EPILOGUE – THE CURTAIN DROPS: THE PHOENIX FLIES
The party returned to 12, Grimmauld Place just in time so as not to give Albus, Arthur and Kingsley a heart attack. They had found the house empty and destroyed, and had been very worried with the wild possibilities until ten figures arrived home and resolved into their beloved friends (or, in Arthur's case, wife and children too).
They then launched a flaming giant phoenix into the sky, a trick developed from the Death Eaters' habit of shooting the Dark Mark over any area where they had gained a noteworthy victory. All of them watched as the great fiery figure flew here and there in the sky.
Ten days later, when Harry arrived at the Headquarters with Albus. He listened to their anecdote. After they had finished, he replied to the expectant faces by simply saying, 'I hate living in Privet Drive.'
Little did the six know that a year later, they would be still recovering from the after-shocks of the death of the greatest wizard by far, Albus Dumbledore, by the hands of his most faithful friend, Severus Snape.
For now, however, they were enjoying as varied versions of the Battle of the Phœnix's Nest spread in Hogwarts Castle like wildfire...