Shadows Between Dimensions
Hazel left the Dreamscape, her thoughts still tangled from the conversation with Sirius. The morning sunlight streamed across the halls of Star Academy, but she barely noticed it. Each step toward Montague's office was measured, deliberate. No breakfast this time—her stomach seemed too full already. Her mind was full of Sala, Lythera, and the looming war.
She paused outside the familiar carved wood of her father's office and knocked once. No preamble. The door swung open almost immediately, revealing Montague, who looked as composed as ever, robes flowing like liquid silver even in the quiet of the morning.
"I need to know what's happening in Sala," Hazel began, her tone precise and serious. "Why are you needed? How dangerous is this, and how does it affect the other dimensions?"
Montague studied her for a moment, his expression gentle but firm. "Hazel… you're asking the right questions. Sala is under threat by forces from an unknown neighboring dimension—one that borders the known seven. Their incursions are subtle, but the consequences could ripple across all dimensions, destabilizing the natural balance."
Hazel's brows knit. "And why are you the one asked to intervene?"
"Because I'm a traveler, you know there are not many travelers in Sala. They have only one or two travelers capable of opening portals safely, and their knowledge is limited. They asked for my help because I can create stable interdimensional portals—particularly between Sala and Lythera."
Hazel froze. "Lythera…?" Her mind raced. Shylah's words flooded back. The truth of those words suddenly weighed her down. Her father was in danger.
"Yes," Montague continued, noticing her hesitation. "I've been to Lythera before. It was my final project as a student—an unknown dimension. I know its currents, its dangers, and its… temperament. I can open portals without destabilizing the surrounding space."
Shylah, perched on Hazel's shoulder, sang softly, almost like a caution. Hazel heard the subtle message: Lythera… dangerous… emotion doll…
"Hazel, I know your concern," Montague said, reading her expression. "Lythera is not trivial. But my experience allows me to navigate it safely. I will not take unnecessary risks, but I have to do this for myself, for you, for your mother."
Hazel's chest tightened. "But this… if you're wrong, gather, it could destroy more than just Sala or Lythera. It could destabilize every known dimension. How do you even know this will work?"
"I've prepared for this," he replied calmly. "The spells, the portals, the anchors—I've trained for a lifetime. But I won't deny the danger. That's why I need your trust, Hazel. And your vigilance."
Hazel nodded slowly. She understood the stakes, but the weight of them pressed down like an invisible fist.
The truth was she was not worried about any dimension. She understood what both she and Shylah could do. The dimensions would not destabilize with the both of them here.
It was her father that she truly worried about. For Shylah to tell her about a vision she knew it was something dire but he was not listening. He was confident. Maybe if she allowed it he would make it. Maybe he would live.
Michael's smiling face flashed before her eyes. Could she allow someone else she loved die?
Shylah sang and her words burned deep into Hazel.
"You have told. He made his decision. There is nothing else."
She looked at her father. Tears welling up in her eyes. She nodded once and turned and walked out of her father's office.
---
Classes passed in a blur. Hazel moved through lessons, her wand motions precise but her mind elsewhere. Marcel and Evervine noticed her distraction. Each glance, each subtle gesture, that they used to try and draw her attention back to them meant nothing. Hazel remained locked in thought. At lunch, she barely tasted the food, merely nodding in absent acknowledgment as the conversation around her continued.
Later, in the Dreamscape, Hazel led her friends through training. Sparks from Mens Fortis flew like falling stars, Luminis Veil shimmered softly around their heads, and Aegis Flow formed its protective mesh. Yet even amid the magical exercises, Hazel's mind traced the threads of Sala and Lythera, the war that loomed, and Montague's path through danger.
Shylah's gentle song reminded her: "Watch, listen… the balance is fragile." Hazel gave a quiet nod, acknowledging the warning without breaking her focus.
---
After dinner, Hazel rose. There was no hesitation now—no lingering. The Dreamscape awaited. She didn't even lay in bed. She sat at her desk and closed her eyes. Her spirit body moved to the dreamscape seamlessly, as always.
She closed her eyes and extended her hand, feeling the familiar hum of Shylah as she responded to her. Then the unfamiliar yet warningly clam addition of Fawkes.
A soft, musical note rang through the air, and a ring of fire sprang to life before her. Shylah sang a lilting melody, and the flames danced in a perfect circle. Hazel stepped forward, the warmth of the fire brushing against her skin. The portal solidified beneath her feet, and with a deep breath, she stepped through.
Dumbledore's office appeared, bathed in golden light. Fawkes perched serenely on his desk, head tilting as he regarded Shylah.
"Shylah and Fawkes really are good friends, aren't they?" Dumbledore's voice was calm, welcoming, but held a faint note of curiosity.
Hazel's eyes narrowed, and her voice was firm. "We need to talk about Harry and the Triwizard Tournament."
Dumbledore leaned back, expression turning grave as he listened. Hazel's pulse quickened. The moment stretched, filled with the weight of everything she had learned, everything she feared.
Outside the office, the Dreamscape shimmered faintly, a reflection of the tension within, as if even the magical threads of Star Academy were holding their breath.