Flames ( HP Fire Series #1)

28. Hogwarts

Autumn's p.o.v.

I welcomed the darkness and sank into it willingly. We're safe. Nobody can ever harm us here.

"Aut! Where are we?" Ro shook me frantically and I gave her a tired smile.

"Hogwarts. Find Dumbledore." With that, I went limp in their arms as I had a momentary feeling of being carried and whisked away.

---

"Ah, she's awake." I blinked to see a pair of twinkling blue eyes looking down at me.

"Dumbledore." I mumbled, struggling to sit up.

"Indeed. I'm very interested to find four of you, worn-out, on the grounds of Hogwarts. What you did to the barrier was very impressive." He said and I looked around. There were curious instruments around and the room was circular as well as comfy. On a perch, a magnificent phoenix stared at me unblinkingly.

"Fawkes." I gasped suddenly as he cocked his head to acknowledge me.

"Ah, so you are the phoenix Fawkes mentioned. So, tell me what happened." Dumbledore said gently as I recounted everything, from the start if the term till finding out about Nebulae, and then the Ultimate Wand. Dumbledore nodded gravely but did not interrupt. Finally, he said.

"Four of you are tied together, and your experience yesterday binds you together even more. Love is powerful, Miss Rivers."

"Autumn." I corrected almost absentmindedly.

"Because of love, you and your friends survived in the realm between life and death, guarded by the Pillars of Death. Because of love, you fought the Imperius curse placed on you by Nebulae when tons of adult wizards struggle to do so. Because of love, Lord Voldemort could not possess you because you are too pure for someone as contaminated as him. In fact, the most powerful weapon is made from love."

I digested his words and went over the events last night.

"Where are my friends?" I blurted out suddenly.

"They are exploring the castle at the moment. They will be so pleased to find you awake." Dumbledore winked.

"Is the Ultimate Wand safe?" I wildly recalled the presence of Voldemort in my mind. "Has he stolen it?"

"It is safe. It is in your heart, safe and sound. It will always be with you, bound to your magic. You are its rightful owner."

"Well, that's weird. I've always thought that it exists as a wand. Sort of like the Elder Wand."

"The Ultimate Wand is even more powerful than the Elder Wand. No wood will be able to sustain its power, hence it is stored in its true form. That way, it does not fall into the hands of the unworthy like Lord Voldemort." I nodded, calling upon the Ultimate Wand's presence and feeling it responding, ready to serve its owner.

"So, the prophecy... it has ended?" I asked tentatively.

"Unfortunately, this is just the beginning. There is more for four of you to face ahead. Beauxbatons is no longer safe for you."

"What do you mean?"I asked horrified. Beauxbatons had been my home, my sanctuary. Memories with Ro, Rose and Haz flashed past, as well as the pranks we have played.

"But where will I go? I mean, we. Where will we learn magic. Merlin, we have the darkest wizard hunting for us!" I shouted at Dumbledore as he remained calm, an amused expression etched on his face.

"This is why I am offering you and your friends places at Hogwarts. All of you have proven yourselves to be trustworthy, willing to learn, helpful and most importantly, loyal and brave. I will be more than pleased to have four more fine students."

"Really? That will be so cool!" I jumped out of the couch excitedly but my legs felt wobbly. Stumbling, I fell straight into Dumbledore's arms and I blushed, embarrassed. Dumbledore chuckled and pushed me back onto the couch.

"Well, I'd best call your friends in before they destroy my castle."

"You had better." I declared seriously and Dumbledore laughed merrily. I looked out of the window and basked in the warm sunlight. The castle grounds were wide and sunny, majestic towers standing strong under the clear rich blue sky. A fresh start at Hogwarts. I certainly like the sound of that. Maybe Hogwarts could do with another four prankster. Who knows? Life is always full of surprises.