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Chapter 88 - A New Discovery

The reunion with Team CFVY brought a sense of relief and joy that Gwendolyn hadn't felt in a long time. As they sat together, sharing stories and catching up, Gwendolyn felt a deep connection to each of them. They had all endured so much, and now they were finally together again.

However, as the conversations wound down and the night grew darker, Gwendolyn's new combination of energy began to reveal something extraordinary. As she looked at Coco, her breath caught in her throat. She could see something shimmering within Coco—a potential for magic, the kind of magic from the world of Hogwarts.

Gwendolyn's mind raced. The week they had spent at Hogwarts, introducing Coco to her Hogwarts family, must have somehow imbued Coco with the potential to wield magic. The realization filled her with a mix of excitement and fear. She didn't want to lose Coco again, and now she had a way to ensure they could stay connected on a deeper level.

Taking a deep breath, Gwendolyn reached out and took Coco's hand. "Coco, there's something I need to tell you."

Coco looked at her, concern and curiosity in her eyes. "What is it, Gwen?"

Gwendolyn hesitated for a moment, then decided to be honest. "When we were at Hogwarts, something must have happened. I can see it now—you have the potential for magic, the kind of magic I learned there."

Coco's eyes widened in surprise. "Magic? Are you serious?"

Gwendolyn nodded, squeezing Coco's hand. "Yes. I can see it in you. And I want to help you learn to use it. I don't want to lose you again, and this could be a way for us to stay together, to share something incredible."

Coco's expression softened, and she leaned in to give Gwendolyn a deep, heartfelt kiss. When they pulled apart, Coco smiled. "I'd love that, Gwen. I'd love to learn magic with you."

Relief and joy washed over Gwendolyn. "Thank you, Coco. We'll go to Hogwarts, and I'll teach you everything I know."

In the back of her mind, Gwendolyn knew she was forgetting something important—her agreement with General Ironwood to weaponize her knowledge. But the feeling of being used as a weapon had made her dislike the man, and in this moment, her desire to protect and be with Coco overrode any sense of duty to Ironwood.

As they made their plans, Qrow approached, having overheard part of their conversation. "Are you sure about this, Gwen? What about your agreement with Ironwood?"

Gwendolyn frowned, her resolve hardening. "I don't want to be used as a weapon, Qrow. I agreed to help him, but I won't let him dictate my life. Coco means too much to me."

Qrow nodded, understanding in his eyes. "I get it, kid. Just be careful. Ironwood won't be happy about this."

Gwendolyn sighed. "I know. But I have to do what's right for me and Coco."

The next morning, as the sun rose over the desert, Gwendolyn and Coco prepared to leave for Hogwarts. They said their goodbyes to Team CFVY, promising to return once Coco had learned to control her newfound abilities.

Fox clasped Gwendolyn's shoulder. "Take care of each other, and stay safe."

Velvet hugged them both tightly. "We'll be here when you get back."

Yatsuhashi nodded in agreement. "Good luck."

With one last look at their friends, Gwendolyn and Coco stepped into the void, the familiar swirling darkness enveloping them. This time, Gwendolyn felt a sense of hope and excitement. They were embarking on a new journey together, one that would strengthen their bond and give them the tools to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As they emerged on the other side, the familiar sight of Hogwarts greeted them. Gwendolyn smiled at Coco, her heart filled with love and determination. "Welcome to Hogwarts, Coco. Let's get started."

Together, they walked towards the castle, ready to begin their new adventure.

Gwendolyn and Coco walked through the snow-covered grounds of Hogwarts, hand in hand. The castle loomed ahead, its towers and turrets silhouetted against the winter sky. The crunch of snow beneath their feet was the only sound, a peaceful backdrop to their conversation.

"This place feels familiar, but different," Coco remarked, looking around. "Are you sure it's the same Hogwarts?"

Gwendolyn nodded. "It's an alternate timeline. Similar to the Hogwarts I showed you before, but with some differences. I can feel the magic here, though. It's strong, just like before."

As they approached the main door, it swung open, revealing Albus Dumbledore standing in the entrance. His eyes twinkled with curiosity and warmth as he regarded the two girls.

"Gwendolyn, welcome back," Dumbledore greeted, his gaze shifting to Coco. "And who might this be?"

Gwendolyn smiled, squeezing Coco's hand. "Professor Dumbledore, this is Coco Adel. She's... very important to me. She's from another world, like me. And she has the potential for magic."

Dumbledore's eyebrows raised in surprise. "I see. It's not every day we receive visitors from other worlds. And what brings you both here?"

Gwendolyn took a deep breath. "Coco spent some time in my original world of Hogwarts, and it seems she absorbed some of the magic there. I want to help her learn to control it, just as I did. But I know this is unprecedented. Even my presence here is unusual, let alone bringing someone else, who didn't grow up with magic and is already 18."

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully, his eyes never leaving the two girls. "Indeed, it is unprecedented. But Hogwarts has always been a place of learning and growth, no matter the circumstances. We will have to approach this carefully. Coco, are you willing to undertake the challenge of learning magic at this stage in your life?"

Coco nodded, determination in her eyes. "Yes, Professor. I'm ready to learn, and I have Gwen to guide me."

Dumbledore smiled warmly. "Very well. We will make arrangements. Gwendolyn, you will be responsible for Coco's initial training, given your unique experience. I will provide any additional resources and support you may need. But remember, this is a place of learning and respect. We must approach this with the gravity it deserves."

Gwendolyn felt a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, Professor. We won't let you down."

Dumbledore nodded, his eyes twinkling. "I have no doubt of that. Now, let's get you settled in. It's a rare opportunity to witness the beginning of a new magical journey."

As they entered the castle, Gwendolyn and Coco felt a sense of anticipation and excitement. They were embarking on a new path, one filled with challenges and opportunities. With Dumbledore's support and their determination, they were ready to face whatever lay ahead.

The castle felt both familiar and new as they walked through its halls. Students and professors alike turned to watch the newcomers with curiosity. Gwendolyn explained their situation to the few who asked, earning nods of understanding and support.

They were shown to a cozy room in one of the towers, where they would stay. The room was filled with warm, soft light, and the walls were lined with bookshelves, filled with tomes on magical theory and practice.

Coco looked around, her eyes wide with wonder. "This place is amazing."

Gwendolyn smiled, wrapping an arm around her. "It is. And now it's our home for a while. Let's get started on your magical journey."

The excitement of starting their new magical journey at Hogwarts filled Gwendolyn and Coco with anticipation. After settling into their cozy room in one of the castle's towers, they knew the first order of business was to get Coco a wand. With Dumbledore's blessing, they set off for Diagon Alley.

The bustling streets of Diagon Alley were a stark contrast to the serene grounds of Hogwarts. Witches and wizards moved about, shopping for various magical supplies and chattering animatedly. Gwendolyn felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her as they approached Ollivanders, the iconic wand shop.

As they stepped inside, the familiar smell of polished wood and ancient magic greeted them. The walls were lined with countless boxes, each containing a unique wand. The sight brought back memories for Gwendolyn of the time she spent with her adoptive father, Garrick Ollivander, in her original world.

"It's amazing in here," Coco whispered, her eyes wide as she took in the shelves upon shelves of wand boxes.

Gwendolyn smiled, squeezing her hand. "This is where it all begins. A wand is a wizard's most important tool."

A moment later, the shop door behind the counter creaked open, and a figure emerged. It was Garrick Ollivander, looking much the same as she remembered but with a slight air of unfamiliarity. This was a different version of the man she knew, and he wouldn't recognize her at all.

"Good afternoon," Ollivander greeted them, his keen eyes assessing Coco with curiosity. "I see we have a new witch in need of a wand."

Coco nodded, excitement and nerves mingling in her expression. "Yes, sir. I'm ready."

Ollivander's eyes twinkled. "Very well. Let's see what we can find for you."

He began the process of selecting and testing wands, pulling various boxes from the shelves and handing them to Coco one by one. Each wand seemed to reject her, sending sparks or making strange noises. Gwendolyn watched, feeling a pang of longing for the man who had guided her through this very process so long ago.

As Ollivander handed Coco yet another wand, Gwendolyn couldn't help but remember her own experience. The excitement, the uncertainty, and finally, the right match. She hoped Coco would find her match soon.

Finally, Ollivander pulled a box from a high shelf and handed the wand to Coco. It was made of ebony wood with a core of phoenix feather, elegant and powerful.

Coco took the wand, and the moment it touched her hand, a soft glow enveloped her. Sparks flew from the tip, casting a warm light around the shop. Ollivander's eyes widened with satisfaction.

"Ah, yes. Ebony with phoenix feather. A strong and determined combination. I believe this wand has chosen you, Miss Adel."

Coco's face lit up with joy. "It's perfect."

Gwendolyn felt a swell of pride and happiness. "You did it, Coco."

Ollivander nodded, pleased with the match. "Remember, Miss Adel, the wand chooses the wizard. This one has chosen you because it senses your potential and your strength."

As they left Ollivanders, Coco couldn't stop marveling at her new wand. "This is incredible, Gwen. I can't wait to start learning."

Gwendolyn smiled, her heart full. "We'll start right away. There's so much to learn, and I know you'll be amazing."

With Coco's new wand in hand, they returned to Hogwarts, ready to dive into the world of magic. Gwendolyn took on the role of teacher and guide, helping Coco navigate the basics of spellcasting, wand movements, and magical theory.

Days turned into weeks, and Coco's progress was remarkable. She absorbed the lessons eagerly, her determination and natural talent shining through. Gwendolyn felt a deep sense of pride and joy watching her girlfriend flourish in this new environment.

One evening, after a particularly successful practice session, they sat together in their cozy room, the warmth of the fireplace casting a soft glow around them.

"Thank you, Gwen," Coco said softly, her eyes filled with gratitude. "None of this would be possible without you."

Gwendolyn smiled, leaning in to kiss her gently. "We're in this together, Coco. I'm just as grateful to have you by my side."

As they looked out the window at the snow-covered grounds of Hogwarts, they knew their journey was just beginning.

One night, as the moonlight filtered through the tall windows of Hogwarts, Gwendolyn made her way to Albus Dumbledore's office. The flickering torches cast long shadows on the stone walls, and the corridors were eerily silent. She had been troubled for days by the dark aura she sensed around Professor Quirrell, and she knew she had to speak to Dumbledore about it.

When she reached the gargoyle guarding the entrance to Dumbledore's office, she whispered the password, "Sherbet Lemon," and the statue sprang to life, revealing the spiral staircase behind it. Gwendolyn ascended the stairs, her heart heavy with the knowledge she carried.

As she knocked on the door and heard Dumbledore's calm voice invite her in, she took a deep breath and entered. The headmaster's office was filled with the familiar sight of magical artifacts, books, and the soft, comforting presence of Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix.

Dumbledore looked up from his desk, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Gwendolyn, what brings you here at this hour?"

Gwendolyn approached the desk, her expression serious. "Professor, there's something important I need to tell you. It's about Professor Quirrell. I've sensed a dark presence around him, something very similar to what I encountered in my own world. I believe he's half-possessed by Voldemort."

Dumbledore's expression didn't change, but a flicker of acknowledgment passed through his eyes. "I see. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Gwendolyn. But I must admit, I am already aware of Quirrell's situation."

Gwendolyn's eyes widened in surprise. "You know? But why haven't you done anything about it? He's a danger to everyone here."

Dumbledore sighed, leaning back in his chair. "It is not as simple as it seems. I am aware of the darkness within Quirrell, and I am monitoring the situation closely. However, there are several reasons why I cannot act directly at this moment."

He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Firstly, we need Quirrell to fulfill certain roles within the school. Finding a suitable replacement mid-year would be problematic. More importantly, there is a prophecy concerning Rose Potter. She needs to face certain challenges and receive specific training to prepare her for what lies ahead. Interfering with Quirrell now could disrupt this process."

Gwendolyn frowned, feeling a mix of frustration and resignation. "I understand, Professor. But it's hard to stand by and do nothing, knowing the danger he represents."

Dumbledore nodded sympathetically. "I appreciate your concern, Gwendolyn. It is not easy to refrain from action when we see a threat. But sometimes, we must consider the greater good and the larger picture. I assure you, I am keeping a close eye on the situation. Your role here, for now, is to focus on Coco's training and your own studies. Leave Quirrell to me."

Gwendolyn sighed, feeling the weight of Dumbledore's words. "I understand, Professor. I'll trust your judgment."

Dumbledore smiled kindly. "Thank you, Gwendolyn. Your trust means a great deal to me. Now, it's late. You should get some rest."

Gwendolyn nodded and turned to leave, feeling a mixture of relief and unease. As she made her way back to her room, she couldn't shake the feeling that events were unfolding that were beyond her control. She had to trust Dumbledore, even if it went against her instincts.