Black Phoenix
by
Draco's Daughter
Disclaimer: YES! IT'S ALL MINE! (gets attacked by J.K's Lawyers.) No, not mine. All OC's are mine unless otherwise stated.
Too much Kinston Trio and Midsummer's Night Dream isn't good for your mental health.... that mixed with Harry Potter is deadly. Do not use medications while driving or operating heavy machinery. Do not mix with other medications you are currently taking, ask your local Trekkie for information. Do not take Midsummer Night's Dream, Harry Potter, or Kingston Trio if you are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant. These things aren't for everyone. Discontinue use if you develop other personalities.
Griffer: Don't listen to her; she's on Dr. Pepper for Split Personalities.
DD: Hi!
NS: NO I WILL DO THE TALKING!
Griffer: See what I mean?
Chapter Five: At the Council
Harry awoke because something cold and hard was poking him repeatedly in the side. The young wizard turned over and groaned.
"What do you want Griffer? Do you know what time it is?" He asked, trying to go back to sleep. Griffer refused to stop poking him.
"Come on, Harry! Get up! Your missin the best part of even showing up at the council! It's five minutes before Midnight, for your information," Griffer said. Harry groaned again as he yawned and sat up. Griffer smiled with satisfaction. He had succeeded. Harry put on his glasses and stared into the amber pools that were Griffer's eyes. The griffin looked hyper.
"What am I missing exactly?" Harry asked, pulling on his shoes. He had a feeling he would be needing them.
"The pre-council party! Ever since the first Council there has been a celebration before the actual council begins. It always starts at Midnight! Come on!" Griffer said. He bounded to the door and sat in front of it like a dog waiting to go for a walk. Harry grumbled and went to the door. They walked down the streets and into a large area. The place was packed with Monsters, Humans, Elves, and other creatures Harry had never seen or heard of before. Not once or twice but many a time, Harry heard some call out to Griffer. He was either well known or well like. Harry, not wanting to be noticed, accidentally bumped into Vanessa.
"Vanessa," Was all he was able to say. Her eyes had captured him again. She chuckled and looked away.
"Harry, it's good to see you again. Please, call me Nessa. I almost believed that you weren't coming. It wouldn't have been the same without another human that I knew here," She said. She motioned to the crowd around them.
"Well, Griffer seems to have abandoned me," Harry said with a smile.
"He's really popular from what I've heard. Everyone wants to see him or even talk with him. Some say that he is quite wise," Vanessa said.
"He's really funny and strong. Why do you think that it wouldn't be as fun if I wasn't here?" Harry asked, curious.
"I pray thee, gentle mortal, sing again. Mine ear is much enamored of thy note. So is mine eye enthralled to thy shape. And thy fair virtue's force perforced doth move me on the first view to say, to swear, I love thee" Vanessa replied, quoting Queen Titannia from "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Harry soon forgot what he was going to say because a might dragon appeared on the stage. He leaned back on his rear legs and sturdied himself with his wings. He was a shade of blue that was close to purple with green and magenta on his wings and face. He motioned for silence and the crowd quickly quieted.
"Once, before the council, this plaza was the forgery of jealousy among our kindreds and never, since the middle summer's spring, could they meet on hill, in dale, forest or mead, by paved fountain, or by rushy brook, or in the beached margent of the sea, to dance their ringlets to the whistling wind, but with their brawls they hast disturbed their own sport. Therefore the winds, piping to them in vain, as in revenge, sucked up from the sea contagious fogs, which fell upon the land had every pelting river made so proud that they overborned their continents. The ox, therefore, stretched his yoke in vain the ploughman lost his sweat, and he green corn rotted ere his you attained a beard. The fold stood empty in the drowned field, and the crows were fattened on the murrain flock. The nine-men's-morris was filled up with mud, and the quaint mazes in the wanton green for lack of tread were undistinguishable. The human mortals wanted their winter here. No night is now with hymn or carol blessed. Therefore the moon, the governess of floods, pale in her anger, washed all the air, that the rheumatic diseases were abound. And thorough this distemperature we saw the seasons alter: hoary-headed frosts, fell in the fresh lap of crimson rose, and in old Hiems' thin and icy crown an odorous chaplet of sweet summer budded, is, as in mockery set. The spring, the summer the chiding autumn, angry winter changed their wonted liveries, and the mazsed world, by their increase, did not know which was which and that same progeny of evils came from our debate, from our dissention! We were their parents and originals! Only one of the kindreds saw what was born of our conflict. The wise elves, who had been the true rulers of the world since the beginning, saw that our mortal counterparts were suffering from the meaningless debate we, the greater kindreds, began. The creation of the council became the greatest event in the history of the world. It is marked every time we assemble to show the world that we are stronger united. But because of this, humans feared us. The Plaza was once again a battleground. Humans tried to take it from us but we kept up our battle and won. Now humans are excluded from the council, except on rare occasions. This meeting, the Three thousand and twentieth, marks the return of true humans to the Plaza. Before we only allowed the Werewolf and Baskalisk representatives. Now we welcome four humans who have done the unthinkable, they have begun the return of the riders. Be kind and courteous to them. Nod to them elves, and do them courtesies should you come across them. This goes out to all members present, they are under my protection. Heaven help he who should attempt to hurt them," the Dragon said. He finished with a mighty roar. Harry never noticed that Griffer had sneaked beside him.
"Crystallin really knows how to start the parties with a bang. He's been using the same basic speech for a long while now. We are all impressed each time for some reason. This is the first time in over three hundred years that humans have attended the council, representing their own race. It's an honor to be under his protection," Griffer said.
"So that is Crystallin, I was wondering when I'd get to see him," Vanessa said as the dragon left the stage. It was not occupied by someone very familiar: Sirena.
'What's she doing here?" Harry asked with hatred in his eyes. Griffer snorted.
"Sirena's the entertainment. She's not always sitting in her forest. She represents forest elves here at the council," Griffer said. He didn't sound discussed in the least. What surprised Harry the most what that Jamal was on stage with her. He quickly kissed her knuckles and together they began a song.
"Come one! Come all!
Hear the history and romance!
Hear the song and dance our dance!
Ancient Moonlight rivalries
Are laid aside tonight!
It allows for a regular plight!
Bringing together,
the most unlikely of lovers.
Bringing the best of friends
and the worst of enemies.
Into close contact that no one every thought possible!
Ancient scribes call it spells,
We call it love!
We call it friendship!
We call it honor!
We call it the Council!
They don't call us heroes for nothing.
We bring spirits and charms in the air
With Pixie and Dragon,
Griffin and Unicorn!
Centaur and Human!
Elf and Imp!
Man and beast!
Take your pick!
We don't care!"
"I can't believe their actually working together. The last time they met they were enemies," Harry said, Griffer laughed.
"They're engaged. It's natural for most elves to be somewhat hostile to one another around mortals like you and Josh. Sirena is kinda annoying as well," Griffer replied.
"Oh well, as long as they don't pull out swords and start killing each other on stage," came a voice from behind them. Harry and Vanessa turned to face Crystalin. The dragon smiled at them. Harry felt small and insignificant in the shadow of the impressive beast.
"King Crystalin, how good to see you again," Griffer said with a bow. The dragon inclined his head and turned to Harry.
"Yes, Harry Potter. I was wondering when I would be graced with your presence. May I have a word alone with you. We'll have no other chance once the council starts," Crystallin said.
"I guess," Harry replied with a shrug. Crystallin motioned for Harry to follow and they left Vanessa and Griffer behind. Crystallin and Harry walked into a circular arena with an outcropping in the center. Crystallin stopped and turned to face Harry.
"I have come to understand that you are here to request help from the Fantastic Beasts that seem to be one of the causes of your problems. Am I correct?" Crystalin asked.
"Yes, my school, Hogwarts, is under siege from Nundus and other Fantastic Beasts that seem to be in the service of Voldermort," Harry said. He half expected Crystallin to cringe but the name didn't have any effect over him. He was, after all, the King of Dragons and was afraid of very few things.
"Yes, I understand that. What I wanted to talk to you about is your Heritage. You are the only person in five hundred years that has dared to look at the documents of the Riders. Why does this topic interest you?" Crystalin asked.
"While we were traveling here, I fell into a hole created by an earthquake. There I met a man dressed in a red cloak. He took me into another chamber where there was a huge carving, telling the story of the riders to me. Afterwards I was curious as to why," Harry said. The dragon closed his ice-blue eyes.
"Harry Potter, the son of James Potter, I have seen much in my five thousand years of life and never, since the time of the Egyptians and the rise of Magic, has anyone been the most interesting person. Your story is long and complex and I know much of it. Godrick Griffindor didn't understand why he placed Griffins on Hogwart's grounds but he was fulfilling an age old prophecy by doing so. Once you have accepted your destiny then your power will be full and the next cycle of evil will come. You and your fellows will be the only ones who can stop it. I can not say any more on this matter because, as will all great heroes, you must find it yourself. Go back to the celebration and do not let my words lay upon your heart. Ponder them when your school is safe once more," Crystalin said. He turned and walked away. Harry stood there, stunned for a moment. He shook his head and headed Crystalin's words. When he got back Vanessa pulled him to the front of the crowd.
"They've convinced Griffer and some others to sing something!" She said over the roar of the crowd. Griffer stood on the stage, smiling.
"A pair of new shoes with matching laces," began Josh
"A permanent box at sheep's head races," Griffer added.
"A porcelain tub with boilin water," Ricky added, smiling.
"A Saturday nigh with the Mayor's daughter!" Shadowbane finished.
"Look at me! I'm the king of New York! Suddenly, I'm respectable, starin right at ya, lousy with stature!" Griffer continued.
"Nobbin with all the muckity-mucks, I'm blowin my dough and going deluxe!" Josh sang, stepping in front of Griffer
"And dere I be, ain't I pretty! It's my city! I'm the King of New York!" Griffer retorted, jumpin in front of Josh this time.
"A courtory suit with fitted knickers," Josh began.
"A mesane seat to see the flickers!" Ricky added.
"Havana cigars that cost a quarter!" Jamal said, kissing his fingers.
"An editor's desk for the star reporter!" Shadowbane replied, looking a Jamal
"Tip your hat he's the King of New York!" The monsters and Josh sang, pointing at Jamal.
"How bout that! I'm the king of New York!" Jamal sang, shrugging.
"In nothin flat! He'll be coverin Brooklyn to Trenton, our man Denton!" The Gang sang.
"Makin the headline out of a hunch!" Josh began.
"Protectin the weak!" Jamal added.
"And payin for lunch!" Griffer continued, to much laughter.
"When I'm at bat! Strong men crumble!" Jamal said, puffing his chest out.
"Proud yet humble," Griffer said, whacking Jamal on the back.
"He's/I'm the King of New York! gotta be either dead or dreamin, just look at that pape with my face beamin, tomorrow they may wrap fishes in it! But I was a star for one whole minute!" sang Jamal and the gang. There was a musical interlude at this point!
"Startin now! I'm the king of New York!" the gang sang.
"Ain't ya heard! I'm the king of New York!" Jamal sang.
"Holy Cow! It's a miracle, Pulitzer's cryin, Weasel he's diein! flashpots are shootin bright as the sun, I'm one high falutin son of a gun! Don't ask me how, fortune found me! Fate just crowned me! Now I'm king of New York! Look and see! Once a piker, now a striker! I'm the King of New York! Victory! Front page story! Guts and glory! I'm the King of New York!" The gang said, giving the song it's "big finish". Everyone present clapped to where it rang out all over the Plaza. After the song, there were two more hours of celebration. Then Griffer was back on stage.
"Alas, the celebration must end. But not before one last song. The solo of a Griffin. Tomorrow morning, all council members and Human guests must arise and be ready for the council which will begin at Ten o'clock sharp and will break for lunch at Noon, come back at one, and finally adjourn at Five. If the business is unresolved the council will begin at the same time on the next day. With that said, maestro," Griffer said. A flute began slowly with a piano and violin slowly joining it.
"Ah for those carefree days,
that have long passed.
Nothing here to remind us,
and the dream never lasts,
With trouble ahead,
innocence behind.
Shadows abound,
Fears always in mind.
Though we know not when
peace of mind will come again.
It's a dangerous game,
like playing with flame.
Why do we continue?
There's much to do with hate,
but more to do with love,
This game we play with fate,
fluttering like a captive dove,
Struggleing for freedom
for those we do care for
and truly trust.
All our heart
all our mind,
with our songs,
and our times.
Takes on life,
worry not,
forget your sport
and your spot.
Take it slow
take your time,
none of us here,
will care to mind.
For we do this so
so worry ways we do not go.
Our power over fate,
is nothing but the absence of hate.
And our time we forget
with the time we save
on worrying not,
we use to find
a better spot.
In the sun,
by the moon,
near the sea,
or in a spoon.
Heart's ablaze,
with their willpower,
like a spirit,
containing their wildflowers.
Fail not,
rider's son."
The things Harry didn't notice while Griffer's song was sung was Vanessa laying her head on his shoulder, the pair of them conducting their own version of a slow dance, and the passage of time. For some reason, Griffer's song contained a magical spell that nearly stopped the flow of time for all present. Tears flowed from eyes that had been dry. Loves and married couples were standing much closer than the were before the song. Jamal was hugging Sirena from behind. The thunderstorm of clapping for Griffer was what brought Harry and Vanessa out of their small trance.
"Time for us to go until tomorrow, Harry," Vanessa whispered into his ear. He caught every word, even over the din of the crowd.
"I wish this night would never end," Harry replied. If Vanessa hadn't of been in his arms he would have seen the smile that crossed her face. It was one of agreement.
'So do I,' Vanessa thought. She slipped out of his embrace and faced him. "Harry Potter, although I have only know you for a single day, I have to say that.." But what ever she had wanted to say was cut off by Griffer coming up to them.
"Come on, Harry, time to blow this Popsicle stand," Griffer announced. He had gone from his serious stage mode to his usual carefree one. He was smiling, oblivious to the fireworks between Harry and Vanessa.
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow," Harry said, quietly. Vanessa smiled and pecked him on the cheek before she turned and went to find Death. Griffer gave Harry a sly look.
"You dog," The griffin said quickly before they went back to Harry's quarters. Harry was so tired that all he did was take off his glasses and fall onto the beg and go back to sleep. Griffer crawled up under his head and went back to sleep as before.
Vanessa was in her quarters, starring at the full moon outside. Things were heavy on her mind, things that had been left unsaid, the chemistry that had come between herself and Harry during Griffer's song was the strongest feelings she had ever had for a man. She sighed and crawled into her bed.
"Why couldn't I just tell him what I felt, why did I hesitate and use Titannia's words?" She asked to the darkness around her. She sighed and went to sleep, the night keeping her secrets.
At Hogwarts, things weren't much better. Ginny and Neville hadn't made any progress with their "rescue attempt". They had used Ryoko's owl to send a message to Remus. He was the only order member they knew was available at the moment. Adrian was making life an all-time low for the students, the house elves had all been enslaved for the Death Eaters and they had barely any time to make the student's anything to eat. The Professors were all fairing the same. MaGonagall was being interrogated night and day but she would not spill a single secret. When Adrian was to the point of cursing her to hell, a message came for him in his magic mirror.
"The council will begin tomorrow at Ten o'clock. At the Noon lunch I will inform you of their progress. Knowing the council, it will be the next day before the decide anything. They never let unfinished business ever go till the next meeting. That's the beauty of them, they keep going until a decision is made. The record for a meeting was three months over a simple border dispute between Griffins and Dragons," said the messenger. Adrian smiled.
"The council will have a time considering Kanu Bastet's loyalty to King Crystalin," Adrian laughed. He himself had been to the council on two occasions. He was then forbidden from ever attending a meeting.
"I will contact you tomorrow, the traditional celebration has just ended and I must be on time for the meeting," the messenger replied. Adrian nodded and the mirror once again reflected it's owner's face.
"Well, we'll see what comes of the meeting," Adrian said as he laughed.
"Good morning honey," Griffer said into Harry's ear. The young wizard woke up with a start and fell off the bed. Griffer laughed long and hard.
"Why did you do that?" Harry asked, trying to get up off the ground. He put his glasses on and the Golden griffin was still lying on the bed, his front paws crossed most cat-like. He was smiling as usuall.
"First and foremost, I wanted to see the look on your face, second, if I hadn't, we will be late for the council. It's eight o'clock. That gives us a hour and a half for breakfast, twenty minutes to get ready, ten minutes to get to the council amphitheater, and ten to greet my fellows before the council starts," Griffer explained as he leapt of the bed and stretched. At that moment, Lilith walked in carrying a tray. She smiled at them and set the tray down on the desk. Griffer leapt for it and took the haunch of deer that was on it into a corner to much in silence. Lilith busied herself with looking through the dresser in the corner. She pulled out a blood-red shirt with gold trim around the neck and sleeves, earth-brown pants, and a pair of black leather boots. She set them out with a large medallion for Griffer.
"Harry, I believe these will fit you quite well. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask," Lilith said as she handed the clothing and boots to Harry and left with a small bow. Griffer was munching happily. The Griffin paused and looked up a Harry.
"Are you ready for the council today?" He asked, swallowing.
"I guess so," Harry replied, still looking over the clothing.
"You wont' have to do a lot of speaking, I'll handle most of it," Griffer said. "That clothing is the garb of the ancient riders. They still keep some in stock here at the Plaza." Harry looked at the clothing again.
"Why would she bring me this? I'm no rider," Harry said as he went to see what Lilith had brought. Juice, Bacon, toast, and fruit were all laid out in separate dishes and jugs. Harry munched on the bacon.
"Ancient tradition. Depending upon the monster your represent or rode you wore certain colors. Griffin riders wore red and gold, Hippogriff riders wore steel gray or black; Dragon Riders wore blue, green, silver, or black; and most women wore white, but the privileged few that rode Unicorns had silver trim on their neck, sleeves, and belts," Griffer explained. Harry nodded. After they finished eating, Griffer put on the medallion and Harry donned the Garb of the Griffin Rider. The clothing fit perfectly and the boots were the correct size. Griffer chucked at the change in his friend's appearance. Even Harry's hair seemed to straighten itself up some for the occasion. Harry and Griffer set out for the Council at Nine fifty they set out. Harry ran into Ron, Hermione, and Vanessa. Hermione was in the garb of women while Vanessa wore the garb of a dragon rider, and Ron wore earth brown clothing.
"The garb of a page," Vanessa explained. "Because you've never ridden a Fantastic Beast." They all set out for the Amphitheater that Crystalin had taken Harry to the night before. It was filled with creatures of all shapes and sizes. As they passed, some greeted Griffer.
"Pyralis, you have gotten much more beautiful since the last time I saw you," Griffer said to a Phoenix. From the look on its face it seemed she wasn't flattered by Griffer's comment at all. After the pleasantries were over, Crystallin motioned for silence. He stood on the outcropping and all creatures in the amphitheater were quiet. You could hear a pin drop as Crysallin motioned to Jabaar, who had parchment in front of him, a quill, and several bottles of ink. He was obviously the scribe.
"The Three-Thousandth and Twentieth meeting of the Council has begun. We, the Greater Kindreds, have come together once again to unite and discuss the problems presented before us. In this meeting we welcome back the Lesser Kindred, Humans, to our council to take part and present to us their problem. First on our agenda is the trouble of Nundus on the Grounds of Hogwart's school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As we all know, this school has been under council protection since its founding long ago. Little over a week ago it was overrun mercilessly by agents of Voldermort, or He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, it has come to my attention that creatures that are represented by this council are partially to blame for this breech of trust. Kanu Baset, if you please," Crystallin. A Nundu stood and leapt onto the out cropping that Crystallin had occupied a moment before.
"Crystallin and all present, renegade Nundus are the ones who decided to work with the Dark Lord to take control of Hogwarts. We have been fighting long and hard to get them under control but they always seem to escape our control," Kanu said, handing his head.
"Aren't many Nundus renegade? Your entire race thrives on deceit and lies. They willingly attack humans when given the chance," Came a deep voice of a Rhino-like creature in a seat across the amphitheater.
"Ravi, I will not tolerate such an outburst in the council," Crystallin said. The creature addressed at Ravi fumed and quieted.
"Our race is very loose in our ways, many of us attack humans," Kanu began.
"Then why did two of your kind attack Harry Potter on Hogwarts grounds?" Griffer asked loudly with his eyes blazing.
"We are not all as grounded in our ways as your kind, Griffindor. Some of us are still savage," Kanu replied.
"Savage? More like barbaric!" Came the voice of a large, Golden Buffalo.
"Nashashuk! You should understand the rules here most of all," Crystallin said. The Buffalo quieted. Harry had noticed that the council, no matter how easily they acted around one another, were tense towards other races. No matter what type of act many of them put forward, they all seemed ready to attack the creature next to them. "Griffindor Goldfeather, please step forward and give the council your testimony." Kanu went back to his place as Griffer took to the outcropping.
"My fellow council members and Human friends. The Grounds of Hogwarts have been breached by many a creature. When I was there I saw that Nundus chased Harry Potter, I'm positive that I do not need to tell you his story, and I knew that there was some inner corruption going on. Besides the Nundus, I also noticed a few Manticores and Chimeras on another flight that night. Hogwarts has been the home to many students over the years as well as the home of my pride. None there have the power or connections to tell someone of the corruption that would be felt by the council when creatures would attack a peaceful school under Council protection. I regret to say that there is a spy in our mist," Griffer said to gasps all around.
Mwahahahahahahaha! Cliffhanger! This is the longest chapter yet. Ok, the Song "King of New York" isn't mine. But the other two are my own composition. Griffer's uber-long song was inspired by "Inspiration (The Blank Page)" from the Lifescapes CD: Inspiration. The fist song sung by Sirena and Jamal wasn't inspired by anything save the need for a song. Talon's pulled ahead in the name pole! Ok, here are the replies to the reviews:
Dark Pixie: You know how much I love you right now, right?
DawnRising: Was this quick enough for you?
Name Poll Results
Rebel-1
Talon-3
Puck-0
Mareo- 0
Sadiki- 1
Name Poll
Same as last time.
a) Rebel
b)Talon
c)Puck
d)Mareo
or
e)Sadiki
Coming Soon!: Chapter Six: The Griffin and the Spy