A Phoenix's Tale

By: Muses Fury

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Disclaimer: I don't any of the Harry Potter universe. J.K. Rowling has that immense pleasure. :sigh:

Summary: When an Order member is not what she seems, what happens to the others?

Dedication: To Remmie's Girl for being my 20th reviewer!

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Time went in slow motion as Rose stood there watching Kingsley's fall. She wanted to go to him to make sure he was all right. She wanted to make sure that he wasn't de....

'No.' Rose thought to herself. 'I can't think that like that. He can't be de...' She shook her head to clear her thoughts. She glared at Tonks', but immediately switched her stares to Bellatrix Lestrange's taunting face. Her shrill laughter filled the early morning air. Anger surged in Rose-- anger such as she had never known. She lifted her wand, ready to avenge her fallen comrade, but, she never got her chance. The Goblins had arrived.

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The Head Goblin, Uret, snapped his long fingers, an invisible force soared through the air killing Bellatrix Lestrange instantly. Her death caused the other prisoners to begin a riot. Uret, nodded towards his companions. As one, they all snapped their fingers, the binds holding the prisoners were released. However, not for long. With another snap, they were pulled towards the goblins.

Uret stepped closer to the Aurors.

"We will take them from here." He said, and nodding. His goblin friends began to walk away with prisoners in tow. Tonks pried her wand out of the cold, dead hand of Bellatrix Lestrange. With a wave of his hand, Uret lifted the body and transported her with the others. A final nod, and the goblins were gone.

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Tonks turned disbelieving eyes onto the still form of Kingsley. She didn't dare look at her fellow Aurors for fear of what she might see. However, when Rose dropped down beside Kingsley, a raw ache overtook her. She silently walked away, with tears streaming down her face.

'I can't believe that this happened.' She thought as others began to join her. 'I can't believe that I allowed it to happen.' She turned around, her eyes coming to rest on Rose. 'What will Rose think of me now? I killed her best friend. It was my fault... all my fault.' Tonks looked to the morning sky. Around her the exhausted Aurors passed her, some kept their visages neutral. Others, however, didn't. They fixed Tonks with condescending stares, and muttered amongst themselves.

When there wasn't as much of a crowd left, Tonks made her way to Rose's side. Rose lifted her tear-stained face and held Tonks stare. Though Rose was definately angry, she couldn't fully blame Tonks either.

"I'm sorry." Tonks choked out. She wringed her hands nervously. "I know he was a good friend of yours."

"Tonks, it was a mistake. We all make mistakes." Rose said softly. "It's up to you to determine if you will learn from this mistake or not."

"But, because of this mistake, Kingsley is dead!" Tonks countered. Rose smiled ever so softly, remembering one other such conversation with Dumbledore.

'What was it that he told me?' Rose thought. 'Ah, right'

"An accident it still is, Tonks. I know you didn't mean for any of this to happen. That's all that matters." Tonks stared at Rose disbelievingly.

"Y-you don't blame me?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"No." Rose answered. She returned her gaze to her fallen friend. 'Thank- you, Albus, for your wise words.' Rose thought.

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A sudden urge overtook Rose. Something inside her would not let her believe that Kingsley was truly gone. Using a muggle trick, she put her fingers to the side of Kingsley's neck.

'He's not dead!' She thought joyfully. With a beaming smile she turned her attention to Tonks.

"He's not dead." She said softly.

"Wha--?" Tonks asked, dumbly. 'I must be hearing things. I could have sworn she said that he wasn't dead.'

"He's not dead." Rose repeated again, more firmly. "We need to get him to Hogwarts."

"What about St. Mungos?" Tonks offered.

"NO!" Rose shouted. Seeing the shock on Tonks' face, she continued, though softer. "Anyone that willingly accepts money from the Malfoy's is bad news." Tonks nodded silently.

"Then to Hogwarts it is."

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Rose summoned a small rock to her. She motioned for Tonks to join her on the ground and making sure they were all touching the small object, she cried,

"Portus! Hogwarts Infirmary-- three people." The stone glowed blue for a moment before transporting the three to their destination.

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End chapter 14

So, how did you all like it?? :-D Please leave a review, I would LOVE to know what you think of the story.

Well, until next time, have a lovely day/evening!

Thanks to everyone who has reviewed! I appreciate it!! :-D

--Muses Fury