Chapter 4 - The Phoenix and the Boy
Trust is a hard thing to establish. Perhaps the hardest thing about trust is that it needs to established at a very individual level. Harry sighed. He knew he would never get most of the other Defenders to trust him anytime soon. But it didn't really matter that much to him. Since their fateful meeting over the grave of Albus Dumbledore, Ginny had shown nothing but the most implicit trust in him.
But, she was the only one. Filius Flitwick was courteous but cautious, perhaps because he had been a witness to his oath. However, the other adults were completely against the decision of Ginny and Flitwick to allow a known Death Eater sanctuary in Hogwarts.
"Don't you recall how that ended up with Snape?"
Harry paused, having overheard those words, and decided not to enter the staffroom. Oliver Wood was against him. So was Cho Chang. Colin Creevey had decided to put his trust behind Ginny Weasley, but there was little affection between him and Harry. The handful of others were undecided, but mostly seemed suspicious of him.
Sighing, he turned around, and without thinking, found himself walking in the direction of Gryffindor Tower. He didn't want to compound to Ginny's problems by barging in on a meeting, despite being invited, when he was clearly not wanted by most of the others.
"Hello."
Harry turned around. A young boy was looking at him cautiously. Harry thought he looked familiar, but he couldn't have been, as he was too young to have been in Hogwarts three years ago. The boy seemed a bit uneasy but was clearly trying to draw up his confidence to speak to him.
"How can I help you?" Harry asked, with a smile.
"Yesterday, you were standing outside Professor Wood's class, observing my failure to make a Patronus," he said. Harry nodded, remembering the incident. "It seemed like you had some suggestions…"
Harry understood. "Come with me." He led the boy to an empty classroom. "What's your name?"
"Mark."
Harry nodded. "Well, Mark. I'm sure you know who I am." The boy nodded. "You appear to be no more than a third year."
"I'm in my second year," the boy said. "I know I might not be able to cast a Patronus so young. But I have to try."
Harry stared at the boy, wondering what memory the Dementors brought in him.
"Lucius Malfoy tortured and killed my family in front of me and was torturing me before I was rescued," the boy answered his unspoken question.
Harry simply nodded and started helping him go through the spell. After about half an hour, the boy was able to produce a faint mist.
"Don't overstretch yourself, Mark," said Harry gently. "Even this is a formidable achievement at such a young age."
Mark grinned. "Can you cast it?"
Harry paused. His stag patronus was well known and would easily indicate his true identity. But Harry felt a strong kinship to the young boy. "Can you keep it secret?"
The boy nodded.
Harry smiled, and recalled the memory from the day before, Ginny in his arms, her pleasant scent, Fawkes coming back to life. The rebirth of hope. If that didn't do it, then he might as well give up the struggle.
"Expecto Patronum."
But the shock was to be Harry's more than Mark's, for it wasn't Prongs that stood before him. Harry stared in disbelief and shock at the hippogriff that winked back at him.
"This is your patronus? Fawkes was correct then…"
Harry turned to Mark, who had whispered those words, as he stared with wonder at the hippogriff. "Did you just say Fawkes? And what's so strange about the patronus?"
"I believe I can answer that."
Harry turned his head and saw Ginny Weasley standing at the door, her gaze fixed firmly on Harry, with glistening eyes.
"Mark Evans, please give us a moment. I believe Gabrielle Delacour was searching for you."
Mark Evans. A memory jogged in Harry's mind. A ten year old being cheeky to Dudley Dursley. Dudley hitting him. He gazed at Mark again, and recognized the features of his former neighbor from Privet Drive.
"By your surprise, can I take it to believe this is the first instance of this particular patronus appearing for you?" Ginny asked breathlessly. She was staring with wide eyes at the hippogriff, as it flew around the medium sized classroom.
Harry nodded, spellbound and confused. "I haven't tried this spell in years. I wasn't sure it would work."
Ginny looked at him with a disturbed expression.
"What's so special about the - oh -" he froze, when the woman before him transformed into an identical hippogriff as to the silvery one, flying around. He stepped forward and blinked when he saw a tear in hippogriff Ginny's eyes. Harry touched the hippogriff's head, before it reverted back to the human. "This makes things a bit more awkward, I suppose."
Ginny chuckled lightly. She touched Harry's arm. "It makes us even better friends." She sighed when Harry's face fell slightly. "Had I mastered the transformation earlier, I might have been able to save him…"
Harry wrapped his arms around Ginny, hating himself for not coming clean before her. But he couldn't. And it wasn't only because of his fear and dread from Azkaban.
"I don't know how to ask for your forgiveness…"
His revelation could have a devastating effect on her. He couldn't do that, not until the war was over. Her devastation could compromise the Wards of Hogwarts. He had to keep his curse a secret. But he couldn't see her in such pain.
"Have you ever felt he's with you? That he's watching over you?" Harry asked curiously.
Ginny looked at him curiously.
"Somebody once told me that those who love us never leave us, even after their death," said Harry. "A part of them always remains behind with us, like a guardian angel watching over us."
Ginny smiled. She raised her wand. "Expecto Patronum." Harry gasped, for Prongs was standing before him. But it wasn't quite Prongs. There was a lightning-shaped scar on the stag's forehead. "He's always watching over me, Marcus."
'If only you knew,' thought Harry sadly.
"I wanted to carry him back," said Ginny. "But the bars of Azkaban are unbreakable. And when I touched his fingers, I knew I wasn't capable of more contact. It would have broken me completely."
Harry smiled sadly at her.
"But that isn't why I came to you," said Ginny, shaking aside all other thoughts. "You should have come to the meeting."
"I almost did," admitted Harry. "But I overheard what Wood and Chang had to say and decided it would be best if I stayed away."
Ginny sighed. "I could have done with your opinion. A new situation has come up."
Harry looked at her curiously.
"The Monarch is willing to reconsider his terms," said Ginny. "He is willing to provide full autonomy to Hogwarts over its surrounding magical regions."
Harry was surprised, but sensed a 'but' coming along.
"But his condition is that I marry Draco Malfoy," Ginny said, in complete disgust. "Malfoy will be the Lord Consort of Hogwarts."
Harry stiffened.
"Flitwick and Chang think this is worth considering," Ginny said quietly.
"Flitwick and Chang are fools!" Harry bellowed.
Ginny's gaze lowered. "They have the best interests of the children in mind."
"What about you?" Harry yelled. "What about Hogwarts?" He took a deep breath when he saw Ginny was getting slightly scared of his temper. "Do you really think Draco Malfoy being in charge would be good for Hogwarts and the children?"
"I don't," Ginny sighed. "But I have to face reality. We are losing, Marcus. The Wards are all that stand between us and them."
Harry's fingers grabbed Ginny's shoulder, he relaxed them and gently rubbed her shoulder. "Do you know why Mark Evans wants to learn how to fight Dementors? Because he sees Lucius Malfoy murder his family, torturing them, torturing him… you want to give his son power over such children? How can you even think of -"
Ginny's eyes blazed back at him. She slapped Harry. "Do you think I don't know that?" she spat at Harry. "I was the one who rescued Mark. And if I recall correctly, until a while ago you used to join Lucius Malfoy in killing innocent people like Mark's family!"
Harry felt cold. She was correct. He wasn't Harry Potter in her eyes, he had no right to say such things to her. He was Marcus Flint, a Death Eater. He drew back quietly.
Ginny gasped at the hurt in his eyes. "Oh, I'm sorry, Marcus!" Ginny cried out, and grabbed his hands before he could leave. "Don't leave me, please."
Harry allowed Ginny to fall in his arms and held her tightly.
"I don't know how you do it," she said softly. "I am usually so strong before everyone, not show a single weakness. But in front of you, everything comes pouring out of me - my anger, my grief, all my insecurities, all my doubts, all my confusion."
"That's because I -"
"Don't say it, please, I beg you," Ginny pleaded. "Please don't."
Harry sighed. "That's because I'm your friend, Ginny." Silently, he added in his mind, 'And I love you.'
Ginny smiled at him. She raised her head and kissed Harry's cheek. "I am very grateful for that. I really am, though I may not show it all the time. The truth is, Marcus, in these few short days, I have come to realize how much I need you." She gazed intently into Harry's eyes. "I need you to be there for me, to support me." Softer, she added. "I need you to support every decision I make, even if it means marriage to Draco Malfoy."
Harry released her, as if he had been punched in his stomach. For a moment, they both looked at each other.
"He's always watching over me, Marcus."
"I'm here, Ginny," he said softly. "I gave you an oath and that prevents me from standing by while you ruin your life. I will do everything in my power to keep you from marrying Draco Malfoy. Should I fail," his eyes closed in pain, "Should I fail, I'll still be watching over you. Never doubt that."
Without another word, Harry left the classroom, trying to ignore the quiet grief of tears from the girl he had left behind. He had to do something soon. Coming to Hogwarts, though a balm to his heart, had made him very complacent.
He knew what he had to do.
"Marcus, are you all right?"
Harry turned around. He saw Mark Evans and Gabrielle Delacour looking at him with concern. His eyes fell on their interlocked hands. Weren't they a bit too young to be holding hands? Didn't all girls, except Hermione who didn't really count, had cooties at that age, or was it just him? Harry smiled.
"I'm fine," he said. Then, he turned to Mark. "You mentioned Fawkes earlier. What was that all about?" He saw both children instantly becoming a bit tense.
Gabrielle was the one to speak first. "Please don't take Fawkes away from him, Marcus," she pleaded. "He came to Mark!"
Harry froze. He turned to the boy for confirmation. "Dumbledore's phoenix came to you?"
Mark nodded warily. "I was having a nightmare. Fawkes came and sang to me. I felt peaceful."
"Earlier, you said 'Fawkes was correct' when I made the patronus," said Harry, thinking back. "Does the phoenix speak to you?"
Mark frowned. He shook his head. "No, not in words. But I can understand his songs," he said, unable to explain himself better. "He wants me to trust you."
Harry smiled.
"He also wants you to trust me."
Harry's smile dimmed. He knew what he had to do. Involving the two children was not a good idea. But then he frowned. Was he becoming like McGonagall in his first year, thinking that because of their young age, the two twelve year olds in front of him, were incapable of being useful. Hadn't he himself achieved more than most adult wizards by that age? Wouldn't Fawkes be a better judge of character and potential than he himself?
"I am leaving Hogwarts," he said, making them both gasp in disbelief. "I am going to spy on the Monarch." He smiled sadly and walked away.
Harry didn't have many belongings. He had Flint's wand, which didn't work as wonderfully as his own, but it wasn't too bad. He walked out of the castle and walked towards the forest. Ginny was considering the Monarch's proposal and Harry simply couldn't stand by and watch her throw away her life like that. He had to take a more active stance against the enemy.
"I need you to support every decision I make, even if it means marriage to Draco Malfoy."
How could he do that? How could he see Ginny in Malfoy's arms? Harry was frustrated. He wanted to tell everything to Ginny. But would she believe him? The briefest mention of Harry Potter was torturous to her. How could he throw such a huge thing on her? Especially, when she needed to be strong enough to fulfill her responsibilities to Hogwarts.
"I can help you," said Mark eagerly.
Harry frowned. He turned around. Mark had run after him alone.
"Listen, I've got Fawkes with me," said Mark in a rush. "We have a connection. I can send him to get messages from you. See." Mark closed his eyes.
The next instant, Fawkes the phoenix appeared with a flash of fire and did a circle over their heads. He settled on Mark's shoulder.
Harry grinned at the phoenix, feeling a slight disappointment that the firebird hadn't chosen him. But just then, Fawkes started trilling melodiously, easing Harry's worries. Harry turned to Mark.
"Did you understand what he said?"
Mark nodded. "Fawkes thinks you have enough responsibilities and burdens already. You need someone you can trust completely."
Harry smiled at the phoenix, who was looking at him sadly, and turned to the boy, making yet another decision. Harry understood then. The phoenix hadn't returned to stay with him. Fawkes had returned for a far better purpose, to make him trust again.
"Mark Evans," Harry muttered. "Dudley was a giant whale, wasn't he?"
Mark gasped and took a step back in horror.
"So you see, I didn't go to St. Brutus' after all," Harry smiled sadly.
"No," Mark whispered in disbelief. "You can't be him. Professor Ginny said you're dead. That you died in A-Azkaban."
Harry looked at him sadly. "I should be," said Harry. "Marcus Flint killed me."
"Then, how?"
"How indeed?" Harry wondered out loud.
"Remember my last, Harry Potter. This curse will not release until Hogwarts is secured from all its foes."
"Harry Potter - the Boy Who Lived!"
"I know why you couldn't kill me. Because my mother died to save me."
"… he will have power the dark lord knows not…"
"I am alive because Albus Dumbledore was a great wizard," said Harry finally, "who sacrificed his own life to keep Harry Potter alive. I am alive because somebody needs to destroy Voldemort for good."
"… I never stopped loving you either…"
"I am alive because I love Ginny Weasley," he finished.
Mark looked at Harry with a troubled expression. He had his wand out. "If you're really Harry Potter, then answer this: who was Dudley Dursley's best friend? Who was the one who'd hold the arms of Dudley's victims behind their back while Dudley punched them?"
Harry sighed sadly at the suspicion in one so young. War and Voldemort, that is what was wrong with the world. "Piers Polkiss," said Harry. "He was tall, thin and had a mousy face."
Mark lowered his wand, staring at Harry in disbelief. "Great Heavens!" he uttered. Then, he looked angry. "Why haven't you told Professor Ginny? She's been so sad and -"
"Mark!" Harry interrupted sharply. "You have to give me your word you will not tell anyone."
"But -"
"Your word, Mark!" Harry said forcefully, grabbing the boy. The boy glared at him defiantly, and Harry let go. "I want to," Harry whispered in a croaking voice. "I want to tell her, so I can hold her in my arms, and kiss her, and…" he sighed. "But I can't. She's the Lady of Hogwarts, she holds the burden of the Wards. I will be a weakness to her when she can ill afford it. Revealing myself will make her vulnerable to such pain, to such fear and insecurities… can't you see how she's affected by merely thinking of me? How much worse would it be if I were to stand before her in person…" He saw understanding in the boy's face. "I must let her suffer a bit longer," Harry said, self-disgust laced in his voice, "so she can remain the magnificent leader she has become. Anything else would be horribly selfish of me. Please, Mark."
"I give you my word," said Mark reluctantly. "But can I tell Gabrielle at least? She grieves for you, I mean Harry Potter." Then, he grinned. "Oh, she's going to love it. Her favorite hero saved her yet again."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Hmm… So, Mark, you and Gabrielle, eh?" The younger boy blushed. Harry chuckled, ruffling the boy's hair. He couldn't help feel some sort of affinity to Mark. At the same time, Harry felt so relieved to have told someone the truth finally.
Things were looking bright.
