The Dark Phoenix

"Good evening Harry, Hermione. Dobby and Winky have informed Minerva and I that the two of you will be leaving us tomorrow morning. I suspect you both feel it will be none too soon?"

"Evening Professor. Yeah, that about sums it up. I'm really looking forward to spending what's left of the summer with the Weasley's."

"And I'm looking forward to going home. Ron is going to bring his broom and Harry's before breakfast tomorrow. We'll fly them back to Hogsmeade and return by Floo."

"Before breakfast?" asked McGonagall dismayed. "Well, it makes sense I suppose. Young and anxious." She smiled.

"Dinner? Here in the Hospital Wing?" inquired Dumbledore.

"Sure," said Harry.

"Why not?" said Hermione.

Dinner went well as the two professors told stories. Dumbledore told of an experience he had with a dragon in his youth, a CommonWelsh Green. He remarked that they were more plentiful back then, all those years ago. Everyone laughed as he ended his tale with the words, "Needless to say I had trouble sitting for a week."

Professor McGonagall told how she had been a Seeker for Gryffindor House. She saw the look on Harry's face, and said, "I was not always the old witch that you see now Mr. Potter. I was quite the agile witch in my youth. And like you I lost a broom, but mine was due to a lighting strike. Luckily for me I was close to the ground when it occurred and only spent a day in the infirmary. I was heart broken about the broom, a Moontrimmer 20," she said with a sigh. "It was a gift from my father and mother. We were not a wealthy family and could not afford to replace it. I would've had to use one of the school brooms in order to keep playing. However, a Cleansweep One mysteriously appeared as a gift." She had a smile and a far away look as she said the name of the broom. "It also had a note that came with the broom that one day I should return the favor to a promising Quidditch player. I always suspected my Charms instructor, Professor Sterling, but he would always deny it with a smile." Suddenly Harry had a flash of understanding and gave a slow nod as Professor McGonagall looked at him knowingly.

After desert and as the table was being cleared Dumbledore went out of his way to compliment Dobby and Winky for the fine meal, and everyone agreed. The two house-elves looked tremendously flattered giving big toothy smiles under large round eyes. When Dumbledore mentioned giving them bonuses their smiles turned into looks of shock and panic, and they scurried off. Dumbledore shrugged and gave Hermione a wink over his half moon glasses. Hermione smiled appreciatively glancing down at the table.

"A fine meal. I believe Hogwarts has some of the finest house-elves of any school. Now that the meal is over I was wondering, Miss Granger." He paused and said, "No, I would like to be less formal. If that's all right with you two? It is not actually the school year after all." Harry and Hermione nodded. "Excellent, now as I was about to ask. Hermione would you be willing to demonstrate your Fulguritus spell?" asked Dumbledore. Then quickly adding with a grin, "In the corridor if you don't mind."

Outside the Hospital Wing door in the empty corridor McGonagall waved her hand to the corridor in front of them. "Go ahead Hermione. I'm very impressed to hear that you can perform this spell at all. It is a spell I would normally expect a seventh year to perform."

Hermione lifted her wand, pointing down the hallway, and gave a vertical circular motion as she cast her spell, "Aspello Agito", drawing back on her wand and then thrusting forward, "Fulguritus!" As before the hallway erupted into crackling and arcing electricity in front of them.

"Bravo Hermione," said Dumbledore as he clapped lightly.

"Well done. Very impressive for a fifth year," said McGonagall clapping.

"You're always full of surprises," said Harry clapping loudly. Even though he had seen her perform this spell earlier, he hadn't really appreciated it being distracted by Hermione's strange looking eyes.

"Would you like a few pointers on technique?" asked McGonagall.

"By all means, please," Hermione said eagerly.

"You definitely have the basics. The circular motion is meant to control the size, in area, of the discharge. Clockwise motion is to reduce and counter-clockwise is to enlarge. For example." McGonagall gave a fluid motion of her wand, "Aspello Agito Fulguritus!" A ball of discharging electricity appeared about the size of a basketball crackling and popping. Lifting her wand it disappeared.

"Harry, would you like to give it a try?" asked Dumbledore.

"Er, okay."

"Have you ever been surprised or shocked by an experience, felt the surge go through you? Good, that's the original focus of feeling to start with. The focus for the thrust motion at the end of the spell is to picture in your mind a bolt of lightning. Thus…" Dumbledore had the same fluid motion, "Aspello Agito Fulguritus!" This time the ball of discharging electricity was the size of a walnut. "I might also point out that the intensity of discharging electricity is proportional to the concentration you give it." The little ball of electricity suddenly became brilliant, illuminating the hallway in multiple flashes of blue arching light. The sound of electrical discharge became almost deafening as everyone squinted from the intensity of the light. Just as suddenly it was gone.

Harry and Hermione erupted into applause as McGonagall gave a look of admiration and mumbled something about "showoff".

"Go ahead Harry." Dumbledore motioned to the corridor in front of them.

"Whoa, tough act to follow," Harry said with wide eyes as Dumbledore chuckled encouraging him to try by motioning to the corridor again.

Harry stepped up and tried to think of an experience in his life that had been a surprise. His first thought was Hagrid's words, "Harry — yer a wizard." No, no. That wouldn't do. That was more surprise than shock. Then he thought of the look on Mr. Weasley's face as he said, "Harry, Hermione's been attacked." Without a doubt that was a big shock. Then he thought about a bolt of lightning that hit the ground not far from the Dursley's car as they were all going down the road in a thunderstorm. It must have been only a few hundred feet from the car when it struck. He never had a chance to shut his eyes, it happened so fast. The picture of the lightning strike was firmly in his mind. He cast the spell as he had seen everyone else do before him, "Aspello Agito Fulguritus!" The hallway erupted into arching and crackling electricity much the same as Hermione's spell had done. Everyone turned and looked at him. Hermione stood there with her mouth open. There was no applause, just silence.

"Er, sorry. That's the best could do."

"Is that your first time attempting that spell?" asked McGonagall.

Harry was starting to feel uncomfortable. "Uh, yeah. Was it that bad?" He wanted to say it didn't look much different than Hermione's.

"Harry I can't believe it. I practiced that spell for months last year. I had been sneaking down to the lower levels to practice. The first time I tried it all I got was a tiny little spark."

Harry brightened immediately and said with a big grin, "I had some very good teachers. What can I say?"

For the next thirty minutes the professors encouraged Harry and Hermione to practice the Fulguritus spell. When it looked like the two were beginning to tire Dumbledore asked Hermione about how she was able to see an invisible Peeves.

"Professor McGonagall and I have been most intrigued and have talked this afternoon about how we might understand your new ability. First, tell me again about Peeves. You could see him, and Harry could not. Exactly what did you see?"

"Well I saw Peeves face and his hands sticking up out of the floor. He looked semi-transparent as he usually does, but Harry couldn't see him. It was only after he popped up out of the floor that Harry could see him." Harry was nodding in agreement.

"Did Peeves look any different to you, after he popped up out of the floor?" asked McGonagall.

"I would have to say he looked a bit more dense, less transparent. Does that make any sense?"

"Yes, I believe it does. But I would be most interested in seeing a demonstration. If you don't mind a walk up to the Gryffindor common room." When they arrived Nearly Headless Nick was waiting for them, floating in mid air in the middle of the common room. "Ah, thank you Sir Nicholas for waiting."

"My time is yours, Headmaster. How can I be of service?"

Dumbledore turned to Hermione and motioned her forward. "We've brought Hermione here to take a look at you, visible and invisible. But please wait until I ask you to make yourself invisible." McGonagall and Harry moved along side Hermione to get a look at her eyes. "See here Minerva; notice how the white of her eyes, as well as the iris have a slight grayish look, almost metallic."

"Yes, it's not very noticeable. Harry, is this how her eyes looked before?"

"It was a lot more noticeable when I saw them."

Dumbledore leaned closer, looking. "Do you feel any different when you are looking at Sir Nicholas as opposed to before you saw him?"

"Except for everyone looking at me like I'm being examined, I don't feel any different."

Dumbledore smiled. "You are among friends Hermione. Everything is fine. Sir Nicholas, if you don't mind, could you become invisible and move to another place within the room."

Nicholas disappeared and Hermione's eyes became greyer. Her eyes and head moved in accordance to seemingly nothing in the room. Her gaze rested near the common room fireplace.

"I take it from your gaze that you can see Sir Nicholas by the fire place." Hermione nodded. "Harry, is this how her eyes looked before?"

"Yes, that's exactly how they looked. I was concerned the first time I saw them that way."

"Do you feel any different now that Sir Nicholas is invisible?" asked McGonagall.

"No, but I'm starting to feel self-conscious. Is this a bad thing?" she asked looking from McGonagall to Dumbledore, glancing at Harry briefly.

"Not at all dear. We may yet determine this to be of tremendous benefit to you. Have patience. Now, would you be so kind as to point out where Sir Nicholas is." Hermione pointed to thin air by the fire place. "Sir Nicholas, if you would be so kind as to reappear." Hermione lowered her arm as her eyes became less grey.

"How were you able to see me child?" asked a transparent, but visible, Sir Nicholas. "I noticed nothing different about your eyes."

"I don't really know."

Dumbledore looked at Sir Nicholas. "You noticed no difference? Excellent. That's good to know. I hadn't thought to ask. Sir Nicholas de Mimsy Porpington, I would ask that you keep this knowledge of Miss Hermione Granger's ability a secret. Do I have your word?"

Sir Nicholas straightened, his head wobbled but didn't fall off. "You have my word Headmaster."

"Thank you for your help. Now, if you two are not too tired we'll take one last walk, this evening, up to my office. Good."

They walked up to a table in Dumbledore's office. The dagger, still encased in a protective spell, was laid out on the table. Hermione hesitated and stayed a step back from the table.

"Albus, see that she looks the same as when Sir Nicholas was visible."

"Yes, most interesting. Hermione would you like to pick up the dagger and take a closer look? It is quite harmless while encased in this spell."

"I would rather not."

"How does it make you feel, to look at the dagger?" asked McGonagall.

"It gives me a chill up and down my spine. I don't' like looking at it. It feels dangerous."

Dumbledore rubbed his bearded chin. "I wonder if there is a subconscious aversion to the dagger. Oh, Harry, could you go and bring the box that's on my desk please."

Harry went over to Dumbledore's desk and reached out for the box. Hermione stiffened and practically lunged toward him screaming, "Harry! Don't touch that box!"

Harry jumped back away from the box as Hermione grabbed hold of him dragging him several steps further away. Hermione's eyes looked almost metallic. They were greyer than when Sir Nicholas was invisible. Dumbledore and McGonagall came walking up looking very impressed. McGonagall had her wand out and was putting it away.

"Impressive," said Dumbledore putting his hands together. "Let me explain. This box is called a wizard trap and is sealed, you would not have been able to open it if you wanted to Harry. But as a precaution Minerva was prepared to magic it away from you. The contents are very dark magic conjured by a bitter witch. She had been spurned by a wizard and was so disillusioned of all wizards she created this trap to kill any wizard that would open it. A wizard who mistakenly opens this box would be instantaneously consumed by the magic within. I had removed this particular item from the school's vault of Dark Artifacts as a test."

"Here is what I have concluded, so far, as to your condition Hermione. Correct me if you think of something I've overlooked Minerva. It would seem that you are sensitive to anything dangerous, as you have just demonstrated. You also have sensitivity toward ghosts, visible or invisible. The common connection is death, a sensitivity of death. Hermione I believe anything, or anyone wishing to do you harm will find it very difficult to get near you. You will intuitively know it. A strange ability. I know of no instance of any wizard or witch being able to do this. Have you Minerva? I would urge you to keep this ability quiet. It could prove useful some day. I would also view it as a gift."

Harry and Hermione left to retire, for one more night, back to the Hospital Wing. McGonagall was still in Dumbledore's office after the two left. "They look tired Albus, I think we've done our job for the night."

"Wow, what an evening Hermione. You have a new sight. I nearly jumped out of my skin when you screamed at me to not touch that wizard trap"

"Yeah, what about you and your first attempt at a Fulguritus spell?"

Harry was tired when he got into his bed, but sleep evaded him. He could hear Hermione tossing and turning in her bed as time went by.

"Hermione?" he whispered. "Are you awake?"

"You don't' have to whisper Harry. I'm still awake. I'm tired but I still can't sleep. It's very irritating. I think it's because I'm anxious to go home."

"I know what you mean. I feel the same way. I can't sleep either." Harry lay there for a few minutes. "Want to go up to the and look at the stars?"

"I'd love to."

They were still in their pajamas but it didn't matter with an empty school. They didn't really expect to bump into professors McGonagall or Dumbledore. And even if they did all they would do is shoo them back to the Hospital Wing and to bed. With a pillow and blanket in hand, both made their way to the . On top of the tower they laid down their blankets and pillows, side by side, on the cool stone floor. It was a beautiful clear night. The day had been hot but the night was very pleasant, and there was a slight breeze. The moon was three quarters full and looked to be descending into the west from straight overhead. There had been some friendly banter between them about how full the moon was tonight. Hermione thought it was three quarters while Harry disagreed. After ten minutes of argument from Hermione she finally asked him what he thought.

"I think it's a good seventy seven percent full."

"What? You let me argue for ten minutes over a two percent difference of opinion?"

Harry grinned, "Like old times eh?"

Hermione playfully hit him and they both laughed.

Still on the same tack, Harry pointed out a few Constellations and stars, naming them off. A few of them he purposely named wrong.

"Why Harry Potter. How could you possibly not know your constellations? Five constellations are seen best in August, Corona Austrina, Lyra, Sagittarius, Scutum and Telescopium. And it's a simple matter to remember the constellations of the zodiac by remembering the phrase 'A Tense Gray Cat Lay Very Low, Sneaking Slowly, Contemplating A Pounce'. The first letter of the phrase corresponding to Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pices." She talked on and on, divulging her knowledge of the night sky as Harry listened, smiling. Eventually she turned and looked at him almost indignant. "You haven't been listening to a word I've said, have you?"

Harry turned on his side putting his elbow across his pillow and resting his head against his hand. "I have too been listening," he said trying to sound offended.

Hermione turned on her side as well, facing Harry. "Really," she said sarcastically. "What was the last planet I mentioned that could be seen at the end of this month."

'Uh, oh', Harry thought. When short of a good comeback, tell the truth. "I apologize. I wasn't listening to what you said. I was listening to the sound of your voice. I was thinking how wonderful it sounded when only a short time ago I thought I might never hear your voice again."

There was a little tug on Hermione's heart as she realized he had purposely named some constellations wrong and was telling her the truth. She was almost at a loss for words but managed, "Thank you. That was a nice thing to say." The breeze picked up and was blowing a bit more as Hermione shivered.

Harry noticed. "Care to share my pillow?"

Hermione scooted over next to Harry putting her head on his pillow, her neck across his arm, and they snuggled. The warmth and touch from one another felt electric but both chose to suppress it. They looked at the stars in silence.

Harry opened his eyes. He thought they had only been closed for a second but the change in the moon's position told him it had been for at least an hour. He could feel Hermione's warmth next to him and he had the same calming reassurance wash over him. The same feeling he had waking up next to her and still finding her alive. She looked like she was asleep and he didn't want to wake her, just yet. He turned slowly on his side pulling his arm part way back from under her neck. He wanted to look at her sleeping, peacefully, in the moonlight. The moon cast a silvery blue light on her features as he watched the breeze blow her curly hair, the gentle rise and fall of her breathing. He thought back to their kiss under Godric's tree, and how he wasn't sure how he felt toward his friend. He looked at her closed eyes and the soft curves of her face. At this moment he couldn't deny it. She was beautiful. He leaned down slowly to give her a kiss on the cheek, close to the corner of her mouth. An innocent kiss, then he would wake her and they would go back to the Hospital Wing.

Hermione had been awake from the moment Harry had turned slowly on his side. She could almost feel him looking at her and wondered why he didn't try to wake her. She started thinking about that fantastic kiss under Godric's tree and her impulsive request to kiss the guy that had saved her life. She could sense that he was leaning down toward her. Her heart skipped a beat, was he going to kiss her on the lips, or on the cheek. She realized quickly that he was going to kiss her on the cheek. She thought back to the time she had meant to kiss him on the cheek thinking that he was asleep.

Just as Harry's lips were about to touch her cheek she turned and two arms wrapped around his neck. Harry's short little intake breath of surprise was met by a couple of silent chuckles, puffs of air from Hermione's nose against his cheek. The surprise and humor of the moment melted as lips met and eyes closed. The innocent kiss under Godric's tree was fading away to something longer and deeper. Harry lifted his head slightly opening his eyes, Hermione's arms still around his neck. He could feel the heat of her body beneath his and in her arms around his neck. The moonlight seemed to be brighter, almost golden in color; he thought he could see the color of her brown eyes as he looked deep into them, only inches from her face.

"I–I was g–going to wake you up," he whispered as he leaned closer brushing is nose against the side of hers in a light caress.

"I–I kn–know," she replied in a whisper starting to match his movements, her eyes partially closed, lips skimming ever closer.

"We sh-should probably get back," he whispered in reply just as lips touched ever so slightly and they were both lost to an even deeper kiss that seemed to sing in their hearts.

A sudden gust of wind picked up Hermione's abandoned blanket and tossed it over them. They pulled apart and looked at each other in surprise and wonderment. Finally they spoke almost simultaneously. Harry saying, "We better get back." And Hermione saying, "We better go." They both laughed picking up blankets and pillows. They walked hand in hand back to the Hospital Wing. It was late and this time they both fell asleep quickly.

A long white beard and half moon shaped glasses chuckled in front of a glowing oval shaped Viewer. "Thank you for waking me Fawkes, a little gust of wind can indeed cool the fire of young passion. Hmmmm," he said looking from the image of a sleeping Harry and Hermione in the Viewer and then to Fawkes.