Chapter 13: Unbreakable Bonds

Fascinating creatures, phoenixes. They burst into flames when it is time to die and are reborn from the ashes. They can carry immensely heavy loads, their tears have healing powers, and they make highly faithful pets. So Albus says. He does not realize how faithful phoenixes truly are. After all these years together, he does not realize the extent of my loyalty to him.

Phoenixes create unbreakable bonds with those they chose to bond with. This is how I heard Harry in the Chamber, he touched upon my bond with Albus. From that time, I knew Harry's life would be intertwined with mine, though it would be through Albus at first. Once bonded, a phoenix is bonded to only that person until the person dies. Of course, time travel tends to mess that up. My antics have confused me to no end!

I don't regret it, though. From the moment I first saw the boy, I wanted to help heal his wounded soul. I couldn't do much while Albus was still alive and after his death...I spent time grieving. But, now I have the chance to help him. I thank the Fates that he and Tom have my tail feathers in their wands. I don't think any of this would've been possible, otherwise.

If I had not intervened, he would have surely perished. His will, his drive, has been shaken. All that has happened to him has ceased to feed his fire. It only fuels his despair, now. Whether he realized it or not, when he went to face Tom, he was ready to end his pain with death.

So, I sent him back in time. It's strange. My memory stretches from when I first saw the boy to when I sent him here, but from this time up until I meet him, I remember nothing. Apparently, I don't know the extent of my loyalty, either. I don't believe any other phoenixes have accomplished such a feat, otherwise I would ask them about it. With all eternity to learn about ourselves, we share much of what we learn with each other.

I've watched Harry since I brought him here. Slowly, he has healed. It started when he first saw his parents. He really has become quite creative in his battle tactics. That move he used to trip the Death eater was priceless. He handled his connection to his mother well, too. It might be strange for him, seeing his mother pregnant with him. But, there is nothing better than the connection a mother has with her unborn child.

Alas (Alas? I've been around Albus too long.), his happiness at seeing his parents, and then his godfather, would not last. I feared my purpose might have been lost once Albus spoke to Harry. To put him in a room with the four he cared about most and then discuss the reason they all would die... I felt Harry's anguish as my own.

Desperately hoping that he could still be saved, I sent for his friends. I needn't have worried. His father was able to reach him. By then, it was too late to send his friends back. Although...perhaps sharing this experience with them is what will keep him from despairing in the future. Tragedy will always be near him, unfortunately. Just that one night spent as a family might have been enough to pull him through.

Then, his father revealed to him that he is the Heir of Gryffindor. I must confess that this was a surprise to me. How could I miss it? Godric was the first to tame me and form a bond. The boy even has his unruly hair. I'm ashamed not to have noticed the resemblance. I recognized the ring immediately, though. It is humorous; the Sorting Hat revealed to me that he considered putting Harry in Slytherin.

Bless his father, though. The man knows exactly how to handle his son. Giving Harry his wedding ring seemed to have sparked the fire in him to life again. I was loath to interrupt, but Albus insisted. Ah, well, I suppose it couldn't be helped. At least it gave me the chance to truly examine Harry's fire. Although, the minute he produced that Patronus, I knew his fight was renewed. I knew the outcome of his duel with Tom before it was over.

Triumphant, he awoke to the pride of his parents. Slightly ruined by his reunion with Remus, it was still what he had longed for his entire life, the chance to make his parents proud. His friends also showed him companionship and faith. These are all he will need in the fight to come.

When he met Peter, I was not worried. The fire was burning brightly and nothing could smother it again. If I worried at all, it was because I feared that his fire would rise to incinerate Peter. That is why I offered what I did, to calm his anger and ease his mind.

Now Albus and I watch him. He still tries to master his anger; I suppose he is sparing his parents the knowledge that their friend is a traitor. But, I see his soul, whole, healthy, and bright once more. His time here must draw to a close.

"It pains me so," Albus whispered, "to know some of the tragedies he has experienced. It nearly crushes my heart to know that it isn't even a fraction of what has happened to him."

Harry is defined by tragedy and pain. It is his destiny.

"Destiny is worse than Voldemort."

That is because destiny is absolute. There is no way to stop it.

"Like my death."

Yes... Too late I realized that I'd let out a soft melody...in a minor key. Drat!

Albus smiled fondly and scratched behind my head. "It seems you've already found another to bond to."

Yes, I admitted, as shamefaced as a phoenix can be.

"I'm glad for you, my friend. With all of eternity before you, none of that time should be spent alone."

For the first time, in my many years, I felt my emotions cloud my throat. Nothing, spoken or sung, came from me. Instead, I nuzzled his fingers.

"I suppose you will solve his dilemma."

Aye. I will wipe the memories of all but five.

"Mm, yes. It would make no sense to erase Harry, Ron and Hermione's memories and I assume the other two are, of course, James and Lily."

I felt it was for the best...

"And I completely agree. The trouble with a large intellect is a large amount of curiosity along with it. I do not believe I could keep mine from meddling for seventeen years. For example, I'm dying to know why you brought him here."

I wanted to help rekindle his flame.

"Have you?"

Yes.

"When will you send them back?"

Soon. But I thought Harry might like more time with his parents, first.

For I had gazed out at Harry, experiencing childhood for the first time, and couldn't bear to interrupt.