Disclaimer: All charcters and world concepts are property of J. .

Disclaimer: This is not the work of CNG25 but that of Lilausty, originally published on .

Chapter 4: Time Heals Most Wounds

Over the next few weeks, Harry changed drastically. No longer was he the frail injured boy who was being beaten every day by his family.

With the help of Fawkes, the house elves and the castle itself, Harry was slowly healing. He was learning that Fawkes was an almost endless supply of wisdom and information, and was quickly understanding why Dumbledore always seemed so knowledgeable.

Harry had spent the first few days at Potter Castle mulling over what he was going to do until his birthday. It was Fawkes that suggested he start reading the books in the Library, to increase his own knowledge and Dobby had proposed concentrating on those that would aid him in battle, knowing that Harry would have to fight in the war.

Harry took their suggestions to heart, and had started devouring books so quickly that even Hermione would have been proud. Within the first week he had already figured out to disguise his own magical signature so that he could cast any spell without someone recognising him.

He was reading up on so many different defensive spells, that by the end of each day, his head was spinning.

However, there was still something missing in Harry's life. Frequently, he would dream of the night where his guide was murdered before his eyes. Dumbledore was no longer there to help him, and Harry was feeling his disappearance. Not even Fawkes could fill the gap in his heart.

One thing that truly brightened up his life was the constant flow of letters that Ginny had been sending. She had made it very obvious for him not to contact her, as she didn't want him to get in trouble, or to get caught. But she had been pleased with his initial correspondence, and had taken on the role of informer.

Through her, he discovered that the Order had no idea as to where he was and that they were getting more and more frantic. She said that they had pressured the children very hard to see if they had heard from him, but that she denied it.

Making up his mind that he would travel to Grimmauld Place on his 17th birthday, he asked Fawkes if he wouldn't mind taking a message to Ginny when she was alone.

Once the magnificent bird was gone, Harry returned to his books.

'Fawkes? Can a phoenix die? I mean permanently?' Harry asked one day, after reading up on the magical creatures.

The phoenix sent him a very serious stare before bobbing his head, 'Yes, though it is not easy. Spells that kill only make us flame-die and the same is true when we are killed by physical methods like being stabbed.' He stopped talking for a moment, obviously hesitating before continuing, "There is only one way a phoenix can permanently die. If someone they truly care about is dying, a mortal in other words, and the phoenix believes that it should not be, the we can pass our own living essence to the mortal. The mortal will live for a full 100 years once this transfer is completed no matter of the injuries that they sustain. However, the phoenix will die and not be reborn.'

Harry looked stricken, 'Has it ever happened?'

Fawkes bobbed his head, trilling softly, 'Yes, more frequently then you would imagine. Generally the mortal who has been given this gift is quickly bonded with another phoenix, because we realise that for a mortal to be given such a gift, they are a special individual indeed.'

Harry looked startled, 'What do you mean by frequently? Like once every 100 years or something?'

'Young Harry frequently can mean several different time scales. It would be difficult for me to explain, but there have been times where for an entire millennia no phoenix has died, and other times where several all died at once. Your ancestors for example; they were fighting against an evil worse than Voldemort and were ambushed. All four were left for dead, but each were bound to a phoenix which gladly gave it's life for them. This was before they built the school.'

Harry looked up in understanding, 'And then you bound yourself to Rowena Ravenclaw afterwards?'

The beautiful phoenix nodded, 'Yes. It was my sire that laid his life down for her, so it was my greatest honour to be her's.'

'Hang on, you mean to tell me that Salazar Slytherin, the person that brought in all the pure-blood mania, the fella that let loose a Basilisk inside of a school, was bound to a phoenix? How on earth does that work?' Harry asked.

'Salazar was not the man the books make him out to be.' Was all Fawkes said.

'Care to elaborate?'

'No, not right now, maybe later.' The phoenix replied causing Harry to roll his eyes.

'Have you ever um…'Harry trailed off, looking nervously at the bird.

Fawkes trilled again, 'Harry you can ask whatever you wish of me, I will never take offence for I know you do not wish it. Delicate questions do not mean much when you have lived for 2000 years!'

Harry gave a weak grin and nodded, 'Have you ever been bound to anyone else that had a phoenix die for them?'

'Yes, and you knew him Harry.'

Amazement crossed his face, 'Dumbledore?' he breathed.

'Yes. Long before he defeated Grindelward, he was bound to a young phoenix, barely 500 years old. Dumbledore had been involved in a horrific accident and there were dying people all around. He was trying to save as many as possible, but an explosion occurred and he was caught in it. I had felt the death of his phoenix, and quickly took over.'

'But, if that is the case, then why did Dumbldedore die when Snape killed him?' Harry asked, his voice being torn between hatred and grief.

'Harry, Dumbledore had just passed the 100 year anniversary. He was going to die anyway, Snape just got there first.' The beautiful phoenix soothed.

'Was he going to tell me?' Harry asked, 'About him dying any minute I mean, or was he just going to let me deal with it on my own?'

Fawkes sighed, 'He could not determine when he was going to die and, he didn't want to worry you needlessly.'

Harry snorted, 'Fat lot of good that did me.' He slumped in the chair, 'I know why he did it; I hold no animosity towards him. That honour goes to someone else and it isn't Voldemort!'

'Not all is as it seems young Harry.' Fawkes said suddenly before lifting off and hovering for a second, 'I suggest you get back on with your studies, you will be turning 17 in a few days.'

Harry's eyebrows rose, 'I am to aren't I? Wow, time really flies.' His eyes narrowed, 'I assume you will be taking me there since I can't apparate?'

The phoenix trilled with laughter, 'Of course Harry.'

'Harry Potter sir! Dobby is wishing to wish you a happy birthday!' A shrill voice said somewhere off the end of his bed.

Harry blinked his eyes groggily and groaned, before sitting up and smiling at the elf that was looking up at him. In his arms was a gigantic breakfast and behind him were the other elves all holding beautifully wrapped presents.

'What is all this for? You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble guys.' Harry said, taking it all in.

Nodsy shook his head, 'Oh no Harry Potter sir, it was no trouble at all! We elves always loved fixing breakfast for your grandparents on their birthdays! Your grandfather brought in the tradition of letting us get presents for our masters and we always love it.'

The other elves all nodded enthusiastically and Harry grinned at them, 'Alright then, thank you very much.'

Dobby immediately plopped the breakfast on his lap with a little bow. In the few weeks that he had been there, even though Nodsy was obviously the head elf, Dobby had become Harry's personal elf, and none of the others were going to dispute the fact. Everyone knew that Dobby was besotted with Harry, and was going to be following him back to Grimmauld Place and also Hogwarts.

The breakfast was delicious and once he had finished, the elves all presented their presents to him. Dobby's of course, was socks, bright turquoise and purple, but intricately patterned with phoenixes and elves on them.

The other elves were somewhat confused by this gift, but didn't say anything, merely presenting their own. Dingle gave him a wand holster which he said he had imbued with the magic of the house elves, so that any time Harry's wand was placed in it, it would automatically clean and treat it and that it could never fall out. Harry immediately put it on, and was amazed at how comfortable it felt on his skin.

Saringa and Naringa gave him a joint gift that made his jaw drop. It was a beautiful sword; perfectly sized, its balance was faultless. The hilt was covered with four different coloured stones: rubies, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds. They explained that the stones represented the four founder's colours since they knew that he had been fascinated with them.

Harry was confused, 'Um, wasn't Hufflepuff's colour yellow?'

Naringa giggled, 'Oh no Harry Potter. The colour gradually changed over time, but originally it was diamond because of her loyalty. Loyalty that would never break no matter what pressure was placed upon her.'

'Oh. Well, I am staggered by your gift, it is stunning. Thank you so much! Unfortunately I do not know how to use a sword.' Harry said regretfully.

This time it was Saringa who giggled, 'Sir, you will be amazed at how many fights you will avoid simply by carrying a sword at your waist!'

He couldn't fault her reasoning as he turned to Nodsy who promptly gave him a tiny little box.

He bowed, 'Harry Potter sir, I found this for you, I hope you forgive me for not making a present for you, but I think you wish to have this.'

Harry cocked his head curiously as he opened the box.

He almost dropped it in surprise.

Inside were two beautiful rings, obviously goblin make as the intricate carvings in them were beyond the work of human hands.

'They is the engagement rings of your grandparents Harry Potter sir! Nodsy is hoping you approve.' Said the elf nervously.

Harry looked up, tears glittering in his eyes, 'Oh Nodsy thank you! I don't know where you found them but I truly appreciate it.'

The elf gave him a big smile before ushering the others out, so that Harry could get dressed. Once they had left Harry looked at the rings more closely. They were very delicate but obviously strong, with diamonds placed in an intricate design. The actual rings were made of the three different colours of gold, with each strand of colour so thin that Harry was amazed that they were able to manipulate them without breaking the strands.

'Happy Birthday Harry!'

He looked up, startled to see Fawkes sitting on his perch next to the bed. He smiled at him, 'Thank you. It feels strange to know that I can actually do magic now outside of the castle and not get in trouble.'

'Yes, you may not have been allowed to be a child for many years, but now you are a man. I bear a letter that I think you will wish to read. It is from young Ginny, I was looking in on her, and she had written this note but wasn't going to post it to you in case you missed it and it got intercepted.'

Harry took the letter and thanked his friend before opening it up and reading it.

Dear Harry,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I can't believe how long it has taken for this day to come around. Grimmauld Place has been so boring for me, as I am the only underage person here and Hermione and Ron don't include me in their conversations. Makes me think that they are talking about you, so I will have to badger you about it all when you get here.

I can't wait to see you today! You had better not be late, I am so looking forward to seeing the looks on the faces of the adults it should be priceless. Everyone has still been frantically looking for you, but I have begun to sense a little bit of depression. After all, no one except for me knows you are alive, and I think most are starting to think that if they can't find you, then you must be dead. Quite arrogant if you as me!

I have so many questions to ask you when I see you, not the least about the phoenix that keeps popping in when I am by myself! I know you have something to do with it!

Oh, I figure I should let you know before you come and have a cardiac arrest; Ron and Hermione have FINALLY got their act together and are going out. More like they are locked at the lips then anything but it is nice to see them so happy! Anyway just thought I'd give you the heads up!

Anyway, Happy Birthday again! And hurry up and get here!

Love Ginny

Harry's eyes were quite wide by the time he had finished the letter. He paused for a moment before grinning widely, 'So Herm and Ron are dating, took them long enough! I thought that after the Lavender debacle last year they would never realise that they liked each other.'

He scanned the letter again before frowning, 'I wonder if she was serious about the Order thinking that I am dead?'

'She was indeed, during my continual watch of the house, I heard many conversations pertaining to that very topic.' Fawkes said.

'Huh? Why didn't you tell me?' Harry asked, looking slightly confused.

The phoenix gave a slightly chuckle, 'Because I knew that you would hasten back just to ease the pain of the members. I didn't think that was the best idea as you were still healing, even now I wonder if it is too soon.'

'It may be.' Harry replied before sighing, 'But I have to return sometime, and I did promise Ginny.'

The phoenix gave a full laugh then, the room filling with the music of his voice, 'Yes, even I would not want to cross her when she is angry.'
Harry nodded, 'Exactly. I am also looking forward to seeing Ron and Hermione as well, I have missed them.'

CRACK!

Harry had gotten so used to the elves flitting in and out that he didn't even jump. 'Dobby wishes to know if Harry Potter wishes Dobby to pack his trunks?'

Harry smiled at him, 'Thanks Dobby, that would be great if you wouldn't mind. Just shrink the portal trunk and put it in my Hogwarts trunk for now. Also, can you pack up the items that I separated from the castle? Like all my books and stuff?'

The little elf nodded his head enthusiastically. 'Don't worry Harry Potter, Dobby will take care of it all! If Harry Potter wishes, I can put another portal in that will link it to his castle!'

Harry's jaw dropped, 'You can do that? I thought Rom said that portal trunks were rare?'

Dobby grinned, 'To link to Gringotts yes sir! But a house elf can create a portal for the master for the master's home. That way if they wish to come back at anytime without apparating they can'

'Well yes Dobby that would be fantastic thank you!' Harry replied, nodding his head happily.

The little elf beamed and disappeared. Harry finally pushed himself out of bed and got dressed. Moving straight away to the library he couldn't help but laugh as he saw the gaps on the shelves, indicating where Dobby had already taken them and put them in his trunk.

A few hours later, and he was nervously pacing back and forward, with his trunk packed next to him. Fawkes was perched calmly on top of it and was watching Harry's progress with blinking eyes.

After a moment he said 'Harry, if you keep that up much more you are going to fall through the floor. I know you are worried about everyone's reaction, but just remember, they can't control you now. You are a man, you are your OWN man and you have a destiny that they cannot possibly understand. They left you at an abusive household, they have no right to be angry at you. DO NOT let them bully you into doing as they say.'

Harry gave him a wry smile, 'Aren't you older individuals supposed to counsel the young into obeying their seniors?'

'Only if those seniors are worth obeying. And the Order most certainly is not!' came the prompt reply.

Harry nodded and sighed, 'Well, I am as ready now as I ever will be. Let's go to Grimmauld Place.'

Fawkes landed on his shoulder and gripped gently with his claws and Harry grabbed his trunk.

In a flash Potter Castle disappeared, to quickly be replaced with the entry hall way of Grimmauld Place.

Quickly looking around, Harry was relieved to see that there was no one around to see his entrance. He said a quick farewell to Fawkes who promptly disappeared leaving him alone. Waving his wand over his trunk, he sent it up to his room and quietly crept towards the kitchen.

As he expected, there was the sound of quiet talking and also as he expected, they were talking about him.

'I don't care what you say Minerva, he isn't gone!' came the upset voice of Molly Weasley.

'Molly, do you honestly believe that a child would be able to hide from us for so long? He wouldn't know enough magic to remove the trace upon him, and if he tried the Ministry would instantly have found him. Without magic he would have been just as easy to trace and yet there has been no sign of him! I hate to say it, but we must accept the fact that Harry is dead and try and move on without him.' Professor McGonagall said.

Harry couldn't help but feel anger at the woman and her words.

'He managed to get to Diagon Alley without too much trouble. I mean he sneaked past the guard and flew the entire way without anyone noticing he had gone.' Remus Lupin's tired voice reminded everyone.

There was a growl of anger, 'The boy had absolutely no sense! Leaving his family, his only protection; if it wasn't for the fact that Dumbledore said that we needed him, I would have taught him a lesson he would never forget!' Moody snarled. 'Whether he is alive or not, the fact remains that he is an arrogant brat who should never have been allowed the freedom he had. I think Dumbledore was far too soft with the boy. Snape, for all his traitorous ways, was right in that regard!'

BANG!

Harry threw the door back slamming it into the wall, his entire body shaking in fury as he viewed the shocked adults before him.

Moody started to draw his wand, but Harry, quicker by far, had shot a binding spell on him, sending him flying into the wall and sticking him to it. Snarling Harry said, 'Well, here I am Moody! Wanna teach me that lesson now? Mmm?'

There was silence.

'What? I guess you felt that a child couldn't manage to take care of themselves huh? Surprised to see me?' he glared at them all, most noticeably at McGonagall and Moody who was frantically struggling to get free.

'Harry?' Remus's amazed voice asked.

He rolled his eyes, 'Yes. I thought that it was quite obvious who I was. Or would you like to know that it was a grindylow in the tank in third year?'

Remus got up and slowly walked over to Harry, surveying him with wide eyes. Harry made no move, merely staring at him, watching his progress. When Lupin reached Harry, he took a single glance at him and then pulled him into a fierce hug.

'Don't you ever do that to me again! I was so worried for you.' Lupin said, his voice choked with emotion.

Harry only slightly returned the hug, pulling out of it quickly, 'You should have been more worried about me!'

Confusion passed over his face, as well as those of everyone else.

'Mr Potter what on earth are you talking about? And let Alastor down now!' McGonagall finally said, glaring at him.

Harry focussed his gaze upon her, and she almost took a step backwards, the rage in his eyes plain to see. After a moment, Harry shrugged and waved his wand at Moody who collapsed to the floor, 'Be thankful that is all I did Moody, do not test me!' he snarled at the aged Auror.

Moody glared at him, but didn't say anything, merely sitting back down in the chair.

Harry turned his attention back to McGonagall, 'you honestly haven't a clue do you McGongall?'

'No Harry, I honestly don't! You leave your protection, selfishly I might add, go to Diagon Alley without a guard, then disappear for nearly 2 months! No word nothing, you could have been dead and we never would have known! Do yo realise the danger that you put us in? We have been risking our necks to try and find out if You-Know-Who had you or not.' She exclaimed.

At that moment, everyone was slightly distracted by a squeal, 'HARRY!'

The next thing Harry was aware of was a diminutive body pressing itself against him. Looking down he saw a mass of red hair and a pair of beautiful brown eyes that melted his heart. He smiled down at her 'Hey Gin, good to see you!'

Looking behind her he grinned at the young adults that were bounding into the kitchen. Harry felt like he was going to burst as soon as Hermione wrapped her arms around him. She was squeezing him so tightly that he thought Molly had obviously been giving her lessons.

'All right you lot settle down! Harry was just going to explain his actions over the last couple of months.' Mrs Weasley said.

Ginny bristled, 'Why should he have to explain anything to you?'

Harry couldn't help but smile as she leapt to his defence. Hermione gaped at her as Mrs Weasley swelled in anger, 'GINNY! Do not speak to me like that! Harry has been completely out of line, attacking Moody not to mention letting us all think he was dead!'
Harry raised his eyebrows at Ginny who giggled, 'I told you I could keep a secret.' She said softly.

There were a few muted gasps and McGonagall glared at her, 'Do you mean to tell me Miss Weasley that you knew where he was all this time?'

She rolled her eyes, 'No of course not! But I have been writing to him so I knew he was safe.'

'Why didn't you tell us?' Mr Weasley asked.

'Because I asked her not to. I didn't want to speak with any of you.' Harry answered for her.

McGonagall sighed, 'Perhaps you should all sit down. I have a feeling this is going to take a while.' Once they were all settled, she gave a piercing look at Harry and said, 'Alright Mr Potter, explain yourself NOW!'

He raised his eyebrows at her but quickly put a calming hand on Ginny who was swelling in indignation. After a moment he cocked his head, 'Before I start, I have a single question. Were you watching me whilst I was at the Dursley's? In other words, did you know?'

The adults eyed each other nervously, confusion obvious on their faces. After a moment McGonagall sighed, 'We, were not watching you per say, more watching your grounds to make sure you didn't leave.'

Harry nodded, 'Well, I am not sure if that makes me feel better or worse. At least I can give you the benefit of the doubt, and maybe I can forgive you. Know that if it was the other way around, I would leave right now and you would never see me again!' the anger in his voice was obvious, and everyone was wondering what on earth had happened.

'Did any of you, apart from Ginny wonder why I had run away?' he asked curiously.

'The why was of no consequence Potter! Whatever the reason, you left, leaving us stranded.' Moody growled, speaking for the first time since being let down.

'And you wonder why Harry is angry with you! You don't even care about him, only what he has to do!' Hermione burst out.

Harry turned grateful eyes on her before turning back to the adults, 'Very well, I will tell you what happened since it sounds like you truly were oblivious.' He took a deep breath, and Ginny sensing his distress wrapped an arm around his waist. Obviously bolstered by her support he looked McGonagall straight in the eye and said, 'My family were killing me.'

He wasn't sure what the reactions would be, so he watched very carefully. There was a snort from Moody and McGonagall said firmly, 'Don't be ridiculous Mr Potter. We are all aware that your family don't exactly spoil you, but your exaggeration has gone far enough!'

He raised an eyebrow at him before yelling, 'DOBBY!'

CRACK

'Harry Potter calls Dobby, Dobby is here sir!' said the little elf, saluting smartly.

'Dobby, I order you not to lie to the question that I am about to ask you OK?'

The elf looked nervous but nodded, 'Yes Harry Potter sir, Dobby will tell the truth.'

'What were my injuries when you came to visit me the first time during the summer holidays at the Dursley's.' Harry asked clearly.

The elf seemed to shrivel up and turned somewhat reproachful looks on the adults and promptly said, 'Mr Harry Potter, you had the following injuries: 3 broken ribs, a severe concussion, a sprung wrist, 4 large lacerations on your left leg, 3 on your right. 47 distinct bruises on your abdomen, 6 on your face and 24 on your arms. You also were in a state of shock, depression and terror sir!'

Harry's face showed no emotion contrasting drastically to the other people in the room. 'Could you tell everyone here what you learnt that night, and anything else interesting that you found out from that night until I left the Dursley's?'

The elf stood tall, nodding, 'Yes Harry Potter sir. I asked who had been doing this and you replied your family. You then asked if I could tell the Order to let you leave, believing that your uncle was close to causing you permanent injuries. Dobby did so, but was ignored, and was promptly told that I couldn't return to help you. Dobby was unable to help Harry Potter, but on one watch, did see his Uncle beating him with a baton of some kind. Harry Potter was crying out in pain, and his uncle was laughing. Harry Potter called out to Dobby, who was able to answer, and helped him escape.'

By this time all of the adults were looking green, grief and shame lining their faces. Mrs Weasley had her head in her arms and was sobbing softly, her back being rubbed by her husband.

Harry's face was stony as he asked, 'Still think I am exaggerating McGonagall?'

She didn't, couldn't answer. She merely stared at him in horror, regret obvious in her eyes. Harry turned to Dobby, 'Thank you my friend, you can go now if you wish.' The elf smiled sadly at Harry before disappearing.

Finally McGonagall managed to croak, 'Why didn't you get Dobby to tell us what was going on? We would have gotten you out of there immediately!'

Wrong thing to say.

Harry stood up and bellowed, 'IT WASN'T MY JOB TO KEEP YOU INFORMED OF MY LIFE THERE! DUMBLEDORE AND BY EXTENSION YOU, PLACED ME IN THEIR CARE. THEREFORE IT WAS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT I WAS SAFE. IF DUMBLEDORE WAS STILL ALIVE HE WOULD HAVE KEPT WATCH OVER ME. BUT I GUESS THE WELFARE OF YOUR PRECIOUS CHOSEN ONE JUST WASN'T AT THE TOP OF YOUR TO-DO LIST!' He sat down, breathing heavily and glaring at the older woman who sat stunned by his outburst.

After a moment's silence he continued, 'Now, I expect you wish to know about my activities since I left to?' There was a note of sarcasm in his voice, but the adults nodded anyway. 'Well, I decided to go to Gringotts to get money out to survive. However, imagine my surprise when Lord Lardol was called to interview me personally!'

McGonagall meanwhile was going very white and she tried to interrupt, 'H-Harry, please don't!'

He glared at her, 'Don't what Professor? Don't tell them about how you dishonoured Albus Dumbledore's last wishes? Don't tell them that you kept me from what was rightfully mine? All for a little power grab?'

Whatever sympathy the adults were feeling for Harry, evaporated at the last comment, 'HOW DARE YOU!' Shacklebolt yelled, 'Minerva has been there, trying to hold things together since his death. And what have you done? Nothing but run away like a scared little boy!'

Harry eyed him calmly, maintaining his firm grip on Ginny who looked ready to curse him then and there. Finally he inclined his head, 'Very well, in the interests of not wanting to destroy your illusions about your new leader I will skim the details. Dumbledore left me something in his will, which I then was given when I got to Gringotts. I accessed my family fortune and promptly left for Potter Castle where I have been ever since.'

'What did he leave you may I ask?' Bill Weasley asked.

Harry smirked, 'The remainder of his fortune after he had given away to other people.'

There was a gasp, 'But that must be millions of galleons!' Ron blurted out, turning red.

Harry nodded his head, grinning at his friend who smiled nervously back.

'Did he leave you anything else may I ask?' Bill said, obviously expecting there to be more.

Harry nodded, 'Yes, he left me several items of a personal nature which you lot really have no need to know about. He also told Fawkes that he wished for me to be his next carer.'

The startled exclamations that resonated around the room were not enough to block out the noise from the flash of fire as Fawkes appeared and landed on Harry's shoulder.

Ginny muttered softly, 'Well, that is one question answered.' He smiled down at her, almost falling into the deepness of her eyes.

McGonagall was looking at the bird apprehensively, but Harry smirked and said, 'Do not worry Professor, you are the leader of these people, and nothing I say can change the fact.'

The hidden meaning in the words was obvious to her and she whitened even more, refusing to make eye contact with the young man in front of her.

'So, have I answered all of your questions? Or do you wish to interrogate me some more?' Harry asked looking around the room.

Immediately Mrs Weasley asked, 'Yes, I have a question! Who has been taking care of your injuries? Since you left I mean?' The adults all flinched when the word injuries crossed her lips, but she kept a steady gaze at the black haired man in front of her.

'Dinglebat.'

'Um, who is Dinglebat may I ask?' Mr Weasley asked, looking confused.

'One of the Potter family's house elves. There were several at the castle all who served my grandparents years ago.' Harry replied.

'Ah'

'Any more questions?'

'Yeah I got one.' Ginny burst out, glaring around at all the adults. 'Why did you come back? I mean, there really isn't anything for you here! They obviously don't care about you.' She gestured to the Order members that were gathered around the table.

Harry looked down at her and smiled, 'Well, I did promise a certain someone that I would come today did I not? I was not ready to face the infamous Ginny Weasley wrath if I broke that promise!' There was a soft giggle from Ginny as she blushed.

Ron looked confused, 'But why today?'

Harry looked at him amused whilst Ginny burst out, 'RON! Don't you even know what day it is? Or have you and Hermione been spending so much time with lips locked that you haven't a clue?' The two teenagers blushed deeply as Ginny continued, 'It's Harry's bloody birthday! He is an adult now.'

Molly jumped up, 'Oh of course! Harry I am so sorry, but we completely forgot!'

He snickered and muttered, 'I doubt it.' But no one other than Ginny heard him.

Molly quickly started putting on several pans and within moments was cooking up a storm.

Without even saying farewell to the people in the kitchen, Harry stood up and walked out, heading upstairs with Ginny, Ron and Hermione on his heels. Reaching his room, he opened the door for them all before slamming it shut.

He sat on the bed, looking at his friends who were staring back at him nervously. He grinned, 'I'm not going to bite guys! I am not angry at you; how could I be?'

Ron seemed to wilt with relief and plopped onto the ground, stretching out his long legs. Hermione followed suit, cuddling up to him whilst Ginny sat on the bed next to Harry.

After a moment's silence Hermione bit her lip, 'Harry? Can I ask you something? I mean personal?'

Fawkes, who was still on Harry's shoulder gave a chuckle, 'What is the bet she is wanting to know a bit more about how you are feeling?'

Harry gave a wry smile in response to the phoenix's question before replying, 'Of course I don't mind Hermione. If it is too personal I just won't answer.' She nodded before hesitating again. He rolled his eyes, 'Hermione, spit it out!'

'Well, its just, with what your family did to you. Um, most people would, would have some sort of, well, reaction to it. Not like physical reactions but emotional ones.' She stammered.

He sighed, 'You are wanting to know if they have made me a damaged person in other words? Scared of my own shadow and that sort of thing?'

She nodded, looking nervous, sad and terrified all at once. He smiled, 'I was certainly. When I got to Potter Castle I was a mess. Within a week of getting there I started having nightmares and would wake up screaming. However, after a while, Fawkes made me see that they couldn't hurt me any more. That they were just a bunch of bullies who would get their just reward eventually. I can't say that there aren't any permanent scars, but I am alright.'

She looked alright, but Ron just looked confused, 'What do you mean, 'Fawkes made you see'? I mean he is a bird! A beautiful one to be sure, but all he can do is sing and wound Basilisks!'

Harry managed to keep himself from laughing, but Fawkes obviously couldn't, letting out a full laugh, the room filling with his music. Ron looked shocked for a moment then turned red, 'Um, can he understand me?'

Harry nodded, 'Yes Ron, phoenixes are sentient beings that sometimes bind themselves to humans. Fawkes bound himself to me, so I can hear his thoughts and visa versa.'

'WOW, what is it like?' Hermione asked, looking with curious adoration at the beautiful bird.

Harry snorted, 'Depends on what mood he is in. He has a wicked sense of humour, but sometimes far to wise for my tastes. He makes no effort to conceal the fact that he knows more then I ever will.'

Fawkes whacked him over the head with a golden wing causing him to laugh.

Hermione looked scandalized, 'Harry! You shouldn't say such things, what happens if he gets offended?'

'I haven't managed to be offended properly by a carer in nearly 1500 years. Comes with the ability of being able to read the persons mind.' Fawkes said.

Harry looked at her, 'Fawkes says that it is pretty well impossible for him to be offended by a carer. His is far more mature then you or I will ever be and something so silly as an insult is not likely to piss him off.'

Hermione looked unconvinced, but didn't say anything else.

'So tell us what Potter Castle is like.' Ginny said, excitement gleaming in her eyes.

Harry grinned, 'You'll get to see it I am sure, but for lack of a better word, it is magnificent. It is like Hogwarts in the fact that it is a magical castle. But you know how Hogwarts has a nasty sense of humour? Always trying to trip you up and stuff?' the others nodded and he continued, 'Well Potter Castle doesn't do that. It always made sure I got to wherever I wanted to go quickly, without any mishaps. I doubt even you could manage to trip over in it Ron!' The last was said teasingly and Ron merely went red.

'ALRIGHT YOU LOT COME DOWN HERE NOW!' Mrs Weasley's voice hollered out.

Ginny rolled here eyes, 'What's the bet she has created a slap dash birthday party to try and soothe the angry feelings that were so obvious down there.'

Harry shrugged, 'It is sweet of her to try, but I am afraid that I won't be forgiving the Order any time soon. Even Fawkes agrees that I should hold a grudge for a while.'

Ron grinned, 'Well, who is to argue with a phoenix?'

'I like this friend of yours Harry! Perhaps I made a mistake in bonding to you; I should have gone with him!'

Harry laughed loudly, causing the other three to look at him weirdly. He caught his breath, 'Oh sorry, I forgot that you can't hear Fawkes. This'll take some getting used to, trying to carry two different conversations, where one cannot hear the other!' The others nodded in agreement as they made their way downstairs.

As they reached the living room, even Harry had to admit, Mrs Weasley had done a beautiful job at decorating the place. Instead of depressing and dark, it was light and full of life. It was also full of people, most who weren't at the meeting.

'Harry mate! Good to see you, gave us a right scare you did.' Fred Weasley said, clapping him on the back, George nodding in agreement.

Ginny stepped in front of Harry, putting her hands on her hips, 'I want to make this perfectly clear. If this is to be a birthday party, there is to be no mention of where Harry has been, what he has been doing, or why he left. IS THAT CLEAR?' she fairly yelled, causing everyone to take a step back.

There was a hasty nod from the occupants of the room, and Ginny turned a triumphant grin to Harry who couldn't help but smile back proudly at her. She truly was an incredible witch.

The rest of the night passed quickly, much of it a blur as Harry was forced to drink many shots with the twins, who stated that as an adult it was his responsibility to get drunk with the rest of them.

Fawkes had chided him slightly, but stayed out of sight so that Harry wouldn't have to answer any other questions.

Finally, at the end of the night, Harry bid everyone goodnight, saying that he had had fun, but that he had had enough. Ginny took his hand and led him upstairs to his room.

Stopping just outside, Harry placed his hands on her shoulders, staring into her hopeful eyes. Wincing slightly he said, 'Gin, um, I want to say thank you so much for believing in me, and choosing my side. It means more then I can possibly say.'

'You don't have to say anything Harry, but there is something you can do,' The husky undertone was enough to send him sweating.

Struggling to hold onto his resolve he shook his head, 'Gin, I-I can't, I mean I love you so much, but I can't let myself get that close to you. Not yet, not so long as Voldemort is alive.'

Ginny stamped her foot in anger,' I do not care about bloody Tom Riddle Harry! I care about you, I want you; I always have! Why do you insist on keeping me at arms length? Especially since you and I both know that we are supposed to be together.'

He sighed, 'Can we not argue? Not tonight at any rate. Please?' he pleaded with her, staring deep into her eyes.

She twitched, determination obviously waving. Finally she sighed, 'Very well Harry, but we will be talking about this. Make no mistake about that!'

Harry nodded in acquiescence and turned to go into his room. Ginny grabbed his arms and gave him a full kiss which he started to return in spite of himself.

Breaking it off, she stepped backwards and smiled, 'Just so you know what you are missing love.' With that she was gone, and Harry was left alone standing in the hallway, trying to clear his head.