The unicorn, once crippled by pain, now stood proudly under the moonlight. Its silver mane shimmered, and it let out a joyful neigh, nudging Harry affectionately with its nose. Harry chuckled softly and patted its neck.
"Was it you who sent that magical distress signal?" he asked.
The unicorn neighed again and gave a nod, as if confirming.
Harry then asked"how did you do that? And why sent me? "
Before Harry could process how it had done such a thing, a calm, ancient voice echoed from the shadows behind him.
"Because you are phoenix, little one. Phoenixes are born for both creation and destruction. Animals, especially the pure, are more in tune with such forces. Their protection lies within our flame."
Startled, Harry turned to see a majestic figure perched on a branch above—a brilliant red and gold phoenix. It was Fawkes, Dumbledore's companion. His feathers shimmered like molten light, and his eyes glowed with knowing warmth.
But what truly astonished Harry wasn't Fawkes' presence—it was the fact that he could understand him. Fawkes was speaking in the language of phoenixes, and yet Harry comprehended every word.
"I sensed a phoenix's essence within Hogwarts," Fawkes continued, his voice filled with both curiosity and admiration. "But to find one inside a human… you are full of surprises."
Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah… I know. I'm still trying to control it. Grow into it."
Fawkes fluttered his wings slightly. "The force within you is ancient. Perhaps older than I. And clearly more powerful than any phoenix born to this world."
Harry felt uneasy being so thoroughly seen through, even by a majestic creature like Fawkes. He shifted awkwardly. "Thanks… I guess. I'll figure it out."
The elder phoenix gave a trill that sounded suspiciously like a chuckle. "If you seek guidance, I am always willing. You know where to find me—at the headmaster's tower. Come if you wish to train… or simply to talk. It's been centuries since I had a proper conversation with someone who understands."
With that, Fawkes took off, trailing golden sparks as he soared gracefully toward the castle.
Harry exhaled and turned back to the unicorn, who was watching the exchange with gentle eyes. "Let's get you home, shall we?"
He walked with the unicorn deeper into the woods until they reached a secluded glade where a small herd waited. The other unicorns welcomed their kin with joyful nuzzles and cautious glances toward Harry. But once they sensed his energy—flavored with phoenix magic—they accepted him.
Harry spent a little time with them, even playing a bit as they trotted around in good-natured circles. Before he left, they gifted him bundles of enchanted healing herbs—wound binders and feverbane among them.
He thanked them sincerely. "I'll visit again. Promise."
With a wave and one last grateful nudge from the unicorn he'd saved, Harry made his way back to the castle. He crept through the quiet halls, heart full and mind buzzing. Once in his dormitory, he noticed the scattered books he'd left in a rush. He quickly stacked them, then flopped onto his bed, still in the forest-soiled robes.
Sleep took him instantly.