Young Celestial Wizard [Celestial Grimoire, Harry Potter]

ATLA Universe, Fire Nation Capital

Avatar Timeline: 98 AG (After Genocide), 11 months before Aang's awakening

Universal Time: October 23rd, 1988

Time until Elder Blood Teleportation is available: November 26th, 1988

Time until Hun and Po souls are deemed suitable by the laws of the Harry Potter Universe to learn structured HP magic: July 31st, 1991

Harry's Physical/Mental/Emotional Maturity: 13 years old

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The royal yacht's gangplank lowered onto polished stone docks. Harry stepped onto Fire Nation soil beside Azula and Mai, taking in the busy harbor around them. Dock workers paused in their tasks, bowing slightly as the princess passed.

"The harbor district connects directly to the main city through those gates," Azula said, gesturing toward an archway carved with dragons. "We'll be taking the noble's path up to the shopping district."

Harry nodded, following her lead while observing the city coming to life around them. Merchants were setting up their stalls along the waterfront, arranging displays of fresh fish and imported goods from the colonies.

They passed through the dragon gates where two lines of guards snapped to attention. The noble's path proved to be a wide stone road that bent upward through terraced levels of the city. Each level seemed wealthier than the last, with simpler harbor buildings giving way to elegant townhouses.

"The royal tailors are just ahead," Azula said, pointing to a building near the top of their climb. "Let's try not to waste too much time there. Father expects us before midday."

The tailor's shop occupied a prime location overlooking lower portions of the capital. Its façade featured polished black stone and gold-leafed Fire Nation emblems. Two attendants rushed to open the doors as they approached, bowing low.

Inside, carefully arranged displays showed the latest noble fashions. The head tailor hurried forward at their entrance, a tall woman with graying hair pulled back in a severe bun. She looked Harry up and down, frowning at his clothes.

"Princess Azula, what an honor. I see you've brought someone in need of proper attire?"

"Yes. He requires something suitable for meeting Father, but nothing too formal. No robes."

The tailor circled Harry, making thoughtful sounds. "Yes... yes, I believe I know exactly what will work. Please, young sir, if you'll step this way?"

Harry glanced at Azula, who gave an impatient nod. He followed the tailor deeper into the shop while she called for her assistants to bring specific items. The fitting process began immediately, with multiple hands taking measurements and holding up various pieces of clothing.

"The young sir has an athletic build," the tailor chatted. "We'll want to emphasize that while maintaining proper dignity..."

The tailor waved her assistants forward, each carrying different pieces of clothing. "We'll start with the base layer - a fitted shirt in dark red silk. The material breathes well, perfect for our climate."

Harry stood still as they helped him into the shirt. The silk felt cool against his skin, and the cut allowed free movement without being loose. The tailor adjusted the collar, making small sounds of approval.

"Now for the outer tunic," she said, gesturing to an assistant. "This design incorporates elements from military uniforms while maintaining the refinement expected at court."

The tunic was deeper red than the shirt, with subtle gold trim along the edges. Metal clasps ran down the right side, each bearing a small flame design. The shoulders were structured without being overly rigid, and the length hit just above his knees.

"How does it feel?" The tailor stepped back, watching Harry roll his shoulders.

"The movement is good." Harry stretched his arms forward, then above his head. "Nothing restricts my bending."

Azula walked around him, eyes narrowed in assessment. "The cut suits you. Mai?"

Mai looked up from examining her nails. "He doesn't look like a peasant anymore."

"High praise indeed," Azula smirked. "Now the pants and boots."

The pants were black and fitted, tucked into knee-high boots of supple leather. Gold buckles matched the tunic's clasps, creating a coordinated appearance without being flashy.

"Perfect timing," the tailor said, making final adjustments. "The whole ensemble should serve you well in the palace."

A crash from outside drew their attention. Through the shop's windows, Harry saw a merchant's cart had overturned, spilling apples across the street. The seller scrambled to collect his goods while nobles stepped around the mess, noses wrinkled in disgust.

"Shall we proceed to the palace?" Azula asked, already moving toward the door. "The royal carriage should be waiting by now."

The royal carriage waited outside, lacquered wood gleaming in the sun. Two odd animals that he was informed were 'komodo rhinos' stood ready in harness, while uniformed guards kept onlookers at a respectful distance. The driver bowed as they approached, opening the door for them.

Harry followed Azula and Mai into the carriage. Red cushions lined the interior, and small windows offered views of the street outside. Harry settled in, and he immediately noticed people gathering to watch, parents lifting children for a better look.

"Princess Azula!" A young girl called out, waving excitedly. Her mother quickly pulled her hand down, but Azula had already noticed. She gave a small wave back, causing the girl to beam with joy.

The carriage started moving, komodo rhinos pulling them steadily upward through the city. Harry watched buildings pass by, noting how the architecture grew wealthier as they climbed. Every structure incorporated the Fire Nation's signature peaked roofs and bold colors.

"The Earth Kingdom still holds Ba Sing Se," Azula said, breaking the comfortable silence. "Father plans to change that soon. Our forces have pushed deeper into their territory each year."

"What about the Water Tribes?" Harry asked, genuinely curious about the world's current state.

Mai sighed. "The Southern Tribe is barely worth mentioning anymore. The Northern Tribe hides behind their walls of ice."

"The Northern Water Tribe thinks they're safe," Azula leaned forward, eyes bright with interest. "But no city is truly impregnable. We proved that with the Air Nomads."

Harry kept his expression neutral, but his fingers tightened slightly on his knee. "The Air Nomads had no army, from what I've heard."

"They had no chance," Mai said flatly. "Look, we're almost there."

The royal palace was indeed not far away, and just like the Great Gates of Azulon, it looked even more impressive in daylight than during Harry's nighttime visit. Guards lined the path as their carriage approached the main gates.

"The nobles will already be gathered," Azula said, straightening her clothing. "Father doesn't like to be kept waiting."

The carriage came to a stop at the palace steps. A servant opened the door, then stumbled back in surprise at seeing Chrysa. The juvenile lion stepped out first, causing nearby guards to shift nervously.

"Your... companion will need to wait outside the throne room," Azula said, eyeing Chrysa. "Father prefers to keep audiences formal."

Harry nodded, running a hand through Chrysa's developing mane typical of all Nemean Lions. "She'll wait in the courtyard." He felt her reluctance through their connection but sent back reassurance. After their scouting mission last night, he knew exactly what to expect.

A palace official met them at the top of the steps, bowing deeply. "Princess Azula, the Fire Lord awaits in the throne room. If you'll follow me..."

The corridors were unfamiliar to Harry. He'd explored plenty at night, but they were clearly in a different part of the palace, not the third wing. Chrysa walked next to them until they reached the room before the throne room. There, she found a spot near a pillar and settled down with a soft growl. The guards eyed her nervously but stayed quiet when Azula gave them a nod.

"Remember," Azula whispered as they approached the massive doors. "Father has received letters about your skill with blue fire and lightning. He'll expect a demonstration."

Heat rushed out as the doors swung open. Harry took in the massive throne room. Red columns pushed up toward the ceiling, and well-dressed nobles stood in neat rows along the center aisle. At the far end, a raised platform waited for them.

Orange flames rose in a wall behind the throne, and Harry could make out Fire Lord Ozai's seated figure through the fire. The man's presence filled the room, making lesser nobles bow their heads as Harry, Azula, and Mai walked forward.

The nobles watched from both sides, some openly staring at Harry while others kept their eyes fixed on the ground. A few whispered behind raised hands, but most remained silent. The heat from the wall of flames pressed against Harry's face as they approached the throne.

They reached the proper distance from the throne, and Harry pressed his open palm against his closed fist, leaning forward in the bow Azula had shown him earlier.

"Father," Azula spoke clearly, her voice carrying through the heated air. "I present Harry Potter."

The wall of flames parted slightly, revealing Ozai more clearly. The Fire Lord sat straight-backed on his throne, long dark hair falling past broad shoulders.

"So this is the one you wrote about, Azula." Ozai's voice filled the heated air. The Fire Lord's presence dominated the room, every word carrying the weight of absolute authority. "The boy who helped stabilize your blue flames."

"Yes, Father." Azula straightened. "Harry has shown skill with both blue fire and lightning."

"Show me."

Harry took a step forward. The nobles backed away, leaving him alone in an open space. He took a quiet breath and closed his eyes.

A tiny blue flame flickered to life in the air next to him. More flames appeared, spreading out without Harry moving a muscle. The fire simply followed his thoughts.

Then came the lightning. White bolts burst between the flames, intertwining together until they formed something new - an exact copy of Harry made of blue fire and crackling energy. Every detail was perfect, from his hair to the shape of his eyes.

Someone in the front row gasped when the copy opened its eyes, revealing pure electricity inside. The figure moved exactly like Harry, who still hadn't made a single bending gesture.

"That's not possible," a voice whispered from the crowd.

But Harry wasn't done. More lightning appeared around him, each bolt exactly where he wanted it. The electricity formed a perfect ring that filled the air with dangerous power and the sharp smell of lightning. One wrong move would mean instant death.

His glowing double walked through the deadly ring, sliding smoothly between the bolts. A nearby noble stumbled backward, finally understanding how dangerous this really was. This went beyond normal bending - Harry had control that no one in the Fire Nation had ever seen before.

The wall of orange flames behind Ozai's throne grew dim as he stood up. His calm expression was gone, replaced by pure amazement at Harry's impossible bending. Even Azula had frozen in place, staring with wide eyes.

Harry wanted to send a message. No one would push him around here, no matter what he had to do, no matter how much he needed to push himself further than he had ever gone before. He spread his arms, and another ring of lightning burst outward. Nobles stumbled back in fear as more rings appeared, each one crackling with deadly power. The fire-and-lightning copy of Harry multiplied into three that moved between the deadly rings without touching a single bolt.

One of his copies drifted past a noblewoman. She let out a terrified scream as the heat and electricity buzzed inches from her face.

The three copies floated to the center of the room and joined together. They transformed into a massive pillar of blue fire, wrapped in lightning that stretched up to the ceiling. The air itself seemed to shake from the raw power. Then with a deafening boom, the pillar vanished into nothing.

The throne room went completely quiet. Many nobles were trembling, their faces white as paper. Even the trained guards looked nervous as they gripped their weapons.

"Tell me how you did this." Ozai's voice broke the silence. He stepped down from his throne, and the wall of flames behind him calmed down slightly. "How did you learn to bend like this?"

Harry looked straight at Ozai without flinching. "It's just natural talent, Fire Lord. Nothing else to it."

"Natural talent?" Ozai's expression darkened. "No one has ever bent fire or lightning without moving their body. It goes against everything we know."

"Well, I can do it," Harry said simply. "It came naturally and I got better at it over time."

Harry looked over his shoulder at Azula. She wasn't moving. Her wide eyes stared blankly ahead while she blinked over and over, struggling to understand what had happened. When Harry faced Ozai again, he noticed something different about the Fire Lord. The man's hands were shaking slightly.

"Why are you here?" Ozai's voice was strained. He was fighting to stay calm, but Harry could tell from his stiff posture how close he was to losing control.

"I came to learn," Harry replied. "The Fire Nation has techniques I haven't encountered before. Jet propulsion, for example."

A muscle twitched in Ozai's jaw. "And in return?"

"I helped Princess Azula stabilize her blue flames. I'm willing to continue to help with her training."

Ozai spun around and sat back onto his throne. His eyes moved between Harry and Azula, who had managed to stop shaking and stand straight again.

"My daughter speaks highly of you," Ozai said. "She mentioned your assistance with her blue flames in her letters. The results are... impressive."

Harry nodded. "Princess Azula has incredible potential. She picks up new techniques quickly."

"Yes, she does." Ozai's eyes narrowed slightly. "The Fire Nation values talent, especially in these times. We can offer you access to firebending techniques, and in return you will continue teaching my daughter."

"That sounds fair." Harry smiled. "I would need a training area."

"The royal training grounds will be at your disposal." Ozai gestured to a servant. "You'll be given quarters in the east wing, near Princess Azula's chambers. Your lion pet may stay with you."

Several nobles shifted uncomfortably at the mention of Chrysa. Harry pretended not to notice. "Thank you, Fire Lord."

"Azula." Ozai turned to his daughter. "Show our guest to his quarters. We'll speak more at dinner."

Azula bowed. "Yes, Father."

They left the throne room together, Mai following close behind. The nobles parted before them, many still pale from Harry's demonstration. No one spoke until the massive doors closed behind them.

"That was..." Azula shook her head. "I've never seen anything like it."

Harry turned to her, eyebrows raised. "What do you mean? That was just a basic move."

"Basic? Basic!?" Azula stopped walking. "You created perfect copies of yourself out of fire and lightning!"

"Oh, that?" Harry waved his hand dismissively. "I learned that on my first day of training. Right after learning to breathe."

Mai snorted. "Now you're just being ridiculous."

"Am I?" Harry grinned. "Next you'll tell me you can't make lightning rings without moving."

Azula's eyes narrowed dangerously. "No one can do that. It's impossible."

"Really?" Harry scratched his chin. "But it's so simple. You just..." He paused, pretending to think hard. "Actually, how do you make lightning again? Something about splitting energies?"

"Stop it." Azula jabbed a finger at his chest. "You know exactly how incredible that was. The entire court nearly fainted!"

"Did they?" Harry looked back toward the throne room. "I thought they were just warm. Maybe we should open some windows next time?"

Chrysa padded up to them, bumping her head against Harry's leg. He maintained an expression of complete innocence.

"You… you're impossible." Azula crossed her arms. "Father actually stood up. He never stands up during audiences."

Harry finally broke into laughter. "Alright, yes. I know it was unusual. I just couldn't resist teasing you a bit."

"Unusual?" Mai raised an eyebrow. "You turned the most powerful nobles in the Fire Nation into trembling children."

"The look on that one woman's face when my copy floated past her..." Harry grinned. "Priceless."

"Lady Ming deserved it," Azula smirked. "I know she's been spreading rumors about my blue fire being unstable."

They turned down a wide corridor lined with red tapestries. Servants bowed deeply as they passed, eyes darting between Harry and Chrysa.

"These will be your quarters." Azula stopped before a set of double doors. "Mine are actually not far away."

The rooms were spacious and airy, with tall windows overlooking a private garden. Red silk curtains framed the view, and dark wood furniture filled the space. A large bed dominated one wall, while sliding screens separated different areas of the chamber.

Chrysa immediately ran over to inspect a pile of cushions near the window. She sniffed them carefully before settling down, apparently satisfied.

"The training grounds are through those gardens." Azula pointed out the window. "We usually practice in the morning, before the sun gets too hot."

"Perfect." Harry walked to the window, looking at the layout of the grounds. Multiple training areas were spread across the space, some open and others partially enclosed.

"I still can't believe you did all that without moving." Mai leaned against the doorframe. "Even your breathing stayed normal."

"Speaking of that..." Azula's eyes lit up. "You promised to spar with me again, didn't you?"

"Tomorrow morning?" Harry suggested. "I'd like to rest a bit first."

"Fine." Azula headed for the door. "But don't be late. And try not to terrify any more nobles today."

"No promises." Harry grinned as she rolled her eyes.