adored by him | *under editing*

second year × 25

Harry moved cautiously towards the boy's hardened body. Then, his eyes followed the spiders fleeing just as they did the night the message was found. Harry jumped up as, all of a sudden, Professor McGonagall wheeled around the corner, a smirking Filch stumbling behind. She wore a look of horror after surveying the situation. Harry panicked. "Professor, I swear! I didn't--"

"This is out of my hands, Potter." She sighed. "Mr Filch, sort this out would you."

"Caught in the act. I'll have you out this time, Potter." He hissed as McGonagall tugged Harry away. 

The elder woman marched him through the corridors until they came to the large, stone phoenix. "Sherbet lemon." With a clap of her hands, the phoenix sprang to life. "Professor Dumbledore will be waiting for you." She instructed, ushering him into the phoenix's embrace. Harry's heart raced the higher the stairs rose until he stepped into the wondrous office.

"Bee in your bonnet, Potter?" A scratchy voice asked at the bespectacled boy's frustrated face. He looked up to see the Sorting Hat perched on top of a towering shelf.

Harry hesitated. "Well, you see, I was wondering--"

"If I put you in the right house?" It rose a leather brow. "Yes, you were particularly difficult to place. But I stand by what I said last year: You would have done well in Slytherin."

Harry scowled. "You're wrong." The hat seemed taken aback as a slight gagging noise sounded. Harry turned to see a scraggly-looking bird with matted feathers and dull eyes. Harry smiled and reached to stroke its beak until, unexpectedly, the bird gave one last caw and burst into flames. He jumped back, startled, when Dumbledore appeared. "Sir, your bird--I couldn't do anything--it just caught fire." Harry stammered.

Dumbledore tutted. "About time, too. He's been looking quite dreadful lately. Pity that you had to see him on a burning day. He's really very handsome most of the time." Harry's face morphed into one of pure confusion. "Fawkes is a phoenix, Harry. Phoenixes burst into flame when it is time for them to die, and are reborn from their ashes." As though on queue, a small, squeaking head emerged from the pile of ashes. "Fascinating creatures, phoenixes. They can carry immensely heavy loads an their tears have healing powers. They also make truly faithful pets." He said, running a finger along the top of the phoenix's wrinkly head.

"It wasn't Harry, Professor Dumbledore!" Hagrid bustled into the office, breathless and worn, almost giving Harry a heart attack.

"Hagrid--"

"I was only talkin' ter 'im jus' before that kid was found. It couldn't 'ave been 'im!"

"Hagrid--"

"I'll swear ter it in front o' the Ministry o' Magic!"

"HAGRID!" The half giant immediately fell silent. "I do not believe that Harry has attacked anyone." Dumbledore said.

Harry looked up at him, his eyes pooling with newfound respect. "You don't think it was me, Professor?"

"No, Harry." His blue eyes twinkled. "But I must ask, is there anything you wish to tell me?" Anything at all?"

Harry was at conflict with his mind. There was so much to tell but he was afraid. Afraid of what it would do so he replied, "No, sir. Nothing."