Chapter 44: Phoenix Order Gathering
Chapter 44: Phoenix Order Gathering
Sherlock was completely unaware of what was happening at Hogwarts.
At eleven o'clock in the morning, after finishing his classes, Sherlock met with Professor Mcgonagall in Dumbledore's office, preparing to head to an unknown location.
"Let me emphasize one thing, Sherlock. After the Dark Lord's complete downfall, there is no longer any Phoenix Order. We are just a group of like-minded friends who occasionally gather, not an organization formed for any specific purpose."
In Dumbledore's office, Professor Mcgonagall said with a serious expression.
Sherlock nodded calmly, indicating that he understood, though he couldn't help but inwardly roll his eyes. He didn't expect the usually stern and upright Professor Mcgonagall to be so flexible about certain matters. However, such emphasis only made things more obvious to anyone with a normal brain.
As Dumbledore stood up from his chair, he heard Professor Mcgonagall's words and couldn't help but smile and shake his head.
"No need for that, Minerva. You could have been more straightforward with him."
He turned his gaze to Sherlock, his bright blue eyes clear and bright, yet holding a special meaning.
"Last time you came to me to apply for membership, I told you, Sherlock. The Phoenix Order was initially created to combat him and his followers. Our members include wizards, Muggle-borns, Aurors, bartenders, and even thieves, but we all share a common goal: to bring down his power."
"After his defeat, his followers scattered, and the magical community, especially some officials at the Ministry of Magic, were worried about the uncontrolled power of the Phoenix Order. To reassure them, I decided to let the Phoenix Order go dormant and fade from public view."
"However, I didn't disband it. We still gather periodically from various places to chat and catch up on our lives, keeping everyone in touch. When necessary, the Phoenix Order, which has disappeared from people's eyes, will re-emerge intact. Do you know why we do this?"
Sherlock thought for a moment and then spoke softly.
"Because the danger hasn't truly disappeared, and that person might return."
Dumbledore nodded in agreement but corrected one word with a serious expression.
"Not might, but will. I don't want the entire magical world to be defenseless when that time comes. We need to gather our strength."
Sherlock nodded solemnly.
After truly interacting with Dumbledore, his impression of the old man was gradually changing. Initially, his first impression, influenced by biased movie commentaries, made him think that the headmaster of Hogwarts was a deeply calculating person.
However, from their interactions over time, while Dumbledore did have his schemes, they were never off-putting. There was no denying that Dumbledore was a highly charismatic old man. He would do many things behind your back, but you could trust that he would never harm anyone.
In matters that others might keep secret, he would trust you completely, explaining everything and making it clear why he acted the way he did.
He made no attempt to hide the fact that he would make some preparations that others might not know about, nor did he falsely present himself as kind and upright.
Overall, Sherlock felt that Dumbledore gave a good impression.
Dumbledore extended his arm, and the phoenix, which had been perched on a golden branch by the door, spread its fiery red wings and stood on his shoulder.
"Grab my sleeve, Sherlock."
Sherlock and Professor Mcgonagall stood on either side of Dumbledore, and together they grabbed his sleeve. With a long cry from Fawkes, a golden-red light enveloped them.
In the next second, they reappeared in front of a dilapidated, modest house.
As soon as their feet touched solid ground, they heard a joyful voice in the distance.
"Hurry up, Arthur, Dumbledore and the others have arrived. Everyone is here, so bring out the apple pie I made and set the table. The party can start soon."
This voice was very familiar to Sherlock as well.
He quickly realized where Dumbledore had brought them—the Weasley family home.
Mrs. Weasley came forward with a smile, but when she saw Sherlock, she froze.
Dumbledore led Sherlock and Professor Mcgonagall over with a smile.
"What's wrong, Molly? Don't you recognize Sherlock Forrest?"
Mrs. Weasley snapped out of her daze. She looked at Sherlock, then back at Dumbledore, her voice trembling slightly.
"No, no, Dumbledore. We met in Diagon Alley during the summer, but you said you would bring a new friend today. Is this person Sherlock?"
Her unusual reaction puzzled Sherlock. Given the enthusiasm Mrs. Weasley had shown him in Diagon Alley, knowing he had joined the Phoenix Order and become a comrade, she should have been happy, shouldn't she?
Dumbledore gently shook his head and patted her shoulder.
"Wait until later. I'll explain everything during the meal."
Trusting Dumbledore implicitly, Mrs. Weasley didn't press further. She smiled again and said to Sherlock,
"This is your first visit to our home, dear. Come and take a look around. Bill is back for Christmas, and I'll have him show you around."
Sherlock could sense that her smile was forced, but he didn't press the matter. The answers would come during the meal.
At Mrs. Weasley's call, a tall figure with the Weasleys' distinctive red hair, a long ponytail, and an earring, emerged from the house. He looked very cool.
The young wizard saw Sherlock and his face lit up with a bright smile.
"Long time no see, Sherlock. You might not remember me, but can I call you that?"
Sherlock nodded. From Mrs. Weasley's introduction and the wizard's age, he guessed this was the eldest Weasley son—William Arthur Weasley.
But everyone called him Bill Weasley.
(End of Chapter)
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