Chapitre 63: 63. Blue, No Longer Green
Over the rest of the summer, Apollyon dedicated herself to her studies with an intensity that was both admirable and slightly alarming to Sirius. The books she had acquired from Flourish and Blotts became her constant companions, the pages filled with notes and annotations in her neat handwriting. She poured over "The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1" by Miranda Goshawk, practicing the incantations and wand movements in the privacy of her room, determined to have a mastery of them before setting foot in Hogwarts.
Her dedication extended to "A History of Magic" by Bathilda Bagshot, where she sought to understand the broader context of the wizarding world, its triumphs and tribulations. This reading was less about practical knowledge and more about finding her place within a history she was part of but didn't fully remember.
"Potions and Magical Drafts" became a particular fascination for her. The precision and care required in potion-making appealed to her meticulous nature. Sirius, noting her interest, arranged for a small potion-making station in the kitchen, where she could practice brewing simple potions under his supervision. The successful creation of a Perfect Sleeping Draught was a proud moment for her, the potion's deep blue hue a testament to her skill and attention to detail.
"Magical Theory" by Adalbert Waffling challenged her understanding of magic on a conceptual level, pushing her to think about the why and how of magic, beyond the simple execution of spells. Her discussions with Sirius about the nature of magic, its limits, and its potentials, became a regular part of their evenings, enriching her theoretical knowledge with his practical experience.
As the summer days waned, Apollyon also delved into "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by Newt Scamander, captivated by the diversity of magical creatures and the complexities of their care. Her fascination with magical creatures was something she shared with Harry, and they spent hours discussing the creatures they hoped to learn more about or even encounter.
"Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection" by Quentin Trimble was the last book she tackled, its content a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked within the wizarding world. The spells and countermeasures outlined within its pages were not just academic exercises for Apollyon; they were crucial knowledge for her survival and protection.
By the end of the summer, Apollyon had read through most of the first-year material, her mind a reservoir of spells, potions, historical facts, and theoretical knowledge. Yet, for all her preparation, she felt a growing sense of unease, the realization that knowledge alone was not enough. The real test would come with the application of this knowledge, in a world that was still so new to her, filled with unknowns and challenges.
The night before her departure for Hogwarts, Apollyon lay awake, her mind racing with anticipation and anxiety. She had prepared as much as she could, but the journey ahead was uncharted. As she finally drifted into sleep, her last thought was a hope that her dedication would be enough, that she would find her place at Hogwarts, and perhaps, in doing so, she would also find more pieces of herself.
The dawn of Apollyon's departure for Hogwarts brought with it a crisp, cool air that hinted at the approach of autumn. The bustling household of Grimmauld Place was awake early, with Sirius orchestrating the morning's preparations with a mix of excitement and solemnity. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter for Apollyon, one that would take her away from the safety of their home and into the vast, unknown halls of Hogwarts.
Breakfast was a hurried affair, eaten amidst last-minute checks of Apollyon's trunk and supplies. Harry, although a year away from his own journey to Hogwarts, was caught up in the excitement, his eyes wide with anticipation and a hint of envy.
"We'll be meeting the Weasleys at Kings Cross," Sirius announced, guiding Apollyon and Harry towards the door. "They're old hands at this, and their company will make the journey all the more enjoyable."
The journey to Kings Cross Station was uneventful, the streets of London waking up as they made their way through them. Upon arrival, they found the Weasley clan already there, a riot of red hair and cheerful greetings that filled the busy station with a sense of warmth and familiarity.
"Ah, Sirius! And Apollyon," Mrs. Weasley beamed, enveloping her in a hug that was as warm as it was unexpected. "We've heard so much about you. Welcome to the family, dear."
Apollyon, slightly overwhelmed but touched by the gesture, managed a grateful, "Thank you, Mrs. Weasley."
"And Harry, look at how you've grown!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, turning her attention to Harry, who blushed at the fuss.
"Alright, everyone," Mr. Weasley called, his voice carrying easily over the din. "Let's head to Platform 9¾."
Navigating through the throng of muggles with their trolleys, they approached the barrier between platforms 9 and 10. Apollyon watched closely as one by one, the Weasley children, along with their trunks and an assortment of pets, disappeared through the seemingly solid barrier.
"Your turn," Sirius said, placing a reassuring hand on Apollyon's shoulder. "Just walk straight at the barrier between platforms nine and ten. Don't stop, and don't be scared you'll crash into it. That's very important. Best do it at a bit of a run if you're nervous."
Taking a deep breath, Apollyon gripped her trolley tightly and, with a determined push, ran towards the barrier. The sensation was bizarre—a moment of pressure and then nothingness—as she emerged onto Platform 9¾, the Hogwarts Express steaming majestically before her.
"Brilliant, isn't it?" Harry said, coming through the barrier after her, his eyes alight with excitement.
"It's amazing," Apollyon agreed, her apprehension giving way to wonder as she took in the sight of the scarlet engine and the chatter of students.
They loaded their trunks onto the train, the Weasleys offering last-minute advice and words of encouragement. Sirius pulled Apollyon aside for a moment, his expression serious.
"Remember, Apollyon, Hogwarts is a place of learning, but it's also a place to grow, to find friends and make memories. Don't let your studies keep you from experiencing all it has to offer," he advised, his voice soft.
Apollyon nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "I will, Sirius. Thank you for everything."
As the Hogwarts Express began to fill with the clamor of students finding their compartments and greeting friends, Apollyon felt a twinge of uncertainty. The vast train, with its seemingly endless corridor of doors, represented a microcosm of the school itself—full of potential friends and experiences, yet daunting in its newness.
Remembering Sirius's advice to not just focus on her studies but to also embrace the social aspects of Hogwarts, Apollyon decided to seek out Fred and George Weasley. Their previous interactions had left an impression on her; their humor and inventiveness seemed like a good counterbalance to her more serious and studious nature. Besides, she surmised, starting her Hogwarts journey in the company of friends, even newly made ones, would ease the transition from the familiar walls of Grimmauld Place to the grandeur and mystery of Hogwarts.
Navigating through the train, she eventually found the compartment where the twins were ensconced, their laughter spilling out into the corridor. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she knocked on the glass door before sliding it open.
"Hey, Fred, George," she greeted, trying to sound more confident than she felt. "Do you mind if I join you?"
Fred looked up, a broad grin spreading across his face. "Apollyon! Of course, come in. We were just discussing the latest tweaks to our Portable Swamp. Could use a fresh perspective."
George nodded in agreement, patting the seat next to him. "Yeah, and we've got loads of treats from the trolley if you're peckish."
Apollyon smiled, grateful for their warm welcome. She settled into the offered seat, her gaze briefly meeting the assortment of sweets spread out on the table. The compartment was filled with the evidence of the twins' endeavors—sketches of prank ideas, notes on spell modifications, and several prototypes of what she assumed were their latest inventions.
As the train chugged steadily northward, the landscape outside blurring into greens and browns, the conversation flowed easily. Fred and George shared tales of their pranking exploits, while Apollyon found herself opening up about her summer of intense study and the apprehension and excitement she felt about starting at Hogwarts.
The twins were particularly interested in her perspective on magical theory, a subject they admitted was not their strong suit. "Think you could help us apply some of that knowledge to our inventions?" George asked, half-joking but clearly intrigued by the idea of merging solid theoretical underpinnings with their more experimental approach.
Apollyon laughed, the tension of the morning dissipating in the camaraderie of the moment. "I'll see what I can do. But I'm also counting on you two to show me the ropes at Hogwarts."
"Deal," Fred said, extending his hand for a shake, which Apollyon accepted.
The conversation in the compartment took a more serious, yet equally enthusiastic, turn as Fred and George delved deeper into the specifics of their latest project. Apollyon listened intently, her mind racing with possibilities as they outlined the challenges they faced with the Portable Swamp's spell matrix.
"It's the consistency we're struggling with," Fred explained, spreading out a parchment filled with notes and diagrams. "One moment, it's a swamp; the next, it's barely a puddle."
Apollyon studied the notes, her extensive summer reading and inherent understanding of magical theory kicking in. "Have you considered adjusting the base spell's structure? If you manipulate the elemental balance, you might achieve a more stable transformation," she suggested, her tone thoughtful.
George leaned over, his interest piqued. "Elemental balance? Go on."
"Well," Apollyon began, her confidence growing as she spoke, "every spell has foundational elements, right? By recalibrating the proportions of earth and water elements in your spell, you could control the density and spread of the swamp."
The twins exchanged a look of surprise, impressed by the depth of her knowledge. "That... actually makes a lot of sense," Fred admitted, his eyebrows raised in admiration.
"Yeah, we've been so focused on the end result, we didn't think to tweak the spell that fundamentally," George added, his expression one of dawning realization.
Encouraged by their response, Apollyon delved deeper into the theory, explaining how minor adjustments to the spell's structure could yield significant changes in its manifestation. She referenced specific chapters from "Magical Theory" and "The Standard Book of Spells" that she believed could help refine their approach.
As the train journey continued, the compartment became a makeshift workshop, with Apollyon guiding the twins through the theoretical underpinnings of spellcraft. Her detailed explanations and innovative ideas not only helped them address the issues with their Portable Swamp but also opened their eyes to new possibilities for their future inventions.
Fred and George, known for their practical joking rather than their academic prowess, were genuinely impressed by Apollyon's grasp of magical principles. "Blimey, Apollyon, you're like a walking encyclopedia of magic," Fred exclaimed, half-joking but wholly sincere.
"Yeah, with your help, we could revolutionize the prank industry," George added, his eyes alight with excitement at the prospect.
Apollyon smiled, pleased to have been able to assist and even more delighted to have found common ground with the twins. The conversation had started as a way to seek companionship, but it had evolved into a collaborative effort that bridged her academic interests with their inventive passions.
As Hogwarts Castle neared, marking the end of their journey, the trio felt a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. They had not only shared laughs and sweets but had also engaged in a meaningful exchange of ideas that benefited them all.
"Thanks, Apollyon. We couldn't have cracked that without you," George said as they began to gather their belongings.
"Yeah, Hogwarts won't know what hit it with you on board," Fred chimed in, grinning.
As they stepped off the train and onto the platform, the excitement of arrival mingling with the anticipation of the Sorting Ceremony, Apollyon felt a deep sense of gratitude.
As Apollyon, Fred, and George disembarked from the Hogwarts Express, the scene that unfolded before them was nothing short of magical. The platform was abuzz with activity, filled with students of all ages bustling about, their voices blending into a cacophony of excitement and nervous anticipation. First-years like Apollyon stood wide-eyed, taking in their first view of the Hogwarts station, a place they had dreamed of but never seen. The air was crisp, the setting sun casting long shadows that danced across the platform, adding a layer of enchantment to the already spellbinding atmosphere.
Hagrid, the towering gamekeeper of Hogwarts, stood out even in the crowd, his booming voice calling out to the first-years. "Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" he shouted, waving a massive hand to gather the newcomers. His presence, both comforting and awe-inspiring, served as a beacon for the young students, guiding them towards their next step in the journey.
Around them, older students reunited with friends, their laughter and shouts of greeting echoing off the stone walls of the station. The clattering of trunks and the soft hoots of owls in their cages added to the tapestry of sounds that filled the air, a symphony of anticipation for the year ahead.
The majestic Hogwarts Express stood silent now, its gleaming scarlet body a stark contrast against the deepening hues of the twilight sky. It was a reminder of the journey they had all undertaken, not just from London to Hogwarts but from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Apollyon felt a tug of excitement in her chest as she followed Fred and George, making their way through the throng towards Hagrid. Her mind was a whirl of thoughts and emotions—eagerness to explore Hogwarts, curiosity about her sorting, and a burgeoning sense of belonging. The camaraderie she had formed with the twins on the train ride had given her a glimpse of the friendships that awaited her, a comforting thought amidst the overwhelming newness of it all.
As they reached Hagrid, Apollyon took a moment to look back at the Hogwarts Express, its steam mingling with the evening mist, creating an ethereal sight. It was a symbolic threshold between her past and her future, and she felt a profound sense of gratitude for the journey thus far and the adventures that lay ahead.
With a deep breath, she turned her attention forward, ready to follow Hagrid and the other first-years to the boats that would take them across the lake to Hogwarts. The castle awaited, its towers and turrets visible in the distance, a silhouette of mystery and magic against the night sky.
The excitement in the air was palpable as the group moved closer to the water's edge, the reality of their arrival at Hogwarts finally setting in. Apollyon felt a flutter of anticipation as she stepped into one of the small boats, the surface of the lake reflecting the stars above, a perfect, peaceful mirror to the storm of emotions within her.
As the boats began to glide across the water, Hogwarts Castle grew larger and more imposing, its windows aglow with welcoming light. Apollyon's heart raced with the promise of the unknown, the knowledge that she was about to step into a world filled with magic, learning, and perhaps most importantly, a place where she could truly discover herself.
The journey across the lake was a quiet one, the awe-inspiring beauty of the castle and the serenity of the night weaving a spell of silent reverence among the first-years. As they docked at the castle's entrance, Apollyon stepped out of the boat, her gaze locked on the towering doors of Hogwarts, ready to embrace whatever lay beyond them.
The small flotilla of boats made its final approach to the shadowed undercroft of Hogwarts, a natural harbor carved from the stone itself, which seemed to embrace the new arrivals with ancient solemnity. As Apollyon stepped out of the boat, her feet touching the solid ground of Hogwarts for the first time, the immensity of the castle above her was breathtaking. The stone underfoot, worn smooth by countless generations of students, seemed to hum with the weight of history and magic.
The group of first-years, their faces illuminated by the flickering torchlight that lined the path, followed Hagrid up a narrow, winding staircase carved into the rock. The air was cool and damp, adding to the sense of crossing into another world, far removed from the one they knew.
At the top of the staircase, they emerged into the open air once again, greeted by the sight of the vast, sprawling grounds of Hogwarts. But there was little time to take it all in; they were quickly ushered along a gravel path towards the great oak front doors of the castle, standing open and inviting, yet imposing in their grandeur.
Waiting for them was Professor McGonagall, her green robes billowing slightly in the evening breeze. Her expression was stern, yet her eyes held a glint of warmth as she surveyed the new students before her.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she began, her voice carrying a blend of authority and welcome. "Shortly, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates. But before you can take your seats in the Great Hall, you must be sorted into your houses. The Sorting Ceremony will begin momentarily."
She turned, leading the students through the great doors into the entrance hall, a vast chamber that seemed to swallow the group with its size. The flagstones underfoot echoed with their footsteps, and the walls were lined with portraits that peered curiously at the newcomers.
The first-years followed Professor McGonagall in a somewhat orderly line, their whispers and nervous glances betraying their rising anxiety about the Sorting Ceremony. Apollyon, too, felt a knot of anticipation in her stomach. She had read about the Sorting Hat, of course, but the reality of standing before it, of having it decide her place within Hogwarts, was a moment she both longed for and dreaded.
They were led to a small antechamber off the entrance hall, where they were asked to wait while the rest of the school assembled in the Great Hall for dinner. The moments stretched, filled with hushed conversations and last-minute guesses about which house they might be sorted into.
As the doors to the Great Hall finally opened, the first-years were greeted by the sight of four long tables, each one filled with students under banners that represented the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. The enchanted ceiling above reflected the starry night sky, adding to the atmosphere of wonder.
Professor McGonagall led them to the front of the hall, where a stool and an old, patched wizard's hat awaited—the Sorting Hat. As it began to sing its yearly song, detailing the virtues and values of each house, Apollyon listened intently, trying to discern where she might best fit.
When the song ended, the hall fell silent in anticipation. One by one, names were called, and students were sorted. With each name, Apollyon felt her turn drawing nearer, a defining moment that would mark the beginning of her true journey at Hogwarts.
The Sorting Ceremony unfolded with a rhythm that felt both ancient and inevitable. Professor McGonagall, standing beside the stool with the Sorting Hat in hand, called out names from a long parchment list. Each student's walk to the stool was a journey of their own, fraught with the weight of expectation and the thrill of the unknown. As each name was announced, the hall filled with a palpable tension, a collective holding of breath until the hat declared the new student's house.
"Adams, Eleanor," was sorted into Hufflepuff, her journey to the stool marked by a tentative, hopeful smile. As she took her place at the Hufflepuff table, cheers and claps welcomed her warmly.
"Bennet, Thomas," found his home in Ravenclaw, a look of relieved pride crossing his features as he made his way to join his new housemates, who greeted him with nods of acknowledgment and welcoming smiles.
As the ceremony continued, Apollyon noticed the glances cast in her direction. Her distinctive eyes— one purple, one red—drew curious looks from students and whispers that snaked through the hall. She felt a flicker of self-consciousness but pushed it aside, focusing instead on the significance of the moment.
"Carmichael, Lucy," was the next to be sorted into Gryffindor, her confident stride towards the stool mirroring the boldness that would soon see her donning the red and gold. The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers as she joined them, the warmth of their welcome evident even from a distance.
"Davies, Roger," another name called, found his place in Ravenclaw, his analytical gaze and slight nod acknowledging his sorting as if he had solved a particularly challenging puzzle.
The Sorting Hat, ancient and wise, seemed to take its time with each student, its voice echoing through the hall with each declaration. Some sortings were swift, the hat barely touching a head before announcing its decision, while others took moments longer, a silent conversation between hat and student unfolding before the final declaration.
Apollyon's name was eventually called, and as she walked towards the stool, the hall's attention focused on her. The weight of the gaze of her future classmates was a tangible thing, but she met it with a calmness that belied her racing heart.
"Black, Apollyon," Professor McGonagall's voice was clear and strong, cutting through the murmur of conversation. Apollyon took her seat, and the hat descended over her eyes, plunging her world into darkness.
As the Sorting Hat settled onto Apollyon's head, shrouding her in darkness, a murmur of surprise and curiosity rippled through the Great Hall. The name "Black" carried weight within the wizarding world, associated with a storied lineage that straddled the line between infamy and respect. Yet, Apollyon Black was an enigma to most. Her sudden appearance alongside Sirius, known for his loyalty to Harry Potter and his break from the traditional Black family allegiance, added layers of intrigue and speculation.
"Ah, what do we have here?" the Sorting Hat mused, its voice a whisper in Apollyon's ear. "A Black with the heart of a true Ravenclaw, but with courage that could rival even the bravest Gryffindor. Quite a unique blend of qualities indeed."
Below the hat, the hall was abuzz. "Did you know Sirius had a ward?" "A Black in Ravenclaw?" The questions and whispers swirled, mirroring the storm of thoughts and emotions inside Apollyon.
Yet, within the cocoon of the Sorting Hat's presence, Apollyon found a moment of calm. She knew her journey was hers alone, regardless of the family name she bore or the expectations it carried.
"Ravenclaw!" the hat finally announced, its decision cutting through the whispers like a beacon.
A hush fell over the hall for a moment, surprise etched on many faces, before the Ravenclaw table erupted in applause. Apollyon removed the hat and made her way to her new house, her heart swelling with a mix of pride and relief. As she took her seat among her fellow Ravenclaws, she was greeted with smiles and nods, a warm welcome that eased the knot of anxiety in her stomach.
The significance of her sorting into Ravenclaw, rather than following the path of many Blacks into Slytherin, was not lost on the onlookers. It signaled a departure from tradition, a fresh start that was emblematic of the changes rippling through the wizarding world itself. For Apollyon, though, it was simpler than that; it was about finding where she belonged, about embracing her love for learning and discovery.
As the ceremony continued, Apollyon found herself pondering the journey ahead. The Sorting Hat's choice confirmed what she had always felt—a deep-seated curiosity and a drive to understand the world around her. Though this had placed her in Slytherin before, due to her ambition. Her drive for knowledge on what she was losing in her memories however had heightened the close second into her new house this time around.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone