NIGHT OF THE PHOENIX

Rating: PG
Genre: Adventure/ vague mystery
Setting: All over the place, including different dimensions, other planets and vague places that fit nowhere.
Main Characters: Harry, Malfoy

Part 1

The day started out normal enough. But then they always do, right before something happens. And that day, something terrible was going to happen. It happened just after the last lesson of the day, in this case, potions. Harry Potter headed straight for the Great Hall. Hermione and Ron, however, had to head back to the common room. Sitting down at the table, Harry looked around. The Great Hall was incredibly empty for this time of day. He couldn't believe that so many students had head back to common rooms before eating. Suddenly Neville sat beside him.

"Where is everyone?" he asked, in a scared voice. Harry looked blankly at him.

"I dunno, I guess they had other stuff to do before eating." Neville shook his head wildly.

"No, they've vanished" Harry gave a laugh.

"Don't be stupid Neville! How could they just vanish!"

"I'm serious Harry! Lavender headed to the common room between Potions and Divination, but she never turned up at divination!" Harry hesitated. Some Hufflepuff students had been talking in Herbology as well, that some friends of theirs had headed to their common room but hadn't returned. Harry suddenly felt sick, as he remembered Ron and Hermione had headed back to the common room. He stood up, about to go after them when Professor McGonagall entered the hall.

"Everyone remain in your seats" she called out " No one is to leave the hall"

Harry sank back in his chair, his stomach felt like it was full of ice. What was happening? Had something happened to all the students who had headed back to the common rooms? He was incredibly worried about Hermione and Ron now. What if something had happened to them too. The murmuring that echoed around the half empty hall seemed to reflect Harry's thought, apparently he wasn't the only one who was worried. Neville was panicking still, next to Harry. It was almost a relief when Dumbledore entered the hall. However, the look on the headmasters face was not very reassuring. And when he spoke, his words made Harry feel even worse.

"Students, Teachers and Ghosts. An epidemic appears to have hit the school today. It seems a rare virus has entered the common rooms of the school. This virus is incredibly rare, targeting only young people who know magic. It feeds on the magic, gradually destroying the students magic ability. I am also afraid that it had caught hold of every student who has visited the common rooms today."

Harry felt awful, Ron and Hermione had only just headed up there. Was it possible that one of the teachers had stopped them? Harry had a horrible suspicion that it hadn't happened. Dumbledore continued his speech.

"unfortunately, merely taking the students magic potential is not the worst of this virus. After it has consumed all of a persons magical ability I am afraid to say that its victim… dies." There was an outbreak of cries in the hall. No one seemed to have a clue what to do. Dumbledore continued in his speech "Nobody is to go near the Common rooms." He turned, about to leave the great hall. As he passed Harry though, he asked him to follow him. Harry obliged, and he and Dumbledore headed up to Dumbledore office.

Inside the office Dumbledore turned to Harry. Harry couldn't help himself

"There must be some way to help our friends!" he said.

Dumbledore turned away slightly, Harry noticed a troubled expression on his face.

"Indeed there is. Phoenix tears can heal the victims of the virus in an instant" Harry breathed a slight sigh of relief, Fawkes could heal the students, there was no problem. But Dumbledore continued "Unfortunately, Fawkes has gone missing. We have no way we can heal the students without him." Harry stared at Dumbledore, he felt his last hope slipping away. But Dumbledore looked at Harry, before continuing "I need you to find Fawkes for me Harry. He trusts you. I would go myself, but I need to stay here, to make sure the virus doesn't take any more victims. I am aware you can handle yourself, and Fawkes will not flee from you. You must find him, you are the only hope for the school."

"Me? But…"

"Without your help, Miss Granger and Mr Weasley will perish" The sickness crept up on Harry again. So Ron and Hermione had caught the virus. He nodded slightly, indicating that he would search for Fawkes. "Excellent" Cried Dumbledore "I cannot give you much help, however, this crystal will help you to travel around. I have no clue as to where Fawkes could be. The best place to start would be a wizarding town in the south. Good luck Harry! The school is counting on you"

END OF PART 1