A Summer of Rest and Renewal
Harry's return to Morgana's Crater marked the beginning of a summer unlike any he had ever experienced—a summer dedicated entirely to rest, relaxation, and self-care. After the relentless pace of the school year, Harry embraced the opportunity to unwind, allowing himself to fully relax and recharge.
For the first two months, Harry did little more than indulge in the luxuries that Morgana's Crater offered. His days were spent lounging in bed, drifting in and out of peaceful sleep, or soaking in the warm, bubbling waters of the hot tub. The soothing heat of the tub eased away the lingering tension from months of intense studying and exams, while the serene atmosphere of the Crater allowed his mind to settle into a state of calm.
When he wasn't in the hot tub, Harry spent time in the pool, floating lazily on the surface as the cool water refreshed his body and cleared his thoughts. Talon was never far from his side, ensuring that Harry's every need was met. Talon fed him grapes, massaged his shoulders, his back, and every part of his body that needed attention, ensuring that Harry's muscles remained loose and relaxed.
"How do you manage to always know exactly what I need, Talon?" Harry asked one afternoon as he lay by the pool, enjoying the sensation of the sun warming his skin.
Talon, kneeling beside him, smiled softly. "I've learned to read you well, Master Harry. You deserve this rest after everything you've been through."
Harry chuckled, stretching out. "I suppose I could get used to this kind of treatment. You make it hard to want to go back to school."
"Enjoy it while you can," Talon replied with a knowing grin. "I doubt the Custodians will let you lounge about forever."
Their time together was quiet and intimate, filled with the unspoken understanding that had developed between them. Talon's touch was always careful, always considerate, and Harry found himself growing even closer to his loyal companion during these days of rest.
When Harry felt the urge to move, he would wander through the vast halls of Morgana's Crater, the ancient stone walls and majestic architecture offering a sense of peace and continuity. He walked the grounds, breathing in the fresh air, and simply let himself be present in the moment. The pressure of school was a distant memory, and for the first time in a long while, Harry felt truly at ease.
Throughout these two months, Harry shared every meal—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—with the five Custodians. These meals were a highlight of his day, providing not just nourishment but also companionship. The Custodians were always eager to hear about Harry's thoughts, his reflections on the past year, and his plans for the future, though they made sure not to press him too much during his time of rest. The conversations were light, often touching on various topics ranging from the world's history to magical theory, always leaving Harry feeling both intellectually and emotionally fulfilled.
"Harry, I see you've been making good use of the hot tub," Valeria observed one evening over dinner, a playful smile tugging at her lips.
Harry grinned, nodding. "I think I've spent more time in there than I have anywhere else in the Crater. It's a good place to think... or to not think."
Emma nodded approvingly. "Rest is important, but I suspect you'll soon be itching to do more than just relax. The mind needs its own exercise, after all."
Harry laughed, "You're right, Emma. I can feel it already. A few more weeks, and I think I'll be ready to dive back into the books."
As the third month of summer began, Harry felt a shift within himself. The relaxation of the previous months had rejuvenated him, and now, a familiar curiosity and thirst for knowledge began to stir. Feeling mentally refreshed and eager to reengage with his studies, Harry turned his attention to the library.
The library at Morgana's Crater was vast and filled with countless tomes on every subject imaginable. Harry spent his days delving into books that covered the material from his elective courses—reviewing the knowledge he had gained in Gift Training, AP Necromancy, Nature's Balance, Slave Training, and Magical Creature Care. He found that with the pressure of exams behind him, he could approach the material with a renewed sense of curiosity and enjoyment. The concepts that had once seemed daunting now felt more approachable, and Harry found himself deepening his understanding of the subjects he had come to love.
"Master Harry, shall I fetch you another book on Magical Creature Care?" Talon asked one afternoon as he noticed Harry lingering over a passage.
"Yes, please," Harry replied, his eyes still scanning the page in front of him. "And maybe something on ancient runes. I feel like I've forgotten half of what I learned last year."
Talon nodded. "I'll bring both. It's good to see you so engaged again."
"Feels good, too," Harry admitted with a smile. "Though I have to thank you for keeping me on track. I could easily get lost in these shelves."
In addition to his elective books, Harry also explored the general history of the world and the nine continents. He read about the ancient civilizations, the rise and fall of empires, and the intricate relationships between the nine powerful families that ruled each continent. The more he learned, the more Harry appreciated the complexity and depth of the world he now called home.
These study sessions were not rushed; Harry took his time, allowing himself to absorb the information at his own pace. Talon was always nearby, ready to fetch books, take notes, or simply offer a quiet presence as Harry immersed himself in the world of knowledge. The days in the library were peaceful and productive, providing a perfect balance to the earlier months of relaxation.
As the fifth month of summer arrived, so did the long-awaited test results. Harry opened the envelope with a mix of anticipation and calm, confident in the work he had put into his exams. As he scanned the results, a smile spread across his face—he had passed with flying colors. The hard work and dedication of the past year had paid off, and Harry felt a deep sense of pride and satisfaction.
Along with the test results came a new sheet detailing his options for the upcoming school year. Harry could choose to continue with the same electives or select new ones. After some consideration, Harry decided to stick with the electives he had already taken—Gift Training, AP Necromancy, Nature's Balance, Slave Training, and Magical Creature Care—understanding that these subjects would become more challenging and demanding as he advanced.
However, the sheet also listed two new additions to his schedule: Astrology on Friday nights and Divination. Unlike the Divination taught at Hogwarts, which Harry had always found dubious, this version promised to be far more grounded and practical, focusing on the real-world applications of foresight and intuition. Harry found himself intrigued by the possibilities these new subjects offered and looked forward to the challenges they would bring.
That evening at dinner, Harry shared the news with the five Custodians. They listened with interest as he described his plans for the upcoming year, nodding in approval at his choices.
"I think Astrology will suit you well, Harry," Caelum remarked, his eyes gleaming with interest. "The stars have much to teach those who are willing to look beyond the obvious."
"And Divination," added Lira, "is not just about seeing the future. It's about understanding the present in a way that others might not."
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "I'm looking forward to it. I think it'll be a good challenge—something different."
The Custodians offered their insights into the new subjects, providing Harry with a deeper understanding of what to expect. Harry felt a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the future. The summer had been one of relaxation, reflection, and intellectual growth. As the next school year approached, Harry was ready to embrace the challenges ahead, knowing that he had the support of the Custodians, Talon, and the knowledge he had gained over the past few months.