Chapter 264: The Phoenix’s Way of Traveling
After some persuasion from Kyle and a handful of fresh herbs, Fawkes gradually calmed down. Turning his grief into an appetite, he focused on eating the herbs, and Kyle couldn't resist reaching out to gently rub the feathers on his neck. This was the first time Kyle had properly petted a Phoenix... how to describe it? The feathers were a bit stiff, not as fluffy and soft as an owl's, yet they felt nice. They were delicate and smooth, a little warm to the touch—like a gold Galleon freshly taken from a vault.
When Fawkes finished the herbs, he spread his wings and flew toward the window. Kyle thought he was preparing to leave, but Fawkes only flew to the windowsill, where he perched beside Ratton, folded his wings, and began to doze, looking content and drowsy after a good meal.
Ratton, who had been fast asleep, woke with a start. He glanced at his unexpected guest, his neck feathers bristling. With a quick, silent gesture, he shifted over, making room for Fawkes.
Kyle watched Ratton expressionlessly, then shrugged with disdain. This dumb bird, he thought. Whenever it's in a bad mood, if another owl so much as glances its way, it'll chase them down and beat them senseless. But now? Total coward!
Ratton seemed to catch Kyle's expression and turned away silently, choosing to ignore him. He wanted to stand his ground, but the other bird was covered in red feathers, radiating a presence that clearly said it was not to be trifled with. Better to endure and avoid trouble.
The two birds stood on the windowsill, each on their own side, looking unexpectedly harmonious. Kyle sat down at the table and glanced at a box not far away. Judging by Fawkes's behavior, he didn't seem to be leaving anytime soon. And with Fawkes here, Kyle definitely couldn't meet Riddle for extra lessons. Even though a Phoenix might not necessarily recognize a Horcrux, what if it did? And if it knew, it would be as good as Dumbledore knowing.
Kyle had promised to give the diary to Dumbledore, but only once it was no longer useful—not just yet. But if he couldn't take the lessons, there wasn't much else to do. The Phoenix didn't like crowds, so taking him out to play Quidditch wasn't an option, but Kyle didn't want to leave him home alone either. He couldn't spend the whole day in his room studying magical formulas. Now that his magical studies had advanced beyond the elementary stage, progressing through independent reading alone, without Riddle's guidance, felt inefficient. A bit of a waste of time.
As he mulled this over, Kyle's gaze landed on the suitcase beside him. After a moment's thought, he walked over to the windowsill.
"Fawkes, how about we go out for some fresh air?"