Chapter 20 A Concept of Magic

Albus POV

I watched in concern as Seraphina ball up another piece of parchment before tossing it onto the table in frustration, not even bothering to set the sheet aflame as she usually liked to, despite the numerous times that I have told her to stop, considering how dangerous it was. This was the fifth page of almost completed calculations that she tossed out today. And it's not even ten o'clock yet. She has been subdued and distracted the whole week and I am starting to be really concerned for her.

"Seraphina."

She snapped her head towards me, her eyes looked slightly crazed and a much duller brown compared to her usual fiery gold, the white of her eyes almost red. She was exhausted! This needs to stop now! Slowly, I reached out and took the quill and parchment out of her hands, while she looked at me incredulously.

"You need to stop." I started.

She opened her mouth to protest, but I continued. "You are exhausted and stressed. I don't know what happened to you, but you need to relax."

She sighed, placing her head in her hands.

"I don't know what's wrong with me."

I looked at her. She was worn down by something, maybe getting her to discover her issue would be the best idea?

"Have you considered meditating?" I asked.

She frowned, "I haven't done that in a while."

"Follow me."

Gathering our things from the table, I led her through the school to a secluded spot near the Black Lake, just bordering the Forbidden Forest.

"Try meditating here, search through your thoughts to see what's troubling you." I instructed.

Her lips twitched slightly upwards, as if knowing something that I don't, but still, she complied. Sitting down on the grass, she closed her eyes. The frown easing from her forehead. I sat down next to her, closing my eyes.

Instantly, I entered my mindscape. It was a cross between a chaotic mess of thoughts and a half constructed library, the shelves forming a thick wall, the actual basic shield for occlumency, every thought connected by a gossamer thread. A thread that linked everything to a beautiful fiery lavender sphere, which pulsed like my heart in the centre of my mindscape. Reaching towards it, I sank myself into it, and my mindscape fell away.

My eyes were still closed, but they have never been more open. The world was pulsing in more vibrant colours, filled with life. Hogwarts burned bright gold, like a sun, while multicoloured shades surrounded the rest of the world. Besides me, I saw a cool teal inferno, both so very dark and bright at the same time. Like an ocean at night, but with so much…more. One that I distinctly recognised as Seraphina. Further around us, I saw the different coloured bright sparks of each person's magic. Barely visible against the bright sun that is Hogwarts.

Seraphina! I tried calling out mentally, it echoed through the air, travelling in waves as I pushed my magic out towards her.

To my surprise, Seraphina replied. You can talk in this form?

Yes!

I've never done this before.

I watched the world around us, how the air was thick with magic, more calm than in a physical body, but there nonetheless. Reaching out, I brushed my…self against the magic in the air. It felt like mist, or clouds, only much more substantial, heavy and light at the same time. Kind of reminds me of marshmallows. I wonder if it would taste the same too.

Without thinking, I tried to taste it. It was kind of sweet and filling, almost similar to the sensation of getting a matched wand.

What are you doing!? Seraphina shouted, alarmed.

I snapped my metaphysical eyes open, not knowing when I had closed them. What I saw surprised me. The air around me was swirling, dark, cold, magicless pockets of air were appearing in streaks in between the multicoloured organised chaos. They were quickly closed back up by the magic surrounding it. But my soul seemed to be glowing.

What did you do? Seraphina asked curiously.

I tasted the magic. I shrugged, slightly baffled.

Suspicious, Seraphina did the same thing. Instantly, a bright whirlpool appeared beside her, the multicoloured magic swirling and funnelling into her. Streaks of dark magicless air began appearing as the magic rapidly vacated the space. Curious, I moved towards one of the rapidly closing patches.

Instantly, I felt all the joy get sucked out of me. Like I would never be happy again. It was cold. Oh so very cold. The air is dead. Almost as if I am in the presence of…of a dementor.

I'm going to try something. Seraphina announced, snapping me out of my stupor.

She withdrew halfway into her body, yet still connected to the external world. She seemed to retreat deep within herself.

Suddenly, the magic in the air drained rapidly, frost began growing on the trees and the grass underneath us became brittle in the cold. The mere wind snapping them into infinite small glass-like shards.

Suddenly, everything was still.

Then it exploded.

The form that was Seraphina exploded in white light, too bright to see clearly. I instinctively collapsed back into my body. Shielding my eyes.

Oh no, is Seraphina alive!?

I opened my eyes, expecting carnage. But to my surprise, the place was peaceful, except for the impossible chill in the air and the frost everywhere, and the feeling that I am never going to be happy again. I let out a breath, which instantly fogged up, turning into a white mist. Frost in September?

I ran towards Seraphina in front of me, she was stiff, like a board. Her eyes darted wildly underneath her eyelids, as if she was dreaming.

"Seraphina?" I questioned, shaking her shoulder.

She did not respond at all.

This is bad. What if she hurt herself? What is going to happen to her? I need to help her! Before she dies or is trapped inside her own mind forever! I can't lose her! My first friend and the closest person I have!

"Seraphina!" I yelled.

At her lack of response, I panicked, I raised my hand, and slapped her across her face.