Purpose

~ Chapter 12: Diagon Alley ~

Wednesday, 16^th August.

"This is the first time ever that the kids are ready ahead of the appointed time," Mrs. Weasley beamed, "all thanks to you."

"No prob," Fenix replied with a smile. On Ginny's insistence and the excuse that they will have at least a fifty-percent chance that they will bump with the Malfoys, the girls had forced Fenix to swear that she would wear something black on the day they make a trip down to Diagon Alley. Indeed, she was wearing her black Hunter garb, with Sirius's gift of a cloak.

"Why do you let them bully you around?" Remus whispered roguishly in her ear.

"It really doesn't matter. They're fun!" Fenix smiled and shrugged slightly. "How are you feeling?"

"Better...but must I drink a lot of water before going to bed?" he grumbled a little.

"Yes, you do. It actually helps to flush away those unwanted substances. Drinking adequate amount of water keeps you healthy anyway, so don't complain." Fenix looked at him, her eyes twinkling merrily.

: You're looking good, : Sirius said in greeting as he joined all of them in front of the fireplace.

"Ron, you go first," Mrs. Weasley said.

For the past two days, ever since the students had received their booklists, they had not been talking about anything else except what Fenix could expect from Diagon Alley. When Mrs. Weasley informed her that they would go down by Floo Powder, Harry had pulled Fenix to one side and stressed on the do's and don'ts when traveling by the Floo Powder. The wolves offered to stay and guard The Burrow, along with the Elementals. They had assured Fenix that they would shield themselves with illusions while the rest of the household goes to get the students' their school materials.

Mrs. Weasley called Fenix and the plump woman encouraged her to take a fistful of the powder. I hope I do it correctly...As soon as she uttered the name of the place and threw the powder, she felt herself consumed by the Fire. The crackling of fire around her was so loud that her ears turned numb after a while. As if she had been playing on a slide, she slid off on smooth marble floor.

"Welcome to Diagon Alley, Assistant Professor!" Ron said spiritedly as he helped her up to her feet. Fenix wiped her face with a damp handkerchief tucked in her pocket and looked around cautiously. The fireplace belonged to a pub, and she paid careful attention to her surroundings. A couple of customers were nudging each other and soon, every pair of eyes turned to survey the newcomers.

"There you are! Right on time too!" Mr. Weasley waved from the entrance of the pub. Murmurs of conversation died suddenly when Sirius emerged, stood up and then walked towards Fenix with the gracefulness of a noble.

: Are they still afraid of him? : Fenix said softly in Remus's mind.

: Probably. :

"She's got damn silver eyes!" a feminine voice shrieked out suddenly and her companions made shushing noises, making the woman flush with embarrassment.

: Is this the first time you've ever been here? : Fenix asked Hermione's father.

: Nope. But it is the first time we've ever used the Floo Powder, : the Fire Mage replied.

Mr. Weasley led them off to a very crowded street.

: I hate crowds. : Fenix looked about her with resignation.

"Our first stop then, the Bank," Mr. Weasley announced and led them off to the direction of Gringotts, where their eldest son was currently working, with Sirius, Remus and Fenix taking the rear, watching people around them warily.

Sirius ushered her in, and Fenix scrutinized the interior of the bank and looked impassively at the goblins. She followed Sirius as he went to a counter to first change Fenix's Muggle notes before leading her off to a counter where the rest were queuing. He tucked the bag of exchanged Galleons, Silvers and Knuts safely in his breast pocket. Remus tagged himself to Harry as Sirius presented his key to the goblin.

"Welcome back, Mr. Black. One would have thought that the line of the Blacks have been considered extinct..."

"Hmmm...might as well consider the name gone then..." Sirius shrugged.

: How quaint, : Fenix remarked.

: I actually am considering to change my name... :

: Forget it, brother. Once a Black, you'll forever be a Black. But what kind of Black you choose to be is up to you. :

Their second stop was the bookstore where the students were to get their schoolbooks. Fenix loitered at the back with Remus, scanning through the titles of the various books that were on display.

"Now what?" Mr. Granger asked around.

"Visit the twins?" Fenix suggested.

"Let's go then!" Mr. Weasley said with aplomb.

"Dear Lord!"

Fenix swerved her head to see a stocky boy hurrying towards them, ignoring the shouts of an elderly witch.

"Neville!" the four other Gryffindor students exclaimed happily and hurried towards the boy.

: Friend of theirs? :

: I think so. :

"He's really alive..." Neville whispered as he looked at Sirius with awe. "Good for you, Harry."

"How's summer so far?" Hermione said softly.

"Weird." Neville shrugged then looked apologetically at his fellow students. "I have to go before she starts to nag at anyone."

"All right. You take care and we'll see you at the station on the First!"

"Yeah!" Neville waved and quickly tailed the elderly woman.

"They made it!" Fred looked cheerfully at them, moving off from the counter and excitedly invited them all in.

"So? How do you find our shop?" George asked pointedly at his mother.

"Oh, boys..." their mother said affectionately, still looking about their shop.

Harry gleefully bought some of their inventions and whispered to Fred, "All in all, it's a good investment right?"

"You bet!" Fred laughed and looked slyly at Fenix. "Not buying anything?"

"Did you expect me to?" she asked lightly, examining a box of what looked like sweets curiously.

"Fenix, you're disappointing me," Fred replied mournfully. The Fire Master chuckled softly under her breath.

"Personally, I wouldn't recommend that," Fred said as he steered her away and led her to another cubicle, "although the rest of the stuff are real jokes, this is something you would never expect to find here."

"You sell cookies too?" Ron was incredulous as he inspected every label, having followed his older brother. "I'm not sure if I would buy any of that if I were you," Ron advised and Fred snorted.

"This are real desserts?"

"Yes they are," Fred answered with dignity.

"Who baked them?"

"Us, of course..." Fred looked quizzically at her.

"Well, I'd like to try number seventeen and...twenty-two..." Fenix decided. Fred briskly scooped some of the cookies into separate bags before putting them together in a larger bag.

"My money's with Sirius," she informed the twin. As Fred led her and Ron back to the main cubicle of the joke shop, there were a few other customers beside themselves. Not surprisingly, most of them were students or friends, but not one of them seemed to be a Slytherin.

"They're boycotting the shop," Fred interpreted her look on the students accurately.

"I see."

Sirius spoke aloud. "I want to go to the Quality Quidditch Supplies. I know the shopkeeper wants to meet Fenix."

The group nodded their agreement and left the twins joke shop. They walked through the crowded street again and even in this shocking crowd, Fenix knew that they were being followed and watched.

: Sirius, Remus...don't act so startled but someone's following us. : Fenix gave a silent warning.

: It's a group of Slytherin students, Lady, : Krill answered to the three of them.

: Is there any chance I get to meet your cousin, bro? :

: Probably... Here we are... :

"Mr. Black! Welcome...welcome...have you brought the person with you?" the shopkeeper asked excitedly and at Sirius's nod, the man laughed gleefully. "The one who made the broom wishes to meet this person whom you've gifted the Ice Dagger."

An elderly man walked slowly towards them and his half-blind eyes sought out Fenix's instantly. He gave a smile as he stopped a few feet away from her.

"Yes...you are exactly the right person...take care of him now. Don't let him get on his own way far too often..."

"Good day then, Master."

"And a good day to you. May Phoebus watch out for you always..."

"And may the Lady-Night bless you every day," Fenix said, smiling gently as she watched the man head out of the shop.

: Lady! :

: What is it? What has gotten you to be alarmed? :

: Those Slytherin students! They had cast several multiple spells on the street directly in front of the shop. :

"What's wrong?" Remus asked, his eyes instantly alert when Fenix frowned at the entrance.

"The rest of you, stand back from the window. Mages, to me," Fenix said firmly. She silently communed with Hermione's parents and the three walked out casually, stopping a centimeter away from the trap-spells.

Fenix scanned the crowd and watched coolly. There were several disdainful snickers coming from a group of Slytherin students (although she wondered how she was able to tell they were Slytherins) and two women among them watched, far away from the mingling crowd, their faces grinning maliciously. Fenix exchanged a glance with the two Mages. Their faces remained impassive as they held out their right hands and made a hooking movement, catching the spells in their hands and tugged at it, but not hard enough to break it. After a moment, the trap-spells began to glow faintly and the passing crowd stepped away from them.

"Who did that?" one witch who was in the shop asked, reaching out for her wand to help.

"Leave it to them," the maker of the Ice Dagger advised.

The trap-spells were dissipating, much to the horror to the spell-casters.

Fenix stared coldly at the culprits, and imprinted their faces in her memory. The three Mages stood their ground and the evildoers, finally realizing their precarious situation, quickly dispersed into the crowd.

: It's safe. You could come out now, : Fenix said to Sirius and Remus.

"Guess what? Your friend with the lily-hair tried to say hi, just now," Fenix said casually to the four of the Gryffindor students.

"Oh, really?" Harry looked around to get a glimpse of Malfoy. "There he is..." He jerked his chin towards a boy in green.

"Harry, dear, let's just leave," Mrs. Molly began uneasily.

"Of course," Harry agreed. Remus and Mr. Weasley took the lead with the Grangers, Ron and Ginny in the middle. Harry was shielding Fenix carefully from the edge of the crowd.

: Harry, what are you doing? : she whispered in exasperation.

: What? : Harry gave her an innocent look.

: Never mind. : Fenix gave up, keeping an eye on Harry.

: How disappointing. : Harry sighed as he watched Draco Malfoy, and his mother went to Knockturn Alley, the one place Mrs. Weasley had forbidden her children to go, including the twins by saying 'Don't over-abuse you're freedom or you boys are going to get it from me.'. : I was rather wishing to shock her with you and Fenix, : Harry told his godfather.

: Something had just occurred to me, : Fenix began, and Harry gave her a puzzled look. : I'm going to Hogwarts later, but what about Sirius? :

Remus stopped dead in his tracks, looked back at Fenix, and gave her a tender smile before resuming his walk.

: Why feeling insecure all of a sudden? : Sirius asked lamely.

: Sirius, I'm serious. : Fenix looked back at him, her silver eyes gleaming brightly.

: Don't worry, Dumbledore's given me a position in School too. : her oathbrother gave a very flashy smile, catching the attention of several girls.

: Yes, Sirius's going to help Professor McGonagall with some of the classes, : Harry added.

: After yesterday, I feel a little uneasy without your presence but I know I shouldn't be worried about anything because of our bond, : Sirius admitted suddenly.

"Oh, Fenix," Mrs. Weasley called up and Fenix smiled gently at the woman. "This is the shop where Sirius bought your clothes. Do you want to step in?"

: Well? : Fenix asked archly at Sirius.

: Go on then, : her oathbrother answered with a slight shake of his head.

"Welcome to the Evening Sky, how may I help you?" a witch with a very hooked nose welcomed them and her eyes lit when she saw Sirius.

"It's you? Coming here to buy something for your lover again?"

Ron choked a laugh while the girls giggled. Fenix's mouth quirked up in a smile. "Lover, Sirius?"

"It's her own conclusion so don't look at me like that."

"I apologize for that," the woman smiled generously. "Now I see why he had chose the black dragon suit," the dressmaker eyed her. "Perfect body shape...not too feminine...seriously, there aren't enough men who knows how to please a lady..."

: Take note, Moony, : Sirius spoke to his friend in a patronizing tone.

: Keep your mind shut, Padfoot. :

"My name is Aerona Aisley, the owner and tailor of this shop. There is a selection that you might want to look at," the woman said, guiding Fenix to a lane where there was a whole range of suits. The rest of the women folk went separately to the different lanes, Ginny dragging Sirius along, and Harry followed Fenix curiously. A crimson red sleeve caught his eye and he pulled the suit out.

"You don't have a bad taste yourself," Aerona said, looking very pleased.

Fenix inspected the suit and was pleased to find the bottom pair was not a skirt. She inspected the sleeves, it was big enough to flow about her arms but not long enough that it would hinder her movements when speed and skill will be essential.

"Do you think I would fit in these?" Fenix asked the tailor.

"They will fit anything that puts them on! I created that spell. I don't really attract a lot of customers because my door usually blocks out a lot of people. It doesn't like snobs to enter the shop."

"Fascinating!" Harry gave the woman a devilish grin.

"Of course; I used to be in Gryffindor not a long time ago," Aerona whispered conspiratorially. Fenix laughed at the subtle hint as she picked out a zircon-colored sorceress robe.

"Are you buying then?" Aerona asked with a pleased smile.

"Yes, I am," Fenix answered, dreamily tracing the intricate designs on the sleeves.

"Are you a Scot?"

"No, I am not...but my parents brought me to live in Scotland. Never thought of going back to live my life in Australia. I rather like the highlands."

"I see...well...being a new customer and all...I would give matching cloaks for free."

"Do I have to wear the cumbersome material?" Fenix sighed.

"It's up to you," Harry shrugged, "but it's free anyway, isn't it?"

"You're right," Fenix smiled and turned back to the tailor. "Do you have blouses and pants?"

"Ah...you want mix-and-match clothes?"

"Yes...and I'll see if the girls want anything," Fenix said.

"Hey, what about Ron and me?"

"Ask your godfather," she answered impudently.

Harry shook his head in feigned disappointment and sauntered to the other end where the males had gathered.

"Oh...don't worry about it, Ginny...we have more than enough to spare," Mrs. Weasley assured her daughter.

"Save it, Molly," Fenix said to her, "I'm spending my money anyway. You can save that for emergencies."

"You shouldn't!"

"Don't argue with her," Mrs. Granger advised. "She'll probably slip you a few wizard money back in your pouch."

"You're giving away secrets," Fenix accused. She turned to Ginny and Hermione. "Anything caught your eyes?"

The two girls quickly grabbed the blouses and showed it to her. "Not bad," she complimented. "Sirius chose for you?"

"Not really, he just rattled off what colors will suit us."

Fenix spent several more minutes in picking up more blouses and several pairs of pants. She handed all of them to the tailor. "You could just pile all the girls stuff together. I'll be paying for them."

"All right. If you don't mind, I'll handle their items first," Aerona said with a smile.

They left the shop with cheerful faces when the tailor called them again. Since Fenix and Sirius was the last to leave, Aerona reached them first.

"What's your name? Anyway this is my business card should you need more clothes."

"Name's Fenix. Fenix Maxwell," she answered, pocketing the card in her back pocket.

"I see," Aerona's eyes narrowed shrewdly. "Welcome to the Wizarding World."

Fenix chuckled under her breath and waved goodbye as Sirius whisked her away to the Leaky Cauldron where they would go back to The Burrow via the fireplace, with a handful of bags and considerably lighter purses.

**********

Friday, 18^th August. The Burrow...

Fenix was lying on the bed, looking up at the silent moving gigantic posters of the Quidditch players. Of all the time that my insomnia decides to kick in. Fenix turned to her left and watch Remus's calm face and she smiled as she watched the slumbering wizard. Like Sirius after her constant watch, Remus's tired face was now etched with alertness rather than constant fatigue.

He'll need a haircut soon, she observed then pushed back his hair affectionately and gave him a kiss on the forehead. Then she turned to Sirius, her hand picking up his right hand and traced the pentacle mark. She pulled his palm towards her lips and kissed it before she wriggled out of bed as quietly as she could.

: Where are you going? : Sirius complained sleepily.

: Can't get to sleep. Be a good man and get some rest while you can. You need your wits about these few days. : Fenix sent her thought tenderly to her oathbrother.

: Look who's talking, : Remus joined in the conversation, cracking his left eyelid open.

: Go back to sleep, you two. I'm going to do a bit of exercise... :

: All right, but be careful, : Sirius said sleepily.

: I will, : Fenix promised, then gave them a brief mental caress as she changed to her Hunter gear.

**********

Harry was wakened by something he had heard. Heart pumping in his chest, he blinked his bleary eyes. He remained in bed, trying to listen for that same sound again. He identified the soft snores given by his roommate and the distant hoot of an owl that could be Hedwig.

Then he heard it, a strange and eerie metallic sound. It sounded as if someone was playing a flute, and goose-flesh spread over his body. Harry remained in bed for fifteen more minutes and tried to ignore the strange musical sounds that ripped softly through the air. However, he found himself unable to sleep and felt a nagging thought that he should try to investigate.

Quickly, he crept out of bed and reached for his glasses and wand. He opened the bedroom door slowly, hoping that it would not creak and sighed when it did not. It was dark in the corridor and he went down the stairs stealthily, putting his weight slowly on the boards. He wondered to himself why he was doing all of this and upon a quick reflection, he realized that he was mimicking Fenix as she moved about The Burrow. She never hurries and always seems to walk very slowly and constantly creeps up behind Ginny and giving her a shock. Harry smiled at the thought. Ginny had sworn revenge and constantly slipped the Weasleys' Mini-Popping Firecrackers in places that Fenix did not suspected. It was a general entertainment for them other than the evening Quidditch practices.

He stood quietly in the darkness of the living room. It seems to be coming from the backyard. Harry quickly strode over to the kitchen and to his surprise, he found the door slightly ajar.

: Morning, Harry, : Fenix's mindvoice spoke softly in his mind. : Shouldn't you be in bed? :

: It's you! : He gave a start of surprise.

: What? :

: Nothing. Did you hear that peculiar strange music? : Harry asked, grabbing a stool and sat down. Crookshanks trotted out of the kitchen and leapt up to Harry's lap. The cat butted its head against Harry's chest.

: You mean this? : Fenix said with amusement.

In the pale moonlight, Harry saw Fenix had gripped her sword with both hands and began a dance. She moved in a circle, swinging her sword back and forth and Harry found out to his astonishment that the eerie note came from her blade, each time she swung. It was strangely hypnotic and Harry fumbled for his pocket watch. It was three twenty-six and Harry still did not feel sleepy. I wonder if the twins had invented something that will make you sleep...

: Since you can't sleep anyway...care to exercise with me? : Fenix spoke up, standing still on her two feet, her sword vanishing from her hand.

: What kind of exercise? : he asked warily.

: Stunt works. Why don't you keep your wand somewhere safer? You won't be needing it until later... :

Harry stared at the Fire Master for several moments before pushing Crookshanks off his lap before pulled his wand out and placed it on the stool. Then he felt a strange tingling sensation.

: Don't worry, I just placed a little protective spell on it. :

What does she mean by stunt works? Does she want me to learn how to use a sword? Huh, no use fretting about it, I'll just have to find out what she expects from me. Crookshanks curled on the pavement and Harry crossed it carefully as it mewled inquiringly, tail twitching.

Harry approached Fenix and suddenly he was aware that a huge shield had been erected over the two humans. He breathed calmly and came closer to her. She was smiling gently.

: Still afraid to trust anyone, Harry? : she questioned him slowly, her mindvoice carrying her concern and sympathy to the young Potter. : Not even yourself? :

Harry took a step backward, his eyes betraying his emotions. He had no idea how she was able to deduce his hesitation accurately. He felt the wind wounding its way peacefully over the area and a strange kind of peace pierced through his soul. Harry had not confessed his feelings ever since Sirius had fallen through the Veil to anyone, not even his best friends. Somehow, in a yet peculiar way, the strange woman that had just entered their lives in an abrupt fashion actually seemed to understand what Harry was going through.

: How could I trust myself when I had almost endangered their very lives, without careful consideration for my friends? I knew who I was. I know who I am. My very existence threatens the lives of all people that in subtlety were trying to protect me. But I didn't bother to tell anyone that I was having problems with Voldemort. I didn't tell Snape about all the dreams that I had shared with Voldemort! : Harry 'yelled', his frustrations coursed through the mind-link. : My godfather nearly died because of me! And he would, had he remained trapped. : The boy's mindvoice faded.

: Why didn't they let me die, when I had a chance to? Isn't it better if it's just me who died? Ron's father nearly got himself killed last year. What am I supposed to say to them if any of their family members get killed because they were sheltering and protecting me? And what do I say to the parents, if their children die because they were insistent they would back me up when I'm in need? : He vented his anger and grief, weeping silently.

: And what makes you think it will be any safer for the people, who cared about you, if you die? : Fenix ruthlessly pointed out. Harry stared at the Fire Master, unable to get a word out. : Professor Lupin had told me of the Prophecy. Sometimes these things can't be trusted but so far it's the truth isn't it? : She paused, trying her best to make Harry think about what was obvious.

: I am not a savior for them! : Harry lashed out, his heart grew heavier with guilt and uneasiness.

: So you're not. But what if you are the peoples' last chance in regaining the balance between good and evil? : Fenix argued. : The Dark Lord had already chosen you as the other one. You're just going to back out? :

: I did not ask for all of this, : Harry whispered, collapsing on his knees.

: Neither did I ask to be what I am. Or all of them whose lives are affected by Voldemort and his followers. : She knelt beside him, her eyes gleaming strangely in the moonlight. : I remembered that I had constantly asked myself what's my purpose in Life. I didn't expect Him to come down and give me instructions, as I was too dense to see what's obvious, : she said, raising her hand to lift Harry's chin so he would look directly into her eyes.

: Most of us are left floundering in Life, our Purposes all unclear and shaded. Most Muggles think their only purpose is to have children but that is not true. Every second they spend will actually determine what happens to the future. : Fenix gave a melancholy sigh.

: One of my purpose as I live, is to ensure that Life is balanced, Harry. The reason why I didn't interfere with the Dark Lord because I see you survive even after your parents were killed. I'm sure that you will ask; why didn't I eliminate Voldemort myself, since practically, he's the one who is responsible for the disruption of balance. I could actually, but I can't. I'm not allowed to interfere in this because this is just one of my sets of instructions that were given to me a long time ago, because of the fact that you're still alive and well. :

: Does that mean that there are alternatives? :

: Yes. If you die willingly, I see the Headmaster's power failing because he seeks his strength from you. If you gave up hope, why should he hang on? And Voldemort will walk unhindered, killing those whom you loved and others you don't. :

: But if I should die while battling him? :

: Then someone else has to take over. It could be me, or it could be others. The whole point is this, : Fenix took a deep breath and went on, : He has given you a task through the words of the Seer... that could either be true or false. Are you going to fulfill your Purpose or are you giving up without even trying? :

Harry closed his eyes, his shoulders trembling slightly.

: Since you are alive and well, I have another set of instructions, which is to train and teach you to make use of every kind of resources, even if it's unorthodox and not approved by the wizarding world, : Fenix said lightly and stood up. : What say you? :

Harry remained silent, his eyes still closed and thought deeply. Voldemort isn't going to get into my mind, no matter what, because I have the means to shield my mind against him. At least, he wouldn't be able to use me again, like the way he had did a few months ago. And Fenix is right. Voldemort is a killer. Whom was I trying to kid anyway? Even if I successfully attempt a suicide, will that stop Voldemort from trying to tyrannize the rest of the world? Will my easy death make a difference to anyone?

: You're right, Fenix. I wasn't thinking...at least if I do fight, it would make those who are against his cause even more determined to finish him once and for all. At least, that's what I hope, : Harry admitted gravely, opening his eyes and gave the Fire Master a faint smile.

: I just have to make sure that doesn't happen until it's the Final Duel. That's why I'm here. Let me warn you; if you happen to get yourself killed before that, the war will be even be more messier than what's possible. Since I'm the one who'll be running around again in the future, I'm counting on you to make things more manageable, : Fenix said cheerfully.

: This all seems like teamwork to me, : Harry mused, standing up and dusted his pants.

: I thought that was obvious? :

"Hey, I am not as wise as you are," Harry protested.

"Who says I'm wise? I may have eons of experience but I do occasionally blunder." Fenix snorted.

: So what about this shield? : Harry asked her, gesturing at the peculiar sphere around them.

: Precautions, : Fenix shrugged then went on, : now, about stunts. I seem to remember that in a war, take note that I said war and not duel, there's a lot of dodging and footwork, very much like fencing. Therefore, I will teach you to use your body and brains to get yourself out of trouble when you can. :

Fenix sent Harry dodging for his life when she flung Ping-Pong sized white fireballs at him. After a while, the Fire Master stopped and Harry gasped for breath.

"Do you really...think...that will help me?" Harry panted.

"Nope," Fenix said, and Harry stared stupidly at her, "but it will increase your reflexes."

After Harry got his second wind, Fenix sent him to dodge again. "Good, you're moving faster on your feet." She paused to sniff at the air. "It will be dawn soon."

: Why don't you get your wand? I'll lift the protection spell and we'll do some training using your wand. : Fenix suggested.

Harry picked up his wand and felt his hand tingled. In a second, the sensation was gone and Harry stood before the Fire Master again. Two fireballs of different colors appeared right before Harry. One was the same white while the other was green.

: This is what I want you to do. The white fireball is a distraction, you're supposed to eliminate the green one. Use any spell you want but no curses, : she warned.

: So you want me to dodge the white but destroy the green? :

: Without getting singed, : the Fire Master added.

This was much harder than what Harry expected but it was much enjoyable now he had an objective. After several minutes of constant dodging, ducking and rolling and numerous 'Expelliarmus', Harry was getting better at controlling his movements. Harry thought he had heard a crack but ignored the sound from his mind as a green fireball chased him within the sphere. When he had finally blast the fireball off, did he realized that Snape and Dumbledore were standing behind Fenix.

"Good morning. Didn't expect you to arrive so early," Fenix greeted calmly, and winked at the Headmaster who winked back merrily at her.

"Carry on, Fenix. Harry seems to be quicker on his feet than he ever was," the Headmaster said in approval and Disapparated. The Potions Master was not so happy about what they had been doing.

"What foolishness! Do you think that you could stand up with the Dark Lord with cheap tricks?" Snape hissed. The incident about his Dark Mark had made him look paler than as was normal.

Harry stared coldly at the Potions Master. "At least in doing this, I'm achieving something else, rather than stand about doing nothing at all. I'm afraid this time I have to learn how protect my own life. I can't singly depend on people to look after me anymore." Snape's eyes widened at Harry's impassive voice. As Harry was talking, Fenix had dissolved the shield protecting them.

: Let's give it a rest for now. And we'll resume our exercise later, : Fenix said, and Harry nodded slightly.

: Krill? :

: We're on it. :

Snape's trunk suddenly floated by itself and began to move into The Burrow.

"The others are still in bed. Should I prepare some breakfast for you?" Fenix asked politely.

"Very well," Snape grated and followed where his trunk was going.

: Can I go and wash up first? : Fenix asked Harry.

: Yeah. :

: All right. You don't have to stay awake. Why don't you get some sleep? :

: I'm not leaving you alone with the Potions Master if I can help it. :

: I think you've let Sirius influence you a bit too much. : she grinned crookedly as Harry bolted the door.