The necklace

Once the employees had left, Dumbledore made a quick promise to come see him the next day and tried to leave.

Wait, you're not going to leave me here all alone?

I'm afraid I don't have a choice. I have many responsibilities to face. Especially now that Sirius Black is dead, I need to convince the Ministry to forcibly return the Dementors to Azkaban. Apparently, they have gotten a little too used to having fresh flesh in large quantities.

Harry shuddered. Even though he no longer remembered his encounter with the soul-eaters, he retained a panic fear of them.

But it's horrible here.

Harry heard Kreacher let out a grunt.

Maybe, but here, you will be safe. As the owner, you probably weren't aware, but this manor is protected by powerful spells that its various owners have added over the centuries. Some are even completely forgotten nowadays. Despite its appearance, this place is a blessing. It would have been completely impossible to ensure your protection among the other delinquents. Not to mention their own safety.

After this statement, Dumbledore turned around and passed through the door. Harry tried to follow him, but when he opened the door, there was no trace of the venerable wizard. Instead, a man sitting on the bench across from his porch lowered the newspaper he was reading and turned in his direction. Paying attention, Harry noticed that he was holding the newspaper upside down. Remembering that he was not allowed to go out, he closed the door and resigned himself to his fate.

Master Potter will no doubt want to have a bite to eat after his long journey. Dry bread and water is all he deserves. Kreattur finished in a whisper he thought only he could hear.

You know I hear everything you say. Harry said angrily before resuming the breathing exercises Snape had taught him at the beginning of their Occlumency class. Whatever happens, he must not get angry anymore.

Kreattur congratulates the young master for his excellent audition. Why does the traitor to his blood say that to Kreattur?

Harry understood that Kreacher was not aware of speaking out loud. Now that he was calm, the elf inspired more pity than anger in him.

How long have you been living here alone?

Since the death of my previous mistress: Madame Walburga Black. Poor mistress, she could never recover from the death of Master Regulus and the betrayal of Sirius.

What year was it?

It was 10 years ago, young Master. Why does this snoop want to know that? I'm sure he wants to steal my mistress's treasures.

I don't want to steal anything at all. Anyway, now it's mine. Listen, if you want, I can free you and give you ...

But before Harry could suggest that he take the objects that interested him and thus "save" his mistress's treasures, the elf loudly begged him.

No, young master, I beg you. Kreattur will be good. Kreattur will serve you well.

Harry took off his pants which started to be covered with the elf's snot and tears.

It's okay, calm down. I was saying that because I thought it would make you happy.

But this only sent the elf into a black rage. Harry briefly wondered if, in addition to his other problems, he had not become bipolar.

Master Potter dares to insult Kreattur.

But not at all.

He no longer knew what to say to calm the elf when he had an epiphany.

Dobby

Immediately another elf dressed in about ten hats all of different colors, and a white shirt with pink polka dots teleported in front of him.

Mr. Potter called me.

Yes, thank you Dobby. Could you explain to Kreattur that I mean him no harm? And if you have the time, could you help me make one of the rooms in the manor livable, so that I can settle in there?

The young master insults Kreattur again. Kreattur would not let his master do the cleaning. Kreattur does not need help from the young master or the bad elf. Kreattur cleans the house very well on his own.

Harry cast a doubtful glance at the state of the manor, but thought he had a better chance of achieving a peaceful outcome by letting Dobby answer.

Dobby is a better elf than Kreacher. Kreacher is a lazy elf. Kreacher is not worthy of serving the great Harry Potter.

Before Harry could understand what was happening, the two elves started fighting like ragpickers under his astonished gaze.