He didn't think he would get a gift from Misty but she got him a pair of blue fuzzy gloves. He was definitely going to wear them, he really did like that elf, since she was the only girl in the house she acted like a mother hen with the three.
They spent the rest of the day in the game room watching movies with hot chocolate and making sure Misty joined them.
Time seemed to pass by a lot quicker than Harry expected it to after the holidays. When Remus wasn't tutoring, you could find him submerged in research. Owls came and went trying to figure out the spells needed for the tokens. After receiving the ward used by publishing companies he was able to adjust the spell to work with the token. They got a company in the muggle world to mass produce some plastic tokens with a stag on one side and PFH on the other. Remus and Sirius had decided that since it was Harry's idea initially he should pick out the name and logo. The contract was enough to have drawn up and approved by the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. They wanted to ensure no one could find any loopholes in it. Sirius had gone ahead and bought a shop in Hogsmead. Harry was in charge of ordering the games. Ultimately it was decided to not use any redemption games yet. This would allow them a chance to see how well the idea was received. Prong's Fun House Arcade was officially being opened on the 1st of August. The day prior to it would used to have Harry's Birthday Party.
Remus had also managed to order about twenty pairs of contacts and was experimenting with those. Since Harry was the only one with that wore contacts he would usually end up the guinea pig. Honesty it had not progressed much, Remus had at least managed to put a self adjusting prescription to the contacts that went into effect once they were put on. Harry had already switched to these, but was really waiting for them to become self lubricating so they wouldn't have to be taken out every night. It probably would have been done by now but Moony was focusing most of his time on the arcade. Sirius and Harry tried to help, but they quickly learned that while they might give the general idea for the place, when it came to the actual execution, Remus was the man for the job. When they did try to help they would tend to slow him down. To keep some of his pride Sirius decided that he and Harry would be the promoters and the face of the arcade instead. Remus gave him a placating smile but went along with it anyways.
Sirius's main focus was Harry. He would be the one who took him to his Karate practice, they went to a few amusement parks, the park, and Sirius was teaching Harry swordsmanship. Harry didn't even know Sirius knew how to handle a sword but apparently this was something that most pureblood's were taught growing up. Since the Christmas party Sirius had taken Harry to get his wand and holster. Remus wanted to finish this year teaching him the theory believing it would help Harry learn faster when he did start learning spells. Sirius was teaching him spells though, granted they weren't necessarily the ones he would learn in Hogwarts. They were mostly for pranks but most were practical, color changing spells, levitation, and augamenti to wake someone up were a few examples. The good thing about Sirius was that he never paid attention to how advanced a spell was, he figured if Harry didn't know how difficult a spell was it would be easier to learn it.
Harry had a smile on his face when he thought about the last seven months. After the Christmas party they had shown Remus the memories. Remus was thoroughly amused when he saw them. After that he had gotten together quite a few times with both Cedric and Neville. When he had gone to Cedric's house they chased after the snitch for hours. The next time he had both boys over to his house and showed them the arcade. Neville was pretty shy at first but once they started playing all shyness and awkwardness went away and they ended up having a blast. Cedric and Neville were becoming good friends especially Neville. They wrote often and would alternate visits to each other's house. Neville even went out with Sirius and Harry on a few trips to the muggle world.
Oh and Minnie, she got quite a few bouquets along with date invites following the party. She had a talk with Sirius about it but was taking it as a joke. Harry wrote her a letter establishing that he understood she wanted to wait until he was older, he would respect that and wait. He would try and control his actions but couldn't control his heart. Nothing would change except he would make it more obvious that he did it to get a rise out of her.
Andromeda had become somewhat of a mother figure. She saw two men raising a child and figured she was needed especially since neither was big on discipline. Personally Harry thought that she was looking for something to occupy her time since Tonks was at school and Ted worked during the day but liked her around so said nothing about it. She took it upon herself to teach Harry things that she felt he should know how to do, 'even if Misty does it for him now'. She taught him how to cook a few dishes, charms to pack up his toy chest, basic cleaning spells, basics of gardening, and grooming techniques. He allowed his hair to grow out a bit so that it would be more manageable. She also said she would teach him to play guitar which she had learned from Ted. Harry already knew how to do most of these things but liked spending time with her so he just pretended it like it was all new and that he picked it up rather quickly. He was pretty excited about the guitar though.
Ted came around a few times a month but mostly spent time with Sirius and Remus. He was an easy going guy that enjoyed the guy time; poor guy lived with two girls, he probably liked the change of pace.
Tonks came around during the summer after her fifth year. She had taken an instant liking to Harry. She taught him spells and then would help him prank Remus and Sirius. She found out about McGonagall and proceeded to tease Harry mercilessly hoping to make him blush. The main thing that this did was to force Harry to be a bit more daring when messing with her. She never blushed or got flustered so he probably wasn't too good yet.
By now Harry's occlumency was pretty much developed. He had built up his barriers and now it was about keeping them up constantly so that they would get stronger. Right now he was positive that he could detect and stop an average legilimency attack but probably couldn't stop someone like Dumbledore or Snape if they forced their way in. He figured that by the time he started Hogwarts he would be.
His wandless was far better than he had hoped for. He was right when he assumed that once he got used to silently and without set movements it would be worth it in the long run. It took a couple of months to master that technique but once he had he started picking up spells rather quickly. As of now he had the first year lessons done. He was taking a slight break to go through them once again before he went to second year.
He had asked Sirius and Remus if he could learn his animagus form. He promised not to attempt it on his own but he would like to take the potion to know what his form would be. They discussed it and figured there was no harm in that, they agreed to get him the potion after everything with the arcade was settled.
He talked to Misty about the locket. He knew she would refuse to give him anything not cleared by Sirius and he wasn't skilled enough to break the charms she had in the room on his own yet. Harry told her that the locket was important but couldn't tell Sirius about it yet. The compromise was that Misty keep it safe until he had Sirius's permission to have it. Harry didn't want to cause Misty worry over it and figured he was going to tell Sirius after the battle at the ministry so it could wait until then. After he started Hogwarts he would sneak out and go about collecting the rest. He was watched to closely now.
He thought about the arcade, the big opening would be officially on August 1st, they were opening it up a day early to have Harry's birthday party . Harry sent out invitations to the Tonks, the Longbottoms, the Digorys, and McGonagall. Sirius and Remus had invited Dumbledore, Hagrid, Flitwick, and Sprout, mostly so that they could see the arcade without many students around.
The front room was going to be the area where they would and eat and mingle until it was time to move on and play. They had hired a young woman named Cynthia and a man named Robert to work throughout the week. All they really had to do was change money for tokens and handle the drink station. There were a few tables where people could relax and mingle if they wished to.
Misty had set up the front area with food and drinks, and an extra table for gifts. The first to show up was Neville and his grandmother. As the best friend he wanted to show up early to keep Harry company.
"Hey Neville, glad you could come. I'll fight you later if you want." Harry said with a smile. He could beat Neville in racing and shooting games but Neville still beat him 2 out of 3 times in the fighting games. They liked to play this together because they presented each other a challenge.
Neville smiled handed him a present and stepped aside for his grandmother.
"Mrs. Longbottom, I'm so glad you could come. Would you like something to drink?"
Mrs. Longbottom gave Harry an approving nod. She liked Harry and thought that the two boys were good for each other. She knew her grandson needed an assertive and confident friend who would bring out this side in him too, he was sheltered, she knew it was mostly her doing but was glad they were friends now. She knew Harry needed someone like Neville as well, someone who looked at Harry almost like a big brother and would be very loyal to the boy. He was supportive and would stand by through rough times she was sure were going to follow the boy. They were both going to be Lords and needed someone who understood this and could be there for each other.
"Yes please Harry, may I have some tea?"
Harry smiled, "Coming right up, Neville?"
He got them both drinks and went back to the table to chat for a while. Harry saw the professors from Hogwarts walking in; he smirked at Neville letting him know he would be right back. Neville shook his head but waved him away anyway.
"My birthday wish was fulfilled the minute you walked through that door Minnie." While kissing her hand.
The rest of the professors held in their laughter at the sight of the annoyed transfiguration teacher.
"Mr. Potter, what have I told you about your behavior and how you address me?"
"Minnie, like I say time and time and again we're amongst friends please call me Harry, and I can't control how my heart speeds up at your presence. The heart wants what it wants?" He then very blatantly looked her over as if he couldn't help himself.
A few snickers and a throat clearing brought him back to the present, he blushed a bit at being caught staring. Harry thanked his occlumency at being able to avoid showing his amusement when he saw the slight red tint to her cheeks.
Dumbledore cleared his throat, "Harry, may I introduce you to professor Flitwick who teaches charms, Professor Sprout who teaches herbology, and our gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid."
Harry went to Flitwick first, "Nice to meet you professor, please call me Harry,"
Flitwick had his usual jovial smile "Nice to meet you to Harry, this is fine place you and your guardians started. Oh and of course happy birthday Harry"
Harry smiled, "Thank you professor, if you're interested I'll show you how to play some of the games later."
Flitwick smiled, "I'd be delighted"
Next he greeted Professor Sprout, "Professor Sprout it's a pleasure to meet you," he looked around and yelled out for Neville, once Neville came by, "I'd like to introduce you to my best mate Neville, also the next prodigy in herbology." He nudged Neville. As they shook hands and started talking they forgot about Harry so he moved onto to Hagrid.
"Mr. Hagrid" The rest of his greeting was cut off by the shaking of his body from Hagrid's handshake. Harry gritted his teeth trying not to cry out, he was able to handle the handshakes a bit more when he was older.
"It's Hagrid, Harry, just Hagrid. Why I haven't seen ya since I dropped you off at your aunt's home." Here Harry's smile became quite forced, something that was noticed by the professors. "I could carry you in one arm back then, and look at you now a young lad. Here's your present Harry but you got to keep it somewhere warm." Hagrid handed Harry an egg.
"I bought it from one of them street vendors. It's some kind of bird most likely an eagle owl. Thought you might like to have it while it's still young."
Harry gave it a wary glance, Hagrid said he thought it was an owl but with Hagrid who really knew. He was going to have to get approval early on from Hogwarts to allow more than one pet. He hated to use his name but he couldn't see himself leaving either Apollo or Hedwig behind and now this new owl, he would make it the family owl instead.
"Are we allowed more than one pet at Hogwarts Minnie?"
She pursed her lips, annoyed that his attention was back on her. Harry knew that she wasn't really angry so he would keep it up until she was truly getting tired of his game. He was quite fond of her and didn't want to upset her.
"There are usually no issues as long as the pets don't become disruptive and it and you inform the staff ahead of time."
Harry nodded with a pensive look, at least an owl and a kneazle wouldn't be an issue.
He turned to the Headmaster, "How are you doing Headmaster?"
"I am doing well my boy, a little lonely when the castle is as empty as it now, but enjoying the time as well."
Harry nodded really having no idea what to say to that.
"If you want to take a seat there's food and drinks over there." There were too many to offer to bring the drinks for them. He did turn to Professor McGonagall though.
"May I get you something to drink Minnie?
"How many times have I told you to not call me that ridiculous name Mr. Potter. But yes you may get me some butterbeer."
Harry's eyes sparkled a bit in amusement but nodded anyway.
After getting her drinki he looked around and realized that the Diggorys and the Tonks where there already. He went to say hello to the Diggorys but didn't stay long since they were already eating.
Ted was talking with Sirius, Remus, Flitwick, and Kingsley. Harry wasn't aware he was invited but was happy to see him either way. He was a respectful man who you couldn't help but admire. Harry went over to where Andromeda was. She greeted him with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"Happy birthday sweetie, are you going to win me a stuffed animal later?"
Harry grinned cheekily in return "For you Aunt Andy ask for moon and it's yours"
She laughed happily in return, "Ok Casanova how about you go and bring me some butterbeer and a pumpkin juice for Nymphadora."
"Coming right up" After a quick greeting with Tonks he left to go get the drinks.
After giving them their drinks he noticed everyone started to eat. By the time Harry was done there were already a few people in the arcade, earlier Sirius had passed out a bag of tokens to each guest.
When Harry walked in he saw Cedric playing a racing game with his dad, Tonks wasvplaying pac-man, and Sirius was playing ice hockey against Ted. Remus like always was in the claw game trying to win a piece of chocolate. Flitwick was staring curiously at a motorcycle racing game. Harry chuckled.
"You put the coin in, get on the bike, and then navigate by leaning to the sides to avoid crashing. It's a race so you're also trying to get to the finish line first. You wanna try?"
Flitwick looked absolutely fascinated. "Oh yes, can you get me a stool so I can get on with more ease?"
Harry went to the front and got a stool. The first few times they played Flitwick crashed horribly, but after the fourth he started picking up on it. Harry was just enjoying the moment having fun and not worrying about a thing.
After that he started wandering around until Dumbledore caught up with him,
"This is a marvelous place my boy, how did the idea come up?"
Harry shrugged "We had gone to a muggle arcade and enjoyed it. After that we asked Remus to look for a way to make muggle electronics work in a magical place. Once he figured it out we made an arcade at home. We were in there so much that we realized wizarding children would like it as well. And well here is the end result." He said with a shrug, "Have you ever played any video games?"
"Alas I have not, I've seen them but never tried one, I feared it would look odd to have someone my age playing one." Harry was positively amused, while Dumbledore said this could tell that he wanted to.
"Will you play one with me Headmaster?"
"I would love to Harry, you will have to instruct me though."
"Sure sure, which one would you prefer? There is shooting, racing, fighting, air hockey, or we can try the claw game." Harry looked him over; he knew that the headmaster had very fast reflexes. "Let's try air hockey, it's the easiest to learn and it's more about reflexes than anything else." They started walking that way.
When they got there Harry put in the token and explained the target of the game. He showed him how the puck glided on the table and how it made it go faster than normal. He hit a few to Dumbledore slowly so he could get the gist of it.
Harry looked around and realized that they had gathered quite a crowd. Whether it was curiosity of the game or to see Dumbledore play a game he didn't know or really care. He knew that the old man playing any game would be a sight to see.
It was a surprisingly suspenseful game. It started off with both gauging the other but the moment that Harry started hitting it harder all bets were off. The old man was surprisingly good, for a moment Harry thought he was being hustled. The group watching cheered on after every score, but with Sirius and Tonks cheering Harry's cheers were a bit louder. Harry won but just barely, the final score was 7 to 6. The only reason Harry believed he won was because he was familiar with the game, he didn't play knowing that the next would either be a tie or a loss.
"That was a really good game Headmaster, would you like to play something else?"
Dumbledore chuckled, "No Harry you go on ahead, I'm going to attempt to convince Minerva to play a game with me."
Harry went around playing different games with different people, he enjoyed the racing games against Tonks the best, she got so angry whenever she would crash, which honestly was quite often. It wasn't until Andromeda came by and heard Tonks saying some rather colorful words that they stopped playing. Tonks hair turned a bright red when she realized she was being scolded in front of her professors. Harry couldn't help but add fuel to the fire.
"What does a bull have anything to do with the game Aunty Andy?" She looked at him questioningly.
"Nymphadora said the game was bullsh*t?"
Harry stared at Andromeda with an innocent expression and when she turned away he turned to Tonks with his eyes sparkling madly.
Tonks was gaping at Harry finally realizing what he had done. Everyone was trying to hide their amusement at her predicament, Sirius like always was the least successful.
Harry didn't really want to get her in trouble just to mess with her so he turned to Andromeda and gave her his most potent puppy eyes.
"Aunty Andy we were about to go to the claw game to win your stuffed animal, is that ok?"
She looked at him, then at Tonks, and then back at him, finally her eyes softened and she gave him a soft smile.
"Alright sweetie go ahead, have fun." Turning to Tonks "Watch your language from now on young lady, especially in front of little Harry." With that she walked off.
Tonks turned to Harry with a playful glare. "You're lucky it's your birthday today Harry, because you're asking for it."
Harry pretended to look shocked "Why Tonks I don't know what you're talking about, I'm just a young curious boy who asked his Aunty Andy an innocent question."
Tonks couldn't help but laugh, "Yeah yeah, come on kid let's go win some prizes.
They played quite a few times before they won the first one. Harry won a lion, a penguin, a phoenix, and a polar bear.
Tonks took the polar bear before Harry could even object stating that he owed her. She took off without a second look. Harry knew that it was a fair trade and he was probably getting off easy.
Before he went to Andromeda he went outside and had someone transfigure necklaces for the stuffed animals that said Harry.
"Here you go aunt Andy, hope you like it." He said a bit self-consciously, she was slowly becoming someone he cherished and although this started off as a joke he was nervous that she wouldn't like it.
"Why this is great Harry thank you very much" she said with a smile, he smiled back and walked off.
He went to Professor McGonagall's table.
"Are you enjoying yourself Minnie?" He said with a shy smile as he sat next to her.
She raised an eyebrow at him, "This arcade is interesting to say the least. A few of these games are quite entertaining. I quite enjoyed the claw game myself."
His eyebrows went up at this trying to picture the strict transfiguration teacher playing any of these games. "Did you win anything?"
Here she scowled, looking annoyed. "No I didn't, it is quite tricky."
Here is where Harry was going in for the kill. Taking on a shy and bashful look he said
"Well I won this for you, I hope you like it"
He placed the lion on the table and with a slight tint on his cheeks he walked away knowing that this would help him keep a soft spot with her.
He caught a glimpse of her and she looked a bit startled but touched. He always knew that Minnie was a softie.
For the next couple of hours everyone played while mingling, Harry was on a sugar high from some of the chocolate he ate from the claw game. Finally Remus called everybody back to the front for cakes and then presents. Harry pulled Neville with him and made their way to the front.
Once in the front he blew out the candles of his cake and started passing it out. After everyone finished eating it was time to start opening presents.
From Sirius he got a penknife,
"It's got attachment that will help you unlock any lock and undo any knot." he added in.
"This is brilliant Sirius, thank you" His eyes sparkled when he noticed the disapproving looks coming from Andromeda and Professor McGonagall to Sirius.
He got Astronomical Model, a miniature version of the stars and and planets that he could use to study with from Remus. He was iffy about it but would use it if only because it was from Remus.
Everyone raised their eyebrows when they saw he had a gift from Garuk, apparently it wasn't common to get gifts from goblins. It was an earring, a white gold, black and white star stud. There was a note attached saying that it was charmed to alert him if he was either about to eat or drink something laced with a potion or poison. Harry automatically loved it.
He showed it to Sirius and Remus giving them a pleading look to allow an ear piercing. It didn't look like it would be a problem until…
"No, absolutely not, I forbid it. Harry you are too young to wear an earring." Andromeda looked outraged that they had even considered it. Harry sent a pleading look to Sirius but Sirius was momentarily frozen.
"Please Aunt Andy, an earring is no big deal, plus it will help keep me safer." Harry put out his best puppy dog eyes, they had never failed him with her before.
Well there was always a first. She looked like she was about to relent and at the last minute stood firm.
"No Harry you are too young"
Harry had never felt himself so close to throwing a tantrum before in his life. He was about to argue some more when Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat, positively amused as always.
"Andromeda, Harry perhaps this is a discussion better left for another time"
Harry blushed crimson, he had never acted out so much unconsciously, and he was thoroughly embarrassed. It didn't help that he could hear Tonks snickering nearby.
Andromeda simply smiled at the Headmaster, "Of course Albus" and before he could stop her she took the earring away from the table and put it in her robes.
Harry looked at Sirius as if to say aren't you going do anything about it, but Sirius just shrugged and Harry knew he was on his own.
Harry started to scowl at Andromeda one last time but quickly stopped when he saw her with an eyebrow raised as if daring him to continue.
Instead he moved on to his next present from Andromeda, it was a magical camera.
"This is brilliant" Admiring the camera, "Thank you Aunt Andy, Ted"
She was right next to him so he gave her a hug and whispered thanks to her.
Tonks gave him a pair of NERF guns.
She then said "I'll get my revenge on you this way Harry."
Harry grinned mischievously. "You're on Tonks, thanks though these are wicked."
Many people looked confused until he explained what they were. Some looked curious still so he said he would show how they worked after he finished opening his presents.
Neville got him the whole Puddlemore United action figures. They were real life like and even hovered a few inches off the ground. If he could get a miniature Quidditch pitch it would a great set atop of his dresser.
"Thanks mate, these are great." Neville gave him a smile and mumbled a "you're welcome"
From Cedric he got a broom servicing kit, he nodded approvingly to this gift. Only a fellow Quidditch player could understand the importance of a proper kept broom. Cedric just smirked at his nod. He understood so it didn't require much more than a simple thank you to get the message across.
Kingsley gave him some sweets from Honeydukes.
Sprout gave him some dragon hide gloves.
Flitwick gave him a box set of Choose Your Own Adventure Books. Here gave a gasp.
"This is brilliant professor, I've heard of these but never read them. How do you know them?" He asked curiously.
"Aw I like to keep up with muggle literature; I especially find science fiction quite entertaining."
They shared a smile; Harry forgot how likeable Flitwick was.
Dumbledore gave Harry a dragons wizards chess set. Once side was Chinese Fireballs and the opposing side were Norwegian Ridgebacks. It looked fierce.
He thanked the Headmaster profusely and he just smiled back saying it was nothing.
Professor McGonagall got Harry a Ferrari 360 Modena Spider Car Model. Harry just gaped at the car. He was surprised because it was an awesome car and but more because it was muggle present.
"Bloody hell, a Ferrari Spider" Harry said awed.
"Harry! Watch your language!" Harry absently nodded at Andromeda and turned questioningly to McGonagall.
She just gave him a slight smile, "I had a student who brought these to Hogwarts and built them. I asked and he explained them. Once you are done building it bring it back to me and I'll charm it to be connected to your wand. It will almost be like a remote control."
Harry had a big smile, "Thanks Professor this is brilliant" When she smiled at being called professor he realized what he had just said. "If you wanted to see me again all you had to do was ask Minnie, I'm at your beckon call." He added a wink for good measure.
She lost her smile and tried to be disapproving but anyone could see the amusement in her eyes.
People stayed and mingled for a while until they started heading home.
-oOo-
A few days later Harry decided to call on the dare Sirius owed him.
"Hey Sirius, you remember that bet we made on the Christmas party?"
Sirius was wary now, not sure what Harry was going to ask for.
"Well I know what I want." Remus was watching all this from the sidelines with curiosity. When Sirius was about to interrupt Harry continued on, "Don't worry it's not really bad. Think of it as an adventure." Harry said with a grin.
"Ok ok spit it out pup"
"I want you and Remus to sneak into Hogwarts and bring me back the Marauder's Map."
Remus cut in "How did I get brought into this?"
Harry did look apologetic, "Sorry Moony but I actually really do want that Map, my dad helped make it and I really would like it." Harry lowered his head and stared at the floor. In the other timeline he had few possessions that he treasured. He had to get it back, he wasn't sure what kind of relationship he would have with the twins and wasn't sure if they would give it to him this time.
"Besides I'm the only offspring of the Marauders, now that you guys are old it goes to me" he added cheekily.
Sirius was nodding along until the very end, "Oi, who are you calling old?" Sirius said affronted.
Both Harry and Remus laughed.
"So do you guys think you'll be able to do it?" Harry paused "Without getting caught?" Here he looked blatantly at Sirius with obvious skepticism.
Remus cut in before Sirius could say anything, "How much time do we have?"
Harry thought about it, "Whenever possible but just remember that right now the school is empty, it would be your best chance."
Remus and Sirius looked at each other having a silent conversation while Harry was just waiting for them to answer. Finally Remus looked resigned but excited at the same time, "Fine fine we'll do it."
"I have a request, it's not part of the dare or anything but when you guys do it can I see the memory?" They had been sharing memories for a while now. Mostly of their Hogwarts days but they added a few of Harry as a baby with his parents. Harry didn't have much to show them but he showed him a few of his bouts of accidental magic. They were amused.
-oOo-
That week something else of importance happened, the egg hatched. The second it started hatching Harry yelled for Sirius and Remus, they had wanted to be there since Hagrid wasn't positive of what kind of bird it was. When it popped up all three of their jaws dropped.
"Merlin, it's a bloody phoenix" Harry said in complete astonishment.
It was a white phoenix with a red stripe going from its head down to its back, ending with all its tail red. It was a tiny thing but already beautiful. It looked around and when it looked at Harry it sang a song that made Harry think of hunger.
"I think its hungry you guys, what do phoenix's eat?" Sirius and Remus looked at him curiously, but shook it off. Sirius looked lost.
Remus answered, "I know they eat plants, but I don't know which kind?"
Harry didn't know what to do so he called out mentally for Fawkes. In a burst of flames Fawkes showed up.
"Wow, this has got to be the oddest day we've had so far." Exclaimed Sirius.
Harry and Remus could only nod their heads in agreement while staring at the majestic bird. He appeared with something in its claws. He put it down and cut it into smaller pieces and pushed it to the young phoenix. Fawkes looked at Harry and gave him a piece, Harry had the distinct feeling that the bird was saying 'here learn it, I won't come over here every time.' and took off after singing a gentle trill in welcome. Harry felt as if it was both for him and the phoenix. He wondered if Fawkes knew he was not from this time.
"Thank you Fawkes I'll make sure to get plenty of these" Harry made a mental note to show it to either Misty or Neville hoping that one of them knew what kind of plant that was.
After the phoenix was sated it looked to Harry and gave a gentle trill which Harry understood mean pick me up and keep me warm. He never understood Fawkes so he wondered what this was about but didn't think much of it.
It made Harry's chest hurt to think of losing her already but didn't feel right taking a phoenix from Hagrid when he hadn't known what it was. Hagrid had a kind heart and Harry didn't want to take advantage of him. He looked at Sirius and Remus,
"We have to go visit Hagrid and tell him it was a phoenix egg. It isn't right to keep her like that." As he said it he felt his chest tighten again.
"What's the matter pup?" said a worried Remus.
"Nothing I'm just sad to give her back but Hagrid thought he was just giving us an owl."
Both men looked surprised but nodded anyway. They flooed over to the headmasters office.
"Gentlemen what can I do for" he stopped midway when he saw what was wrapped up in front of Harry's chest.
"Harry is that from the egg that Hagrid gave you?" Harry nodded looking down at the phoenix.
"It doesn't seem right to keep her when Hagrid didn't know what he was giving me."
Dumbledore studied Harry for a minute and then gave him a gentle smile and a nod. Hagrid got called up and they told him what was going on.
"Harry do you mind if I hold her for a second?" Harry nodded slowly.
As soon as the phoenix was in Hagrid's hands she let out a mournful cry, at the same time Harry felt a deep sadness and closed his eyes when he could feel tears. Hagrid quickly gave her back.
"Harry, phoenixes don't stay with whoever bought them or won them. They go to who they intend to bond to. Even if I would have kept her she would have stayed with me only until she was old enough, then she would have gone to find her bonded." Hagrid looked at Harry with such pride it surprised him.
Dumbledore was looking at the scene with a gentle smile.
"The phoenix has started the bonding process with you Harry. Your chest hurt when she was away from you, is that correct?" Harry nodded. "When the bonding process first starts she needs to stay very close to you, this usually lasts about two days. The fact that you were willing to return the phoenix to Hagrid even though it caused you pain is a testament to why the phoenix chose to bond to you."
Harry was shocked; he didn't understand why this was happening. This didn't happen last time and nothing he did should have affected this. He became anxious, thinking he had changed something vital. At the same time the phoenix let out a calming trill that relaxed him right away. It was a mixture between calm down it's all going to work out you'll see.
Dumbledore spoke up, "I still have Fawkes's old perch if you need one Harry."
Harry smiled and was about to respond when Sirius cut in "While you two get things settled Remus and I are going to take a look at the old place. Haven't set foot in this place in years it would be nice to see it again."
Harry was confused until Sirius gave him a meaningful glance and Harry remembered the Marauders Map. Talk about a lucky shot.
"Of course gentlemen you go right ahead, I'll give young Harry here a tour of Hogwarts."
Harry gave an enthusiastic nod to Sirius and Remus, they smiled back, and took off.
Dumbledore summoned the perch and shrunk it for Harry.
"Come along Harry; let's start in the kitchens shall we?" Harry nodded and smiled as they walked off.