Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter nor any other characters associated with the wizarding world besides Harry's Phoenix.
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Chapter 6: Revealed and Forgotten
That day Harry only associated with his Phoenix, which he dubbed Extaft, another name that he found in his History of Magic book. The phoenix has grown quickly just as Dumbledore had said. The bird was already flying around and its gray feather had begun to molt off, revealing metallic-like silver feather. Its elegant plumage as well as its wings and tail feathers were silver with the tips dabbed with a shiny white. The bird was extremely elegant and took to Harry quickly.
It was nearing dinnertime and Sirius had yet to appear. Harry was beginning to worry. At that moment the portrait which was entry to the common room swung open and Sirius stepped through. Harry leapt from his seat, causing a startle from Extaft and ran over to his godfather. "Sirius! Where have you been?"
Sirius smiled at Harry and placed a hand on the boys shoulder. "I am afraid I can't tell you, but you'll be getting a surprise when you go down to dinner soon." He looked up from Harry to see the magnificent phoenix perched on the top of a large scarlet chair. "So I guess it's safe to assume that egg finally hatched?" He looked back down at Harry.
Harry was just about to ask about the surprise mentioned when Sirius asked hom about his phoenix. "Yes, is hatched this morning. He grew very quickly. He only looked like a small ball of gray feathers earlier." He grinned.
"Does he have a name?" Sirius asked as he walked over to the bird and stroked his chest.
"I named him Extaft." He walked over to Sirius and his phoenix Extaft leapt from his perch on the chair to sit on Harry's shoulder. Harry stroked the silver phoenix's chest gently.
Sirius examined the bird approvingly. "That bird must be rare. I've never seen a phoenix with colorings like this. I wish we knew where you had gotten the egg though. It seems it all turned out for the best, you finding it." He smiled and walked over to the Portrait. "We best be getting down to The Great Hall. They'll be wondering what is taking us so long."
Harry smiled and walked over to Sirius. The two left Gryffindor Tower together and walked down several flights of stairs and corridors before coming upon the huge doors of The Great Hall. Sirius pushed one open and Harry walked through followed by Sirius.
Dumbledore turned from Minerva who he had been talking to see Harry and Sirius walk in. His gaze was quickly drawn to the phoenix on Harry's shoulder and a smile played across his face. "I see you have finally joined us Harry."
Harry walked up to the head table where he had been joining the teachers at meal times. There was no sense in Harry eating alone at the Gryffindor table. As he walked forward several of the teachers gapped at Extaft. Harry walked to his seat which was located next to Sirius's and sat down.
"Harry, may I ask what you have decided to name your phoenix?" Dumbledore asked curiously as many of the teachers continued to look at the oddly colored bird.
"I named him Extaft sir." When he said that Sirius took his seat beside his godson and leaned back in the chair with an audible sigh.
"Wonderful name for him. Now Harry, we have a surprise for you, we'd like you to meet the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Arabella Figg." Dumbledore gestured to an older looking lady who sat at the far side of the table dressed in soft blue robes. She had graying brunette hair which hung just to her shoulder and her eyes were a dark gray color.
Harry recognized the woman straight away. "Mrs. Figg? The old cat loving lady who watched me when the Dursley's went away?"
Arabella smiled. "That's me Harry, though I don't love cats as much as you would think." She smiled. "I'll explain it all at another time as I am sure we are all looking forward to the meal that should be served soon?"
Everyone voiced their agreement. Within a few minutes their plates were full of food and Harry was digging in, giving bits of his bread to Extaft who was now perched on the top of his chair. As he ate he realized that Snape was missing from the row of teachers. The potions masters chair was unoccupied which was a bit strange. He decided against asking where Snape was, figuring it had to do with what Dumbledore talked to him about last year.
After dinner Harry was escorted back to Gryffindor common room by Sirius. "Sirius, where is Remus at? I haven't seen him at all since I came here over the summer."
Sirius continued walked up the flight of stairs, hoping they wouldn't begin to move while he answered. "He's doing various jobs for Dumbledore. I expect you will see him sometime during the year. I'll be leaving tomorrow to go help him."
Harry didn't like the sound of any of this. "Sirius, you be careful. I don't want you being caught or being seen by anyone."
"Don't worry kido, I'll be perfectly fine. I am the one who should be worrying about you." He placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.
Harry didn't need to go any further with asking why Sirius was worried about him. That was an obvious answer. Since Voldemort had regained his body everyone was sure he'd be trying to get Harry again.
They stopped when they came to the portrait of The Fat Lady. They stated the password and walked in.
"Well Harry, I have to go see Dumbledore about a few things. You make sure to get a good nights rest since the other students will be arriving tomorrow." Sirius led him to the stairway that led up to the boys dormitory.
"I will Sirius, no need to worry. Goodnight!" Harry said as he climbed up the staircase. Extaft flew up ahead of him and made himself comfortable on what would be Ron's bed. Harry smiled and got changed in his pajamas before sliding under the red blankets. He was simply exhausted after such a long day and couldn't keep his eyes open any longer. He drifted off into a restless sleep.
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"MALFOY!" The snake-like voice of Voldemort echoed around the dungeon-like room. A man emerged from a crowd of deatheaters, fashioning an all black robe and cloak as well as a black mask.
"Master?" The man, presumed to be Lucius Malfoy kneeled before his master.
"The Phoenix egg you promised me as mistakenly given to Potter. You said it would most likely not hatch but our dear Severus Snape has given us word that it has! That phoenix is EXTREMELY rare and it is now Potters!" He roared.
"Master, I am..." But he didn't get to finish as Voldemort pointed his wand at him and placed the cruciatus curse on him. Lucius screamed out in pain as his hands clenched into fists, his nail digging into his palms causing droplets of blood to form. After what seemed like hours but was a mere two minutes the curse was lifted.
"I expect you to take care of this Lucius. I want Potter delivered to me." Voldemort's red slits for eyes glared at the man.
"Yes, master." Lucius managed to get to his feet and returned to his position among the group of deatheaters.
"Severus." Voldemorts eyes drifted to another man who stepped from the group of black robbed figures.
"Yes master?" Snape stated as he kneeled before Voldemort. He felt like spitting on the sorry excuse for a man but that would only mean death, and he was better alive than dead at that moment.
"Severus, I want you to keep a close watch on the muggle loving fool and Potter. Keep notes on that Phoenix as well, you know what it can accomplish and we can't allow it to grow strong. As long as Potter grows stronger in will, physical, and magical ability so will that phoenix." Voldemort slid his wand through his left hand.
"Yes master." He stood up and walked back to the group of deatheaters.
Voldemort dismissed the group. "You will Pay potter for all the pain you have put me through."
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Harry sat straight up in bed, his scar burning with pain. The dream was already fading from his mind and he could barely remember anything except Snape was there, as well as Lucius Malfoy and Voldemort. After taking a large deep breath he laid back down in bed and drifted off back to sleep.
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A/N: This is the end of that chapter! I am SO tired, I didn't even bother checking for spelling and grammar mistakes so please excuse those. Also, I don't remember there being a description of Mrs. Figg in the books. I can't go back and look since a friend is reading the first book. Anyway please leave a review.