped. He glanced out the window, where he saw the makeshift barricade that had been erected to prevent anyone from getting in or out. With barely a focused thought, he cast a non-verbal Reducto, causing the barricade to collapse instantly. To the Dursleys, it appeared as if Rufus had merely glared at the window, and destroyed it but in reality, it was a precise bit of magical work.
Harry emerged from his room, his trunk packed and ready. His eyes widened at the sight of the destroyed barricade. Rufus noticed the surprise on Harry’s face and couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “Let’s go, Harry,” he said, his voice warm with reassurance.
With a final nod to the Dursleys, Rufus led Harry out of the house. As they stepped out into the crisp air, Rufus couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a much larger and more complex situation. The Dursleys watched them leave, their faces etched with a mixture of confusion and resignation.
As they walked away from Number 4 Privet Drive, Rufus glanced at Harry, who was now smiling with genuine excitement. The journey ahead was sure to be challenging, but Rufus felt a sense of determination. There was much more to come, and he was prepared to face it head-on.