A/N: I am pleased that you guys still like this story. 130 reviews is a lot for chapter 11. Well, for me anyway. This chapter will be kinda long, since the next chapter is the last chapter we will see Harry as a little boy. Chapter thirteen is when Harry will go to Hogwarts, finally. I can't wait! Anyway, here is the next chapter. I hope you will enjoy this, especially the length.
Chapter Eleven: Council
As the members of the Snape-McGonagall-Potter household fell asleep, Fawkes vanished from the house. He needed to seek council with the Council of Phoenixes about how to train a Shadow phoenix. Fawkes himself had never crossed paths with a Shadow before. He could only hope that the Council had, or knew a Shadow phoenix.
He reappeared in the Land of the Phoenixes, located somewhere in the warm continent of South America. It was hidden deep in a forest, isolated from human contact, Muggles and wizard folk alike. If a human got close to the borders of the area, they would turn around and go back to the cleared path they were supposed to follow. Not many humans got close enough because of the heat. All phoenixes, except for the Water and Ice phoenixes, loved the heat.
The layout of the Land of the Phoenixes was a simple one. It was made up of trees of varying sizes, but the largest tree in the center was saved for the Council. The three was a tall redwood that consisted of ten branches, one for each member. The visitor had to perch on the bark of the trunk.
Fawkes soared above the tree and tucked in his wings to dive down through the branches. He spread his wings to soften his landing and he grabbed hold of the bark.
Greetings, Council members, he said.
Greetings Fawkes, an Ice phoenix replied. It has been awhile since you have come before us. Does your inquiry consist of your newest charge?
Yes it does. I have scanned him and what I found was not what I was expecting of my charge.
What did you find? a large Earth phoenix asked.
Harry Potter is a Shadow, my Lords.
Impossible! a Light phoenix exclaimed. She ruffled her silver-white feathers. There has not been a Shadow potential since…
Since Salina Slytherin, Salazar Slytherin's sister, the Earth phoenix finished. He glared across the tree to the female Light phoenix. We know Anastasia.
The head Council member, Merlin, a Light phoenix, turned an eye to Fawkes. Are you sure, Fawkes?
Positive, Merlin. I would not joke about something like this.
Merlin glanced over to the Earth phoenix. Baron, you were the last to see Salina. Do you know where she resides now? We will need her guidance.
Baron bobbed his green and brown head. Yes. I will go retrieve her now. He vanished, leaving a trail of rose petals behind him.
The fledgling must be strong, Merlin spoke, if he is a Shadow. Have you devised a plan of action?
Fawkes nodded. Yes, Merlin. His guardians and I will tell him on his ninth birthday about his powers. Meanwhile, we will craft a block on his phoenix abilities until he is old enough to handle his powers.
A wise plan, a soft musical voice replied.
The phoenixes turned toward the voice. Baron perched back on his branch while Salina joined Fawkes on the tree limb. Where Fawkes' feathers were red, hers were pitch black and where his feathers were gold, hers were silver.
Fawkes bowed his head. Salina. I am in need of your guidance.
Salina bobbed her head. Baron filled me in. I would be pleased to help you train your fledgling. If you would not mind, could I see him so I can get an accurate read on him?
Sure.
The two visiting phoenixes vanished from the tree, leaving the remaining phoenixes staring at the space where they resided.
May the heavens continue to watch over young Harry Potter and his new family, Merlin whispered under his breath.
((((((_)))))
Fawkes and Salina reappeared in Harry's room and automatically the Shadow phoenix flew over to the slumbering boy on the small bed. The boy was curled up into a ball, hugging a spare blanket.
Yes, he does have power, she muttered, perching on Harry's chest and peered down at him intently. You were right about requesting my help. I may be the only chance for your fledgling to come into his powers with his sanity intact. Not even Merlin would be able to help him transition into his phoenix form and powers.
Because you went through the same thing. You know what to do to stop yourself from giving in to the seductive darkness.
Salina nodded. Yes. Salazar was no help. He encouraged me to let myself sink into the darkness. I may have loved him but I would not join him on his quest to stop Muggle-born children from receiving a magical education. If they never learned how to control their magic, most of the world's population would not be here today.
The Shadow phoenix and the Fire phoenix watched Harry breathe.
Let me know when you have told him about his powers, Salina continued. I will reveal myself to him and will immediately start him on his way to controlling his powers.
Do you want to be here when his guardians and I construct the block on his abilities?
She shook her head. That is not necessary. She glanced out the window into the dark night. I must leave you. I have prior engagements that need attending to. I will see you again soon, Fawkes. Do not be afraid to come find me if you need help with anything. Salina wrapped the shadows around her and vanished.
Fawkes perched himself near his fledgling and he nuzzled the boy's face. Sleep well, my fledgling.
(((((((Skipping ahead to Harry's ninth birthday)))))))))
"Happy birthday!"
Harry smiled as Minerva placed a chocolate covered cake in front of him. She had a big smile on her face as she kissed his temple. Severus on the boy's other side, a small smile stretching his lips. The birthday boy had gotten used to the shuttered emotions of his adoptive father, so it didn't bother him that the older man didn't join in the hugging fest.
Other than his guardians, the entire Weasley family and his 'uncles' Sirius and Remus attended the party. Being a shy boy, the Potter heir rarely made friends and those who he befriended were busy with other things. Neville Longbottom, who he had met when he visited St. Mungo's once, was having his own birthday party with his family and Hermione Granger, who he met in Muggle primary school, was out with her parents in Germany.
"Don't forget to make a wish before you blow the candles out," Mrs. Weasley said, barely withholding a wide smile.
Harry nodded and he shut his eyes, making his wish silently. When he opened his eyes, he took in a deep breath and blew out all but two candles. He hurriedly blew the rest out while everyone around him cheered.
"You have grown so fast," Mrs. Weasley exclaimed tearfully. "In two years you will be going to Hogwarts with Ron." She sniffled.
"I can't wait," Harry said. "I've heard so many stories about the place." He sent Sirius, Remus, and the Weasley twins significant looks.
Minerva glared at the former Marauders. "I do hope you haven't poisoned my boy's mind with ideas for pranks."
Remus snickered. "I wouldn't let Sirius do that, Minerva. I may have been a part of the group and I may have participated in the pranks, but I place studying above pranks. Though, that shouldn't mean the cub shouldn't have some fun now and then." He winked at the younger boy.
" Merlin help us all," Severus grumbled. "Minerva, would you mind transfiguring a pair of eyes to the back of my head so I can better see our boy?"
The entire room vibrated with laughter, with Harry being the loudest. Then, Ron's stomach growled loud enough to break the laughter. The young boy blushed deeply and rubbed his stomach.
"Let's have some cake and then we can let the birthday boy open his presents," Minerva replied, sending an amused look at the youngest Weasley boy.
(((((_)))))
That evening, when all the guests but Sirius and Remus left, the five gathered in the living room. Rain poured outside, pounding the windows. Harry glanced nervously at his guardians, noting the serious looks they had on their faces. Even Fawkes looked grim. Something was up, the boy thought.
"You said you had something to tell me," he began, proud of how his voice never shook.
"Yes, we do," Minerva said. "I trust that you have been noticing how your magic is different than others your age?"
The boy nodded. He had been keeping contact with his new friends and noticed how little they were progressing compared to him. Harry himself could do things Neville and Ron couldn't do.
"There is a reason why you are progressing more than normal magical children," Severus picked up. "Do you remember when you told us that you wanted to be a phoenix like Fawkes?" Again the boy nodded. "It has come to our attention that you have Animagus potential, like your father did."
Harry smiled. "Does that mean I can be a phoenix?"
Fawkes chuckled. It is not that simple, Harry. An Animagus' form is chosen for them, best fitting their personality. Have you not noticed how very much alike Sirius is to his dog form?
Harry's face fell. "Then what am I?"
Silly fledgling. You will be a phoenix. That is your form.
"Yes!" Harry pumped his fist up in the air. He noticed the looks he was getting and he put it down, schooling his features into an emotionless mask.
Severus let a chuckle escape. "You are allowed to be pleased, little one."
Harry decided to change subjects before he got embarrassed. "There's more to me being a phoenix, isn't there? I noticed how serious you looked."
It's true, Fawkes said. Just like cats and dogs have different kinds, phoenixes do as well. We are sorted by what the element we wield. I am what is considered a Fire phoenix, the most common type of phoenix.
"What kind of phoenix am I?" Harry asked.
You are a Shadow phoenix, the rarest and most powerful kind of phoenix.
"I don't understand."
I am sure you have noticed how you seem to like shadows. Have you ever had an urge to take those shadows and wrap yourself in them? The boy nodded. Shadow phoenixes can wrap shadows around them to make them unnoticeable, even in their human form. When you were younger, we had to place a block on your phoenix abilities.
"Why?" he asked.
As I have said before, Shadow phoenixes are very powerful, Harry. If we let your abilities manifest early, you would have difficulty controlling them and you would have overwhelmed yourself. Also, as a child of James and Lily Potter, you have quite a bit of magical power developing in you as well as several abilities that have started to come out. Most magical children your age stop using their accidental magic unless they become emotional.
"And yet I still can use wandless magic," Harry finished, his face showing his understanding.
Sirius smiled. "James always kept his wandless abilities quiet from most of the world. Since witches and wizards now use wands for everything, wandless magic is frowned upon now. To some, it is even considered a dark art."
Harry frowned. "Why?"
"Insatiable child," Severus mumbled, but a smile softened the otherwise sharp words. "Not even we understand why it's considered taboo. It just is."
"So, why are you telling me know about being a Shadow phoenix?"
We want you to be prepared. In two years you will be heading to Hogwarts and as you grow older, the block on your phoenix abilities will relinquish a little. Your guardians may be at the castle to help you, but you need to learn how to control that magic so it is not so overwhelming when you come into your powers.
Harry turned to the phoenix. "But couldn't you help me? Teach me how to learn control?"
Fawkes shook his head. No. I may be your guardian phoenix, but I cannot teach you as you are not a Fire phoenix. However, I do know of a Shadow phoenix who can help you. Her name is Salina and she used to be Salazar Slytherin's sister.
"Are you sure we can trust her then?" Sirius asked, his face darkening.
"You seem to trust me, Black," Severus replied. "Surely you can trust her as well?"
Fawkes seemed to smile. Salina is nothing like her brother, I can tell you that. She already has agreed to train Harry and wishes to meet him. If you would like, I can have her come here now.
"Why not," Minerva said, smiling.
Fawkes vanished in a column of fire, leaving the four humans in silence. They were lost in their own thoughts when the phoenix reappeared, this time with another phoenix. Harry thought the female Shadow phoenix was beautiful. "Will I look like that too?"
Salina chuckled. Yes fledgling. My name is Salina and I will be your teacher for the next several years until you transform completely into your phoenix form.
"Pardon me," Remus said, "but may I ask one question? You said before that Salina was Slytherin's brother. Does this mean that phoenixes used to be human?"
Very observant, cursed one, Salina spoke. But yes, we used to be human. As a phoenix, we live a very long time, almost eternally. I chose to live as a phoenix when my husband died. I left a letter for my children to read and I transformed for the last time. I have never gone back since.
"Couldn't you transform back into your human form?"
Absolutely. Once our phoenix abilities have manifested and we transform for the first time, our bodies stop aging at around twenty human years. Our healing abilities keep our human forms looking young. I used several Aging potions and spells to make everyone believe that I was getting older when in fact I wasn't. It is a curse we have to bear.
"How sad," Harry said.
Yes. It is.
"What about your children, Salina?" Remus asked. "Didn't they inherit your phoenix abilities?"
Salina shook her head. No. They became Animagi but they weren't able to become phoenixes.Phoenix abilities do not transfer to any children we may have. Being a phoenix Animagus is also the only way we procreate.
"What about Burning days?" Minerva asked.
They happen when they happen, Fawkes said. It is not a fun process to go through. When it is close to a Burning day, the phoenix Animagus has to transform the day before. Also the Animagus becomes very weak and tired, almost ill. The illness lasts a week until they transform and go through their Burning day. Then the Animagus remains in their phoenix form until they are healthy enough to transform back.
Harry shuddered. "I don't want to have a Burning day."
Salina dropped down to the floor and waddled over to the boy. She nuzzled her head against his cheek. You will get used to it, fledgling. It really isn't painful.
Do any of you have any more questions? Fawkes asked, his black eyes still on his fledgling.
The adults didn't speak. They too were looking at Harry, who pulled his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around his knees.
Do not worry, young one, the Shadow phoenix cooed. You will not be alone in this, like I was. You will have your family, your friends, Fawkes and me to help you.
But do not go projecting that you are a phoenix Animagus, especially being a Shadow phoenix. You have enough abilities coming to you from the Potter family to make people become nervous or envious, Fawkes said sternly. You may tell your trusted friends but that is it.
Harry nodded, still not speaking.
(((((_)))))
End of chapter
Whew! My brain is exhausted with all this information I had to crank out. I had to do it, though. I wanted to explain how phoenixes are with my story before I even begin telling it. Thanks again to all of you who have reviewed. The best is yet to come and Harry's seven years will be a big difference than what happened in the books!
Next chapter: Harry turns eleven and receives his letter. His guardians give him last minute lessons before he goes to Hogwarts.