The Dark Phoenix

There was the smell of grass and people were in panic wanting to know what was wrong, what had happened.

"Albus, this boy is dead."

"Harry let go, you can't help him now"

Harry was still holding onto Cedric, he refused to let go. Cedric's head turned, his eyes were unfocused, his skin a ghastly white in color. Cedric had no expression but his mouth moved.

"Harry, it wasn't your fault."

Harry woke up shaking, he had dreamed it again. But it was different than the way it had happened. This time Cedric had spoke to him and it had sounded so real, so very real. Harry hadn't made a sound, nor had he moved yet a soft voice came from the next bed.

"Harry? Are you awake?"

Harry tried to calm his voice but it shook slightly. "Yes, I'm awake."

"Are you okay?"

Harry felt Hermione touch his hand and it was relief, sweet relief. He felt calmer and squeezed Hermione's hand. "I am now."

"Anything you want to talk about?"

Harry hesitated and said, "No." Then he thought to himself, 'Not yet.'

"I'm right here. Okay?"

"Thanks Hermione."

"Go back to sleep Harry, tomorrow is another day."

Harry woke up and it was early morning. Hermione was still holding his hand sleeping away. Careful not to wake her Harry gently took his hand out of hers. Walking toward a window he had noticed a calendar on the wall, August 3^rd. 'Amazing' he thought to himself, 'A day over a week since Hermione had been attacked'. Looking at the calendar it seemed like such a short time for so much to happen, yet he felt like he had been in the Hospital wing for ages. Harry realized that he had missed his birthday but it didn't bother him. He knew it was well worth it as he looked back over his shoulder at Hermione still asleep. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. 'Yes it was well worth it.' Harry turned back to the window and looked out. It was the start of a new day and it seemed wonderful. Summer was well underway and the early morning air was cool. He could see a slight breeze blow across the grass making little patterns as it went. The grass was a rich green and birds flew across a sky that would soon turn a deep blue but was still an early morning gray. It was all so alive and he wanted to soak it all in. He was joined by someone with brown curly hair. Harry spoke softly as though he were afraid to disturb what he had been trying to take in.

"Hermione, I'm sorry, did I wake you."

"Not really." She looked out the window with him. "It's beautiful isn't it? It's almost as if I've never seen it before, like it's all new. Wish I was out there."

"Yeah," Harry agreed, and noticed a thumping in his head as he started to feel a little weak. Looking at Hermione he could tell she wasn't doing much better. "I think I'll get back in bed." Hermione nodded and they both got back in their beds.

Harry woke up to a deep voice.

"Dear sweet Merlin, they're alive, both of em'. Ah, Harry, Hermione, I was beside meself. I had to know. I had to see for meself." This huge burly hulk reached down and easily parted the beds and knelt on the floor between them reaching out a pair of arms as big as small tree trucks, but gentle. Poor Hagrid wept. Hermione was wide eyed with panic, she had never seen Hagrid like this. But Harry had, it was right after Harry had faced off with Voldemort over the Philosopher's Stone.

Hagrid was met with Harry and Hermione telling him they were all right and that everything was fine. Even Madam Pomfrey joined in reassuring Hagrid.

"Now Hagrid, did na Dumbledore send ya ah personal owl sayin' they was all right?" asked Madam Pomfrey.

"Aye, he did an ah can see that theya okay now, is jus' such a relief is all. When ah read abou' Hermione bein' kilt an' Harry diappearin' it was almost morin' ah could take," said Hagrid pulling out a small hankie that magically grew in size to accommodate his lovable whiskery face. He wiped his wet face and gave a deep honk into his hankie that sounded more like a moose calling.

Albus came in followed by two house-elves, Dobby and Winky. "I see that you came anyway Hagrid. I expected as much," said Dumbledore with a knowing smile. "Care to join us for breakfast? Hagrid? Poppy? Dobby and Winky have come prepared to serve and I suspect our two patients may be rather famished."

Dobby and Winky had a large tray apiece levitated above them full of steaming breakfast items. With a snap of their fingers Dobby and Winky had conjured a table for Poppy, Hagrid and Dumbledore, plus some bed top serving tables for Harry and Hermione.

Harry had to admit the smell of eggs, bacon, sausage was quite heavenly. Hermione found it difficult to eat left handed, and one handed, her right arm still in a sling. Harry noticed, and being a gentleman Harry offered to cut up her food to bite sizes, she was most grateful. Harry and Hermione told Hagrid all about what had happened with Dumbledore adding in the things they left out. When it was explained that Hermione had been stabbed by a Death Eater Hagrid's face grew dark, almost frightening. Harry was sure no one in their right mind would want to meet up with Hagrid when he looked like that.

After breakfast Madam Pomfrey gave Harry and Hermione another dose of praesangium making sure that Dobby and Winky watched closely. Harry thought it was interesting that Dumbledore magicked a couple of nose pinches for himself and Hagrid as Madam Pomfrey already had one. It didn't smell or taste that bad to him, or Hermione, but he had to admit it wasn't as good as it was the first time.

Harry and Hermione were quite mellow and talked about silly things like installing a swimming pool in the Gryffindor common room. Eventually Madam Pomfrey and Professor Dumbledore took their leave. Dumbledore mentioned a surprise for Hermione in the afternoon as he left. He also told them that Dobby and Winky would be watching out after them for several more days and he himself would be readily available on a moments notice. He also said he would personally be checking in on both of them. Hagrid was last to leave.

"Ya know ye two are quite funny when yar in this condition but ah really must be goin'. I will be back fer tha start ah the school year."

Harry gave Hagrid an animated hug and said, "Awww Hagrid you ought to stay. You can watch Hermione and I play Quidditch this afternoon. In fact you can be on Hermione's team so's it won't be too unfair."

"Ha, Harry Potter I can take you on with only one arm any day of the week," retorted Hermione.

"Ha, ta both of ye's. Neither one ah ya will be playing Quidditch today. You two try to watch out for each otha, eh?"

Hermione gave him a one armed hug and kissed Hagrid on a bare spot of his cheek. Hagrid seemed quite pleased and left with a huge smile.

The two slept, ate lunch, and slept some more. They started off the afternoon playing wizarding chess. When Hermione's parents showed up they had a wide eyed Melanie in tow. It looked like her eyes were going to pop when she saw Hermione. She squealed with joy and burst into tears embracing her long time friend.

"Oh Hermione, I thought you were dead, and then your parents told me you were alive. I - I could hardly believe it when they told me." Melanie's voice went low, "That you were a witch. And I promised not to tell a soul." Melanie's voice came back to full pitch. "Your mum and dad said they got special permission from the Headmaster of your school so that I could come see you. I don't know how you're okay and I don't care. I'm just so happy that you are."

Harry watched the two girls with a mixture of surprise and amusement. He was surprised that Professor Dumbledore had made the exception and slightly amused at the fuss they were making.

Hermione had burst into tears as well and hugged her friend. "Melanie I can't believe your here. Of course you thought I was dead. How could you not and, and, well I'm so glad to see you. As for me being okay, I have Harry here to thank."

Melanie's jaw dropped, "Really? But how?"

"You could say he brought me back to life with a kiss," Hermione said grinning.

"Oh my gosh — it was magic," said Melanie who promptly ran around the other side. "Thank you for saving Hermione." And planted a kiss on Harry's cheek in her excitement.

Harry had a surprised half grin. "Well, yeah, Hermione's my friend too."

Hermione, Melanie and Katherine chattered away as David informed Harry that the Ministry of Magic had placed some magical protection on their house after Hermione's attack. David said it was strange how someone from the Ministry had interviewed them, almost as if the interviewer didn't believe them about what had happened.

Just before the Grangers and Melanie left, Melanie glanced at Harry and whispered something in Hermione's ear. Hermione had flushed and clutched her pillow like she wanted to hit Melanie with it, then they both giggled.

The next morning after breakfast with Hermione and Dumbledore, Harry and Hermione were given another dose of praesangium by Dobby and Winky. The stuff smelled and tasted bland, it was definitely losing its desirability and the after effect just made them feel mellow instead of goofy. Harry decided to owl Sirius about Hagrid's and Melanie's visit and all the things that had happened since. Hermione had recommended against it since it was such a long way to the Owlery, but Harry had convinced her it would be alright if Dobby came with him. It didn't seem like it was going to be too bad a walk when he started out but the thumping in his head was getting louder by the time he had tied Sirius' letter to one of the school owls.

"Is Harry Potter sir feeling well?"

"So far Dobby, thanks for coming with me."

"It is an honor to watch over a famous wizard such as Harry Potter, sir. Dobby did not want to be paid for doing so. But Headmaster Dumbledore said things must be official. So it was accept to be paid or Dobby would not be allowed to take care of his friend Harry Potter, sir. Dobby admires Harry Potter above all wizards, except maybe Headmaster Dumbledore. Harry Potter risked his life to save his 'mione, his friend."

Thump, thump, thump, was what Harry feeling in his head and he was walking slower but smiled weakly, "Thanks Dobby, I admire you too. You risked a lot trying to save me once."

Dobby stopped in his tracks. "Harry Potter admires Dobby? The famous Harry Potter admires Dobby?" He looked like he was about to cry. "A famous wizard such as yourself admires a lowly house-elf such as Dobby. Harry Potter is truly a great wizard," said Dobby wiping away a tear.

Thump, thump, thump, Harry had stopped and was leaning against the corridor wall. Dobby snapped his fingers and Harry was being levitated on a stretcher down the hall back to the Hospital wing. Harry was grateful for Dobby's assistance but disgusted that he couldn't make it to the Owlery and back. He hated not being able to do simple things without feeling weak and light headed.

"Harry! Are you okay?" came Hermione's question as Dobby snapped his fingers again and gently lowered Harry back onto his hospital bed. It was then that Harry noticed a surly looking fella standing next to Hermione's bed looking concerned.

"Hey there Viktor. Yeah, Hermione I'm fine. I just got a little wore out is all. Irritating really, not being able to walk to the Owlery and back without nearly passing out. Don't mind me I'm just a little winded."

"I told you it might be too much Harry, I'm glad Dobby went with you."

"Vat is vrong vith they both of you? I found in the paper that Herm-own-ninny is killed an Harry is missing?"

"I'm not sure what's wrong with both of us exactly. I've been told 'The Breath of Life' was performed and that Harry performed the transference risking his own life. We've been sleeping a lot and taking praesangium as treatment."

Viktor Krum's eyes got very wide and Harry drifted off to sleep. He dreamed of a dark place, but there was no presence of Voldemort here, only depravity. There were witches and wizards sitting or lying in the shadows, pale and sickly looking. The smell drifting through the place was worse than stomach wrenching, yet, almost familiar. Something scurried by on the floor and it startled him. Harry didn't get a good look at it but it seemed to be a foul creature, something that feasted on blood. Harry wondered how he knew that. Next he saw small knives and sharp instruments on a small dimly lit table. Some voice called out from the shadows.

"Razage? Anyone have more Razage?" came a female voice. The question was followed by a hollow laugh from a pair of glazed over eyes and twisted smile.

Harry was repulsed. How could anyone do such things to themselves. Uggh! The smell!

Harry woke up with Dobby on his bed holding a cup of praesangium. It didn't smell very good and tasted a little bitter. Harry looked over at Hermione who had just got her dose from Winky. The look on Hermione's face was exactly how he felt about his.

"Hermione, is it my imagination or is this stuff tasting worse by the day?"

"It's not your imagination," she said gratefully taking a breath mint form Winky. For as long as the mint lasted she was blowing out a cold breath, it looked as though she were talking into frigid air as she continued. "Viktor explained to me about how the use of praesngium can be abused. It can only be legally made by a licensed Potions Master. I assume that what we're taking was made by Professor Snape." Hermione noticed Harry looking around. "Viktor has already left. He didn't want to wake you. And I suspect he didn't want to be around when we got our dose of medicine either."

Hermione twisted on her bed to face Harry better and talked with a touch more excitement. "Viktor just got through telling me that he believes us. That Voldemort has come back and that someday he must be stopped. He said that he knew of others that believed the same way he did. Viktor told me how I could contact him in the future if we ever need his help."

Harry gave a slow nod. "Yes, his help could be useful someday. I see he left a copy of the Daily Prophet."

"Yeah, I was just getting ready to read it."

Harry turned and looked out the window again. He was soon daydreaming of playing Quidditch and flying on his broom. He figured it would be several more days before he tried. The last thing he wanted to do was pass out and fall off his broom. His daydreaming was brought up short as he heard Hermione choke with a muffled scream. Hermione's hands were shaking, still holding onto the paper, her face had turned a light shade of red, which was saying quite a bit since she and Harry were still pale looking.

"I…I can't believe. That woman!" yelled Hermione. "Oooooo…" She threw the paper down on the bed and clenched her fists. Harry thought she was going to start pulling her hair out. He wasn't sure he had seen her so mad. He slowly reached over and gingerly picked up the paper from off of her bed as though he were afraid she might burst into flame any second. He kept one eye on Hermione as he started to read the front page.

Harry Potter Missing

The famous Harry Potter (The Boy Who Lived) has been reported missing and his one time girlfriend Hermione Grancher has turned up dead in a muggle hospital. Is there a coincidence in this event? Miss Grancher had been known to be a flirting trollop with many a young boy of Hogwarts and possibly with Viktor Krum the famous Bulgarian Quidditch Seeker. She was noted to have been a top student but one has to question how she managed to attain such grades having been the offspring of muggle parents.

It is claimed by some that her attacker was a Death Eater but this seems most unlikely and cannot be verified since the attacker's body has disappeared from the Ministry Morgue.

This reporter wonders if the impressionable young Harry Potter may have done the deed himself, as a possible crime of passion, having finally found out what kind of girl Miss Grancher really was.

Watch for the most accurate reporting available to the wizarding world as more develops in this tragic disappearance.

Rita Skeeter

Harry felt his own face flush. He and Hermione's eyes met and they said simultaneously, "She's going down!" Both of them snarled and began a furious conversation as to what was going to happen to 'Rita Skeeter'. Each was trying to one up the other on what hex or curse would best befall the worst excuse of a witch that had the misfortune to be born the current century. The exchange of ideas eventually had the effect of making them laugh. But Hermione had the idea of sending Rita Skeeter an owl with a simple drawing of a girl with curly hair and a boy with a lightning shaped scar on his forehead stepping on a large, fat beetle with antennae looking a lot like the foul glasses Rita Skeeter wears. The drawing would be signed by each of them.

Harry agreed, "Yes, that's the ticket. It's simple, short, and sweet. The worry of what could happen next will drive her insane." They both smiled mischievously.