➣ 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝟏 “𝙊𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡”
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By the time the clock on his nightstand chimed to life, Nicolás was once again seated on the window seat, watching how the nightly cold had permeated the early morning, and the reserve waited for the sun to come back and banish it.
The grounds and creatures of the reserve were still asleep, as the inhabitants of the cottage. Everything seemed to be painted in a soft blue hue. Ember was in the middle of the room, doing his morning stretches.
As Nicolás' bare feet moved him through the room, getting ready for the day, the cat's eyes followed his every move. He checked his trunk; all his books were neatly placed, as well as his wand.
11 inches of rowan wood, and a core of Ember's Wampus Cat hair, and Thunderbird tail feather; but not just any feather, it came from Zeus, the Thunderbird Nicolás rescued two years back.
The words from Mr. Arango, the most renowned wandmaker in Colombia, were still fresh in Nicolás' mind.
"It's made of rowan wood," Mr. Arango began, his voice teeming with knowledge. "It's the most protective of woods you'll find, known for the strength of its defensive charms, making them exceptionally hard to break. Rowan wands have a tendency to seek out the clear-headed and the pure-hearted, although, don't be mistaken, they are equally exceptional for dueling."
"The wand you hold has a core of Wampus Cat hair and Thunderbird tail feather. It's no surprise it was so eager to choose you."
"Wampus Cat hair," he continued, a tinge of fascination in his voice, "empowers spells with swiftness and agility, granting them unparalleled precision. Additionally, it facilitates Legilimency, like the Wampus Cat itself."
He continued, "As for the Thunderbird tail feather," Mr. Arango mused, "it bestows the wand with immense power, though it can be quite a challenge to master. These wands excel in transfigurations. Yet, a word of caution, when danger is near, they have a tendency to unleash curses on their own."
The explanation concluded with a hearty laugh, "You see," he summarized, "these two core materials complement each other. The Thunderbird tail feather amplifies spell prowess, while the Wampus Cat hair ensures precision and speed. Your bond with the creatures who provided these cores has left an indelible mark, a connection that your wand will always remember. It is, as you are aware, the wand that chooses the wizard."
With a smile, knowing that everything in his trunk was in order, and ready for his departure, Nicolás closed it. Standing up, he walked towards the bathroom to get ready.
An hour later, Nicolás was walking out of the cottage, his stomach satisfied, and Ember happily padding at his side. His mission for the morning was crystal clear in his mind.
•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•
The Unicorn herd was exceptionally lazy this morning. The adults were laying on the ground, while their foals ran around the place, almost stabbing Nicolás with their white horns in their playful greetings.
Nicolás did his best to not be blinded by the iridescent reflection of the sun rays on the golden fur of the foals. Slowly, and in the silence, the adults started to wake up to greet Nicolás.
Bathed in golden, the boy gave them their morning nourishment, brushed their colorful manes, and played with the foals for a while.
Ember, lazy in the mornings as he was, decided to lay with some of the adults, watching amused as the small foals tackled Nicolás around in the floor.
After giving them his farewells, Nicolás and Ember continued with their path. Passing through the thickness of the forest area, they ran into Fairies, Pixies, and Doxies waking from their slumber. They flew around them as they walked, making small chatter, and playing with Ember.
Stopping by the lake, Nicolás took time to feed the Kappas. Once, when they had been rescued, they were but small babies, but now they were full adults. The human blood they had been fed really helped them grow.
The Grindylows had also grown their own family. And the Merpeople colony was as impressive as it was a decade ago. And the Giant Squid still claimed the place as his own.
After a few hours of walking back through the expense of the forest, they encountered Bowtruckles, Nifflers, the Demiguise family, and the Thestral herd. Finally, they made their way to the hottest area of the reserve.
Arriving at the desert area, Nicolás felt the change in temperature. The sun was already up, meaning that the sand's temperature was rising. It didn't take him long to find the Graphorn herd.
It's always been funny to Nicolás, the way the Graphorns were so immense, but so gentle; their sternness being nothing but a facade. They were still waking up from their slumber when Nicolás arrived.
Their calves were already up, and after Nicolás made the calling sound Newt Scamander taught him, they eagerly ran up to greet Nicolás and Ember. As Nicolás knelt to their level, they started to rub their sturdy foreheads on him, the tentacles on their mouths making playful grabbing motions.
After feeding them, Nicolás walked to his favorite part of the desert: Zeus' rock cave.
The Thunderbird had arrived at the reserve two years ago, after a very strong thunderstorm caused by his flock. Injured, he had fallen to the ground, breaking a leg, and twisting one of his wings, being merely days old.
After months of being cared for, Zeus had recovered and grown to his majestic adult size. They had granted him a place in the desert, carving a cave for him to rest and live.
As Nicolás climbed to the top of the cave, Zeus was already there, surveying the expanse of the reserve grounds, as the vigilante he considered himself to be.
Stopping in front of the Thunderbird, Nicolás took a few seconds to really take him in, because no matter how much he gawked at the gigantic bird, its beauty never ceased to amaze him.
The bird was almost four meters tall, with a wingspan of about six meters. His body was covered with plumage of white and golden feathers; they all looked steely and sharp but were as soft as cotton. His head has feathers forming some kind of horns on each side, giving him a royal appearance, and his beak seemed to be made of the purest gold.
"Hey, Bud." Nicolás greeted softly.
Zeus chirped in response, inviting Nicolás to sit with him.
The rock was hot under his jeans, but Zeus' presence was enough to make any discomfort matter little. And the view made it very worth it. Ember, of course, chose to stay hidden in the cool shadows.
The sun was already up and bathing everything in its warm light. The wind that brushed his skin felt like a soothing touch, making his anxiety go away. It was a moment of profound change within Nicolás. And he felt connected to the very foundations of the reserve, to the very essence of every single creature.
He knew that for the moment, he couldn't stay there, and now, having said his goodbyes to every single creature, he finally felt ready to leave.
Zeus stood beside him, covering him from the scorching sun. Half-hugging him with one of his immense wings. Nicolás sighed.
"It's a shame you can't come with me."
Zeus chirped. Nicolás laughed.
"Well, it's not like I think you'd enjoy staying in a forest, just for me. They'll need you here, guarding the reserve."
Zeus chirped once more, this time more seriously.
"Yeah, well, I'll be back for every break, but I'll still miss you."
Looking down at the boy, Zeus nuzzled his beak over Nicolás' head, eliciting laughs from him.
Standing up, Nicolás embraced Zeus, holding him close. He stepped back, letting out a heavy sigh.
"Well, it's time to leave, isn't it?" And with a last wave, Nicolás descended the stone cave, walking back to the cottage with Ember padding beside him.
•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•
In front of the backdoor, stood his Abus, his grandparents, Pedro and Angela. surrounded by the multitude of vibrant flowers and plants in the back garden.
Both were in their early fifties. Pedro's hair was ink black, his skin fair and clear, while Angela's hair was hazelnut and her skin tanned.
It always amused Nicolás the way his mother and aunt took one physical trait from each. His mother had Abu Pedro's black hair, combined with Abu Angela's tanned skin, while Aunt María was the opposite, deep hazelnut hair with fairer skin.
Upon seeing them, Nicolás raced to them, their arms open, waiting for him. Their embraces were always warm, and comfortable. They felt like being wrapped in a cloud, like nothing in this world could get too close to him. This time, though, it was permeated by a tinge of sadness.
"We're so proud of you," Abu Angela spoke on his hair.
"And you'll do so many great things," Abu Pedro completed, tightening the embrace.
"Thank you," was all Nicolás could say, hoping that those simple words could communicate the profound gratitude he felt towards them. He had learned so much from them; being authors of so many magical books, they had a world to teach.
For years Abu Pedro took him and Caelum to his personal workshop; the place in which he crafted all of his potions, teaching them how to brew them, but also what they were made with. Every single ingredient they learned: how to get it, what its magical properties were, and how it worked, on its own, and with other ingredients.
On the other hand, Abu Angela spent years teaching him and Caelum everything she knew about plants, magical and muggle. She taught them about basic healing, and how to prepare salves and remedies.
And, of course, both taught them how to take care of any magical creature.
As they broke the embrace, drying their eyes, Abu Pedro barked a laugh.
"Okay, that's enough moping for today. We can't cry the day away; you have a train to take!"
With a watery laugh and an eager nod, Nicolás said a final "I love you," before walking to where his parents were waiting for him, alongside Ember.
They walked for a few minutes, until they were outside the ancient restraining magic of the reserve to activate the Portkey.
•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•
After a loud crack, they found themselves in the bustling La Sabana Train Station in Bogotá.
While they walked, people started to look their way, their eyes wide, almost enough to come out of their sockets.
But of course, muggles weren't probably used to seeing a full adult Wampus Cat; even if to them, it probably looked like a grown-up, six-legged puma.
In a calm, fluid motion, Remus took out his wand, and with a swift wave, and a gentle incantation, Ember's body was transfigured into a common orange cat.
The abrupt change left Ember looking slightly bewildered—his feline eyes wide as he adjusted to his new appearance.
Nicolás couldn't help but notice with amusement a hint of indignation in Ember's expression as he assessed his changed form. He probably felt a bit offended by the transformation, as if it took away his majestic presence.
With no time to spare, Nicolás and his parents headed for Platform Three and a Quarter. There, they were faced with what seemed like an impenetrable brick wall, leaving Nicolás with a puzzled expression as he turned to his mother for an explanation.
Before he could voice his question, his father strode forward and pushed the trolley right into the solid-looking wall. Nicolás' initial instinct was to fear a collision, but to his amazement, his father and the trolley disappeared.
With a cheerful laugh and a reassuring hand holding his, Nicolás' mother led him toward the same brick wall. As they passed through it, the world around them transformed instantly.
On the platform, Nicolás' eyes fixed on a specific track, proudly displaying the sign "CASTELOBRUXO" in bold, ornate letters.
As Nicolás and his mother joined his father on the platform, Remus' eyes shone with unshed tears, and a smile graced his lips.
Kneeling on one knee, Remus wrapped his arms around the boy in a tight, affectionate embrace that momentarily stole Nicolás' breath. His large and warm hands rested against the boy's back.
Moments later, as their hug slowly loosened, Remus gently cupped Nicolás' face in his big hands. Tears now streamed down his cheeks. His radiant smile persisted, despite the tears, and his hands trembled slightly with emotion.
Overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions, Nicolás pulled his father into another tight embrace, burying his face in Remus' chest to shield the tears streaming down his own cheeks.
"Te amo," Nicolás whispered into his father's coat, his voice quivering with emotion.
In response, Remus drew his son even nearer, his voice filled with affection and tenderness. "Yo también te amo, mi sol," he whispered back, placing one last kiss on Nicolás' forehead before reluctantly letting go.
After the heartfelt farewell with his father, Nicolás found himself enveloped in the warm, loving arms of his mother. Her hug was just as powerful, teeming with the same mixture of affectionate tears and profound pride. It was a hug that spoke directly to his soul, leaving Nicolás' heart feeling both heavy and warm.
"¿En qué momento mi bebé se creció tanto?" Carolina remarked, her voice a blend of nostalgia and pride, as she gently cupped Nicolás' face. "Te amo."
Nicolás smiled warmly, his eyes reflecting the deep affection he held for his mother. He wrapped his arms around her tightly, savoring the moment. "Yo también te amo."
With a lingering final hug, Nicolás collected his trolley and began to walk towards the train. A whirlwind of emotions swirled within him.
Pausing for a moment before boarding the train, Nicolás turned back to his parents and gestured toward Ember, who remained in his ordinary cat form. A playful chuckle escaped Remus' lips, and he gracefully waved his wand. In the blink of an eye, Ember transformed back into his majestic Wampus Cat form.
With a warm smile, Nicolás stepped inside the train, his heart brimming with a mix of emotions. He carried with him the promise to keep sending letters regularly. Looking back one last time, he cherished the image of his parents on the platform.
•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•
As Nicolás entered the train's hall, he saw multiple fellow students, some his age, some older. They were of a wide range of skin tones, physical complexions, and hair types and styles. Some were in the hall, conversing, others had already occupied compartments with their friends.
As Nicolás walked with Ember by his side, some conversations turned into hushed whispers, as their gazes turned to Nicolás, or more likely, the presence beside him.
But that was expected, the colossal Wampus Cat, with its sleek and powerful frame, was nearly as tall as its owner. Its fur, a mesmerizing blend of fiery oranges and dark stripes on his back, rippled with each graceful movement.
Nicolás pressed forward, searching for an empty compartment. And after exploring almost ten of them, he finally found one.
While Nicolás decided to sit on one of the cushion rows, Ember claimed the other. With an air of regal indifference, Ember sprawled across the seats, stretching his powerful body in a graceful display of comfort. He nestled his head between his massive paws, exuding an aura of serene tranquility as he dozed off, completely undisturbed by the rhythmic sway of the train.
For a moment, the train entered a dark tunnel, only to come out to a new landscape—An endless meadow stretched out in every direction, painted in the most vivid and vibrant shades of green imaginable. The meadow was adorned with a dazzling array of wildflowers, their colors dancing in the gentle breeze.
The journey from Colombia to Brazil passed by quicker than Nicolás had anticipated, even with the long distance. Time slipped away, and the rhythmic clatter of the train wheels acted like a comforting backdrop to his thoughts.
Every now and then, some curious student would open the compartment door, only to be met with the jaw-dropping sight of Ember. Their initial reactions were a mix of shock and surprise. In just moments, they'd beat a hasty retreat, quickly shutting the door behind them.
Nicolás decided to treat himself with some candies from the trolley lady. His favorite still were the chocolate frogs; he would never admit it out loud, but he rather enjoyed collecting the cards.
The train continued its journey deeper into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. The thick green canopy of trees overhead grew denser with every passing moment.
The rainforest seemed to come alive around them, its lush and vibrant beauty captivating Nicolás' senses. The rhythmic clatter of the train blended with the natural symphony outside, creating a harmonious melody.
The train suddenly came to a halt deep within the rainforest. As Nicolás and his fellow students disembarked, now dressed in their green robes, they were greeted by a group of centaurs.
Standing before them was a male centaur, along with another ten centaurs. Álvaro – as the centaur presented himself – introduced himself as the leader of the Centaur Colony of Castelobruxo, he was also the Astronomy teacher.
Which was incredible, as Centaurs are known for having a special attunement to all things considered celestial; be it events, the stars, or planetary movement, among many others.
As Nicolás and his fellow students began their journey toward the castle, the other centaurs formed a protective circle around them. The rainforest appeared to come alive with magical beings and creatures, and in the distance, Nicolás caught sight of small, darting figures weaving through the dense foliage.
He recognized them as the Caipora —mischievous spirit-beings known for their role in safeguarding the grounds of Castelobruxo from Muggles and potential dangers.
The centaurs surrounding the students seemed to keep a watchful eye on the Caipora, making sure their mischief didn't disrupt the walk to the castle.
As they continued their trek through the lush rainforest, a bright, dazzling yellow light suddenly enveloped them, creating an aura of anticipation and wonder. It felt like they were stepping into a world of pure enchantment, and Nicolás' heart raced with excitement for what lay ahead.