of floo powder and flame - azula x hogwarts crossover

4. unwelcome feast

As the grand doors of the Great Hall swung open, Azula stepped into a world unlike any she had ever known. The vast room was abuzz with the eager chatter of students, the clinking of cutlery, and the soft glow of floating candles illuminating the enchanted ceiling above.

Azula's eyes swept across the room, taking in the sea of unfamiliar faces. The students, dressed in their vibrant robes, seemed animated and full of excitement.

As she made her way down the aisle, Azula couldn't help but notice the curious glances and whispers that followed her. Her presence, an enigmatic newcomer, had piqued the curiosity of her fellow students. She could sense the air of anticipation, the unspoken question lingering in their eyes: Who is she?

Azula, ever composed and confident, walked with an air of regality. Her piercing gaze surveyed the room, analyzing each individual with calculated precision. She was no stranger to being the center of attention, but this was a different world—a world where she had to tread carefully, where her true identity must remain veiled. After all, who knew who she could trust? Bending as powerful as hers was rare in this world- completely one of a kind in fact.

As she settled into her seat at the Slytherin table, a boy with dark, slicked-back hair greeted her with a friendly smile, while some other students had their eyes fixed on her.

The boy, Marcus, leaned forward, a genuine interest in his voice. "Hey, I've never seen you around before. Are you new here?"

Azula met Marcus' gaze, her expression guarded. "Yes, I'm new here."

"What's your name? I'm Marcus Flint by the way," He grinned, reaching his hand out.

Not the biggest fan of physical touch, especially by strangers she believed to be below her, Azula promptly ignored his hand, earning an odd look from Marcus and two other students. The students introduced themselves as Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson.

"Azula Sato." She lied, having used a common surname from her world. To her surprise, they didn't seem to question it.

Draco, leaning against the table, asked with intrigue, "So newbie, what's your story?"

"Well, let's just say I come from a rather complicated background."

Pansy, raising an eyebrow, inquired, "Complicated, huh? Care to elaborate?"

Azula did not hesitate to recount the cover story that her and Dumbledore had prepared ahead of time. "Well, my parent's are not wizards themselves, but I believe some of my ancestors were quite powerful ones." She explained confidently.

Draco's smug expression fell, spite etched across his face.

Pansy's smile faltered, replaced by a cold, judgmental glare.

And Marcus shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to respond.

Draco's voice dripped with disdain as he spoke, "A mudblood? In Slytherin? Are you sure you belong here?" he scoffed.

AZULA'S POV

Their sudden change in attitude was nothing less of irritating, but I understood the weight they placed on bloodlines- to an extent. My royal blood is what makes me a princess, of course. But magic is magic. It's quite stupid, in my opinion, that these glorified magicians have the nerve to behave this way because my fake parents are "mudbloods." Whatever that even means. Even their terminology is pathetic.  However, I couldn't let them know my true lineage, and expose myself to unnecessary risks.

I maintained a composed demeanor, a coy smile playing on my lips. "Belonging is a matter of choice, Draco. Trust me, I am well aware of where I belong."

Pansy's voice turned icy as she sneered, "Well, some of us have standards, Azula. Blood purity matters."

I rolled my eyes. The only time blood purity should matter is if that said blood is Fire Nation blood.

"Pureblood or not, I've always been the type of person to defy expectations and surpass limitations. Bloodlines won't change that."

"Sounds like you're in denial," Pansy taunted, crossing her arms. Oh how I wanted to burn her face off at that moment.

"Sounds like you're too moronic to handle the truth," She retorted calmly and without hesitation.

Draco's eyebrows furrowed in annoyance, "Watch your tongue, mudblood. You won't last long with that attitude."

Mudblood. There's that word again. "Tell me, Draco, does your precious pureblood heritage grant you more than just a false sense of entitlement?"

Draco's face contorted with annoyance. He leaned forward, his voice laced with arrogance. "You can pretend all you want, but that doesn't change the fact that bloodlines matter. And all you'll ever be is a stupid, filthy, mudblood."

Without missing a beat, I snapped back, leaning forward as well. "And you can pretend all you want. But the more you hide behind your blood status, the more I can see that you're compensating for your lack of well... everything," I smiled.

By now, the light yellow-haired boy was absolutely seething. I couldn't help but be amused.

"Well, I must be going now. But we should all do this again sometime!" I taunted, before standing up to mingle elsewhere.

As the other Slytherins watched, curiosity mixed with uncertainty in their eyes. I reveled in their attention, well aware of their disapproval and prejudices. Concealing my true identity was a delicate game, but I was determined to navigate it with finesse. They can underestimate me all they want. In due time, Hogwarts will witness my brilliance.