/'How are you doing?'/
/'Okay. I left the Longbottom's for Kenya this morning. I'm getting there the muggle way, by a five-hour plane ride. I'll be getting off in a few minutes.'/
/'You going for those trips you were telling me about? To other Gates?'/
/'Yes. I'm going to four, one in Kenya, one in India, one in Brazil and one in America.'/
/'What are the specific countries?'/
/'Kenya, India, Brazil and Maine, United Sates.'/
/'Tell me about it when you get a chance.'/
/'Always.'/
/'Why did you leave from London? Weren't you supposed to go back to the Gates first?'/
/'I was, but plans changed. Kenya has a team that needs an extra person for two weeks. It worked out in the schedule so I left straight from London.'/
/'Well, Sirius is calling for me, the Order has moved into Grimmauld.'/
/'If you need to get away, use the portkey I sent you. My rooms are yours to use.'/
/'Thanks, I think I'm dumping Ron.'/
/'What happened?'/
/'I overheard him talking with Percy. He was saying the attention of being my friend wasn't worth the drama I got into.'/
/'I'm sorry Harry, that's awful. I'll give him a piece of my mind when I get back.'/
/'We'll be in school.'/
/'Then over break. Just don't let him get to you.'/
/'Never. Talk later?'/
/'Course.'/
Phoenix closed the journal and slipped it in her school bag. She slipped a pulled out a change of clothes and slipped into the bathroom. She changed quickly, tucking her dog tags under her shirt as she left. She pulled her hair back as she sat back down, just in time to hear the landing announcement. She buckled up and waited for the plane to land. Her mind ran through the Swahili she had been studying since she the summer before.
She unboarded quickly after the plane landed and found the floo station right by her gate. The bald man was flipping through a magazine.
"Has Kieran Wolfe been by?" She asked him in shaky Swahili. The man looked up at her and cocked an eyebrow.
"Floo gate 5, Miss Black?" The man replied in good English.
"Thank you," Phoenix said and walked through the door he opened for her. She walked down an aisle of floo gates, looking for number five. There were fifty or more gates and there was no order to the system at all.
"Phoenix!" Kieran called when the girl reached Gate 50, at the center of the hall.
"Kieran!" She grinned in relief. "Why didn't you tell me English was well-known here?"
"Good to see you too." He smiled back. "I'm your dedicated teacher for the next two weeks. Do not worry, dear Phoenix, everyone at the gates speaks English."
"That's a relief, I don't get Swahili," she sighed
"Some may speak Swahili to keep secrets."
"Let them keep their secrets." Phoenix replied.
Kieran shrugged and led Phoenix into the floo network.
"So what is your Gate's special skill?" Phoenix asked when they stepped out into the Visitor's Gate. "Romania has hand-to-hand combat,"
"We have the five top starters." Kieran replied.
"You have firestarter masters?" Phoenix asked as they stepped out of the Gate.
"Oh wow." Phoenix breathed when they stepped into the visitor's Gate at Kenya's Dragon Gates.
"Welcome to Dragon Gates, Kenya. If you go through the Visitor's Gate to leave, you will step out into the village of Garissa, and right near the Lorian Swamp."
"This place is beautiful."
"It is indeed," Kieran agreed. "We are closer to the coast, so we have more tropical weather. Our rain supplies comes from the ocean. It goes through a mass purification process to make it drinkable."
"Wow, and it isn't a million degrees either."
"We have a climate control over the Civilian Sector. Anton and Abasi are friends."
"Who isn't Anton friends with."
Kieran grinned and continued. "Well, Anton shared your uniforms with Abasi. We have been using them since."
"I can't wait for tomorrow." Phoenix decided. "It is so beautiful here."
Kieran nodded and led Phoenix to the hosuing.
"We have co-ed cabins here in Kenya, four to a room. Trainees and Handlers are in different areas."
"Then what happens if a Trainee needs to ask their mentor something?
"We have the senior Trainees they can ask, and they have their partners. Dominick will explain it all to you. I have to report to Abasi. This will be your cabin. You will be staying with Abri Lake, Dominick Young, and Tao Avow." Kieran said. "Dominick is my trainee and is looking forward to meeting you. He is excited to have a training partner from Romania. He is excited to have a fighting partner. He is quite good at hand-to-hand, a fair duelist."
"Does he know I'm a girl?"
"Not yet." Kieran replied. "They should be inside."
"Thanks, will I get a schedule here?"
"You will work as a trainee by Dominick's schedule." Kieran replied.
"Thanks Kieran." Phoenix smiled and approached the cabin. As she was about to start up the stairs, two boys rolled out of the cabin. The two were throwing punches, grunting and growling. Phoenix cocked an eyebrow and pulled the bigger of the two boys off the ground.
"Might I ask what is going on?" she wondered.
"Who are you?" The smaller of the boy snapped. He was sporting a bloody nose and a light scrap on his bad head."
"Phoenix Black." She introduced herself.
"Nice to you meet you Miss Black," the larger boy grinned. He was well-built, lean with a good bit of muscle. His curly dark hair was soaked with sweat. "I'm Dominick Young."
"Kieran mentioned you," she said. "You must me Tao, then, right?"
"What's it to you?"
"Trying to match names and faces." She shrugged.
"What are you doing here?" Tao demanded.
"This is my cabin for two weeks." She said.
"We share cabins here," Dominick told her.
"I know, I meant that I was assigned to this cabin while I'm here."
"What are you here for?"
"Visiting, training," she smiled.
"I know who you are!" Dominick cried. "I can't believe I didn't recognize your name."
"Huh?"
"You bitched out the British Minister of Magic. Kieran said you were coming, please come in."
"Thanks," she smiled and followed him inside. Inside, a girl was sitting on her bed writing furiously and crossing out other things.
"Healer?" Pheonix asked her.
"Who are you?"
"Phoenix Black, um, you want fresh blood for the Dragon's Breath."
"It doesn't matter," the girl snapped. "What do you know?"
"Plenty. My friend is a healer. She patched me up first time I tried to make that. Blood I used was a month old. Not fresh enough and the potion melted my cauldron."
"Only Handlers know that," Tao said.
"I'll be one by summer's end if I pass my tests."
"You have got to be joking," Tao snapped. "No way are you a Trainee."
"Sure am. Phoenix Black-Lestrange, Trainee under Charlie Weasley of Romania. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"Barbarian you mean," the girl snapped.
"Leave her alone Abri." Dominick said and laid on one of the beds. "You can take that empty bed there."
Phoenix nodded and set her bag on the bed Dominick had pointed to.
"Thanks," she nodded and sat down. She pulled her father's locket out of her bag and fastened it around her neck.
"Jewelry isn't allowed." Tao snapped.
Phoenix ignore him and pulled her trunk out of her bag. She put her bag inside and pushed it under the bed.
"So, do you have any special skills?" Dominick asked.
"hand-to-hand fighting and dueling,"
"Barbaric, a girl, fighting." Abri spat.
"You fight to survive where I come from."
"Told, you Romanians are barbarians."
"I don't come from Romania." Phoenix told her. "I come from Britain."
"Yeah right. They have some decency."
Phoenix sighed heavily, looking at her hands in defeat.
"How about some dinner Miss Black?" Dominick asked.
"Dinner?" Phoenix asked.
"I'm hungry." Dominick smiled.
"Me too." Phoenix nodded. "Lead the way."
Dominick's smile widened and followed her out of the cabin. When they were a fair distance away, Dominick sighed and placed his arm around her shoulder..
"Sorry about them. Here, the girls are Helaers, not Handlers."
"I hadn't noticed." Phoenix sighed.
"You ok?" Dominick asked.
"Miss my mum," she shrugged.
"You'll see her..."
"No I won't." Pheonix said. "She...she died at the end of May. Saved her cousin from a curse sent by my uncle."
"I don't think I'm sorry will do anything?" Dominick said.
"I don't want the pity." Phoenix replied.
"You're the daughter of Bellatrix Black, right?"
"Yes." Phoenix replied.
"School must be hard then, you do go to school in Britain right?"
"Hogwarts actually, but I dropped out and finished my NEWTs last week."
"I don't know the European grading system." Dominick mentioned
"OWLs are the tests to test your progress and will limit your career choices. NEWTs are the tests that employers look at." Phoenix explained.
"I hear you are a good fighter."
"One of the best," she said as they entered the mess hall.
"Care to let me try you?" He asked.
"You'll lose." Phoenix warned.
"We'll see." Dominick said and handed her a tray of food that she didn't recognize. She sat down and began to try everything as Dominick named the different foods as she ate.
They got half way through their meal when the sweet voice of a young woman rang above their heads. "Phoenix Black?"
"Yes, and you are?" Phoenix asked politely.
"Mosa Zinn." The woman replied. She held herself regally. Her hair was tied in thin, tight braids and she stood tall in her deep red robe.
"How may I help you?" Phoenix asked.
"My companions and I would like you to join us," she spoke.
"What about Dominick?" Phoenix asked. She knew what this woman was, but that did nothing to deter her questions.
"Mosa is a firestarter, it is an honor to eat with them." Dominick explained.
"Your friend does not need you by his side."
"He is my second," Phoenix replied.
"He is your second? Abasi told us you would not have one."
"Kieran is a friend of my Mentor's. I am happy to fill this empty position."
"Then he will be welcomed with you, Miss Black." Mosa replied. Phoenix nodded and followed the regal woman to a table in the back.
"What just happened?" Dominick asked.
Phoenix replied with a smile, "I'm a firestarter, its something I keep to myself because in Britain it is somewhat feared in the daughter of a death eater."
Dominick nodded in understanding and sat next to Phoenix when they reached the firestarter's table.
"My dear, you must be Miss Black," a man grinned when she sat down. His soft brown sugar colored eyes scanned her. He could see feel strength and drank it in. "You are strong, for one so young."
"May I ask you name, sir?" she replied.
"Yes...yes, of course. I am Buru Saul. You already know Mosa, this young woman to my right is my cousin Neo Saul."
Neo's chocolate brown eyes looked Phoenix up and down sizing the girl up.
"The men to my left are Kamau Sefton and his twin brother Kato."
"Pleasure." Phoenix nodded to each in turn. The brothers pushed their flames out, giving off an aura of heat, trying to scare her.
"Kieran says you are quite the firestarter." Kato began.
"I am." Phoenix nodded.
"You are on the brink of gaining the title of master." Mosa said. "But you have no control. We can feel it in the flames. You will be training with us."
"I was informed I would come here to understand and learn the abilities of Kenya."
"Mosa," Buru began. "While she knows what she wants, asks too much, far too often. I have discussed with Abasi. You shall go by Kieran's morning schedule, and shall train with us after lunch."
"It would be my honor." Phoenix replied. "But Dominick must be allowed to join me."
"Mr. Young is free to join us," Kamau agreed before Mosa could speak.
"What ever do you mean sir?" Dominick asked.
"You are one of us, Mr. Young. A beginner, but a starter all the same." Kamau said. You heat is faint, it is why only Miss Black and I can feel it."
"If I may." Phoenix cut in. "My flight was long, and I'd like to go back to the cabin."
"Of course Miss Black, and please tell Mr. Young what you can." Buru said.
"Of course sir, he seems quite confused." Phoenix smiled and stood, leading Dominick away from the table.
"How did you know?" Dominick asked her. "I didn't even know."
"You give off heat." Phoenix told him. "All starters do, it is like an aura of warmth engulfing you."
"What are you going on about?" Dominick asked.
"Sorry, an experienced elemental can tell if someone else is also an elemental and a few can even tell the element. You are like me, a firestarter, or starter. You are a beginner and will have teachers, unlike I did. They will help you."
"I'm like them?"
"Yes." Phoenix stated. "Anything else?"
Dominick just shook his head and followed her into the cabin.
::-::-::-::-::
After spending a week in Kenya, Phoenix was finally comfortable with the culture and the language seemed to flow as if she had spoken it her entire life.
(Swahili in this part)
"Why do Young and the barbarian get to train with the firestarters and not us?" Abri complained to Tao one morning after breakfast.
"Must think she's so special. Another thing to her ego." Tao replied.
"Watch out!" Someone called as they walked. The duo spun around to see Dominick and Phoenix appear, followed quickly by a pissed of female dragon.
"Is he stupid, or doesn't he want to get killed?" Phoenix growled as she skirted closer to the pissed off African ridgeback.
"Are you a fucking idiot!" Tao cried. "Get away from her, she'll kill you."
The dragon was focused on Tao now. It watched him intently, waiting for him to move, waiting for a reason to charge. A loud whistle rang across the sector, making the dragon freeze.
Phoenix started towards it more slowly, and touched its head gently.
The dragon looked angry and tried to skirt away, but Phoenix spoke calmly.
"Please calm down kind dragon. We mean you no harm." She said and rubbed her scales. The dragon sat on the ground and let out and light moan of fear.
"Go back to your den. I am sorry we scared you. I would never do that to any dragon's eggs. I know how it feels, to lose your eggs. My dearest friend's eggs were taken from her."
The dragon looked at her nervously, and rubbed against her hand happily. She quickly flew away, leaving Phoenix was a smile.
"Are you crazy!" Abri yelled. "No one goes near a dragon when they are that upset!"
"Shut up Abri, that was amazing!"
"Thanks," Phoenix shrugged and looked at Abri. "If no one stops a dragon, they could hurt themselves or someone else."
"She doesn't know about that," Tao said. "Ignore her. I owe you a hige apology. To subdue a dragon without magic is almost impossible."
"Your voice has to be soft, no hint of blame or anger in your tone. You treat the dragon like they are your friend."
"It is hard for most because they don't think dragon are like us. They don't think dragons are smart or have feelings." Tao explained to Abri. "I can't do it."
"I can't even attempt it yet." Dominick confessed.
"Dragons happen to be the only creatures I can really trust. The Phoenix Dragons back home even adopted me as one of their own." Phoenix cut in. "My mentor say I have a connection to the dragons no one else does, I think, I just know what its like, to be treated like a stupid, dumb, unfeeling, animal."
"I'm sorry." Tao said sincerely. "For my words and my actions. You deserve to be a Handler above all others."
"Thank you, I accept your apology." Phoenix smiled as a Hatchling walked up to the group. Phoenix's face lit up as the dragon walked up to her.
"Well, hello there little one, what kind of dragon are you?" Phoenix asked it.
"Egyptian Long Wing." Tao replied. "This one belongs to Buru Saul's bonded."
"You are beautiful Hatchling." Phoenix smiled, running her fingers along its spine.
"He's male if that helps." Tao told her.
"Thank you." Phoenix nodded as the Hatchling growled happily.
"Aban!" Someone called. Buru came running up and smiled when he found the small hatchling playing with the group.
"Hello Buru." Phoenix smiled as the Hatchling ran to its mother's bonded.
"I see you've met Aban."
"He such a pretty Hatchling."
"Well, I need take him back to his den, he gets into far too much trouble." Buru smiled.
"We won't keep you." Phoenix replied.
For the rest of the day, Dominick, Tao and Phoenix talked like old friends.
"You know, I'm really glad we got to talk." Tao said as they ate.
"Me too, you are pretty great guy. Any girl will be lucky to get you." Phoenix said.
"You interested?"
"Sorry, I'm taken." Phoenix smiled guiltily.
"Dinner?" Tao asked. "As friends? Dominick, you, and me?"
"Maybe, when?"
"What about tonight?"
"Training," Dominick groaned.
"Mosa gave us the afternoon off." Phoenix shrugged.
"But that means she has us training till Midnight. She's only giving me the night off tomorrow because Phoenix am leaving. She's letting us say goodbye and she need to pack and make sure she's ready to leave at Dawn." Dominick sighed.
"Where do you go after this?" Tao asked.
"India, but I'd love to stay here." Phoenix replied as they reached their cabin.
"Why don't you want to go back, the Trainees that leave here usually can't wait to return."
"I need to lose myself for awhile." Phoenix replied sitting on her bed.
"Your mom is Bellatrix Lestrange, isn't it?" Tao asked.
Phoenix nodded in grief.
"My brother, he told me she..." Tao began. "Why did she hurt that family?"
Phoenix shook her head sadly, but she didn't sound mad. "That poor family was the closest family I had besides my mum. Their son was and still is a close friend. I don't think being an elemental has ever made me as happy as it did in December."
"Why?" Tao asked.
"It saved their lives, just in time." Phoenix sighed.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize."
"I'm used to it, it's all I got since I was five."
"Five?"
"That's when she was sentenced." Phoenix sighed. "When I was five-years-old."
"Why do you want to forget this year?" Tao asked.
"One of my Professor hated me because of my mum and…" Phoenix stopped and took a deep breath, "my mother died at the end of May, and it was my uncle that killed her. She was killed by the killing curse, saving the life of Sirius Black, Harry Potter's godfather and the only thing Harry had left."
The two boys were silent, having nothing they could say.
"I don't want to go back because everyone looks at me with pity and I hate it. I can take care of myself, I don't need pity." Phoenix grumbled.
"You've proved that today, that dragon you calmed is our most violent female." Tao said. Phoenix nodded and sighed. She was trying hard not to cry right there, in front of Dominick and Tao.
"So, you said you were taken, who is he?" Tao asked changing the subject.
"Harry Potter. We had similar childhoods and we understand each other better than others. We don't look at the other with pity. We are there if the other needs undivided support."
"He's a lucky guy. How long has it been?"
"Two years this coming December."
"Congratulations Phoenix. So, tell us about Potter." Tao grinned. Phoenix smiled and forgot about her mum as she told them about all the antics he had gotten into.
The next day, Phoenix, Dominick, and Tao went to a small restaurant by the Gates and got to talking about Handling, trading secrets and tips.
Phoenix said saddened goodbyes as she left the gate for the final time. She thanked Mosa for everything and was surprised when Mosa gave her a small dragon figurine.
"It is the hardest technique for solidified fire. You can make your figurines move, but this comes alive. Blows fire, smoke and flies around. You can even communicate with it. It's an unbreakable is the last technique I can show you." Mosa smiled. "You are a master in your own right, Miss Black. Anton sent us the test and I am proud to present you with your mastery. "
Phoenix smiled proudly and took the certificate and badge she was handed.
"It's beautiful and perfect, thank you for teaching me Mosa, I can learn nothing more, you were a wonderful teacher." Phoenix smiled, tears in her eyes.
"You can always learn more, Miss Black. There are things we may never know about our gifts. You have a flight to catch Miss Black, and remember to practice."
"Always." Phoenix replied shaking her hand a final time.
"Goodbye, Miss Black." Phoenix said a final goodbye and left the gate. She would miss Kenya, but promised herself to return when she had vacation someday. For now she had a long flight ahead of her.