The boats had taken them under the castle to another pebbly shore. Hagrid assisted those who needed help out of the boats. Ron waited for Harry and Phoenix at the foot of a stone staircase that led up, up, up high into the castle. They moved as a group, Hagrid instructing them to go to the top of the stairs and no further until instructed. No one said a word as they climbed.
Phoenix felt a rush of emotions. Fear. What if she got sorted into the wrong house, or worse, not sorted at all? Would they send her home? Excitement. She was actually at Hogwarts, this was where her mother and father first met, this was where she'd be learning magic all year. Nervousness. What if no one wanted to be friends with her? What if she was still an odd, un-friend-able person? Could she even perform magic with a wand? She'd never tried it before.
At the top of the stairs was an elderly, dark grey-haired witch. She wore emerald robes with a matching pointed hat and stood stiffly as she watched them walk up. Her face was stern, and she held a scroll tightly in her hands. "Good evening." She began once the group had made it to the top of the stairs. A pair of large, magnificent, dark wood doors stood closed behind her. The only thing illuminating the space were the candles and torches secured to the walls. The witched opened her mouth to speak again, only for a croaking to sound over her. She closed her mouth sharply and looked down at her feet, her brows furrowed.
"Trevor!" Phoenix felt someone gently push her aside, a slightly chubby boy bent down and picked up the toad at the witch's feet. Phoenix bit her lips trying not to laugh with the other students.
"He must be Neville." Phoenix thought as the boy stood back up and blended back into the crowd.
"Welcome to Hogwarts." The witch started again, "My name is Professor McGonagall. Our start of term feast will begin shortly, but before you join your classmates in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. Now," Professor McGonagall had obviously said this speech many times, "the four houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. During your attendance at Hogwarts your house will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn you House points. Any rule-breaking," She paused to look over each of them. Phoenix felt a shiver of intimidation run down her spine. "And you will lose points. At the end of the year, the House with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honor." She paused to look over them again, although not as sternly this time, "The Sorting Ceremony will take place shortly, I will return for you once we are ready." And with that, Professor McGonagall turned on her heel and marched down the corridor and out of sight.
Phoenix took a few deep breaths. Her mother told her Sorting was done by a hat that could read ones best and worst traits. She wouldn't have to speak in front of a whole school, or perform magic. All she had to do was relax and hope she was just as brave and daring as her parents. She glanced at Harry who was anxiously looking around the space. "Whatever happens, I hope we stay friends." Phoenix thought. She stopped breathing for a second. Just a second. She wanted to be in Gryffindor with all her heart. Maybe if she made a name for herself then her father would find her. She wanted so desperately to know more about him, about why her mother had to leave without him, about why he hadn't found them yet. "Maybe he doesn't want to find you." A voice said. Phoenix stomped it out, opening and closing her fists angrily.
"So, it's true." A voice said. "The rumors on the train." Everyone was looking around to see where the voice was coming from, "Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts."
Phoenix looked at Harry wide eyed. She saw Ron instinctively take a step closer to Harry, she copied him. Everyone parted ways to reveal three boys, one thin and blonde, two thick and dark haired. Phoenix held back as gasp. "It's the boy from Diagon Alley." Her mind screamed. "The rude one that bumped into me."
"This is Crabbe," the blonde boy nodded to the shorter of the two thick boys, "and Goyle." He strolled over to stand in front of Harry. "And I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy." Ron snickered and Phoenix had to bite her lip to keep from joining him. "Think my name's funny, do you?" Draco snapped. Phoenix looked away, grabbing Harry's robe tightly. "No need to ask yours." Ron dropped his smile, "Red hair, and a hand-me-down robe. You must be a Weasley." Draco spat. "You'll soon find out," Draco turned back to Harry, "that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter. You don't want to go messing with the wrong sort. I can help you there." He held out his hand to shake.
"I think I can sort the wrong kind for myself, thanks." Harry said, and it was perfect timing too, for just as Draco opened his mouth to retaliate Professor McGonagall returned and tapped him on the shoulder with the scroll she was still holding. Draco looked back at her wide-eyed, moving quickly to stand back with Crabbe and Goyle. Phoenix and Ron shared wide grins and stifled giggles.
"We're ready for you." Professor McGonagall announced. She turned once more, this time beckoning them to follow. The large ornate doors swung open and lead them to the Great Hall. Four long rows of tables followed the length of the room. Older students were already seated at their respective tables, empty golden plates and goblets sitting before them. They walked down the largest gap between tables in the middle of the room, squeezing in two-by-two as they shuffled quickly behind McGonagall. Phoenix looked at the ceiling, having read it was bewitched to look like the night sky. And it was true, the ceiling seemed to stretch on forever, disappearing into the night sky. Hundreds of candles drifted lazily about above their heads. Professor McGonagall lead them to the head of the room where, just up a few steps, was a platform where a fifth long table sat following the width of the room. This table had several adults seated at it, all facing the students. Phoenix supposed they must be the professors.
Once at the front of the hall, the group spread out, taking up a small space between the tables and platform. Before them was an old stool, with an even older wizard's hat perched atop it. It was frayed in places, and patched in others. It had either been very well loved when it was used, or its sentimental value kept the school from throwing it away. Without any kind of warning, a seam on the brim of the hat ripped open, and an old croaky voice boomed out of the hat.
"Oh you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands-though I have none
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
Phoenix had glanced at Draco when the hat sung about Slytherin. She could see his bright eyes grow dark and mischievous, she wanted nothing to do with anything Slytherin if Draco ended up there. She faced forward as the applause from the staff and older students died down.
"When I call your name, you will come forth, put on the hat, and be sorted into your houses." Professor McGonagall looked down her nose, through her wire-rimmed glasses at the scroll she now unrolled. "Hannah Abbott." A chubby cheeked girl shuffled nervously out of line, she kept glancing back at the group. McGonagall raised the hat and waited for her.
"You've got this." Phoenix thought. She didn't even know the girl, but she figured being first was the hardest.
Hannah nervously pushed herself onto the stool her body turned to face the students, McGonagall put the hat on her head and everyone watched silently as it slipped down over her eyes. There was a moment's pause and then-
"Hufflepuff!" a rip in the hat opened like a mouth, and gave a great shout into the Great Hall. The table to their immediate right cheered loudly as McGonagall raised the hat off Hannah and smiled. Hannah, relieved, took a few breaths before smiling and bouncing happily over to her House table.
"Susan Bones." McGonagall called, still holding the hat up and looking down at her scroll.
Susan broke away from the group, now that they'd seen how sorting worked Susan walked up with more confidence. Just like Hannah, the hat slipped down over Susan's eyes. Almost immediately the hat shouted-
"Hufflepuff!" McGonagall took the hat off Susan who scurried over to sit next to Hannah.
"Terry Boot!"
Phoenix watched as their group dwindled down. Terry was sorted into Ravenclaw, as was Mandy Brocklehurst. Lavender Brown was sorted into Gryffindor, and Millicent Bulstrode was sorted into Slytherin. Phoenix glanced at the Slytherin table, her mother hadn't told her, but Phoenix had done enough reading to know that Slytherin's lot was unpleasant, the irritated Millicent would fit in nicely there. Crabbe and Goyle were both sorted in Slytherin as well. Justin Finch-Fletchley was also sorted into Hufflepuff. Phoenix was getting antsy, with her last name she should come just before Draco. "I'll also be before Harry and Ron, I hope I'm in the same House as them." Phoenix thought, "I hope we're all in the same House." She watched as Seamus Finnigan was getting fidgety on the stool. He'd been sitting for a whole minute before the hat called out-
"Gryffindor!"
"Hermione Granger!" Hermione briskly walked to the stool, allowing the hat to fall over her eyes. Almost as soon as it slipped on her head it called out Gryffindor. Phoenix could hear Ron groan. The group was slowly diminishing, some students being sorted almost instantly, others taking more time.
"Draco Malfoy." Phoenix looked at Professor McGonagall with confusion. She should have been called before Draco, her last name was Macdonald. Was she at the right school? Had her mother sent her there as a cruel punishment for something she'd done? The hat didn't even touch Draco's greased back head before shouting-
"Slytherin!"
"Phoenix Malfoy."
Phoenix's heart jumped. Someone else was named Phoenix? She looked around to see who. No one moved forward. Had Phoenix Malfoy missed the train? Was she Draco's sister-he didn't mention one. "Why would he? If she missed the train he'd probably see her as some low-life disappointment." Phoenix thought back to her day at Diagon Alley. Draco didn't have a sister with him then either.
"Phoenix Malfoy." McGonagall repeated, this time looking directly at her. People were starting to whisper. Phoenix looked around her, Harry and Ron both looked at her with confusion.
"Professor," Phoenix meekly spoke up, "I-I'm not Phoenix Malfoy." Professor McGonagall looked at her scroll again, "there must be some mistake."
"Hogwarts does not make mistakes like that." She said back, looking over her glasses at Phoenix. "Your letter was addressed as Phoenix Malfoy."
"My letter?" Phoenix asked. People were no longer trying to hide their whispers. Everyone was pointing between her and Draco. Her head began to spin. Malfoy. Malfoy. Malfoy. The unfamiliar name hit her head several times. "I only got my supplies list." Phoenix thought back to her Hogwarts letter, her mother had taken one part of the letter before Phoenix could properly read it. "Mom?" Phoenix thought, her vision swirling. Someone pushed her forward and she stumbled up to the stool. She gripped the edges of the stool, not facing the Great Hall. How could her mother lie to her like that? All those years? Was she even her mother's daughter? Or was she-dare Phoenix think it-related to scum like Draco?
She didn't realize it, but tears were streaming down her face and onto the stool. Something soft hit her head and her vision went dark.
"Ah a thirst for knowledge." A voice said in her head. "You could do well in Ravenclaw," Phoenix shuddered, feeling like she was going to be sick, "No, no I don't think so. There's ambition, a need to prove yourself. But it's weak-Slytherin will not do for you." The voice said in her ear. Phoenix took a shuddering breath, at least that was a weight off her shoulders, "You've got an open heart. Even after finding out you are not who you thought you were, you still want to believe and love your 'mother'." It said 'mother' sarcastically, Phoenix could almost see the air-quotations around the word. "Your loyalty may be your strongest trait yet. Hmmm, difficult."
Phoenix said nothing, her mind felt as though it had been stuffed with cotton, "Difficult indeed." The voice said, "you will face many challenges no matter where I put you." It was the hat speaking. Phoenix couldn't believe it had taken her that long to realize that, "Of course," the voice said, "I did say Ravenclaw will definitely not do."
"I'll take any challenge you throw at me." Phoenix whispered, tasting salty tears in her mouth as more flowed down her face and dribbled onto the stool.
"You will die trying to overcome them?" The hat asked pridefully. "Your recklessness and brash bravery would best suit-"
"Gryffindor!" the hat shouted to the hall. No one clapped and McGonagall took the hat off her head. Phoenix turned, not looking at Harry or Ron, not looking at Draco whose furious glare she could feel burning a hole in the side of her head, not looking at anyone-she walked over to the Gryffindor table and sat as far from everyone as possible. Phoenix didn't listen or watch the rest of the ceremony, even when someone sat down directly next to her, she didn't look. She stared back at her reflection in her golden plate.
Everything she knew was a lie. Mary Macdonald wasn't her mother. Everyone thought she was Draco's sister-she couldn't help but hear those whispers. She had lost everything she'd ever known about herself. After the Sorting Ceremony, Phoenix heard a familiar voice address the crowd. It was Dumbledore, he was talking about places that were out of bounds for students, and wished everyone a wonderful welcome feast.
"Phoenix?" Phoenix felt as though she was slammed back into her body, her skin jumped, but she didn't move. "Are you alright?" It was Harry.
"I don't know who I am." Phoenix breathed.
She would be surprised if Harry couldn't hear her over the excitement of food appearing and filling the tables. "You're Phoenix. My best friend." Harry said softly.
"Please, leave me alone." Phoenix felt like crying. She didn't deserve Harry, not after living a lie with him.
"You didn't leave me alone." Harry said. "I'm not leaving you alone." He sounded confident, he was a true Gryffindor. "You've, um." Harry trailed off, "got a letter on your plate." Phoenix sniffled and looked up, sure enough a letter was sitting neatly on her plate when before there had been nothing.
"Could you," Phoenix hesitated. "Open it?" She hugged herself, feeling like a china doll ready to break if she released herself. Harry reached in front of her, opening the letter. He was silent. Phoenix's stomach grumbled, she wanted to eat but was afraid of throwing up anything she might try to digest. "What does it say?" she asked, after being unable to handle Harry's silence anymore.
"It's from Professor Dumbledore." Harry said, "He says to wait in the Great Hall after everyone else leaves. That he needs to show you something."
Phoenix couldn't imagine what Dumbledore had to show her. She kept her head down, trying her best to ignore the dozens of eyes that bore into her, stripping her down to her bare existence. She could feel a hurricane of emotions over the room, but her own misery drowned them out. How could her mother-how could Mary-lie to her all those years? What did she have to gain?
"No." Phoenix sniffled, "this is all one big misunderstanding." She told herself, "Dumbledore is simply calling me to his office to clarify the mistake. He came by to visit mom, he knows who I am. Maybe they'll clear things up with everyone." She thought. With that, she meekly peeked up at the food on the table. Harry had piled roast chicken, steak, fries, peas, and carrots on his plate, digging in ravenously. Phoenix inhaled all the scents, it sure did smell heavenly, but the thought of eating now made Phoenix feel ill.
Matters were only made worse when the supper had disappeared from the tables, and desserts magically replaced them. Harry tried offering her small bites of food, but Phoenix silently refused, shaking her head each time he held out a roasted potato, carrot, steak, apple pie, flavored-bean, or chocolate covered strawberry. Phoenix wished she had her magically heated blanket to curl up and hide under.
All too soon for Phoenix's comfort, the feast came to an end. Dumbledore took center stage once more at the head of the hall. Phoenix ignored him as he wished everyone good night and a happy term. He then instructed prefects to guide the first years to their dormitories. Harry surprised Phoenix when he reached over and grabbed her hand. She looked at him, feeling her head heavy with dread. He smiled and squeezed her hand once, twice, three times. "Everything's going to be okay." He whispered above the busy body of students leaving the Great Hall.
Phoenix squeezed his hand back-three times as well-and smiled as best as she could. Her face hurt and she knew her smile didn't convince Harry that she was fine, but he let her hand go anyway and left with the other first year Gryffindor's. After the Great Hall had emptied, all that remained was Phoenix, Draco, and Dumbledore.
Dumbledore motioned for them both to join him up where the sorting stool had been sitting earlier. Phoenix slipped off the bench and slinked over to the bottom step, her legs felt like lead, and it took all her strength not to drag her feet. "Good evening." He smiled once they were both standing before him. His eyes twinkled knowingly, and his smile turned from sincere to pitying. Phoenix glanced at Draco, they were more than an arm's length apart. Draco was standing stiffly, yet confidentially, she could feel his irritation radiating off him. Phoenix stood with her shoulders slouched, and arms wrapped around herself. "If you two wouldn't mind following me," he walked between Phoenix and Draco, down the Great Hall towards the doors the first years had entered in from.
"And why would we do that?" Draco asked, Phoenix looked at him in shock. Draco hadn't turned to follow Dumbledore, and instead was facing where the headmaster had previously been standing. "Shouldn't we be joining our classmates for bed?" Phoenix looked silently between Draco and Dumbledore.
"Wouldn't you like to see your parents to sort this matter out?" Dumbledore asked over his shoulder. Draco's head snapped to look at Phoenix, his light blue eyes staring straight into her own light blue ones. They both quickly followed Dumbledore, their black robes billowing behind them as they raced to catch up. They walked down winding hallways, turning this way and that, ignoring ghosts that filtered between the walls. Draco and Phoenix stopped once or twice to do a doubletake at a portrait that would wave and say 'hello' to say a greeting back. Or in Draco's case, just stop and glare at them with his head tilted downward to make his light eyes seem darker than they appeared. Eventually, Dumbledore stopped at an Eagle statue, and looked back at the two of them.
"Follow me." He stepped in the alcove where the statue stood, Phoenix and Draco squeezed awkwardly next to each other, putting their elbows in each other's faces and sides as they tried to fit together. "Sherbet Lemon." Dumbledore sounded pleased of himself as the ground shook beneath them. Phoenix looked down in shock as the floor rose and turned, giving way to a staircase that pushed them further and further up until they reached a door.
Dumbledore opened the small wooden door and allowed Phoenix and Draco to enter the room first. Phoenix looked around the room, her heart pounding in her ears. Her fingers felt cold and she curled the sleeves of her robe around her fist. The first room was lined with shelves, cabinets, and bookshelves, there seemed to be a slightly separated area, making the whole room look shaped like a figure eight. In the further back part of the room were more bookcases, a large telescope looking object at the top of a set of stairs, a desk (most likely Dumbledore's desk), and two chairs.
When they heard the noises behind them, two adults stood and faced them.
"Father," Draco stormed forward and stood at the bottom of two steps separating both halves of the room. Dumbledore walked by Phoenix, gently guiding her forward with his hand on her shoulder blades. "This," he sneered at Dumbledore as he passed, leaving Phoenix to stand next to Draco, "joke, claims she's a Malfoy."
Phoenix fiddled with her sleeves, "There must be a mistake, I'm not," she looked nervously between the man and woman, Draco's parents. She recognized them from Diagon Alley, the man looked just as stern and unreadable as before, and the woman was still hauntingly beautiful. Even up close it was easy to see how alike the three Malfoys were.
"I'm afraid," Dumbledore swept his robes around him and sat heavily in his chair with a groan, "this is no joke."
The woman gave out a cry and she pressed a handkerchief to her lips, her light blue eyes glistening with tears. "I thought," she tried to speak, but Phoenix could feel the rock in her throat, and strain in her voice. Phoenix awkwardly shifted from foot to foot, feeling the tension in the air. "I thought we had lost you forever." The woman took a step towards Phoenix before collapsing to her knees and pulling Phoenix into her arms. Phoenix stood stiffly in her arms, looking wide eyed at Dumbledore for help. He offered none, and his face was straight, watching the moment unaffected. Phoenix's insides quivered, this strange woman she'd only seen in passing once was hugging her tightly. Crying into her hair and running her hands across her head and back.
The woman pulled back, "you're so beautiful." She cupped Phoenix's face and tucked her braid back over her shoulder. Phoenix felt her heart twinge, her hands were just as soft and motherly as her mom's. She'd even brushed her hair back the same way Mary did. "You look so much like me." Phoenix wanted to recoil from the woman's arms. "But your eyes are just like Draco's, a perfect blend of us," she looked at her husband, a few tears escaping her eyes.
"Indeed," Dumbledore spoke up after the man said nothing. "Draco is the spitting image of his father," The woman stood up and moved behind Phoenix, guiding her over to stand beside Draco, "and Phoenix is the spitting image of you, Mrs. Malfoy."
"I am nothing like these people." Phoenix wanted to say, her mouth remained sealed shut. Mr. Malfoy had a hand on Draco's shoulder, mirroring Mrs. Malfoy's hand on Phoenix's shoulder. "Tell them they've got it all wrong." She pleaded Dumbledore with his eyes, hoping he'd understand.
"What I want to know is," Mr. Malfoy stepped forward, leaving Draco, Phoenix and Mrs. Malfoy behind him, "why you would not allow us to bring a Ministry official with us."
Before Phoenix could hear the answer, she was being spun around by Mrs. Malfoy. She was looking at Phoenix and Draco, now that they were side by side, shoulder to shoulder. "I never thought," she bit her lip to keep from smiling, "I would ever have my babies together again."
"Mother," Draco snapped, disgusted, "You can't be serious."
"Draco," Mrs. Malfoy frowned, "We always told you that your sister was taken from us, aren't you happy to have her back?"
Draco glared at Phoenix out of the corner of his eye, "we got on just fine with her gone before. We can get on just fine without her now."
Mrs. Malfoy seemingly ignored Draco and turned back to Phoenix, "Oh," she cooed, stroking Phoenix's cheeks. Phoenix wanted to vomit and run away. This wasn't just a mistake, this was a horrible error.
"If only I hadn't pressed to come to Hogwarts." Phoenix wanted to cry.
"I suspected it was you when I first saw you at Diagon Alley." Suddenly, Mrs. Malfoy's perfectly manicured nails dug into Phoenix's shoulder, "but before I could get a really good look at you that-woman-whisked you away." She spat the word out like it was venom. Phoenix wanted to defend her mother, but before she could pry her jaw open, Mrs. Malfoy's entire demeanor changed.
She sat on the stone floor-which seemed to shock Draco-and pulled them both down to sit on the floor with her. Draco refused and went to stand beside Mr. Malfoy who now had his hands pressed on Dumbledore's desk and was leaning close to the headmaster. "How are you?" Mrs. Malfoy kept running her hands through Phoenix's hair.
"I feel ill." Phoenix blurted.
Mrs. Malfoy gasped, "Your voice is just as beautiful as I had hoped it would be."
Phoenix hugged herself. Mrs. Malfoy didn't get it, did she? Phoenix felt disgusted by the fact that her entire life was a lie. Phoenix Macdonald wasn't a real person, she'd never even existed. Her mother wasn't her mother, she was her kidnapper. "Did mom even love me?" she thought back to their tearful goodbye that morning, "God, that feels like years ago." Phoenix buried her face in her hands.
"I think," Dumbledore spoke over everyone else, "Miss Phoenix has had a long day." She looked back up and turned to look at the headmaster over her shoulder, "We can continue this wonderful reunion tomorrow," Dumbledore held a hand up to Mr. Malfoy, "and you can bring a Ministry official with you when you do." He smiled as though he were proud of himself, "How does lunch sound?" Dumbledore looked perfectly unfazed.
"We would love to come back and get this sorted out," Mrs. Malfoy said, "wouldn't you, Lucius?"
Mr. Malfoy looked torn between throwing a fit, and walking out wordlessly. He looked at Phoenix, she matched his unblinking stare with her own. It was true, Draco was just as sharp and slick as his father. Though while Draco had his hair slicked back, Mr. Malfoy-Lucius-had his long blonde hair loose, and falling around his shoulders. He strode over to Phoenix and Mrs. Malfoy in two long strides. Draco didn't follow.
"I," He began, but quickly pressed his lips together. Phoenix felt her blood run cold, this was not who she expected to be her father. She almost missed her mother's story of her father.
"They weren't my real parents. I never even met dad…or whoever mom-she-was talking about." Phoenix's head was swimming. Her mother wasn't actually her mother, but this stranger holding her was. Her father, who she never met, wasn't her father, but this stranger who looked extremely uncomfortable with her presence was.
Lucius kneeled down and took her shoulders, "We are going to do everything we can to make up for the time we've lost with you." He then, very awkwardly, pulled her into his arms. Phoenix could feel Mrs. Malfoy's hands leave her, leaving her completely isolated with this stranger who just so happened to be her father. "You have no idea how long we've waited for this moment." Over Lucius's shoulder Phoenix could see Draco seething. She didn't blame him, she would have loved to just go back to it just being her and her mother. Just as she assumed he would have loved to go back to being an only child. Phoenix, feeling the awkwardness of the hug, weakly raised her arms as best as she could in Lucius's grip and gave his back a few pats.
Then, both Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy were standing between their children. "We'll be back tomorrow, headmaster." Lucius glowered at Dumbledore who just smiled. "Draco, Phoenix," he looked at them as he addressed them, "do get along."
"Try to." Mrs. Malfoy pleaded, looking at Phoenix as though she wanted to whisk her away from there. Phoenix shuddered, the look wasn't the same one her mother had given her.
"She's not your mother." A voice reminded her.
And with that, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy walked out, Professor McGonagall and another man came in as they left.
"Well that could have gone worse." Professor McGonagall said. The other man, dressed in black robes, with equally black greasy hair, and a crooked nose strode over to stand beside Draco.
"Indeed." Dumbledore took off his glasses and inspected them for dirt, "now," Dumbledore put his glasses back on and stood up, "I'm sure our young Malfoy's are tired after their reunion. Would you mind returning them to their Houses?"
"Of course." The man in black said coolly.
"Come, dear." McGonagall smiled sympathetically at Phoenix, a much nicer look for the older woman than the stern look she'd received earlier for holding up the Sorting Ceremony. Phoenix allowed McGonagall to guide her to the door Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy had just walked out of. Phoenix under normal circumstances would have loved to have looked around at all the steaming, popping, whirring things in Dumbledore's office, however, her stomach was in knots, and all Phoenix wanted to do was go to bed. Draco and the black-robed man followed behind Phoenix and McGonagall.
Phoenix didn't pay much attention to McGonagall and the man's whisperings. She could almost feel Draco's fury digging into the back of her skull. She wondered briefly if he knew about their magic. Phoenix whipped her head around to stare at him, Draco was caught off guard by this and the feelings of fury passed momentarily. Phoenix turned back around as McGonagall lead Phoenix towards the stairs, bidding Draco and the man good night.
"Be careful here, dear." McGonagall held onto her, "the staircases move."
If she'd been more alert and aware, Phoenix would have gazed in awe at the moving marble and stone. As it was, Phoenix simply followed along behind her, trying not to cry. She must not have been trying hard enough, for McGonagall stopped before a portrait of a sleeping fat lady and kneeled down before her. "Here," she pulled out a handkerchief and dried Phoenix's cheeks. "I'm sorry you had to go through that, dear." She said quietly, a man across the stairwell in a portrait mumbled in his sleep about being quiet.
"I wanted to give up everything for magic this morning." Phoenix admitted, looking at McGonagall. "She's everything I would have dreamed for in a grandmother." She thought, her lips quivered and she sniffled loudly. "Now I want to give up magic for everything I had this morning." She croaked. Before Phoenix was aware of what she was doing she had wrapped her arms around McGonagall and cried into the woman's emerald robes.
McGonagall gave a noise of surprise, but didn't push Phoenix away. Instead, she held Phoenix closer. "I know this is all a lot for you to take in," Phoenix barely registered what she was saying, "but I know Mary loved you."
"She knows mom?" Phoenix thought, pulling back, "You know," McGonagall quickly put a finger to her lips, Phoenix quickly closed her mouth, feeling her hot tears wet her lips.
"Caput Draconis." McGonagall said suddenly, and the portrait behind her swung open. "Write in your journal, tonight." She instructed, holding Phoenix's shoulders, "then straight to bed."
"My journal!" Phoenix remembered she'd left it on the train, "But I left it on the train," she looked up at McGonagall who said nothing and ushered her in the hole behind the portrait. The portrait swung shut behind her, leaving Phoenix in a dark corridor. She timidly walked forward, expecting a thousand eyes on her, like when someone returned to a classroom after being out for only a moment to get water. Instead, she found an empty common room, with a dying fire, and a sleepy looking boy sitting slouched over in a chair.
"Oh." The boy mumbled sleepily, standing with a stretch. "You must be Phoenix." He yawned.
"Sorry." Phoenix wasn't sure why she was apologizing.
"No need," The boy grumbled, "I'm Percy Weasley, Gryffindor Prefect." He stuck out his hand.
"Ron's older brother?" Phoenix asked, accepting his hand with a shake.
"Hmm?" Percy hummed, "Oh, yes, Ronald." He nodded. "I was asked to stay up," Percy yawned again and Phoenix mimicked him, her exhaustion settling on her like a heavy blanket, "to instruct you to your dorm." He waved his hand towards a set of stairs to the right of the common room. "Your room will be on the first landing, just look for the door with your name on it. Your trunks and other belongings will already be in the room at the foot of your bed." Percy droned on autopilot, "do you have any questions?" His eyes had closed as though he were talking in his sleep.
"No. I'm sorry." Phoenix repeated, Percy waved her off, almost hitting her in the face if she hadn't dodged back.
"Very well. Good night." Percy then let out one final yawn and shuffled over to another set of stairs on the left of the common room. Phoenix looked around, she was sure during the day with the fire going that the red and gold wallpaper was warm and welcoming. But at night, it felt like a cave. She followed Percy's instructions and found her dormitory. She was sharing her room with Lavender Brown, Hermione Granger, Parvati Patil, and Fay Dunbar, all who were asleep when Phoenix opened the door was quietly as she could.
Seeing only one unoccupied bed Phoenix walked as quietly as she could over to see that-yes-it was her bed. Remembering what McGonagall had said Phoenix dug around in her trunk looking for the journal her mother had given her. After tearing her trunks and bags apart-albeit as quietly as humanly possible-Phoenix plunked down onto the floor in defeat. The journal was nowhere to be found, the one last thing that her mother had given her was gone. Along with her old life. She sighed and pushed herself to her feet, her face was numb from crying, and all she wanted to do was go to sleep. When Phoenix pulled back the covers on her bed she saw the little leather journal waiting in the middle of the mattress.
Quickly she picked the book up and jumped in bed, pulling the curtains closed around her bed. With a new burst of energy Phoenix quickly flipped through the book. An envelope fell out and Phoenix scrambled to pick it up and tear it open.
My dear Nixy,
If you've found this letter than you now know the truth. I am not your mother. You were kidnapped when you were just over a year old and given to me to raise as a weapon. I didn't want that life for you, and so when the war was over I took you away from magic and anyone that could have possibly wanted to use you and your powers. I want you to understand one thing. Phoenix, I love you. I love you as much as any mother loves her child, even though you are not biologically mine. Do not ever forget how much I love you, or the good times we've had. As I'm sure you are aware, I must go into hiding. Now that the truth is out everyone will be looking for your kidnapper, which I suppose they think is me. I wanted to tell you the truth so many times, but I was afraid of how you would take the news. Your biological parents are not good people, Phoenix, they were on the wrong side of the war. Do not try to find me, I will send you a letter once I have found a safe place to stay. I hope you will write back once that day comes. I love you so much Phoenix, and I will miss you every day we are apart. I hope to see you again one day, my dearest Nixy.
Love with all my heart and soul,
M.M.
Phoenix's hands were shaking, rain hit the castle in torrents, she could hardly see the letter. She let out a gasp, trying to breath, and pressed the letter to her heart.
"Mom," she let her head fall against the pillow, "I miss you so much."