Flames ( HP Fire Series #1)

21. The prophecy

Autumn's p.o.v.

The haze made everything so blurry and dream-like. "You're strong enough to fight this." Ro had whispered to me. But what do I need to fight? This fog?

I walked in a daze, my brain feeling raw and exposed. What am I actually doing? Am I in a dream? Or under a spell?

"You're strong enough." Ro's voice vibrated in my ears, edging me steps forward, out of the fog. My vision cleared slightly. I need to fight this spell. The world tilted sideways and I grabbed the nearest object for support.

"Woah there, princess. How are you feeling?" Will's voice filled my ears and I felt a sudden flare of anger. How dare he?

"What have you done to me?" I demanded, my hands ablaze with lethal fire fuelled by my sheer will.

"Impressive. I never have thought anyone would break from my curse." Will examined me with pure venom, his eyes searching and inquisitive.

"Tell me, what powers do you possess? What is so special about you? What is the prophecy?" Will said, his face pressing closer to me as my heart thumped wildly, not from the lovebut from pure disgust.

"You deceived me. How?" I breathed out, angry tears burning my vision. "I trusted you and yet you used me, fr that damn stupid wand! Why is it so important to you?" 

"How I deceived you? That was easy. I, like you am a metamorphmagus and like so many of us, I can see the ideal boy you like and alter my appearance with my sheer willpower. I used Amortentia for you to drown in my taste. Oh, how gullible girls are... What fun it is to see you hopelessly in love with someone who is not even in their true forms..." His eyes glinted with dark humour and I shuddered.

"You're sick. I can't bear you." I spat as he laughed wildly.

"Ah ah, but that's not important. What's important is to get the Ultimate Wand. Where is it? Tell me!" I saw a flash of unnatural green behind his irises.

"I don't have anything to do with this wand and even if I do, I'm not telling you anything!" I shouted indignantly.

"Crucio." Excruciating pain coursed through my limbs and I writhed helplessly on the floor. My muscles, my hands and my throat is burning. My vision blurred as waves of agony flowed through my veins. I screamed until my voice was hoarse and I. Can't. Think. Straight.

"Now will you tell me what you know?" He lifted the spell and I sagged like a rag doll. 

"I don't know anything at all." My voice slurred as I anticipated his next move. I dived as his spell missed me by inches, crashing on the panels in his bedroom. His skin began to morph and I caught a glimpse of his true form. His grey eyes slowly turned green, gleaming menacingly as his nose became more hooked. His face was more angular and his cheekbones protruding his cheeks, giving him the absolute look of a villain.

"Playing hide and seek, are we?" He sneered. "Well that won't work. You'll obey me, won't you?"

"Imperio." The last words were uttered before I fell into helplessness again. How strong is he?

I  sunk deeper and deeper into a pit of fire, my body relishing the heat. It was warm, and totally my own element.

"Autumn, we need to talk. This is no place for you to relax." A low musical voice filled my ears as I looked around bewildered.

"Who are you? Where am I?" I asked, turning to find myself face to face with a majestic phoenix. His wings blazed with pure energy and his eyes glinted with magnificence. He cocked his head to one side as he studied me. Almost with interest.

"You are one of us. Curious, you aren't even related to us..." He trailed off.

"I'm Fawkes, the phoenix of Albus Dumbledore. You are currently in dream state but what I'm going to tell you is of uttermost importance." I nodded vaguely. He reminded me of Blaze.

"You are a phoenix, but unlike us, you can remain in human form. You are among the strongest of our kind, as a naturally born phoenix." I listened in silence and astonishment.

"So that explains the fire, huh?" I said, clear that it wasn't his expected response. Fawkes gave a small snort.

"Who else will have so much control over fire? Anyway, we phoenixes have control not only over fire, but also to penetrate into the dreams of others. You just have to focus your mind and sink slowly into the dream-like state, collaborating your mind with the one you wish to penetrate."

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked.

"Think about it, you are now held under the influence of the Imperius Curse. The only times you will be truly aware is in your dreams. Use advantage of that." I thought deeply about this new ability. Sounds reasonable enough.

"But what is Will, or that monster seeking? The wand, what does it have to do with me?" I growled as his face filled my mind.

"The Ultimate Wand. One of the most powerful wands in existence. In fact, it is almost as powerful as the Elder Wand."

"Why does he need me? And what is this damn prophecy everyone is speaking?" I demanded, feeling more and more impatient.

"The prophecy states that one day the one that has the qualities of all three houses will be the one destined to find it. Only the one who possesses power over the elements can be the true owner of the Ultimate Wand." Fawkes said slowly, his gaze fixed on me.

"Well, I don't have the qualities... Wait, the arrow?" I suddenly remembered the peculiar colours sparking before it burst into green flames. Fawkes nodded approvingly and motioned for me to continue.

"Power over the elements. Fire is one of the core elements, right?" I asked.

"True. It has existed even before water, which is currently believed to be the oldest element. Fire has been the main fuel for the universe, the power of the stars since the universe had started to form. It takes the oldest and most ancient kind of magic to bend its trajectory. Elemental magic."

"But you said I was a phoenix. That's common for phoenixes, isn't it?" 

"You are a phoenix, but you are special. Among us, none can actually retain human form long enough to avoid combusting into flames. The universe has shaped us to be the protectors of fire but you, are the first human to be born a phoenix. That means you have a strong hold of elemental magic yourself, to be able to twist the laws of nature."

"So this elemental magic... I can control other elements too? But why don't I accidentally create floods or something?" This is getting weirder and weirder.

"Well again, being an phoenix means that fire is your strongest element. Yes, you could control other elements if you tried but they may not have the same desirable effects as fire."

"So we got that clear. How exactly am I going to stop umm..."

"Nebulae? That's his real name." Fawkes provided helpfully.

"Nebulae from taking the wand? Where is it hidden?"

"That, I'm afraid you will have to work out yourself. Good luck, my friend. I'll be in touch when you're in danger."  Fawkes gave a cry and vanished in torrents of flames. The dream dissolved.