More Than You Think You Are Chapter 20: Twisted between time and dreams, oh mother please explain to me…, a harry potter fanfic

Author's Notes: Last time Lily finally returned, Pansy was suggested in getting Potter to open up. Harri and Draco argued once more, Nia and Murchadh arrived to help, but just as quickly left, and Voldemort thought about the menace that was Harri Potter. Pansy has not yet been charged with her task. Now you all are probably wondering what the hold up is. My answer is that I have other fiction obligations. I've got to balance the priorities. Anyway, thanks for reviewing, to those that actually did. However, to the people who are reading and not reviewing give me a break! I don't know if many people want an update if they don't review.Thank you to the following for reviewing: Anarane Anwamane, tigersmeleth, Starr Light1, MirreZ, and GwEnDoLyN P. MaLfOy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, but I'll take a butterbeer cap necklace...

More Than You Think You Are

Chapter Twenty: Twisted between time and dreams, oh mother please explain to me...

Pansy didn't like hanging about the cold, drafty bookshelves in the library anymore than Ron, but they had both agreed to meet in the discreet place so that they could talk privately. She could not afford to be seen with such a badly dressed, poor boy. As a Slytherin she had to maintain pride in her appearance and reputation. It had taken nearly all of her patience to swallow her pride and meet with him at all. Yet, in a way they both needed one another, and she would have to make allowances in this case. Ron had come to her with a proposal to sneak up on their unsuspecting friends and demand answers. Earlier the Gryffindor boy had implied that Draco and Potter were some kind of couple. Originally, she had scoffed at the notion of her Draco with such an ill connected, half blood like Potter. He could not possibly like someone so good. Her very nature was the antithesis of Pansy's. In the beginning she did not want to believe that Draco could be attracted to a girl like Potter, and she flat out refused to believe that Draco was even remotely involved with Potter. The fact that Potter could so easily attract his attention, when she had gone all out to get Draco to notice her, was all for naught apparently. She was determined to break Draco from that self righteous girl's spell. There was no way she would ever accept the two of them as a couple. Of course, Ron had never actually said that they were seeing each other, but Pansy had caught the appreciative glances he sent Potter on occasion. In the past, it would have been considered criminal to even mention the possibility of a badly paired coupling as theirs. Yet now that they were all older, more students were becoming open to inter-house dating.

On the one hand, Pansy could understand Draco's attraction. Potter, in all her attempts to be as tomboyish and unladylike as possible, had only managed to bring more flirty glances her way. Pansy surmised that the girl was only popular among the boys in their year and up because she had no idea of her beauty. Years ago, if anyone would have told Pansy that Harriet Potter, the scrawny first year with unruly hair and raggedy clothes would morph into such a beauty she would have never believed it. Now, having witnessed the change, she was amazed that the girl had not used her recently acquired looks to her advantage. Even the mudblood Granger was not above showing off her features to make the Weasel jealous. This was yet another odd quirk about Potter that Pansy despised. She could not even see what she had, and she never used these things for her own benefit. It was her do-gooder behavior that ultimately caused Pansy's blood to boil. Hopefully, with the aid of the Weasel she could deliver Draco from the girl's enchantment, and finally have her Draco back. Kicking at the dust on the maroon carpet, Pansy hoped that Draco would appreciate her efforts. The things that she did for that boy almost always went unnoticed. Perhaps when he saw the folly of his ways, he would realize that he could never truly be with Potter, and he would get over his silly infatuation.

A scuffling sound of shoes hitting carpet brought her back to the topic at present. Hunched over breathing deeply was the sorry sight of Ron Weasley. He leaned against his knees, inhaling deeply. She frowned at his sorry state. Walking deeper into the bookshelves, she glared at him with all her might.

"What in the bloody hell took you so long? You came in making so much noise, that we'll be luck if we're not spotted. You are such a bloody moron!"

She hissed angrily, sneering at him. Weasley had probably never been prompt for anything in his ruddy life. They were both silent for a moment, sizing up the other in quiet contemplation. An alliance would be forged, if only temporarily. Their irritation was understandable, because this was the first time that anyone in their year had branched out in a joint effort, with the same goal (for the most part anyway.) They did not trust the other, but both knew that they would have to set aside petty disagreements. In Ron's opinion Harri was blinded by Malfoy's charm, and thus she was unable to see the Slytherin boy for what he really was; a scumbag. Pansy thought otherwise, her jealously clouded her judgment. She had never liked Potter, and usually the two girls managed to leave the other alone. However, Draco was claimed property as far as she was concerned. No one deserved him more than Pansy.

"Sorry, but they were having a lobster bisque in the dining hall. Plus, Mione had to help me with my Charms homework, and I needed to finish my Herbology essay. Although Neville refused to help me ch—"

"For Merlin's sake Weasley, shut up! Ugh, the less time spent with you the better. Have you forgotten why we're in this freezing corner? We need to devise a plan to keep them away from each other. I haven't seen them together yet, but I suggest we make them hate each other. We could spread rumors, and then things will be back to normal."

While Pansy should have gotten an A for effort, her plan was flawed. Ron couldn't very well tell her about the news of Draco being Harri's protector, but he would have to discourage the girl from taking that route. Draco would never believe that Harri hated him. Ron had seen the looks his best friend gave the boy and he knew that she had a serious crush on the boy. Harri however, was a sensitive person, and he had no doubt in his mind that Harri would believe whatever he told her. Could he place his morals aside just to get his best friend away from the slimy git? Every time Ron asked Harri if she was seeing Draco she would always deny it. He believed her of course, but Ron had caught the gleam in her eye. If he didn't know better, he'd almost say that she was in love with Draco.

"That wouldn't work. We both know that they are the type of people that would confront one another immediately if word got out that they were badmouthing each other, they'd both confront it head on. Besides, calling each other names is more Malfoy's style. Harri would never believe it anyway because she is too caught up in him."

"Maybe, but we'll have to break them some kind of way. I suggest we sabotage them at the upcoming Christmas ball. If make it look like they humiliated each other at the ball, then they'd hate each forever!"

Ron eyed the blond girl warily. Pansy was ecstatic at the thought of ruining an alleged relationship beyond repair. Still, he could not back out now. Harri needed him, whether she knew it or not. He'd do the same for Mione or Ginny. He wondered how she could sleep at night. Harri was his best mate. She was like his second sister. They rarely got into serious arguments, and the last time that the two of them were really mad at one another, had been last year during the Triwizard Tournament. He could not betray her trust that easily could he? But Ron's mind reminded him, hadn't she betrayed their friendship by messing around with a Slytherin, and the worst possible one! He was doing this for her best interest, and once she realized that, she'd eventually forgive him. Hopefully, she'd never find out that he was involved.

"Okay, but how exactly do we go about this, without letting everyone in on it? We can't have what we're planning be traced back to us. I say we work on the little things first. You know little instances that make them both start to lose trust in each other. Then, once we've done that we could start spreading tiny bits of fibs."

Pansy smirked at Ron, visibly impressed with Ron's sneaky suggestion. She never would have guessed that the Gryffindor boy was such a conniving sneak. His behavior was so unlike a typical Gryffindor at the moment. He was actually thinking like a Slytherin. Perhaps there was more than meets the eye. Weasley's plan could quite possibly work. There were a few kinks to iron out, but his plan as a whole was very impressive indeed. Still, they'd need a few minions to corroborate their story. Someone would have to have to take the blame if things got out of hand. She needed to make things look as if Weasley was the sole conspirator, putting her in the clear.

"When should we begin?"

She asked suddenly. She frowned, squinting slightly. She snorted at his behavior. Thinking must be very hard for Weasleys. They had a brilliant plan, but its implementation would prove tricky. Plus, there was small fact that they didn't have anyone that could be a sort of go between. The pesky Creevy boy came to Pansy's mind. He could work, but he was also attached to the youngest Weasley. Ginny would be a nuisance, but Colin made a perfect scapegoat. He was gullible, and worshipped the ground that Potter walked on.

"We should probably get started as soon as possible. I don't want Draco getting any closer to her. The two of them together is a disaster waiting to happen."

Ron nodded in agreeance.

"That's true, although we can talk about this later. I've got to go. We'll meet back here a week from now, and see how far our plan has progressed."

They parted ways quickly, both not entirely sure if they had done the right thing. However, they wanted their respective friends away from one another, permanently. The best way to do that would be to plant the seeds of distrust in their hearts. Hermione would be appalled and angered if she knew what he was planning, but he'd just have to keep the secret to himself. Hermione more than likely discourage Ron or worse yet tell Harri! It was a risk he could not afford to take at the moment. When he had first begun to suspect Harri of having a crush on Malfoy, he was naturally disgusted at the thought. He had silently noted the looks that they gave one another in classes. No longer did they purposely start arguments with one another. This was acceptable behavior, but the queer mannerisms of both when they were out of classes made him suspect that something funny had been going on. He still was not completely certain if they were secretly going out, but he was positive that there was something there.

Harri hadn't behaved so girly, and totally unlike his best mate since, Finch-Fetchly. That failed courtship had been a total disaster. She had been deeply hurt when she learned that Finch-Fetchly thought she was the Heir of Slytherin. Harri hadn't really liked anyone since then. Now that Malfoy was the object of her affection Ron could barely stand it. He grimaced at the thought of them together. These types of things just weren't done. Slytherins and Gryffindors never mixed. It was a taboo that she be upheld as far as he was concerned. The only exception that came to his mind was Harri's parents. Even with those two, they still had a tumultuous relationship. He would hold off for a while, and hope that she came to her senses. Pansy had not been pleased with his suggestion, but it was only fair given what they planned on doing. Ron ignored the strange looks he received from his housemates. Harri had one week to turn things around. He would tell her that he knew what she was up to, and Ron hoped to discourage her from taking things farther. The last thing anyone needed was a brokenhearted Harri Potter.

-------------

"She's going to be alright."

A feminine voice called out in the darkness, like a gentle caress against her mind. Harri felt strange and uncomfortable. Harri shifted against the firmness of a thick mattress. Her body tingled, and she wondered if this was a result of what she experienced earlier. Had she really transformed into a giant bird? Was she really a legendary phoenix, even momentarily? That transformation had been swift, and unusual. Harri opened her eyes suddenly, squinting at the brightness of the room. Where was she exactly? Her hands reached for her face, searching for her glasses. A slender hand slid them into her clammy palm. There was a brief tingling sensation as her hand brushed with another. A cool cloth patted her sweating forehead. She could barely speak, and when she tried to, no sounds came out. Harri's vision came into focus as the frames were placed on her face. A slight gasp emitted from her throat. Leaning over her on the soft bed was her mother, who was most definitely alive. Immediately she reached out for the woman, tears falling from her green eyes. Her mother took her hand, bringing to her lips. Behind her mother, she could see a hysterically happy Remus, Sirius, and her father. Harri desperately wanted to speak, but she knew not what to say. Lily placed a wand to her throat, and with a barely audible whisper, she said the incantation that alleviated the pain in Harri's voice box.

"Thank you."

Harri said simply, with all the gratitude she had in her heart. Her mother laughed gently—it was a melodic sound and Harri never wanted it to end. Her mother smiled brightly, and it was in that moment Harri realized how much she had missed her mother. Though she had only recently returned from the past, she felt as if it had been centuries since she last saw her mother. She reached out to touch her auburn hair, running her hands though it gently. Before her sat Lily Evans and she desperately wanted the vision of this beautiful woman to be real. Suddenly she was aware of how self conscious she was. She had been dreaming of this day all of her life, and when it finally arrived, she had no clue what to say. Harri lowered her head, her raven hair hiding the flushed color of her pink cheeks. This was her mother for goodness sake. Her mother loved her very much, and she could not even express her happiness at seeing her mother alive once more. Sirius, noticing her embarrassment immediately, took hold of her hand. She smiled at her godfather, thankful for his presence.

"You don't have to say thank you. It is I that should be thanking you, my beautiful girl. I do hope you will not faint every time you see me."

Lily replied teasingly. She brought Harri into her arms and hugged her tightly. Harri sat stiffly, but soon the soothing words falling from her mother's lips coupled with her gentle back rub made her more comfortable. Tears fogged her glasses, but Harri didn't care. All that mattered was this moment, this warm feeling that she never thought she would feel again. She had longed to be in the embrace of the woman that had saved her life. Now, Harri was finally feeling an elusive happiness that she once believed would forever evade her. The four most important adults in her life were finally with her. Harri didn't know if things would end perfectly, but she did know that they would begin that way.

"I-I'm sorry, Mom. I just wanted to thank you for saving my life. You don't know how much you mean to me. I-I really missed you. I wanted to see you again. And, I'm really glad that you're back, for good."

Harri spoke with calming fluidity. The soft caresses of her mother's unwavering hand, united with her soothing voice had calmed her immensely. Harri did not feel as nervous as before. She once again felt comfortable in her own skin. Her father, who had been silent through the entire process suddenly, cleared his throat. Lily smiled at him knowingly, but Harri couldn't help but look confused. Even Sirius and Remus seemed to know what was going on. Had she been unconscious for so long that she missed out on something extremely important? If there was one thing Harri could not stand, it was being left in the dark. Her frustration must have shown on her face because the four adults' smiles began to turn sour. Harri looked to Sirius for a moment, but he held his hands up conciliatorily, so she knew that she'd get nothing out of him. Even Remus who was often the most amiable of the group would not budge. Harri was really beginning to despise how everyone constantly kept her in the dark. She thought that of all people these four would know this.

"For the love of Merlin, what's going on here?!"

She exclaimed with agitation. Usually, Harri tried to control her emotional outbursts. She just didn't like the looks that she was getting. She wanted to know what in the bloody hell had happened while she was asleep.

"We were discussing you transformation, Jayda. You have done something amazing this night. Not only have you successfully revived me, but you transformed into you animagi for the first time. You also have experienced your first burning! Congratulations honey, I'm so proud of you. I knew that you could do it!"

What was her mother talking about? What was a burning day? Was it the same thing that Fawkes went through when he was aged, and ready to be reborn? Harri didn't remember much about what happened after her father said his part of the spell. She did remember falling to the floor, and feeling pain that she never dreamed could exist. After that feeling had ebbed away, all that was left were the colors. There had been millions of colors in that warm void, and she had felt so safe. Could she have been burned alive? What caused her to unwillingly transform like that? When she and Draco were in the past, she managed to master her animagi, but apparently she hadn't done well enough. While she knew that she was a phoenix, she had no idea that she would morph into a giant legendary bird. None of what was happening to her felt real. Was it all just a dream? The implications of her mother's words floored her. If she had been burned alive, and then transformed, than that would have meant she died, and was reborn. Surely that was not the case, right?

"There's no way that I could have been burned alive. I may be one of the phoenixes with these freaky powers like everyone has been saying, but I am still physically human. No one can survive being burned alive. Whatever it was that was said in that spell triggered my conversion. Right, Dad?"

Severus stiffened as a small wave of surprise crossed his features. This was the first time that she had publicly addressed him as Dad. The event was not lost on the other people in the room. Sirius looked shocked, but his face quickly returned to normal. Remus' eyes bulged slightly before a small smile crept upon his face. Her mother's features remained pensive, and Harri was not sure what to think about that. Severus came forward, conjuring a chair to sit in next to her. Looking at the three of them from afar, one would never suspect that the newly rejoined family had ever been through trying times. The moment should have been captured forever, so that they all could one day pleasantly recall those first tender moments of a long awaited reunion.

"Jayda, you were reborn. You did die, even if it was only momentarily. This has not happened to you in this lifetime, but this was your first burning as a human being. There will be more to come, but I guarantee that they will never be painful like your first time was. As for what triggered your transformation... when you were saying portions of the spell, I had taken more life energy from you than any of the others. I recognized your fluctuating signature because you are my daughter and your magical aura was directly keyed in to mine. I hadn't believed that I would need so much of your life force, but apparently I did. For this I apologize. I should have given you more of my own physical trinkets to prevent this from happening."

Severus interjected then, wanting to share his opinion on the matter. The three men had been silent as the two young women spoke, choosing to allow them time to bond before barraging them both with questions, and hugs.

"Your mother is right. She was just a child then, and though she is clairvoyant, she had no way of knowing exactly how much life force she would need of you. The good news however is that we have Lily back with us. However I am a bit—"

Sirius, interjected then, obviously not pleased with Severus' answer.

"Lils' you know I am glad that you're back, but how can you and Severus be nonchalant about the fact that Harri did in fact die? Now I know it must have been for a few seconds at the most, but what if her death screws up the prophecy in some unknown way? You know I only say it because I do not want to see you or Harri in any kind of danger."

Lily sighed, standing up from her position on the bed. A vague sense of emptiness crept into Harri's heart. She didn't want to see her mother look so sad about everything. They were all supposed to be happy right? It's not everyday that your dead mother is revived, and returns to the land of the living. The four of them watched as she stared unto the darkened lake surrounding Snapeshire. The moon's shining light highlighted her mother's red head of hair. The pallor of her mother's skin returned to a healthy color, but even still the frown that marred her beautiful features made everyone in the room feel unease. Suddenly, Lily turned to face them all with a steely gaze.

"There is one prophecy that we can never escape from. My daughter is the seventh, and she is a phoenix. Jayda would've died briefly anyway, the day of her first burning. It is not something that we can control. She is a phoenix in human clothing so to speak, and eventually what happens to all phoenixes would have happened to her. She will never be vulnerable again in this sense again, as she was this night. The physiology of her body has changed to accommodate the occurrences in which she will have a burning day. This will not change the prophecy however. We do not know the whole future, but those in the brethren know that humanity will not go down without a fight. Jayda's burning is a blessing in a sense. She now fully possesses the powers of the coven. Her tears will heal, and her song will bring comfort."

Severus had remained attentively silent through his love's monologue. Lily was correct in her belief, but Harri was just a girl. He would never be comfortable with the idea of her taking up arms and leading a war. The very thought disturbed him to no end. He was sure that the mutt and the wolf would agree with him completely in that aspect. No matter how much spin anyone used, Harri was still only fifteen. She was just a child herself, and while he knew she had amazing abilities she was still wet behind the ears. No war should be fought with children on the frontlines.

"For once I agree with you Severus. As it were however, we have no choice in the matter. This event has been prophesized over two millennia. And so it was written, 'A little child shall lead them, the one seventh in line, who hath borne a hope unto the world. Betrayed and loved by unlikely sources, she will fight the manifested evil that plagues humanity. She will destroy or create depending upon the last opposing force.' I understand your reluctance, but Lily and I have had nearly three thousands years to become accustomed to the idea."

A voice said, interjecting into the eerie quiet of the room. Lights flashed on, brightening the once darkened bedroom. Stepping into the light was none of other than Fawkes. He was in his human guise once more. Smiling at Lily his eyes glimmered for a moment. Words did not need to be spoken. Lily had returned home, and the battle for humanity would begin.

"Welcome back Lily. I've come bringing you all good news. Nia, Murchadh, and the others bring their salutations. Murchadh will not be able to live in the castle, and Nia shall to stay close by. Special port key spells have been placed around the school so that she'll be available in a moment's notice. We hope to introduce you back into the order later on Lily, but preferably sometime soon. Nia will be staying at the Black Manor, if that is alright with you Sirius?"

Sirius was not at all sure if he wanted the strange female phoenix living in Black Manor. He himself could hardly stand the place. It was so dreary, and bleak. However, the strange woman would be sure to screw things around. Still, he'd have to set some sort of ground rules. He certainly was not going to allow her to stay there by herself. He didn't know if she could be trusted. Besides, it got annoying always running around in his dog form. At least while he was there he could walk about freely. Plus, he could always be at Hogwarts in a moment's notice. He hugged Lily, Harri, and Remus goodbye, frowned at Severus, then apparated. The soft echo of his words could be heard in the distance.

"I'm glad you're finally with us again Lils. Bye Moony, Harri! Oh yeah, you had better treat Lils like a queen Snivellus! That bloody woman had better not get on my nerves, Fawkes. I'll talk to you all later."

Remus could clearly see that he was the odd man out. Left alone in the room with the united family, he smiled gently at Severus' glare. Mumbling quick goodbyes, he pecked Lily's cheek, shook Sverus' hand, and hugged Harri. Though he missed James, Remus was glad to see that Harri finally had the parents she had longed for her all her life. A part of him worried about Sirius, and the faint possibility of resurrecting their best friend. He doubted that it was possible, and he honestly believed that James' death was timely and tinged with fate. One thing was certain; when James left his will he had no regrets about his life. Remus was positive that his friend was looking down on them all from the Great Beyond, valiantly protecting them from what lay ahead. Remus disappeared, with Fawkes following at his heels. There would be time for tearful reunions later, and if anything the three of them needed to be alone for now.

-------------

Hermione had never before placed stock into dream analysis, but this morning she found herself immersed in worry. Last night she had dreamed about many unnerving things. The nightmare dreams that had welled within her now found a placed buried in her heart with fear. The seeds of doubt and mistrust had been planted no matter how small. As the most sensible member of trio in which she belonged, Hermione felt compelled to rethink things, but she feared that when her head fell against the pillow, the frightening images would return. The notion of a possible betrayal by Ron was unlikely, and ridiculous, but why had everything felt so real? Why did she believe that she saw her best friend laughing as Harri was being beaten? Ron was neither violent, nor cruel but yet the dream had roused her from her slumber. She was afraid to mention the nightmare to anyone, not even Harri.

"Was it all just a dream, or maybe a vision?"

She wondered aloud, clutching the tiny tan comb Ron had given. The gift was precious to her, and every night she used it to comb the wild tangles that was her hair. Her eyes scanned the darkened bedroom, wondering if she had woken anyone with her loud rustling. Harri's bed was vacated, but she had already said that she would be busy this weekend with something important. Hermione did not bother to ask what exactly, because that would only anger Harri. She had noticed the flirtatious looks that had been shared between her and Malfoy. She knew that her best friend had a crush on the cocky Slytherin, and while she disagreed completely with the notion, she could say nothing. Hadn't she been enthralled with Krum last year, causing a rift between the three of them last year? Ron and Harri barely spoke to one another, and Ron was deeply angered by her choice of liking him.

Her mind drifted back to the dream, in which Ron was laughing along with hooded figures. He looked different, his eyes had lost their warmth, and his face was cruel and taut. He wore the standard clothing of a death eater, and he appeared just like the rest of the despicable lot. What could make Ron get involved with the Death Eaters? He was one of the kindest people that she knew. Hermione wanted to disregard the dream, chalking it up to nervousness. Lately they had been more irritable with one another. Ron seemed obsessed with catching Harri with Malfoy, and then there was the issue of him not even bothering to ask her to Christmas ball yet. Hermione smiled, turning over in bed, prepared to go to sleep. The feeling of coming danger did wane, but merely grew in her belly. Hermione sat up, hoping out of warm bed. Only the quiet footfalls from the pads of her feet resonated in the room. She rubbed her arms, wishing she had given herself a warming spell before hopping unto the cold floor.

Taking her journal from her bureau, Hermione took it with her downstairs. She grabbed her robe, and a pair of warm fuzzy slippers. Placing the wand in her tangled hair, she smirked silently as she was reminded of Luna Lovegood's affinity for putting her wand behind her ear. Perhaps the strange Ravenclaw was rubbing off on her, or maybe she was a sleep deprived teenager who should probably be in bed. She gripped her pen tightly, holding unto the cold banister as she descended the steps. Never before had she been so uncomfortable with being in the common room in the middle of the night. The darkness of the room, together with the cold temperature gave off an eerie scary setting. She sat down quietly, conjuring a few candles. Hermione began to scrawl lazily in her journal, engrossed in the pages.

November 9th,

I dreamed tonight. I dreamed that Ron betrayed us all, and that he enjoyed doing so. He looked so angry and frightening. When I woke, I thought that perhaps this nightmare was a reflection of our recent disagreements. Even with that, I could never be so angry with Ron to dream that he betrayed us. My nightmare felt so real. I could smell and taste the blood in my mouth. Harri was covered head to toe in bruises. Her legs and arms had been burnt, and she was being held by a few Death Eaters. Dumbledore and the rest of the Order was nowhere to be found.

I fear that my dreams are not really dreams at all. If they are really dreams, than they are prophetic. Of course, I can't really even say that can I? Maybe I should have paid more attention in Divination. What I saw felt like a vision that has yet to occur. A mystical power of prophecy has never been my forte. Harri is supposed to be the prophecy girl not I... I can remember a monotonous voice, repeating the same thing over and over... I never did make out exactly what was said, but it was similar to an answering machine message being played over and over. If, when I go back to sleep, this dream does not return than I will forget about this. I sincerely hope that I am imagining things. I'll talk to Dumbledore if this persists. I am worried. If this is true, I can't allow it to take place.

-Mione

Slamming her journal shut, Hermione bit her quill in annoyance. For once she did not have the answers. Hermione blew out the candles, hastily returning to her dorm. She would not be useful to anyone if she did not get any sleep. She could always talk to Fawkes in the morning, and consult the library for more information about her strange dream. Surely Hogwarts' vast archive would possess something that could be of assistance. As she tucked under the covers, her drifted back to the prophecy that Fawkes had spoke of. Despite Harri and Malfoy being polar opposites as animagi, Draco was her chosen protector. How do the rest of us factor in? If Ron was to become a traitor, than she would do everything in her power to prevent that from happening. Yawning, she closed her eyes. Her last thought before she slumber overcame her was if she'd be able to save Ron. He needed her at present, and she would not abandon him.

-------------

The Ancient and Noble House of Black was currently a run down mansion with gloomy halls, and dusty bedrooms. The house was infested with a large array of magical pests. There was little entering the large house and many rooms had not been entered in years. Aside from the boggarts and the garden gnomes, every other creature had been a bit more difficult to capture. When Nia had finally managed the task, she marveled at her fashion acumen. She felt slightly guilty for entering Sirius Black's home and rearranging everything. While the house had been cleaned by Order members, there were still a few rogue pests to be found in obscure locations. How humans could live in such messy places was behind her. Currently, she sat in what would have been the library; except nearly every book had been covered with dust. She frowned at the humans' lack of cleanliness. Even if they did not have caused to read, it was just common sense to have reading material available.

"What are you doing here?"

She turned to see the master of the house angry staring at her. She smiled slightly, somehow amused by the wizard's ire. Standing, she reached out to shake his hand, bothering for once to make an attempt at kindness with the human. He stared at her hand warily. She could see the distrust in his eyes. A vague sensation of emptiness filled her heart fleetingly. She willed the foreign feeling away, not enjoying that a human had managed to surprise hers, even if it had been briefly.

"I see Fawkes told you that I would be staying here. I don't want to be here anymore than you want me here, but it is too dangerous for me to stay on campus grounds. With Lily's return, Fawkes' presence, and Harri living there, too many with our blood would be vulnerable in one place. I apologize for the inconvenience, but I doubt that you will see me much around here anyway."

Sirius had been silent as she spoke, carefully watching her. He knew enough about the mythical creature to know that she was powerful enough o easily kill him. He did not trust her at all. Fawkes did vouch for his family members, and normally he would accept this and move on. With Harri however, things were to be considered differently. Harri was his goddaughter, and this phoenix was supposed to be a long lost relative. They shared the same blood, but had anyone ever heard of them? When Lily had been murdered this woman should have stepped forward and provide Harri with a home. He was not moved one iota when he heard the nonsense about how there were rules governing their bloody coven. He was locked away in Azkaban for years, but he still managed to escape in search out is goddaughter. He still tried to do right by James and Lily. The same could not be said of this newcomer. Something in his eyes must have startled the phoenix, because she transformed into her true form for a moment. As she opened her beak, a softly sung tune floated in the air.

She studied him for a moment, and her queer stares made him feel nervous. Nia quickly transformed back into her human form, and her expression appeared to have changed. Her brown eyes no longer were filled with teasing amusement. Nia's face was solemn and Sirius could barely hear her song in the silence. She drew in a deep breath, and stared into his eyes. Suddenly Sirius was immobile, he could blink his eyes, but every other part of his body refused to move. Not only was he unable to move, he always was incapable of speech. Was she controlling him somehow? He never recalled phoenixes having these kinds of powers. Of course, he never paid much attention in History of Magic. Binns was too boring to make it worthwhile to listen. He regretted his actions now. What was this weird woman doing to him? She walked up to Sirius, placing her hand on his arm. Guiding him with her other hand, Nia used wandless magic to seat Sirius. Once they wore both seated comfortably, Nia removed the silencing spell she had placed on Sirius.

"I can understand your disdain of me to a point. I am also cognizant of your malicious feelings towards my presence in both Lily and Harri's lives. Your mistrust, while understandable is unfounded. I have already told Harri why I was unable to take her in, and why any other members could not do so. Generally, it is not our place to interfere in human affairs. However, the world could very well end if we do not assist your goddaughter. My intentions are not to harm any human being. I may not like humans, but you are what you are. Of course, if I wanted to kill any of you I could have already done so. My brother Murchadh and I are the oldest living magical beings in existence, and I am the oldest. We do not need humanity to survive, but as it were, my kindred do not wish to see your race eliminated. I ask that you bear with me so that our common goals can be reached."

She spoke with such cool brevity, that Sirius wondered if she was completely serious with her beliefs. What could have caused her to dislike humanity so much? The bluntness in which she spoke was refreshing, even if he did disagree with what she said. He wanted to ask her many questions, especially after her morphing display. He knew neither the appropriate way to broach such topics or if she would be receptive. Why did all of the phoenixes look so different? Fawkes, when he turned into his human form looked British, Nia was African, and Murchadh was Irish? They were a strange mysterious lot indeed. Why couldn't they all converge in one place?

"Will you just ask me already?! Stop bloody staring and speak up! Your nervous magical signature is annoying."

She interrupted his thoughts, obviously upset by Sirius' muttering.

"Why don't you like human beings?"

Apparently, Sirius had said the wrong thing. Narrowing her dark eyes, Nia stopped sipping her juice, instead staring harshly at the Gryffindor man. Visibly flustered, Nia shrugged, crossing her arms huffily. Obviously he had hit a nerve, but knowing that he was treading on thin ice, Sirius decided to apologize. Just as he was about to apologize, Nia held her hand up silencing him once more.

"That is a story for another time. Perhaps one day I'll tell you. You don't seem that bad for a human. Of course, according to Lily, you are an acquired taste. There are a few exceptions. Dumbledore is quite alright when he is not trying to alter my niece's life. Professor McGonagall was always a charming young woman."

Sirius found her comment strange enough, but she was an odd woman.

"Why did transform into a phoenix and start singing? Is there some sort of weird ritual I should know about? I've never even seen Fawkes behave so odd—uh, unconventionally before."

A smile graced her face, briefly and he wondered why she did not do so more often. Sirius did not tip toe around anyone, and Nia would be no exception. He could not help but wonder what man or woman managed to spark her heated ire to the point in which she disliked humans so intensely. Long, long ago someone must have her done her a serious wrong if she felt this strongly about it.

"I transformed because I could hear your thoughts, and before you get upset I did not read your mind. You were broadcasting your thoughts so loudly, that it was very easy for me or anyone else powerful enough to understand. I also could feel your festering anguish. I can feel your pain, literally. I wanted to see how deep it went, and in order for me to see that, I had to transform."

Sirius' face closed, and Nia could see that she had managed to shake him up a bit. Her intention had not been cruel, but the man before her was obviously one of the most pain filled people she had ever encountered. He had been beaten, tortured, malnourished, and she was surprised that this man had not wasted away. His memories held few warm feelings. Most of what she saw was negative and would frighten weaker people. Though these events were two years behind him, the physical scars would forever be present. Mentally, she hoped he would recover. Despite their initial disagreements, it hurt her to see someone go through such pain alone. Sirius stood from his chair, his face was stony and his eyes had hardened. Nia wondered if she may have overstepped her bounds, but he had asked. Perhaps he was not ready to hear the truth of her words so early. Vowing to consult Murchadh on the matter later, Nia returned to her original form, and flew towards Hogwarts.

Footnotes: That's all folks. Please don't forget to review. Look, I updated in under a month! Now that Lily has returned how will she react to Harri and Severus' father daughter relationship? Could Ron do the unthinkable? Is Hermione really having a vision or is it a dream? Will Nia and Sirius ever get along? Check back for my next update to find out! In the next chapter, someone finds out about Ron and Pansy's plan, Draco learns something shocking, Severus tells Hermione a secret, Lily gets angry, and Harri accidentally shows a display of true power! The Christmas ball is only a few chapters away. There was no Remus/Draco bonding, but not to worry, that will be present in my next chapter. Thanks for reading, don't forget to review. Also, check out my C2 C2 http www. fanfiction. n e t/c2/4/0/1/ See you next update! Peace!