Phoenix of Legend
Disclaimer: All characters and subject matter appearing herein are the copyrighted © creations of J. K. Rowling and Warner Bros., and are borrowed for the purposes of this fan fiction. No money in any form was earned in its production. Professor Ivy Bellenmore, Xion and Corandell belong to me. If you wish to use any of them, please ask.
DON'T HURT ME!!!!!!! MY BRAIN DIDN'T WANT TO CO-OPARATE, SO I GOT STUCK ON SOME PARTS!!! ANYWAY, I AM SO, SO, SO SORRY!!!! DID I MENTION I'M SORRY?!!!!
Prd2bAmerican18: Hopefully this got up fast enough for you. With that major blackout that happened recently, I couldn't get too much writing done then my inspiration went away. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
shdurrani: Well, your about to find out. This is the anticipated chapter were the school will find out about Harry.
ChristinaLupin01442, Sirius, Remus, James: Yes Harry does have wings. Glad to hear you will be updating your story, the Griffin and Phoenix Child. I look forward to the next chapter and eventually, the sequel. Thank you for taking the time to review my story.
Kaza Hunter: Glad you like this story, and don't worry, I will keep writing.
Bandit: Malfoy's reaction was kind of hard to write hopefully I did OK. Yep! Look out Hogwarts Harry's back! Glad you liked the last chapter; sorry it took so long to do. Wait till you read the new DADA teacher! (Grins evilly).
Jordan: Hope this got posted fast enough for you.
Raven Dragonclaw: It is great to have the trio back together isn't it!
Artemis MoonClaw: Don't worry about Harry; every thing will turn out for the best. I hope.
**************
~ ~ PHOENIX SPEECH
" " HUMAN SPEECH
^^ ^^ PARSELTONGUE
' ' THOUGHTS
Chapter 9 - Dreams Or Something More?
It had been a boring two weeks since he had first woken up in the hospital wing. Ron and Hermione stopped by as much as they could, if only to give him his homework or just to chat. Sirius and Remus could be seen constantly at Harry's side. The only times they would leave were to give the trio some privacy and to do their business. After downing countless horrible tasting potions Harry was finally fit to leave the hospital wing. Although he still flinched at a persons touch, he was gradually becoming accustomed to it again.
One thing continued to plague Harry's mind while he was in the hospital wing: where was Dumbledore? Harry couldn't understand why Dumbledore hadn't come to see him. All the other times he had been held captive by Madam Pomfrey, Dumbledore had come and taken him from her overprotective clutches. Well, Harry was determined to find out.
Hopping off the bed Harry got changed into his Hogwarts robes. As he was about to leave the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey's voice stopped him cold in his tracks.
"Mister Potter, one moment please. The Headmaster wishes to speak with you after supper tonight, in his office. I believe the current password is 'Oh Henry!'. Why he would chose that is anybody's guess." Harry couldn't keep the laughter in as he explained that 'Oh Henry!' was the name of a Muggle candy bar.
"Very well Mister Potter, off you go. Breakfast is about to be served; if you hurry you can meet your friends." As an after thought, Madam Pomfrey said the one thing that would ruin his day. "You will come see me every Friday evening so I can evaluate your progress. You still have some minor bruising so remember, no fighting and absolutely no Quidditch matches for the remainder of this month!"
"What?! You can't do that!"
"I can and I will. Now leave before I make you clean up the infirmary." Grumbling to himself, Harry left before the strict nurse made good on her threat.
***************
Standing before great oak doors of the Great Hall of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was the small figure of a child with wings. To say Harry was nervous was an understatement; he was scared, petrified and ready to run all the way to the Gryffindor common room. It would be the first time anyone besides Ron, Hermione and a few of his teachers had seen him since his abduction at the hands of Lord Voldemort.
He was debating going into the Great Hall or just going to the kitchens for his breakfast. However, his stomach chose that moment to make its presence known and his hunger won out over his nerves. Steeling his breath, Harry pushed open the doors to the Great Hall of Hogwarts. All conversations stopped when the occupants of the room saw who had entered.
Turning to look at their friend, Ron and Hermione gave Harry an encouraging smile as they waved him over to sit with them. Taking a deep breath, Harry slowly started to walk over to the Gryffindor table, however he didn't get far before an all too familiar voice stopped him.
"Welcome back Potty. The new look suits you better than your old one did."
"What do you want Malfoy? I'm not in the mood to deal with you at the moment." Draco Malfoy and his crew of muscle-brained idiots, Crabbe and Goyle, had surrounded Harry.
"I'm crushed Potter, no need to go off the 'bloody' deep end." Smirking, Draco grabbed one of Harry's wings and pulled out a feather.
"Hey! Let go!" Holding up the feather, Draco's smirk was turning into a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Where's the 'fire' Potter? It was just a little fun, and I know you had a little fun yourself recently."
"What are you talking about Malfoy?"
"Just between you and me Potty -" Leaning in, Draco whispered in Harry's ear. "You're going to pay for what you did murderer."
"What?!" Harry was confused by what Malfoy had said, he couldn't remember killing anyone. Ron and Hermione chose that moment to come to Harry's aid. Ron had his fists clenched while Hermione gave Draco a stern glare.
"Leave him alone Malfoy. Go back to the snake pit you crawled out of." Turning to look at Hermione, Draco gave the Gryffindor his trademark sneer.
"You should learn your place you filthy little Mud Blood." Harry gave Malfoy a cold glare at the use of Mud Blood. Hermione who was quickly losing her patience with the little ferrite was barely holding Ron back from punching him.
"Take back your words Malfoy. Apologise to Hermione now." Ron was nearly snarling his words as his temper threatened to get him in a lot of trouble.
"I don't have time to deal with the Mud Blood and Weasel. Crabbe, Goyle, come on, lets' go." Giving Harry one final glare Draco, said one final warning to his rival. "Watch your back Potter. Snakes tend to bit."
Draco gave Harry a little smirk before exiting the Great Hall, Crabbe and Goyle in tow. 'I'll make you suffer Potter; just you wait. Revenge is sweet.' Draco closed his fingers around the feather he stole from Harry.
**************
"Is it just me, or is Malfoy getting weirder?"
"It's not you Ron, it's Malfoy."
"Oh, thought so. Hey Hermione, what do we have right now?" Hermione took out her class schedule before answering.
"Double lesson of Defence Against the Dark Arts with Professor Bellenmore."
The trio were walking out of the dungeons after a horrific hour of potions with their favourite greasy haired git, Snape. As usual, Snape was being himself and took no less than 50 points off of Gryffindor just because Neville melted another cauldron. When Harry tried to defend his friend Snape threatened to use him as potions ingredients.
"So who is this Professor Bellenmore?" Harry asked.
"Oh, Professor Ivy Bellenmore is an excellent teacher. She is a little strict, but otherwise fine."
"Strict, don't you mean psycho!"
"Ron!"
"Well she is! You'll see what I mean Harry. Sure, she knows her stuff, but talk about crazy; she makes Mad Eye Moody's behaviour look normal."
The trio arrived at the Defence classroom and took their regular seats at the front of the class. Soon all the fifth year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws were seated. Before long the teacher entered the room.
"Hello class, today we will be covering creatures tha-" She looked towards where Harry was sitting, her mouth hanging wide open. Quickly regaining her composure she walked over to the window, opened it all the way then resumed her speech, turning to face the class as she did. "As I was saying, we will be covering creatures that can aid a witch or a wizard against the Dark Arts."
Harry took the time to examine the Professor while she explained what creatures they were going to cover. She was a woman of medium height, with long midnight black hair that fell down to the small of her back. She wore midnight black robes that showed off her figure nicely. Her skin was a pale white that reminded Harry of Malfoy's complexion. Her coal black eyes seemed to stare into your very soul, they held no emotion except indifference. She had black lipstick on and her nails were painted black, completing her gothic look.
"Can anyone give a little information on the creature we will be covering today? Miss Granger."
"Well, the phoenix is one of the most well renowned creatures in the fight against darkness. Their song is said to bring peace to those who need it. Their tears have healing properties that no magical potion could ever achieve."
"Thank you Miss Granger. Now class, the Headmaster was kind enough to let me borrow Fawks, his phoenix." Professor Bellenmore gave a sharp whistle. Phoenix song was her reply as Fawks the phoenix flew through the open window. He flew around the room before landing on Harry's shoulder.
"Lo Fawks." A deep trilling was his reply.
"Well it would seem that Mister Potter already know our guest. Mister Potter should consider himself lucky, a phoenix will not go to just anyone. All right class, as you can see a phoenix -"
As the teacher started to explain about phoenixes, Harry paid her no heed. He was busy watching Fawks as the bird hopped off his shoulder to stand in front of him on his desk. The bird's black pearl shaped eyes seemed to be looking into Harry's soul, as if he was judging him. Harry blinked a few times but refused to look away. Satisfied, Fawks spread his wings and bowed down to Harry while emitting a low trill that made Harry jump in his seat. Unlike the others, Harry heard a voice instead of the trill made by Fawks.
~ It is good to see you again. Are you all right little one? ~ Fawks asked, his concern evident in his voice.
~ How can I understand you? I-I mean last time I checked, I could only speak English and Parseltongue. ~ Harry was getting frustrated with his randomly appearing talents. He wished that they would just show themselves and get it over with.
~ I believe it is due to your recent transformation young one. ~
~ Just great! ~ Harry couldn't help the sarcasm from entering his voice. At the offended look that the phoenix gave him Harry realised what he had done. ~ I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you it's just that - well this is just one more thing to make me even more of an outcast. One more thing to make the great Harry Potter 'special'. ~
Unknown to the boy, he had emitted a series of low trills like the one Fawks had done. At first only Ron and Hermione were watching their friend, but one by one as the boys conversation continued, other students looked his way. Soon the entire class was now paying attention to Harry rather than the teacher, who by now was also watching him.
~ You seem to not like the way others idolize you. Even now you do not get a moments peace. ~
~ What do you mean? ~ Looking around, Harry realised what the phoenix meant. And with a groan, his head met the solid wood of his desk.
"Blimy Harry, why didn't you tell us that you could speak to phoenixes?"
'Ron would have to ask wouldn't he?' Thought Harry as he emitted another groan of annoyance.
"All right class, leave Mister Potter alone. I still have a lesson to teach." Moving to sit at her desk, she began writing a message to Dumbledore. As she sealed it in an envelope she motioned for Fawks to approach her.
"You know who to give this too." With a nod of its head, the phoenix took flight as it disappeared in a circle of flames.
"All right class open your books and turn to page 259 of your Defensive Tactics: The Good, the Bad and say your prayers cuz' you're in one messed up situation." The rest of the lesson was spent taking notes in their books with the whole class sneaking curious peeks at Harry until the bell rang.
***************
"Madam Pomfrey forbid me from playing in any Quidditch matches for the remainder of the month."
Ron, Harry and Hermione where sitting in the common room after the evening feast. As soon as classes had ended, Harry was bombarded with questions he didn't have answers to. Remembering what Madam Pomfrey had said, Harry had gone to see Dumbledore only to come back to the common room with more questions than answers.
During Harry's absence, Ron had made the team. He was now the new Keeper of the Gryffindor Lions. There was a scheduled Quidditch practise for the Gryffindor team at seven that night. Ron was trying to convince Harry to come to practise, while Harry was just finishing up a Charms essay that was due the next day. Hermione had her head in a book like always. She had already completed her assignments, and was reading a book she had picked up in the library to help her discover what kind of creature Harry had become.
"And trust me, you don't want to get her angry with you, just ask Snuffles."
Ron's face paled as he remembered how Sirius had looked after making Madam Pomfrey angry. She had cursed him big time. He was dressed in Slytherin colours and to make matters worse, every time someone would say his name he was forced to give praise to Professor Snape. Snape being Snape took full advantage of this, at Order meetings he would say Sirius' name every chance he got. The curse was only removed when Sirius got down on his hands and knees and pleaded with Madam Pomfrey for an hour. She only gave in out of pure annoyance.
As Ron looked around the common room he got an idea. Looking back to Harry who was still reading over his Charms essay, looking for any mistakes, Ron got a wide grin on his face.
"She said no Quidditch games right?" Harry looked up from his work to give Ron a questioning glance.
"Yes, were are you going with this?"
"Well she didn't say anything about having Quidditch practises!" Ron exclaimed.
At this point, Hermione looked up from her work only to role her eyes at Ron. Harry meanwhile thought Ron was a genius. He really couldn't get in trouble because he would ONLY be practising not participating in an actual game.
" Brilliant Ron! Just let me finish up this essay and I'll go grab my broom." Harry quickly looked over his work a final time and got up to get his broom in the dormitory.
***************
The Quidditch pitch could be seen in the distance as Harry and Ron approached. The other team members were waiting for them to arrive. Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell and Alicia Spinnet were laughing courtesy of Fred and George Weasley's antics. Angelina was the first to notice them.
"About time you two got here. First things first, we have to chose a new Quidditch captain. Shall we vote?" Fred and George nodded as one.
"We vote for Harry as captain!" Twin smiles plastered their faces.
"You would be great as captain Harry." Ron said as he slapped his friend on the back.
"Sorry but even if I won, I don't want to be captain." Harry shook his head at the disappointed looks on the twin's faces. "I vote for Angelina."
"Why me?" Asked Angelina.
"You're more responsible than the rest of us." Answered Harry as the twins looked towards Angelina with evil grins on their faces.
"He's got a point." Said Fred.
"An excellent point indeed my dear brother." Said George.
"Why don't you or Katie take the position?" Asked Angelina as she turned to the other two females on the team.
"Unlike you Angelina, Katie and I would prefer to spend our time doing less productive things." Said Alicia as Katie nodded her head in agreement.
"And what would those things be?" Asked Angelina.
"For starters, sleeping in late on the weekends." Said Alicia.
"Amen to that!" Said Fred and George together.
"Sorry girl, looks like your captain of this lot." Said Katie as she started laughing at the look of horror on Angelina's face. "It won't so bad, except if you have to get us up early on the weekends. Then you're just asking for trouble."
Looking towards Ron, Harry handed him his Firebolt. "Here Ron, you can use my broom seeing as I won't need it with these things."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, now let's practise."
With a new captain chosen, the practise started. The balls were released as the players mounted their brooms and took off into the sky. Opening his wings wide, Harry attempted to get off the ground, with little luck. Taking a running start didn't help him much; he only got a few feet off the ground before landing again.
"Having a little trouble down there Harry?" Called one of the Weasley twins. Which one, Harry wasn't sure from the ground.
"No I'll be okay!"
Something seemed to click in his mind, opening his wings one more time; Harry beat his wings with a downward draft. Before he knew it, he was airborne. With the thermals created by the setting sun, Harry drifted higher and higher. Now high over the other players, Harry searched for the golden snitch. Seeing it hovering by Katie, Harry folded his wings in tight before descending in a tight dive.
The air whipped around him as he continued his decent. Reaching out with his right hand, Harry grabbed the snitch causing Katie to almost fall off her broom in shock. Opening his wings, Harry slowed his decent until he touched the ground. His teammates were looking at him in amazement before Fred and George started yelling and whooping.
Grinning sheepishly, Harry opened his wings and resumed the practise. He tried many new manoeuvres as well as old ones such as the Wronski Feint. The practise lasted over an hour before Angelina called it a night.
***************
The team, now hot and sweaty, had returned to the common room to relax. After a while the girls headed up to take a shower, complaining of the stench that permeated their Quidditch uniforms. One by one, the rest of the team got up to take their own showers. However Harry remained behind to reflect on passed events while staring into the fire of the common room.
He couldn't believe he was back in Gryffindor Tower with his friends. After all he had gone trough he was home. Sure, he looked different, but he was still the same on the inside, wasn't he? At least that's what he told himself; that no matter what he was still the same. The truth was, even on the inside, he felt different. A constant pressure was always lodged in his chest. It felt like something was trying to escape him. He figured his body was still trying to adjust to the transformation. Giving a content sigh Harry stood up to head to the boys dormitory.
Once in his dorm, he took a quick shower, changed into his boxers and a loose shirt before climbing into bed. He hoped against hope that he could have a peaceful nights rest. But no matter how much we hope, some things never work the way we want them too.
*******************
Voldemort was not a happy person at the moment. Not only had he lost the Potter child due to his followers incompetence, lost many followers and been humiliated by the Order of the Phoenix, his base of operations was up in flames the last time he checked. For their incompetence, his followers were suffering his wraith.
"Snape!" The aforementioned Death Eater stepped forward. "Why did the potion not act according to your descriptions?"
"My Lord the potion was only in the experimental faze. It was not ready for testing, there were - are still too many what if's about this potions' stability, effect and side effects. If I could -"
Voldemort's voice was a deadly hiss as he interrupted Snape's explanation. "Enough Severus! I will not tolerate your excuses. You have failed me. And I do not tolerate failure! You know the consequences." The crimson-eyed creature raised his wand preparing to satisfy his anger.
Fear seized the Potions Master as he stared down the end of Voldemort's wand. His end had come at last and not because he had been found out as a traitor, but because he had purposely sabotaged a potion used on Potter. For that Severus vowed to come back as a ghost and make Potter's life a living Hell.
"Please My Lord! I ask only for another chance."
^^ Perhapsss the human is still of use to you massster. ^^ Who knew Voldemort's pet snake would save Snape. Go figure.
^^ And why would you sssay that Nagini? ^^ Voldemort turn his gaze on his familiar.
^^ My Lord he isss your only potionsss massster. Would it be wise to get rid of him? ^^
"Rise Severus, Nagini has a valid point, you will live for now. Do not fail me again or you will beg me for death!" Voldemort pointed his wand once again at Snape. "Crucio!"
Snape's screams filled the dungeons before the curse was lifted. "T -thank you M-my Lord, you are most g-generous!" Turning to the rest of his Death Eaters, he gave one warning.
"Leave while I still feel generous enough to let all of you live." A series of pops announced the departure of his followers.
^^ You had besst be right Nagini or Severus' screams won't be the only ssound heard. ^^
^^ If all else failss My Lord, Ssnape can be used asss bait for Dumbledore. He will come to sssave him. ^^
^^ Very well, leave me Nagini; I have some business to attend to. ^^
^^ Asss you wish My Lord. ^^ With a short bow, the serpent slithered out of the room.
"I will have you yet Potter." Voldemort sat down at his throne, a pleased smile on his face as he fell asleep. Tonight, Harry would have to fight in the deepest reaches of his own mind.
*******************
Time seemed to have no meaning to the boy as he floated in a black void. There was no up, down; left or right, there was only the darkness. It seemed to press in on him from all around, suffocating him in a never- ending abyss of pain and despair. The darkness seemed to mock him as he struggled to free himself of its hold.
As the darkness continued to suffocate him, a haunting melody pierced the darkness as an eerie light filled his vision. In an angry cry of defeat, the darkness relinquished its hold of the boy, surrendering to the magnificent creature that had now appeared. Folding his wings protectively around the child the phoenix seemed to glow more brightly, its eyes flashed with fury as the darkness took the same form that the light had taken. In the void of the child's mind, two beings fought for the future of the boy- who-lived.
"You will not have the child! The Dark Lord shall not win!"
Harry watched as the creature of light took flight to duel with its counterpart. The creature of darkness merely laughed before engaging the creature of light. The fight didn't last long before the dark creature got the upper hand. He was ruthless in his assaults against his enemy. With one quick attack of its wing, the dark creature rendered a severe blow to the light creature, stopping it in the middle of its own attack.
Raising his crimson eyes, the dark creature looked towards Harry. In a swift downward beat of its wings, it took off after Harry. The boy tried to run but it was no use as the dark creature grabbed him in its talons.
"Ha, ha, ha! Poor pathetic boy! Did you really think you could get away from me?" Crimson eyes continued to glare down at the one person that always stood in its way.
"Enjoy your freedom while you can because soon you will serve me! I think I'll start by having you destroy your friends."
"No! Leave me alone! I will never serve you!" His protests were only met with more laughter.
"You will soon belong to me boy. One way or another!" The dark creature increased his grip on the struggling boy, almost to the point of crushing the life out of him. Gasping for breath, Harry continued to protest.
"The child has refused you, leave now!" The light creature dug his talons into the back of his counterpart. In that instant Harry was dropped before being caught by the light creature. "Be gone Xion! You are not welcome here!"
Letting loose a cry of war, the light phoenix hovered as a star shaped pattern appeared before them. Gathering his energy the light phoenix let loose a blast of magic. The star pattern absorbed the magic only to release it once again at the dark phoenix. The blast was so powerful it sliced through the darkness, illuminating everything in the void of the child's mind.
In a hiss of pain, the dark phoenix's features seemed to meld into that of the Dark Lord before being engulfed in a cage of light. The light phoenix turned to the boy with pride shining in his eyes.
"He will not remain trapped forever. The Dark Lord will find a way to control you and all those that stand in his way. Your scar is what links you to him, you must remain in control or you will fail. I will aid you as much as I can. Good luck. " The phoenix bowed to Harry before adding, "Phoenix of Legend."
The light phoenix seemed to shimmer out of existence as Harry's world started to dissolve back to reality.
"Wait! Who are you? Please, tell me what is going on!"
"I am known as Corandell. We will meet again, until then be careful."
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Author's note: Well, I finally did another chapter! OH MY GOD, 13 PAGES LONG! It's my new record, my highest before was only somewhere around 7 pages!
Harry's got some weird dreams doesn't he? What's going on with the Dark and Light Phoenixes? What does Malfoy have planned for Harry? And what does Ron mean about the Defence teacher being psycho? All this and more (when I get around to it) will be answered. So don't forget to Read and Review!
IMPORTANT NOTICE!!! Just to let all of you know, now that school has started I WILL NOT be up dating as often as I would like to. : (
With that said, I'm sorry for any inconveniences that this will cause. I should be updating at least once a month, more if you're lucky! So if you don't hear from me in a long time, I'm not dead just overworked or brainstorming for the next chapter.
***Thanks to all of you who have reviewed my story so far, you have no idea how much it means to me! ***
Griff_Star2000
Disclaimer: All characters and subject matter appearing herein are the copyrighted © creations of J. K. Rowling and Warner Bros., and are borrowed for the purposes of this fan fiction. No money in any form was earned in its production. Professor Ivy Bellenmore, Xion and Corandell belong to me. If you wish to use any of them, please ask.
DON'T HURT ME!!!!!!! MY BRAIN DIDN'T WANT TO CO-OPARATE, SO I GOT STUCK ON SOME PARTS!!! ANYWAY, I AM SO, SO, SO SORRY!!!! DID I MENTION I'M SORRY?!!!!
Prd2bAmerican18: Hopefully this got up fast enough for you. With that major blackout that happened recently, I couldn't get too much writing done then my inspiration went away. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
shdurrani: Well, your about to find out. This is the anticipated chapter were the school will find out about Harry.
ChristinaLupin01442, Sirius, Remus, James: Yes Harry does have wings. Glad to hear you will be updating your story, the Griffin and Phoenix Child. I look forward to the next chapter and eventually, the sequel. Thank you for taking the time to review my story.
Kaza Hunter: Glad you like this story, and don't worry, I will keep writing.
Bandit: Malfoy's reaction was kind of hard to write hopefully I did OK. Yep! Look out Hogwarts Harry's back! Glad you liked the last chapter; sorry it took so long to do. Wait till you read the new DADA teacher! (Grins evilly).
Jordan: Hope this got posted fast enough for you.
Raven Dragonclaw: It is great to have the trio back together isn't it!
Artemis MoonClaw: Don't worry about Harry; every thing will turn out for the best. I hope.
**************
~ ~ PHOENIX SPEECH
" " HUMAN SPEECH
^^ ^^ PARSELTONGUE
' ' THOUGHTS
Chapter 9 - Dreams Or Something More?
It had been a boring two weeks since he had first woken up in the hospital wing. Ron and Hermione stopped by as much as they could, if only to give him his homework or just to chat. Sirius and Remus could be seen constantly at Harry's side. The only times they would leave were to give the trio some privacy and to do their business. After downing countless horrible tasting potions Harry was finally fit to leave the hospital wing. Although he still flinched at a persons touch, he was gradually becoming accustomed to it again.
One thing continued to plague Harry's mind while he was in the hospital wing: where was Dumbledore? Harry couldn't understand why Dumbledore hadn't come to see him. All the other times he had been held captive by Madam Pomfrey, Dumbledore had come and taken him from her overprotective clutches. Well, Harry was determined to find out.
Hopping off the bed Harry got changed into his Hogwarts robes. As he was about to leave the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey's voice stopped him cold in his tracks.
"Mister Potter, one moment please. The Headmaster wishes to speak with you after supper tonight, in his office. I believe the current password is 'Oh Henry!'. Why he would chose that is anybody's guess." Harry couldn't keep the laughter in as he explained that 'Oh Henry!' was the name of a Muggle candy bar.
"Very well Mister Potter, off you go. Breakfast is about to be served; if you hurry you can meet your friends." As an after thought, Madam Pomfrey said the one thing that would ruin his day. "You will come see me every Friday evening so I can evaluate your progress. You still have some minor bruising so remember, no fighting and absolutely no Quidditch matches for the remainder of this month!"
"What?! You can't do that!"
"I can and I will. Now leave before I make you clean up the infirmary." Grumbling to himself, Harry left before the strict nurse made good on her threat.
***************
Standing before great oak doors of the Great Hall of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was the small figure of a child with wings. To say Harry was nervous was an understatement; he was scared, petrified and ready to run all the way to the Gryffindor common room. It would be the first time anyone besides Ron, Hermione and a few of his teachers had seen him since his abduction at the hands of Lord Voldemort.
He was debating going into the Great Hall or just going to the kitchens for his breakfast. However, his stomach chose that moment to make its presence known and his hunger won out over his nerves. Steeling his breath, Harry pushed open the doors to the Great Hall of Hogwarts. All conversations stopped when the occupants of the room saw who had entered.
Turning to look at their friend, Ron and Hermione gave Harry an encouraging smile as they waved him over to sit with them. Taking a deep breath, Harry slowly started to walk over to the Gryffindor table, however he didn't get far before an all too familiar voice stopped him.
"Welcome back Potty. The new look suits you better than your old one did."
"What do you want Malfoy? I'm not in the mood to deal with you at the moment." Draco Malfoy and his crew of muscle-brained idiots, Crabbe and Goyle, had surrounded Harry.
"I'm crushed Potter, no need to go off the 'bloody' deep end." Smirking, Draco grabbed one of Harry's wings and pulled out a feather.
"Hey! Let go!" Holding up the feather, Draco's smirk was turning into a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Where's the 'fire' Potter? It was just a little fun, and I know you had a little fun yourself recently."
"What are you talking about Malfoy?"
"Just between you and me Potty -" Leaning in, Draco whispered in Harry's ear. "You're going to pay for what you did murderer."
"What?!" Harry was confused by what Malfoy had said, he couldn't remember killing anyone. Ron and Hermione chose that moment to come to Harry's aid. Ron had his fists clenched while Hermione gave Draco a stern glare.
"Leave him alone Malfoy. Go back to the snake pit you crawled out of." Turning to look at Hermione, Draco gave the Gryffindor his trademark sneer.
"You should learn your place you filthy little Mud Blood." Harry gave Malfoy a cold glare at the use of Mud Blood. Hermione who was quickly losing her patience with the little ferrite was barely holding Ron back from punching him.
"Take back your words Malfoy. Apologise to Hermione now." Ron was nearly snarling his words as his temper threatened to get him in a lot of trouble.
"I don't have time to deal with the Mud Blood and Weasel. Crabbe, Goyle, come on, lets' go." Giving Harry one final glare Draco, said one final warning to his rival. "Watch your back Potter. Snakes tend to bit."
Draco gave Harry a little smirk before exiting the Great Hall, Crabbe and Goyle in tow. 'I'll make you suffer Potter; just you wait. Revenge is sweet.' Draco closed his fingers around the feather he stole from Harry.
**************
"Is it just me, or is Malfoy getting weirder?"
"It's not you Ron, it's Malfoy."
"Oh, thought so. Hey Hermione, what do we have right now?" Hermione took out her class schedule before answering.
"Double lesson of Defence Against the Dark Arts with Professor Bellenmore."
The trio were walking out of the dungeons after a horrific hour of potions with their favourite greasy haired git, Snape. As usual, Snape was being himself and took no less than 50 points off of Gryffindor just because Neville melted another cauldron. When Harry tried to defend his friend Snape threatened to use him as potions ingredients.
"So who is this Professor Bellenmore?" Harry asked.
"Oh, Professor Ivy Bellenmore is an excellent teacher. She is a little strict, but otherwise fine."
"Strict, don't you mean psycho!"
"Ron!"
"Well she is! You'll see what I mean Harry. Sure, she knows her stuff, but talk about crazy; she makes Mad Eye Moody's behaviour look normal."
The trio arrived at the Defence classroom and took their regular seats at the front of the class. Soon all the fifth year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws were seated. Before long the teacher entered the room.
"Hello class, today we will be covering creatures tha-" She looked towards where Harry was sitting, her mouth hanging wide open. Quickly regaining her composure she walked over to the window, opened it all the way then resumed her speech, turning to face the class as she did. "As I was saying, we will be covering creatures that can aid a witch or a wizard against the Dark Arts."
Harry took the time to examine the Professor while she explained what creatures they were going to cover. She was a woman of medium height, with long midnight black hair that fell down to the small of her back. She wore midnight black robes that showed off her figure nicely. Her skin was a pale white that reminded Harry of Malfoy's complexion. Her coal black eyes seemed to stare into your very soul, they held no emotion except indifference. She had black lipstick on and her nails were painted black, completing her gothic look.
"Can anyone give a little information on the creature we will be covering today? Miss Granger."
"Well, the phoenix is one of the most well renowned creatures in the fight against darkness. Their song is said to bring peace to those who need it. Their tears have healing properties that no magical potion could ever achieve."
"Thank you Miss Granger. Now class, the Headmaster was kind enough to let me borrow Fawks, his phoenix." Professor Bellenmore gave a sharp whistle. Phoenix song was her reply as Fawks the phoenix flew through the open window. He flew around the room before landing on Harry's shoulder.
"Lo Fawks." A deep trilling was his reply.
"Well it would seem that Mister Potter already know our guest. Mister Potter should consider himself lucky, a phoenix will not go to just anyone. All right class, as you can see a phoenix -"
As the teacher started to explain about phoenixes, Harry paid her no heed. He was busy watching Fawks as the bird hopped off his shoulder to stand in front of him on his desk. The bird's black pearl shaped eyes seemed to be looking into Harry's soul, as if he was judging him. Harry blinked a few times but refused to look away. Satisfied, Fawks spread his wings and bowed down to Harry while emitting a low trill that made Harry jump in his seat. Unlike the others, Harry heard a voice instead of the trill made by Fawks.
~ It is good to see you again. Are you all right little one? ~ Fawks asked, his concern evident in his voice.
~ How can I understand you? I-I mean last time I checked, I could only speak English and Parseltongue. ~ Harry was getting frustrated with his randomly appearing talents. He wished that they would just show themselves and get it over with.
~ I believe it is due to your recent transformation young one. ~
~ Just great! ~ Harry couldn't help the sarcasm from entering his voice. At the offended look that the phoenix gave him Harry realised what he had done. ~ I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you it's just that - well this is just one more thing to make me even more of an outcast. One more thing to make the great Harry Potter 'special'. ~
Unknown to the boy, he had emitted a series of low trills like the one Fawks had done. At first only Ron and Hermione were watching their friend, but one by one as the boys conversation continued, other students looked his way. Soon the entire class was now paying attention to Harry rather than the teacher, who by now was also watching him.
~ You seem to not like the way others idolize you. Even now you do not get a moments peace. ~
~ What do you mean? ~ Looking around, Harry realised what the phoenix meant. And with a groan, his head met the solid wood of his desk.
"Blimy Harry, why didn't you tell us that you could speak to phoenixes?"
'Ron would have to ask wouldn't he?' Thought Harry as he emitted another groan of annoyance.
"All right class, leave Mister Potter alone. I still have a lesson to teach." Moving to sit at her desk, she began writing a message to Dumbledore. As she sealed it in an envelope she motioned for Fawks to approach her.
"You know who to give this too." With a nod of its head, the phoenix took flight as it disappeared in a circle of flames.
"All right class open your books and turn to page 259 of your Defensive Tactics: The Good, the Bad and say your prayers cuz' you're in one messed up situation." The rest of the lesson was spent taking notes in their books with the whole class sneaking curious peeks at Harry until the bell rang.
***************
"Madam Pomfrey forbid me from playing in any Quidditch matches for the remainder of the month."
Ron, Harry and Hermione where sitting in the common room after the evening feast. As soon as classes had ended, Harry was bombarded with questions he didn't have answers to. Remembering what Madam Pomfrey had said, Harry had gone to see Dumbledore only to come back to the common room with more questions than answers.
During Harry's absence, Ron had made the team. He was now the new Keeper of the Gryffindor Lions. There was a scheduled Quidditch practise for the Gryffindor team at seven that night. Ron was trying to convince Harry to come to practise, while Harry was just finishing up a Charms essay that was due the next day. Hermione had her head in a book like always. She had already completed her assignments, and was reading a book she had picked up in the library to help her discover what kind of creature Harry had become.
"And trust me, you don't want to get her angry with you, just ask Snuffles."
Ron's face paled as he remembered how Sirius had looked after making Madam Pomfrey angry. She had cursed him big time. He was dressed in Slytherin colours and to make matters worse, every time someone would say his name he was forced to give praise to Professor Snape. Snape being Snape took full advantage of this, at Order meetings he would say Sirius' name every chance he got. The curse was only removed when Sirius got down on his hands and knees and pleaded with Madam Pomfrey for an hour. She only gave in out of pure annoyance.
As Ron looked around the common room he got an idea. Looking back to Harry who was still reading over his Charms essay, looking for any mistakes, Ron got a wide grin on his face.
"She said no Quidditch games right?" Harry looked up from his work to give Ron a questioning glance.
"Yes, were are you going with this?"
"Well she didn't say anything about having Quidditch practises!" Ron exclaimed.
At this point, Hermione looked up from her work only to role her eyes at Ron. Harry meanwhile thought Ron was a genius. He really couldn't get in trouble because he would ONLY be practising not participating in an actual game.
" Brilliant Ron! Just let me finish up this essay and I'll go grab my broom." Harry quickly looked over his work a final time and got up to get his broom in the dormitory.
***************
The Quidditch pitch could be seen in the distance as Harry and Ron approached. The other team members were waiting for them to arrive. Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell and Alicia Spinnet were laughing courtesy of Fred and George Weasley's antics. Angelina was the first to notice them.
"About time you two got here. First things first, we have to chose a new Quidditch captain. Shall we vote?" Fred and George nodded as one.
"We vote for Harry as captain!" Twin smiles plastered their faces.
"You would be great as captain Harry." Ron said as he slapped his friend on the back.
"Sorry but even if I won, I don't want to be captain." Harry shook his head at the disappointed looks on the twin's faces. "I vote for Angelina."
"Why me?" Asked Angelina.
"You're more responsible than the rest of us." Answered Harry as the twins looked towards Angelina with evil grins on their faces.
"He's got a point." Said Fred.
"An excellent point indeed my dear brother." Said George.
"Why don't you or Katie take the position?" Asked Angelina as she turned to the other two females on the team.
"Unlike you Angelina, Katie and I would prefer to spend our time doing less productive things." Said Alicia as Katie nodded her head in agreement.
"And what would those things be?" Asked Angelina.
"For starters, sleeping in late on the weekends." Said Alicia.
"Amen to that!" Said Fred and George together.
"Sorry girl, looks like your captain of this lot." Said Katie as she started laughing at the look of horror on Angelina's face. "It won't so bad, except if you have to get us up early on the weekends. Then you're just asking for trouble."
Looking towards Ron, Harry handed him his Firebolt. "Here Ron, you can use my broom seeing as I won't need it with these things."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, now let's practise."
With a new captain chosen, the practise started. The balls were released as the players mounted their brooms and took off into the sky. Opening his wings wide, Harry attempted to get off the ground, with little luck. Taking a running start didn't help him much; he only got a few feet off the ground before landing again.
"Having a little trouble down there Harry?" Called one of the Weasley twins. Which one, Harry wasn't sure from the ground.
"No I'll be okay!"
Something seemed to click in his mind, opening his wings one more time; Harry beat his wings with a downward draft. Before he knew it, he was airborne. With the thermals created by the setting sun, Harry drifted higher and higher. Now high over the other players, Harry searched for the golden snitch. Seeing it hovering by Katie, Harry folded his wings in tight before descending in a tight dive.
The air whipped around him as he continued his decent. Reaching out with his right hand, Harry grabbed the snitch causing Katie to almost fall off her broom in shock. Opening his wings, Harry slowed his decent until he touched the ground. His teammates were looking at him in amazement before Fred and George started yelling and whooping.
Grinning sheepishly, Harry opened his wings and resumed the practise. He tried many new manoeuvres as well as old ones such as the Wronski Feint. The practise lasted over an hour before Angelina called it a night.
***************
The team, now hot and sweaty, had returned to the common room to relax. After a while the girls headed up to take a shower, complaining of the stench that permeated their Quidditch uniforms. One by one, the rest of the team got up to take their own showers. However Harry remained behind to reflect on passed events while staring into the fire of the common room.
He couldn't believe he was back in Gryffindor Tower with his friends. After all he had gone trough he was home. Sure, he looked different, but he was still the same on the inside, wasn't he? At least that's what he told himself; that no matter what he was still the same. The truth was, even on the inside, he felt different. A constant pressure was always lodged in his chest. It felt like something was trying to escape him. He figured his body was still trying to adjust to the transformation. Giving a content sigh Harry stood up to head to the boys dormitory.
Once in his dorm, he took a quick shower, changed into his boxers and a loose shirt before climbing into bed. He hoped against hope that he could have a peaceful nights rest. But no matter how much we hope, some things never work the way we want them too.
*******************
Voldemort was not a happy person at the moment. Not only had he lost the Potter child due to his followers incompetence, lost many followers and been humiliated by the Order of the Phoenix, his base of operations was up in flames the last time he checked. For their incompetence, his followers were suffering his wraith.
"Snape!" The aforementioned Death Eater stepped forward. "Why did the potion not act according to your descriptions?"
"My Lord the potion was only in the experimental faze. It was not ready for testing, there were - are still too many what if's about this potions' stability, effect and side effects. If I could -"
Voldemort's voice was a deadly hiss as he interrupted Snape's explanation. "Enough Severus! I will not tolerate your excuses. You have failed me. And I do not tolerate failure! You know the consequences." The crimson-eyed creature raised his wand preparing to satisfy his anger.
Fear seized the Potions Master as he stared down the end of Voldemort's wand. His end had come at last and not because he had been found out as a traitor, but because he had purposely sabotaged a potion used on Potter. For that Severus vowed to come back as a ghost and make Potter's life a living Hell.
"Please My Lord! I ask only for another chance."
^^ Perhapsss the human is still of use to you massster. ^^ Who knew Voldemort's pet snake would save Snape. Go figure.
^^ And why would you sssay that Nagini? ^^ Voldemort turn his gaze on his familiar.
^^ My Lord he isss your only potionsss massster. Would it be wise to get rid of him? ^^
"Rise Severus, Nagini has a valid point, you will live for now. Do not fail me again or you will beg me for death!" Voldemort pointed his wand once again at Snape. "Crucio!"
Snape's screams filled the dungeons before the curse was lifted. "T -thank you M-my Lord, you are most g-generous!" Turning to the rest of his Death Eaters, he gave one warning.
"Leave while I still feel generous enough to let all of you live." A series of pops announced the departure of his followers.
^^ You had besst be right Nagini or Severus' screams won't be the only ssound heard. ^^
^^ If all else failss My Lord, Ssnape can be used asss bait for Dumbledore. He will come to sssave him. ^^
^^ Very well, leave me Nagini; I have some business to attend to. ^^
^^ Asss you wish My Lord. ^^ With a short bow, the serpent slithered out of the room.
"I will have you yet Potter." Voldemort sat down at his throne, a pleased smile on his face as he fell asleep. Tonight, Harry would have to fight in the deepest reaches of his own mind.
*******************
Time seemed to have no meaning to the boy as he floated in a black void. There was no up, down; left or right, there was only the darkness. It seemed to press in on him from all around, suffocating him in a never- ending abyss of pain and despair. The darkness seemed to mock him as he struggled to free himself of its hold.
As the darkness continued to suffocate him, a haunting melody pierced the darkness as an eerie light filled his vision. In an angry cry of defeat, the darkness relinquished its hold of the boy, surrendering to the magnificent creature that had now appeared. Folding his wings protectively around the child the phoenix seemed to glow more brightly, its eyes flashed with fury as the darkness took the same form that the light had taken. In the void of the child's mind, two beings fought for the future of the boy- who-lived.
"You will not have the child! The Dark Lord shall not win!"
Harry watched as the creature of light took flight to duel with its counterpart. The creature of darkness merely laughed before engaging the creature of light. The fight didn't last long before the dark creature got the upper hand. He was ruthless in his assaults against his enemy. With one quick attack of its wing, the dark creature rendered a severe blow to the light creature, stopping it in the middle of its own attack.
Raising his crimson eyes, the dark creature looked towards Harry. In a swift downward beat of its wings, it took off after Harry. The boy tried to run but it was no use as the dark creature grabbed him in its talons.
"Ha, ha, ha! Poor pathetic boy! Did you really think you could get away from me?" Crimson eyes continued to glare down at the one person that always stood in its way.
"Enjoy your freedom while you can because soon you will serve me! I think I'll start by having you destroy your friends."
"No! Leave me alone! I will never serve you!" His protests were only met with more laughter.
"You will soon belong to me boy. One way or another!" The dark creature increased his grip on the struggling boy, almost to the point of crushing the life out of him. Gasping for breath, Harry continued to protest.
"The child has refused you, leave now!" The light creature dug his talons into the back of his counterpart. In that instant Harry was dropped before being caught by the light creature. "Be gone Xion! You are not welcome here!"
Letting loose a cry of war, the light phoenix hovered as a star shaped pattern appeared before them. Gathering his energy the light phoenix let loose a blast of magic. The star pattern absorbed the magic only to release it once again at the dark phoenix. The blast was so powerful it sliced through the darkness, illuminating everything in the void of the child's mind.
In a hiss of pain, the dark phoenix's features seemed to meld into that of the Dark Lord before being engulfed in a cage of light. The light phoenix turned to the boy with pride shining in his eyes.
"He will not remain trapped forever. The Dark Lord will find a way to control you and all those that stand in his way. Your scar is what links you to him, you must remain in control or you will fail. I will aid you as much as I can. Good luck. " The phoenix bowed to Harry before adding, "Phoenix of Legend."
The light phoenix seemed to shimmer out of existence as Harry's world started to dissolve back to reality.
"Wait! Who are you? Please, tell me what is going on!"
"I am known as Corandell. We will meet again, until then be careful."
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Author's note: Well, I finally did another chapter! OH MY GOD, 13 PAGES LONG! It's my new record, my highest before was only somewhere around 7 pages!
Harry's got some weird dreams doesn't he? What's going on with the Dark and Light Phoenixes? What does Malfoy have planned for Harry? And what does Ron mean about the Defence teacher being psycho? All this and more (when I get around to it) will be answered. So don't forget to Read and Review!
IMPORTANT NOTICE!!! Just to let all of you know, now that school has started I WILL NOT be up dating as often as I would like to. : (
With that said, I'm sorry for any inconveniences that this will cause. I should be updating at least once a month, more if you're lucky! So if you don't hear from me in a long time, I'm not dead just overworked or brainstorming for the next chapter.
***Thanks to all of you who have reviewed my story so far, you have no idea how much it means to me! ***
Griff_Star2000