Constellations of Magic
Chapter 5
★
The cobblestone alleys of Place Cachée were alive with the vibrant colours and sounds of Samhain celebrations. shops lined the alleys, selling everything from enchanted trinkets to potions and spellbooks. The air was thick with the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled cider, mingling with the earthy aroma of burning herbs and incense. Addy and Lydia weaved through the bustling crowd, the flickering lights of jack-o'-lanterns casting dancing shadows on the ancient stone walls. As they walked, Lydia gently steered Addy down a narrow side alley called Cour des Murmures (Whispers Courtyard). The bustling noise of the main alley faded away, replaced by a hushed, almost reverent silence.
At the end of the alley stood a small, warmly lit shop with a sign that read Les Baguettes des Ancêtres (The Wands of the Ancestors). The sign, intricately carved from French oak, conveyed a sense of history and tradition. Lydia pointed to a rune mark on the sign, her eyes twinkling with recognition.
"Vois-tu ce symbole ici, Addy? C'est Ansuz, une rune ancienne. Elle symbolise la communication, la sagesse et la révélation divine." (Do you see this symbol here, Addy? It's Ansuz, an ancient rune. It symbolizes communication, wisdom, and divine revelation.) Lydia explained, her voice filled with reverence. "Cela signifie que cet endroit est béni par la sagesse des dieux." (It signifies that this place is blessed with the wisdom of the gods.)
Addy nodded, her silver-grey eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and nerves. Pushing open the door, they were greeted by the soft chime of a bell, announcing their arrival. The shop's interior was cozy and inviting, with rows of shelves displaying an array of raw materials – various woods, shimmering cores, and an assortment of crafting tools. The air was thick with the scent of polished wood and a faint, earthy aroma of magical herbs.
Evangeline Leclair, the shopkeeper, emerged from behind a counter. She was a tall, elegant witch with sharp, perceptive eyes that seemed to see right through to one's soul. Her long, dark hair was pulled back in an intricate braid, interwoven with strands of silver that glimmered in the warm light. She wore flowing robes of deep green and gold, embroidered with arcane symbols that seemed to shift and change as she moved. Her demeanour was serene, yet there was an underlying aura of power and knowledge. "Bienvenue," (Welcome,) she greeted, her voice melodious and soothing. "Comment puis-je vous aider aujourd'hui?" (How can I assist you today?)
"Nous sommes ici pour une baguette," (We're here for a wand,) Lydia replied, guiding Addy forward with a gentle nudge. "Pour ma fille, Adhara." (For my daughter, Adhara.)
Evangeline's gaze shifted to Addy, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Ah, une occasion spéciale en effet." (Ah, a special occasion indeed.) She gestured for them to follow her to a workbench at the back of the shop. "Choisir une baguette est un voyage très personnel. Trouvons les matériaux qui résonnent avec vous." (Choosing a wand is a deeply personal journey. Let's find the materials that resonate with you.)
Before they proceeded, Evangeline waved her wand, and a tape measure flew out from behind the counter. "Tout d'abord, nous avons besoin de vos mesures," (First, we need your measurements,) she said. "Veuillez vous tenir sur la plateforme de mesure." (Please stand on the fitting platform.)
Addy stepped onto the small, raised platform, feeling a bit self-conscious. The tape measure zipped around her, taking precise measurements of her arm length, hand size, and even the distance between her fingers. It moved with a life of its own, occasionally pausing to jot down notes on a floating piece of parchment. After a few moments, it zipped back behind the counter, and the parchment rolled itself up neatly.
"Excellent," Evangeline said, nodding in satisfaction. "Maintenant, explorons les bois et les cœurs." (Now, let's explore the woods and cores.)
She led Addy to a display of various woods, each piece carefully labelled and arranged. The shop was filled with the scent of aged wood and magical essence hanging heavily. Shelves upon shelves held wand blanks, all meticulously organized by type. Addy could feel the magic thrumming in the air, a faint hum that resonated with her very core.
"Le bois d'une baguette détermine son caractère et son potentiel. L'ébène, par exemple, est connu pour sa force et ses qualités protectrices. Il est préféré par ceux qui ont un fort sens du devoir et une nature protectrice. Ensuite, nous avons le chêne, qui est solide et fiable, et le saule, connu pour sa flexibilité et son adaptabilité." (The wood of a wand determines its character and potential. Ebony, for instance, is known for its strength and protective qualities. It's a favorite among those with a strong sense of duty and a protective nature. Then we have oak, which is steadfast and reliable, and willow, known for its flexibility and adaptability.)
Addy wandered among the shelves, her fingers grazing over the various woods. Each piece felt distinct, pulsing with its own unique energy. She paused in front of a piece of ebony wood, feeling an inexplicable, magnetic pull. It was as if the wood itself was calling out to her. "Celui-ci," (This one,) she whispered, lifting it carefully, feeling a surge of connection.
"Le bois de sureau est extrêmement rare et puissant," (Elder wood is exceptionally rare and powerful,) Evangeline continued, "mais il choisit souvent son propriétaire plutôt que l'inverse. Le bois de cerisier est puissant et souvent associé aux guerriers, tandis que l'acajou est prisé pour sa durabilité et son élégance." (but it often chooses its owner rather than the other way around. Cherry wood is potent and often associated with warriors, while mahogany is prized for its durability and elegance.)
Evangeline nodded approvingly as Addy selected the ebony wood. "Ébène – puissant et protecteur. Un excellent choix. Maintenant, pour le cœur." (Ebony – powerful and protective. A fine choice. Now, for the core.) She led Addy to a display of magical feathers and other enchanting materials. Each item was housed in a glass case, illuminated by a soft, ethereal light. The section held a mesmerizing array of potential wand cores, each with its unique magical properties and history.
There were phoenix feathers, brilliant, fiery plumes that shimmered and danced within their cases, exuding an aura of rebirth and extraordinary power. Next to them were dragon heartstrings, coiled strands that pulsed with a fierce, almost primal energy, each taken from a different dragon species, lending unique strengths to the wand it would empower.
Unicorn hair strands, silvery and radiant, emitted purity and grace, known for their consistent and reliable magic. These hairs were arranged in delicate spirals, glowing softly under the light. In a separate case were a few strands of Veela hair, sparkling with an otherworldly beauty, promising temperamental but exceptionally powerful wands.
Addy’s eyes were drawn to the dark and slightly eerie thestral tail hair, known to bestow a deep connection with death and the unseen. Nearby, a basilisk fang lay encased in protective glass, hinting at dark magic and immense destructive power, appealing only to the bravest or most reckless wizards.
Thunderbird tail feathers crackled with latent storm energy, offering protection and powerful offensive magic. In contrast, augurey tail feathers had a subtle, mournful beauty, promising a deep connection to the natural world and the ability to sense upcoming misfortunes.
Encased in a small, sturdy box were wampus cat hairs, known for their agility and strength in duelling, adding fierce independence to any wand. Kneazle whiskers, fine and slightly glowing, promised a wand with keen intuition and a strong bond with its owner.
Tiny jobberknoll feathers, blue and seemingly insignificant, were highly sought after for their ability to enhance memory and truth-telling spells. Fwooper feathers, vibrant and shifting in iridescent colours, promised a unique and powerful magic that could drive the unprepared to madness with their enchanting song.
Lastly, there was a rare and dangerous manticore hair, known for producing exceptionally powerful and sometimes uncontrollable magic.
The shop’s ambience seemed to change as they approached the cores. It felt almost reverent, like stepping into a sacred space. Addy could see the meticulous care with which each core was stored, reflecting the immense power and significance they held. Each case was meticulously labelled with the material’s origin, properties, and known uses, creating an atmosphere of reverence and curiosity. Addy felt a thrill run through her as she moved from case to case, sensing the vast possibilities each core could offer.
"Choisir un cœur est peut-être la partie la plus cruciale," (Choosing a core is perhaps the most crucial part,) Evangeline explained. "Le cœur détermine la vraie nature de la baguette et améliore ses propriétés magiques. Ici, nous avons des plumes de phénix, connues pour leurs pouvoirs de guérison et leur résilience. Les ventricules de dragon, en revanche, offrent une immense puissance et une touche d'imprévisibilité. Les cheveux de licorne sont connus pour leur cohérence et la pureté de leur magie." (The core determines the wand's true nature and enhances its magical properties. Here we have phoenix feathers, known for their healing powers and resilience. Dragon heartstrings, on the other hand, offer immense power and a touch of unpredictability. Unicorn hair cores are known for their consistency and purity of magic.)
Addy's eyes were immediately drawn to two feathers: one white with an ethereal glow, the other vibrant yellow with red tips, almost as if they were imbued with a hidden fire.
"Plumes de Thunderbird et de Fwooper," (Thunderbird and Fwooper feathers,) Evangeline said, raising an eyebrow in appreciation. "Une combinaison rare et puissante. La plume de Thunderbird signifie puissance et capacité à sentir le danger, tandis que la plume de Fwooper représente la créativité, l'inspiration et une influence magique puissante. Combiner ces éléments sera un défi, mais cela produira une baguette d'une puissance extraordinaire." (A rare and potent combination. The Thunderbird feather signifies power and the ability to sense danger, while the Fwooper feather represents creativity, inspiration, and a potent magical influence. Combining these will be a challenge, but it will yield a wand of extraordinary power.)
Addy felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension swirling within her. She glanced at her mother, seeking reassurance. Lydia's eyes were warm and encouraging. "Faisons-le," (Let's do it,) Addy said, her voice steady with determination.
Evangeline smiled, a twinkle of approval in her eyes. "Très bien. Cela prendra un peu de temps. Veuillez revenir avant le coucher du soleil." (Very well. This will take some time. Please return before sunset.)
As they stepped back into the bustling alley, Addy couldn't shake the mixture of emotions bubbling inside her. Her hair, usually a cascade of long, black curls, flickered momentarily to a deep blue – a telltale sign of her metamorphmagus abilities responding to her heightened state of mind.
Lydia noticed and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Tu fais du bon travail, Addy. Cette baguette fera partie de toi, une réflexion de qui tu es et de qui tu es censée être." (You're doing great, Addy. This wand will be a part of you, a reflection of who you are and who you are meant to be.)
They wandered through the festive alleys, occasionally stopping to watch the floating lanterns or browse the various shops. Addy's mind, however, was elsewhere. She thought about the stories Lydia had told her about their family – the Flamels, renowned alchemists, and the Blacks, a powerful and ancient wizarding family. She had always felt a weight of responsibility, but today, that weight felt different. It felt empowering.
They found themselves standing in front of a quaint, picturesque shop with a sign that read "Menagerie Mystique." The window display showcased an array of magical creatures, each more fascinating than the last. Inside, the shop was a symphony of sounds – the chirping of birds, the purring of cats, and the occasional hiss or growl from some hidden corner.
"Allons jeter un coup d'œil?" (Shall we take a look?) Lydia asked, her eyes twinkling.
Addy nodded eagerly, her excitement renewed. They stepped inside, and a gentle chime announced their arrival. The interior was a wonderland of cages, aquariums, and open enclosures, each housing a different magical creature. The air was filled with the scent of fresh hay and the faint tang of magical potions.
A friendly-looking witch with curly red hair and a welcoming smile approached them. "Bonjour! Bienvenue à Menagerie Mystique. Je m'appelle Colette. Comment puis-je vous aider aujourd'hui?" (Hello! Welcome to Menagerie Mystique. My name is Colette. How can I help you today?)
"Nous cherchons un familier pour ma fille," (We're looking for a familiar for my daughter,) Lydia explained. "Quelque chose qui complétera ses capacités et sa personnalité." (Something that will complement her abilities and personality.)
"Bien sûr," (Of course,) Colette said, her eyes sparkling with interest. "Nous avons beaucoup de créatures merveilleuses ici. N'hésitez pas à explorer et à voir laquelle résonne avec vous." (We have many wonderful creatures here. Feel free to explore and see which one resonates with you.)
Addy wandered through the shop, her eyes wide with wonder. She passed cages containing Puffskeins, Kneazles, and even a small Niffler trying to escape its enclosure to grab a shiny trinket. She glanced at her maman, who gave her an encouraging nod, then turned her attention to a cosy corner of the shop where Kneazle kittens played.
One kitten, in particular, caught her eye. It was a fluffy, smoky grey with bright, inquisitive eyes that seemed almost too large for its face. Its fur was long and silky, and its tufted ears and lion-like tail gave it a distinguished appearance. As Addy approached, the kitten looked up at her with a curious expression, then padded over and nuzzled her hand.
"Celui-ci," (This one,) Addy said, her voice filled with certainty. "Je pense que j'ai trouvé mon familier." (I think I've found my familiar.)
Colette smiled warmly. "Un excellent choix. Les Kneazles sont très intelligents et loyaux. Ils peuvent détecter les individus peu fiables, ce qui en fait d'excellents compagnons." (A wonderful choice. Kneazles are highly intelligent and loyal. They can detect untrustworthy individuals, making them excellent companions.)
As Addy continued to bond with the Kneazle kitten, Lydia had wandered over to the bird section of the shop. Rows of owls, each perched regally on their stands, eyed her with curiosity. Most of the owls were typical barn and screech owls, but one stood out. It was an eagle owl, its feathers a striking ebony with lighter streaks that gave it an almost mystical appearance. Unlike the other owls, who seemed to show distaste toward the Kneazle, this eagle owl remained calm and indifferent.
Lydia walked over, feeling a sense of awe as she gazed at the majestic bird. "Qu'en penses-tu?" (What do you think?) she asked, turning to Addy.
Addy reached out her hand, and the eagle owl nuzzled her fingers, accepting her scratches with dignified grace. She felt a bond with the bird, an admiration for its majesty and strength, though not the deep, intrinsic connection she had felt with the Kneazle kitten. "Je pense que celui-ci est parfait." (I think this one is perfect.)
As they continued exploring, Addy's attention was drawn to a shadowy corner of the shop. There, hidden behind a stack of cages, she noticed a pair of glowing eyes watching them intently. Curiosity piqued, she approached the dark corner and found a sleek, black cat with an air of mystery and power. Unbeknownst to Addy, she has stumbled upon a Matagot, a creature known for its protective and demanding nature.
"Qu'est-ce que c'est?" (What's that?) Addy asked, pointing to the cage.
Colette's smile faltered slightly. "Ah, c'est un Matagot. Ils sont rares et très puissants. Ils peuvent être protecteurs mais aussi très exigeants. Ce n'est pas une créature que nous recommandons habituellement comme familier en raison de leur nature complexe." (Ah, that is a Matagot. They're rare and quite powerful. They can be protective but also very demanding. It's not a creature we usually recommend as a familiar due to their complex nature.)
Addy felt an inexplicable pull toward the Matagot. It was as if the creature was calling out to her, much like the ebony wood in the wand shop. "Puis-je le voir?" (Can I see it?) she asked, her curiosity growing.
Colette hesitated but nodded. "Soyez prudente. Les Matagots sont connus pour être très exigeants quant à ceux avec qui ils se lient." (Be cautious. Matagots are known to be very discerning about who they bond with.)
As Colette opened the cage, the Matagot stepped out gracefully, its movements fluid and almost hypnotic. It approached Addy, sniffing her cautiously. Then, to everyone's surprise, it rubbed against her leg, purring softly.
Lydia, who had joined them, felt a faint connection with the Matagot as well, a strange familiarity that caused her to narrow her eyes in suspicion. She didn’t mention this, not wanting to ruin the moment. She watched with a mixture of awe and concern. "Addy, es-tu sûre de cela? Les Matagots sont puissants et peuvent être très protecteurs, mais ils nécessitent un lien fort et un engagement." (Addy, are you sure about this? Matagots are powerful and can be very protective, but they require a strong bond and commitment.)
Addy nodded, feeling the connection deep within her. "Oui, Maman. Je sens que c'est destiné à être avec moi." (Yes, Mom. I feel like it's meant to be with me.)
Colette looked impressed. "Il semble que le Matagot vous a choisie. Un honneur rare en effet." (It seems the Matagot has chosen you. A rare honor indeed.)
Just then, a tall, stern-looking wizard emerged from the back of the shop. He wore a dark, tailored robe, and his eyes narrowed as he noticed the Matagot outside its cage. "Que se passe-t-il ici?" (What is going on here?) he demanded, his tone sharp.
Colette looked nervous but stood her ground. "Cette jeune sorcière a formé un lien avec le Matagot, Monsieur Dubois." (This young witch has formed a bond with the Matagot, Monsieur Dubois.)
Dubois glared at Addy and Lydia, then turned his attention to the Matagot. "Cette créature n'est pas censée être ici. Elle est trop dangereuse." (That creature is not supposed to be out here. It is too dangerous.)
Lydia stepped forward, her posture confident and unyielding. "Si le Matagot l'a choisie, qui sommes-nous pour nous y opposer?" (If the Matagot has chosen her, who are we to stand in its way?)
Dubois seemed taken aback by Lydia's assertiveness but did not back down. "C'est très irrégulier. Les Matagots nécessitent des soins et une formation spéciale. Ils ne conviennent pas aux jeunes sorcières." (This is highly irregular. Matagots require special care and training. They are not suitable for young witches.)
Addy felt a surge of determination. "Je comprends la responsabilité, monsieur. Je suis prête à faire tout ce qu'il faut pour m'occuper du Matagot et m'assurer qu'il soit correctement formé." (I understand the responsibility, sir. I am willing to do whatever it takes to care for the Matagot and ensure it is properly trained.)
Dubois studied her for a long moment, then sighed. "Très bien. Mais comprenez ceci: le Matagot n'est pas un animal de compagnie. C'est une créature puissante et ancienne. Traitez-le avec le respect qu'il mérite." (Very well. But understand this: the Matagot is not a pet. It is a powerful and ancient creature. Treat it with the respect it deserves.)
Addy nodded solemnly. "Je le ferai, monsieur." (I will, sir.)
After finalizing the arrangements and receiving care instructions for the eagle owl, Kneazle kitten, and Matagot, they thanked Colette and left the shop. Addy felt a sense of completeness, her new familiars already starting to form a bond with her.
As they walked back to Les Baguettes des Ancêtres, Addy couldn't help but marvel at the day's events. She had chosen her wand materials, found her familiars, and felt more connected to her magical heritage than ever before.
Finally, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, they returned to Les Baguettes des Ancêtres. The shop was quiet, the warm light spilling out onto the street.
Evangeline greeted them with a smile, holding a slender box. "C'est prêt." (It's ready.)
Addy’s heart raced as she opened the box, revealing the most beautiful wand she could have ever imagined. The ebony wood was polished to a glossy finish, and a rune carved near the base of the handle glowed faintly. The rest of the handle was wrapped in dark, soft leather, and a crystal embedded at the base caught the light and reflected it in a myriad of colours.
With trembling hands, she picked it up, feeling a powerful surge of magic flow through her, resonating with her very soul. The wand felt like an extension of herself, a true companion and ally in her magical journey.
"Merci," (Thank you,) Addy whispered, her eyes shimmering with emotion.
Evangeline nodded, her expression one of deep satisfaction as she held up the finished wand, turning it slowly in her hands, letting the dim light catch the sleek ebony wood and intricate grain. “C'est une baguette digne de votre héritage, Adhara," she said, her voice laced with reverence. (It is a wand worthy of your heritage, Adhara.) "Bois d'ébène avec un double noyau—plume de fwooper pour la créativité, plume de thunderbird pour la résilience. Douze pouces trois quarts, légèrement rigide, parfaitement équilibrée pour la force et la polyvalence." (Ebony wood with a dual core—fwooper feather for creativity, thunderbird feather for resilience. Twelve and three-quarters inches, slightly rigid, balanced perfectly for strength and versatility.) "Utilisez-la bien." (Use it well.)
Addy’s gaze lingered on the crystal, its iridescent colors mesmerizing her. "Pourquoi y a-t-il un cristal à la base? Quel est-il?" (Why is there a crystal at the base? What is it?)
Evangeline’s smile widened, pleased by Addy’s curiosity. "C'est de la labradorite," (It's labradorite,) she began, gently taking the wand to show Addy the crystal more closely. "La labradorite est une pierre très spéciale. Elle est connue pour ses propriétés magiques, notamment pour stabiliser les pouvoirs et améliorer les capacités psychiques." (Labradorite is a very special stone. It is known for its magical properties, particularly for stabilizing powers and enhancing psychic abilities.)
Addy’s eyes widened with fascination. "Comment ça aide ma baguette?" (How does it help my wand?)
"La baguette a appelé le cristal, et le cristal a répondu,” (The wand called to the crystal, and the crystal responded,) Evangeline explained, her voice filled with reverence. "La labradorite aide à équilibrer les doubles cœurs de votre baguette, la plume d'oiseau-tonnerre et la plume de fwooper." (Labradorite helps stabilize the dual cores of your wand, the thunderbird feather and the fwooper feather.) She pointed to the glowing rune near the handle. "Et ceci, c'est la rune Cweorth. Elle s'est gravée d'elle-même lorsque la baguette a été achevée. C'est une rune de transformation et de purification, symbolisant la capacité de changer et de se renouveler." (And this, it is the Cweorth rune. It burned itself into the wood when the wand was completed. It is a rune of transformation and purification, symbolizing the ability to change and renew.)
Addy traced the rune with her finger, feeling its warmth and energy. "C'est incroyable. Cela signifie-t-il que ma baguette est unique?" (That's incredible. Does it mean my wand is unique?)
"Oui, absolument," Evangeline affirmed, her eyes twinkling with pride. "Votre baguette est une extension de vous-même, conçue pour canaliser vos pouvoirs de manière optimale. La labradorite et la rune Cweorth ne sont que des reflets de votre propre magie intérieure." (Yes, absolutely. Your wand is an extension of yourself, designed to channel your powers in the most optimal way. The labradorite and the Cweorth rune are just reflections of your own inner magic.)
Addy felt a swell of pride and gratitude. She had always known she was different, but now, with her new wand in hand, she felt truly special. "Merci, Madame Leclair. Je prendrai bien soin de cette baguette." (Thank you, Ms Leclair. I will take good care of this wand.)
Evangeline smiled warmly. "Je n'en doute pas, Adhara. Votre héritage et votre avenir sont entre de bonnes mains." (I have no doubt, Adhara. Your heritage and your future are in good hands.)
As Addy stood there, wand in hand, she felt a warm, tingling sensation spreading through her fingertips. When she gave the wand a gentle swish, sparks of light began to emanate from it, swirling around her in a mesmerizing dance. The sparks grew brighter and brighter, forming constellations that filled the shop with a radiant glow.
Lydia gasped, her eyes widening with wonder as she saw the constellations take shape. Above Addy, the brightest star in the sky shone with an intense brilliance – the star Sirius. Tears welled up in Lydia's eyes as she watched the magical display, her heart swelling with pride and emotion.
Evangeline, too, was captivated by the sight. "Incroyable," (Incredible,) she murmured. "Une connexion si puissante." (Such a powerful connection.)
The constellation slowly faded, leaving the shop bathed in a gentle, magical light. Addy lowered her wand, feeling a deep sense of peace.
Lydia wiped away a tear and smiled at her daughter. "Tu es vraiment spéciale, Addy. Ton père serait si fier." (You're truly special, Addy. Your father would be so proud.)
Evangeline stepped forward, her expression warm and approving. "Maintenant, essayons une gaine pour ta baguette. Vous aurez besoin d'un moyen approprié pour la porter et la protéger." (Now, let's fit you for a wand holster. You'll need a proper way to carry and protect your wand.)
She led Addy to a section of the shop where various wand holsters were displayed. They were made of fine leather and adorned with intricate designs. Evangeline carefully measured Addy's arm and selected a holster that fit perfectly. It was made of dark, supple leather and had an elegant, understated design.
"Celui-ci vous ira bien," (This one will suit you well,) Evangeline said, fastening the holster around Addy's forearm. "Il est à la fois fonctionnel et élégant, et il gardera votre baguette en sécurité." (It's both functional and stylish, and it will keep your wand safe and secure.)
Addy flexed her arm, feeling the holster adjust comfortably to her movements. "Merci," (Thank you,) she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
As they left the shop, Addy felt a newfound confidence and purpose. She knew that with this wand, she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, uncover the secrets of her past, and forge her own path in the magical world.
Lydia paused outside the shop, the eagle owl now perched gracefully on her shoulder. Addy cradled the Kneazle kitten in her arms, while the Matagot stayed close, its sleek form almost blending with the shadows on the cobblestone. Lydia looked at the owl and gave it a gentle stroke. "Il est temps de l'envoyer à Flamel Estates," (It's time to send it to Flamel Estates,) she said softly.
She leaned close to the bird and whispered instructions in its ear, her voice calm and soothing. The eagle owl hooted softly, its large, intelligent eyes meeting Lydia's. With a powerful flap of its wings, it took off into the evening sky, a dark silhouette against the setting sun. Lydia watched it for a moment, then turned back to Addy with a warm smile.
"Maintenant, appelle Flipsy pour qu'il ramène le Kneazle et le Matagot au manoir," (Now, call Flipsy to take the Kneazle and Matagot back to the manor,) Lydia instructed.
Addy nodded and whispered, "Flipsy," under her breath. With a pop, the young house elf appeared before them. Flipsy’s bright, eager eyes settled on Addy.
“Yes, mistress Adhara? What can Flipsy be doing for you?” Flipsy asked, bouncing slightly on the balls of her feet.
“Can you take these two familiars to the manor, please?” Addy requested, gesturing to the Kneazle kitten in her arms and the Matagot by her side.
Flipsy nodded enthusiastically. "With pleasure, mistress! Flipsy be very careful with them!” The house elf gently took the kneazle kitten, who purred contentedly, and then carefully approached the Matagot, which regarded Flipsy with a curious but calm expression. "Come, little Matagot. Flipsy will take yous back safely.”
With another pop, Flipsy, the kneazle, and the Matagot vanished.
"Nous devons retourner à la banque pour utiliser le réseau de cheminées," (We need to return to the bank to use the Floo Network,) Lydia said, taking Addy's hand. They made their way back to La Banque des Enchanteurs, weaving through the thinning crowds. The festive atmosphere was still palpable, but a sense of urgency drove their steps.
Inside the bank, the grand hall was quieter now, the light from the chandeliers casting long shadows on the marble floor. Lydia led Addy to a large fireplace at the back of the hall. A brass container filled with Floo powder sat on the mantel, glinting in the firelight.
"Maintenant, je vais te montrer comment utiliser la poudre de cheminette," (Now, I will show you how to use the Floo powder,) Lydia said, gesturing too of the green powder. "Prends-en une poignée, jette-la dans le feu, et dis clairement 'Aile familiale du manoir Flamel.'" (Take a handful, throw it into the fire, and clearly say 'Flamel Manor family wing.')
Addy took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Lydia stepped towards her and took her hand. "Maintenant, fais comme je l'ai dit. Tout ira bien," (Now, do as I said. It will be okay,) Lydia instructed, squeezing Addy's hand reassuringly. Together, they stepped into the empty fireplace. Addy grabbed a handful of Floo powder, threw it into the hearth, and watched as green flames roared up around them.
"Flamel Manor family wing," Addy said firmly, squeezing her eyes shut and holding her breath. She felt a rush of heat and a strange, twisting sensation as the world spun around her. When the spinning finally stopped, Addy tumbled out of the fireplace, landing gracefully in the family sitting room of Flamel Manor.
The room was a perfect blend of elegance and comfort. The high, beamed ceiling was adorned with intricate woodwork, and a grand chandelier hung from the centre, casting a warm, golden light. The walls were lined with rich, dark wood panelling, and tall windows draped with heavy, velvet curtains overlooked the expansive grounds.
Plush, antique furniture was arranged around the room, each piece carefully selected for its craftsmanship and beauty. A large, ornate fireplace dominated one wall, with a crackling fire casting flickering shadows. Shelves filled with ancient tomes and artifacts lined another wall, and a large, intricately woven rug covered the polished wooden floor. The air was filled with the faint scent of lavender and old books, creating an atmosphere of timeless knowledge.
Lydia gracefully stepped out of the fireplace after Addy, not a speck of ash on her. She looked at Addy, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Nous devrons pratiquer ton atterrissage," (We'll need to practice your landing,) she said with a playful smile, her eyebrows raised slightly. Addy's face flushed as she grumbled, her lips forming a pout and her silver-grey eyes narrowing in mild annoyance.
Lydia chuckled softly, her expression turning gentle. "Maintenant, il est temps de commencer à nous préparer pour le rituel de Samhain de ce soir." (Now, it's time to begin preparing for tonight's Samhain ritual.)
Addy looked puzzled. "Le rituel de Samhain? Qu'est-ce que tu veux dire, maman?" (The Samhain ritual? What do you mean, mom?)
Lydia's expression softened. "Il est temps de reconnaître les anciens dieux et de faire des offrandes à nos ancêtres." (It's time to recognize the old gods and make offerings to our ancestors.)
Addy nodded slowly, taking in her mother's words. "Comment devons-nous nous préparer?" (How do we prepare?)
"Nous devons commencer par un bain purifiant," (We need to start with a purifying bath,) Lydia explained. "Ce bain sera infusé de romarin, de lavande et d'armoise pour purifier notre corps et notre esprit." (This bath will be infused with rosemary, lavender, and mugwort to cleanse our bodies and minds.)
They parted ways to their respective bathrooms. As they did, Flipsy appeared with a soft pop, “Mistress be following Flipsy to mistress’ rooms” she said excitedly.
Addy followed Flipsy through the grand hallways of Flamel Manor. The house elf led her to her bathroom, which was already prepared with a steaming tub filled with water and floating herbs. The scent of rosemary, lavender, and mugwort filled the room, creating a calming and purifying atmosphere. She undressed and slipped into the warm water, feeling the tension melt away as the herbs worked their magic. She closed her eyes, letting the calming scent and warmth envelop her.
As she soaked, Addy thought about the day's events. The excitement of choosing her wand, the thrill of discovering her familiars, and the profound connection she felt with her magical heritage. She realized that tonight's ritual was another step in embracing who she was and where she came from.