of floo powder and flame - azula x hogwarts crossover

2. a wand of superior intellect

Azula stepped into the dimly lit interior of Ollivander's Wand Shop, her nose scrunching up at the musty smell that lingered in the air. The old-fashioned atmosphere didn't sit well with her, and she couldn't help but let her disdain show.

She marched up to the counter, her voice dripping with impatience. "I need the best wand you have. Perhaps something sharp enough to stab an enemy in the heart. I demand excellence."

Mr. Ollivander, an old man with twinkling eyes, raised an eyebrow at her demand but continued with a calm demeanor. "Of course, my dear. But first, let me ask, how old are you? And what were the features of your previous wand?"

Azula's defenses rose immediately, sensing a hint of judgment in his inquiry. She crossed her arms, a defensive stance. "I'm fourteen," she replied tersely, her tone leaving no room for further questions. "And I've never had a wand before. This is my first one."

A small chuckle escaped Ollivander's lips. "Ah, a late bloomer, I see. Well, better late than never."

Azula's eyes narrowed, irritation flickering across her face. She didn't appreciate the hint of mockery in his words, but she quickly brushed it off, not wanting to show any vulnerability.

As she tried wand after wand, her frustration grew. None of them seemed to respond to her touch, and her skepticism started to take hold. She scoffed at the wands, muttering under her breath about their uselessness and the foolishness of this entire magical world.

But then, one had caught her attention. It was unassuming in appearance, nothing particularly extraordinary about it. Stick straight, rigid, and a muted dark brown with a dragon heartstring core. She hesitated for a moment, her skepticism still lingering, but decided to give it a try.

The moment she grasped the wand, a surge of energy coursed through her. It was as if a dormant power had awakened within her, crackling through her veins. Azula's eyes widened in disbelief, her skepticism slowly transforming into awe.

Closing her eyes, Azula focused her energy and whispered an incantation she had picked up from her observations. A surge of power coursed through her, and a burst of shimmering sparks emanated from the wand, filling the air with a dazzling display of magic.

Her eyes widened in surprise, and a flicker of awe danced across her features. She had cast her first spell, something basic yet undeniably powerful. It was a feeling that couldn't be explained away by mere tricks or illusions.

Azula's skepticism wavered, and a glimmer of belief began to take root within her. She could no longer deny the existence of magic, not when she had just felt its manifestation- it's power. Perhaps there was more to this world than she initially thought.

--

BONUS SCENE- Sorting Hat Ceremony

Azula stood nervously in Dumbledore's office, her eyes scanning the room filled with curious artifacts and books. He had explained that the Sorting Hat ceremony would determine which of the four Hogwarts houses she would join, a crucial step in her integration into the magical community.

Dumbledore placed the ancient Sorting Hat upon a small wooden stool. Its frayed brim and tattered appearance spoke of the countless students it had sorted over the years. With a wave of his hand, the hat's mouth opened, ready to fulfill its duty.

"Step forward, Azula," He said, his voice carrying a mix of warmth and anticipation.

Taking a deep breath, Azula approached the hat, her eyes fixed on the worn fabric before her. She couldn't help but feel a slight unease, knowing that this decision would shape her journey within Hogwarts.

As the hat settled upon her head, Azula could feel a strange sensation, as if a presence was delving into her thoughts, examining the depths of her being. Not even a moment passed, when the Sorting Hat's voice echoed through the room, reaching the ears of Azula and Dumbledore alike.

"SLYTHERIN!"

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with understanding as he removed the Sorting Hat from Azula's head.

The word reverberated in Azula's mind, eliciting a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"Slytherin.." She repeated to herself, the syllables unfamiliar. 

"Is that the best house?" She asked- or more so demanded.

"No house is better than the other. They are each very different and have their own strengths and weaknesses."

Azula rolled her eyes in disbelief. "Well, are students in Slytherin the most powerful? Do they do the best in their classes? Do they win the most awards?" She questioned slightly more aggressively.

"Slytherin is the house known for its resourcefulness, ambition, and cunning. Make of that what you will." He spoke with a reassuring tone, "Welcome to Slytherin, Azula. May your time at Hogwarts be filled with growth, discovery, and the realization of your true potential."