The First Full Day of the New School Year
The day begins early for Harry as he wakes up with the Headmistress's announcement from the previous evening still fresh in his mind. The news that the Five Custodians—Valeria, Emma, Theron, Lira, and Caelum—would be coming to Arcanum Isle for the Major Tournament is both exciting and unexpected. The idea of having his mentors present at his school fills him with both anticipation and a bit of anxiety. The Custodians had not mentioned their plans during the summer, and Harry feels a need to reach out to them before the day begins.
Before heading down to breakfast, Harry sits at his desk and quickly writes a pointed letter to the Custodians. His quill moves swiftly across the parchment as he expresses his surprise and slight frustration at not being informed about their upcoming visit.
Dear Custodians,
Why didn't you tell me you were coming to my school for the tournament? I could have been better prepared for your arrival. It's not every day that one's mentors make such a significant appearance. Regardless, I look forward to seeing you soon and will do my best to be ready.
Until then,
Harry
Harry seals the letter with wax, imprinting it with a simple emblem, and calls Nyx, his raven, over to his side. "Take this to Morgana's Crater, Nyx," he says, handing the letter to the bird. Nyx takes the letter in her talons, gives a soft caw, and flies out the open window, heading toward Morgana's Crater to deliver Harry's message. As he watches Nyx disappear into the sky, he takes a deep breath, preparing himself for whatever response might come.
After sending the letter, Harry heads down to the Great Hall for breakfast. As usual, the hall is filled with students, all buzzing with the energy of a new school year. The long tables are laden with food, and the chatter of excited voices fills the room. Talon, following their routine, goes to join the other slaves for their breakfast while Harry takes his place at the Umbra House table.
"Morning, Harry!" Cyrus calls out, sliding over to make room. "You look like you're ready to take on the world."
Harry chuckles. "More like the world is ready to take on me. Did you hear about the Custodians coming for the tournament? I had no idea until last night."
Lysandra raises an eyebrow. "You didn't know? I thought you'd be the first to hear about it."
"I wish," Harry replies, shaking his head. "I just sent a letter to ask why they kept it a secret."
Selene smiles softly. "Maybe they wanted it to be a surprise. The Custodians are full of mysteries, after all."
During breakfast, the students receive their timetables for the new term. Harry looks over his schedule with interest, noting the challenging courses ahead—Necromancy, Potions and Alchemy, Elemental Magic, and more. The timetable is packed, reflecting the intensity of the second-year curriculum.
"Looks like we're in Potions together," Lysandra says, glancing at Harry's timetable. "That should be interesting."
"Yeah, and we're sharing some Defense Against the Dark Arts classes too," Cyrus points out. "I'm ready to see what new curses they throw at us this year."
Selene nods thoughtfully. "And I've got Advanced Runes and Celestial Magic on the same day. It's going to be quite the juggling act."
With breakfast over and the timetables in hand, the students begin to disperse to their first classes. Talon returns to Harry's side, carrying the necessary books and supplies for the day. As they walk through the corridors of Arcanum Isle, the school is abuzz with the excitement of the new year. Harry feels a renewed sense of purpose as he prepares for the challenges ahead, knowing that the stakes are higher this year with the impending Major Tournament.
The day unfolds with a series of classes, each one demanding in its own way. Harry attends a lecture on necromantic theory, where the professor dives deep into the complexities of binding spells and the ethical considerations of working with life forces.
Professor Marrow, a tall, gaunt figure with sharp eyes, paces the front of the classroom. "Necromancy is not merely about power over life and death," he intones. "It is about understanding the balance between them. Tell me, Mr. Lockwood," he suddenly directs at Harry, "what do you believe is the most dangerous aspect of necromancy?"
Harry, caught slightly off guard, straightens in his seat. "The most dangerous aspect is losing yourself in the magic—forgetting the line between control and chaos," he replies.
Professor Marrow nods approvingly. "A thoughtful answer. Remember it well, all of you. Control is the key to mastery."
The day continues with practical sessions in alchemical transmutations, where Harry carefully follows intricate instructions to transmute common metals into rare alloys, and elemental magic exercises that push his control and understanding of the elements to new limits.
"Focus, Mr. Lockwood," Professor Caden urges during their elemental magic class. "Fire is not merely a tool; it is a living force. You must guide it, not command it."
Harry's brow furrows in concentration as he tries to balance a delicate stream of fire between his hands. Talon, as always, is by Harry's side, carrying his books and taking detailed notes during each class, ready to assist in any way he can.
Throughout the day, Harry crosses paths with his friends between classes. They exchange quick updates on how the day is going, sharing insights from their different subjects.
"I nearly set my cauldron on fire in Potions," Cyrus admits, laughing as they walk to their next class. "Apparently, adding dragon's blood before the essence of nightshade is a terrible idea."
Lysandra smirks. "You mean you didn't read the footnote? It's practically highlighted."
Harry grins. "Sounds like we're all off to a great start. Just imagine what's going to happen in Defense later."
By the end of the day, Harry and Talon have settled back into the familiar rhythm of school life. Despite the pressures of the advanced coursework, Harry feels more confident and focused, knowing that he has the support of his friends and the guidance of the Custodians, even if their presence will soon be felt more directly with their arrival for the tournament.
As they walk back to their dorm room, Talon quietly observes, "You handled yourself well today, Master Harry. The professors seem to have high expectations for you."
Harry nods, glancing over at Talon. "Thanks, Talon. And thank you for being there, as always. I'm going to need all the support I can get this year."
Talon smiles faintly. "I'm here, as always."
With the day's challenges behind them, Harry takes a deep breath, feeling the weight of the year's potential settling on his shoulders. There is much to prepare for, and even more to prove. But with each step, he feels more ready to face whatever comes next.