Chapter 11:
Follow My Lead
When the Yule Ball rolled around, Phoenix was extremely nervous. Lavender was trying to fix her hair with no success.
"Don't try Lavender, it is a frizzy mess." Phoenix said.
"Hush, you," Lavender said. "My mother taught me just the spell."
With a swish of her wand, Lavender had Phoenix's hair lying silky and straight down her back.
"Wow," Pavarti smiled. "I never never knew your hair was that long."
Phoenix went as red as her dress and kept her eyes stuck to the floor.
"It looks amazing, lavender," Hermione smiled.
"Are we done yet?" Phoenix asked.
"No, now we must style it," Lavender said and began pulling and braiding the girl's hair.
"Simple Lavender," Hermione reminded the girl as Phoenix screwed her eyes shut. Half an hour later, Lavender stood back and staered at her masterpiece. Phoenix opened her eyes and sighed in relief. Her ebony hair had predominantly left alone with a few scattered braids framed by a circlet French braided around the top.
"Now can we see your dress?" Parvarti begged. "I hope it was the red one."
"You didn't pick this one," Phoenix said as she pulled out a black dress. The long skirt fell like layers of chiffon from a lace bodice. It seemed very simple, thee sleeves barely connecting to the bodice. When Phoenix put it on, the sleeves would dip down her arms.
"Where did you get this?" Lavender asked. "I never saw this in the store."
"That's because it wasn't," Phoenix said. "These were my mum's dress robes. I received them a couple days ago."
"What about the dress robes you bought?"
"In my trunk," Phoenix shrugged. "I'll probably return them next Hogsmead trip."
"Which ones did you buy?"
"The green ones," Phoenix said.
"You should keep them," Hermione said. "Just in case you need something more formal."
"They are pretty," Lavender said.
"I guess," Phoenix said as Parvarti finished the meager make-up Phoenix had allowed her to apply. "You done?"
"You can get up now," Parvarti agreed and stepped back to let the antsy girl up. Within seconds Phoenix was on her feet and moving to the bathroom to change into her dress. Finally alone, Phoenix took a deep breath and smiled as she thought about the whirlwind of the last week.
"What are you smiling about?"
Phoenix jumped at the sound of a voice and turned to see Hermione standing in the doorway.
"Sorry," the brunette smiled. "Didn't mean to scare you."
"It's alright, just didn't expect you to be standing there."
"I understand," Hermione said. "I just needed to get away from those two for a few minutes."
"They are something else," Phoenix said.
"You alright?"
"I know they're being nice and helping us get ready, but…"
"You still don't trust them," Hermione finished.
"You'd think I would have an easier time with them than with Seamus and Dean," Phoenix sighed.
"I am a little surprised by their change in attitude," Hermione agreed.
"I guess you could say we found something in common with quidditch last year," Phoenix said. "One thing about Seamus and Dean was that while they were cruel, they never hid anything. I always knew exactly what they thought."
"I still don't understand," Hermione admitted.
"I know how they feel about me, when they hated me, I knew it. After Oliver…"
"Oliver Wood?"
"Yes," Phoenix nodded.
"Sorry, everyone's always called him Wood."
"He's dating my cousin so we got more aquainted this summer," Phoenix said.
"That makes sense," Hermione said. "Please, continue."
"Right, well after Wood told the house that anyone who touched me would get in a lot of trouble they changed sides. At that time, everyone, but Slytherin wanted to see Gryffindor win, even me and they knew I was the reason Gryffindor was getting the edge so they decided to become like a protective guard until the end of the game. Well because of that, we talked because it was better than silence. In those weeks we found out that I am a great chess player and a horrid at exploding snaps. We ended the year on better terms than I ever thought we'd be on, and now they are asking me for help on Homework and trying to make up for the last two and a half years I guess. Lavender and Parvarti however are sneaky and conniving and I trust them as far as I can throw them. They may not have been openly cruel like the boys, but they spread a lot of those rumors and I don't trust them not to spread more."
"I guess I can understand that," Hermione sighed. "Some days I have to wonder what you think of me."
"You're a bookworm who came into this after my mum was in prison. I don't blame you for your feelings. The fact is, when my mum was pardoned you apologized and you meant it. You've done nothing to make me hate you and distrust you. I'm sure that someday, we'll be great friends."
"Do you not consider us friends?" Hermione asked as Phoenix pulled her dress over her slim shoulders.
"I do," Phoenix replied carefully. "I consider us good friends."
"I'm sorry, I thought…"
"I understand," Phoenix said. "What I meant was that I think in time we'll become much better friends then we already are."
Hermione smiled and made Phoenix turn towads the bathroom mirror.
"Stand still, I'll tie you up," the brunette said. Phoenix thanked her and felt the silk bodice tighten around her abdomen.
"Is it tight enough?" Hermione asked when she was at the bottom.
"Whelp, I can't breathe and mum told me in her letter that if I could breathe it wasn't tight enough," Phoenix chuckled.
"Is that a yes?"
"Yes, Hermione, thank you," Phoenix laughed.
"Right, can you zip me up now?"
Phoenix grinned and quickly zipped up the back of Hermione's dress before quickly charming the ties of her dress so someone couldn't untie them on her.
"You ready to go?" Phoenix asked. "Krum must be waiting to see his date."
"Harry too."
"Yeah, Harry too." Phoenix said taking a deep breath.
"Come on, you'll be fine," Hermione smiled. Phoenix nodded and grabbed her shoes out of their room with a quick thanks to Lavender and Parvarti before running after Hermione. The two girls chatted nervously as they made their way down to the Great Hall. They walked down the last flight of stairs and watched as eye turned.
"You look beautiful." Harry told them.
"Thanks, you good too." Phoenix smiled hiding a blush.
"Potter, Black, Granger, line up." McGonagall barked at them. Harry led Phoenix over to the other champions and their dates while Krum greeted Hermione and escorted her to line. Once only the Champions and Professor McGonagall were in the Entrance Hall, McGonagall opened the doors and let them enter the Great Hall. Harry and Phoenix were last in line, but Harry was fine with that, he had his best friend, and the perfect girl by his side to share in their soon to be humiliation.
They reached the dance floor and Harry mimicked Cedric. He felt Phoenix get into position as naturally as breathing.
"Follow my lead." Phoenix muttered seeing his nervousness at leading.
"I thought you couldn't dance."
"I said I don't, not I can't." She said and led Harry along as the music started. It was a graceful dance she had obviously done before.
"When did you learn to dance?" He asked.
"Narcissa made me and Draco learn when we were little." She replied.
"Well, I guess it paid off." Harry smiled.
"I guess, my teacher was an amazing witch, and we learned all types of dance. It was nice to be able to learn dances both muggle and magical."
"Well either way, it has saved our butts tonight."
"That is has." She smiled as the dance ended and others came to join the next dance. Someone tapped Harry on the shoulder. He turned around to see Hermione.
"Can we switch for a dance?" She asked Phoenix.
"Sure, would you like to dance Viktor?" Phoenix asked the Champion. He agreed and began the dance as the music played. He had to admit, she was good, but he was still glad he asked Hermione to the dance. While his date was flowing water, Phoenix was a raging fire, graceful and fluid, and she had become a good friend, studying with him in the library, but that is all she would ever be.
"When were you planning on telling me Viktor?" Phoenix asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"I was unavare I had to tell you." He replied.
"Well then, don't tell your friend when you get a date."
"I didn't vant to make you feel bad."
"Me? Never. I don't get upset when other people are happy." Phoenix argued.
"Sorry." Krum apologized.
"Apology accepted, in all honesty, I think she is happy you asked her."
"She is a good friend?"
"Yes, she is and you've made her feel really special tonight."
Krum nodded and changed the subject.
"Are you returning to the Gates this summer?"
"As soon as the year is over," Phoenix replied. "Are you?"
"Not dis summer."
"Let me know, next time you are, maybe I'll be around."
Krum promised to keep in touch after the year and finished their dance, eagerly returning to Hermione. Before Harry could say anything to Phoenix, Daco stepped in with Harry's permission.
"Thank you Pot…Harry, I just want to talk to her really."
"It's fine." Harry replied going to sit with Ron. They had made up a couple days ago and while Phoenix was wary of the red head, she was happy for Harry.
"What is it you want to say Draco?" She asked slyly.
"My afraid, my father is…changing, becoming darker."
"He isn't becoming a follower is he?" That was what Phoenix was really afraid of.
"He already is, you know that," Draco said. "Phoenix, I'm afraid that if he returns, I'll have to join him."
"No, he won't return," Phoenix stated. "He can't, he's dead."
"Father isn't so sure anymore," Draco said.
Phoenix stared at the blond. The only reason she wasn't falling to the floor was her cousin's firm grip. Slowly, Phoenix took a deep breath and wet her lips.
"This summer, get a bag ready, make sure it is always stalked with money and clothes. If he tries to give you the dark mark or bring you to Voldemort, hex him, grab the bag and run. My mum and I will take care of you. You are outside the control of Ministry in Romania. Not even Lucius can bring you away from Dragon Gates. There you will be safe." She muttered.
"How will I get there?"
"Take the Knight Bus to an airport and buy a ticket to Romania. Ask specifically for a ticket to the Reservation, Sinia, Romania." She explained. "You will be escorted to the international floo where you can go straight to the visitor's center. When you are asked what your business is, tell them your cousin is an employee. Give them my name and I will come get you."
"How do you know this?"
"You don't know how many times I have tried to run away, I only got as far as the man before the Police would drag me back though."
"I never knew." He said.
"Not many did." She said.
"I'm sorry we couldn't save you," Draco whispered. Phoenix never responded, there was nothing she could say.
The silence hung between them as the song finished.
"Mind if I cut in?" Harry asked. "Um…everything alright?"
"Fine," Phoenix muttered. "I'll see you later Dray."
"You better," he said.
Draco nodded and returned to where the other Slytherins were waiting for him.
"You sure you're okay?" Harry asked her.
"I'm alright," she promised. "Instead of a dance, can I show you something?"
"Where do you want to go?" Harry asked.
"Out here, in the fresh air, where we won't be seen." She said showing him to a perfect place.
"This is beautiful," he said admiring the rose bushes and the twinkling fairy lights.
"I think so too." Phoenix smiled sitting on the bench.
"Why did you bring us out here?"
"Right, I wanted to show you something," she told him nervously letting a small ball of fire rise above her left hand. "You see I…I'm an elemental witch."
"You're holding fire," he stated.
"I know," she said. "I can do a lot more, but I think this is more than enough for tonight."
"Phoneix, you are holding fire."
"I am aware of this," she said, extinguishing the fire. "I'm an elemental witch, or a fire elemental. Well, those are the correct terms. We're also called Firestarters or just starters for short."
"You're an elemental," he repeated.
"A fire elemental, yes," she replied nervously. "I…"
"Is that all you wanted to tell me?"
"I…I wanted to tell someone and I wanted you to know. Are you…"
"So is this…genetic or something?"
"Usually," Phoenix nodded. "My grandmum was a pounder…er…earth elemental. My mum should have been one, but it skipped a generation."
"Well…um…that's cool I guess," Harry replied and broke into a grin. "Can I see more?"
"You…you're not…scared?" she asked.
"What? No!" he cried. "I think it's amazing."
"Really?" she asked.
"It makes you special," he nodded. "You can control it right?"
"Yes," she chuckled. "I may have taught myself, but I was very careful."
"I'm glad to hear that," Harry said. "You have to show me more of what you can do later."
"Alright, I'd like that," she agreed. "Would you like to go back in now?"
"Can I ask your advice first?" He asked.
"On what?"
"Well, there's this girl I know and she is really nice and funny. I really like her and don't know how to tell her. She is really outgoing once you get to know her and one of the smartest witches I know. She's my best friend." He explained. "How should I tell her?"
"Well she would be lucky to have you." Phoenix sighed. Hermione would be that lucky. "What you should do is tell her up front. Don't lag around or beat around the bush, maybe be a bit bold. I mean, you are a Gryffindor and she may not be there when you get around to telling her if you wait too long. Some other guy might have his eye on her and…" She was suddenly stopped by Harry's lips on hers.
The kiss wasn't long and almost as soon as it had started, Harry pulled away to see the bewildered look on his best friend's face.
"You talk too much," he informed her.
"Harry James Potter!" She said angrily finding her voice.
"What did I do?" He asked puzzled.
Phoenix took a deep breath and grinned before pulling him into a deep kiss of her own. Their second kiss lasted far longer and both were left breathless when they separated.
"I…I like you too," Phoenix said. They were both smiling and blushing as Harry pulled her to her feet and pulled her close, placed his arms around her waist and closed the distance between them.
When they finally pulled away, they sat down and Phoenix took off her heels.
"I've always hated these things." She smiled.
"How do you girls wear them?" He asked.
"No clue." Phoenix replied with a smile as she leaned into him. "They were Lavender's idea."
"Since when are you friends with Lavender?"
"Apparently since you asked me to the Ball," Phoenix chuckled. "Her and Parvarti decided I needed help getting ready. You try and tell those two no thank you."
"I'm good thanks," Harry smiled. "Want to head back to the common room?"
"You know Colin Creevey will be waiting for the scoop," Phoenix reminded.
"Do you care?"
"No, I just know your history with the bugger," she smiled at Harry; she had the perfect guy, one that wanted her just as much as she wanted him, and she would shout it from the heavens if she could because she was finally accepted completely by someone.
"Alright, then let's go," Harry grinned. "Do you want to throw your shoes back on?"
"Hell no, I think I will forever have blisters because of them." She replied.
"There's the Phoenix I know and love."
"The sharp tongued death eater's daughter?" She asked.
"Don't call yourself that." Harry said.
"Sorry, the sharp tongued bitch?" She replied with a sly smile.
"You are not a sharp…" He was cut off by Phoenix kissing him again and he was fine with it.
"How else can I put it?"
"The sharp tongued Black I fell completely in love with." Harry said matter of factly.
"I think I can live with that," Phoenix smiled as Harry kissed her once again.
"Are we going to one of those couples who can't keep away from each other?" She asked.
"In a way, I hope so."
"I can live with that." Phoenix smiled and took his hand. They walked through the crowd, getting a lot of stares, but ignored them as they made their way to the common room.
When they made it back, they flopped down on an empty couch while the first, second and third years stared in happiness, confusion and a hint of shock.
"I'll be right back down, I'm going to change out of my dress." Phoenix said and walked upstairs to her dorm. She took the dress off quickly and slipped on a pair of faded dark blue jeans and a dark red tank top with a shimmering black lion on the front. She left her shoes and dress on her bed and went to the bathroom to wash her face. When she walked back downstairs she found Colin talking to Harry non-stop.
"Hey Colin, how's Heather?" Phoenix asked.
"She's great! Thanks for introducing us." He smiled.
"My pleasure, you visit with her today?" Phoenix wondered.
"No, but I'm helping her with Transfigurations tomorrow," he grinned.
"Tonight would been perfect though," Phoenix teased.
"Your cousin wasn't there," he replied. "That's why we're studying tomorrow."
"Do the younger Slytherins give you a hard time?"
"The third years," he replied as his face turned as red as his Gryffindor T-shirt. "The second years usually join out study group and the first years are just surprised to see a Gryffindor."
"I'll speak to them," Phoenix promised. "Maybe between me and the upper years they'll be nicer."
"Thank you," he grinned. "I'm going to be spending a lot of time down there now that you won't have time to visit as much." He joked and ran off with that sly smile.
"What ever did he mean Harry?" Phoenix asked as he watched the third year run up the stairs.
"I have no idea what you mean, Nix." He replied as she laid her head on his chest. She was happy where she was, and happier that the person she was lying on just took her as his and hugged her tight, like he would lose her at any moment. She finally felt like she belonged somewhere, that she did have a future. She had the perfect job, the perfect guy, and the best mum in the world. At that moment, her life was perfect; only one thing could ruin that moment.
Hermione ran into the common room crying her eyes out, make-up running, followed quickly by an angry Ron Weasley.
"You deal with Ron, I'll go talk to 'Mione." Phoenix sighed unhappily getting up. She booked it up to her's and Hermione's dorm before Ron found his voice. Phoenix was not prepared for what she found when she walked into her room.
"Hey Hermione, want to tell me what happened?" Phoenix asked nervously she dodged a pillow being thrown in her general direction.
"Ronald Weasley!"
"What he do this time?"
"He's decided I'm conspiring with Harry's enemy and that he had to do something to stop it. He is just such a prick."
"Ok, now let me ask, just to get things straight, how much do you actually talk to Krum about Harry and the competition?" Phoenix asked.
"He doesn't say one word about it, in fact we don't talk much at all." She said. "He's helped me with some of the theory of Ancient Runes and Arithmacy."
"I assumed that's how it was, but I just wanted to make sure. He wants to be your friend too Hermione. Trust me here, he doesn't care about you friendship with Harry, he like you, for you." Phoenix said.
"How do you know all this?"
"He's my friend too "Mione." Phoenix replied.
"I need to go talk to him, I kind of ran out on him." She said.
"No, you stay here, change, I'll get you some chocolate from the kitchens, it will help. Let me talk to him. He will be more likely to understand someone who hasn't been crying."
"Thanks Phoenix." Hermione smiled giving her a small, sisterly, hug.
"My pleasure, now get in some pajamas and I'll be back in about an hour." Phoenix said returning the hug. Hermione just nodded and slid off her bed as Phoenix left. She heard the arguing from where she stood.
"Why me?" She asked as she made her way downstairs. She was unsuccessful in getting out unnoticed.
"You!" Ron yelled.
"Me." She sighed and kept walking.
"I can't believe you." He said.
"I have someone to talk to, thanks to you." Phoenix sighed and tried to keep walking. She was again, unsuccessful. Ron was quick to throw a spell at her, which she easily dodged, but he threw another right after that she wasn't able to dodge. Instinct brought up a shield to protect her, but it was broken by the spell and a shield of fire was brought up right before it hit. The fire neutralized the spell and then disappeared. There were no marks on the floor to prove what everyone in the common room had seen.
Harry stared at Phoenix, her eyes wide. She backed away slowly and Harry could see her heart racing. Before anyone got over their loss of words, she ran out of the common room.
Her mind raced as she walked back to the Great Hall, and she could only imagine the look the students she passed were seeing on her face. However, by the time she reached the Great Hall, she had a calm expression masking the gears in her head. When she came to the last staircase, she found Krum standing in the Entrance Hall completely confused.
"Looking for Hermione?" She asked him. He just nodded. "She ran into some trouble, she's back in our dorm room."
"Is she ok?" he asked.
"Hermione will be fine, nothing a bit of chocolate can't fix. She will be fine tomorrow and probably come looking for you to try and apologize for running out, but I do know she had an amazing night until, certain people interfered." Phoenix said.
"Vhat people?"
"Certain red haired pricks," Phoenix replied.
"Vhy did he…"
"Ronald Weasley is an emotional teenage girl that believes he is the King of the school."
Phoenix could tell her explaination had confused the man and sighed.
"Ronald is a jealous prick," she stated. "He interfered because he doesn't like the fact that Hermione turned him down for a Champion."
"You vill tell her I am sorry."
"I will make sure she knows," Phoenix promised. "I advise you to just enjoy the rest of your night and not to worry about Hermione."
Viktor nodded and joined a group of Durmstrang students leaving the Great Hall to return to their ship. Free to continue on, she left for the kitchens. She was glad for the time she had to think of an explanation to give her dorm mates. She reached the kitchens and told the elves what she was hoping for, her mind still trying to think of what to tell her dorm mates. When she left, she had hot chocolate and a few more things that the house elves managed to get her to take with her, including a thermos of tea and two mugs. She knew she had to face the students, but she really didn't want to. She decided she had to though, because she had to get the stuff to Hermione.
She was shocked when she walked in. Ron had not hung around, Harry was beaming at her and the other students acted as if she had done something spectacular, which she guessed, creating fire was a spectacle to them. Instead of waiting for someone to say something about it, she went to the dorm quickly and dumped the stuff on Hermione's bed.
"Ok Granger, I've got Hot Chocolate, tea, Honeyduke's best chocolate, cookies and even, longer lasting ice cream. It won't melt or get warm for up to six hours." Phoenix smiled.
"Thanks Phoenix, you are amazing, you really know how to cheer a girl up."
"My pleasure, cause I have enough food that you can share." Phoenix replied.
"What did Krum say?"
"Not much, but did a lot of head nodding, so you are good, he knows something happened, he knows it has to do with Weasley, and he knows you will be fine. If he understands is a different story." Phoenix replied grabbing the ice cream and Hot Chocolate. She poured it in one of the mugs and the Thermos cap. Hermione smiled slightly, wiping her eyes and joined Phoenix on the bed with all the junk. It was like their own mini pajama party.