Harry Potter: My Life as Hermione’s Houseguest

"Elvis, could you pass me that sandwich? Thanks!" At the lunch table, Qin Yu called out to his roommate, Elvis.

Obligingly, Elvis handed over the sandwich. Qin Yu added a few more items to his plate, then stood up, ready to leave.

"Qin, where are you off to?" Elvis asked, curiosity bright in his eyes.

"I'm going to see a friend—or rather, someone I think will become a friend," Qin Yu replied with a warm smile.

Before Elvis could press for details, Qin Yu hurried away, plate in hand.

Watching his friend's retreating figure, Elvis tilted his head, wondering who Qin Yu was going to meet. Did he know them too? He couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy at how easily Qin Yu made friends at school, quietly taking him as a role model.

…

Strictly speaking, the "friend" Qin Yu sought out wasn't a person at all, but a house-elf.

That's right—this time, Lucius Malfoy had brought his house-elf, Dobby, along to Hogwarts.

Compared to seeing Lucius, Qin Yu was far more delighted to meet this little elf who yearned for freedom—Dobby.

There were a few characters in this magical world whose deaths had left even a casual fan like Qin Yu with a heavy heart: Snape, Dumbledore, and especially the house-elf Dobby.

Dobby's longing for freedom, his loyalty to friends, and his courage in the face of danger had all left a deep impression on Qin Yu.

So, as soon as class ended, he made a beeline for the Great Hall, grabbed some food, and headed straight for the headmaster's office.

Sure enough, in the corridor outside the headmaster's study, Qin Yu spotted the little elf leaning against a pillar.

But Dobby wasn't alone—Professor McGonagall was just stepping into the office.

Once she'd gone in and closed the door, Qin Yu strolled over, finally getting a close look at Dobby.

The house-elf had enormous eyes, pointed ears, and wore that signature pillowcase-turned-tunic, making him look even more frail and slight.

"Hello there, sir. My name's Qin Yu. What's yours?" Qin Yu greeted him directly.

"Ah? Dobby, sir! My name is Dobby!" the house-elf stammered, eyes wide.

But then Dobby stared at Qin Yu in disbelief. "Did you just call Dobby… 'sir'? You called Dobby 'sir'?!"

Qin Yu smiled gently. "Aren't you a sir? Or are you perhaps a madam?"

"No, no, no, Dobby isn't a madam! That's not what Dobby meant—Dobby just… no one's ever called Dobby 'sir' before…" The little elf babbled, clearly overwhelmed.

"Well, from now on, someone will," Qin Yu said softly, feeling a sting behind his eyes.

Yes, all this little elf had ever truly wanted was a bit of respect.

"But Dobby is just a lowly house-elf…" Dobby whispered, head bowed.

"I think true nobility comes from having a kind and brave heart, not from one's birth. Don't you agree, Dobby?" Qin Yu said, his voice gentle.

"A kind and brave heart? Does Dobby have such a heart?" Dobby murmured, almost to himself.

"You do. I believe you do," Qin Yu replied, meeting Dobby's huge eyes with sincere warmth.

"Dobby has a kind and brave heart? Thank you, thank you so much for saying that! Dobby has never been so happy! Dobby's master always says house-elves are worthless… No, no, Dobby mustn't speak ill of his master. Bad Dobby! Bad Dobby!"

Watching the little elf berate himself and bang his head against the wall, Qin Yu sighed—freeing house-elves would be a long, hard struggle.

He tried to intervene, but Dobby was too quick.

When Dobby finally stopped, Qin Yu offered him the food. "It's lunchtime. Would you like something to eat? These are some of the school's specialties—they're delicious."

Dobby stood on tiptoe, eyeing the plate and swallowing hard, but in the end, he shook his head. "Thank you, but Dobby cannot eat."

"Why not?" Qin Yu asked, puzzled.

"Without master's permission, Dobby isn't allowed to eat…" the house-elf explained quietly.

"What? There's a rule like that?"

Qin Yu was stunned. He'd known about the clothing taboo—giving clothes meant freedom—but hadn't realized food was restricted, too.

On second thought, it made sense. If house-elves could eat freely, they wouldn't be so painfully thin.

That realization made Qin Yu feel even more sympathy for the house-elf's plight.

"Sir, was that food meant for Dobby?" Dobby asked timidly.

"Not entirely. I just wanted to share a meal with you—I haven't had lunch either," Qin Yu said honestly.

"Then Dobby can sit with you while you eat. Dobby can look at and smell the food, if you don't mind…" the elf said, hopeful yet cautious.

"Of course I don't mind!" Qin Yu grinned.

So, Qin Yu found a spot in the corridor, sat down, and chatted with Dobby while he ate.

It was a little cruel that Dobby could only look, not taste, but the elf seemed happy enough—simply knowing some of the food was "his" was enough.

…

"Dobby, what brings you to the school today?" Qin Yu asked, curiosity piqued.

"Master didn't say Dobby couldn't tell, so if Qin wants to know, Dobby will say… Master heard there was an explosion at Hogwarts, and said Professor Dumbledore must have some secret… Master came to make trouble for Professor Dumbledore, to make him uneasy as headmaster… Master really dislikes Professor Dumbledore… Oh, Dobby spoke ill of master again! Bad Dobby…" Dobby chattered, wringing his hands in distress.

"I see," Qin Yu mused, nodding.

So, Lucius Malfoy had gotten wind of the Forbidden Forest explosion—but clearly didn't know the truth, or that Qin Yu was involved. Otherwise, he'd never have thought it was one of Dumbledore's secrets.

That thought brought Qin Yu some relief.

"Qin, please eat Dobby's share too!" the elf said, looking at him with hopeful eyes.

"Uh, alright!" Qin Yu was already quite full, but he couldn't refuse such a heartfelt request.

Watching the food disappear seemed to make Dobby happier than eating it himself.

…

Meanwhile, in the headmaster's office—

"Professor Dumbledore, I've heard that after the explosion in the Forbidden Forest, a student was injured. Is that true?" Lucius finally dropped his pretense after some idle small talk.

The question made Dumbledore's heart skip a beat.

He'd assumed Lucius only knew about the explosion itself; a simple excuse about magical trials gone awry would have sufficed. But if Lucius knew students had been hurt, he'd need a different explanation.

Still, it was clear Lucius didn't know about Qin Yu's involvement—otherwise, he wouldn't have been so calm upon seeing the boy earlier.

With barely a flicker, Dumbledore exchanged a glance with Professor McGonagall. Years of partnership meant she instantly understood.

"Lucius, it's true—a student did stray into the Forbidden Forest, but he wasn't seriously hurt," Dumbledore replied smoothly.

"Oh? Then what exactly caused the explosion? The Board of Governors sent me here to get answers!" Lucius declared, waving the banner of authority.

"No problem. We can go to the Forbidden Forest together shortly, and I'll explain everything," Professor Dumbledore said with a calm nod.

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