Phoenix

Hero Complex

"Was that you? Did you say it!" A pair of hands hauled me up by the throat. Someone else held a wand to my head.

I blinked the sleep out of my eyes as adrenaline coursed through my veins. I looked around at the woods, and realized I must have dozed off after I called Dad.

The hands around my throat tightened. "Was it you? Is anyone else here."

I had no idea what was happening, but I knew I was outnumbered and caught at a disadvantage. I could make out at least six figures circled around me. Each with a wand pointed my way. I forced myself not to glance through the gap in the trees where the tent was hidden.

"Well? Were you the one to say it?" asked someone to the side of me.

Another person behind me rummaged through my pocket, and pulled out my wand.

"Here's her wand," said a gruff voice by my ear. "She's a witch alright."

"Are you alone?" asked the man as his hand tightened around my throat.

His face was obscured by the shadows, but his voice sounded almost like a growl.

I nodded again, struggling to breath. I may not know who these men were or why they were here, but I couldn't fight them right now, and I wasn't about to get Harry, Ron and Hermione captured too.

"Give her to me," said a voice that made my blood run cold. I was released, and fell against the rock, gagging.

A rough hand grabbed my chin and forced my face upward. I looked up, and saw Fenrir Greyback pointing a light at my face.

"I know who you are," said the voice in a low dangerous tone. "You're one of Potter's friends, aren't you?"

"I'm not," I said, ignoring the panic building up in my chest. "I barely know him."

Greyback leaned in close. "Then what were you doing in the astronomy tower when Dumbledore was killed?"

"My homework."

"You're homework?" said Greyback skeptically.

"I had an astronomy test the next day. Not everyone at Hogwarts spends all their time to fighting powerful wizards."

"But you fought well, for someone who only focuses on school?"

"Maybe," I said cautiously. "But I don't see why that would mean I personally know Harry Potter."

Greyback held my gaze for a few more moments, than leaned back. I let out a shaky breath. This was so much worse than I thought. They needed to take me away quickly before the others came to look for me and got caught as well.

Greyback stood up and brushed off his clothes. "What is your name than, delicious girl?"

"Easy, Greyback," said the man beside me, over the jeering of the others.

"Oh, I'm not going to bite just yet. We'll see if she's quick to remember her name. Who are you, girly?"

I fought the urge to throw up. "Penelope Clearwater."

"What's your Blood Status?"

"Half-blood," I replied quickly.

"Easy enough to check," said another figure. "But she look like she could still be 'Ogwarts age –"

"I left," I said glancing around.