Purpose

~ Chapter 7: Down to Business ~

Fenix was sitting on the wooden floor with the two wolves beside her, talking quietly to Ginny. "I've never been invited to a wizarding family's home before. Seems strange to me somehow," the Fire Master confessed to the youngest Weasley.

"You'll get used to it," Ginny reassured the silver-eyed woman. "At least you aren't that old to adapt with the current situation."

"There's that I guess," the Fire Master admitted. "Who is Professor Dumbledore? I did ask Sirius ever since Harry's birthday but his answers are very short. All I knew about the man is that he is the principal of your school and the head of the secret organization."

"That's all he told you?" Ginny asked incredulously, her eyes wide.

"Yeah," Fenix replied, watching the profiles of Sirius, Remus and Harry with a gentle smile. Her attention on her oathbrother was broken when four simultaneous cracks pierced the air. She slowly got to her feet, her eyes intent on the front door.

: What is it? : Sirius directed the question at her, but included Harry, Remus and the wolves in the conversation.

: I think it's the Headmaster, : she sent her reply. She was still in her Hunter mode and flinched slightly when Severus Snape, Potions Master and Head of the Slytherin House crossed the threshold.

: Isn't he complicated? : Fenix remarked to no one in particular.

Snape's eyes swept the interior of the household and paused to scrutinize the Fire Master. His attention on her was only for a few seconds before dismissing her. The Potions Master kept his expression impassive when he turned to Sirius.

"Sirius." Snape greeted him curtly.

"Severus." Harry's godfather replied as brusquely.

Funny, why am I feeling a fainter version of what I feel from the Dementors? Is this the evidence of what Sirius had told me about the Death Eaters? Fenix mused grimly.

: Ah...Fenix? : a strange, shy-sounding baritone asked her.

: Is it you, Harry? : She turned to look at Harry, who had stood up and his height was almost equal to Sirius. The young wizard gave her a slight nod in acknowledgment.

: Have Sirius told you about Snape? :

: Professor Snape, and yes he did, : Fenix corrected him almost absently, her eyes now intent to examine a man so weird-looking. She did raise an eyebrow slightly in amusement when the man made a tentative move as if to dislodge something away from him. She knew the Sylph by sight and by her dark blue hair. "Arenii, get off the poor man," Fenix instructed firmly. Someone gave a sigh from behind her as the Sylph giggled and gave the man a kiss on his cheek before vanishing.

"She's totally out of control," the Air Mage complained futilely. "I don't know why Moody interests her so much. Sirius is far much more good-looking than he is," Mrs. Granger said aloud, ignoring Snape's scowl. She was far too busy looking at a blushing Sirius.

"Of course, the Black is good-looking," a silky voice called out. "If only he isn't such a prig." And for a brief moment, Fenix's amber-haired Sylph made herself seen to the Unbelievers.

"Oh!" Professor McGonagall gasped in surprise. Moody was so shocked that he turned pale all of a sudden.

"I don't think the Sylph meant you any harm, Alastor," a calm deep voice said. Professor Dumbledore entered The Burrow, nodding his head at Sirius and gave Fenix a measuring look.

"Fenix Maxwell," Professor Dumbledore began.

Fenix replied coolly, "Albus Dumbledore."

"Is there any room that we could use for an uninterrupted conversation, Arthur?" the Headmaster inquired and Mr. Weasley began to flush in embarrassment.

Fenix tilted her head to one side and gazed at the group of wizards intently. "The living room will do," she said.

"How dare you even suggest that! Muggles!" Snape spat out and she raised her hand to prevent her oathbrother from lunging towards the Potions Master. The Grangers looked angrily at Snape.

Fenix gave looked directly into Snape's eyes. "Wasn't that your intent, Albus? To include me in the conversations?" she asked, staring impassively at the Potions Master.

"It is still, but the presence of the students is not--"

The Fire Master quickly interrupted him. "But the matter highly involves the students, doesn't it? Especially since it's their safety we'll be discussing...among other important things," she pointed out.

Professor Dumbledore peered down at the diminutive woman. Finally, he relented and casually set up protective spells about The Burrow. Each of the wizards contributed their own spells while the mages closed the gaps with their own runes. Only the Potions Master looked terribly displeased and refused to take a seat even after Mrs. Weasley offered him a chair. Hermione eagerly asked the Headmaster on the new school rules.

"Letters will be sent to every student on the new rules that will be implemented on the new school term," Professor Dumbledore began, his eyes boring down on the still-stubborn Potions Master. "It will be less tiring for you if you were to sit, Severus." The Headmaster paused before resuming his sentence. "However, there are some rules that I have to highlight to you. You are all required to buy your books within a three-day period, with the fifth-years and above to go down the Alley, on the last day, which is--" Professor Dumbledore gave an inquiring look at Professor McGonagall.

"Sixteenth of August," the Head of Gryffindor House supplied. The Headmaster nodded slightly.

"Also, on the day that you are to congregate at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, you will go with an escort of at least one Auror," Professor Dumbledore informed them.

"At least that way, we could hope that nothing disastrous happens to the students but the same cannot be said for the rest of the wizard family," Moody grated.

"Great. Now the students get to worry about more than just their studies," Ginny said wryly.

"By the way, Sirius," the Headmaster peered significantly at Harry's godfather, "you have a hearing on the coming Tuesday."

"What?" Sirius's head jerked up in surprise.

"We do have to clear the things about you being an Unlicensed Animagus before you could start being his godfather, don't we?" Professor McGonagall said in a condescending tone.

"And what makes you so sure that the Ministry will let me off that easily?" Harry's godfather demanded.

Fenix did not know if it was wise for her to speak up but she tossed her precautions to the wind. "Why would they want to sentence you again anyway? You've already spent twelve years in that wizard prison for something you did not commit."

"You will be silent," Snape hissed. Fenix stared at the Potions Master calmly, but the same could not be said of her Elementals. The Salamanders who were very close to her began to wind themselves about her in agitation. I wonder why he is being so abrasive. Hermione tried not to stare at her. The young girl could not help but notice that her long hair behind her back was lifted high and was surprised that no one else noticed. Fenix smiled slightly at the young girl.

"I don't think they want to perpetrate a mistake they could avoid. With luck, and a lot of fast talking, Minerva and I would help you clear your name," Professor Dumbledore said with a grim tone.

Sirius looked at the Headmaster dubiously.

: Don't worry, brother, even if that particular plan backfires, you are still going to carry your duties. : Fenix reassured him, her mindvoice tinged with mischief.

: Do you think it will be all right if I were to speak my mind? : Harry's familiar mindvoice filled her mind. She heard Sirius's reply to the boy.

: Yes, you can. If it is important. :

Harry first glanced at his friends, then took a deep breath and asked his first question to the Headmaster. "Do we have enough allies for The War?"

Professor Dumbledore took a deep breath and looked into Harry's deep emerald eyes. "I do not know Harry, Bill's doing the best that he could in gaining some foreign wizards, but the--"

"Too timid to join up," Moody finished the sentence for him. Ron looked disappointed while Hermione bit her lower lip.

"It hasn't started right?" Ron asked timidly.

"If it hasn't, it's just a matter of time," Moody replied, his magical eye watching Fenix continuously. It moved slightly as it watched Harry's head tilt to ask the Headmaster his second question.

"Are you going to negotiate with the Fire Master for possible alliance?"

The Headmaster looked slightly startled at Harry's blunt question. His surprise was quickly erased when Harry suddenly doubled up, hands clutching his head. Sirius quickly moved to his side, trying to pry Harry's hands apart.

: Sirius, leave him! : Fenix sent her thought overlaid with sensations of a pounding head, and would have laughed at Sirius's alarm if she was not so affected by Harry's pain.

"Harry! Are you all right?" Mrs. Weasley spoke up; her hand clutching her husband's tightly.

Fenix got up from her seat and laid her hand on Harry's head. The excruciating pain that Harry was experiencing almost overwhelmed her. She drew her hand back to shield her mind completely, only opening her Healing channels and placed her hand back on his head. The wizards looked at her gesture warily. Slowly, Harry's breaths became calmer and he stopped struggling with himself. Only when he removed his hands away from his head did Fenix broke off the contact.

"You used Healing, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"What is it, Harry?" Professor Dumbledore asked, his eyes alert, while the other looked at the Fire Master with wary respect.

"It's him. He's angry and he killed again. Three homeless Muggles and one wizard, don't really know his name."

"Angry? What about?" Moody asked.

Much to their amazement, Fenix answered. "He had sent some Dementors to terrorize Harry's caretakers and the surrounding neighborhood. However, the elves, all disguised, chased them away from the civilian area to the woods. I think he had sent a scout to look for them and he wasn't pleased at the scout's report--that could be the wizard he killed."

"What did the scout find? And what happened to the Dementors?" Ron asked curiously.

"Professor Dumbledore," Ginny spoke up, "isn't that Fawkes?" she asked, pointing her finger at the window. The Headmaster strode out of The Burrow, his hand holding a Daily Prophet. Perched calmly on his shoulder, was a bright, red-feathered bird.

Several screeches were heard from the outside and Hedwig flapped into the house and dropped something to Hermione. It was also a copy of the Daily Prophet. She stared at the front page just as a flock of post-owls breezed through The Burrow with copies of the top wizarding newspaper.

Fenix squeezed in right in between Sirius and Remus. She was caught by surprise when she saw movement on the newspaper. It's just like a TV screen... She caught Hermione's whispers that this was a special edition of the Daily Prophet. She paid careful attention to the title, 'Ghastly sights sets off hysteria in the Muggle community'.

Mrs. Weasley suddenly screamed in fright, her face turning pale. Remus looked up from the paper inquiringly.

"Those were Dementors!" she jabbed a finger at the front page as she exclaimed, her voice tinged with hysteria.

Professor Dumbledore raised an eyebrow and peered into the picture carefully. Ginny and Hermione gasped in horror and Fenix looked at the silent picture carefully. Comprehension dawned on her face and Sirius placed a comforting hand on her shoulder when uneasiness coursed through their bond.

"That's sick, isn't it?" Ginny spoke softly.

"How did the Dementors get themselves...ah..." Ron halted, frowning as though trying to think of an appropriate word.

"Impaled?" Fenix said.

Ron gave her a grateful look and continued. "Yeah...right...well...how did they get themselves lifted off to get impaled by the trees?"

"Extremely curious," Professor Dumbledore agreed. One by one, they all resumed their seats. Now, Fenix shared a seat with Sirius, after silently informed him that she would like to stay near Harry. Professor McGonagall gave Sirius a look that they could not comprehend.

: I think it's because she doesn't know that you're oathsibs, : Wind said helpfully in their minds.

: I don't think that would occur to her right now. Our position sure indicates that we are something much more intimate, : Sirius responded. : Anyway, we could cover all the minor details later. : Fenix silently agreed with her oathbrother.

"Is there any explanation to this?" Professor Dumbledore asked her carefully. "Assuming you could."

"Yes. The elves were not the ones who lifted the Dementors; they were merely herding them. The Trees moved on their own," she lifted her head slightly to look at Sirius. "It's strange. I'd thought they were an endangered kind. Didn't expect them to congregate in one place," she spoke to Sirius.

"They're Mnids?"

"Well, can you think of any other kind of trees that can do you harm?"

"Yes," Ron replied absently, "the Whomping Willow did made a good job of battering me and Harry when we're second-year students."

: Whomping Willow? : Fenix asked, her face puzzled.

: Never mind that. This had just fell under the minor detail section, : Sirius answered her with a slight shake of his head.

"Would you two stop doing that? It's rude," Moody suddenly spoke up loudly, startling them.

"Were you talking to me, Moody?" Sirius asked mildly.

"Yes," Moody grated, his magical eye spun in its socket again, "you and Fenix."

"We'll be good," Fenix spoke up, her face impassive. Her friend was right. She exchanged a quick glance with the Air Mage, who was shaking her head, looking at her Sylph almost in desperation.

: Arenii is seriously out of control, : Wind said, her amusement clear to Fenix.

"I am surprised that the Dementors were still around. Maybe it's for the benefit of the wizarding media, I guess," Fenix pondered. Professor McGonagall gave her a look that encouraged Fenix to explain the matter further. "Usually, anything that offends them will lose their substantial form almost immediately. They usually do not display their killings."

"Don't you think he wouldn't try to burn them?" Snape mused, forgetting the fact that he was discussing the matter with 'Muggles'.

"He can try, but they themselves are magically and physically protected. Furthermore, this particular group are under the protections of the elves and the Gods," Fenix said and Snape gave her a disdainful glare. "Seriously," Fenix said almost in aggravation. "Just because you are skeptical about the existence of Gods, doesn't make everyone think the same as you do."

: It is time for your kind to open your minds a little wider. You people have been incredibly naïve. : An implacable voice resounded deeply in the minds of the Unbelievers.

"Stop looking for enemies, Moody," Sirius warned the weird-looking wizard. "That was the great silver wolf. I am surprised that you had not noticed the pair as soon as you came in," then he paused as a thought occurred to him.

"What are you talking about? I don't see any wolves!" Moody protested.

Sirius stared meaningfully at the wolves. "Unless...they have been encouraging you to see something which is not really there."

"Very quick brother," Fenix complimented him, and Sirius gave her an almost childish grin.

Since their technique had been discovered, the pair of wolves dropped their illusions. Moody jumped; stumbling backwards as he saw the pile of firewood suddenly transformed into a pair of wolves.

"They're harmless," Sirius chuckled then mercurially turned serious, "unless someone tries to either harm them or something innocent."

: Let's all get down to business. Don't bother with formalities. It's getting tiresome, : Silver spoke up and turned to stare directly at Snape. : And keep a lid on it. : The youngsters exchanged a puzzled look between themselves, looking at Snape and then at the great silver wolf.

"Very well," Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat and began. "There is this; we simply do not have enough people to negate anything that the Dark Lord will attempt in the future. The Ministry and I had discussed of the possibility of closing down the School but that way, it is very much dangerous to the students."

"The Fair Ones are ready to help; some of the Elven Lords were aware of the Dark Lord's era back a century ago. They're long-lived creatures after all. However, all Mages are of two minds. I could assure you that none of the Mages would attempt to join in with the Dark Lord. The Elementals abhor him somehow. They would turn upon their Mages if they try to attempt that. It's cruel, but it is a safeguard. Let's just keep it to one kind of war. I don't think She could handle the complications of a blood bath plus the revolts of nature. But I will help," the Fire Master said. "It is absolutely imperative that I should do so," she continued, gazing intently at Harry now.

"From what Sirius had told me, and from how these people feel about you, your survival is important to them. Including that one," she said, her eyes rested on Snape for a moment before swiftly returning to Harry's. "You're a hazard, much to yourself and everyone else. Really, Harry. Your mind's as leaky as a boat with no bottom. I'm surprised that you had remained sane after all these years or maybe... since the day you had first conversed with a reptile."

Harry gulped and flushed slightly in embarrassment. The way Fenix was talking to him right now was almost mother-like. Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat to regain their attention.

"I am glad that you had seen what a danger the boy could be if his mind remained exposed. Your magic is very different from ours, but the way you are shielding both of your minds seemed very effective. And I apologize if my actions seemed rude to you," the Headmaster's eyes lighted up with curiosity, "but I can't seem to penetrate the barriers you have erected."

"That's the general idea, wasn't it?" Fenix said with a sly look in her eyes.

"So it seems that your talents may prove useful to the students and the staff. Would you consent in being a staff in Hogwarts?"

"To teach? Would I be of any use?" Fenix asked in bafflement.

"Yes, if it does not trouble your Muggle occupation."

"I'm self-employed actually. In a way, I am obliged to help you," Fenix said, her silver eyes mysterious. "I don't really know the reason, but it seems that duty is calling me."

"So, you will come to Hogwarts?" Professor Dumbledore asked, his tone hopeful.

"Yes."

"Nevertheless, you wouldn't be handling the students alone. Remus, I loathe to burden you with this but there is no one else more suited for the position," the Headmaster said, looking pointedly at Remus.

"If you think I'm good enough for the position, I will," Remus gave a heavy sigh.

"Don't worry, Professor. You are the best Defense against the Dark Arts teacher," Ron cheered. "But this will be the very first time this position has ever been shared." The Prefect gave a sidelong look at the Potions Master who was glowering at Remus with hatred.

"I think this is settled," Professor Dumbledore stood up. "I've got to stop by the School before going to the Ministry. I'm sure they wish to discuss this," he said, shaking the Daily Prophet a little. "I'll come by again when it's time for your hearing, Sirius."

**********

"I wonder how fast he can talk when he tells the authorities that a 'Muggle' would be teaching the students," Fenix mused, twirling a lock of her black hair, then turned to face the company still in The Burrow.

"Don't worry, Fenix. The Headmaster has his ways," Mrs. Weasley said confidently. "My goodness! It's nearly noon! Oh dear! The twins would be coming home for their lunch! Oh dear!" Mrs. Weasley zoomed off towards the kitchen.

"Mr. Weasley, is there any area that my wolves could rest?"

"I don't think my wife would really mind them hanging out in the living room."

"Do you think she would mind if they were to share my sleeping area?"

"Are you sure?"

"The stairs won't bother them."

"It should be all right." He however had the look of wanting to say more but decided against it.

Fenix carefully pulled Ron, Hermione and Ginny from Sirius, Remus and Harry.

"Let's leave them together for a bit," Fenix whispered. She gave a hand signal to the Mages and they both shrugged, moving towards the kitchen. "Meanwhile, while they are having their own reunion, why don't you guys show me my sleeping quarters?"

"Allow me," Ron said pompously, giving her a mocking bow and directed her towards the stairs. "If you would care to follow me?" he inquired as Ginny giggled at his ridiculous behavior.

Except for Fenix and her bondmates, the others were panting slightly by the time they reached the landing. "An unobtrusive method to ensure you remain healthy," Fenix observed them clinically.

"And this is where you and Sirius are going to sleep!" Ginny said cheerfully, opening the door and invited the silver-eyed lady in. Fenix raised her eyebrow slightly as she took in the color of the room.

"Was this room yours?" she asked Ron pointedly.

"Yeah," Ginny answered for him. "Mom had to cast an Engorgement Spell on the bed so it would fit you and Sirius. Our mother was rather expecting some kind of relationship but well since you're siblings..." The girl shrugged.

: The bed is quite comfortable, : Silver approved, as he curled near the edge of the bed.

: You're spoilt, dear, : Wind remarked.

They children were looking expectantly at her. She gave them a grin. "It's fine. I had a room exactly the same color and the same number of furniture anyway."

"That is quite a big bed wouldn't you say?" Sirius said, casually leaning against the doorframe. Harry and Professor Lupin were standing at the corridor. Sirius pushed himself off the doorframe, flung himself on the bed, and stretched.

"Am I suppose to share this bed with you?" Sirius asked slyly.

"Yes," the Fire Master replied, looking archly at her oathbrother.

"Drat. You're so small but I wonder how you could take up so much space; just like a cat."

"You want a bigger sleeping space? Fine, you could sleep right here on the floor," Fenix said flatly and gave him a look that said 'One wrong phrase and you're it'. Sirius chuckled gently. The two, who were loitering out of the bedroom, shuffled in and closed the door behind them.

"So..." Remus began, looking pointedly at Sirius, "are you going to tell us what happened to you since The Duel?"

Sirius sighed and sat up on the bed. "I wonder if there is something that we'll allow me to record down my narration..." Harry's godfather mused darkly.

"Having second thoughts of me Healing you, brother?" Fenix questioned slyly.

"Shut up." Sirius snapped, then his face turned helpless. "People are going to keep asking me that question, won't they?"

"You bet!" Harry grinned crookedly at his godfather. "You either tell your version or we'll set the twins on you."

"And I could just imagine their twisted version in my mind, especially the little details about you and Fenix. I'm sure they would find your bond disappointing, so you can't really blame them if they were to make up their own conclusions, am I right?" Remus said with a gentle grin, taking up a seat on the bed. A distinct crack could be heard from out of The Burrow. All of them kept themselves silent as they waited. Fenix was now sitting on the window ledge looking at the group with amusement. Harry in the meantime conjured something and a bag appeared out of the thin air, and plopped down onto his lap. He offered the paper bag to Fenix.

She picked the bag up and peered curiously at its contents. She rummaged her fingers in the bag and took out a Chocolate Frog. All of a sudden, she yelped and lost her balance when two identical twins Apparated right in front of the window. The inevitable happened.