If Only I Could Meet A Phoenix: Hotter Potter March Meme

Harry Potter series have been introducing a lot of exotic magical creatures, either from myths or merely J.K. Rowling’s fantasy. This month Melisa, our host for Hotter Potter reading event asked us an intriguing question:

From all magical creatures/beasts in Harry Potter series, which one you want the most to meet in the real world? What’s the reason?

[Original version: Dari semua makhluk/hewan ajaib yang ada di buku Harry Potter, apa yang paling ingin kamu jumpai di dunia nyata? Jangan lupa alasannya!]

From all the series, I think Fawkes the phoenix has intrigued me the most. I was amazed by its ‘majestic’ manner when Fawkes appeared for the first time in The Chamber of the Secrets. Later on, I admire it more for what it represents. In Greek mythology, Phoenix is a long-lived bird that is cyclically regenerated or reborn. Associated with the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor [from Wikipedia]. Fawkes was first introduced to us when Harry saw it suddenly burst into flames and burned down into a pile of ash in Dumbledore’s office, before being reborn from the ashes. What a lovely scene that would have been. It immediately reminds me of Christian’s resurrection!

Phoenix is representing loyalty and sacrifices. When Harry was facing danger from Tom Riddle and his basilisk, Fawkes came in from nowhere. Fawkes came to rescue because Harry—without realizing it—had summoned it by his brave declaration of loyalty to Dumbledore. When Tom Riddle boasted that he is the greatest sorcerer in the world, Harry snapped him, stated bravely that he’s not the greatest sorcerer in the world, but Dumbledore IS. Harry’s loyalty to Dumbledore summoned Fawkes to the Chamber of Secrets. And by immediately flying to Harry, it proved also the phoenix’s loyalty to Dumbledore, for it would unquestioningly help those who were loyal to its master.

And when Harry was injured from the basilisk attack, Fawkes shed its tears to cure it. As Dumbledore had said to Harry, phoenixes can carry immensely heavy loads and that their tears have healing powers. I am quite touched by this; and as tears representing grief, it’s as if Fawkes wants to show us that its grief and sorrows healed us. Does that sound like a sacrifice, like giving itself for other's sake?

This description, when Fawkes came to rescue Harry, seemed to be something unearthly, pure and even sacred…..

“Music was coming from somewhere. It was eerie, spine-tingling, unearthly… Then, as the music reached such a pitch that harry felt it vibrating inside his own ribs, flames erupted at the top of the nearest pillar. A crimson bird the size of a swan had appeared, piping its weird music to the vaulted ceiling. It had a glittering golden talons...”

How wonderful it would be if I could meet a phoenix, listening to its eerie music, watching its red and golden colors, and touching its feather, oh….I believe there would be a wave of joy flowing from it into my soul. If only I could meet a phoenix in this real world, what a joy it would be....