Sorry for the long wait. This chapter did not want to be written and so it has been half done for the last three weeks. Finally today it came to me. Hope you enjoy and hopefully in the next few weeks I will have another chapter done since I will be on winter break for two weeks. Reviews would be welcomed.

Chapter 6

"Um hi! Really, Potter? The one who gave you your magic and all you can say is um hi." Severus growled as they headed through the gates of Hogwarts.

"Well she kinda just came out of nowhere, what did you want me to say? "Well met." Harry huffed.

"Since that is the way of our world… then YES." Severus, snapped.

"Okay so I fucked up. I don't think she minded. I like her a lot. She has a way with words. She really put those rich bastards in their place. I wonder who will be chosen. Maybe you Sev." Harry said before rushing ahead of the headmaster before his hand could make contact with his head.

Neville and Draco along with Luna chased after their friend leaving their elders to walk at a more civil pace. Lucius couldn't help but smile as he watched his son being a child. He had to grow up too fast. For years the Dark Lord had taken over the lives of his family. There were even hints that Draco would warm the man's bed. Thankfully his sister in-law was what was holding the evil man back. Just because he was her master did not mean the woman would not murder him and his lover in his bed. He was brought out of his musing by Severus.

"Will you be heading home or do you wish to stay and continue helping bring Hogwarts back to life." Severus asked slowing his pace to walk and take Narcissa other arm.

"Where is home Severus. Our manor is no longer a home. Ever since that monster entered it became a place of evil torture. If you may allow us we would like to stay until we have found new accommodation."

"Hogwarts is always here for those that need her." Severus bowed when they got to the main doors and left to head up to his office. He had so much paperwork to do and so little time.

The sound of children screaming in delight was a welcome sound to the headmaster as he read over the daily mail. Being headmaster was not what he had signed up to do, yet here he was. He missed his potions and itched to get into his lab to brew. Albus sighed and popped another lemon drop in his mouth. Severus and Harry were in no hurry to forgive him for the way he had treated them. They did not understand what he did was for the greater good. A tapping at the window behind Severus' desk startled both Albus and Severus. Turning Severus huffed when he saw Potter waving at him.

"Go away. Some of us have work to do." Severus turned and continued reading a letter from a mother complaining about her son had lost two robes last winter. The headmaster put it in the pile that he would discuss it with the head elf. Nine times out of ten the child had ruined it and was to scared to admit it to their parents. The elves would have been happy to fix it for the student if they just bothered to ask. The infernal tapping was getting louder. "Potter go away."

"My boy I think you should perhaps let your guest in." Albus said amused.

Severus turned and all but flew out of his chair when he saw a white and blue phoenix at his window. Other than Fawkes he had never seen a phoenix in his life. They were so rare that it was believed that only a few remain living near humans.

"Welcome." Headmaster Snape said holding out his arm.

With a happy trill the phoenix walked up the man's arm and made himself or herself comfortable on his shoulder. Where Fawkes was a fire phoenix this one was an ice one. Only drawings were ever seen of such a magnificent creature. Trying to remember what it would like to eat he called for Cole the head elf.

Cole was an unusual elf. He did not bow and scrape at the feet of the headmaster he quickly and quietly got on with his job. At times he would even give suggestions which Severus took to heart. After all the elf was hundreds of years old and knew what he was talking about.

"Headmaster a true honour to have a life phoenix come to our humble school. What may I do for you sir?"

"A life phoenix? Don't you mean ice phoenix?"

"A common mistake made by wizards. Have you accepted his bond?" Cole asked as he conjured up a beautiful stand as grand if not so ortantages as the one Albus had for Fawkes. The two dishes were already filled with water and what looked like wobble berries.

"He just turned up. I don't know if he wants to bond with me and if he did what would I do to accept?"

"First of all sir he is a she. Life phoenix's don't just turn up. They are not owls who bring messages. She has obviously chosen you. All you need to do is give her and name and if she accepts it then she is your companion for eternity." Before Severus could ask any more Cole clicked his fingers and was gone.

The headmaster was walking around his office with the phoenix trilling happily as he walked taking in her new surroundings. Severus hadn't felt this calm since before Fawkes had departed to places unknown. But why would she come to him. Other wizards were more worthy of such a gift. Harry for a start with a heart of gold who had a thing for saving people. Or Neville who showed his true bravery. Not him a grumpy old wizard who scared people half to death with just a glare.

"Hello my son." Severus turned so fast that the phoenix squawked and flew over to the, stand that Cole had put by his desk not ten minutes ago.

"Mother Magic." Severus bowed and took her hand in his.

"Please my child no formal greetings. You are my son and such I would be happy with a peck on the cheek."

Severus blushed and stepped closer to his giver of magic and kissed her warm soft cheek. His lips tingle pleasantly. She grasped his hand and lead him to the chairs in front of the large fireplace. It was not lit being warmer than usual.

"I see my gift has arrived. She was rather keen on meeting you." The phoenix trilled in agreement before sampling her food.

"You sent her to me? But why?"

"Because you are worth her. And she will give you what no one else can give you. My child do you know what I am offering you?" The young wizard shook his head. Unable to say anything else. Merlin he had Mother Magic in his office sitting by his fire. No one is ever going to believe him. Hell he didn't believe him and pinched himself just to make sure he wasn't dreaming it.

"What do I need to do?"

"Child it is a gift. I want nothing in return. You have done so much for me and my children. You are continuing to do so by being the headmaster of this school. But it is not an award or a bribe." She held out her arm and the phoenix flew to her trilling softly. "Now do you accept my gift?"

"I am truly honoured. I believe I just have to give her a name."

"Yes this is a bit tricky. Naming such a wonder is difficult."

Before he could think of a name the door slammed open and a flushed looking Harry ran in. Skidding to a halt he laughed and went and sat beside Mother Magic.

"Hey mum." he chuckled when she huffed but accepted his kiss on her cheek. "So who is this beautiful girl? I wondered where she disappeared to. I went to get Luna to come see her but she had gone."

"Potter! Have you no respect. Mother please forgive Potter he has no manners at all. As for the phoenix Potter she is a gift from Mother." Severus said the last part sounding rather smug with himself.

Harry whistled as he stroked the phoenix. Mother Magic smiled at the interaction between two of her children. "Hedwig would have loved you sweet girl." The young wizards voice cracked a little giving a watery smile at Mother Magic. "So what are you going to name her Severus?"

"I'm still trying to decide. I was thinking Vitalia." The bird trilled happily and flew over to her new companion. "I take it you like it my beautiful." A golden light surrounded both Severus and the now named phoenix.

"Wow. That is so beautiful." Harry sniffed remembering when he bonded with Hedwig. "What does it mean exactly?"

"It means for full of life."

"You couldn't have picked a better name" Mother Magic stood and held out her hand's. My children I must leave I have much to do. Remember I will be watching you two." She pecked them on the cheek before disappearing.

Harry Potter turned 18 and the world celebrated and demand the 31st of July to become and wizarding world holiday. The young man in question wanted to curse the lot of them. Making a statement to the press he explained yet again that he didn't defect Voldermort by himself, rather it was a team effort by many. No matter what he said however no one listened and the world had their first Harry Potter Celebration.

Severus was not a happy man. He blatantly refused to acknowledge such a day and continued on with his work to get Hogwarts ready for the coming school year. He was a lonely figure sitting in the great hall for breakfast as an owl swooped in and dropped the Daily Prophet in his porridge. Cursing the bird the Headmaster waved the owl away and unrolled it only to growl. The whole paper was dedicated to the war hero. Huffing he shoved it to the side and continued with his breakfast only to be distrubed by the man of the hour himself.

"What are you doing here Potter. Thought you would be our signing autographs for your adoring fans."

"Your an idiot." Harry growled sitting down and helping himself to the selection of breakfast food the house elf's had offered. So what is the plan of attack for today. I was hoping that Hagrid's hut would be started today. I can't see him comfortable sleeping in the castle."

"That was the plan, however it seems that the goblins are celebrating today as well."

"Seriously?" Severus nudged the paper towards Harry without saying a word.

Potter read the headlines before quickly flicking through the pages. The headmaster carefully lent back as he felt Harry's magic pulsing angrily around them. Without a word the paper vanished into thin air. Tentatively Severus laid a hand on the younger man's shoulder.

"Calm yourself Potter. I have no wish to rebuild these walls."

Brilliant green eyes turned towards the Potions Master seemingly searching the other man's eyes for something. Slowly the magic began to lessen and the last few crackles of magic seemed to flow back into the wizard.

"Thanks." Harry muttered before trying to stand only for the headmaster hand keeping him sitting.

"Eat your breakfast Potter. We have a busy day today. As you said Hagrid needs his home. Between the two of us we can at least make a good start today."

Many hours later Severus and Harry stood back from the house they had built. Admittedly it was only the framing but they had also managed to get the roof on as well. More than they had hoped to have achieved. With their combined magical strength it was a lot easier than first thought. Not only that their magic worked well together a rare gift for any wizard or witch. Normally it was only close siblings like Fred and George who had such a strong bond.

"Well I believe this deserves a drink." Severus said lowering his wand arm.

"Sounds like a plan." Harry said putting his wand away before wiping his forehead. "Thanks for today." he said as they turned and made their way back to the castle.

"No thanks required Potter. It needed doing."

"Yeah well… still thanks. I'll meet you in your office after a shower." Harry ran up the stairs leaving the headmaster to take the opposite stairs to take his own shower. Even with their magic working together today had been draining.

Vitalia gave a happy trill when her master walked in. Severus couldn't help but smile at the feeling of warmth and the new energy she sent him. The headmaster spent many hours looking through the Hogwarts library trying to find out more about his familiar and what exactly a life phoenix ment. However he had no luck the only reference to life phoenix was in an old tomme that said only two known life phoenix's had ever been seen but had never once had they bonded with anyone. With one last pat Severus went to have a long soak and a few potions to rid his body of aches and pains he was now beginning to feel.

Harry sighed as he shut his rooms door. Hogwarts hummed happily as if in greeting. Harry gently patted her walls and started to strip out of his sweaty clothes. He had truly enjoyed his day and couldn't have wished for a better birthday. Of course he missed his friends but they were searching of Hermione's parents and so far they hadn't had any luck. He had received his customary gift at midnight thanks to Vitalia who must have gone to Australia to collect them for him. There was no way an owl would have been able to travel such a distance.

Ron had sent his customary sweets although instead of the usual he had Austrailian muggle sweets. Harry had to admit they were rather morish. Hermione of course sent a book this one about wizarding Australia and New Zealand. No doubt it would be interesting when he got some time to read it. Molly had sent him food although Merlin knew why since he was staying at Hogwarts. Yet he had to admit he did love her fudge. Since it was summer there was no jumper. Of course she tried to persuade him to go to the Burrow for dinner saying that he needed fattening up and Ginny did miss him so. That alone made it certain he wouldn't be going and sent off a thanks and apology explaining he had made other plans with friends.

Ginny's gift was still unopened after one look at the gift he could sense something evil from it. More than likely something with a love potion embedded in it.

Neville and he never exchanged gifts instead they bought each other a gift for themselves and thanked the other for the gift. They agreed in year two that it was a stupid thing to spend money on each other when they knew what the other wanted. Neville always got plants or a book on plants and Harry always got himself quidditch items. This year he had ordered himself a professional snitch that they used in competitions. He couldn't wait for it to arrive so he could go out and try it. From what Draco had told him it was twice as hard as the ones they used at Hogwarts.

The Malfoy's were currently away trying to find a new family home but had sent him a set of formal robes for which he was grateful for. He knew he would have much use for them. Of course they fitted him perfectly and suited his colouring which made his eyes pop according to Kreacher. On the right hand side was his family crest along with the Black crest. He debated whether to wear them to drinks with Severus or his normal jeans and t-shirt.

Just as he was slipping on his boxer briefs Death appeared in front of him. Harry didn't even blink so used to his friend just popping in. What did surprise him however was when Death handed him a box. Never in the whole time he had known Death had he presented his master with anything. Gifts were not something he could just go out and buy.

"Happy birthday Master."

"Awww Death I didn't know you cared." Harry said taking the box from the skeletal hand.

Harry opened the gift and stared at the gift. "You are giving me an egg?"

"Yes."

"Thanks. Um why? Don't get me wrong I am grateful. But…"

"Perhaps you should hold it."

Harry placed the box on his bed before gently picking up the egg from it's velvet nest. The egg and the master glowed a golden colour just like Vitalia and Severus did. Warmth spread throughout Harry's body before the glow disappeared. Carefully the young wizard placed the egg back in the box.

"I know how much you missed Hedwig and although I couldn't give you her back I can give you a part of her."

"A part of her. She has been gone so long. I think I would have known if she had found a mate or laid an egg." Harry said, trying to understand, his eyes brimming with tears.

"Every living being has a soul. Many go on and a few return to this world. I sought her out and found her in North America." Death shrugged.

"This is Hedwig?" Harry stroked the egg gently not daring to take his eyes off it.

"Just her soul." Harry burst into tears. Unable to stop himself. Death not used to such human emotions left quickly and quietly.

TBC