The smell of cinnamon and pine was what woke Phoenix. She slowly opened her eyes and met her own looking back at her. Phoenix screamed and jumped back, Draco screamed and jumped back.
"What are you doing in here?" She demanded, her voice still weak from just waking up.
"What are you doing still in bed?" Draco shot back. He was still in pajamas, silky grey, just like hers. They were a gift from the Minister. Before Phoenix could say anything back Draco reached up and pulled her out of bed. "Come on!" He pulled her to the door, grabbing his black and white robe and her black and purple robe. She ran after him, catching her robe as he tossed it over his shoulder with a laugh. She laughed as she followed him, eager to outrun him even if she didn't know where they were going. Phoenix had never seen Draco in such a carefree, childish mood. How much fun she and her friends would have teasing him about it!
Phoenix slowed down, "I can't believe I just thought that." Sure Draco was a stuck up bully at school, but he'd been nothing but kind to her once everyone had eased into her presence at the manor. Draco had found Phoenix in the kitchen making cookies and other sweets and had stayed with her, telling her all about what his Christmas's were like growing up and helping her when he got curious about how to cook. They'd even pranked some of the party goers at the Minister's party with some of Draco's friends. Draco even invited her to play Wizard's Chess with him in his lounge room even when she told him she didn't know how to play. Phoenix shook the thoughts away and followed Draco to her library. Narcissa and Lucius were already inside, both still in night robes and lounging on the couch. On one of the coffee tables sat a tea kettle, and a small breakfast buffet consisting of peppermint tea, cinnamon pancakes, maple glazed ham, cranberry stuffed french toast, and a dozen other sweets and goodies Phoenix barely had time to take in.
"I see Draco has woken you as well." Lucius smiled tiredly at Phoenix. Normally he took his meals with his work, going over stacks and stacks of papers, but this morning he had left all his work in his office. What he did, Phoenix didn't know, but she didn't feel like asking either. Narcissa usually kept her hair neat and nicely pulled back, but this morning she appeared to have rolled straight out of bed. Draco was the only one who seemed willingly awake and ready to start the day.
"Good morning, Phoenix." Narcissa yawned behind her hand.
"Come on!" Draco was already at the base of the tree, digging through presents and separating his from the pile. Every present was wrapped in smooth black paper with silver, emerald, or ruby ribbons tied around them into a bow. "You're pile is there." Draco pointed to a spot by the tree, Phoenix shuffled over, still asleep, but slowly waking up from the delicious smells coming from the coffee table.
Phoenix plopped down on the floor, "How many presents could possibly be in here?" She wondered. Where had they all come from? Phoenix was just in her library the night before looking for something to read.
Occasionally she'd find a present addressed to Narcissa or Lucius and she'd get up and hand them their respective gifts. Lucius laid each box and bag on the floor at his slippered feet, sipping his drink and watching his children. Narcissa tried her best to hold each gift, but soon found herself running out of arm and lap space, so she started setting gifts to the side.
"Why don't you open yours?" Phoenix asked, handing Lucius a little box.
"Because," he gently grabbed the box, "we do this together. As a family." He explained then gently slid the box out of her hands and onto his pile.
"We'll wait until everything had been sorted." Narcissa added.
Phoenix was pleasantly surprised when she returned to her room to find not only the gifts the Malfoy's had given her (she reminded herself that the house elves just wanted to help), but also a whole new pile of gifts to unwrap. There was a gift from the Weasley's, one from Harry, from Hagrid, Hermione, Blaise, and an unknown sender.
Phoenix sat down and pulled the boxes closer to her. She opened the one from Blaise first, it was a metal quill tip and a faux phoenix feather quill. There was a letter attached.
"Phoenix,
I had loads of fun pranking my step father at the Minister's party with you. You're not as bad as Draco makes you out to be. Here's a metal quill tip and new quill to use so you don't have to keep buying new ones when one breaks.
Have a happy holiday,
Blaise."
Phoenix smiled and set his box and letter aside. Next, she opened the sack from Hagrid. Inside were some of his rock cakes, which Phoenix pushed aside, and a hand carved wooden knight. On the inside of crude sack paper was a small note:
"Harry told mee tha youu lik Nights, Hagrid".
Phoenix hugged the knight to her chest and laid it on her lap as she pulled the next box over. This was marked from the Weasley's. Inside were letters from Percy, Ron, Fred, George, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. She put the letters aside and pulled out an oversized gold sweater with a ruby colored 'P' smack dab in the center. The hand knitted sweater smelled like fresh bread and fruits. Phoenix, with a giddy smile on her face, slipped into the sweater immediately. It was a little scratchy around her neck and wrists, but Phoenix could have snuggled under it and gone right to sleep. Instead, she pulled the Weasley's letters closer to her and went through each one.
"Phoenix,
I hope you've done all your homework before you come back to school. If you ever need any help, let me know.
Percy."
"Hey, Phoenix!
I'm sorry about all the letters. I just mentioned how Harry probably wouldn't get much this Christmas and my mum insisted I send you and Hermione something as well. She had us all write letters to send to you. Even though we just saw you at school a few days ago. Sorry about the sweater, I know they're ugly. You don't have to wear them. Also, write me back if Scabbers happens to be in your school trunk. I haven't seen him since everyone left and I'm not worried, just want to know if I need a new pet.
Happy Christmas,
Ron
P.S. did you already do your homework? I'm stuck on my potions review! Help!"
Phoenix laughed at Ron's letter and flipped to the next one.
"Hello little birdie!
It's us, your most favorite twins in the world. Well aside from probably yourself since you're a twin too! But we're your second favorite! Anyways, Georgie tucked in a few bits of candy we've been trying out, and Freddie snuck in a biting teacup straight from Zonko's. Take care!
Gred and Forge."
Phoenix doubled checked the box but found no such candy or teacup and wondered if a sentient teacup now wondered her house.
"Phoenix,
If you ever need ANYTHING you write us. A place to stay, food, advice, anything, it doesn't matter, dear, we will help you. We've removed Fred and George's tricks by the way. Hope you have a happy holiday.
Love, Molly and Arthur Weasley."
Phoenix smiled and snuggled deeper into the sweater. She'd have to thank them in person one day.
She opened Hermione's next. It was a book on William The Conqueror. Hermione included a note inside the front cover hoping she would find the book interesting. Phoenix had never heard of William and wondered briefly if he was a wizard. Harry's gift was a box of Bertie Bott's beans and a small note apologizing that he couldn't give her more. But it was perfect. Phoenix held the box close to her heart and wondered what Mary was up to. Did she know it was Christmas? How far was she?
The last box was from the unknown sender. She opened the box and found an upside down picture book. She turned it over and scrawled in glittering gold ink were the words, "Think of me fondly".
Phoenix opened the book. Each page had only one or two pictures on it. Mary. They all had pictures of Mary.
Mary in a winter coat huddled around two girls. They were laughing silently as snow fell around them.
"Mary, Marlene, and Lily. First trip to Hogsmeade.1973."
A picture of Mary next to a fireplace with the same two girls and four boys. Mary was sitting on the arm of a chair, a boy with scars on his face was actually sitting in the chair properly. The girl with long firey hair sat with her back to the fire, resting her head on the shoulder of a boy that looked just like Harry. The last girl sat between the last two boys on a second chair. Each boy took up an armrest. They each held steaming mugs and cheered.
"Celebrating Prongs and Lily's first date! 1978."
A picture of Mary and one of the boys. She looked to be teaching him how to transfigure something. He had messy curly hair and a slight stubble on his chin. There was something charming about him.
"Tutoring Wormtail. 1977."
A picture of Mary jumping up and down with the fiery haired girl, scarred boy, and boy with the stubble.
"Celebrating the Quidditch Cup Win! 1976."
A picture of the same large group of people and several empty bottles.
"Celebrating summer before our last year. 1977."
The pictures were all out of order. Who had sent this to her? Mary? But there was no note! Phoenix looked at the rest, absorbing every detail of every picture.
Mary and the scarred boy. He was teaching her something about her stance. They seemed cautious around each other, passing glances when the other looked away.
Mary laying in the sun by the lake.
Mary laughing.
Mary.
Mary.
Mary.
Mary and a group of people Phoenix didn't know!
Phoenix slammed the book shut and threw it against the wall. She breathed heavily and realized she was crying. Phoenix stubbornly wiped the tears from her face with the back of her sleeves on her new sweater. She shuffled over to the book and dropped to her knees. Phoenix held the book close to her chest, apologizing under her breath. She could hear the wind howling outside. "Why haven't you written me?"
"Both of you keep your grades up." Narcissa made sure both her children were neat. She'd somehow tricked them into wearing the same outfit only modified. Draco wore a button up white shirt under a black jacket, with matching black slacks and polished black shoes. He wore a thick, black, wool coat and a black furry hat that covered his ears. Phoenix wore a white button up blouse, knee length black skirt, white tights, and polished black shoes. She wore a long black coat that went down to her knees. Narcissa pleaded that Phoenix keep her hair out of a braid for one day, and had her hair pulled out of her face with a black headband, not that anyone could tell since she had a hat that matched Draco's. "Behave."
"Do better than anyone else." Lucius added, looking at his watch, "Narcissa, if we don't leave now they'll be late."
"Alright." Narcissa finished straightening their outfits out and stood back. "Let's go." Just as they came, Draco stood with Lucius and Phoenix with Narcissa. She hoped Narcissa or Lucius hadn't gone through her school trunk and found the album with pictures of Mary inside. She knew how well that would go over. They floo'd to King's Cross. The station looked frozen over, people were cautious when they walked around. Parents were huddled in groups, shivering and waving goodbye to their children. Phoenix and Draco stepped on the train and turned back to look at their parents.
"Be safe, my loves." Narcissa held each of their heads and kissed their foreheads. Draco pretended to be disgusted. Phoenix did nothing. "Write to us once you're settled back in." The whistle blew.
"Remember." Lucius instructed, "do good."
The doors closed and they both immediately stepped away from each other.
"Don't think this holiday changed anything." Draco shook off his coat and ripped his hat off his head.
"Ditto." Phoenix pulled her hair band out and braided her hair up the way Mary showed her how.
"What?" Draco scoffed, he shook his head, "nevermind. Just stay out of my way." He picked his coat and hat up from the floor and shoved past her.
"With pleasure." Phoenix unbuttoned her coat and carried it down the train. She took her hat off once she found Hermione.
"So? Did you find anything?" Hermione asked.
Phoenix paused, she'd completely forgotten to look for Nicholas Flamel! She'd actually enjoyed herself!
"No." Phoenix lied quietly.
"I wish I could remember where I'd seen his name." Hermione huffed. They sat in silence for a moment before Hermione began asking about her holiday. They talked about their respective trips until the stars sparkled overhead. The two had fallen asleep, curled up on the seat when the train whistle blew and an announcement came on that they'd be arriving at Hogwarts in less than five minutes. They yawned and sleepily thanked the luggage man as he strapped their luggage to a carriage. Phoenix and Hermione shuffled, arms linked together to keep the other from falling behind or falling asleep. They made it to Gryffindor tower and promptly fell asleep in their dormitory.
When Phoenix woke the next day. She shuffled down quietly to breakfast. Lavender, Parvati, and Fay were all still asleep, getting back late as well, but Hermione was gone. She ran into Seamus and Dean in the common room.
"Morning." She smiled tiredly at them.
"Mornin, how was your holiday?" Seamus asked. The three stepped out of Gryffindor Tower and began their descent down to the Great Hall.
"It was fine." Phoenix admitted.
"Malfoy didn't hex you to oblivion?" Dean asked. She shook her head. Dean looked past her shoulder, "Oi! Neville! Where are ya going?" Seamus and Phoenix turned, spotting Neville on the wrong staircase. Neville looked at them wide eyed.
"Yeah mate!" Seamus called, "that stair leads down to the dungeons." Neville looked like he was going to be sick.
"H-how do I get over there?" He asked pointing at them.
"Go up," Phoenix pointed at the stairs, "wait for that path to go down, and then follow those." Neville watched her trace the path and nodded.
"C-could you maybe wait for me?"
Seamus and Dean looked like they'd rather do anything but, however, Phoenix nodded and held onto their robes before they could leave her on the landing leading to the Great Hall. They watched as Neville plodded up the stairs and down the path Phoenix had instructed. "Thanks." He smiled at them once he made it to them.
"Course, Neville." Seamus said, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. Phoenix didn't understand the cloud of irritation over Seamus until his stomach echoed in the hall. The other three busted into laughter. "Shut it." He grumbled, marching angrily towards the Great Hall with Dean, Phoenix, and Neville following him.
Hermione, Harry, and Ron were already sitting together, Phoenix told the others she'd catch up with them later, and she joined the other three.
"Did you know?" Hermione turned to her with an accusatory tone.
Phoenix blinked in surprise, her eyebrows raising in shock. "Know what?" She glanced at Harry and Ron who were twiddling food with their forks and avoiding eye contact.
"That Harry snuck out of bed to see some mirror!" Hermione hissed quietly, "And neither of them made any progress on Flamel."
"You forgot the amazing fact that Harry's got an invisibility cloak." Ron blurted out excitedly, Harry hushed him.
"A what?" Phoenix asked.
"An invisibility cloak." Harry whispered, "I can turn invisible if I put it on."
"That's incredible." Phoenix mused, thinking of all the things she would do if she was invisible.
"Regardless!" Hermione got their attention again, "They didn't even attempt to make progress!"
"Well." Phoenix shook her head, "I had no luck at my house either." Ron and Harry looked at her in shock. "What?" She asked.
"Nothing you just," Harry glanced at Ron who suddenly looked sick, "you called it 'your house' and," he looked back at her, "it just threw us off."
"I-I did?" Phoenix looked at Hermione who nodded as-a-matter-of-factly. "It must have been a slip of the tongue." She reassured them. The slip up was quickly forgotten as Hermione laid down a plan of attack on the library. They had one final day of freedom before classes started up the next day. Phoenix wanted to show Ron and Hermione the pictures of her mom someone had sent her, but something told her they wouldn't approve of her keeping it secret from Dumbledore or Kingsley. Instead she kept the album a secret. When they arrived at the library they saw that it was closed the last day before break ended.
"Well now what?" Ron asked.
Hermione looked defeated, "I dunno." She admitted.
Looking for an excuse to go back to the common room, Phoenix suggested, "why don't we go over our Christmas break assignments?"
"That sounds like fun." Hermione agreed, she turned to Ron and Harry, "are you two all finished?"
Ron looked away, his cheeks growing red with embarrassment. "No." Harry admitted quietly.
"What?" Hermione shouted, "Well we've got to get working!" She got behind the boys and pushed them back to Gryffindor tower. "Honestly, how do you expect to get to our second year with a work ethic like that."
Phoenix followed Hermione and the boys back to their common room, however, she couldn't find a moment to break away from them to look at her photo album. Instead she helped Harry and Ron finish their homework just in time for supper. The welcome back feast was amazing, the first true feast Phoenix was able to enjoy without life-shattering news, or bathroom-shattering trolls. Phoenix ate a steak, two rolls with honey, steamed potatoes, and a chicken wing. When the food cleared away and dessert came, Phoenix had to remind herself to not stuff her face or else she'd regret it. Instead of gorging herself on ice cream, cake, cookies, and candy, Phoenix opted for a single ice cream cone with chocolate syrup, nuts, and a sliced strawberry on top.
"Got a bit of a sweet tooth there, huh?" One of the Weasley twins asked.
"Think we could try out some joke candy on you?" The other asked.
Ron groaned, "oh no, tell me you're not making more joke candy!"
"Joke candy?" Hermione asked for Phoenix since her mouth was covered in chocolate syrup and she had to wipe her mouth.
"We make sweets that make you sick!" One exclaimed, wide eyed, and enthusiastically.
"No thanks." Phoenix interrupted before they could continue, "I haven't been sick often and I don't plan on being sick."
"Well you're no fun." One of them snorted.
Phoenix ignored them and went back to enjoying her ice cream cone. She sighed with relief when Dumbledore dismissed them and wished them good luck now that school was back in session. Once safely behind her bed curtains Phoenix pulled the photo album out from its spot between the bed frame and the mattress. She looked through it again, like she had every night since she'd received it. The last two pages had her own photos in them; the one she found of her and Harry as babies, and the one of Mary with several people. She thought about telling Harry about the picture several times, but decided against it every time.
She turned to her favorite page that had the caption "Caught them!" Under one photo and "Trying my new camera!" Under the other..
In the first picture, Mary and the scarred face boy were sleeping under a tree by the lake, both had books on their laps and were breathing peacefully as sun beamed through the tree canopy.
In the second picture the boy, Peter, with curly hair and slight stubble under his chin, stood in a bathroom, an old fashioned camera held at his waist. The scarred boy, Harry lookalike, and boy with shaggy black hair were all standing with him. Everytime Peter's camera flashed they would make a different pose, each laughing at the silly things the others did.
Phoenix was sure the scarred boy was her father. "Or rather," Phoenix traced the photos with a finger, "the man Mary claimed was my father." She thought of what kind of person he must have been. He looked like a ton of fun, and made Mary happy and smile. Phoenix closed the book before the tears could fall. She wished they could have been a family. She slid the book back into its hiding spot and rolled away from it, curling up under her blankets and willing herself to sleep.
Classes started up again the next day and the four were back to checking the library during breaks. Harry couldn't join them as often as Oliver Wood had him at Quidditch practice every spare evening. The weather seemed out of control as gentle snow was replaced by torrential downpour. Phoenix kept up with the journal her mother had given her, anything she thought was particularly dull she wrote to Narcissa and Lucius about.
That was where Phoenix was in the middle of muddy March. She sat on the floor in the common room by Hermione and Ron's feet. The two were playing chess (the one thing Ron was better than Hermione at, aside from maybe eating, sleeping, and thinking of sassy comebacks).
'I got top marks on my last History of Magic test. And Professor Snape says my potion making is good for a Gryffindor. I won my house ten points in Charms class for my proficiency at the dancing feet spell.'
Phoenix twirled her faux phoenix feather around. She didn't take it with her to class, not wanting someone to question where she'd received it and possibly embarrass Blaise. She wanted to try to be friends with more than just Gryffindors, and Blaise had taken the first step, so she would respect his wish of privacy.
The portrait door swung open, meaning the Quidditch team was probably back from practice and Phoenix looked up for Harry. However, Harry was the only one coming in.
"Harry?" Phoenix stood up. Did something at practice? He looked as sick as a dog and a haze of fear hung around him.
"Don't talk just yet." Ron held up a hand, "I'm concentrating."
Harry looked helpless and blurted out as quietly as he could, "Snape is refereeing the next match."
"What?" Phoenix, Hermione, and Ron chorused back.
"Don't play." Hermione insisted.
"Pretend you're sick." Phoenix suggested.
"Pretend to break your leg." Hermione upped the excuse.
"Really break your leg." Ron added. Phoenix and Hermione looked at him horrified, "what?"
"I can't," Harry's shoulders sagged with defeat, "there isn't a reserve Seeked, so if I don't play then we forfeit the Quidditch Cup."
Just then the portrait door swung open again and Phoenix looked to see if it was Oliver or one of the twins. She'd just have to persuade them to protect Harry or get someone else-anyone else-to referee. Instead Neville hopped in with his legs stuck together with a leg-locker curse. He fell over once in the safety of the common room and everyone laughed save for Hermione, Phoenix, Ron, and Harry.
Hermione ran over and undid the curse on his legs. Phoenix followed and helped him sit up, "what happened?" She asked.
"Malfoy," he paused, "Your brother!"
"You should go to McGonagall." Ron walked over, his hands in his pockets. "Someone ought to put him in his place."
But Neville was shaking his head, "I don't want to cause any more trouble or become and even bigger target." Phoenix didn't need fancy magic to see the fear in his eyes.
"You can't let him walk all over you, Neville." Ron insisted.
"I don't need you and him telling me I'm not brave. I know I'm not supposed to be here." Neville looked on the verge of tears.
"Here," Harry came running back down the stairs, he must have gone up once Neville had fallen, "You're worth ten of Malfoy." He handed Neville a chocolate frog. "You're a Gryffindor. And where is he? Stinking Slytherin." Neville really looked like he was going to cry now as he took the chocolate.
"Thank you, Harry." He took the frog out and expertly held it in his hands, "do any of you want the card?" Harry gladly took it back. "Thank you," Neville thanked Hermione and Phoenix again. "I think I'll be going to bed."
They watched him go. Phoenix yawned and collected her papers, "I think I'll go to bed too. Harry, please talk to McGonagall about changing the referee." She pleaded.
"I will." Harry pocketed the chocolate frog card. The four wished each other good night before heading to bed.
The next day it was back to their rhythm. Harry joined them in the library after lunch and sat down making a face.
"What is it?" Phoenix asked. Harry reached in his cloak pocket and pulled out the chocolate frog card from yesterday.
Something's in my pocket-I got Dumbledore again." Harry realized dejectedly.
"You didn't change robes?" Hermione looked disgusted and mortified.
"I found him!" Harry shouted, ignoring Hermione. Madam Pince shushed him. "I knew the name sounded familiar!" He looked at the card, "listen-'Dumbledore is particularly famous for his defeat of the Dark wizard Grindelwald in 1945, for the discovery of the twelve uses of dragon's blood, and his work on alchemy with his partner Nicolas Flamel'!" Hermione suddenly jumped up and ran off into the rows of books.
"I had you all looking in the wrong section!" She exclaimed coming back, "how could I be so stupid?!" She dropped the book on the table they were at, "I checked this out weeks ago for a bit of light reading."
"This is light?" Ron asked incredulously.
Hermione ignored him, flipping through the book before exclaiming, "There! Nicolas Flamel is the only known maker of the philosopher's stone!"
"The what?" Ron and Harry asked.
"Seriously?" Phoenix spoke up, "even muggles talk about him. The philosopher's stone is the only known item that can turn any metal to pure gold, make anyone immortal!"
"No wonder Snape wants it." Harry mused. "That's got to be what Fluffy is guarding!" He snapped his fingers and got a shush from Madam Pince again.
Even with this information, they had no way to get past Fluffy. This information stayed brewing in their heads for the next week up until the next Quidditch game.
Phoenix, Hermione, and Ron were the only ones sitting in the Quidditch stands. Everyone was up cheering, so no one noticed how gloomy they were. Would they ever see Harry alive again? Or would Snape finally knock him off his broom? The three had practiced the leg-locker curse just to be safe, but still didn't feel great about the game.
Everyone roared when the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor teams came onto the pitch. Phoenix blocked them out. "Okay, remember the spell." Hermione said, her hands wringing her wand.
"I remember," Ron insisted, "don't nag-Ouch!" They turned back.
"Sorry, Weasley. Didn't see you down there." It was Draco, with Crabbe and Goyle behind him. How did he get in the Gryffindor stands?
"You want to know how they pick members of the Quidditch team, sister?" Draco asked with pure venomosity, but he had a smug grin on his face as he looked down on Ron. "They feel sorry for them. Potter has no money, the Weasley's have no money," Draco just noticed Neville cowering next to Phoenix, "why don't you try out, Longbottom? You've got no brains." Phoenix could feel herself growing red with rage.
"I-I'm worth ten of you." Neville whimpered over his shoulder at Draco.
Draco and his friends roared with laughter, "if brains were gold you'd be poorer than Weasley, and that's saying something." Draco guffawed at him.
"Careful, brother," Phoenix spat the word out like it was poison. There was no way she'd let him drag her to his level. "Or mummy dearest might hear about this." The wind picked up and a few wisps flew out of her braid. Ron and Neville snickered.
"Harry!" Hermione shrieked. They turned to see Harry diving towards the ground.
"Look! Potter's found some money for you, Weasley!" Draco taunted.
"That's it!" Phoenix shoved her wand at Neville and knocked Draco to the ground. She saw the same horrified look Dudley gave her and hesitated for a second. Thankfully Ron hopped over his chair and pinned Draco down. The two boys began throwing punches. In the midst of the scuffle Lee announced Harry had caught the Snitch, ending the game in barely five minutes. Phoenix turned to see Gryffindor's rushing the pitch to lift Harry up. She turned back, noticing Draco now had a black eye and Ron had a bloody nose.
"Come on." Phoenix pulled Ron off of Draco and followed Hermione out of the stands. They joined everyone on the pitch just as they let Harry down and carried Oliver around.
"You did great!" Hermione threw her arms around him.
"What happened to you?" Harry hugged Hermione back and looked at Ron.
"Malfoy." Ron spat. "Not her," he jerked his head towards Phoenix, "the one that can eat dragon dung." Ron basked in the celebration going on around him.