of floo powder and flame - azula x hogwarts crossover

prologue: into the depths

Confusion gripped Princess Azula as she abruptly found herself standing in a room she did not recognize—the Room of Requirement. Disoriented and filled with an inexplicable anger, she scanned her surroundings, her eyes narrowing at the sight of a wrinkly old man with a long white beard, who seemed to be aware of her presence.

Azula's instinct for self-preservation took hold, and without a second thought, she unleashed her firebending, azure flames erupting from her fingertips as she attacked the perceived threat before her. But Dumbledore, ever composed and quick-witted, effortlessly conjured a shield, deflecting the inferno aimed at him and keeping himself safe from harm.

The room crackled with the clash of elements, the air thick with tension as Azula's fiery assault clashed against Dumbledore's magical defenses. Yet, even in the midst of the chaos, Dumbledore's gaze remained steady, his expression unfazed by her aggression.

Seeing an opportunity to quell the chaos, Dumbledore called out, his voice a calm yet authoritative command, "Young lady, cease this hostility. I am Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There has been a profound misunderstanding. Allow me to explain."

Reluctantly, Azula halted her attacks, her anger subsiding into a mix of confusion and skepticism. She regarded Dumbledore warily, her eyes narrowing as she struggled to comprehend the situation she found herself in. The concept of an entirely different magical world, with wizards and witches learning spells in a school, seemed preposterous to her.

"What? A school for witches and wizards? Where am I?" Azula's voice dripped with anger, her tone firm as she demanded answers. "I am Princess Azula, daughter of Ozai, the Phoenix King. I have no time for these childish games. Tell me how to return home now, or I'll turn that white beard of yours black," She threatened.

"Princess Azula, I assure you, Hogwarts and the world of wizardry are far from childish games. They are a complex tapestry of magic and knowledge that have remained hidden from your world. But I believe the Room of Requirement has brought you here for a reason. I do not know how you appeared here, or how to return you to your home, but I believe it is unwise to disobey the Room of Requirement's wishes. Even as the headmaster of Hogwarts, I do not know all of the answers to every magical mystery. But if you would allow me to help you, we can find those answers together."

Azula's sharp eyes narrowed as she gazed at Dumbledore, seeking answers to the swirling doubts within her.

"Magic? So you're a spirit? I'm not the most spiritually inclined bender, but even I know that only the Avatar and Spirits have magic," Azula remarked, her words tinged with a hint of stubborn rationalization. She had always viewed bending as the pinnacle of supernatural abilities, intimately tied to the balance of the Spirit World.

Dumbledore's gaze softened, recognizing the limitations of Azula's knowledge and the challenge of introducing her to the wizarding world's unique magic system. "Princess Azula, it is clear of your ability to wield fire, a formidable gift indeed. But here at Hogwarts, we wield a different kind of power. It is a subtle and intricate craft, accessed through the study and mastery of spells, potions, and incantations."

Azula's expression hardened, her skepticism battling against the newfound curiosity that gnawed at the edges of her mind. The notion of another form of magic beyond the Spirit World perplexed her, challenging the boundaries of her understanding. Yet, she couldn't deny the undeniable spark of fascination that flickered within her.

"Are you suggesting that this... wizarding magic can rival the bending arts?" Azula's voice carried a trace of challenge, her eyes fixed on Dumbledore, seeking assurance.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with a mixture of amusement and wisdom. "In its own way, yes. Wizarding magic is a different path, one that can be harnessed with dedication, skill, and a deep understanding of its intricacies. It is not a replacement for bending but rather a unique craft, rich with its own possibilities."

Azula's mind buzzed with conflicting thoughts, her skepticism wavering as she weighed Dumbledore's words against the enigma of this newfound realm. She had always hungered for power, seeking to master the art of firebending to assert her dominance. The prospect of discovering an entirely different form of power, one that existed beyond the confines of her world, ignited a flicker of curiosity within her.

Azula scoffed. "You can't expect me to believe this," She retorted, her voice laced with an incredulous tone. Her gaze remained fixed on Dumbledore, a mixture of frustration and disbelief etched across her features. "Take me back to the fire nation now."

Dumbledore's expression remained unperturbed, his eyes crinkling with gentle amusement. He had anticipated Azula's resistance, understanding that the clash between her reality and this new world was no small hurdle to overcome.

"I understand that this is difficult to accept, Princess Azula, but your home of the fire nation does not exist here. It does in your world, but it's clear to me that this isn't your home universe." Dumbledore replied, his tone steady and patient. "But I assure you, Hogwarts and the wizarding world exist beyond the boundaries of what you've known. It may seem extraordinary, even inconceivable, but I implore you to keep an open mind."

Azula's skepticism didn't waver, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized Dumbledore's unwavering demeanor. She had always relied on her own intuition and intellect, refusing to be swayed by tales and grandiose promises.

"Show me undeniable proof," Azula challenged, her voice sharp and demanding. "I won't be convinced by the words of an old man who looks like he was dressed by a blind rabbit-duck. If this magical world actually exists, then demonstrate its power."

Dumbledore's lips curled into a knowing smile, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "Princess Azula, I understand your reluctance. Rest assured, the magic of this world is best witnessed firsthand. Allow me to guide you through the halls of Hogwarts, where enchantments and spells come to life. There, you will witness the tangible evidence of a world beyond your imagination."

Azula's gaze lingered on Dumbledore, her skepticism warring with a flicker of curiosity that refused to be extinguished completely. While she remained hesitant, a part of her couldn't ignore the tantalizing possibility of a realm that offered new sources of power and knowledge.

Reluctantly, Azula uncrossed her arms and offered a nod of reluctant agreement. "Fine. I'll entertain this for now. But mark my words, Dumbledore, if this is some elaborate trick, I'll take pleasure in melting those glasses to your face. Now show me this so-called magical world, and I'll judge its worth for myself."

Dumbledore's composure remained, not letting the rashness of the girl's threat become evident in his expression. "I wouldn't expect any less, Princess Azula."

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A/N: Hello, jae here! Please let me know your opinions of this so far!! This is my first fanfiction so I was super nervous about putting this out. But I'd love to here some feedback, comments, thoughts, etc :)