A Young Wizard's Journey - Rising Phoenix

Hunkering Down

It was a few minutes before Y/N had the strength to pull himself back to his feet, and he did so gingerly. Whilst not particularly harmed in the duel, he still felt a bit light on his feet.

He made his way up the grounds and into the Entrance Hall. The fallen Death Eaters were gone and the hole that had formed in both the floor and ceiling were patched. Argus Filch stood and began hurrying over at once.

'I have been told to take you to Professor McGonagall upon your return,' he wheezed.

'Lead on then,' said Y/N.

Filch led Y/N up towards the Transfiguration classroom and stopped outside, gesturing to the door. Y/N stepped forward, knocked, and was invited in.

It had been a while since he'd seen this room, and he glanced around quite fondly as he approached Minerva's desk. The smile she was giving him was contagious.

'Well?'

'Tom Riddle will not be bothering us for some time.'

She got to her feet and hugged him. Y/N couldn't help but hug her back.

'Excellent work. And if I may be your mother for just a moment longer, how are you? He didn't cause you any lasting harm?'

'No more than a usual duel to be honest,' said Y/N. 'I did quite well against him all things considered. Where are the others?'

'Gone. We believe one of them awoke whilst you were duelling You-Know-Who and roused the others. They have fled the school.'

Y/N let out a sigh and collapsed into a nearby chair. Minerva smiled at him.

'I thank you on behalf of the students and faculty. I have sent letters out to members of the Order of The Phoenix. With the loss of our last headquarters, I believe it's about time we got a new one, and what better place than here?'

Y/N laughed.

'Definitely didn't think we'd manage to take over the castle, and not that quickly. I was prepared for a few months of petty attacks and undermining.'

Minerva gave a small chuckle.

'I shall be meeting with the heads of the Order in the Headmasters office along with the other heads of house in a few hours. I would much like you to be there too.'

'Of course I will.'

'Well, until then, go and see Poppy then get some rest. We need you in top form.'

Y/N nodded, stood, gave her one last hug and then departed.

A quick check up from Madam Pomfrey and a visit to Dobby in the kitchens later and Y/N found himself ascending the spiral staircase to the headmaster's study.

The door swung open for him before he could even knock, and he stepped inside.

No one else was in here, his eyes combed the walls and desk. Fawkes' perch sat empty, Eternus soared off Y/N's shoulder and took the spot. The sorting hat still rested upon the cabinet and behind the desk in a large gold bordered frame was Albus Dumbledore, smiling down at Y/N.

'My dear boy,' he said fondly.

Y/N sighed.

'I mean I can't say I didn't see this coming earlier. So let me get it out the way quickly. Why did you lie to me, Professor? Why didn't you tell me anything, and yet tell me everything? Leave me with so much, and yet tell me so little?'

Dumbledore's face fell, a look of sorrow crossing his features.

'They... were not my finest moments, Y/N. I relied on you too much, I admit that. And I'm sorry for what I put you through.'