Unfortunately it seemed, Harry Potter stuck up for Kreacher after being moved to Grimmauld Place. The sarcastic elf was in the middle of claiming a piece of silvery creepy ornamentation that Molly Weasley was trying to throw out, and Harry stepped in. Saying that he knew the piece would otherwise be thrown out, it did no harm to have Kreacher keep things that reminded him of his former masters, "since he hates us so much anyway."
"Hey, mate, why do you care anyway?"
"Ron, remember how I had no idea that I was a wizard until Hagrid came? I had a few memories and my baby blanket from my parents. I still hold onto my baby blanket because of the home feeling I remember from it. I'm letting Kreacher do the same thing."
"Well, I never. I don't know why you would be kind to such an unpleasant elf."
Taking the piece from Mrs. Weasley's suddenly loose hands, he handed it back to Kreacher, saying, "Here you go, Kreacher. I'd hide that. If someone tries to take your stuff, come get me."
"They must not touch the house of Black!"
"I'm sorry Kreacher, but we have to in order to be safe. Please take a few things from each room to put in your place if you wish."
"Nasty Half-Blood?"
"I know about missing family that can't come back. Please be quick, as I am not sure how long they'll stand and stare at me."
"Nasty Half-Blood speak sense. I go."
That confrontation with the woman that Harry had started to see as his mother brought about a number of reactions. Mrs. Weasley started looking at him strangely, and sometimes loudly berated him for standing up to the "vile thing". Sirius did the same thing, though he contradicted himself each time as he gave Harry congratulations for being the one that Kreacher had decided to hang to. Remus just looked at him quickly when Kreacher came around. Ron and Hermione, as well as the rest, looked confused often, as Kreacher looked and acted torn between relief and hatred when he looked at Harry. Of course, Snape's raised eyebrow when Kreacher decided to wait on Harry the first time when he was leaving the kitchen because of a meeting was a reaction that was consistent with Sirius's laughter.
Due to Harry's scrounging in the library when he could, Kreacher's corner got a new set of anti-theft wards put in place. No one could take anything from that corner; the elf had to give it to them. Master Regulus's Nasty Necklace went into that corner and didn't come out. They came into the kitchen one day to see Mundungus Fletcher passed out on the floor. Kreacher in return told Harry how to live in the house without waking up Walburga's portrait as fair trade.
Speaking of Dobby to Kreacher, Harry wondered if Dobby was his elf. Kreacher gave him some advice on how to deal with Dobby. Promising that he would think about it, Harry called Dobby, who had decided that his stint as a free elf should be over, and that he wanted to be Harry's elf. Harry made him his elf, to his amusement, and the two elves were soon talking and helping each other. Dobby handed in a paper resignation to the Headmaster, and Dumbledore handed him his severance pay. Grinning madly, he hugged Harry Potter and promised to be his bestest elf.
Harry had also spoken to Ron and Hermione two days after he arrived about how he felt betrayed by them by not sending him letters that summer, and then what he had seen once he was awake after he arrived. Ron was stunned, not having grasped before how that would appear to Harry, especially after the beginning of fourth year. He admitted that Dumbledore had asked him to not talk to Harry, but had not realized that Dumbledore had basically asked him to betray Harry's trust. Hermione had been under the understanding that Death Eaters were seriously trying to find a way to get to Harry, and had promised to not send any because of that. Once each of them realized their wrong, they each were mad at the manipulations the Headmaster had pulled on them, and very sorry and apologetic. After lunch that day, they came and gave him a spell that Hermione had found that could dismantle most prank spells as an apology gift. Harry forgave them, but decided with them to keep an eye out for more such manipulations.
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Lucius Malfoy was walking in his family wing when he saw Draco. The quick half smile on his face was mirrored in Draco's, and he hugged his son. A few tears of his own dripped down his face into his own son's hair.
"Father?"
"Son, I am so glad to be your father. Granted, there are flaws you have, just like any other human, but I have seen you start to grow up, and if you act maturely and don't do things stupidly, you can continue growing up into a fine young man."
"Thank you, father. I'll try to keep that in mind."
Draco Malfoy hugged his father harder for a few seconds. When he stepped away, there was gentle joy shining out of his face, and his exuberance bounced his steps. He didn't see his father watch him happily as he walked down the hall behind him.
To Lucius Malfoy, it showed him that getting Potter here would be the right thing. He wouldn't deny that to his lord any longer. He contacted Severus. Separating family was not right, and there was something that could be done now to fix it. He also sent a letter off to Potter asking to meet with him as well concerning his son.
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Harry Potter read the letters smiling. With the understanding of one who has been talking constantly over a longer period of time, he was happy with the proposal. The answer of the letter from Voldemort he had sent back was a "yes" and how would he manage that? He was currently held in Order Headquarters, under a Fidelius charm. After being attacked by Dementors, the Order had decided to move him, and he was awaiting a hearing for underage magic he didn't even do. The owl had waited for him, and since he only had some water for the owl right then, he shared it by putting a little into the bottle cap. Once tied on, it was once again soaring into the night. He was tired. Maybe tonight there would be no nightmares?
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Throughout the month, Lord Voldemort received letters from his youngest parent. He was told of various things, such as the upcoming trial, as well as was given recipes from Molly Weasley to try out. Lord Voldemort gave those to his house elves to serve. He did admit, that though they weren't fancy, they were really good.