Re:HP-A New Life

I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.

https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon

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Chapter 56: Phoenix Flight

The quiet stillness of the Potter residence was interrupted only by the soft rustle of leaves outside Harry's window. It was late into the night, the rest of the house peacefully asleep after the long day of his return from Hogwarts. Harry sat by his desk, absently tracing patterns on a blank piece of parchment. Hedwig dozed lightly on her perch, her feathers ruffled from the long journey back from school.

A sudden, warm glow filled the room, causing Harry to look up. Fawkes, the majestic phoenix belonging to Professor Dumbledore, materialized in a flash of crimson and gold flames. Hedwig's golden eyes snapped open, and she let out an indignant hoot, clearly displeased by the intrusion.

"Come on, Hedwig, don't be like that," Harry said, amused. "He won't be here long."

Fawkes warbled a low, melodious note that filled the room with tranquility. Hedwig, however, remained miffed, fluffing her feathers in disdain as Fawkes perched elegantly on her stand.

"I take it Dumbledore wants to see me?" Harry asked, standing up. Fawkes blinked serenely and inclined his head.

"All right, let's go then."

In a flash of golden fire, Harry felt himself being whisked away. The sensation was warm and comforting, like floating on a summer breeze.

They reappeared in the familiar, circular office filled with odd trinkets and softly ticking devices. The portraits of previous headmasters dozed in their frames, though a few peeked curiously at Harry.

Dumbledore sat behind his grand desk, his blue eyes twinkling beneath half-moon spectacles. "Good evening, Harry," he greeted warmly. "I trust your journey home was pleasant?"

Harry nodded, settling comfortably into one of the plush chairs across from the headmaster. "It was. I didn't expect a midnight visit from your phoenix, though."

"Fawkes is quite reliable when discretion is needed," Dumbledore said with a smile. "I appreciate you coming on such short notice."

Harry leaned back, crossing his arms. "This is about the previous timeline, isn't it?"

Dumbledore inclined his head. "Indeed. I find myself deeply curious about your experiences. I would be remiss if I did not attempt to understand them."

Harry met Dumbledore's gaze, his expression thoughtful. "You want to know what happened, what kind of man you were in that timeline, and what role you played in my life."

Dumbledore nodded, his expression grave. "If you are willing to share, I would like to hear it."

Harry exhaled slowly. "You saw me as a pawn at first," he admitted bluntly. "A sacrificial lamb to deal with Voldemort. I won't sugarcoat it."

Dumbledore's face remained calm, though a flicker of regret flashed in his eyes.

"But," Harry continued, "that changed. As we got to know each other, you started caring about me—not as a tool, but as a person. You even tried to take down Voldemort yourself, knowing it might interfere with the prophecy. That decision cost you your life."

Dumbledore's expression softened. "I see. And did you succeed in defeating him?"

Harry's jaw tightened. "Yes, but not without losses."

Dumbledore's eyes grew somber. "I can only imagine the weight of those losses, given your reluctance to elaborate."

Silence lingered between them for a moment before Dumbledore spoke again. "And now? How are you dealing with Voldemort this time?"

Harry's green eyes gleamed with determination. "All under control. I already have three of his Horcruxes."

Dumbledore's brows furrowed. "Horcruxes, you say?"

Harry nodded. "He split his soul into pieces to anchor himself to this world. That's why he didn't die the night he attacked my family."

Dumbledore's face grew grave. "I suspected he had some method of anchoring himself to life, but I never imagined multiple Horcruxes."

"There are five in total," Harry confirmed. "I've already have the ring, the cup, and the diadem. I just need to get the diary and the locket."

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, clearly processing the revelation. "This is a dire and dangerous matter, Harry. Yet you speak of it with such confidence."

"I have to," Harry said simply. "I'm going to end this before summer's over."

Dumbledore studied him intently. "And how do you propose to do that?"

"I'll need your help with a ritual," Harry admitted. "It's complex and requires someone with your level of magical knowledge."

Dumbledore's curiosity piqued. "What sort of ritual?"

"A containment kind," Harry explained. "Once I have the remaining Horcruxes, I'll need to sever Voldemort's connection to this world entirely."

Dumbledore's expression grew thoughtful. "I see. Very well, Harry. I will assist you."

"Thank you," Harry said sincerely.

Dumbledore's gaze softened. "You have carried an immense burden, Harry. I am honored to stand by your side as you see this through."

Harry stood, his confidence unwavering. "Together, we'll make sure Voldemort never rises again."

As Harry prepared to leave, Dumbledore's voice stopped him. "Harry, for what it's worth, I am deeply sorry for the mistakes I made in that other timeline."

Harry turned, a faint smile on his lips. "I know. And you made up for them."

With a nod, Harry disappeared with Fawkes in a flash of golden fire, leaving Dumbledore alone in his office, contemplating the remarkable boy.