The Raven's Call

The Burrow..

Wednesday, December 25th 1996
Christmas

The Weasley's, Asteria, Remus, Stella, Tonks, Harry and I have a lovely Christmas dinner together. For the evening, Asteria mainly spent time with Fred and George, while Harry had a hushed conversation with Remus, Tonks and Arthur. So I spend my time with Stella. She's living with Remus again, since she's not Bandit anymore, so we don't see each other as often when we're not at school. It's alright, though, I've had Fawkes for the holidays since Dumbledore was away- so it was kinda like having that pet.

It soon comes to the time where we must bid Stella, Tonks and Remus adieu.

"It was delicious, Molly, really."
Tonks speaks as she and Remus exit the door of the burrow.

"Are you sure you won't stay?"
Molly pleads.

"No, we should go. The first night after a full moon is always the worst."
Tonks tells Molly, as Remus and Asteria both look out towards the fields.

"Remus? Asteria?"
Arthur calls.

No reply from either of them.. Mere seconds later a black misty smoke sets a ring of fire around the burrow. Bellatrix appears from that black mist. She gives us an evil look before cackling as she runs through the closing ring of fire. Asteria huffs, quickly running after her with her wand in her hand.

"Asteria, no!"
I call out, about to run after her, but Stella grabs onto my arm. Immediately after, Harry pushes past us, running through the flames too.

Remus and Tonks fight off the flames as yet another body pushes us and runs through the flames. Ginny.

The other Weasleys, Stella, Fawkes and I evacuate, helping Remus and Tonks with the flames.
"Auguamenti!"
I announce as water erupts from the tip of my wand, dousing the flames enough for Arthur, Remus and Tonks to run after Harry, Ginny and Asteria.

Crash!

I turn to see two shadowy figures had burst through the windows of the Burrow, setting the entire building ablaze. I begin trying to douse the flames again, but my Auguamenti alone isn't strong enough. Unfortunately, there's nothing else we can do but stand and watch as our home burns down along with most of our possessions. Not that I had much in the first place

The burrow burned down, so the Weasleys, Fawkes and I move in to Grimmauld place for the rest of Christmas break, the twins lived above their store now, so Asteria stayed with them.

***

Monday, January 6th 1997

I've been summoned to the Headmaster's office. Again

Honestly, I don't know why I feel so nervous. I've done a good job looking after Fawkes over the Christmas holidays, haven't I? But I can't shake the feeling that something went wrong somewhere. Maybe Fawkes hasn't been as happy as I thought? Or maybe Dumbledore's going to want him back now that the break's over. The idea of giving him up... well, it's been hard to think about.

As I step into the Headmaster's office, the usual calmness of the room doesn't settle me. I glance at Fawkes, who's perched serenely by the window, his feathers as bright as ever. He's been such a grounding force for me these past few weeks, especially when everything felt like it was falling apart.

"Ah, Atticus," Dumbledore greets me warmly, his eyes twinkling. "Please, come in, sit down."

I move toward the chair in front of his desk, nerves gnawing at me. The room feels heavy with something unspoken. Maybe it's the thought of handing Fawkes back to him, though I'm not sure why it makes me feel this way.

Dumbledore settles in his own chair, his fingers steepled as he regards me thoughtfully. "I trust you've had a good holiday?"

"Yes, sir, for the most part." I reply, shifting in my seat. "It's been... interesting."

He nods, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. "I've heard. I must say, I'm quite impressed with how well you've cared for him."

I blink in surprise, unsure of where this is headed. "You are?"

"Oh, absolutely," he says with a soft chuckle. "It's not easy looking after such a magnificent creature. But you've done it with care and responsibility, Atticus. Fawkes has been in good hands."

I feel a lump form in my throat. It hasn't been easy—especially after my place burned down. But Fawkes never seemed to mind. I did my best to keep him safe, keep him comfortable. It's the least I could do, especially after everything that happened.

I clear my throat, trying to push through the lump in my throat. "So, uh, is it time to return him to you, sir?"

Dumbledore's gaze softens, and for a moment, his eyes twinkle with something that feels like pride. "Not quite yet, Atticus. I've been very pleased with how you've looked after Fawkes, and I think it's clear you've formed a bond with him."

My heart skips a beat, but I try to keep my expression neutral. "But...?"

"But," he continues, leaning forward a little, "I'd like you to continue looking after him for the rest of the school year. It seems Fawkes is quite content in your care, and I'd like to give you more time with him. I believe you're more than capable of caring for him, and I think Fawkes would benefit from continuing the companionship."

I almost can't believe it. After everything that's happened, after the fire and all the chaos, he's allowing me to keep Fawkes for longer. I feel a rush of gratitude flood through me, and I can't help the smile that breaks out across my face.

"Thank you, sir," I manage, my voice thick with emotion I don't even try to hide. "I won't let you down."

Dumbledore smiles, his usual calm demeanor in full force. "I know you won't, Atticus. Just keep doing what you've been doing. You're doing wonderfully."

I sit there for a moment, almost too stunned to speak. I'm not sure if it's relief or just disbelief that Dumbledore isn't taking Fawkes back just yet, but I feel like I can breathe again. I'll get to keep looking after him. I'll get to keep him close.