NIGHT OF THE PHOENIX

 

Rating: PG
Genre: Adventure/ vague mystery
Setting: All over the place, including different dimensions, other planets and vague places that fit nowhere.
Main Characters: Harry, Malfoy

 

Part 2

Harry left Dumbledore’s office, his head spinning with thoughts. Dumbledore had just rested the burden of saving the entire school squarely on his, Harry’s, shoulders. He gazed at the crystal. Dumbledore had told Harry how it worked. Apparently, you gazed into it, thinking about the place you wanted to go, and it teleported you there. Easy enough. But tracking down one phoenix, who could be anywhere? Was it possible? It must be, thought Harry, otherwise the burden placed onto him was impossible. Was all of this, though, some scheme of Dumbledore’s to give the school hope? They all knew he was able to do what was supposedly impossible. If nothing else proved it, the fact that Voldemort had been defeated when he attacked Harry as an infant was proof enough. Yet, this task looked as though there was no plausible solution. He was brought back from his thoughts, aware that someone had shouted to him. He looked up. Malfoy was leaning almost casually against the front door. Harry felt irritated. He didn’t have time to deal with Malfoy. He needed to find Fawkes as soon as possible. But the look on Malfoy’s face showed that he had no intention of letting Harry pass. Harry glared at him.

“What do you want Malfoy?” He asked sharply.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t Potter. Out to save the day again?” Harry scowled.

“I don’t have time for this Malfoy! Those who have been infected are depending on me. Now move.”

Malfoy didn’t show any signs of moving at all. “Dammit Malfoy! Do you want everyone to die? I saw your house table. More than half of the Slytherins have been infected.” This seemed to stir something in Malfoy’s face. He stood up slowly, staring at Harry.

“Including Crabbe and Goyle.” he said, softly. Harry felt surprised. He had never really thought that Malfoy had any emotions at all. Now it seemed he was upset by the prospect of Crabbe and Goyle dying. He was also shocked to find a slight twinge of sorrow for Malfoy. Sure, Crabbe and Goyle were not the most intelligent students, but they were Malfoy’s friends. Well, at  least, if the word could apply to, well, Slytherins. Harry never thought he would feel sorry for Malfoy, but he felt, all of a sudden that he could relate to Malfoy’s feelings.

“Then why are you standing in my way? If you move I can find Fawkes and cure them!” Malfoy smirked.

“You really think I’m going to let you get all of the glory for saving the school?” Harry stared at Malfoy.

“Your going to let everyone to die just because you don’t want me to get any glory?” Malfoy smiled evilly.

“Oh no. I’m going to find Fawkes in your place.” Harry couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“Don’t be stupid! Fawkes doesn’t know you, he’ll just fly away. Anyway, you have no idea where to start looking or how to get there!” Malfoy’s smile disappeared. It seemed that he hadn’t thought about that. A voice behind him caused Harry to turn again. It was Dumbledore.

“It seems that Mr Malfoy wishes to join you on your quest Harry” Harry felt almost grateful. At least Dumbledore would forbid Malfoy to go, and Harry would be able to carry on with his quest without having to argue any further.  Dumbledore continued to speak. “I think that it would be a good idea. It would indeed be hard for one person alone to find out anything about Fawkes’ location. Yes. It would be a god plan for Mr Malfoy to join you.” Harry couldn’t believe his ears. Dumbledore was agreeing to let Malfoy join him? It had to be some kind of joke. He glanced quickly at Malfoy, who had an expression of smug happiness on his face, of knowing that he had got his way.

“Professor…” Harry began, but Dumbledore silenced him with a wave of his hand.

“Now, more than ever, is a time for co-operation, not futile arguments, do you agree Harry?” Harry nodded, realising that he couldn’t win. “And, besides, Mr Malfoy wishes to join you to help his own friends.” Harry turned, about to leave. But Dumbledore stopped him quickly. “One more thing I must add. It is essential that you both work together to find Fawkes. Argument at this delicate time could lead to a disastrous drop in the number of students here. Good luck, both of you. Oh, and I forgot to give you this Harry, in case you were wondering why I was here.” Dumbledore handed over a small mirror. Harry stared in astonishment. “Yes, it is, indeed, the exact same type of mirror that Sirius had. This way, we can communicate, if things go wrong, or if you are in a difficult situation. Now, Good luck, and pray for those infected.” Harry took the mirror, and without another word, and with Malfoy just behind him, left Hogwarts.

 

END OF PART 2