Chapitre 47: 47. A Quick Year and Where Things Truly Begin
As summer waned and the start of the school year approached, Apollyon Seraphina found herself preparing to return to Hogwarts for her fifth year, a year that promised significant changes and challenges. The knowledge and insights she had gained over the summer had profoundly altered her understanding of magic, equipping her with a broader perspective and a deeper sense of responsibility. Yet, as she packed her bags and prepared to leave the sanctuary of Master Eldrin's tutelage, her thoughts turned to the friends and companions she would soon be reunited with at the Hogwarts Express.
Arriving at King's Cross Station, Apollyon felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. This year was not only significant for her academic journey, marked by the impending O.W.L. exams, but also for the changes rumored to be taking place at Hogwarts, including the appointment of Dolores Umbridge as the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Pushing these thoughts aside, Apollyon made her way through the throng of students and families towards Platform 9¾.
It was there, amidst the familiar hustle and bustle of students saying goodbye to their families and boarding the train, that Apollyon spotted the Weasley and Potter families. The twins, Fred and George Weasley, were easily identifiable by their mischievous grins and animated gestures, while Harry Potter and his twin sister, Eleanor, stood close by, engaged in a more subdued conversation with their parents, Lily and James Potter.
Apollyon approached them, her heart lightening at the sight of her friends. Fred caught sight of her first, breaking into a wide grin. "Ah, if it isn't Apollyon! Come to rescue us from the tedium of familial farewells?"
George turned, his smile matching his brother's. "Or perhaps to join in the fun? You know, we've got a few tricks up our sleeves for the ride back to Hogwarts."
Harry and Eleanor turned at the mention of her name, both greeting her with warm smiles. "Apollyon, it's good to see you," Harry said. "How was your summer?"
Before she could answer, Apollyon turned her attention to Lily and James Potter, feeling a sense of formality and respect wash over her. The last time she had seen them, she had been too young and too in awe to properly express her admiration for their bravery and kindness. Now, standing before them, she felt it was important to rectify that.
"Mr. and Mrs. Potter," she began, her voice carrying a respectful tone. "It's an honor to see you again. I hope you've been well since our last meeting."
Lily Potter, her eyes reflecting the warmth and strength that had made her a beloved figure in the wizarding world, smiled at Apollyon. "Thank you, Apollyon. It's lovely to see you again, too. We've heard much about your accomplishments and your kindness towards our children. We're very grateful."
James Potter, his gaze sharp but kind, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it's a pleasure, Apollyon. We appreciate all you've done. I hope this year at Hogwarts will be a fruitful one for you."
Their words filled Apollyon with a sense of pride and renewed purpose. She thanked them, promising to look out for Harry and Eleanor, as well as herself, in the year to come. As the time to board the train grew nearer, the group shared a few more words and laughter before saying their goodbyes.
Boarding the Hogwarts Express with Fred and George, Apollyon felt a sense of camaraderie and determination. The year ahead might hold uncertainties and challenges, especially with Umbridge's new role at Hogwarts.
-
As the Hogwarts Express began its journey toward the school, Fred, George, Harry, Eleanor, and Apollyon found themselves comfortably seated in a compartment towards the back of the train. The lively energy of the Weasley twins filled the space, their laughter and jests a familiar and welcoming backdrop to the start of a new school year.
Fred, ever the instigator of conversation, turned to Apollyon with a mischievous glint in his eye. "So, Apollyon, you've been quite the mystery this summer. Vanished off the face of the Earth, you did. Or so it seemed to those of us not privy to your adventures. Care to share any tales of daring and danger?"
George leaned in, his curiosity barely contained. "Yeah, we've had our own fun, working on expanding our... entrepreneurial endeavors," he said, a phrase that Apollyon understood to mean developing new products for Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. "But we kept hearing whispers about you diving deep into something big. What's the story?"
Apollyon, mindful of the sensitivity of her summer studies, chose her words carefully. "Well, I spent the summer learning, much like you two with your... 'entrepreneurial endeavors,'" she said, offering them a knowing look. "But my focus was more on personal and magical development. There's so much about magic, its depths and nuances, that we don't cover in classes. I had the opportunity to explore some of that."
Harry, intrigued, added, "That sounds intense. Anything in particular that stood out to you?"
Eleanor, equally interested, nodded along, clearly eager to hear more about Apollyon's summer.
Apollyon considered how much to reveal. "One of the most important lessons I learned is that magic isn't just about the spells we cast or the potions we brew. It's deeply connected to our intentions, our will, and how we choose to interact with the world around us. Every spell, every piece of magic, can have different shades, depending on how it's used. It was an eye-opening experience, understanding that distinction."
Fred whistled lowly. "Sounds like you had quite the philosophical summer. Here we were, experimenting with Skiving Snackboxes and Ton-Tongue Toffees."
George chuckled. "Though, in a way, our work isn't too different. It's all about the impact, isn't it? Bringing smiles and a bit of chaos into the world."
The conversation flowed effortlessly from there, with the twins sharing tales of their own summer exploits, though they remained coy about the specifics of their inventions. Harry and Eleanor shared updates from their quiet summer at home, finding joy in the mundane after the tumult of previous years.
As the train sped through the countryside, Apollyon felt a deep sense of connection to her friends, grateful for the shared laughter and stories. Yet, beneath the camaraderie, there was an unspoken understanding that the year ahead would be unlike any other, especially with Umbridge at Hogwarts.
--
As the Hogwarts Express gradually decelerated, the energy within the compartment remained high, buoyed by Fred and George's relentless humor and the shared anticipation of the year ahead. The camaraderie among the friends—Fred, George, Harry, Eleanor, and Apollyon—was palpable, a comforting constant amidst the sea of change they were about to navigate.
The train's final stop at Hogsmeade Station unleashed a flood of excitement among the students as they disembarked. The platform was a hive of activity, filled with the chatter of reunited friends, the calls of families bidding farewell, and the occasional hoot from an owl circling above. The iconic sight of the crimson Hogwarts Express set against the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands invoked a deep sense of coming home for Apollyon and her friends.
Together, they wove through the crowds, their steps leading them toward the horseless carriages that awaited to ferry them to Hogwarts. The crisp, cool air of the early autumn evening was invigorating, infusing them with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.
Finding a carriage, the group settled into the seats, the familiar sense of motion setting in as they began their ascent through the thickening shadows of the forest. The path was lit only by the faint glow of the lanterns that swayed with the movement of the carriage, casting dancing shadows among the trees. The sense of mystery and magic that enveloped the path to Hogwarts never ceased to amaze them, a prelude to the enchantment that lay within the castle's walls.
As the silhouette of Hogwarts Castle came into view, its spires and towers aglow against the night sky, a collective sigh of wonder escaped the group. The castle, with its centuries-old stone and countless windows flickering with candlelight, stood as a beacon of the magical world's heritage and the adventures that awaited them.
Disembarking from the carriage, they were met with the imposing sight of the castle's grand entrance, its doors thrown wide open in welcome. The Great Hall, with its enchanted ceiling mirroring the starlit sky above, was a spectacle of light and warmth. The long House tables were adorned with the colors of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, awaiting the students' arrival.
As they entered the Great Hall, the buzz of conversations filled the air, a symphony of greetings, laughter, and the shuffling of feet as students found their places. The sight of the faculty table, with familiar professors and the notable addition of Dolores Umbridge, marked the official start of the school year.
As Apollyon parted ways with Fred, George, Harry, and Eleanor, she navigated through the throngs of students towards the Slytherin table. The emerald green and silver of her house greeted her, a stark contrast to the warm reds and golds she had left behind. Seating herself among her fellow Slytherins, Apollyon exchanged nods and quiet greetings, the sense of belonging to her house enveloping her.
The Great Hall, alive with the vibrant energy of students from all four houses, fell gradually into a respectful silence as Headmaster Dumbledore rose from his seat at the faculty table. His presence commanded attention, the twinkle in his eyes visible even from a distance as he surveyed the hall filled with eager young witches and wizards.
"Welcome," Dumbledore began, his voice carrying a warmth that filled the vast hall. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. To our returning students, I hope your summer was both restful and rejuvenating. And to our new students, may you find in Hogwarts a home away from home."
A murmur of agreement and anticipation swept through the students, the first years looking particularly awestruck by the headmaster's address.
"As we stand on the threshold of a new academic year," Dumbledore continued, "let us embrace the opportunities for learning and growth that lie ahead. Hogwarts is a place of magic, not just in the spells we cast, but in the friendships we forge, the challenges we overcome, and the knowledge we acquire."
The headmaster's gaze then shifted slightly, taking on a more serious tone. "This year, we welcome Professor Dolores Umbridge, who has been appointed by the Ministry of Magic as the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher." Polite applause followed, though it was tinged with an undercurrent of uncertainty. Umbridge, seated at the faculty table, offered a tight smile, her eyes scanning the student body.
"Professor Umbridge brings with her a wealth of experience," Dumbledore continued, "and I trust we will all extend her the warmest of welcomes and the fullest of cooperation."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in before his expression softened once more. "Now, before we turn our attention to the feast that awaits us," he said, his eyes twinkling once more, "let us remember that while we may come from different houses, we are united under the banner of Hogwarts. Let us celebrate our shared pursuit of knowledge and magic, and let the bonds we form this year be stronger for the challenges we may face together."
With a gentle wave of his hand, Dumbledore concluded, "Let the feast begin!"
At his words, the tables magically filled with an array of dishes, the smells and sights instantly lifting the spirits of every student in the hall. Apollyon, surrounded by her Slytherin peers, couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation for the year ahead. The presence of Professor Umbridge, a Ministry-appointed teacher, signaled a year that might hold more than the usual academic challenges. Yet, Dumbledore's words reminded her of the resilience and unity that Hogwarts fostered, a strength that would help them navigate whatever lay ahead.
-
The first Defense Against the Dark Arts class of the year held an air of tense anticipation, unlike any Apollyon had experienced in her previous years at Hogwarts. The Slytherin and Gryffindor fifth years filed into the classroom, an uneasy alliance formed for this period alone. Whispers and wary glances were exchanged as students took their seats, the presence of Professor Umbridge already casting a shadow over the proceedings.
The classroom had been transformed. Gone were the practical demonstration areas and the usual assortment of defensive artifacts. In their place, rows of desks faced the front, each set with a copy of "Defensive Magical Theory" by Wilbert Slinkhard, a text that prioritized theoretical knowledge over practical application. The change was a stark departure from the hands-on approach favored by previous Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers.
As Professor Umbridge entered, her pink cardigan contrasting sharply with the somber mood of the students, a hush fell over the room. Her smile was tight, her eyes scanning the room with an unsettling intensity. "Good morning, class," she began, her voice high-pitched and overly sweet. "This year, we will be taking a new approach to the study of Defense Against the Dark Arts. The Ministry has provided a curriculum that emphasizes a theoretical understanding of defensive magic, ensuring a safe and risk-free learning environment."
Apollyon exchanged a look with her peers, sensing their shared skepticism. The idea of learning defense solely from a textbook, without the opportunity to practice spells and techniques, seemed counterintuitive at best.
Umbridge continued, outlining the course structure and her expectations. As she spoke, Apollyon felt a growing sense of unease. The emphasis on compliance and the dismissal of any need for practical defense against dark forces struck her as not only misguided but dangerous.
When the time came for the students to pair up for a review of the first chapter, Apollyon found herself partnered with Harry. As they turned to the assigned reading, their conversation quickly veered away from the textbook's dry theories.
"This is ridiculous," Harry whispered, his frustration evident. "How are we supposed to learn to defend ourselves without casting a single spell?"
Apollyon nodded in agreement. "It's concerning. The theory is important, but without practice, it's like trying to learn to swim without ever getting in the water."
Their discussion was cut short as Umbridge approached, her eyes narrowing at their open textbook. "Is there a problem, Mr. Potter, Miss Seraphina?"
Harry met Umbridge's gaze, his expression one of calm defiance. "We were just discussing the importance of practical experience in learning to defend against dark magic, Professor."
Umbridge's smile did not reach her eyes. "You will find, Mr. Potter, that a proper understanding of the theory is more than sufficient. There is no need for alarmist practices or fear-mongering. The Ministry's guidelines are designed to protect you."
As Umbridge moved away, Apollyon and Harry exchanged a look of mutual understanding. The year ahead would be challenging, not just academically but in standing up for the importance of practical knowledge and readiness.
The class ended with an uneasy sense of resolution among the students. Conversations buzzed with concerns about the curriculum and the implications for their O.W.L. exams. Apollyon, her mind racing with thoughts of the summer's lessons and the realities of the magical world, felt a renewed determination to seek out opportunities to practice and learn, regardless of the restrictions placed upon them.
--
As the days turned into weeks, Apollyon's schedule at Hogwarts became a relentless cycle of classes, studying, and preparing for the unknown challenges ahead. The sense of urgency that had been ignited in her over the summer, fueled by her deep dive into the complexities of magic and the stark realities of dark forces, never dimmed. Instead, it grew stronger with each passing day, a constant reminder of the stakes at play.
Despite her already rigorous academic load, Apollyon found herself pushing harder, driven by a palpable sense of responsibility. The knowledge that a war loomed on the horizon—a war that would demand every ounce of skill and bravery she possessed—weighed heavily on her. She felt a compelling need to be ready, to ensure that when the time came, she could stand and fight with confidence in her abilities.
Her every moment of free time was consumed with study and practice. The library became her sanctuary, a place where she could lose herself in spell theory, historical accounts of magical conflicts, and advanced defensive techniques. She practiced spells under her breath, her wand movements precise and deliberate, as she walked the corridors of Hogwarts between classes.
Yet, despite her dedication and the progress she made, Apollyon often found herself battling a gnawing sense of inadequacy. Each night, as she lay in bed, she would mentally catalog the day's accomplishments, only to feel that it wasn't enough. There was always more to learn, more to understand, more to prepare for. The enormity of what lay ahead seemed to dwarf her efforts, leaving her feeling as though she was perpetually behind.
This relentless drive did not go unnoticed by her peers. Her friends, particularly those who had witnessed her transformation over the summer, saw the change in her. They admired her dedication but also worried about the toll it was taking. Conversations often turned to attempts at persuading her to take a break, to join them in a momentary escape from the pressures of their world.
But Apollyon, though grateful for their concern, found it difficult to heed their advice. The thought of unpreparedness, of failing those she sought to protect, was far more daunting than any physical or mental exhaustion. She did, however, make an effort to balance her intense focus on the future with the need to remain present for those who cared about her.
In quieter moments, Apollyon would reflect on the wisdom Master Eldrin had imparted over the summer. She reminded herself that strength was not just in the magic one wielded but in the choices one made. It was in the ability to stand in the face of darkness with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering resolve.
As the year progressed, amidst the tumult of Umbridge's reign and the brewing unrest, Apollyon's resolve only hardened.
+++
The news of Voldemort's return and his brazen attack on a well-known wizarding area in Britain struck Hogwarts like a lightning bolt. The revelation sent shockwaves through the student body and faculty alike, confirming the worst fears many had harbored but hoped were unfounded. The reality that the wizarding world was on the brink of war settled in with a heavy, inescapable weight.
Apollyon, who had spent the year bracing for this moment, felt a cold resolve settle over her. The news was not a surprise; it was the confirmation of the inevitability she had been preparing for. Yet, hearing it made the threat palpably real, transforming her abstract preparations into a tangible sense of urgency. The theoretical threat had manifested into a clear and present danger.
With Umbridge's sudden recall to the Ministry of Magic, the atmosphere within Hogwarts shifted dramatically. The oppressive regime she had instated, marked by denial and censorship, crumbled overnight, leaving a void that was quickly filled by a renewed sense of purpose and unity among the students and faculty. Dumbledore, stepping in to cover the Defense Against the Dark Arts classes when his duties as Headmaster allowed, brought with him a gravitas and a clear acknowledgment of the challenges they faced. Snape, too, lent his expertise, his classes becoming more focused and urgent, driven by the necessity of equipping the students with the means to defend themselves.
Apollyon attended these classes with a heightened focus, absorbing every piece of knowledge, every technique, and every strategy offered by Dumbledore and Snape. The theoretical work she had criticized under Umbridge's tenure now became a foundation upon which practical, life-saving skills were built. Each lesson was a reminder of the stakes at play, and she dedicated herself to mastering the arts of defense and counter-curse with a zeal that matched the seriousness of the times.
The solidarity among the students, across house lines, grew stronger in the face of the external threat. Discussions about forming study groups and practice sessions became commonplace, as did conversations about the wider implications of Voldemort's return.
As the school year drew to a close, the shadow of Voldemort's resurgence loomed ever larger over the wizarding world. News of his strikes, each more audacious and devastating than the last, filtered into Hogwarts, fueling a climate of fear but also of determination among those who opposed him. Despite the turbulence beyond its walls, Hogwarts itself remained a sanctuary of sorts, with the year ending without any direct incidents at the school. The palpable tension and the rigorous preparations undertaken by the students and faculty, however, spoke volumes of the unspoken anxieties that gripped everyone.
Apollyon, her resolve steeled by the year's events and her own intensive preparations, could not simply walk away at the year's end with the specter of war hanging so heavily in the air. Her studies, both during the summer with Master Eldrin and throughout the year under the guidance of Professors Dumbledore and Snape, had equipped her with a level of skill and knowledge that surpassed many of her peers. She felt a deep-seated obligation to use those skills in service of the greater good, to stand against the darkness that threatened their world.
On the last day, as the castle buzzed with the chaos of departure, Apollyon sought out Headmaster Dumbledore. She found him in his office, amidst the whirring and clicking of the various magical devices that cluttered the room, the pensieve glowing softly on one side.
"Headmaster Dumbledore," Apollyon began, her voice steady despite the tumultuous emotions within her. "I cannot, in good conscience, sit idle this summer, not with everything that's happening. I want to help, in any way I can. My training has prepared me for more than just academic achievements. I believe I can be of use in the fight against Voldemort."
Dumbledore regarded her for a long moment, his piercing blue eyes seemingly looking straight through her. Then, with a gentle nod, he spoke, "Your courage and willingness to stand up for what is right are commendable, Apollyon. It is clear that you have grown much, not just in your magical abilities but in your understanding of what it means to be a part of this community."
He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "The times ahead will be challenging, and every able hand and heart will be needed. However, it is crucial that we act not just with bravery but with wisdom. The Order of the Phoenix is working tirelessly to counter Voldemort's moves, and while your eagerness to contribute is valuable, we must also ensure that we do not rush into danger unprepared."
Apollyon listened intently, absorbing his counsel. She understood the gravity of Dumbledore's words and the balance he struck between encouraging her readiness to act and cautioning against recklessness.
"Your skills and dedication could indeed make a difference, Apollyon," Dumbledore continued. "This summer, I will arrange for you to meet with members of the Order. They will guide you, help you understand the complexities of our efforts against Voldemort. There is much you can learn from them, and in time, much you can contribute."
A mixture of gratitude and determination filled Apollyon. "Thank you, Headmaster. I am ready to learn and do whatever it takes."
As she left Dumbledore's office, a sense of purpose energized her. The road ahead was fraught with danger, but Apollyon Seraphina was not one to back down from a challenge.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone