CHAPTER#1: PHOENIX ORIENTEM

It was a group of frightened and anxious children who suddenly woke up to find themselves in a strange place without their parents and each surrounded by other 11 age fellows. Harry was also among them. Most of the children were dressed in their pyjamas carrying some stuff toys. After some time, when children didn't see their parents, they begun to whimper, scream and cry. Harry winced. Among all children, he was the one who wasn't crying as he wanted to go from Pooter Manor in the very first place. After some time, the screaming and whimpering stopped but still silent sobs and sniffles were present. Many children were crying silently. The only ones who weren't crying were Harry and other bushy haired girl.

Harry looked at his surrounding and saw that they were in a great hall which Harry guessed was bigger than Hogwarts and the hall itself was actually really astounding and marvelous. It was made up of Golden Marble and walls were also of Golden color and the ceiling was not actually ceiling but the outside view of sky which was now dark and was shining with stars and Moon. Harry looked that at the far end of hall, there was a large table and 12 adults were sitting there, talking to each other. They all were around 28-30 years. Harry looked around and saw that only a bushy haired girl was the only one except him who wasn't crying and was exploring the surroundings too.

When the girl realized that Harry is looking at her, she made her way towards him. She moved her hand towards him and said: "Hello! I am Hermione Granger!" Harry took her hand and shook it before saying: "Hi! I am Harry Potter!" When usually he gave his name to a stranger he would be ignored as the stranger was only interested in talking to Jonathan. Hermione whispered: "Hi Harry! Do you know…" At this point, Harry couldn't tell her what he knew for a redhaired boy, with freckles over his face approached them and said: "Hello! I am Ronald Weasley." Harry and Hermione introduced themselves.

"Do you know where we are?" Ron asked. "Actually, we both also don't know where we are but I do think so that grown-ups sitting there know not only where we are but how and why are we here!" Hermione replied pointing towards the table at far end where adults were sitting. They must have noticed it, because when Hermione finished the sentence, one of them woke up and moved towards the end where they 3 and other 9 were also present and other adults were sitting on table but still their eyes were on all of them. He was a handsome, beardless young man, with bright blue eyes, black trimmed but styled hair, and was around 28 years old.

He stood before them at the int form where he would be facing everyone with Harry, Hermione and Ron in front. He cleared his throat for everyone's attention. When children were looking attentively at him, he smiled and said: "Settle down children!" pointing towards the table surrounded by chairs beside them. "I am not a child. I am 7." said a young boy before settling down in a chair with everyone. "Of course! You are 7, but as I am the older one, I expect you to listen me. Now, what's your name young man?" "Blaise Zabini, Sir." Everyone was staring at Blaise and he himself was scared as he had spoken against an adult. The adults have also sensed it for they said: "Now Blaise, there is no need to worry. Just next time, I expect you to show everyone specially adults- respect." "Er…Right sir and…erm…sorry…" Blaise responded. It seemed like that the young man has forgiven him because he passed him a warm smile and a nod before speaking.

He said: "Hello children! I am Leo Henrick, and I will be one of your teachers here. Now, I want to tell you that you won't be seeing your parents or going back to your home for minimum 5 years." He finished his sentence and suddenly a young boy cried: "I don't want to stay here. I want to go home and to my mum." Several children also followed his example and whole hall burst into temper tantrums. Leo cleared his throat and said loudly: "Please listen to me and then we can see what to do.", but no one listened to him. He continued: "Listen to me or else you will be punished. Being homesick and being disrespectful are different." But no one listened. He sighed.

Only people who weren't crying or throwing a nasty tantrum were Harry and Hermione. Even Ron had also put his head in his hands and started to cry. Leo looked around and sighed again. He saw that the tantrum isn't going to end soon, so he should better let it end itself. The voice level had reached at the highest point. All adults have put charms around them to stop the voice from damaging their eardrums. Leo looked around and saw that Harry and Hermione also had their hands on their ears. He moved towards them, and gently hold their one arm and gently dragged them towards the adults' table. When they were near the table, the voice stopped and Leo let go of their arms. Harry and Hermione opened their eyes and removed their hands from their ears.

The very first thing they saw was Leo's face. They both looked at each other and then at Leo, their faces evident of fright. Leo gently smiled at both of them and they let the breath out which they were holding, God knows for how much time. Leo sat at the chair and motioned for them to sit down at the chairs beside him. They both hesitantly moved towards the pointed chairs and sat down. Whether it was adult or Harry or Hermione, no one knew what to say or do, so like this they fall into an uncomfortable silence watching the whimpering and crying kids. After 5 minutes or so, Harry decided to break the silence by saying: "Er…Mr. Leo, sir?" Leo and other adults looked at him and Leo gave him a slight nod Harry gulped and said: "Er…when you and other 11 members came here as children…erm…so were you all also this much bad?" This successfully broke the tension and the whole table erupted into laughter and then Leo gently stroked Harry's messy hair and said: "Not this much bad, but maybe worse." Harry smiled. Then, a dark brown haired young man around 24 years, said: "But, it's alright to be homesick.

Specially, if you are 7 years old spoiled brats." A redhaired girl around 22 years, with beautiful black eyes slapped him on the arm and said: "Now, you ought to be careful with language." That man said nothing and just rolled his eyes at her which earned him one more slap. "So, you both aren't felling homesick?" Leo asked. "Actually, I am. But, feeling homesick doesn't require any temper tantrum." Hermione replied. Leo nodded and asked same question from Harry who replied: "I don't have a home." Everyone looked at him quizzingly and the redhaired girl asked: "Where do you live then?" "I live with my parents at the manor." replied Harry. "But then why you said that you don't have a home?" asked the dark-brown-haired man. "Sir! I said that I don't have a home not that I don't have a house."

"But this is the same thing. House and home." He replied. Harry replied back: "No sir! House and home aren't same things. A house is made up of stones and bricks but a home is made up of love with loved ones. One can't call even a manor home if he doesn't get love there. And one can even call a cottage home, if he gets love and affection from there." This left everyone in deep thoughts. Tears began to fill many eyes. And tears rolled down Hermione's and Leo's eyes. None of them ever thought like this. None of them ever felt like this. Everyone was silent or not Harry can't tell it. Because as he finished his sentence, he went into a deep memory.

FLASHBACK: Harry and Jonathan were 4 years old. Harry was reading a book while Jonathan was climbing stairs. He was about to fall when Harry, suddenly saw it and ran towards him but he was late. He fell from a step or two but it was a nasty fall which resulted in breaking an arm. He suddenly began to cryand James and Lily rushed towards him. What they saw was Harry standing in front of him and Jonathan crying on floor. They both scampered towards him and run a diagnostic spell on him. James gave him Skele-gro and sleeping potion and then lily carried him upstairs not before saying: "Handle him strictly this time." James nodded and turned towards harry. Harry opened his mouth to say something but James silenced him with a hand and shouted: "How dare you harm him like this! Go upstairs in your room and stuck your nose in a corner. I will be right there to deal with you. And remember-no supper for you today." harry ran upstairs and ran towards a corner. After 20 minutes, James entered in the room with a blet in his hand. He went there and touched Harry's back with the belt. Harry gulped. And before he knew, strokes and strokes came on his back, whipping it and he could say nothing. After 10 minutes of whipping, James gave Harry a warning and then went out of his room, slamming the door shut and leaving the boy crying with pain and hurt there. Harry stayed there crying. He couldn't move due to extreme pain. Then, later that night, Uncle Moony came in his room, applied healing salve on his back and took the sobbing boy in his arms.

FLASHBACK OVER.

Harry shook his head and came back to reality to meet the worried glances of everyone. Harry smiled at them and assured them that he is fine. After some more time Leo stood up and said: "I think so that now we should go there as I am pretty sure that the tantrum is finished." Harry and Hermione nodded ad went towards other children and sat down on chairs beside each other. Leo came towards them but this time with other adults and stood in front of them. He said: "Now, I want those children to stand up, who were throwing a tantrum, meaning who were whimpering and screaming, I want only those to stand up. Those who were crying or sobbing but not whimpering or screaming can keep sitting. And don't lie." 8 out of 12 children stood up.

Only 4 children, Harry, Hermione, Ron and Luna were sitting. Because Harry and Hermione didn't shed even a tear whereas Luna and Ron were only crying silently. But other 8 were whimpering and screaming and throwing a nasty temper tantrum. Luna, Ron, Harry and Hermione looked at each other, then at Leo who cleared his throat and said: "Very well then! Those who are standing, I want them to raise their hands up- now." All 8 children looked at each other and then at Leo whose face was completely saying I am not joking, before raising their hands up.

After seeing that everyone of the 8 children had their hands fully raised up, he continued: "Now, I want you 8 to keep your hands raised for 30 minutes as a punishment for disrespecting me. And those children who respected me by not throwing a tantrum, I appreciate them." The 4 should have felt happy if the other weren't being punished at their very first day here.

{AUTHOR'S NOTE: The adults could talk to each other telepathically so the text like this shows that they are talking telepathically.}

A voice in Leo's mind spoke: " Leo! Are you sure that we are doing correct thing by punishing them for throwing a temper-tantrum? " " I am completely sure that we are doing appropriate thing by punishing them for their disrespectful behavior. " answered Leo. The redhaired girl nodded. When 30 minutes were passed Leo asked them all to let their hands down. He cleared his throat to let himself the center of attention of standing 8 and sitting 4 children.

He said: "Now, I expect a respectful behavior from all of you. Any other toe out of line, and you all will be punished more severely." Not only words but the sternness present in them made all of them including the 4 sitting down to wince in fright. After sensing the fear, the redhaired girl moved forwards and said: "Children! You all know that each place has its own rules, and so we all also have them at this place too." Everyone nodded. She continued: "What Leo is actually trying to say is that, any rule breaking or disrespectful behavior will earn you a severe punishment, not any less offensive joke or harmless prank. Do you all understand what I am saying?" At this point, the tension level decreased and everyone let their breaths out and said: "Yes ma'am!"

Redhaired girl smiled fondly a them and let Leo to take cover again. Leo moved forwards again and said: "I didn't want to scare you all…and I am really sorry if I did. But you all have to learn to obey and respect elders. And I am going to make sure you learn but in what way, it depends on you. I am willing to use any way which you rather. Whether it is soft way or hard way." After a moment of silence, he continued: "Now, I do think so that who are standing, must apologize for their behavior." Everyone who was standing bowed their heads. Leo was happy to see that they do realize their mistake. He continued: "Now, on the count of 3, you 8 are going to apologize together." Everyone nodded. Leo counted: "1…2…3!" At the count of 3, everyone standing together and with sincerity said: "We are sorry, sir."

Leo smiled gently at them before saying: "Apology accepted! Now let's start with introductions. Now, Blaise Zabini! You could sit at the table and the girl from Blaise's right will start introduction and it will move forward. Once, aid the name you can sit at the table." Everyone nodded. Blaise made his way towards the table and sat beside Ron. Leo asked in a gentle voice: "Now, girl! What's your name?" The girl which was standing at Blaise's right gulped and fear was evident in her face. Leo looked at them gently and said: "Don't worry. We aren't going to hurt you." This relaxed many kids. The girl replied: "I am Hannah Abbot!" and cheerfully made her way towards the table. Then the introductions followed: "Theodore Nott", "Susan Bones", "Dean Thomas", "Seamus Finnigan", "Terry Boot", "Ernie Macmillian". When everyone was finished with introductions and were sitting on the chairs, Leo asked the sitting ones to introduce themselves which started as: "Luna Lovegood", "Ron Weasley", "Hermione Granger", and finally "Harry potter."

And now the expected thing happens. At the name Potter whispers broke out such as: "Are you Jonathan Potter's twin?" "Do you know Boy Who Lived?" or "How does it feels to be the 2nd best to The Jonathan Potter." Whatever, it was…Harry didn't like that attention that was way more than clear. But when the whispers reached at unbearable level like: "Were you neglected?" or "Did your parents ignore you?" or "Were you undesired?", Harry's temper started to boil and when Leo took notice of it the boy exploded:

"SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP! YES, I AM HARRY POTTER! THE UNFORTUNATE BROTHER OF BOY WHO LIVED! I AM THE TWIN WHO WAS NELECTED AND IGNORED BY HIS OWN PARENTS AND ALWAYS GET PUNISHED FOR JONATHAN'S MISDOINGS TOO. YES, I AM THE UNDESIRABLE ONE! I AM THE ONE WHO GOT NOTHING BUT HATE AND ABBUSE THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE! AND I KNOW THAT I AM A SIGN OF BADLUCK AND MISFORTUNATE FOR EVERYONE LIKE MY PARENTS SAY, AND I AGREE WITH THEM THAT THE DAY I WILL DIE, WILL BE THE LUCKIEST DAY ON EARTH. AND DON'T WORRY! I ALSO WISH MYSELF DEAD."

This left everyone whether adult or child, in tears. Even those children who knew nothing about neglection and hate, were also in tears. Hermione was silently crying and so other children too. Even, Harry himself was breathing heavily and silent tears were rolling down his cheeks. Every adult was also in tears after hearing that much from by him. Every eye was tearful.

After some time, the tension level in hall was high and silence was at its' peak. Then, suddenly Ron spoke up: "Mr. Leo, sir. I know that what happened to Harry is really painful. But its' the past. So, what happened has happened, and we can't change it. But we can make present better." Several people nodded and Leo and Harry, both gave him a smile. Ron continued: "And I believe that 1st step in making the present beautiful is- food. And besides, I am starving!" This broke the tension in hall and everyone including adults erupted into a laughter. on raised up a hand. Leo clapped his hands together and suddenly the food appeared. Everyone looked at Leo for waiting for permission. Leo smiled and said: "Thanks for that respect and this is what I expect from you in future. Now what are you waiting for? Dig in!"

Everyone laughed and loaded their plates with food. Leo continued: "Now, as you are eating and you shouldn't stop now and I have no intentions of doing so, I expect that you first listen to me before getting busy in your own talks." All children were looking attentively at him and dropped their forks and spoons before diverting their attention to him and only at him. Leo knew that they are getting somewhere. He continued: "I think that we should better introduce ourselves. I don't expect you to learn our name now but you should learn them soon. So now, I am Leo!" "She is Qistina and my wife!" He said pointing towards the redhaired girl. "He is Eric!" he said pointing toward the dark-brown-haired boy who waved at them. Leo rolled his eyes and start introducing others: "Philander", "Caz", "Sein", "Milosh", "Akilah", "Teiran", "Lyman", "Henry" and "Fatima". Children gave them all an admirable smile before digging in their food again. The adults smiled at them and then went towards their table.

Harry began to load his plate with as much as chocolate pastries he can get hands on. The last time he had a chocolate pastry was when his Uncle Moony bought him one from Diagon Alley. That had been a special one because it was bought only for Harry…not for Jonathan but for only Harry. Before he could again get lost in his memories, he snapped his attention back to his plate and stared at it for some time.

Suddenly, a small hand went over his and he looked up to saw Hermione smiling sadly at him with her hand over his. She said: "Don't worry! I am scared too." Harry gave her a grateful smile before whispering her a "Thank you!" and eating his pastries. After sometime he began to doze off and as well as other too. Leo looked at them and said: "Now if you want to go to bed, you will have to follow Lyman and Caz." They all stood up and followed Caz and Lyman. How quickly they reached there was a mystery and Harry was way more tired to figure it out specially now. As soon as his head touched the pillow he drifted into a dreamless and peaceful sleep.