thantophobia

PHOEBEUS woke up alone. Not just in his bed, which would be expected, but in the house itself. He lived in a tiny house not far from a small town known as Godric's Hallow. Fields surrounded his house, so technically he had no neighbors. Technically, he lived alone. Six years ago, there was an incident with his father. His father had been so stricken over the incident that he disappeared, leaving Phoebeus money for new books before the school year would start. It was around that time of year, and he attempted to wake up early to meet his father, but the money would always be left on the kitchen table. It was September 1st, 1993, six in the morning. It is the day that children ranging from eleven to seventeen years old will be heading to Kings Cross Station, platform 9 3/4 to get on the Hogwarts Express and go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It's the day many young witches and wizards are excited for. Not Phoebeus. He dreads the First of September. Has since he was eleven.

Pushing out of the creaking bed, Phoebeus made his way through the small house. He entered the open area, frowning at the sight of a brown bag on the kitchen table. He scoffed and picked up the bag. A note was left underneath.

Happy 13.

Phoebeus pursed his lips and dropped the money on the table. He'd take the floo to Diagon Alley in a bit.

He never expects for his dad to write a lot. He doesn't typically leave notes. The last five of his birthdays a gift was left on the table. This year, more money. Phoebeus is assuming his father was able to get more, or at least saved up. Or. It was the full moon. It was the first time in a few years that a full moon had been on his birthday. He could cut his father some slack for the surrounding days. He's usually good at that. Day before and after a full moon, cutting his father some slack. It would just be nice to see effort on days that aren't full moons. 

It was eight o'clock when Phoebeus was ready for Diagon Alley. Trunk in tow, he pocketed his change, reached into the bin above the fireplace. He stopped. There was a box on the counter that seemd to be staring at him. He dropped the powder in his had back in the bin and walked to the counter. He opened the box. Letters. Nothing but letters written in his fathers messy scrawl. He flipped through them, all labled with the dates of Christmas from 1981 to 1986. And one last note, Januarry, First of 1987. Phoebeus dropped the letters back in the box and carried it to his trunk. He opened the trunk and fit the box in. His father wouldn't notice the box was gone. Shutting the trunk, he pulled it up and stepped back in the fireplace, grabbing the powder again and announcing in his tenor voice: "Diagon Alley!" Before tossing the powder on the floor and traveling to the Leaky Cauldron. 

It was ten o'clock when he walked back to the Leaky Cauldron. Walking in he was shocked to see two identical red-heads grinning down at him.

"Hiya, Phoebes."

"How are you?"

They grinned. Phoebeus grinned back at them. "'Ello boys." The twins, Fred and George Weasley, were the only twins of the Weasley family. They had three older brothers and two younger siblings. Out of the Weasley siblings, Phoebeus could confidently say that he got along with the twins the best. The youngest boy, Ron, had always been negative toward Phoebeus. The twins said it was because of the house he was sorted in. Even though Ron knew Phoebeus since he was four.

"Do you need a ride to Kings Cross?"

"We could probably take you."

Phoebeus shrugged. Fred took that as a yes and slung his arm around Phoebeus's shoulders, leading him further into the Leaky Cauldron. Molly Weasley, the mother of the seven red haired kids, was scrambling around making sure each her children had their things ready. She caught sight of Phoebeus and a loving look filled her features, she held her hand out.

"Phoebes!" She said lovingly. Phoebeus forced a smile.

"It's Phoebeus." He spoke, palms getting sweaty. George's hand squeezed his shoulder.

"Oh, sorry dear. It's good to see you though. Will you be needing a ride?" She asked, voice soft. She did sound sorry, but it didn't stop the clenching of his heart. He pushed the feeling away as best he could and nodded his head. Mrs. Weasley pinched his cheek. "All right, we should have enough room. The ministry has given us some cars to take to the station. Do you have all your books?"

Phoebeus nodded his head again, Mrs. Weasley smiled and moved on. Fred and George began talking above him about what pranks they had planned. Across the room, be caught sight of three kids in his year. One being Ron Weasley, the youngest boy of the Weasley's. Hermione Granger, a highly intelligent girl with frizzy hair and bangs framed her face. Next to her, was Harry Potter. The boy had a charming smile on his face, his raven hair a mess on top his head. Even as the mess it is, it barley covered the lightning scar on his forehead that was the basic indicator of who he was.

Phoebeus wouldn't say he was best friends with Hermione and Harry. Ron's dislike in him made it hard to be friends with the two. But they were friendly. Phoebeus had pictures around the house of him and Harry when they were babies. Their parents were close friends and play-dates were a common occurrence. Then, when the dark wizard, Voldemort, killed his parents, the play dates stopped and Phoebeus was taken to the Weasley's more often then where ever Harry ended up. Harry didn't know this, and Phoebeus often wondered how different their friendship would be if Harry knew.

The ministry cars arrived shortly after Phoebeus caught sight of everyone. Mr. Weasley huddled Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Phoebeus into a car. Phoebeus had gone in first, and then Harry was pushed in after. Phoebeus smiled shyly, Harry doing the same. His green eyes beneath his glasses widened and jumped out against his brown skin. The older boy brushed his hair back with his hand to no avail as it jumped back to its previous messy state.

"Hi, Harry." Phoebeus whispered.

"Hello." Harry whispered back.

That was all they exchanged as Ron climbed in soon and pulled Harry into an immediate conversation. Phoebeus just turned his head and watched as London passed by. They arrived at the station and Phoebeus made a dart to get to the train. He pushed his trolley past the barrier to Platform 9 3/4. He pulled his trunk on to the train and found an empty compartment, it was hard considering there was only twenty minutes until the trail would leave for school. When the train began moving, there was a knock on the compartment door. Phoebeus looked up from his book. Blaise Zabini and Theodore Nott were outside. Phoebeus set his book down and waved them in. Blaise jumped down to the seat across from him, Theo sitting less rambunctious.

"How was your summer, Fee?" Blaise asked. Phoebeus scratched the skin below his eye and shrugged.

"Same ol, same ol. Dad still hasn't shown so house has been empty." Phoebeus shrugged. Theo rolled his eyes.

"I mean," Theo began, his deep voice rather soothing. "At least your father isn't there to criticize every single breath."

Phoebeus pursed his lips at that. It wasn't right of Theo to pull that on him. If Phoebeus father was home, he wouldn't have to be watched. His father would encourage everything he did. Already encouraged Phoebeus to reach above and beyond his goals. Theo, was not so lucky and his father needed him to fit the stereotypical Pureblood status. The Nott's aspired to be like the Noble House of Black or even the Malfoy's. Theo just wanted to attend school and make friends with who he wanted to.

Blaise elbowed Theo in the ribs. "You can't say shit like that."

"What'd you mean?" Theo frowned.

"Just be glad you have a daddy to pay your way." Blaise added. He turned his head back to Phoebeus. "Did you get your Hogesmeade letter signed? I can send it to my father."

"I left it on the table as soon as it arrived. my father signed it this morning when he brought the money." Phoebeus sighed. "I woke up early this morning too, hoping I could see him. He left a note at least."

Blaise shrugged his shoulders. "More than the past." Phoebeus nodded in agreement, picking his book up. The other two boys noticed the end of conversation and began whispering to each other, loud enough that Phoebeus could hear and input if he desired, but soft enough not to bother his reading.

Mid-way through the ride, the train stopped. Phoebeus set his book down and the three boys looked at each other, anxiety crawling on thier skin.

"W-we can't be there yet, right?" Phoebeus spoke. Neither Blaise nor Theo said anything. The three waited patiently. The lights turned off. Phoebeus grabbed for his wand out of his robes. "Lumos." He whispered. The other two boys were pale. Phoebeus looked to the window. It was frosting over, and suddenly he felt very cold. Looking back at the other two, they were starting to shiver, and he could see their breath in the air. Blaise got up and opened the door. There was noise of other compartments doing the same, and kids asking what was going on.

Blaise shut the door and sat back down frowning. "I don't know what's going on."

The door began sliding open, making the three boys look at it in alarm. "Nox!" Phoebeus whispered, flicking his wand. The light disappeared and they continued to stare and the cloaked figure hovering above the ground. The head did not move, nor could the boys really tell where it was looking, but Phoebeus felt as if the creature was staring into his soul. He gnawed on his tongue staring at the cloaked head.

Phoebeus started feeling dizzy, his head feeling floaty, he felt for his wand (apparently he dropped it on the seat), and lifted it with shaky hands, whispering a spell his dad had once told him about. A small silver whisp appeared from the tip of his wand. The cloaked figure winced and drew back, closing the door behind it. Phoebeus's arm dropped and his eyes rolled to the back of his head.

Blasie and Theo were able to get Phoebeus conscious again by the time they arrived at Hogwarts. Phoebeus reached in his pocket and pulled out a chocolate bar, breaking off a piece and nibbling on it. He always kept chocolate in his pocket. When he got anxious about something he would pull the chocolate out and take a bite. Getting off the train, Blaise and Theo had to walk on each side of Phoebeus to hide the fact the boy was about to topple over. His brain was still hazy and light headed. Blaise had to pinch Phoebeus when they sat in the carriage so he wouldn't go out again. They reached the stairs to see a crowd of people. Theo groaned at the sight of a familiar platinum blonde Slytherin boy sneering at Harry. Draco Malfoy was a lot of things. But most would say first about how much of a bully he is. Upset just because Harry turned down his friendship First Year.

"Is there a problem?" A hoarse voice called out, interrupting Malfoy's torment. Phoebeus mouth fell open at the sight of the man. His clothes were worn and his face was tired. Phoebeus pushed away from Blaise and Theo.

"What are you doing here?" Phoebeus spat, the words leaving his mouth before he could stop them. The man turned around and his face looked hurt seeing Phoebeus glaring at him. He opened his mouth to speak, but another voice called out.

"Mr. Lyall," Professor McGonagall called out. "I will not have you speak that way to a Professor. Now, Potter, Granger come with me."

Phoebeus looked back at the man, mouth open in shock. Professor. Phoebeus's heart sank. His legs felt numb and he almost fell, but Blaise and Theo were at his side catching him.

"Professors, the Dementors made him sick, he's a little faint." Blaise spoke, grabbing Phoebeus's arm tightly. The two professors looked at Phoebeus with a concerned look.

"I'm fine." Phoebeus spoke through gritted teeth. "Just need food."

Professor McGonagall eyed Phoebeus warily, unsure. The other Professor spoke up. "Ph- Mr. Lyall." He began slowly. "You should go see Madame Pomfrey."

"No. Professor. I'll be fine." Phoebeus said. "But I'd like to go to dinner so please excuse us." Phoebeus took a step, Blaise and Theo supporting him as they made their way to the Great Hall and the Slytherin table.

The sorting began soon after they sat down. A old musty hat was placed on the head of the First Years and placed them in to the four houses. Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. When as student was sorted into Slytherin, the table would burst in applause. Any other house, the table was silent. After the sorting, Harry and Hermione walked into the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall making her way to her own chair at the head table. Dumbledore stood up and reached the podium. He advised everyone to be wary of the guests along the border of the castle. He did not seem happy to have the Dementors, guards of the wizard prison Azkaban, patrolling the school.

"On a happier note," Professor Dumbledore spoke more lightly. "I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year. First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

Phoebeus scowled at that, pushing at the plate on the table. Blaise kicked his foot under the table. Phoebeus looked up at him. "What's your problem with him?"

Phoebeus sighed and leaned back, hands grabbing the edge of the table to keep him from falling. "Doesn't matter." He whispered dismissivley. 

Dumbledore than went on explaining that the other position being filled was Care of Magical Creatures, a class Phoebeus was taking. A frown set his lips. Care of Magical Creatures seemed like a class Lupin would take up with ease. So why did he take the Defense Against the Dark Arts position? Especially with the rumor that the position was cursed. First Year, the professor had Voldemort on the back of his head and is now dead. Second year, was Gilderoly Lockhart. A handsome teacher that acted as if he knew everything. Turns out, he didn't. He lost all his memory and is sitting in St. Mungo's. Now, Lupin is taking the position.

Phoebeus will tell himself he doesn't care. But truly he's insanely worried. Especially, with Sirius Black on the run.

Theo leaned in over the table. "Hagrid teaching? How's that gonna be?"

Phoebeus shrugged. He didn't mind Hagrid, a large fellow who was expelled from Hogwarts his thrid year. He was always kind to Phoebeus, especially when he was younger. It's just. . . Well, Hagrid could be a bit extreme sometimes. First year, he apparently had an illegal dragon egg with him. He finds the large three headed dog, which he named Fluffy, to be a perfect pet. Hagrids intetions with magical creatures might not be the best when working with kids. Phoebeus was excited nonetheless for class with the new Professor.

Dumbledore eventually called the end of the feast, Phoebeus was feeling much better after having a full meal in himself. Him, Theo, and Blaise made their way down to the dungeons where the Slytherin Common room was. Typically, the three would stay down in the common room and have the welcome back party, but this year Phoebeus wanted to go to bed and not have to deal with some of his more annoying housemates.