Harry Potter Echoes of the Past.

Shorter chapter to start the day off, trying to write 3 to 4 today. I'm going to try several different writing styles. I also have started to have a clear timeline of how I want Harry to progress. Let me know if you guys have any ideas or suggestions in the comments.

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In his previous life, Deek had been more than a servant. The house-elf had been a confidant, a protector, and a source of unyielding loyalty. The thought of Deek brought a strange ache to Harry's chest. Would Deek still recognize him? Would he even respond to his call?

Harry took a deep breath, focusing his magic as he whispered, "Deek, if you're out there, come to me. It's me Christopher."

For a moment, nothing happened. Then, with a faint pop, a small figure appeared in the cramped cupboard. Deek stood there, wide-eyed and trembling, his large ears quivering as he took in the sight of the child before him.

"Master Christopher?" Deek's voice was barely above a whisper, filled with disbelief and a hint of hope.

Harry's throat tightened. "Deek... It's me. Well, sort of. I'm not Christopher Aurelius anymore. After I died fighting Ranrock. I somehow became Harry Potter. But my soul-who I am- It's still me."

Deek's large eyes filled with tears as he dropped to his knees. "Deek thought Master was gone forever! Deek felt it when Master's light faded. Deek tried to find Master, but-"

Harry held up a hand, cutting him off gently. "It's okay, Deek. I'm here now, and I'm so very happy you came. But things are different this time. I'm in a new life, a new body, and I need to be careful as to who we let know who I really am, if anyone at all."

The house elf nodded fervently, his tears spilling freely. "Deek understands! Deek will serve Master Harry just as he served Master Christopher. Deek will keep all secrets, yes he will!"

Harry smiled, a rare softness in his expression. "I knew I could count on you. Thank you, Deek."

Deek stood, his chest puffing out with pride. "Deek will do anything for Master. What does master need?"

Harry's mind raced with possibilities. "For now, I need information. I need to understand this world better, figure out who I can trust, and find a way to protect myself until I'm strong enough to stand on my own. And there's one more thing..."

Deek tilted his head. "Anything, Master Harry."

"I need you to help me contact someone... Gellert Grindelwald."

Deek froze, his expression shifting to one of unease. "The dark wizard from long ago? Master Harry... Deek doesn't trust him."

"I don't either," Harry admitted, his voice firm. "But he's powerful and knowledgeable, and I need that if I'm going to survive. He's the only one Dumbledore truly feared. He's a means to an end Deek. Magic is neither good or bad, it's how the magic is used that defines it. Don't worry, Deek. I'll be careful. I just need to get his attention first."

The house elf hesitated but eventually nodded. "Deek will do as Master asks. But Deek will stay close, just in case."

Harry smiled faintly. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

In the quiet of the cupboard under the stairs, Harry stared at the finished letter. I was succinct, respectful, but carefully devoid of flattery. Grindelwald would see through false praise, so Harry avoided it.

"I believe this is suffice Deek. Deek please take this letter to Gellert Grindelwald in Nurmengard." 

Deek shivered as he imagined going to such a dark place. But Deek stood back straight and looked Harry in the eyes. "Deek will not fail master Harry."

"Thank you." Harry said softly.

Deek vanished with another pop, leaving Harry alone in the oppressive silence of his cupboard. He leaned back, closing his eyes, imagining the towering fortress of Nurmengard.