of floo powder and flame - azula x hogwarts crossover

1. orientation day

With a nod of agreement, Azula begrudgingly followed Dumbledore as he led her through the corridors of Hogwarts. The school's grandeur was undeniable, its ancient walls emanating an air of magic that both intrigued and unsettled her. The absence of students, their laughter and energy, made the vast halls feel even more otherworldly.

Dumbledore's footsteps echoed in the empty corridors, the sound punctuating the silence. He paused by a towering marble staircase, turning to face Azula with a knowing smile. "Princess Azula, I present to you one of the many wonders of Hogwarts—the moving staircases."

Azula's eyes widened as she observed the staircases shifting and rearranging themselves, seemingly with a mind of their own. Her skepticism wavered for a fleeting moment as the enchantment unfolded before her eyes. However, she quickly masked her astonishment, determined not to let her guard down.

"An elaborate trick," she remarked dismissively, though a trace of curiosity still lingered in her voice.

Undeterred, Dumbledore continued their tour, guiding Azula through the majestic halls adorned with intricate tapestries and portraits that seemed alive. He stopped at the entrance of the Great Hall, its massive doors towering over them. "This is where the students gather for meals and special events, Princess Azula. Within these walls, friendships are forged and alliances are tested."

Azula surveyed the grandeur of the Great Hall, her gaze sweeping across the long rows of tables. Imagining the hall filled with students from different houses, engrossed in their own world of magic, she couldn't help but feel a sense of isolation. The unfamiliarity of it all tugged at her, the absence of her loyal companions and familiar surroundings serving as a reminder of the world she had left behind.

As they continued their tour, Dumbledore introduced Azula to the charms and enchantments woven into the fabric of Hogwarts. He showcased the ever-changing paintings, the secrets hidden behind the castle's walls, and the sprawling grounds that held their own magical allure.

As Dumbledore led Azula through the corridors of Hogwarts, her skepticism remained firmly entrenched. The magnificent surroundings did little to assuage her doubts, and she regarded the old wizard with a critical gaze.

"Enough with your displays and grandeur," Azula scoffed, her voice laced with a touch of impatience. "These tricks do not prove the existence of real magic."

Dumbledore's expression remained serene, undeterred by Azula's skepticism. He understood the difficulty she faced in accepting the reality of this new world.

"Princess Azula, I understand your hesitation," Dumbledore responded calmly. "To truly comprehend the magic that resides within Hogwarts, one must experience it firsthand."

Azula crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing in a mix of frustration and skepticism. She awaited Dumbledore's next attempt to sway her, fully prepared to dismiss it as another elaborate ruse.

Dumbledore paused for a moment, his eyes filled with determination. He raised his wand and focused his energy, summoning a gentle breeze that rustled Azula's hair and robes. The air around them seemed to cool, as if touched by an unseen force.

Azula's eyes widened slightly as she felt the subtle shift in the atmosphere. She tried to maintain her composure, refusing to be swayed by a simple parlor trick. However, the tendrils of doubt began to creep into her mind.

"Is this supposed to impress me?" Azula retorted, her voice laced with a mixture of frustration and curiosity. "Anyone with a basic understanding of elemental manipulation can summon a gust of wind."

Dumbledore's gaze met Azula's, his voice carrying an undertone of unwavering conviction. "Princess Azula, the magic of Hogwarts extends far beyond elemental manipulation. It encompasses a vast array of spells, enchantments, and abilities that can shape and alter reality itself."

Azula's skepticism remained intact, but a flicker of intrigue burned within her. She couldn't help but question the limits of her knowledge, the possibility of a magic system that surpassed her own understanding.

"Show me something truly extraordinary, something that defies the laws of nature," Azula challenged, her voice laced with a mix of defiance and curiosity. "Convince me that this magic of yours is more than mere tricks."

Dumbledore regarded her for a moment, his eyes twinkling with a combination of understanding and resolve. He nodded and, with a wave of his wand, summoned a breathtaking display of magic—an intricate illusion of stars twinkling above their heads, casting a soft glow upon the corridor.

Azula's eyes widened in awe as she beheld the mesmerizing spectacle. It was a sight she couldn't explain through her knowledge of bending or the Spirit World. The illusion seemed to defy the boundaries of reality, and a kernel of doubt began to seep into her certainty.

However, Azula remained guarded, her voice filled with lingering skepticism. "An impressive trick, I will admit. But I have witnessed powerful illusions before. Convince me that this magic is more than just smoke and mirrors."

Dumbledore's gaze met Azula's, his voice carrying a quiet determination. "Princess Azula, the magic of Hogwarts is not mere trickery or deception. It is a force that permeates every aspect of this world, shaping destinies and defying conventional understanding. It is a power that, if embraced, can unlock unimaginable potential."

Azula's skepticism held firm, but beneath the facade, a glimmer of uncertainty flickered within her. The glimpses of magic she had witnessed challenged the boundaries of her understanding, beckoning her to explore the uncharted realm

"Very well," Azula responded, her voice tinged with a touch of reluctant acceptance. "I'll remain open to the possibility of this magical world. But make no mistake, I will judge it by its merits, by what it can offer me."

Dumbledore's gaze held a mixture of understanding and respect. "Princess Azula, it is wise to approach new opportunities with discernment. In your fire, I sense not only power but also the presence of magic. It seems you possess a unique combination of abilities."

Azula's eyes narrowed, her interest piqued despite her reluctance. She cautiously unfolded her arms, her curiosity battling with her skepticism.

"You claim I have magic," Azula retorted, her voice laced with skepticism. "I haven't seen any evidence, apart from your parlor tricks."

Dumbledore regarded her with a patient smile. "Magic can be elusive, particularly to those who resist its presence. But rest assured, Princess Azula, your potential is real. Within the walls of Hogwarts, you can learn to harness and control your abilities."

Azula's skepticism wavered for a moment as the weight of Dumbledore's words sank in. Could it be possible that her firebending was not the only source of her power? A seed of doubt was planted, but she remained guarded.

"And what exactly, does Hogwarts offer that my world does not?" Azula challenged, her voice laced with a mix of defiance and curiosity.

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with wisdom as he began to paint a picture of the magical world that awaited her. He spoke of ancient spells, arcane knowledge, and the camaraderie forged within the walls of Hogwarts. He described a place where her firebending abilities could intertwine with wizarding magic, creating a fusion that held untold potential.

"Within Hogwarts, you will find a community of individuals like yourself, each with their own unique talents and skills," Dumbledore explained. "It is a place where you can refine your abilities, learn new forms of magic, and forge connections that will shape your path."

Azula's skepticism softened slightly, though it still lingered in her gaze. The idea of honing her powers further, discovering new depths of her abilities, intrigued her.

"You claim to see potential within me," Azula remarked, her voice tinged with contempt. "But potential alone means nothing. Show me what Hogwarts can truly offer, and perhaps I will consider your proposal."

Dumbledore nodded, a knowing smile crossing his face. "Princess Azula, I understand your skepticism. But rest assured, through the wonders of Hogwarts, I shall demonstrate the extent of its offerings. That is, of course, if you'll accept my invitation to become a student here,"

"A student? And how do you know if I'm even capable of what you call 'magic'?"

Dumbledore smiled.
"Instinct."