The Floating Island Prison
Harry stood at the edge of a hill just outside of Arcane Crossroads, staring out at the gnarly piece of land in the distance. It hovered slightly above the ground, barely connected by thin, winding vines and roots that stretched down to the surface below. The small floating island was unlike anything he had seen before—a strange and untamed mass of rock and soil, shrouded in a mist that seemed to cling to its jagged edges.
It had caught Harry's eye during his regular walks through Staros, and now, as he observed it from afar, an idea began to take root. The location was isolated, naturally protected by the distance from the mainland and the mist that swirled around it. It was the perfect place for something he had been thinking about for a while: a prison.
Harry had hoped that they wouldn't need such a facility in this new world, but as Staros continued to grow, it became clear that some form of justice system would be necessary. Not everyone who arrived would have the best intentions, and there needed to be a place for those who broke the law. A prison on this floating island—removed from society yet easily accessible for law enforcement—was the perfect solution.
That afternoon, Harry gathered the other key members of the UK magical community still in Staros—Draco Malfoy, the Weasley twins, and a few others who had experience in magical security and architecture. They met in one of the newly completed Ministry meeting rooms, the enchanted map of Staros laid out before them.
"I've found a location for the prison," Harry began, pointing to the floating island on the map. "It's remote, naturally protected, and far enough from the cities and towns to prevent any escapes."
Draco raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A floating island? That's... unique. How do you plan on securing it?"
Harry tapped the map thoughtfully. "We'll use a combination of wards and enchantments. The island itself is already isolated, but we can add anti-apparition wards, protective barriers, and containment spells to make sure no one can leave without permission."
Fred Weasley leaned forward, grinning. "And maybe some enchanted guards? We could use creatures to help monitor the prison—creatures that would keep the prisoners in line."
Harry considered this. "It's possible. We'd need to choose the right creatures, though—something powerful but manageable."
"I think we should also make the prison itself reflect the land it's built on," George added, studying the map. "Make it difficult to navigate. Think of it as a labyrinth, with each section carefully monitored and warded."
The group continued to brainstorm, outlining the design for the prison. They decided that the structure would be made of enchanted stone, built into the rocky surface of the floating island. The prison would consist of several levels, with the most dangerous prisoners kept in the deepest, most secure cells. Each cell would have its own magical wards, ensuring that even the most powerful wizards couldn't escape.
"We can also add a few defensive features," Draco suggested. "Perhaps enchanted walls that shift and change, making it nearly impossible for anyone to map out a route of escape. The guards will know the layout, of course, but the prisoners will be constantly disoriented."
Harry nodded, scribbling down notes in his ever-growing notebook. "That sounds perfect. We'll also include a magical force field around the island—something that will alert us if anyone tries to leave without authorization."
They spent the next few hours finalizing the details, from the prison's layout to the wards that would be put in place. By the time the meeting ended, Harry felt confident that they had a solid plan.
Over the next few weeks, construction began on the floating island prison. Teams of builders, enchanters, and magical architects worked tirelessly, transporting materials to the island via enchanted bridges and platforms. The stone walls rose quickly, each block infused with protective enchantments to strengthen the structure and resist magical tampering.
The island itself, suspended in the air by ancient magic, was already a natural fortress. Harry ensured that the anti-apparition wards and protective barriers were placed strategically, creating a web of defenses that would prevent any unauthorized movement in or out of the prison. Even the air surrounding the island was thick with protective magic, making it nearly impossible for anyone to fly or apparate onto the island without triggering alarms.
The prison's interior was a complex labyrinth of corridors and cells, designed to confuse and disorient anyone who tried to navigate it. Each level was warded against different types of magic—illusion spells, escape charms, and even dark magic were rendered useless within the walls. The most dangerous prisoners would be kept in cells with reinforced wards, designed to suppress their magical abilities.
One evening, after a long day overseeing the construction, Harry stood at the edge of the floating island, gazing down at the mist-covered land below. The prison was nearly complete, and he felt a strange mix of emotions as he looked at it. This place was a necessity—a safeguard to ensure that Staros remained safe—but it also represented a darker side of this new world.
Draco joined him, standing quietly by his side. "It's impressive," Draco said after a moment, his tone thoughtful. "But I wonder... do you ever think about what it means to build something like this? To create a place for people to be locked away?"
Harry sighed, nodding. "I have. It's not something I wanted to do, but we need it. People make mistakes, and some people... well, they'll need to be kept away from society. It's not a perfect solution, but it's necessary."
Draco glanced at the misty horizon. "I suppose you're right. Still, it feels strange, doesn't it? Building a new world and already having to plan for the worst."
"It does," Harry admitted. "But if we're going to build something sustainable, we have to think about everything—the good and the bad. This prison will keep everyone safe, and that's what matters."
Draco nodded, and they stood in silence for a while, watching as the final touches were made to the prison below.
By the end of the month, the floating island prison was fully operational. Harry named it The Iron Bastion, a fitting title for the impenetrable fortress that now hovered above the land. The first guards—highly trained wizards and magical creatures—were stationed at the prison, ready to oversee the facility.
As Harry looked at the finished structure, he felt a sense of relief. The Iron Bastion was a necessary addition to their growing world, a symbol of justice and protection. It wasn't something he had ever imagined needing, but now that it was complete, he knew it was the right decision.
With the prison in place, Harry turned his attention back to Staros, ready to continue building the world they had dreamed of. There was still so much to do—so many places to build, people to protect, and dreams to realize. But for now, The Iron Bastion stood as a reminder that they were prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.