A Phoenix's Tale
By: Muses Fury
--
Summary: When an Order member (OC) is not what she seems, how does she affect the other members?
Disclaimer: I own nothing. All recognizable characters belong to J.K. Rowling.
Now, onward to chapter 11!
--
"So, you're a Mage too?" Severus asked Dumbledore after Rose left. They were still seated in Dumbledore's office sipping tea by the fire, a common occurence in the past few weeks. "Doesn't surprise me."
"And why not, Severus?" Dumbledore asked, a smile in his voice.
"There had to be some reason the Dark Lord fears you so."
"Ah, yes, Voldemort--" Snape flinched "--fears me, for he does not know what I am. People, no matter how powerful they think they are, fear what they do not understand."
"True." Snape said, taking an extra long drink of tea. "Pity about the raid today. Rose seemed quite upset about it didn't she?"
"Indeed she was. She has never killed an innocent before."
"Albus, why did she get so angry?"
"Ah, I believe that she got angry because she knew no other way to cope with grief. She was feeling particularly vulnerable when she got her, so she lashed out with anger." When Dumbledore received no answer from Snape, he continued. "She deals with grief almost the same way you do, Severus."
"What do you mean by that?" Snape asked, his dark eyes narrowing slightly.
"No reason to get defensive, dear boy. All I meant was that you both get angry when dealing with grief. She, however, seems to have a more destructive temper." Dumbledore chuckled lightly and sipped his tea. Both men lapsed into a companionable silence.
--
A while later, the door to Dumbledore's office opened with a bang, causing both men to jump slightly.
"Ah, Ambrose, so glad of you to join us. Might I tempt you with a cup of tea?" Dumbledore asked as Rose ran into the room, panting slightly.
"Albus," she began "we need to call a meeting."
"Why my dear?
"Fudge has ordered the removal of all the prisoners of Azkaban. It seems that word finally got around to him that the Dementors are leaving. They are to be moved underground to a place under Gringotts guarded by Goblins, Dragons, and Aurors. He asked me personally to help with the transfer. Kingsley and Tonks are to be involved as well."
"Okay, Rose, you know what to do."
"Of course. I'll go ahead and take you and Severus to Headquarters if that is all right?"
"Very well." Dumbledore answered. Snape merely nodded. Rose took her Phoenix form and flew with the two men out of Hogwarts grounds where she apparated in a burst of flames.
--
A few moments later, the trio found themselves outside of the dingy number 12 Grimmauld Place. This is where Rose, disguised as Fawkes, left them. A golden feather appeared inside at the kitchen table alerting the Order members present of the impending meeting. Mrs. Weasley quickly cleared the table, sending Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny upstairs with their supper. Lupin helped clear away what was left of the dishes.
Elsewhere, Rose left with Kingsley and Mr. Weasley at Ministry, trusting they would tell the others in the office of the meeting. She also left a feather with Mundungus Fletcher and Ms. Figg, and lastly with Mad- Eye Moody. She knew that they would tell whoever needed to be told and flew back to Grimmauld Place. Once on the yellowing front lawn, Rose changed back into her human form and waved her wand. Once the house showed itself, she stepped inside.
On the front landing, she met Harry and the others eating their suppers on the stairs. She smiled at them and walked into the meeting room.
"Professor Lupin says she is very talented in Defense," Hermione stated. "At any rate, she has to be better than that Umbridge toad." The others nodded.
"She's definately prettier," Ron said, blushing slightly at the others laughter.
"Ooohh, has ickle Ronniekins got a crush on the new Professor?" Ginny asked, giggling.
"Shut it." Ron muttered, his ears matching his face.
--
Awhile later, after the meeting ended and most Order members had left, the children walked back into the kitchen. The only remaing members were Rose, Snape, the Weasley's, Dumbledore, and Lupin. They were whispering furiously at the end of the table. Snippets of the heated conversation found its way to Harry and the others.
"But they can't risk it!" Snape whispered furiously, pounding his fist on the table. "Think of how many lives would be lost if they did!"
"Severus," Rose began calmly, "Think how many would die if we didn't." As Snape made to argue his point further, Dumbledore cleared his throat and nodded towards the door.
"Oh, children, come on in." Mrs. Weasley said, standing up. "Here let me take those dishes. You must want that dessert I promised you?" She asked a motherly smile spreading across her face. As the children sat down, she pulled a pudding from the oven. "Are you all going to stay longer? I have enough for all of you."
"We must be getting back to Hogwarts, I'm afraid, Molly. We have some planning to do before the new school year begins. I trust that you all have done your homework?"
"Yes, sir." Came the reply from all, though Harry and Ron didn't meet the Headmaster's gaze.
"Very good, well I will be seeing you later. Have a great summer." Dumbledore nodded to Lupin and the Weasley's and left the room, followed by Snape and Rose.
--
Well, that's the end of this chapter. How is it?? Anything that needs to be changed?
Don't forget to review!! Have a lovely day/night!
Muses Fury