The phoenix cocked her head and looked deeply into Hermione's eyes. She felt pity and concern flood at her from the beautiful bird, who sung another swooning note. Hermione felt it vibrate in her ribs, in her very soul. She choked back a sob, one of intense relief. She felt something break inside, or maybe it was being healed. She wasn't certain. She wanted to hug the bird, but she settled on a gentle smooth of her lushly-feathered head instead. The phoenix trilled in contentment.