Tris wasn't particularly sensitive about being summoned by Dumbledore.
Although it didn't happen all that often, he did visit the Headmaster's Office a little more frequently than most students. He had gotten used to it.
But what had Hermione done? Why was she coming along too?
Tris soon discovered that although Professor McGonagall was escorting both him and Hermione, they weren't going to see Dumbledore together.
Professor McGonagall dropped Tris off at the Headmaster's Office, then left with Hermione. After a moment's thought, Tris realized what was going on.
She was taking Hermione aside to explain the Time-Turner.
It was a very unusual and dangerous device, so anyone who applied for one needed a special briefing.
It seemed Percy still hadn't managed to persuade Hermione. Tris shook his head, sighed that man proposed and fate disposed, and headed upstairs. In any case, he had already dealt with this year's major incidents ahead of time. Even if Hermione played around with it, nothing should go wrong... right?
When he reached the Headmaster's Office, Dumbledore was standing by the door, entertaining a bird-his phoenix, Fawkes, of course.
Although Tris had visited the Headmaster's Office more than once, this was his first time seeing Fawkes. He was very interested in this extraordinary magical creature, who had played a significant role in the original story and even saved Harry's life.
"Well, this is your first time meeting, isn't it?" Dumbledore looked up at Tris in the doorway and smiled. "As it happens, he was out every time you visited before. Fawkes, this is Tris, an excellent student.
"Tris, this is Fawkes, my companion. With your knowledge, I'm sure you can tell what he is?"
"A phoenix?" Tris pretended not to be quite certain.
"Yes, a phoenix!" Dumbledore's approval was plain on his face. "A