Disclaimer:

J.K. Rowling is the owner of Harry Potter. Stories she has written and characters that she created are not mine. I don't take credit for any of her work. I do thank her for providing such a wonderful universe to dream about and write in.

Harry Potter and the Shadow of Evil

By: Starwin

Chapter 9 – Phoenix Song

Herbiology was next but Harry decided he wasn't going. He didn't think he could take another class of people staring at him or whispering behind his back.

Harry stopped at The Fat Lady she blocked his way and Harry realized he didn't know the new password yet, he hadn't remembered to ask anyone.

"Password?" The Fat Lady asked. Harry looked blankly at her.

"I haven't been told the new password yet." Harry said. "But, you know who I am, can't you let me past, just this once?" The Fat Lady raised an eyebrow at him.

"I am sorry dear but no password, no entry." Harry stood uncomfortably. How long would he have to stand out here like an idiot, waiting until someone came to let him in. Then Harry remembered, he didn't need a password! Harry looked at the Fat Lady and smiled. She smiled back uneasily.

"Sure you won't reconsider," Harry asked in a sly voice.

"I am sorry I can't let you in without a password!" The Fat Lady said looking genuinely sorry.

"Okay," Harry smiled, "Not a problem." Harry glanced around quickly to make sure no one was watching and then focusing his thoughts he felt hands begin to change. The transformation came quicker this time. He needed less focus.

Talon stood in the hallway in front of the Fat Lady and then an instant latter he was hovering inside the Gryffindor common room. Talon had teleported to the ceiling so that if someone was in common room he would arrive unnoticed.

At first Talon thought that the room was empty but as he landed on the floor he heard a soft crying coming from the sofa. Talon panicked. Had this person seen him? He couldn't risk changing back yet, after all he was an unregistered animagus and at least for the moment he didn't really want anyone else to know.

With a quick flap of his wings Talon hopped to the back of the sofa.

Laying facedown and crying into her hands was Ginny. She had not noticed him enter and she had not looked up.

Talon felt a sadness he could not define. It was more profound than anything he had ever felt. Ginny was crying like this because of him. It was his fault that she was so upset. Talon could only think of one thing to do. He had to say he was sorry, he had to apologize for his stupid remark even if he didn't understand what it had been.

Talon opened his mouth and began to sing. Ginny sat up suddenly. Tears wet her face as they still streamed form her eyes but as the song continued the tears subsided and she listened to the enchanting melody as it filled her ears.

---

Time seemed to stop as Ginny watched the phoenix sing to her. It seemed to be a song meant only for her. She couldn't believe there was really a phoenix, here, singing, to her. She watched in unblinking eyes as the red-gold Phoenix with black tipped feathers brought the beautiful song to a close.

Ginny sat speechless, she had never had a phoenix sing just for her. In the nightmares that tormented her still the only bright spot of light was the phoenix song, sung by the phoenix that had carried her from the Chamber of Secrets. But it was nothing like this one.

Ginny was on the edge of tears again. Her nightmares frightened her. She was reminded of the reason why she was up here crying in the first place. The Phoenix song was not the only thing that keep the dark dreams from destroying her at night. But the other reason was too painful to think about now.

As if she had summoned the images up, Harry appeared in her mind, he was holding her in his arms, he had saved her and Tom was gone forever.

Ginny began to cry again, she had lost Harry. It had been her fault, she had rushed it and Harry wasn't ready. Ginny could barely see the phoenix now through the tears in her eyes.

Suddenly something happened, the phoenix seemed to grow, become bigger. Ginny toppled backwards off the sofa as the bird became a man. Ginny felt a rush of fear.

'Not a man!' She thought. 'Harry!'

---

Harry sat on the back of the sofa his feet on the cushion and Ginny looking up at him from the floor.

"I'm sorry." Harry said looking down at her, his green eyes filled with sadness. "I, I didn't mean to make you cry again." Ginny sat on her butt, her knees together, looking up at Harry wanting to jump up and crush him in a hug. But she didn't think she could stand.

'What if I hug him and he runs away?' Ginny thought. 'Or worse what if I make him feel uncomfortable around me.'

Harry moved off the top of the sofa and knelt down next to Ginny, her eyes were wide in confusion. Harry wrapped his arms around her in an awkward sideways hug.

"I'm sorry Gin," Harry said into her hair. "I don't ever want to make you cry again." Ginny grabbed Harry's arm wrapped around her chest and squeezed it.

"No," Ginny chocked out tucking her chin down against his powerful arm that held her tightly. "I'm sorry too, I just didn't think…" Harry had released her and took her firmly by the shoulders. Gently Harry turned her to face him. Ginny couldn't find words as she looked into his eye. He seemed so sad and at the same time, the stone in her pocket was almost burning, the rhythm pounding so fast that she thought it might explode.

Harry leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. Ginny sat there dumbstruck.

'He is kissing me!' her brain screamed. Harry broke the kiss looking at her eyes uncertainly. And then Ginny, her brain finally reigniting, dove back in, to kiss him back.

---

Together Ginny and Harry sat on the sofa watching the fire in the fire place as it danced. They had their arms tightly around each other and their hands clasped together, fingers interlocked. Ginny was resting her head on Harry's shoulder. She didn't know how long they had been sitting like this but it didn't seem like long enough.

People had been coming back into the common room for some time but Harry seemed not to be aware of anyone beyond her. Every now and then he would squeeze her shoulder and kiss the top of her head to remind her that he was still there. But she didn't need reminding.

---

Harry shook Ginny and her eyes snapped open.

"I think we should get some sleep." Harry said. Ginny blinked and looked around the common room was empty and the sky was dark outside the windows. She felt very tired, how late was it?

"There is always tomorrow, Gin." Harry whispered quietly in her ear. "Or perhaps I should say, more of today." Ginny smiled at him and closed her eyes as Harry kissed her again. It was a warm feeling she wanted never to end. She wanted to ask him to come and sleep in her room but she thought that it would be far too fast for Harry. So after returning the kiss she smiled at him and said.

"Goodnight, Harry."

"Night love," Harry said softly back to her. Ginny's cheeks went red and she beamed before turning and heading up the staircase.

---

Harry had thought that when he returned to his dorm everyone would be asleep. And for the moment it seemed he was right. Harry moved back to his bed and pulled off his shoes, too tired to undress the rest of the way. But when he turned to lay back he found Ron standing on the other side of his bed.

Ron's arms were crossed. His face was a mixture of what Harry was pretty sure was anger and shock. Ron had grown over the summer and his pajamas were even smaller on him. Ron's pants looked more like shorts and the sleeves of his shirt cut off midway down his forearm.

Harry was sure he knew what was coming. But it wasn't any of Ron's business what Harry and Ginny did.

Ron leaned forward his face coming close to Harry's now.

"Don't you try anything funny with my sister," Ron said angry. "If I find her crying I'll beat you senseless." Harry put a hand on Ron's shoulder.

"You know I'll do my best for her," Harry said looking Ron in the eye. Ron stood for a moment as if these words were very difficult to understand. Finally Ron nodded and trotted off to his bed pulling the covers over himself and turning away from Harry.

Harry had the feeling he hadn't heard the end of this. But right now he didn't care, right now all he wanted to do was lay awake and think of Ginny.

---

The walls were dark, there was a table filled with many different sized tea pots and cups. Harry blinked −his mind was somewhat fuzzy. He didn't feel like he was asleep but he didn't feel awake either.

Sitting at the other end of the table was a very old man with a long white beard and a floppy blue hat. It took Harry a moment to realize who it was.

"Merlin?" Harry asked confused. "What, am I have dreams of memories of memories now?" Merlin smiled at him. At least it was a change from the dark places Harry usually went to, from the nightmares that tormented him.

"I am not quite a dream," Merlin said kindly, his eyes twinkling. "When you visited me on Avalon part of my memory stayed with you. All that visit me are given such a gift."

Harry wasn't sure he'd called it a gift, it seemed more like another invasion of his mind, Voldemort, Snape and now Merlin. Though Harry had to admit he preferred Merlin over the other two.

"So," Harry asked. "You're in Dumbledore mind as well?" Merlin's eye twinkled again and Harry suddenly realized something. "That twinkle, in your eye, it's the same one in Dumbledore's eye." The pieces fell magically into place. "You're the twinkle in Dumbledore's eye?"

"I wouldn't go so far as to say that." Merlin said thoughtfully stroking his long white beard. "Though Albus and I have had many long discussions. Like me, he is a man who likes his socks warm." Harry was startled for a moment, what did socks have to do with anything? "But I am not here to talk about Albus. Your un-waking thoughts summoned me to your dream because your mind is in turmoil."

"So?" Harry asked. "What if it is? You're just a memory! You told me you don't even have any power outside that cave. What could you possibly offer to help me thousands of miles away?"

"My wisdom and a guiding voice," Merlin grinned. "Magic in all its form and glory is but only one part of a man. Even without the help of magic the world still turns."

Harry thought for a moment, his mind was becoming clearer now.

"But I still don't understand," Harry said, "What are you going to help me with, surly you don't have the power to break the link that connects me and Voldemort? And beyond that I can't think of anything else."

"I'm not entirely sure about my reason for being here but I assume we will find out when we get there." Merlin said standing. Harry wasn't sure what he meant. When they got where? Harry rose too and the table vanished. The dark walls became illuminated. He was in a cave. Harry knew this place. He had been here before, many times, in his nightmares.

"You know this place?" Merlin asked as Harry looked around. They seemed to be at a dead end with a long passage leading away. But Harry knew that wasn't true, it wasn't a dead end. The passage had been blocked by a cave-in.

"Yes," Harry said dryly. "This is the cave before the door to the Chamber of Secrets." Harry turned to look down the long stone cave. "It's this way." Harry felt like he was being pulled on invisible strings towards the end of the passageway. Harry knew this feeling, it was the same feeling he felt in the dreams about the third-floor. Merlin did not speak as they walked but Harry was aware of his presence none the less.

Finally they reached a large circler metal door with carvings of snakes upon. Harry knew this door, it was the door to the Chamber of Secrets. Harry knew how to open it, he began to speak but Merlin's hand grabbed him fast and Harry went silent.

"I would recommend against opening this door." Merlin said eyeing the snakes. As Harry had begun to speak the snake carvings had seemed to move but the door had not opened.

Harry still felt compelled to open the door to see what was beyond it. But Merlin's hand seemed to keep the feeling manageable.

"I do not think this will be the last time you return to this door in your dreams." Merlin said as he turned Harry and started to lead him away. "There is nothing beyond the door you want to see."

"Harry, help me!" Harry whirled. The voice it had been Ginny's. It had come from inside the Chamber of Secrets. Harry remembered what he was doing here. He was here to save Ginny from the Heir of Slytherin! Merlin held him fast as Harry struggled against his grip.

"Ignore it," Merlin said his voice still kindly. "There is no one or thing beyond that door that needs your rescue." The voice became louder and more pleading. Harry knew there was only one thing for him to do.

Focusing Harry transformed. Feathers grew quickly to replace his fingers and he became Talon. Merlin was shouting something but Harry didn't listen, Ginny needed his help. Harry imagined the other side of the door the Chamber beyond. Fire burst out around him and… this wasn't right, this wasn't the other side of the door.

Darkness stretched out around him tendrils of black smoke wrapped around his wings, body and talons. Talon struggled against the shadows.

'Open the door,' the shadows whispered. 'it is the only way out. I will let you go.'

"No!" Talon shouted back. Talon begun to grow, the red-gold feathers vanishing. He couldn't hold his animagus form anymore. Harry felt tired like the life had been drained from him.

This thing, it was, evil. Harry couldn't give it any other name. He felt the warmth being pulled from his body. He was going to die. Die in this dream. Even though Harry knew this was impossible he knew it was the truth.

The shadow wrapped tighter.

Suddenly the door burst open. Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and Luna all stood at the circle of light. The shadow sunk back for a second and then rushed the light.

"Lumos Excendos!" Harry's friends all roared. The darkness begun to recede. Harry felt its grip loosen, he fell from its entwining grasp onto the cold stone floor. Warm arms were wrapping around him. His friends they were carrying him out the door.

The darkness raced towards them the moment they had all cleared the door large circler doorway. Harry reached out his hand weakly trying to will the door shut and to his amazement it slammed closed.

---

Harry awoke, it was morning and the bedroom was empty. No one had woken him for breakfast, if that was even the time. He was still in his day cloths he sniffed himself and decided that he didn't smell too bad. Harry found some socks and pulled his shoes on, then head out to the Gryffindor common room.

To his surprise Ginny was waiting there for him. She smiled as he entered and got up to give him a kiss. Harry embraced her as he kissed her back well they stood at the bottom of the boy's stairwell. There was no one else in the common room.

"Good morning love." Ginny said with a smile.

"Morning is it?" Harry asked. "I hope we aren't too late for breakfast." Ginny's smile grew a bit.

"I brought some up for us." Ginny grabbed Harry's hand and led him over to the sofa, two plates with food sat on the table. Ginny picked up one of the plates and handed it to Harry.

They sat and at breakfast together, it was very pleasant. Even though Harry had done it loads of times with Hermione over the summer this just wasn't the same. He felt more comfortable with Ginny for some reason. With Hermione he always felt like she was going to ask him a question about something he didn't want to talk about.

But all Ginny did during the whole meal was lean gently against him and shoot him smiles between bites. When at last they finished Ginny gave him a kiss on the forehead and said they had better get to class.

Ginny waved goodbye and told him she would meet him for lunch as she rushed out of the common room. Harry pulled the paper that had his schedule from his pocket. Charms followed by Care of Magical Creatures and finally, after lunch, double Defense against the Dark Arts.

Harry hurried off hopping he wasn't too late for Charms but if he was the reason was more than worth any punishment.

---

Harry was outside the charms door when a cold voice spoke from behind him.

"Potter," the voice spat and Harry felt a hand on his shoulder. "You did not attend your Occulmancy lesson last night." Harry turned and found Snape leaning over him. He had completely forgotten.

"I'm sorry Professor," Harry said sarcastically. Snape looked infuriated.

"Don't you take that tone with me, Potter. 5 points from Gryffindor." Snape hissed.

'That's not fair!' Harry thought.

"We shall try again tonight. If you miss I will take 50 points from Gryffindor. Do I make myself clear, Potter?" Snape said coldly.

"Yes sir," Harry said trying not to let the hate he felt for Snape seep into his voice. Snape turned and walked away down the hall.

'It's too bad Voldemort didn't attack you through me!' Harry thought as he watched Snape turn the corner and vanish out of sight.

---

Harry drifted in and out through charms. His thoughts seemed to stray a lot as Professor Flitwick just didn't seem to have anything very important to say today. Hermione kept shooting him looks, but didn't say anything. And Ron wouldn't look at him at all.

Harry was finally glad when at last they headed down to Hagrid's hut for the care of magical creatures class. He was less enthusiastic however when the Slytherins joined them. Harry had forgotten that they were also in this class.

"Alrig'ht gat'her round now gat'her round." Hagrid's voice boomed. "Dis year we'll be star'ten with humanoid magical creatures. Who can name da 5 types dat are most often considered humanoid?" Hermione's hand went up. Hagrid pointed her out with a smile.

"There are many different types of magical creatures, but only 5 types that are considered humanoid, or human-like. They are Dopple Gangers, Goblins, House Elfs, Centaurs and Seraphim." Hermione recited. Malfoy rolled his eyes and mimicked her, some of the Slytherins laughed

"Dats right Hermione, 10 points for Gryffindor. Dese magical creatures don't much care ta be studied so we'll only be covering a few of dhem. Taday we have a special guest joinin us." Hagrid steeped aside and there behind him was Dobby.

"Now dis is a House Elf." Hagrid said. "One o' the ones dat works fer Hogwarts. His name is Dobby an he'll be happy ta answer any questions you'd like ta ask him."

Dobby bowed very deeply.

"It is Dobby's pleasure to serve Hogwarts." Dobby said beaming.

"Now House Elfs are very loyal creatures…" Hagrid began. Harry listened as Hagrid talked about all the things House Elfs could do. They could perform magic like wizards, but only if they used them in service of their masters. They also lived for a very long time. Harry was surprised to find out two or three hundred years was their normal life span, Dobby was 142.

When at last Hagrid had finished talking some of the students had questions, mostly trivial things, which Dobby was more than happy to answer. Harry cringed inwardly when Hermione finally raised her hand. Harry knew what was coming.

"But why do House Elfs serve masters?" Hermione asked. "It just sounds like slavery to me!" Hagrid looked a bit uneasy but Dobby smiled and answered just as politely as he had all the other questions.

"Its is what we likes to do Miss," Dobby said. "Our role in life. Working for Hogwarts has been the happiest time of Dobby's life, Miss, and Dobby would not trade it for the world." Harry hopped Hermione would not ask the next question he knew was coming.

"But what about before Hogwarts?" Hermione pressed. Dobby's face became distraught. "Was your life happy, before coming to Hogwarts?" Dobby's eyes flicked over to Malfoy whose eyes were locked on Dobby. Malfoy had a sneer across his face.

Dobby didn't answer he just looked between Malfoy and Hermione. Hagrid stepped in.

"I think dat's enough questions fer today. Thank you fer yer time Dobby." Hagrid said turning to the House Elf. Dobby smiled weakly, bowed and then with a pop vanished. Hagrid assigned them a research project to look into all of the humanoid magical creatures and study them.

"Next week," Hagrid yelled at them as they were walking away. "We'll be meeten a goblin so mind yah do your homework now or he won't be pleased to meet yah!"

When they were almost to the castle Hermione toppled suddenly over and she landed in a puddle of mud. Harry turned to see Malfoy, Crab and Goyle standing over her laughing. The Gryffindors turned around as the Slytherin gathered around Malfoy.

"That's where you belong you stupid mudblood!" Molfy spat, "watch where you're walking." Ron was helping Hermione up her robes were splattered in mud.

"Fuck off Malfoy." Harry shouted. "Why don't you go sit on your wand and rotate." Malfoy looked taken aback for a moment and then sneered at Harry.

"Why don't you make me, Potter!" Without thinking, his mind not even reacting Harry crossed the short gap separating the Gryffindors and the Slytherins and balling his fist he smashed it into Malfoy's face with a sickening crack.

Malfoy fell backwards other Slytherins grabbed him. Blood was running from his nose. Harry clenched his fist tight ready to punch him again.

"Yau'll pay foar that Poatter." Malfoy said his hand covering his nose. Harry wasn't sure what snapped but something inside him gave. Logic flew from his brain. That was the final threat he would ever let Malfoy make. Harry pounced.

The other Slytherins let go of Malfoy in surprise and he crashed to the ground as Harry landed on top of him. Harry's fist impacted with the side of Malfoy's head.

Malfoy screamed. Harry let in again. A fist caught Harry in the side if the face. Harry rolled off Malfoy, there was a ringing in his ears. Suddenly the air was filled with screams and shouts. Feet rampaged around Harry as Gryffindors and Slytherins erupted into a brawl.

Harry got to his knees recovering form the blow and saw Malfoy crawling away between the group of people fighting. Harry stood and moved to follow him. A large Slytherin blocked his way. Harry didn't have time for this. He was about to pull out his wand when a fist slammed into the side of the Slytherin's face. Neville appeared, he was out of breath and he had blood on his swollen lower lip.

"Get him Harry!" Neville shouted as he tackled the Slytherin he'd just punched. Harry broke free of the crowed and chased Malfoy.

Finally Malfoy came to a stop and turned to face Harry. Harry stopped a good 12 paces away. Malfoy had his wand out.

"I toald yaou'd pay!" Malfoy said still holding his nose. "CURSIO!"

Harry's brain didn't have time to react he hadn't even had time to draw his wand. Pain erupted all over his body. It felt like someone was peeling his skin away and touching branding irons to his raw nerves. Harry couldn't close his eyes, it felt like daggers had been forced into them.

Harry curled on the ground.

'Let me die!' Harry thought, 'this pain can't be real.'

Malfoy's face was contorted in a twisted smile.

"Exspelliarmus!" Harry heard someone shout. The pain dimmed but it did not completely fade away.

Malfoy's eyes went wide and he reached down the front of his robe there was something in his hand. Malfoy looked up and then vanished.

---

Someone was helping Harry to his feet. It was Hermione, she had a horrified look in her eyes.

"Thanks 'mione," Harry breathed. His chest still hurt and his arms tingled. "Where did Malfoy go?"

"It almost looked like… but he couldn't…." Hermione said, her arm wrapped around Harry holding him up. Harry was feeling much better, the effects of the curse were fading quickly.

"I'm fine now Hermione, thanks." Harry said straitening up. Hermione held him for a moment and then pulled her hand away.

"HARRY POTTER!" A voice yelled from behind him. Harry and Hermione turned to see a very enraged looking Professor McGonagall marching around the side of the castle. She crossed the space quickly and grabbed Harry forcefully under his arm.

"But it wasn't Harry's fault!" Hermione cried as McGonagall pulled Harry along. "It was, Malfoy he…" but Harry never found out Hermione was about to say because she stopped unable to believe what she was seeing. There standing at the entrance to the castle was Malfoy looking smug.

Authors Notes:

If you are reading this you have completed chapter 9 of Harry Potter and the Shadow of Evil. If you aren't reading this than… yeah.

You're fairly sure its Ginny and Harry right? (GW/HP) You're sure, absolutely sure? Cuze I don't ever remember saying that's the grouping for this story. Stories are meant to change. And I guaranty you will all be quite surprised!

(Harry is really in love with his pinky finger… HP/HPPF).

Things you can expect not to see in this Story.

Harry will not become an all powerful god-like being despite whatever signs you think you see.

Explicit sex scenes are just not called for in this work, fan service oh yes, but not hardcore porn, sorry.

As my friend so delicately put it: "you're not gona have Harry fucking Hermione in the ass on Dumbledore's desk well Snape watches and eats pop corn?" to which I replied. "Uh no."

Sorry if that's a turn off for anyone but I am trying to stay as true to the story as possible, with artistic license of course.

Chapter 10 is coming up soon so, if anyone is still reading, you can look forward to it. As always feedback, comments and questions are welcome. Please leave a review if you can!