Awakening
Sirius Black stirred from his long slumber, his body aching and weak from the ordeal he had barely survived. As his eyes fluttered open, the world around him came into focus, revealing a large, sunlit room with tall windows and shimmering curtains that let in a gentle, magical breeze. The soft, steady hum of enchantments filled the air, and the walls seemed to pulse with a soothing glow.
He had been at Aurora Sanctum Hospital for two months now, recovering slowly after being inexplicably thrown from the Veil. His strength was gradually returning, but the healers insisted on running more tests, baffled by how he had been freed from the mysterious realm.
Sirius blinked, pushing himself to sit up in the hospital bed. His bones ached, but he felt stronger than before. Just then, the door creaked open, and Harry entered the room, his face brightening when he saw his godfather awake and alert.
"You're finally up," Harry said with a relieved smile, walking over to Sirius. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I've been hit by a herd of Hippogriffs," Sirius muttered, rubbing his eyes. He looked around the unfamiliar room, his brow furrowing. "But where in Merlin's name am I?"
Harry hesitated for a moment before sitting at the edge of the bed. "You're safe, Sirius. That's the most important thing. But... you're not on Earth anymore. This is a new world. It's called Astaria, and we're on the continent of Staros."
Sirius raised an eyebrow, still groggy and confused. "Astaria? A new world?" He frowned deeply, trying to comprehend. "Harry, what happened?"
"I'll explain everything," Harry promised. "But first, we need to get you settled. You've been here for two months, and I'm taking you to my manor so you can properly recover in peace. You've got a lot to catch up on."
Sirius groaned softly as he threw off the blankets and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He was still weak, but the strength in his limbs was slowly returning. "I'm ready to get out of here."
With Harry's help, Sirius stood, unsteady but determined. The walk through the hospital was quiet, the corridors wide and full of magical light. Healers nodded as they passed, some bowing their heads slightly in respect toward Harry and his godfather.
When they finally reached Harry's manor, Sirius was too exhausted to question anything. Harry led him through the grand halls, past enchanted tapestries and glowing sconces, until they reached a warm, comfortable room. The bed was large and inviting, with tall windows looking out onto the lush, green expanse of Staros beyond.
"Rest here," Harry said as Sirius collapsed onto the bed. "I'll have food brought up, and we'll talk tomorrow. There's... a lot you need to know."
Sirius, already half-asleep, managed to nod. "You've always been too good at keeping secrets," he muttered before drifting off into a deep, restful slumber.
The next morning, Sirius awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside the window. The sunlight bathed the room in a golden glow, and for the first time in months, he felt truly rested. He sat up slowly, stretching as the last remnants of fatigue left his body. Harry entered the room moments later, holding a tray of breakfast.
"Feeling better?" Harry asked as he set the tray down on a nearby table.
"Much," Sirius replied, eyeing the food hungrily. "Now, I think it's time you told me everything."
Harry pulled up a chair and sat down across from him. He took a deep breath before starting. "It's a long story, Sirius. The Earth's magic was dying. That's why we left. I gathered as many magical beings and creatures as I could, and we created a portal to this world—Astaria. We're building something new here, a place where magic can thrive again."
Sirius listened quietly, his expression unreadable as Harry spoke about the Arcane Crossroads, the different magical leaders, and the strange, vibrant creatures of this new world. He learned about the ley lines, the new cities, the different species all creating their own homes, and the guardians that protected the land.
When Harry finally finished, Sirius let out a low whistle. "Blimey... I missed a lot."
"You did," Harry admitted. "But you're here now. You're alive, Sirius. And that's what matters."
Sirius stared out the window for a long moment, his mind reeling from everything he had learned. Finally, he turned to Harry with a faint grin. "Well, it sounds like you've done alright for yourself. I always knew you'd be something special."
Harry smiled back. "We have a lot to do. But having you here... it makes everything better."
Sirius chuckled. "I'm not much of a builder, but I reckon I can still be of some use. So, what's next?"
Harry stood up, his eyes full of determination. "Next? I show you the rest of your new world."