Chapter 95: Year one ends.

Phoenix slowly batted her eyes open to the dimly lit room with a stone curved ceiling. 'Am I still in the chamber? What if Goggles took me to the underworld! What if they took Harry with me? Harry!' She bolted up at the thought of Harry being in the underworld with her. Quickly noticing a figure in front of her, Phoenix threw her hands up, ready to defend herself when needed.

She felt someone grab her arms and started thrashing to get them off of her. She needed to know where she and Harry were.

"Whoa, it's okay."

Phoenix stopped. She recognized that voice. She blinked, looking in the direction the voice came from. Green eyes stared back. "Aunt Prue?" She blinked again, clearing her vision.

Prue nodded, letting go of her. "Yes, it's me."

"Your Aunt has been here for the last few days, much to Madam Pomfrey's liking. Since she and I found you and Mr. Potter in the dungeons."

Phoenix looked around her again, seeing mostly blue curtains, then landed on the figure in front of her. "Headmaster?"

"Good evening, Miss Matthews."

Phoenix cleared her throat. "Where am I?" Seeing her aunt reaching for the water pitcher, she noticed a table on the other side piled high with what looked like candy and stuff behind her.

"The hospital wing." Prue answered, handing the glass to Phoenix. "And these are from your friends and admirers." She commented sternly, moving so Phoenix could get a better look. Phoenix swallowed, knowing her aunt's mood.

Phoenix sipped her water, her head running with questions. Some she had to wait till she and her aunt were alone. "How long have I been here?" she glanced at Prue, then quickly looked at Dumbledore to answer.

"Two days. Miss Granger and Mr. Ronald Weasley will be most relieved you have come round; they have been extremely worried."

"And Harry?"

"He is fine. Hasn't woken up yet." Her aunt answered.

Phoenix looked at the two, not sure how to ask the next question. Dumbledore, sensing the hesitation, stood up, "best I take my leave. Miss Matthews, I'll be seeing you at the feast if your aunt allows it. Ms. Halliwell, good day, and you are more than welcome to stay for the feast as well."

"Thank you, headmaster." Prue commented and waited till he left before turning her attention to her niece.

Phoenix was picking at an invisible string on the sheet, the water glass in her lap. She felt her aunt's hard gaze. Swallowing, she slowly looked into the hard green eyes. "So… does Dumbledore…."

"When he got to London, he felt he was needed elsewhere, but before leaving, Dumbledore found me and asked for my assistance. Or so he and everyone else think."

"Was Harry?" Phoenix asked

Prue shook her head. "I have to wait until he wakes up. Until then, what happened down in the dungeons? Leave nothing out. You are in enough trouble."

Phoenix swallowed again, then nodded. There was no way of getting out of it, and she knew. She took a slow breath and started from the beginning.

There was a long pause after Phoenix ended her tale. Prue quietly took the empty glass after Phoenix drained the last of her water. She knew her aunt was processing what she said. She was still processing.

"We knew something was going on before you called. Your mother, sister, and I felt your pain."

"Mom was here!" Phoenix panicked.

"No," Prue pushed Phoenix back against her pillows. "We, Piper, Phoebe, and I, had to convince her to stay with Katie. I heard she passed out the moment I orbed in on you passing out."

Phoenix looked at Prue, shocked. "Is Katie, okay?"

"She is fine. A little shaken, but good."

Phoenix nodded, glad her sister was doing well. "Were you able to vanquish Goggles?"

"No, shimmered out just as I orbed in." Her shoulders dropped. She had a feeling but hoped. "Goggles didn't mention who he was working for?"

Phoenix shook her head. "No, but I don't think it was for Voldemort."

"I agree. But I don't like the idea that demons, high level from what you described, are working for him."

"Maybe it's just him?"

Prue was about to reply when they heard the clicking of high heels. The blue curtains pulled back and revealed Madam Pomfrey. "Time for your rest, Miss Matthews." Pomfrey looked at Prue, then back at Phoenix, "It's getting late." She pulled out a vial with dark purple liquid.

"What is that?" Prue asked, not moving from her niece's side.

"Not to worry, Ms. Halliwell, just a sleeping potion."

Prue slowly nodded, watching Pomfrey give Phoenix a spoonful. "Of course, how silly of me." She looked back at Phoenix, whose eyes drooped to sleep.

The next day, Prue left early because of another charge calling. Sick of being stuck in bed, Phoenix walked around the hospital wing, stretching out her stiff muscles. She didn't know when, but when she saw Harry awake, she wobbled over and sat on his bed next to him, fluffing a pillow, and leaned back on the head rail.

"Make yourself home." He smiled.

"I will."

The two laughed, gently shoving each other on the shoulders.

"How are you doing, Harry?"

"After almost dying at the hands of Professor Quirrell and Voldemort, I'm doing okay. How about you?"

"Same." She played with a string on the sheets, biting her lip. "What all do you remember?"

Harry watched Phoenix before answering. "I remember Voldemort reveling himself. I handed you the Stone after retrieving it in the mirror. When he found out you had it, he freaked. Your screams when he used his wand on you. After you passed out, he attacked me. Started getting blisters on his skin. Then I passed out. Is that how you remembered it?"

Phoenix pulled her legs up, wrapping her arms around them. So, her aunt altered his memories.

"Phoenix, are you okay?"

She looked at Harry plastering a soft smile on her face, "Yeah, that's how I remember it, well, before I passed out." Then shoved Harry's shoulder again before reaching over grabbing a chocolate frog.

Phoenix sat next to Harry listening to him convince Madam Pomfery about seeing their friends. Her aunt was gone for the day, updating her mom and aunts on what happened.

"Oh, very well," Pomfrey said. "But five minutes only."

Phoenix laughed at Harry's triumphant look on his face when Pomfery let Ron and Hermione in.

"Phoenix! Harry!"

Hermione was ready to fling her arms around Harry but thought against it and hugged Phoenix.

"We were sure you two were going to-Dumbledore and your aunt were so worried."

"The entire school's talking about it," said Ron. "What really happened?"

Phoenix tilted her head at Harry. Taking a breath, Harry took the lead Phoenix, putting her two cents in wherever she could, careful to stay with the altered memory.

"So, the Stone's gone?" said Ron finally. "Flamel's just going to die?"

"That's sad." Phoenix remarked.

"That's what I said, but Dumbledore thinks that-what was it? - 'to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.' "

"That's interesting."

"I always said he was off his rocker," said Ron, looking quite impressed at how crazy his hero was.

"So, what happened to you two?" said Harry. Phoenix nodded in agreement.

"Well, I got back all right," said Hermione. "When I realized Phoenix wasn't coming, I brought Ron round-that took a while-and we were dashing up to the owlery to contact Dumbledore when we met him and Phoenix's aunt in the entrance hall-he already knew-he just said, 'Harry's gone after him hasn't he?' Your aunt asked about you and they both hurtled off to the third floor."

"D'you think he meant you to do it?" said Ron. "Sending you your father's cloak and everything?"

"Well," Hermione exploded, "if he did-I mean to say-that's terrible-you could have been killed."

"No, it isn't," said Harry thoughtfully. "He's a funny man, Dumbledore. I think he sort of wanted to give me a chance. I think he knows more or less everything that goes on here, you know. I reckon he had a pretty good idea we were going to try, and instead of stopping us, he just taught us enough to help. I don't think it was an accident, he let me find out how the mirror worked. It's almost like he thought I had the right to face Voldemort if I could…"

"Yeah, Dumbledores off his rocker, all right," said Ron proudly. "Listen, you two have got to be up for the end-of-year feast tomorrow. The points are all in and Slytherin won, of course-you and Phoenix missed the last Quidditch match, Ravenclaw steamrolled us without you-but the food'll be good."

At that moment, Madam Pomfrey bustled over.

"You've had nearly fifteen minutes, now OUT." She said firmly and looked at Phoenix, "you, go to your bed."

Phoenix waited for Harry by the hospital wing door, giving Hagrid a hug before he walked in. About 30 minutes later, Harry came out, and the two headed towards the great hall to the end-of-year feast.

The great hall was decked out in Slytherin colors of green and sliver to celebrate Slytherin's winning the house cup for the seventh year in a row. A huge banner showing the Slytherin serpent covered the wall behind the High Table. Phoenix did a double take. Was that her aunt up there talking to Professor Snape?

She didn't notice the lack of noise as she slipped between Hermione and Neville at the Gryffindor table. Her aunt looked at her and nodded, then looked up when Dumbledore arrived.

"Another year gone!" Dumbledore said cheerfully. "And I must trouble you with an old man's wheezing waffle before we sink our teeth into our delicious feast. What a year it has been! Hopefully, your heads are all a little fuller than they were… you have the entire summer ahead to get them nice and empty before next year starts…"

"Now, as I understand it, the house cup here needs awarding, and the points stand thus: In fourth place, Gryffindor, with two hundred and fifty-two points; in third, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and fifty-two; Ravenclaw has four hundred and twenty-six and Slytherin, four hundred and seventy-two."

A cheering and stamping broke out from the Slytherin table. Phoenix could see Draco Malfoy banging his goblet on the table. She looked up at the high table, her aunt watching and listening with interest.

"Yes, yes, well done Slytherin," said Dumbledore. "However, recent events must be taken into account."

The room went still.

"Ahem," said Dumbledore. "I have a few last-minute points to dish out. Let me see. Yes…"

"First-to Mr. Ronald Weasley…"

Phoenix looked over at Ron. His face went purple with embarrassment.

"… for the best-played game of chess Hogwarts has seen in many years, I award Gryffindor house fifty points."

Gryffindor cheers nearly raised the bewitched ceiling; the stars overhead seemed to quiver. Percy could be heard telling the other prefects, "My brother, you know! My youngest brother! Got past McGonagall's giant chess set!"

At last, there was silence again.

"Second-to Miss Hermione Granger… for the use of cool logic and the face of fire, I award Gryffindor house fifty points."

Phoenix smiled and looked at Hermione, who buried her face in her arms. She hugged her, suspecting her friend to have tears of joy on her face. Gryffindors up and down the table were beside themselves-they were a hundred points up.

"Third-to Mr. Harry Potter and Miss Phoenix Matthews…." Said Dumbledore. The room went deadly quiet. Phoenix looked back up at the headmaster and her aunt in shock. Did he just say her name? Prue glanced over at Phoenix and winked. "… for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house sixty points each."

Phoenix added up the points. Gryffindor now had four hundred and seventy-two points. "We are tied with Slytherin." She whispered to Hermione wide eyed.

Dumbledore raised his hand. The room gradually fell silent.

"There are all kinds of courage," said Dumbledore, smiling. "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. I therefore award ten points to Mr. Neville Longbottom."

The Gryffindor table erupted. Phoenix reached over and gave Neville an enormous hug, "I'm proud of you Neville." Neville was white with shock, and both he and Phoenix disappeared under a pile of people hugging him. He had never won so much as a point for Gryffindor before.

"Which means," Dumbledore called over the storm of applause, for even Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff were celebrating the downfall of Slytherin, "we need a little change of decorations."

He clapped his hands. In an instant, the green hangings became scarlet, and the silver became gold; the huge Slytherin serpent vanished, and a towering Gryffindor lion took its place. Snape was shaking Professor McGonagall's hand, with a horrible, forced smile. He caught Phoenix's eye and nodded, mouthing congratulations and looked away. She saw her aunt clapping, a proud smile on her face. This was the best evening Phoenix had.

After the feast, Phoenix waited for everyone to clear out. Her aunt coming down to meet her at the table. "Well, that was fun." Prue said, giving Phoenix a hug. "Congratulations, kiddo. I'm proud of you."

"Thanks." Phoenix said, her face hurting from all the smiling.

"I wanted to give you the option. Your headmaster didn't mind either way. I am heading out. Did you want to pack and come with me or stay and leave on the train with your friends?"

"I would like to stay and leave with Harry, Ron, and Hermione."

Prue nodded, understanding. "I thought as much." She reached over, giving Phoenix another hug.

"Love you Aunt Prue."

"You too, kiddo."

In a blink of an eye, everyone's wardrobes were empty, trunks packed, and Cali in her cage. Notes were handed out to all students, warning them not to use magic over the holidays ("I always hope they'll forget to give us these," said Fred Weasley sadly); Hagrid was there to take them down to the fleet of boats that sailed across the lake; they were boarding the Hogwarts Express; talking and laughing as the countryside became greener and tidier; eating Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans as they sped past Muggle towns; pulling off their wizard robes and putting on jackets and coats; pulling into platform nine and three-quarters at King's Cross Station.

It took quite a while for them all to get off the platform. A wizened old guard was up by the ticket barrier, letting them go through the gate in twos and threes so they didn't attract attention by all bursting out of a solid wall at once and alarming the Muggles.

"You must come and stay this summer," said Ron, "the three of you-I'll send an owl."

"Thanks," said Harry, "I'll need something to look forward to."

"Hermione and I were just thinking the same. I'll have to ask. It depends on how much trouble I'm in."

People jostled them as they moved forward toward the gateway, back to the Muggle world. Some of them called:

"Bye, Harry! Phoenix!"

"See you, Potter! Matthews!"

"Still famous," said Ron, grinning at them.

"Not where I'm going, I promise you," said Harry.

"Not my goal," Phoenix muttered.

Harry and Ron passed through the gateway together, followed by Phoenix and Hermione.

"There he is, Mom, there he is, look!"

It was Ginny Weasley, Ron's youngest sister. Phoenix laughed when she realized it wasn't Ron she was pointing at.

"Harry Potter!" she squealed. "Look, Mom! I can see-"

"Be quiet, Ginny, and it's rude to point."

Mrs. Weasley smiled down at them.

"Busy year?" she said.

"Very," said Harry. "Thanks for the fudge and the sweater, Mrs. Weasley."

"Oh, it was nothing, dear."

"Phoenix!" Paige yelled, walking up with a welcome smile. "Mrs. Weasley, nice to see you again."

"You as well, dear."

Paige looked at the kids, "heard you all had an exciting year." She stated before quickly giving Phoenix a stern look. Phoenix gulped. She knew what was coming when she got home.

"Very." Hermione answered, not missing the look between mother and daughter.

"Ready, are you?"

Phoenix looked at the man in front of them with a woman and boy behind him. She could swear they looked terrified at the very sight of Harry.

"You must be Harry's Family!" said Mrs. Weasley.

"In a matter of speaking," said Uncle Vernon. "Hurry up, boy, we haven't got all day." He walked away.

Paige wanted to say something. Her social worker and whitelighter side pulling strongly. She should help him somehow.

Harry hung back for a last word with Ron, Hermione, and Phoenix. "See you over the summer, then."

"Hope you have-er-a good holiday," said Hermione, looking uncertainly after Uncle Vernon, shocked that anyone could be so unpleasant.

"Oh, I will," said Harry.

Phoenix saw the grin spreading over his face. "What are you thinking?" she asked, grinning herself.

"They don't know we're not allowed to use magic at home. I'm going to have a lot of fun with Dudley this summer…" The four hugged each other and watched Harry leave.

Phoenix and Hermione glanced back at Paige as Ron walked over to his family.

"Mom, Hermione and I were talking on the train. If it is okay with her parents, could I stay with Hermione a week over the summer? It would help me get used to the time change."

"And I'm sure my parents wouldn't mind taking her to diagon alley when we get our letters." Hermione added.

Paige looked at the two. "I'll think about it." She answered. "You ready?" Phoenix nodded, letting out a sigh. She turned around and gave another hug to Hermione, before walking away waving to the Weasleys.

Once out of eye and earshot, Phoenix let out a slow breath. "Did Aunt Prue tell you what happened?"

"Yes, she did."

"I'm in trouble, am I?"

"Oh, more than you think." Paige answered before the two orbed out.