The Truth | Draco Malfoy

Chapter 17: Zoe's Training

"Before any training can begin. You need to open your magic." Rowena's voice echoed.

"You can't just open your magic! That doesn't make sense." Hermione said.

"Shut up!" Everyone (except Molly, Ron and Lily) yelled.

In the heart of an ancient, whispering forest, Zoe stood in a small clearing, her eyes closed and her arms raised towards the sky. Rowena Ravenclaw watched from the edge of the clearing with a critical eye.

"Is this what you went through while you were petrified?" Harry asked. Zoe nodded.

"Focus, Zoe." Rowena instructed. "Feel the energy of the earth beneath your feet, the warmth of the sun above, and the life force of everything around you."

Zoe took a deep breath, her concentration deepening. She began to chant softly, words of an old language that seemed to hum with power. The air around her started to shimmer with a faint silver glow as she drew upon the magical energies.

"I remember how powerful I felt when I did that." Zoe said, she looked at her sons. "Have I taught you that yet?"

Scorpius nodded. "Yeah, you have."

"It was amazing." Albus Severus agreed. "It was freeing."

"Now, channel that energy into form." Rowena said. "Remember, control is key."

With a determined expression, Zoe slowly brought her hands together, and between them formed a small orb of pulsating light. It grew brighter and brighter until it was a miniature sun casting its radiance through the clearing.

"Excellent." Rowena praised. "Now maintain it."

Zoe's brow furrowed as she focused on sustaining the orb. After a moment, she opened her eyes to see her creation floating before her. A smile spread across her face at the realization of her accomplishment.

Narcissa leaned into Lucius' side, proud of their god-daughter/daughter-in-law.

Rowena nodded in approval. "You're learning quickly. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility."

Zoe nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of her words as she continued her magical training.

***

In the secluded courtyard of an ancient temple, Zoe stood before a roaring bonfire, her eyes fixed on the dancing flames. Godric, paced behind her.

"Fire bending is not just about aggression, Zoe." Godric said. "It is about passion, willpower, and control. You must find the fire within you and bring it forth."

Everyone was silent, wanting to watch everything - without being distracted. James even put a silencing charm on Molly and Hermione.

Zoe nodded, taking a deep breath as she centred herself. She extended her arms, palms facing the bonfire, and began to move through a series of fluid, powerful motions. Each movement was synchronized with her breathing, and with every exhale, she attempted to coax the flames to follow her lead.

At first, the fire merely flickered in response, but as Zoe's movements became more confident and her focus sharpened, the flames began to mimic her actions. A small tendril of fire broke away from the bonfire and spiralled into the air, twirling around Zoe as she guided it with graceful sweeps of her hands.

"Good." Godric said. "Now, let it grow but keep it under control."

Zoe's heart raced with excitement as she felt the warmth of the fire responding to her command. She willed the tendril to expand, growing into a fiery serpent that encircled her. Yet even as the heat intensified, she remained calm, her control never wavering.