"Were you hurt?"
Early the next morning, Snape cornered Jerry in the Slytherin Common Room. The other students passing by saw the look on Snape's face and hurried out of his way.
"Professor Snape, why would you ask that?" Jerry glanced down at himself. There was no sign of an injury! His wound had healed last night in Catherine's Private Lounge!
"Do you think I don't have a nose?" Snape glared at Jerry. "You think I can't smell Essence of Dittany?"
Jerry: "..."
He'd forgotten Snape wasn't a Potions Master like Lockhart, whose only trick was making things explode!
"I'd love to know what kind of injury you suffered last night that called for Essence of Dittany."
"If I said it was just a scrape, would you believe me?"
"Hah!" Snape sneered. "As long as you don't die at Hogwarts and cause us trouble! Headmaster Dumbledore wants you. The password is Cockroach Clusters."
With that, he turned and left the common room.
Jerry watched Snape go and sighed.
What a rotten world. You couldn't trust anyone anymore! An honest, dependable person like him told the truth, and nobody believed him!
"Professor, you wanted to see me?"
Jerry knocked and entered the Headmaster's Office. Dumbledore was already busy at his desk, despite the early hour.
"Sorry to call you in so early, Jerry. Have a seat on the sofa. I'll be with you shortly!"
Jerry nodded, but instead of sitting quietly while Dumbledore finished his work, he went over to Fawkes.
Fawkes had grown considerably. He no longer looked as ugly as he had just after being reborn, and his bright feathers had grown back.
Jerry stroked the Phoenix's feathers. They were warm and comfortable, silky smooth to the touch. He would make an excellent hand warmer in winter!
"Phoenixes