A Deadly House Elf

Chapter 24: The Troublesome House Elf

They left the Great Hall and, after a few steps, arrived at the corridor leading to the Hufflepuff common room.

A massive fruit painting hung on the corridor wall, so lifelike it seemed real.

Brook knew it was a painting, but he would have sworn it was actual fruit.

After all, the fruit in the painting looked just like the real thing.

"This is the entrance to the kitchen," Fred said, pointing at the painting.

Brook asked curiously, "How do you get in?"

"Just tickle the pear. You can try tickling the others too, but make sure to put on a raincoat first."

Fred stepped forward and gently tickled the pear in the painting.

The pear suddenly wriggled and let out a few giggles.

Then the painting slowly swung open, revealing the spacious kitchen beyond.

He looked at the creatures inside, who resembled goblins.

A word suddenly popped into his head—House Elf.

He remembered that earlier task, [Served by a House Elf].

At the time, he'd found it baffling, but now he understood.

Some of the elves were still cooking, while the rest cheerfully scrubbed dishes.

Fred led Brook inside.

When the House Elves saw them, one immediately bustled over warmly.

"Mr. Weasley, welcome back! Sir!"

The elf said excitedly, bowing as it spoke.

Fred's tone carried a hint of pride.

"We often come to the kitchen to 'borrow' some snacks, so we're pretty familiar with them."

Brook stepped forward. "Hello, I'm Brook Lott."

"Greetings, Mr. Lott. Is there anything I can help you with?"

At the same time, another elf approached carrying a large tray.

On the tray sat a mountain of waffles and three cups of golden Pumpkin Juice.

Fred casually grabbed a waffle and started munching on the side.

"What's your name?" Brook asked.

"Sir, my name is An An," said the elf, An An.

"Well, are you all usually busy? Could I hire you for pay?"

An An flinched at that, then spoke excitedly, her voice turning a bit shrill.

"House Elves do not accept money!"

The other elves working nearby also looked over, their eyes unfriendly.

Fred quickly pulled Brook aside and explained in a low voice.

"House Elves believe serving their masters is only right and proper. They're utterly loyal to their masters and won't disobey any order, even if it means death. They'd never take money as payment—it's an insult to them."

Brook was stunned.

There were creatures like this in the world?

Loyal, and expecting nothing in return.

They were practically a capitalist's dream.

He spoke to An An apologetically.

"I'm sorry, I come from a Muggle family and don't know much about your customs. Please forgive my rudeness."

An An seemed startled by Brook's apology.

Her body swayed unsteadily, and tears glistened in her eyes.

"Mr. Lott actually apologized to An An!"

She bowed deeply to Brook.

"It is An An's fault that Mr. Lott had to apologize to An An."

Brook was completely thrown off by An An's reaction.

Fred looked a bit helpless too. "Just say what you want directly. I'll fill you in on the rest later."

Brook organized his thoughts. "Well, I'm not really used to British food, so I was hoping you could, if you have time, make me some dishes that suit my taste better."

Seeing An An's tear-filled eyes, he quickly added, In response to popular demand, we are now offering an ad-free VIP member feature.

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"It's not that your cooking is bad—I really do enjoy it. It's just that sometimes I crave something different."

An An's tears began streaming down her face.

"We failed to serve Mr. Lott properly and let him down."

Brook was utterly speechless.

Since his rebirth, he'd taken many things lightly, with a sense of profound enlightenment.

Even if he were to face Dumbledore head-on, he'd dare to pull out Big Gudu and have a go.

But when it came to someone like An An, he was completely at a loss.

He was the one asking a favor of An An, yet the situation made it look like he was the bully.

"An An, I'll teach you how to cook, and then you'll be able to make meals I'm satisfied with. How about that?"

"An An will definitely make meals that satisfy Mr. Lott."

An An immediately stopped her tears, puffed out her chest, and stood straight as a rod.

As if she'd received an important mission.

Brook finally let out a long sigh of relief.

House-elves were terrifying.

From now on, he'd have to weigh his words more carefully.

Just then, a commotion came from the doorway, and George ran in, panting.

"Mr. Weasley, welcome back!" An An bowed respectfully.

George waved a hand, grabbed the Pumpkin Juice from the table, and gulped it down.

Fred seemed to notice Brook's awkwardness and suggested, "Let's talk outside."

In the end, the three of them left the kitchen under the house-elf's enthusiastic hospitality.

Everyone's pockets were stuffed full of waffles.

Even though Brook didn't like them, he filled his pockets anyway.

Because An An had a clear attitude: if he didn't take them, she'd cry right in front of him.

"The kitchen... it's really my favorite place," Fred remarked.

George led them into an empty classroom on the first floor.

He cautiously scanned the room, checking every corner.

"Every portrait is a professor's eyes. If you ever plan to do something you shouldn't, you have to be extra careful."

Brook nodded, looking like a diligent student.

He hadn't known that.

He'd originally planned to use the Space Gate to freely move around Hogwarts and avoid the professors' gaze.

But now it seemed these portraits were a real hassle.

After all, there were several in almost every corridor.

"Do you know the Disillusionment Charm? Can you teach me?"

Fred smiled. "We're not that skilled at it either, but we can teach you the incantation and the method."

"It's mainly thanks to this that we can move freely through Hogwarts."

George pulled a seemingly worn-out piece of parchment from his pocket.

Brook leaned in curiously.

George spread the parchment out on the table.

"Honestly, I'm reluctant to give this to you," Fred sighed. "But it's the best way to thank you for your trust."

"Yeah, it'll tell you everything you want to know, and it'll keep you safe," George added.

Brook had no idea what this parchment was for.

But hearing the twins describe it like that, it must be extremely important to them.

He'd only wanted to find a cook and learn a couple of secret passages out of Hogwarts.

"A gentleman doesn't take what others cherish. Just tell me the secret passages—keep the parchment for yourselves."

The twins shook their heads.

"Don't worry, we got it back in our first year."

"We've already memorized everything on it."