CHAPTER TEN .
Aurum Orator
Harry woke again a couple of hours later. It was still dark outside He looked at his watch. It was four o'clock. He looked across at Ron, who seemed to have settled into an uneasy sleep. The memories of the previous night flooded back to him. He was suddenly filled with a surge of fear about what had happened to Hermione. 'We have to find her' he said suddenly, louder than he had intended. Ron jerked awake. 'What Harry? Please.' murmured Ron groggily. But Harry's eyes had fallen onto the invisibility cloak. He stood up sharply. 'Harry,' continued Ron weakly, 'what are you doing?' Harry gave him a determined stare. 'She could be anywhere though' persisted Ron. 'It's not likely that we'll bump into her in the first random place we happen to go!' 'There's still a chance.' said Harry, simply. 'She can't have got far.' His voice was firm and resolved, but Ron still argued. 'Harry, look, we.' Harry gave him one final glare, so angry and ambitious, that Ron finally gave in. 'All right' he said finally. 'We'll go.' For the second time that night, Harry and Ron hurried down the marble staircase, into the entrance hall, under the invisibility cloak, which they were trying to prevent from billowing behind them. They crept silently outside, setting off in an unknown direction. It was lighter now, and the sun was creeping over the grey mountains, one by one. A cold mist hung in the air, and Harry gave an involuntary shudder, as they approached the dark and gloomy forest. They had been walking for a while, when Ron suddenly gave a small gasp, and Harry looked up just in time to see a cloaked figure hurrying into the forest. They exchanged a brief glance, and began an unobtrusive jog into the forest, taking care not to break the eerie silence that filled the grounds. After what seemed like ages, Ron began to fall behind, gasping for breath. They had lost sight of the cloaked figure long ago, but had carried on running, charged by the adrenaline of finding Hermione. 'Harry' he grumbled, finally collapsing, 'what are we going to do?' But Harry's attention had been attracted by a trail of silver liquid on the path ahead. Ron followed his gaze. 'Unicorn blood?' he asked, looking scared. Harry shrugged his shoulders, and they approached it to observe, Ron looking glad that Harry had stopped running. 'I don't it is unicorn blood, look at the green tinge, it.' began Harry, but was interrupted by Ron who uttered a loud scream, his voice echoing a thousand times through the open and deserted grounds. Harry clasped his hand around Ron's mouth, and glanced around nervously. 'Harry, this is, this is.!' cried Ron, breaking free. 'This is dragon's blood that Charlie told me about! There's a dragon here somewhere, now! It's a recent wound or else the blood would have dried up. If it's not dead, that means that there's an angry, loose wounded dragon in the grounds!' Ron breathed deeply, recovering his breath. They listened quietly for any sounds, but all was silent, until they heard a restrained, but joyful shriek from the edge of the forest. 'Norbert.poor wounded baby.yeh Mummy's here now.' the voice trailed away, but Ron shouted 'Hagrid' and before Harry could stop him, he jogged towards the voice. They heard the sound of rustling bushes, and the large form of Hagrid came hurtling through the trees. He looked white in the light of the moonlight, and seemed to cower at the sight of Ron and Harry. 'Harry, Ron! I'm glad it's only yeh two. Yeh really shouldn't be here, and neither should I, but I saw Norwegian Ridgeback blood on the path, and I'm sure that it's Norbert's- it's a rare breed, yeh see!' Hagrid burbled, his eyes filling with tears. Harry was about to respond, when a loud bang echoed through the forest. Some fiery sparks were emitted in the distance. An upper branch caught fire, but it soon fizzled, and burnt out. 'Back to the castle- both of yeh!' bellowed Hagrid, and before they had time to ask him anything else, he was galloping through the undergrowth towards the sound, stumbling and snapping branches as he went. Harry and Ron stared at each other 'Hagrid's right Ron, we shouldn't be here. And even if Hermione's still in the grounds, we're never going to find her tonight.' Ron nodded, and they slowly turned back up to the castle, their worst fears about Hermione haunting them both. Harry lay in bed, awake for a long time. He wasn't sure if he had slept at all in those couple of hours, or where his dreams and thoughts had collided. However, he must have slept eventually, because when he woke, the dormitory was empty, apart from Ron, who was hurriedly pulling on his robes. 'Double potions' he moaned. 'C'mon! We're already late!' Harry pulled on his robes too, as fast as he could, and they made their way down to potions without breakfast. The Slytherins were already there when they entered the cold, damp dungeon were they had potions. The putrid smell, and harsh cold air, as Snape snapped at them to sit down. Hermione wasn't there. This seemed to be exactly what Ron had just observed. 'Somebody will soon notice she's not here.' said Ron as they sat down. 'Shh' hissed Harry out of the corner of his mouth, as Snape was nearby. They settled down, boiling the green sludge and adding crushed bones now and then to the cauldron, when it emitted sparks. They waited until the class was deeply engaged before they started talking again. 'May be we should tell somebody,' said Ron. 'Then they could help her.' 'But if she doesn't need helping, that will just get her into trouble.' said Harry 'And we'll be in trouble too!' grumbled Harry. 'Should we tell somebody, or make her excuses?' 'Make excuses, Potter?' said a greasy shallow voice behind them. 'I don't think so.' a cold chill ran down Harry's spine. 'Follow me, you two!' Snape hissed delightedly. Harry and Ron followed him into his office, not daring to look at each other. They had been there twice before, and both occasions had been very unpleasant. This time, however, they hadn't done anything worthy of an equal punishment. Snape stormed into his office, and Ron went in next. Before Harry got a glimpse inside, he heard Ron moan 'Hermione!' Hermione was sitting on a small wooden chair in the corner of the office, looking embarrassed, angry, and scared, but not hurt physically. Her eyes looked red, and her arms were plastered, with a charm to her back. Snape walked swiftly to Hermione, and gripped her shoulders from behind. 'Well.' he said. Hermione shuddered. 'Once again Potter, Weasley and Granger have been caught thinking themselves too high and mighty for the school rules.' His white lips curled into a vindictive smile. 'Potter! What were you doing out of bed last night?' He spat, his cold eyes penetrating into Harry's skull. 'Answer me now Potter!' Harry wondered inwardly why Snape wouldn't ask Ron. Snape slowly advanced onto him, staring unblinkingly into his eyes. 'You are perhaps wondering, Potter, exactly how I know about this?' Harry shuddered horribly. He had previously wondered whether Snape could read minds. Perhaps he would ask Hermione if that was possible, but now didn't seem the right moment. 'Professor.' stammered Hermione, but Snape broke in. 'Miss Granger, I do believe I was addressing Potter, not you!' he hissed. 'Keep that mouth of yours shut, and don't interrupt. Hermione swallowed and nodded, her lips white, as she had to restrain herself from talking. Snape snapped his attention back onto Harry. Harry looked from Ron to Hermione, trying to send them a silent message- should he tell the truth? Ron nodded grimly, without being observed, and Harry, reassured, began explaining everything, right from the detention, seeing Karkaroff creeping into the forest, Hermione going missing, and Ron and Harry's many attempts to find her again. But Harry managed to skilfully gloss over the fact that they had cheated the detention, making it sound as though they had seen the figure outside after their hour in the hospital wing was up. 'So,' said Snape, his greasy hair quivering with satisfaction at the prospect of how much trouble he could put them in, 'your turn, Miss Granger!' Hermione was concentrated very hard on her gnawed fingernails, avoiding Harry and Ron's eyes. Finally, she spoke. 'I was going to see Karkaroff- I had to see him as soon as possible; I had been waiting for a chance to see him for ages. Victor hadn't written to me for such a long time, so I hoped that he would tell me if there was a problem. But he said.he said.' she said all this very fast, but at this point she broke off, hiding her face in her hands. Harry waited for her to continue, but she didn't, but just sniffed, her head bowed. 'That is indeed true.' said Snape without a trace of regret or sympathy. 'Krum is dead.' Harry felt as though a stone had been dropped to the depths of his stomach. He gave another malicious smile. 'And then he had to suddenly fly off? Am I correct?' Hermione nodded. Snape turned to face them all. 'Of course, the optimum arrangement for me would be to expel the three of you.' his lip twitched, and Harry, in a state of shock let out an undefined stammer. 'But once again, this power is out of my hands. Dumbledore-' He spat this with such vengeance, that all three of them simultaneously backed away 'has decided the issue is not to be perused. You will be aware, Miss Granger, that Karkaroff was searching for you,' He paused, his lips white with hatred, and then continued slowly and clearly, so they would not miss a word, 'so instead, I have decided that you must bring him to me- There will be no other punishment.' there was a tone of finality in his voice that Harry didn't like. Why was Karkaroff looking for Hermione? What had happened? Snape pulled open the door, his white knuckles clasped on the handle, shutting it firmly behind them as they walked numbly back into the classroom, greeted by twenty faces staring curiously at them. Hermione took one look at the class, and ran out of the classroom, her head in her hands. Harry glanced at Ron. They couldn't go after her.
They finally found Hermione, absorbed in a thick book in the Common Room. Apart from her eyes being slightly red, she looked completely recovered. 'Hermione!' Harry called as soon as they caught sight of her at the other end of the Common Room. She didn't look up. They hurried over to her. 'Hermione!' Harry almost shouted, tapping her on the shoulder. Finally she absentmindedly looked up. 'Hermione- where have you been? We've been looking for you everywhere! How are we supposed to find Karkaroff? WHAT'S GOING ON!' began Ron at once. 'I wonder what Snape wants with him.' Hermione murmured dreamily. 'Hermione- Wake up! What are we going to do? If we don't do something fast, we'll get expelled!' Hermione snorted, and went back to her book. Harry could tell that she'd been thinking a lot about this, and didn't want to talk about it right now. 'We really should do what he said. He's trying to help. You heard what he said- Mum will kill me if I get expelled!' Ron was apparently oblivious to the fact that he was the only one talking. 'Not to mention Dad- I mean, he wants me to work in the Ministry! They'd never take someone who was expelled! I mean-' 'Ron! I don't trust him, or a word he says. I'm not doing anything he tells me to, and you can't make me!' Hermione snapped her book shut, her voice rising shrilly now. 'Hermione- Ron-' Harry hissed through gritted teeth, trying to look not to draw too much attention to himself. People were looking at them now. 'This isn't the place to talk about it. Let's go outside-' Neither of them took any notice. 'Look, Dumbledore was involved in this, Snape can't be doing this just for himself- why would he? You say it yourself Hermione, Dumbledore trusts Snape.' Ron shouted, pink with anger. Hermione opened her mouth several times angrily, searching for the right thing to say, but suddenly, she slumped back in her chair, and began to sob softly. The whole common room was silent now, and all eyes were fixed on Ron, who was standing awquadly in front of the sobbing Hermione, trying to avoid peoples eyes. He made a move towards Hermione, as though he was going to comfort her, and then stepped back again, thinking better of it, and turned quickly and made his way up the dormitory. Harry looked quickly from Ron to Hermione, and knew what they had to do.
Once again, Ron and Harry found themselves on their way to the forbidden forest, accompanied by Hermione in search of Karkaroff. By now, it was dark, but the pale moonlight was shining onto the path ahead. As they went deeper into the forest, the path disintegrated into an overgrown bundle of corroded leaves. The only sound that could be heard was their gentle footsteps crunching the undergrowth or kicking a dead branch out of the way. They walked in silence, each of them, in their own mind wondering what would happen next. They were too absorbed in their thoughts even to observe the eerie and unnatural silence of the forest, no birds evening twittering, no patter of footsteps from the many small animals that inhabited the forest, not even moans and growls from the less friendly beasts. Finally, Hermione stopped to rest. She was still cross with Ron, but they seemed to have come to a mutual understanding that this was the only choice they had. 'Can we take a short break?' she moaned, leaning against a gnarled tree, panting. 'Yeah Harry!' Ron said, also stopping, for once agreeing with Hermione. But Harry took no notice, and carried on walking ahead. 'Harry!' they shouted together. They had to stick together in the dark; it was so easy to get lost. Harry carried on, as if he hadn't heard them. Ron turned to Hermione, frowning. 'Come on' they started running down the path of broken branches, and trampled undergrowth Harry had left behind him. 'Slow down!' yelled Ron angrily, but Hermione silenced him. Still, Harry continued walking. Hermione slowed to a halt. 'Just.give me a second... Why isn't he stopping? He's being controlled- He can't have not heard us!' she panted to Ron. 'Do you think it could be the imperious curse?' said Ron, also out of breath. 'But Harry can fight that.it's some sort of dark magic!' She began to jog again, as if the thought had given her a new burst of energy. Ron groaned, but sprinted after Hermione, ignoring his burning stitch. They finally managed to catch up with him- Hermione clutching another stitch on her side. 'Grab him' she gasped, and they both grasped one of his arms tightly. Hermione keeled over at the force Harry was going with, but remained clutching him, as though her life depended on it. Ron took hold of a thin, but firm tree, and tugged hard. This seemed to jolt Harry back into his senses. Hermione was sent flying flat on her face. Harry looked puzzled, but determined. He looked from Ron, who was holding onto a tree for support, to Hermione, who was brushing mud out of her hair. Ron glanced at Hermione anxiously- Harry was looking blank and confused. 'Are you Ok?' Ron asked, cautiously. 'I'm fine!' Harry replied, puzzled. 'It's the phoenix...' his voice trailed off. 'What are you talking about?' asked Ron cautiously. 'The music! Couldn't you hear the music?' Ron stared at him. The forest was silent, and had been like that since they entered. Hermione opened her mouth, finally resolved to speak, to suggest that they should go back to the castle, but there was suddenly a blinding flash of golden light. The notes of a song filled the air, familiar to Harry, but not to Ron and Hermione. The song was so beautiful, the voice so calm yet striking. 'The order of the Phoenix' murmured Harry, pointing upwards. Hermione and Ron looked up just in time to see the phoenix swoop down, perching on Harry's shoulder. 'Fawkes.' he whispered, his voice echoed gently around the magically lit forest, and Hermione and Ron turned to see the Dumbledore's fantastically coloured phoenix, it's gold and crimson plumage even more beautiful in the golden light. Harry stared up at Fawkes, and he hooted, his head tilted, as if expecting a response. The mesmerising softness of the hoot seemed to give some sort of message- reassuring, hopeful, but also sorrowful and caring- it was like a mysterious warning, which was not conveyed by words or clearly expressed- it wasn't a sound his brain could interpret, instead he felt it travelling through him, and he understood what Fawkes was trying to say. He replied. 'Aurum orator' whispered Hermione, staring in Harry's direction. 'The ability to converse with a creature magically bonded to a person. The opposite of Pastlemouth!' They both stared open mouthed, as Harry was apparently, conversing freely, with the Phoenix.
Gradually, the golden light and the music faded away, and with a final, soft penetrating hoot, the phoenix swept off, leaving Harry staring calmly after it, Ron and Hermione blinking with disbelief at what they had just seen.
Aurum Orator
Harry woke again a couple of hours later. It was still dark outside He looked at his watch. It was four o'clock. He looked across at Ron, who seemed to have settled into an uneasy sleep. The memories of the previous night flooded back to him. He was suddenly filled with a surge of fear about what had happened to Hermione. 'We have to find her' he said suddenly, louder than he had intended. Ron jerked awake. 'What Harry? Please.' murmured Ron groggily. But Harry's eyes had fallen onto the invisibility cloak. He stood up sharply. 'Harry,' continued Ron weakly, 'what are you doing?' Harry gave him a determined stare. 'She could be anywhere though' persisted Ron. 'It's not likely that we'll bump into her in the first random place we happen to go!' 'There's still a chance.' said Harry, simply. 'She can't have got far.' His voice was firm and resolved, but Ron still argued. 'Harry, look, we.' Harry gave him one final glare, so angry and ambitious, that Ron finally gave in. 'All right' he said finally. 'We'll go.' For the second time that night, Harry and Ron hurried down the marble staircase, into the entrance hall, under the invisibility cloak, which they were trying to prevent from billowing behind them. They crept silently outside, setting off in an unknown direction. It was lighter now, and the sun was creeping over the grey mountains, one by one. A cold mist hung in the air, and Harry gave an involuntary shudder, as they approached the dark and gloomy forest. They had been walking for a while, when Ron suddenly gave a small gasp, and Harry looked up just in time to see a cloaked figure hurrying into the forest. They exchanged a brief glance, and began an unobtrusive jog into the forest, taking care not to break the eerie silence that filled the grounds. After what seemed like ages, Ron began to fall behind, gasping for breath. They had lost sight of the cloaked figure long ago, but had carried on running, charged by the adrenaline of finding Hermione. 'Harry' he grumbled, finally collapsing, 'what are we going to do?' But Harry's attention had been attracted by a trail of silver liquid on the path ahead. Ron followed his gaze. 'Unicorn blood?' he asked, looking scared. Harry shrugged his shoulders, and they approached it to observe, Ron looking glad that Harry had stopped running. 'I don't it is unicorn blood, look at the green tinge, it.' began Harry, but was interrupted by Ron who uttered a loud scream, his voice echoing a thousand times through the open and deserted grounds. Harry clasped his hand around Ron's mouth, and glanced around nervously. 'Harry, this is, this is.!' cried Ron, breaking free. 'This is dragon's blood that Charlie told me about! There's a dragon here somewhere, now! It's a recent wound or else the blood would have dried up. If it's not dead, that means that there's an angry, loose wounded dragon in the grounds!' Ron breathed deeply, recovering his breath. They listened quietly for any sounds, but all was silent, until they heard a restrained, but joyful shriek from the edge of the forest. 'Norbert.poor wounded baby.yeh Mummy's here now.' the voice trailed away, but Ron shouted 'Hagrid' and before Harry could stop him, he jogged towards the voice. They heard the sound of rustling bushes, and the large form of Hagrid came hurtling through the trees. He looked white in the light of the moonlight, and seemed to cower at the sight of Ron and Harry. 'Harry, Ron! I'm glad it's only yeh two. Yeh really shouldn't be here, and neither should I, but I saw Norwegian Ridgeback blood on the path, and I'm sure that it's Norbert's- it's a rare breed, yeh see!' Hagrid burbled, his eyes filling with tears. Harry was about to respond, when a loud bang echoed through the forest. Some fiery sparks were emitted in the distance. An upper branch caught fire, but it soon fizzled, and burnt out. 'Back to the castle- both of yeh!' bellowed Hagrid, and before they had time to ask him anything else, he was galloping through the undergrowth towards the sound, stumbling and snapping branches as he went. Harry and Ron stared at each other 'Hagrid's right Ron, we shouldn't be here. And even if Hermione's still in the grounds, we're never going to find her tonight.' Ron nodded, and they slowly turned back up to the castle, their worst fears about Hermione haunting them both. Harry lay in bed, awake for a long time. He wasn't sure if he had slept at all in those couple of hours, or where his dreams and thoughts had collided. However, he must have slept eventually, because when he woke, the dormitory was empty, apart from Ron, who was hurriedly pulling on his robes. 'Double potions' he moaned. 'C'mon! We're already late!' Harry pulled on his robes too, as fast as he could, and they made their way down to potions without breakfast. The Slytherins were already there when they entered the cold, damp dungeon were they had potions. The putrid smell, and harsh cold air, as Snape snapped at them to sit down. Hermione wasn't there. This seemed to be exactly what Ron had just observed. 'Somebody will soon notice she's not here.' said Ron as they sat down. 'Shh' hissed Harry out of the corner of his mouth, as Snape was nearby. They settled down, boiling the green sludge and adding crushed bones now and then to the cauldron, when it emitted sparks. They waited until the class was deeply engaged before they started talking again. 'May be we should tell somebody,' said Ron. 'Then they could help her.' 'But if she doesn't need helping, that will just get her into trouble.' said Harry 'And we'll be in trouble too!' grumbled Harry. 'Should we tell somebody, or make her excuses?' 'Make excuses, Potter?' said a greasy shallow voice behind them. 'I don't think so.' a cold chill ran down Harry's spine. 'Follow me, you two!' Snape hissed delightedly. Harry and Ron followed him into his office, not daring to look at each other. They had been there twice before, and both occasions had been very unpleasant. This time, however, they hadn't done anything worthy of an equal punishment. Snape stormed into his office, and Ron went in next. Before Harry got a glimpse inside, he heard Ron moan 'Hermione!' Hermione was sitting on a small wooden chair in the corner of the office, looking embarrassed, angry, and scared, but not hurt physically. Her eyes looked red, and her arms were plastered, with a charm to her back. Snape walked swiftly to Hermione, and gripped her shoulders from behind. 'Well.' he said. Hermione shuddered. 'Once again Potter, Weasley and Granger have been caught thinking themselves too high and mighty for the school rules.' His white lips curled into a vindictive smile. 'Potter! What were you doing out of bed last night?' He spat, his cold eyes penetrating into Harry's skull. 'Answer me now Potter!' Harry wondered inwardly why Snape wouldn't ask Ron. Snape slowly advanced onto him, staring unblinkingly into his eyes. 'You are perhaps wondering, Potter, exactly how I know about this?' Harry shuddered horribly. He had previously wondered whether Snape could read minds. Perhaps he would ask Hermione if that was possible, but now didn't seem the right moment. 'Professor.' stammered Hermione, but Snape broke in. 'Miss Granger, I do believe I was addressing Potter, not you!' he hissed. 'Keep that mouth of yours shut, and don't interrupt. Hermione swallowed and nodded, her lips white, as she had to restrain herself from talking. Snape snapped his attention back onto Harry. Harry looked from Ron to Hermione, trying to send them a silent message- should he tell the truth? Ron nodded grimly, without being observed, and Harry, reassured, began explaining everything, right from the detention, seeing Karkaroff creeping into the forest, Hermione going missing, and Ron and Harry's many attempts to find her again. But Harry managed to skilfully gloss over the fact that they had cheated the detention, making it sound as though they had seen the figure outside after their hour in the hospital wing was up. 'So,' said Snape, his greasy hair quivering with satisfaction at the prospect of how much trouble he could put them in, 'your turn, Miss Granger!' Hermione was concentrated very hard on her gnawed fingernails, avoiding Harry and Ron's eyes. Finally, she spoke. 'I was going to see Karkaroff- I had to see him as soon as possible; I had been waiting for a chance to see him for ages. Victor hadn't written to me for such a long time, so I hoped that he would tell me if there was a problem. But he said.he said.' she said all this very fast, but at this point she broke off, hiding her face in her hands. Harry waited for her to continue, but she didn't, but just sniffed, her head bowed. 'That is indeed true.' said Snape without a trace of regret or sympathy. 'Krum is dead.' Harry felt as though a stone had been dropped to the depths of his stomach. He gave another malicious smile. 'And then he had to suddenly fly off? Am I correct?' Hermione nodded. Snape turned to face them all. 'Of course, the optimum arrangement for me would be to expel the three of you.' his lip twitched, and Harry, in a state of shock let out an undefined stammer. 'But once again, this power is out of my hands. Dumbledore-' He spat this with such vengeance, that all three of them simultaneously backed away 'has decided the issue is not to be perused. You will be aware, Miss Granger, that Karkaroff was searching for you,' He paused, his lips white with hatred, and then continued slowly and clearly, so they would not miss a word, 'so instead, I have decided that you must bring him to me- There will be no other punishment.' there was a tone of finality in his voice that Harry didn't like. Why was Karkaroff looking for Hermione? What had happened? Snape pulled open the door, his white knuckles clasped on the handle, shutting it firmly behind them as they walked numbly back into the classroom, greeted by twenty faces staring curiously at them. Hermione took one look at the class, and ran out of the classroom, her head in her hands. Harry glanced at Ron. They couldn't go after her.
They finally found Hermione, absorbed in a thick book in the Common Room. Apart from her eyes being slightly red, she looked completely recovered. 'Hermione!' Harry called as soon as they caught sight of her at the other end of the Common Room. She didn't look up. They hurried over to her. 'Hermione!' Harry almost shouted, tapping her on the shoulder. Finally she absentmindedly looked up. 'Hermione- where have you been? We've been looking for you everywhere! How are we supposed to find Karkaroff? WHAT'S GOING ON!' began Ron at once. 'I wonder what Snape wants with him.' Hermione murmured dreamily. 'Hermione- Wake up! What are we going to do? If we don't do something fast, we'll get expelled!' Hermione snorted, and went back to her book. Harry could tell that she'd been thinking a lot about this, and didn't want to talk about it right now. 'We really should do what he said. He's trying to help. You heard what he said- Mum will kill me if I get expelled!' Ron was apparently oblivious to the fact that he was the only one talking. 'Not to mention Dad- I mean, he wants me to work in the Ministry! They'd never take someone who was expelled! I mean-' 'Ron! I don't trust him, or a word he says. I'm not doing anything he tells me to, and you can't make me!' Hermione snapped her book shut, her voice rising shrilly now. 'Hermione- Ron-' Harry hissed through gritted teeth, trying to look not to draw too much attention to himself. People were looking at them now. 'This isn't the place to talk about it. Let's go outside-' Neither of them took any notice. 'Look, Dumbledore was involved in this, Snape can't be doing this just for himself- why would he? You say it yourself Hermione, Dumbledore trusts Snape.' Ron shouted, pink with anger. Hermione opened her mouth several times angrily, searching for the right thing to say, but suddenly, she slumped back in her chair, and began to sob softly. The whole common room was silent now, and all eyes were fixed on Ron, who was standing awquadly in front of the sobbing Hermione, trying to avoid peoples eyes. He made a move towards Hermione, as though he was going to comfort her, and then stepped back again, thinking better of it, and turned quickly and made his way up the dormitory. Harry looked quickly from Ron to Hermione, and knew what they had to do.
Once again, Ron and Harry found themselves on their way to the forbidden forest, accompanied by Hermione in search of Karkaroff. By now, it was dark, but the pale moonlight was shining onto the path ahead. As they went deeper into the forest, the path disintegrated into an overgrown bundle of corroded leaves. The only sound that could be heard was their gentle footsteps crunching the undergrowth or kicking a dead branch out of the way. They walked in silence, each of them, in their own mind wondering what would happen next. They were too absorbed in their thoughts even to observe the eerie and unnatural silence of the forest, no birds evening twittering, no patter of footsteps from the many small animals that inhabited the forest, not even moans and growls from the less friendly beasts. Finally, Hermione stopped to rest. She was still cross with Ron, but they seemed to have come to a mutual understanding that this was the only choice they had. 'Can we take a short break?' she moaned, leaning against a gnarled tree, panting. 'Yeah Harry!' Ron said, also stopping, for once agreeing with Hermione. But Harry took no notice, and carried on walking ahead. 'Harry!' they shouted together. They had to stick together in the dark; it was so easy to get lost. Harry carried on, as if he hadn't heard them. Ron turned to Hermione, frowning. 'Come on' they started running down the path of broken branches, and trampled undergrowth Harry had left behind him. 'Slow down!' yelled Ron angrily, but Hermione silenced him. Still, Harry continued walking. Hermione slowed to a halt. 'Just.give me a second... Why isn't he stopping? He's being controlled- He can't have not heard us!' she panted to Ron. 'Do you think it could be the imperious curse?' said Ron, also out of breath. 'But Harry can fight that.it's some sort of dark magic!' She began to jog again, as if the thought had given her a new burst of energy. Ron groaned, but sprinted after Hermione, ignoring his burning stitch. They finally managed to catch up with him- Hermione clutching another stitch on her side. 'Grab him' she gasped, and they both grasped one of his arms tightly. Hermione keeled over at the force Harry was going with, but remained clutching him, as though her life depended on it. Ron took hold of a thin, but firm tree, and tugged hard. This seemed to jolt Harry back into his senses. Hermione was sent flying flat on her face. Harry looked puzzled, but determined. He looked from Ron, who was holding onto a tree for support, to Hermione, who was brushing mud out of her hair. Ron glanced at Hermione anxiously- Harry was looking blank and confused. 'Are you Ok?' Ron asked, cautiously. 'I'm fine!' Harry replied, puzzled. 'It's the phoenix...' his voice trailed off. 'What are you talking about?' asked Ron cautiously. 'The music! Couldn't you hear the music?' Ron stared at him. The forest was silent, and had been like that since they entered. Hermione opened her mouth, finally resolved to speak, to suggest that they should go back to the castle, but there was suddenly a blinding flash of golden light. The notes of a song filled the air, familiar to Harry, but not to Ron and Hermione. The song was so beautiful, the voice so calm yet striking. 'The order of the Phoenix' murmured Harry, pointing upwards. Hermione and Ron looked up just in time to see the phoenix swoop down, perching on Harry's shoulder. 'Fawkes.' he whispered, his voice echoed gently around the magically lit forest, and Hermione and Ron turned to see the Dumbledore's fantastically coloured phoenix, it's gold and crimson plumage even more beautiful in the golden light. Harry stared up at Fawkes, and he hooted, his head tilted, as if expecting a response. The mesmerising softness of the hoot seemed to give some sort of message- reassuring, hopeful, but also sorrowful and caring- it was like a mysterious warning, which was not conveyed by words or clearly expressed- it wasn't a sound his brain could interpret, instead he felt it travelling through him, and he understood what Fawkes was trying to say. He replied. 'Aurum orator' whispered Hermione, staring in Harry's direction. 'The ability to converse with a creature magically bonded to a person. The opposite of Pastlemouth!' They both stared open mouthed, as Harry was apparently, conversing freely, with the Phoenix.
Gradually, the golden light and the music faded away, and with a final, soft penetrating hoot, the phoenix swept off, leaving Harry staring calmly after it, Ron and Hermione blinking with disbelief at what they had just seen.