Chapter 3: The Phoenix Flies

Harry Potter was getting more and more excited, he had never enjoyed studying when he was younger due to the hassle it caused at 'home'. Now there was a reason and he needed to know as much information as he could if he was going to survive this war.

'Hedwig?' Harry called out to the new phoenix. 'What would happen if you mixed your new blood in with my blood in the form of a phoenix?'

There, the question asked and Harry swore blind he could see Hedwig smile. 'Hey don't laugh at me, I'm only thinking up stuff!' Harry pouted.

Hedwig trilled a tune but to Harry it sounded like Hahahaha trust you, now you have finally asked that question do you feel better? Her tongue showed briefly If I were to mix my blood with yours and used my tears to seal the wound, then nothing would happen, you would feel a calming fire on your arm at all time. If you touched that scar though, it would take you to where you want to go, I think…. But we would need to work on that, as for the flames and bit, you know that's us and just for show. Now there was a definite smirk

Harry mumbled with a smile, 'Great I got a comical genius here.' He then spoke to her directly. 'Has anything like this been done before?'

No she replied

'Can we try it out on me first and see what happens?' Asked a hopeful Harry

Hedwig hopped over to Harrys bed as Harry took off his t-shirt, kneeled before his bed and placed his arm on the bed hand laying flat palm down.

'Between the shoulder and the elbow please Hedwig' Harry smiled with love, 'don't worry about me, just keep doing it till it is done.'

Hedwig just nodded and her talon ripped into his soft skin, blood began pooling instantly, she worked quickly, cutting the skin in the places for the symbol of phoenixes. Once finished, Harry had his head resting on the sheets, crying.

I am sorry Harry it hurts so much I am working as quickly as I can.

Hedwig pecked at her own feet until she started bleeding, once started she traced her blood over the wound all the while trilling soft music, but to Harry sounded like a spell. Once done Harry felt his arm aflame yet it was not, and it was a soothing calming flame. Hedwig finished her job and closed the wounds with her tears.

Just before Harry fell asleep from fatigue he spoke softly, 'Thank you Hedwig, you know I love you don't you.'

I know Harry you love me as a companion, and love Ginny as a mate. I know and I love you both as well.

When Harry awoke it was dark outside. Oh shit, how long have I been out for? He looked around saw the bedside clock and saw he had only been out for four hours. 'Wow, that's a first' he said to no one. He now knew what Hedwig had meant by a constant burning feeling but not hot scolding, warm with affection. Wow, cant wait to try my Patronus out with this feeling as back up.

Harry wanted to try to transport himself already. 'Hedwig, Hedwig, wake up please.' He pleaded. 'Common you got to teach me how to flame travel and how to silent flame travel.' He swore he heard her mumble, Boys and their toys

She looked at Harry and the words formed themselves for Harry to understand. OK, since I've only done this myself a few times it's a bit odd for me to teach you but here we go. First think of where you want to go, desire to go there, need to be there. Then just feel the warmth as you concentrate on that place solely. Actually it is much like apparation, but using love as the power source.

Harry could see the mirth in her eyes when she finished. He let his head fall to the floor, 'why oh why does my Hedwig act like a joker?' he asked himself as he repeatedly banged his head against the floor.

He looked up at her and asked, 'oh wise and majestic of them all who is the….oh sorry wrong question.' Now Harry had a twinkle in his eyes and Hedwig looked like her witty reply was dashed. 'ok seriously, what about the silent bit?'

Honestly, think logically, if you wish to appear silent, think silent.

'Pardon?' a confuddled harry asked.

Really, you think where you want to be, you think how your getting there, now just add the part you want to arrive in silence, or in style or normally….if you can cope that is.

Hedwig was smiling again. Oh don't forget to touch the phoenix tattoo when trying.

Harry suddenly remembered. I have a tattoo, ah wow, lets see, mirror, yes its…oohhhhh wow. Its pretty. A goofy smile appeared on his face as he closed his eyes and started to think really deep. He concentrated on a place he had never been too but the person he knew well. He concentrated then he thought about how much it would please him to see someone he loved. Just as he felt the feeling of love in him stir, he touched his new tattoo.

The room was empty except for a pretty bird. The Order didn't know he had just left. His relatives didn't know he had just left. Death Eaters didn't know he had left. Hedwig signed. Things might just work out.

Harry found himself in a large spacious room. Ah wow, nice room he thought. You could definitely tell this was a pure bloods house. All the photos moved, broom, here, a transfiguration book there, it all added up. Harry took out his wand and disillusioned himself. He checked himself in the mirror.

Yup, definitely can not see my self here, let's go find our hero.

He wondered outside, he never saw a house elf, nor the owner of the house. But he did know where Neville was, especially by some of the holes, a mole hill was left obliterated, t could have come from a simple reducto, but Harry guessed different. He walked to the green houses where he knew Neville would be.

'Neville? Neville? NEVILLE!' Harry called after using a voice amplifying spell.

'Harry?' Neville called back. 'Harry what the hell is this?'

Harry laughed, no pure blooded wizard would know what that was, it was a good test to identify who he was. 'Well Neville last time I checked in the catalogue with Hermione, that was an MP5-k, whats that in your belt by the way?'

'oh you know, flash bang, found some in the store while I was raiding it.' Neville proclaimed with a smile.

'You seem happy with yourself for your little adventure.' Harry spoke softly.

'Glad it went ok, just proved to myself I can do something.' Neville answered.

'I never doubted you, ee you can do this stuff, with out us there. That's why your involved Neville, its because I trust you and your abilities to see this through.'

'shut up and tell me how you got away, then I might and I say might let you have a go with this lot, and some wand work as well.' Neville smiled

'Wont your Gran mind?' inquired Harry.

'Nah, shes gone off to the Wizagmont to sort out a load of shit like who should be the next supreme Mugwurp. What should be done with the school etc etc. oh are we intending to go back next year?'

'I think we might, since I know this means of transport can get us through most if not all barriers.' Harry confided in Neville.

Over the next six hours, Harry told him about Hedwig and her being a phoenix. The little ritual involving blood, the means of getting from a to b, and Neville showing him some of the weapons and they had a bit of wand play. In the end Harry said 'Neville, I got to get back before dawn or I turn into a shrimp.'

'Oh ugly shrimp' Neville dead panned

'Hey why is everyone being cheeky…I demand respect' Harry stated in an Umbridge way, Harry continued in a normal voice. 'Look Nev, I'll get Hedwig to come by today, just lock yourself in your room. When its done try getting to Luna ok, tell her the story, and when you need Hedwig she should hopefully come.'

With that he turned and in a flash of white light he was gone. No thunder just silent light.

'Cool, this is gonna be so much fun' Neville said aloud.

Harry arrived back in his room just in time for as fate would have it, five minutes later Mad-Eye Moody came to the scene to check all was well and as far as he could tell the boy was up and getting ready for bed.

'Poor lad needs some real help, some training, more like bloody protection. God help us Albus what did you give him to do that you didn't trust us with?' Moody muttered to himself. He was worried as was the rest of the Order, they all knew Dumbledore had been training Harry, but no one knew in what way. Was he being groomed to lead the Order? Was he being conditioned to be a more of a fighter or a ring master in the political arena, no one knew and it scared them all. Well in two weeks they would see as the Order was set to pick up the boy wonder for the wedding.

When Harry awoke the next day it was just inside the morning period still. Three things to do today, one, make a list of the targets and objectives, two read through his notes of his own work into the study of dark arts, and the defence of. He had written quiet a tomb by the end of the year, spells and their counter, dark spells and why they were considered dark. The wand movements the pronunciation of the spell and the effect. Some were quite gruesome, some were area effect spells but he needed to know them. Finally three, get to the bank and find out what he did have.

Well as it was the first was easy. Harry wrote a list of targets, from the easiest to the hardest. These included places, and people. Malfoy Senior along with Crabb Senior and Goyle Senior were second on the hit list. To hit those three and their three homes all in one night would send fear into the death eaters ranks, for Malfoy was one of the inner circle, he had money and he had power. If someone attacked him, they were either mad, or more powerful. The first was quiet odd, Azkaban. If they attacked Azkaban in such a way it showed all the weaknesses before the real attack from tom arrived. That as well as executing the three men mentioned above and releasing one Stan Shunpike. It would confuse the situation more, Stan Shunpike would become a fugitive, no Aurors would be killed but left dazed and confused and three members thought to be Toms inner circle would be dead. The third attack, much like the first would sow confusion, the target Madame Bones residence, whilst Madame bones was at home along with Susan.

The second objective was harder, since he had covered a fair bit in his own time of curses, jinx's, charms, and transfiguration spells used for duels. It took him the better part of the day that one did. But afterwards he felt better for he could remember all of them and their counters, including a lot of the darker ones.

The third task was Gringotts, he knew who he wanted to see, so he thought of him really hard and felt the love of Ginny flow through him, he touched his arm and next he was behind a waiting Goblin. The funny part was the Goblin was not waiting for Harry but any other customers from the main floor. So when Harry coughed politely, Griphook jumped and spun around with such speed, but by his expression it was pure shock and horror.

'Good evening Mr Griphook, it is a pleasure to meet you again,' Harry opened up the conversation, seeing the gormless expression Harry continued. 'You were the first Goblin I had ever meet and showed me to my vault, My name is..'

'Harry Potter sir, you remember me?' asked a shocked Goblin

Amused that Griphook did remember Harry, he continued on. 'Griphook, I am looking to find out my status in political and monetary terms in both the wizard world and the muggle world, this all needs to be done on the quiet and I trust you Griphook, no media, no crowds. Just a nice office where we can talk this all over a nice cup of something.' Harry said beaming.

'Stop it, your acting like Dumbledore, infuriating smile. Yes I will help you and Goblins drink water you know as well as Fire whisky and tea.' Griphook snapped back. 'Now follow me.'

Griphook walked off, never to check if Harry followed or not, they arrived at a nice set of oak doors. Once through into the office Griphook spoke, 'this is your family accounts room. Should you appoint an account manager, they will always be here for you sir. Now before I start going through the paper work and list some personnel suited to this role I should say sorry for being rude. But with Dumbledore's death the Goblin nation now feels threatened again from zenaphobes like..'

'Umbridge' Harry finished. 'Yes we have a mutual dislike in her and I for one would like to see her gone.'

This time Griphook and Harry smirked at the thought of her being ousted from office.

'Griphook, are you capable of handling this?' Harry asked waving his arms around the room.

Griphook answered slowly, 'Yes I can, but you should see the other account managers first.'

'Ok pick the worst one and invite them in here for a quick talk please.' Harry said smiling, leaving Griphook confused.

Ten minutes later a very stocky Goblin waddled in, he went and sat at the desk rather than the seat offered him, Harry could tell he was going to enjoy himself. The fat little goblin looked at some of the figures then went straight into, 'Right boy, if I put this small amount of £100,000 in stocks then that covers your long term interest.'

'Er excuse me' attempted Harry.

'Shush boy, I'm working here.' The stodgy Goblin rebuked.

'I think not, you were asked here for an interview, you just failed. Good day to you sir.' Harry replied stoically, waiting for the little man to waddle away. After waiting for the little man to move Harry had to order him out of his family's office.

'Right Griphook, I would like to offer you the position of account manager of my estate if you please.' Harry offered the Goblin.

'Why ask me?' inquired the Goblin.

'Well since first meeting you, I always had good memories of you, and felt I could trust you.' Stated a smiling Harry.

'Oh ok, then I accept.' Responded Griphook.

'Well you wanted to know a) how rich you are and b) your political weight. Well lets just say you could have lots of fun. In the muggle world, you own about £500,000 worth of shares and with the recent property boom, own properties in the muggle sector in excess of £1,500,000. In our community, well you own shares worth 20,000 Gallons, property in the region of 200,000 Gallons and in you vault you have 500,000 Gallons. To give you some idea of the amount Harry, an Aurora will earn around 7,000 Gallons a year, a teacher will earn 5,500 Gallons a year and a potions master can earn 10,000 a year with the right potions. Harry I should state this is just the potter account, since you were not present at Mr Blacks will reading then none of his monies has been transferred over to you yet. And the same with Dumbledore's will.'

Harry looked shocked, he felt shocked, with this money he could bribe better than what Malfoy could. He could get the best for his friends, he would never have to work, nor would Ginny.

Harry sounded out, 'what do I have to do in order to settle those wills?' He felt he needed to finish this so to give some form of peace.

'Well, Sirius Black had roughly the same as you in terms of value in one form or another. Anyway his will was split three ways equally, to a Mr Remus Lupin, A Miss Nymphadora Tonks and yourself. Therefore you gained there by two muggle properties and some shares in wizarding business.' Griphook took a breather, he walked over to the cabinet and opened a bottle up and poured two glasses.

'Here try some, put hairs on your chest, real ale that is. Doesn't go off in that cabinet.' Griphook offered Harry a pint of an amber coloured liquid.

'Not bad, quite nice actually, muggle ale?' Harry said after supping some.

'Yes, don't ask me, ask your father, it had a note saying "for my son, love James"' Griphook commented. Harry felt odd, his dad had left that there for him, a feeling of warmth enveloped him as he knew his parents really did love him after all. They spoke from beyond the grave in the little things and that warmed Harry's heart up.

'Ok and Dumbledore's?' Asked Harry.

'Ok well he left you valuables such as a pensive and memories, also lots of books, ancient magic books and a note to you.'

'Ok lets read it.'

'Harry if you are reading this before Bills Wedding, then bravo for escaping the Order. Just please remain safe. Now it is up to you and your friends to defeat tom and his followers, remember the Horcruxs, they are the key, once destroyed he will be vulnerable to death as anyone else. You will know how to destroy them in time, the knowledge is out there but alas I could not find it but I believe in you Harry. Tell the order nothing of this mission, it is sad to say there are still spies abroad, let them keep guessing. My final words to you Harry are there are still people in this world that love and care for you. Please don't give up in love. I did once and it cost m dearly.

Sincerely

Albus Dumbledore'

'Griphook, could anyone read this note or is it spelled in some way?' Harry inquired.

'To me it looks like a blank parchment, only to those who were supposed to receive and read it are able to read it.' Griphook answered.

'Could you please have a bag of 500 Gallons made up for me please along with £1000, I think I'm gonna need to do some shopping.'

'Certainly Mr Potter.'

'Please its Harry, just call me Harry.'

'Are you sure sir, others would look down on you if they hear me address you in such informal manner.' Griphook warned.

'Well then that would be their loss for underestimating us and underestimating the value of trust and friendship.' Harry smiled with his answer.

Ten minutes later Harry had a wallet with one card that he was reliably informed acted like a muggle debit card in both the muggle and wizarding world, but only to be used for large purchases in the wizarding world for there were only a few of them in existence and only given to the more wealthy clients. The pocket for coinage would act as a direct link as well, but allowed him to pull the correct money out in small bundles.

'Oh before you go Harry, your political power.' Griphook suddenly remembered one of the reasons for Harry's visit.

'Oh yes, what am I capable of then?'

'Well you have a permanent family seat on the Wizaragmont, you are allowed to sit in at the age of 17. You also have a seat in the House of Lords in Westminster if you ever need to get involved with the muggle affairs, but can only attend after you achieve the age of 21. Most pure bloods don't who have a seat don't meddle with the muggles, they see it as below them. Since you have a seat in the House of Lords you can claim the title Lord Potter. Mr Black passed his down to Miss Nymphadora, so she is now known as Lady Black and can claim a seat on the wizaragamont at any time through hereditary lineage.'

Harry looked bemused, 'ok so I have a seat and a title, what does that all mean?'

'Sorry, let me explain,' Griphook started. 'You and another 13 families hold permanent seats on the council. There used to be 18 permanent seats but during the last 2 wars some lines have been completely wiped out. There are 12 seats available for those who wish to partake in the system. To gain a seat requires ¾ of a vote of the rest of the wizaragamont. With these 12 seats, if the holder of the seat is guilty of gross crimes against the community then they loose their seat and it would be available to the public again. With the 14 permanent seats if you are found of gross negligence say, you loose the seat and it passes to the next suitable family member. As it is the seat would become empty until you gain a wife or your first child comes to majority.'Griphook took a moment to assess how Harry was assimilating the information. Harry looked deep in thought, then he cast his eyes up to Griphook in an indication for him to continue. 'The last seat is to be held by the chief, this is also gained by vote of the wizagamont with the majority rules. Once someone has been elected chief their previous seat is now available to either family if it is a permanent seat or if it is a public seat, open to the public again.' Griphook smiled, 'here endith the lesson.'

Harry looked happy, 'so on my birthday I can march into the council chambers and declare myself available for business? That's bloody brilliant.' He continued, 'well thank you Griphook you have been most kind and helpful and invest my money wisely.' Harry turned around and was gone leaving a confused Griphook. He wanted to tell his boss who had just been, but couldn't due to the client confidentiality clause. Oh well all he could do was give his boss a vague warning and off he went.

Harry found himself at Privet Drive again, he sat down on the bed just as Hedwig burst in landing on top of him.

'Real comical snowball.' Harry whispered to Hedwig knowing she had a smirk on her beak. 'I take it Nev is now getting aquainted with flaming?'

Yes Harry he is and how are you now?

'I am very well thank you, just seen the bankers and found I have a title and money, so no more treats for you. Oh that's right, those are the things you miss, how rude of me.' Harry smirked back. 'I'm sorry Hedwig, how have you been?'

Good until then, rude little boy a tongue emerged I believe I will be inducting Miss Lovegood tonight.

'Before you do that, could you take these to Nev if he ever finishes with her and ask him to get a multi compartment trunk for our famous friends?' Harry asked batting his eye lids at her.

Stop it, stop it, the wind is too strong….I cant cope… Harry stopped batting his eye lids at her Oh ok, I will, anyway how did you know I could converse with him?

Harry gave a garlic shrug, which annoyed Hedwig to no end.