Chapter 3

Kreacher's actions were swift. The next day, he had already completed the task that Phineas had arranged, purchasing five young house-elves from the Ministry of Magic's House-Elf Relocation Department. They were all newly independent.

House-elves like these are generally not favored by most families.

One reason is that such house-elves are not yet proficient in household magic and need training to be competent.

Another reason is that larger families usually have their own house-elf lineages. Kreacher, for example, was born into the Black family and would die in the Black family, just like his parents. After death, their heads would be cut off and hung on the walls that symbolized honor (their concept of honor).

"Third Master, I have brought back the house-elves you requested."

Kreacher said respectfully to Phineas.

Phineas turned and glanced at the house-elves following behind Kreacher, then nodded and said,

"Kreacher, have a few of them learn Eastern cuisine. They will be responsible for the kitchen from now on. The rest, you can assign to take care of the house's cleanliness and other tasks. Then, pick one with good magical talent to assist me along with you."

Phineas paused for a moment,

"Oh, right, Kreacher, you and the others need to learn combat magic. In case of necessity, I need you to protect me and this house."

Kreacher nodded at Phineas and said,

"Kreacher understands."

Phineas nodded in satisfaction and, looking at Kreacher, who was wearing only a dirty rag, said,

"Go and choose a set of clothes for yourself. It's not good for you to follow me around in this state; it would make me lose face. Of course, this is not a gift; I need your service."

Seeing Kreacher's eyes fill with tears and his head about to hit the wall upon hearing about choosing clothes, Phineas quickly added,

"Also, the other house-elves should not wear these tattered pillowcases and rags. It makes me feel like I'm losing face, and I would be very unhappy."

Giving house-elves clothes usually means dismissing them, an unspoken rule.

However, if they change clothes under their master's command, it does not mean they are being dismissed.

This is what Phineas was doing now.

As a穿越者 with some memories from his previous life,

Phineas could enjoy the service of house-elves, but he couldn't bring himself to treat them as slaves.

However, Phineas was very clear that the existence of house-elves was to serve wizards. Moreover, because house-elves can Apparate without any magical restrictions, they know all the secrets of wizarding families.

Thinking about freeing house-elves, like Hermione in the original story, was a joke. It not only goes against the nature of these creatures but also against all wizarding families and the wizarding society.

Phineas did not think his head was that hard, so he would not do such a thing.

However, making his house-elves dress better was still acceptable, and it would make him feel more comfortable.

Finally, because house-elves are descendants of goblins and elves, they have much stronger magical talents than wizards.

Teaching them combat magic would better protect his assets without worrying about them rebelling.

"By the way, Kreacher, go to Hogwarts and find Professor Dumbledore. Give him this locket and tell him about my second brother."

Kreacher looked a bit puzzled, as he had not told Phineas about Regulus Black, his second master. However, as a house-elf, he would never question any task and would always try his best to complete it.

With a flash, Kreacher disappeared, leaving Phineas envious.

Although he knew that with the system's help, he would eventually master Apparition, not knowing this magic at the moment was indeed inconvenient.

According to the family's original plan, if Phineas entered that school, it would be fine. If he chose not to, he would have to live with a relative. After all, he was only three years old, though he had grown quickly and was now about the size of a five-year-old, but his age was still a factor.

However, Phineas did not want to do this.

Familiar with the original story, he knew who the Black family's relatives were.

Bellatrix Lestrange, his eldest cousin, a Death Eater obsessed with Voldemort, would soon attack the Prewett family, sending herself and her husband to Azkaban.

Andromeda Tonks, his second cousin, who had the best relationship with his eldest brother, was disowned by the family for marrying a Muggle-born wizard, Ted Tonks. The family would not allow him to live with her.

Narcissa Malfoy, his youngest cousin, married Lucius Malfoy, a Death Eater. Despite spending a lot of Galleons, she did not receive much punishment. However, the Malfoys were Voldemort's people, which did not align with Phineas's plans for his future. Therefore, living alone here became necessary.

This was why he had Kreacher go to Dumbledore.

About half an hour later, Dumbledore and Kreacher arrived at 12 Grimmauld Place.

"Hello, young Mr. Phineas Black. This house-elf gave me this locket, saying he was following your instructions. So, you must know what this is?"

Phineas nodded and waved at Kreacher,

"You can go now. Oh, and prepare two cups of honey water and some cockroach clusters. Our Headmaster likes these candies."

Kreacher followed Phineas's instructions and disappeared, returning shortly with the honey water and cockroach clusters before leaving again.

Dumbledore looked at the honey water and cockroach clusters before him, his eyes deep and meaningful as he said,

"It seems, young Mr. Phineas, you know a lot."

Phineas shrugged and said,

"As the only heir of the Black family now, it's not strange that I know these things. After all, the depth of pure-blood families is rich, and I believe Headmaster, who comes from the Dumbledore family, understands this."