Celestial Ascendancy

Celestial Ascendancy.

Chapter 14: How to Train Your Phoenix.

Elias Blake.

Hogwarts.

Since I planned to keep my evolved trunk a secret from anyone else, I planned to take Ash outside the Hollow before meeting Newt Scamander for the first time.

The reason, however, was pretty straightforward: my original trunk hadn't been designed to house such a mythical creature, so I would need to purchase a new one. It felt like a waste of gold, but there was no alternative at the moment.

The new trunk the Grimoire provided was something out of the norm, so I had no way to explain where and how I had gotten it. It was immense on the inside, and the ability to have multiple different biomes next to each other was not something I knew it was even possible to make. At least, there was not that option by the time I bought my original expanded trunk, and it was supposedly the best shop in Wizarding Britain for that kind of goods.

I didn't know much about the rest of the world, but even if other countries had more advanced trunks or something similar, I doubted that they had something as good as my Hollow readily available for anyone to buy.

For that reason, I walked with Iris and Hermione to an empty classroom, where I knew we wouldn't be bothered while we searched for Ash.

I could feel it through our bond. She was enjoying the different ecosystems at her own pace. Ash was not big enough to fly, so she just tottered around with her tiny talons and ran wherever she could reach. She could barely glide, but flying was out of the question for now.

Over the last few days, I changed my Hollow to remove anything that could be dangerous for such a tiny creature, so at least I was not worried about Ash drowning or falling to great heights.

But she needed the space. I could not be more thankful to have the evolved trunk since it allowed Ash to play wherever she wanted while she stayed there. I knew that Hogwarts was safe for all of us, at least mostly, but the constant pestering to show my baby phoenix was getting on my nerves.

Opening the trunk with a tap of my wand, I couldn't help but get excited. I was about to meet one, if not the best Magizoologist in the world, and all of us would be taught by the legend himself.

It was hard to believe that. Newt Scamander was OLD, obviously not as old as the headmaster, but he had already passed his ninth decade on this earth. No easy feat, I had to admit, and even less so with all the adventures he took part in as soon as he turned into adulthood.

I don't remember the plot of fantastic beasts and where to find them, but Newt was significant in those years, an elemental piece to stop Grindelwald's rise to prominence.

Feeling the cold breeze that welcomed us, I shivered a bit. It was utterly different from Hogwarts at this time of the year but not less welcoming.

Iris, having not entered my trunk since I decided to change it, gasped at the beautiful scenery; the air felt fresh and crisp, with a hint of an earthy smell. It was amazing to see something like that. Even when I made the changes, I had the same reaction as Iris.

It was not that cold, probably about 10 degrees Celsius, but the breeze probably made it feel colder than I intended it to be. I didn't care, and the girls certainly didn't.

"It's beautiful," Hermione said breathlessly, her eyes wide as she looked at the expanse in front of us. I could see my house sitting innocently a couple of hundred feet away from where we appeared. My home, being the nexus of the whole trunk, served as a line to cut all the biomes I had set for now.

As soon as we reached the house, we spent less than five minutes running around a stream of water that filled a really shallow pond next to it. We played around a bit, knowing that we had little time to waste, but the scenery was so captivating that we didn't care much.

Now that I think about it, my trunk could be a place to take the girls out on a date. I could make any place I desired here, and the elves at the school would be happy to help me plan a date for the great Iris Potter.

Smiling at the thought, I dragged my girls—when did I start to think like this about them?—to the house, where Ash was waiting for us on the front porch, perched in a chair.

The Phoenix was thrilled to see us, and I could feel her amusement and love through our bond, making me smile softly.

Hermione all but sprinted toward the bird, cooing all the way while grabbing Ash gently and settling her on her shoulder.

Since she left us in the dust, I grabbed Iris's hand and brought her closer to me, enjoying the moment together.

"I love this," I said, smiling at her, rubbing my fingers along her hand, and earning a beautiful smile from one of my favorite people in this world.

"It's so peaceful," Iris agreed softly, laughing a bit at the scene Hermione was making.

Hermione was serious when we were in public but dropped her defenses regarding us. She knew we would not judge each other, always supporting one another with everything, so she did not hide her girlish squeals whenever Ash did something adorable.

"I would love to live like this for the rest of my life," I murmured to myself, tightening my grip on Iris' hand, careful not to cause discomfort. Before, I never dreamed of greatness; I just wanted to survive and stay with my friends. But I wanted more now that I had the Grimoire.

I didn't know for sure if I thought myself incapable of it before, at least subconsciously, but ever since I got the Grimoire, a flame of ambition rose within me. I didn't want to die; I wanted to be on par with the greatest of the world and capable of protecting my precious people.

"There's much we need to do if we plan to make it a reality," Iris replied, getting me out of my inner thoughts. I didn't realize I said it aloud, but Iris just looked at me with understanding and a soft gaze, pecking me on the edge of my lips.

"That we do," I smiled, "We should get going, girls."

Before I could start to move, I felt the increasingly familiar feeling of the Grimoire acting up, the warm feeling in my soul alerting me to the possibility of rolling once more.

100 CP awarded, 400 CP in total.

With a mental command, the Grimoire appeared in front of me, and I accepted the roll. A couple more minutes wouldn't matter that much. We could make it to Dumbledore's office in less time with the help of the secret passages than any other student.

Battlefield Instincts (Shin Megami Tensei V)- 300 CP

The odds in front of you seem insurmountable and endless, but for the keen and creative eye, there are a lot of tools available. So many means to achieve victory and you know how to use them all. Any tools or abilities you have, you instinctively know their uses, know the limits of your abilities and Items and how to maximize their use in a given combat situation.

Bought-100 CP left.

Gasping as a rush of knowledge slammed into my mind, I almost staggered, only saved from falling by Iris's firm grip on my arm.

"Eli, are you all right?" Hermione asked, her voice rising in panic. Iris stayed by my side, her hand gently rubbing my back, trying to soothe me.

I waved her concern off, though I couldn't speak just yet. The sheer weight of what had entered my mind overwhelmed me, an instinctive, almost primal understanding of how to use everything I had at my disposal in a fight. It wasn't just my magic or my perks; it was everything. Every tool, every spell, every ability I had gained from the Grimoire now came with a sharp clarity I'd never felt before.

The headache was excruciating as if my brain was trying to rewire itself on the spot. I had a sudden memory about the world of Percy Jackson, with the demigod's brain being wired for Greek and battle, and I believed that something similar was happening to me right now, but I couldn't help but laugh out loud even with the pain. How had I been so blind? I had wasted years chasing strength in all the wrong ways, rushing to the finish line without ever stopping to think if I was on the right path.

I was good for my age and could beat most of the crossed-wands members, but now I realize how much more I could've accomplished if I'd approached things differently. This wasn't just about obtaining more raw power or more training; it was about strategy, about knowing how to use what I already had to turn the tide in my favor, no matter how impossible the odds seemed.

The perk didn't make me invincible, I understood that much. But it gave me the tools to find a path to victory in almost any battle.

It wouldn't make me an expert swordsman overnight, but it would help me figure out how to get there and make the most of my training and every resource available to me.

"Great, we've lost him," Iris said dryly, though I caught a faint sigh of relief as she realized I wasn't hurt, just overwhelmed with excitement.

"What did you get, Eli?" Hermione asked, her eyes bright and curious, her mind racing with possibilities.

I grinned, a confidence I hadn't felt in weeks blooming in my chest. "Oh, just the edge I needed to win. The path to greatness."

For the first time in a long time, the gnawing fear that had haunted me faded into the background. With this perk, I didn't feel helpless anymore. The journey ahead was still long and dangerous but I no longer felt the same as before, the stress I had accumulated dissipating.

Iris tapped her foot impatiently to the ground next to me, indicating her current mood.

Laughing freely, more than at any time in the past, I stood up firmly and pulled both of them into a hug. "I got something called battlefield instinct, and it basically gives me a deep understanding of all my abilities, perks, and objects. Basically, how to use them in a fight. Not only that, it allows me to strategize the best way to win, how to use the environment to my advantage, and how to use any exploit I can to win in the end."

"That's incredible," Iris gushed, being the more battle junkie of all of us, "We need to try it out."

"We really do," I grinned before realizing we had wasted too much time, "But we should get going; we can do so later."

Hermione pouted from where she was playing with Ash but complied nonetheless.

Soon enough, we were walking out of the empty classroom, and I tapped the trunk twice, turning it into a portable size, and hung it around my neck.

"We should get to Dumbledore's office," I said, breathing out to calm my excitement. "We probably made them wait long enough."

Iris snorted, "It was just fifteen minutes, Eli. I'm sure they will understand."

On the other hand, Hermione sputtered, grabbed Iris's hand, and started dragging her along.

We used the map to avoid as many other students and Filch as possible since we didn't want to waste time. Even then, the small group of girls we had to pass by all but cooed at Ash and tried to play with her before Hermione pushed through the girls.

It was funny seeing her so protective, even if a part of her did it because of her excitement about learning from Newt.

After ten minutes of walking, and in Hermione's case, marching through the castle, we finally reached Dumbledore's office.

"Lemon drops," I deadpanned at the gargoyle guarding the office and waited for a bit until I heard the stairs beginning to move.

"I'll never understand Dumbledore and his focus on muggle candies," Iris said dryly with a roll of her eyes.

"Every powerful wizard has its quirks," Hermione noted with a shake of her head, "The headmaster has multiple, but I think it's normal."

"The candies, the grandfatherly act, and his atrocious clothing," Iris said with a smirk.

"You know I can hear you, Ms. Potter," the headmaster's aged voice said dryly from inside the office.

Iris was startled and made a funny face before smiling guiltily.

I snorted and walked inside the room, finding the headmaster with a wry smile on his wrinkled face and another aged man with a smirk.

He didn't look like I expected, but I didn't doubt that he was the person who would be our teacher for the day. He didn't have a dangerous air like Dumbledore, but there was something special about him. I didn't know how to explain it; maybe it was my new perk, but… We wouldn't stand a chance against him no matter what we tried.

"This is the lad?" Newt asked with a raspy voice; he sounded so serious, nothing like I imagined. I only saw the first movie, but he was somewhat goofy, so it came as a surprise seeing him like this.

"Indeed he is, my friend," Dumbledore nodded with a smile that turned into a slight quirk of his lips, seeing Iris acting so embarrassed.

"Don't worry, my dear," he said to Iris in the same grandfatherly tone he always had. "I assure you, I've heard worse."

"I'm sorry, headmaster," Iris said guiltily.

Dumbledore laughed and waved his hand.

I knew that most of that was an act… He probably acted like that to not scare everyone shitless. Make everyone underestimate the absolute Titan he was with his grandfatherly act and dumb practices.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Scamander," Hermione squeaked and blushed when she heard herself, dipping her head down and looking at the floor of the castle.

"The pleasure is mine, Miss," Newt nodded with a small smile, "A fan, I take it?"

"Oh, yes, Mr. Scamander," Hermione forgot her embarrassment so fast that it gave me a whiplash, "I read all your books; they are so interesting!"

"Ah, yes. Ms. Granger is one of the best students who have graced our halls," Dumbledore smiled softly. "She is also one of the brightest witches of her age."

Hermione's face burned at the praise, but she couldn't hide the shy smile on her face.

"No small praise, coming from you, Dumbledore," Newt said slowly, Eyeing Hermione more seriously, "and Miss Potter, I take it?"

Looking at the aged legend, Iris nodded, "It's good to meet you, Mr. Scamander."

"And I'm Elias Blake," I said while giving him a firm handshake, which he accepted with a nod. "And this here is Ash." I continued motioning at the chick on Hermione's shoulder, who was looking at Newt with wonder.

"She is magnificent," Newt breathed out, lifting one hand and offering it to Ash.

Without my input, Ash thrilled softly and pecked his fingers with her beak before rubbing it with her head.

"She likes you," I said in shock. It was surprising, even if I expected him to have something like this.

Newt laughed at Ash's approval, making him smile softly for the first time in the meeting, "I can see that, young man."

"Can I observe her?" he asked with bright eyes. "It's always a marvel to watch over phoenixes. I have met four in all my life, and each time, it's a sight to remember."

"Of course," I nodded, prodding Ash through our bond to move to Newt's hand.

Ash did it without hesitation, surprising me. When I first showed her in the Gryffindor common room, she hesitated with the girls who were trying to play with her and needed further encouragement to let them close, but with this man, she didn't hesitate for a second.

"She is so beautiful and healthy," Newt said after looking at Ash from everywhere. "Her magic feels strong, too. She will be quite something when she grows up."

"Ash is the best," Iris nodded proudly, her nose high.

Fawkes thrilled from his perch and got into a staring contest once more with Iris, a surprisingly recurrent sight between these two.

"We should start," Newt mumbled absentmindedly, "Where should I give this class, Dumbledore?"

"I believe Hagrid is ready for that," Dumbledore smiled. "He has been as excited about this as these young students."

Guiltily, I realized that we hadn't even greeted the half-giant this year, and by the looks of it, Iris and Hermione felt the same.

"Then we will be on our way," the Magizoologist nodded firmly.

Hagrid 's hut.

"Iris, Hermione, Elias!" Hagrid greeted us after opening the door with a broad smile, "I was missing you!"

"We were missing you too, Hagrid," Iris said with a smile, "Things have been hectic these past few days."

"Aye, I understand that," He replied softly, "Oh, Mr. Scamander, how are you?" he asked with an even wider smile.

"Hagrid," Newt nodded with a soft smile, "It's been years since I've seen you,"

"Oh yes," Hagrid nodded, "The last time you visited the castle was in the nineties."

"I am retired," Newt pointed with a smile, "I'm only here as a favor to Dumbledore, and I wouldn't miss watching a specimen like this," He pointed at Ash, who was on his head.

She had climbed all the way there alone, and Newt was completely alright with that, even if it looked hilarious.

He really had something going on with animals.

"Come in, come in," Hagrid motioned us inside, but his gaze was locked with Ash.

"She is beautiful," he said dreamily. "You would think that after all these years with Fawkes, one would grow accustomed to such majestic beasts… but seeing them in the flesh is something else."

Newt smiled warmly, clearly delighted by Hagrid's admiration. "She's quite the marvel, isn't she? There's something almost otherworldly about a phoenix, yet they feel so grounded, so… alive."

Hagrid nodded, his massive hands gently stroking the doorframe as his eyes never left Ash. "Aye, I've seen Fawkes singin' at least a hundred times, but seeing a baby like her? It's like discoverin' a new part of the world, somethin' that makes your heart warm in a way you didn't know was possible."

Ash chirped as though agreeing with Hagrid's sentiment and glided down from Newt's head, landing gracefully on the nearby mantel. The warmth she gave the room was otherworldly, making Hagrid's hut even cozier.

"She's a remarkable creature," Newt said again, taking a moment to admire Ash. "Their bond with their caretakers is something rare and truly magical. It's one of the most intimate connections in the magical world. The only ones I've ever seen bonded are Fawkes and Ash, but I've never seen anything as beautiful in all my travels."

"Well, Hagrid," Newt continued, his voice taking on a more professional tone as he turned toward the half-giant, "shall we begin?"

"Of course!" Hagrid beamed. "Let's see what we can do for this little one, eh?"

As we gathered around the table, Newt led, instructing us on approaching Ash. His voice was calm and professional, filled with the knowledge that only a lifetime of working with magical creatures could provide. "Phoenixes, especially young ones, respond to gentleness and patience," he explained, gently coaxing Ash onto a wooden perch that Hagrid had set up for her. "They're proud creatures but can become incredibly attached to those who show them respect."

Iris and Hermione watched intently, their eyes wide and filled with admiration, while I stood beside them, trying to absorb every word Newt said. It felt surreal to receive advice from The Newt Scamander. Yet, all that faded into the background as Ash chirped happily, fluttering around in the sunlight as Newt expertly guided us on caring for her.

"Now," Newt said, turning to us, "the most important thing with a phoenix is understanding its magic. They are, after all, creatures of fire and rebirth. You need to be mindful of that power and respect their autonomy over it. Never force them into something they're not comfortable with. You must always act with the understanding that they are as wise as powerful."

I nodded, taking in every word. I hadn't known much about phoenixes beyond the basics, but hearing Newt speak made everything feel more real. Ash was more than just a pet. She was a living, breathing embodiment of magic itself. There were some theories that phoenixes were Magic vessels, which was why they brought peace and prosperity, and now, I was a believer of that, too. There just was something special about them.

Iris shot me a grin, her eyes shining in the light. "Looks like we're going to have our hands full with this one, huh?"

I chuckled, "Oh, we sure do. But I think it will be worth it."

Hagrid, who had been quietly observing, let out a loud chuckle. "Aye, it's gonna be a challenge, but it'll be worth every bit. There's nothin' like watchin' a creature like Ash grow."

Newt continued, his voice flowing, showing his expertise on the topic, "One of the most important things to remember when caring for a phoenix is their diet. They're not just ordinary birds— like I said before, they are creatures of fire and rebirth, and their sustenance is equally unique."

I was confused at that, and it must have shown on my face since Newt lifted an eyebrow in askance.

"But she has eaten everything we have given her, like… Everything," I said with a frown of confusion and worry. Had we been harming Ash without knowing?

Newt busted out laughing. "Ah, she is not a picky eater, then? " He wiped a tear that had fallen out of his eyes as Ash chirped, but this time, it sounded embarrassed.

"It appears that our little friend is really special," he smirked, looking teasingly at Ash, who chirped in her defense. "You learn something new every day."

He gestured toward the small assortment of magical herbs, seeds, and potion ingredients he'd brought, spreading them out on a wooden table. "These are a few ingredients that specifically help maintain their vitality and flame. Phoenixes feed on Ashwinder eggs, rich in magical properties that fuel their flame. A phoenix's fire isn't just about heat; it's a manifestation of their life force. The better their fire is, the stronger their magic becomes."

I observed Newt picking up a small, glowing eggshell from the collection. It looked like a normal, even if reddish, egg, but upon closer inspection, its skin shimmered with a faint golden hue, and a soft heat radiated from it. Newt smiled as he placed it down.

"This," he said, "is an Ashwinder egg. It's packed with life energy, and when given to a phoenix, it helps replenish its flames and make them grow. But it's not just about feeding them—it's about understanding their unique needs."

Ash, still perched on the mantle, chirped excitedly at the treat. Without hesitation, she fluttered to Newt's hand, drawn to the glowing egg. Newt gently placed it in front of her, and Ash pecked at it delicately.

"As you can see," Newt murmured, "they are very discerning eaters. They know exactly what they need and shouldn't consume something that doesn't benefit them."

I looked at Ash, who was devouring the eggshell with surprising gusto, and couldn't help but grumble at the newest glutton I had in my life. She didn't seem upset through our bond whenever the girls and I fed her before, but now I learned she just ate whatever she could. I just hoped she wouldn't get fat in the future.

"But it's not just their diet that matters," Newt continued, turning to Hagrid, who was taking notes on the side. "Phoenixes are deeply connected to their surroundings. Their magic interacts with the environment in unique ways. They can sense disturbances in the air and changes in magical energy and respond to them. Keeping their living space calm, balanced, and well-guarded from negative magical influences is vital. You shouldn't have much of a problem if you keep yourself in the wizarding world alone. They don't interact with us here."

"They?" I asked confusedly, but he completely ignored my question.

Hagrid scratched his beard thoughtfully. "So they don't like chaos?"

"Exactly," Newt nodded. "A phoenix thrives in an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Too much discord or negativity can make them restless or even ill. And remember, a phoenix's tears can heal, but they must be allowed to act naturally. We cannot force them to cry—they shed tears when needed, in their own time. When she is grown, she will let you know whenever she is ready, and you can keep her tears for a rainy day."

I didn't expect that taking care of Ash would be easy, but I was learning that it was more complicated than I expected and even pricier. Iris would love to help buy the eggs, and I was not short on galleons, but I would probably need to find a way to obtain them without paying.

From what I remember reading last year, the Ashwinder appears whenever a magical fire is left unchecked. They live for an hour to lay eggs, then die. I hoped they could be born inside my trunk since it was the safest place to do so.

With the ability to create complete ecosystems, I was sure I could think of a place where setting it on fire and letting it burn could be done without repercussions.

Newt glanced at me, a soft smile playing at the edges of his lips. "Now, Elias," he said, his tone more serious, "one of the most significant aspects of bonding with a phoenix is the magic you share. You'll notice that Ash is already attuned to your presence, even if it's only subtle. The bond between a phoenix and its caretaker grows stronger as they share their magic. You need to be aware of that magic, not just as a tool, but as an extension of yourself."

I nodded, my magic instinctively reaching for the bond I shared with Ash. I could feel it, like a soft hum in the back of my mind. Ash's magic wasn't mine to control, but I could sense it, and help guide it.

"Think of it like this," Newt said, almost as though reading my thoughts. "A phoenix is a creature of constant transformation, much like yourself. The magic they wield is fluid and ever-changing. As you grow in your magical abilities, so will your bond with her. But you must always respect her autonomy. A phoenix isn't a pet; it's a partner. And just like any partner, you must be in tune with each other's needs and strengths."

"Partner?" I repeated, thinking hard about Newt's words. "So, you're saying it's not just about me protecting her—It is about working together?"

"Exactly," Newt said, his voice gentle but firm. "I know that seeing her pulls some protective feelings inside of anyone, but you must remember, Ash is a phoenix, a being of immense power and ancient magic. You must learn to listen to her, understand her, and share your strength. It's not an easy bond to strengthen, but when it does, you'll have one of the most profound relationships in the magical world."

I looked at Ash, who rested contentedly on the mantle, her golden eyes meeting mine as if to affirm everything our professor had said. A feeling of warmth spread through me, not just from the bond I felt with Ash, but I could feel Hagrid's hut grow warmer under the weight of Ash's magic.

Iris, who had been focusing on the lesson hard enough to surprise me, leaned in and asked, "Is there a way to make it happen faster?"

Newt's smile widened. "Patience, young one. It takes time. However, one of the best ways to start is through shared experiences. Phoenixes respond well to positive energy, so spending time with Ash in a calm, nurturing environment will help you both. Over time, you'll notice subtle changes, small signs that your bond is deepening. Trust her instincts and let her guide you."

"I think we can handle that," I said, feeling the protective streak lessening. "Right, Ash?"

Ash let out a soft trill, almost in agreement, and tottered over to me, then running on my shoulder. The warmth of her wings was comforting, and I could feel the strength of her magic flowing through me, filling the space between us.

"See?" Newt said, a satisfied glint in his eyes. "It's already beginning."

200 CP Awarded, 300 CP in total

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