Harry entered the retirement room and let out a long sigh, removing the raven mask that was starting to feel heavy.
Ironfang was waiting for him, seated behind a desk, with an expression that, for a goblin, was the closest thing to a friendly welcome.
"What an afternoon you've had, Harry," said Ironfang, setting aside some papers. "You've left several collectors with bruised pride."
"I only bought what I needed, Ironfang," replied Harry with a tired smile, leaning slightly against the desk. "Although I admit I got a little carried away with the bidding. Tell me, what's the total damage?"
The goblin gave a small, husky laugh as he checked a list. "Between the houses, the books, and… well, your new companions, the bill comes to 215,800 galleons. A hefty sum for any vault, but for yours, it's just a scratch."
Harry nodded and placed his hand on the parchment, letting the magic of his ring authorize the payment. "It's worth every penny if it gets those people out of those cages."
At that moment, the door opened. It wasn't a ceremonial entrance, but rather the heavy clatter of the goblin guards bringing the cargo. They arrived in silver armor that gleamed in the torchlight, swords at their sides. Behind them came several chests containing the books and, most importantly, the group Harry had purchased.
The five Beaumont elves trembled, the small Kitsune hid behind the tails of the larger one, and the Tsuchigumo watched everything with silent caution.
"Here you go, Harry," said Ironfang, handing him some simpler documents. "Just sign here so that the houses in Hogsmeade, Mexico, and the others officially pass into your name."
Harry signed quickly, more interested in looking at those he had just rescued than at the papers. Once he finished, Ironfang stood up and gave him a brief heads-up.
"Everything's ready. I've had the exit protections deactivated for you, so you can use your Portkey whenever you want. Good luck with… all that," the goblin added, glancing sideways at the group.
"Thanks, Ironfang. Really," Harry said sincerely.
He approached the elves and kitsunes with his hands outstretched so as not to frighten them.
"Don't worry, nothing bad is going to happen to you. Let's go home."
As he activated the Portkey, the tug in his navel pulled him back into the Great Hall of Potter Manor. The scent of tea and furniture polish greeted him immediately. Mipsy was already there, waiting for him with her hands clasped and a look of relief on her face.
"Master Harry! You're back," said Mipsy, but stopped when she saw the guests. She quickly regained her composure. "Mipsy has already prepared food and clean beds for you, Master. And for you… this arrived a moment ago."
Harry saw a letter on thick parchment bearing the Hogwarts crest on the table, and next to it, a new trunk, filled to the brim with magical supplies and food.
Harry sat down in one of the leather armchairs in the entrance hall, letting out a long sigh of relief. They were finally home, far from the goblins' greedy gaze and the oppressive atmosphere of the auction. His hands a little more relaxed, he took the yellowed parchment envelope and carefully opened it.
Mipsy approached with a tray of chilled pumpkin juice, while the Kitsunes and the Tsuchigumo stood, a little disoriented, the clanking of their chains echoing in the silence of the room. Harry began to read the letter aloud, more to himself than to the others:
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Supreme Leader of the International Confederation of Wizards)
Dear Lord Peverell-Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The term will begin on September 1. We expect your owl no later than July 31.
Enclosed you will find the list of books and equipment required for your first year.
Given your status and lineage, the Hogwarts staff has been notified to provide you with appropriate assistance during your arrival and stay at the castle.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Uniform:
Three black work robes (Hogwarts pattern)
One black pointed hat for everyday use
One pair of protective gloves (dragon-hide or similar)
One winter cloak (black, with silver clasps)
Books:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1), Miranda Goshawk
History of Magic, Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory, Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration, Emeric Switch
A Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, Phyllida Spore
Magical Potions, Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Newt Scamander
Other equipment:
1 magic wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set of glass or metal flasks
1 telescope
1 brass scale
"Looks like I'm finally going to school, Mipsy," said Harry with a half-smile, feeling for the first time that day like a boy his age.
"Come on, before we set them up, I need to do something important. Follow me."
Mipsy gathered all the trunks in the center, and they all crowded around them as a magic circle appeared beneath them, making them vanish from Potter Manor.
They arrived in the manor's drawing room in their Sacred Gear's dimension. She turned to the five elves, who were still wearing dirty rags.
"Listen to me," Harry said gently, crouching down to their level. "I know you've been through a lot. I didn't buy you to be slaves to a stranger. I want you to be part of this house, part of my family. Here you'll have food, clean clothes, and above all, respect. Will you stay with me?"
The elves, their eyes brimming with tears, nodded frantically. Harry closed his eyes and connected with his magical core. A warm breeze enveloped them all, and suddenly, the elves' rags transformed into immaculate robes bearing the Potter-Peverell crest. The weariness vanished from their faces.
"Mipsy, take them away, please," Harry said, smiling. "Give them something nice to eat and some rest. Then show them how we like to do things here."
"Of course, I love Harry!" Mipsy replied excitedly, leading the new group toward the kitchens.
Harry was left alone with the two Kitsunes and the Tsuchigumo. The atmosphere was different with them; there was a palpable tension of accumulated pain.
Harry sat down in one of the armchairs and gestured for them to sit. Seeing the smaller Kitsune dragging her cold iron chains made his stomach churn.
The older one still stared blankly, as if her soul were elsewhere, and the Tsuchigumo kept his fists clenched because of the shackles that tightened around his wrists.
"I know you aren't alright, and you probably don't trust me, but I want to make you a proposal," Harry said, his voice sounding deeply human, heavy with a sincere sadness.
The elder Kitsune's gaze remained vacant, as if her soul were somewhere else entirely, while the Tsuchigumo kept his fists clenched against the shackles tightening around his wrists.