Fawkes was a female phoenix, the familiar of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore (WR). Ariana Dumbledore (WR) gave the egg to her brother before her death. When the phoenix chick hatched, she bonded with Albus, not wanting to leave his side. She was often seen on his head or shoulder, nipping gently at her wizard's ear or grooming his hair. She became just as close to two friends of his, Minerva McGonagall and Severus Donovan Snape. Fawkes would often give Severus what Minerva considered "comfort grooming".