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Even though his wings ached and he was exhausted beyond belief, having not slept for days on this last stretch, Brishen gained one last spurt of energy as a familiar cliffside came into view.
It had been twelve months since he’d last seen it. Twelve very long months in which he’d chased the sun around the realm for an entire cycle.
Twelve entire months where he wondered who would interrupt this particular migration and call him back—Harry, Theo, Hadrian, or his illustrous and very unforgiving employer.
But amazingly, there had been no interruptions, no crises significant to call him back. His Circle had managed for an entire year and Brishen couldn’t help but feel a small sliver of pride. it was a far cry from their first few years, when it had been one crisis or unfortunate development after another, with barely any time to catch their breaths.
When he’d had to use more of his power than he cared to.
And with this successful migration complete, Brishen had been able to keep one particular promise he had made to most of his Circle. He was back in time for the coronation and the Hunt.
Brishen wheeled in the air currents above the cliff, taking note of the brewing storm and a familiar head poking above the waves.
It was too tempting a target to pass up.
Brishen angled is wings and let himself fall.
His talons missed the blue hair by mere centimeters as he plunged into the icy cool water. The action drew out lovely, very specific, very unique curses that he would have to save for his own use later.
The Phoelix dove a few more times—always a bit too close to a certain Merrow’s head, yet never making contact—enjoying the water until a sharp fin started to thrash wildly in his diving area. Then he took to the air one last time.
Theo winced at the sound of a mug breaking, but smothered a smile at the sight of Harry clutching a blue, green, and purple-feathered phoenix to his chest, with no care for how the feathers dampened and wrinkled his dress robes. Behind him, Fred and George wore identical disgruntled expressions, all of their fussing earlier that morning now having gone to waste. Still, Harry’s words echoed what everyone was feeling.
“Welcome home.”