Su Er watched the great bird revealed before them as the flames faded.
Under Hermione's surprised and puzzled gaze,
"Is it time?"
Fawkes nodded gently, tiny flames dancing in his eyes.
"Give me a moment," Su Er said softly to Fawkes, then turned to Hermione. "Please tell Bill and Pheobe I won't be able to attend their wedding."
"Wh-" Bewildered, Hermione instinctively caught the hem of Su Er's clothes. "Why-"
"I can't explain too much, Hermione." Su Er shook his head gently. "It concerns Dumbledore's arrangements. Don't worry, there won't be any danger. I'll come back safely."
"Oh, and remember this." Before Hermione could react, Su Er changed the subject. "There may be danger tomorrow. If things go wrong, stay close to Moody and don't resist."
"Danger? What danger-" Hermione had barely begun when Fawkes urged him to hurry.
"Just a moment-" Su Er said over his shoulder, then turned back. "There isn't time to say much, but there may be danger tomorrow. I mean may. Promise me, if someone sends a warning with a Patronus or anything, remember, don't resist. Stay close to the Order of the Phoenix."
Hermione nodded blankly. Too much had happened in that instant: Dumbledore's phoenix had suddenly appeared, and Su Er was leaving, yet refused to tell her why.
"I'll come and find you. If anything unexpected happens tomorrow, don't resist. Remember, don't resist."
As he spoke, Su Er rose. Hermione let go and watched him stride to the corner of the tent and take a small box from the trunk there.
"What's th-" Hermione asked again.
"Shh, don't say anything." Su Er raised a finger. "Don't tell anyone. Forget Fawkes ever came here today. If anyone asks tomorrow, just say I left and went back to my own country."
After all, his identity