Hey Everyone. Here is my attempt at re-writing Phoenix Rising. So far I am much happier with this story :)
Nothing recognised is mine, only my Original Character and plot.
Big Thank You to my wonderful big sister xXxKaraBeckerCutterxXx for letting me drag her into being my Beta :D
Hope you all enjoy the new start!

To know what was going on inside her the days she received the one letter that was dreaded by all the Wizarding World, was difficult to comprehend. All she knew was that an old tutor of hers needed some support and apparently she was the only person who fitted that category. Standing at around 5'7, Miss Phoenix Kilgour Lupus McGregor would be the first to admit that she was no beaut; but she could get by well enough without the prospects of good looks. Her hair was a dull red, her body was toned but usually covered by Robes, her voice was rough for her appearance and her skin was scarred from battle. She wasn't a prissy girl who was afraid to break a nail if caught up in a fight, she was a warrior, an assassin of the highest calibre; she had seen through worst fights that that was too come although the up-coming war was nothing to pass by. She was an auror to the bitter end and her life was to fight for those who needed protection.

Her stubborn attitude made it seem impossible for anyone to get on with her; she was as bad as Alastor 'Mad-eye' Moody on the best of days seeing as it was either her way or the highway. And unless she was proven wrong then it was foolish to try and change her mind.

It was close to midnight on August 31st, several hours after the Howler had been sent via owl from Professor Minerva McGonagall to Phoenix McGregor; her full name was complicated, but then again, she was a complicated individual. As the clock ticked by a small 'pop' echoed in the surrounding streets outside 12 Grimmauld Place and a sole figure watched as the house magically appeared between numbers 10 and 13. She had only just stepped in through the front door when she was instantly cornered by the very same person who had screamed through the scarlet letter a few hours ago, for not turning up to their supposed appointment. Her excuse? She just simply did not want to go.

"Evening Minerva," Phoenix smiled pleasantly, as if greeting an old friend

McGonagall looked stern "I'm very disappointed in you, Phoenix" she stated, shaking her head in disapproval

"So, there is nothing new then, is there Minerva?" the young auror responded "Now what is so important that you had to drag me away from the first holiday I have had in nearly 5 years"

"We need your help, Phoenix" McGonagall stated

"If it's what I think it is, then you can ask someone else" Phoenix responded "I have already told you no; and I'm not going to change my mind anytime soon" and she turned and headed in the direction of what she believed was the kitchen.

"When have I ever asked you to do something that was not vital?" McGonagall continued, as she followed her former student

Phoenix sighed "It may be vital, but you will need to find someone else." she explained, taking a seat at the kitchen table "You know my feelings of the boy and those are not going to change anytime soon. If you want I will even find someone you will be willing to help you." she summoned a fresh cup of tea to the table with a flick of her wand "Just count me out of this little favour, as you are trying to call it. I won't go back there! And I will not look after a little boy who doesn't want help when it is offered to him."

But McGonagall was desperate "But Phoenix..." she tried to reason

"Not buts," Phoenix shook her head "I will not return to Hogwarts! And I'm not going to watch over that conceited brat who only believes in himself, and is gullible when it comes to trouble"

Sadly, no matter how many times she said no, McGonagall tried to change her mind at every possible turn; the old Transfiguration's professor brought up every possibility, every worst case scenario, everything! But Phoenix would not budge! She was firm and there was no way on Heaven or Earth that she was going to watch over Harry Potter, when the ungrateful little brat didn't want the protection. Why should she put her life on the line for a brat who believed himself better than most Aurors? The same brat that pushed away everyone who ever wanted to help him in his life? She would not be pulled into helping him! There was just no way. They could find someone else, because she refused to be the protector of the Boy Who Lived.

But Phoenix could also understand why; why they wanted her help. She was one of the best in her fields, with knowledge far more prudent that most Aurors her age, some even older. From a very early age she had received training from people that were far more experienced than her required age group, her skills in magic and battle were far more advanced compared to most of the students she had attended school with, at the mere age of 13 she had learned how to transform into an Animagus, and was very fortunate to acquire not just one form, but two. A black wolf and a Phoenix. Very unusual combinations, but very powerful nonetheless. Yet, many witches and wizards frowned upon the fact that she was different, but Phoenix...she took pride in being different, she felt comfortable with her unique abilities and had learned to not be put off by the disadvantages and discouragement of others.

"Phoenix Kilgour Lupus McGregor!" Minerva snapped, using the full name of her student was never a good sign "Harry Potter has been -"

But she never got to finish her sentence for Phoenix had interrupted her "...Harry Potter has been through a lot in his life, things that no child should have to go through." she nodded "Yes, I am well aware of what he has been through Minerva; but the fact remains that he is not the only person in this world who has problems. Voldemort caused tons of trouble when he was around, he destroyed families and who do those families have to turn to for help? Mhmm, that's right, no one! Harry Potter does not realize just how lucky he is to have people behind him, people who care about him and would go to the ends of the Earth for him." she breathed in sharply, "He pushes those who care for him away, just last year he ended his budding relationship with his girlfriend, and yet she still refuses to turn her back on him! He insults and pushes away his best friends and yet they still stand beside him, like the faithful friends that they are..."

She shook her head, glancing down at the swirling depths of her tea

"...I know people who dream to have friends like he does," she mumured "He should be bloody thankful for his friends and yet he wants more?"

Her head snapped up so that she was staring at Minerva "I am not the person you are searching for," she added "The person you want is someone who believes strongly in Harry Potter. Im sorry Minerva, I believe in the cause and what it is we are all fighting for; but I simply do not believe in putting my faith in the hands of a 16-year-old boy who does not respect those around him!" she sighed and stood, before heading for the door "You must find somebody else, im sorry I couldnt be more help"

And with that Phoenix left the room. Once back in the hallway, the young Auror crossed towards the main entrance, but not without passing the stairs leading to upper floors. From the first floor just above her, she could hear the rapid but light whispers and halted in her walk as she glanced back to see two pairs of extendable ears hanging in plain view of the kitchen door, she smirked; she had never been on to pass up the opportunity to teach people a lesson on spying and therefore raised her wand, and fired off a spell watching as it connected with the two ears, and in a mixture of bright colours the ears exploded. There were two shouts from the first floor but Phoenix didn't stick around long enough to find out what the ears belonged too. Instead she crossed the remaining hallway, pulled open the door of Grimmauld Place and disappeared into the night; the smile which had formed on her battle worn face, never moving.