A Message from the Crater
The morning air at Arcanum Isle was crisp and cool, a stark contrast to the excitement of the previous night's celebrations. The Great Hall was still quiet, the early sun casting long shadows through the tall windows. Most of the students were still asleep, recovering from the festivities, but for Harry, the day was about to start with a serious conversation.
The Four Custodians—Valeria, Theron, Lira, and Emma—had asked Harry to meet them before breakfast. It was rare for all four to request a private meeting like this, and Harry knew it meant something urgent had happened.
As Harry approached the courtyard where they had agreed to meet, he saw the Custodians waiting for him. Valeria, Keeper of the Veil, stood at the forefront, her posture rigid and her expression serious. Beside her were Theron, Guardian of the Arcane Wells, his face deeply contemplative; Lira, Warden of the Obsidian Labyrinth, who seemed more alert than usual; and Emma, The Shade of the Throne, whose presence was calm yet firm.
Valeria was the first to speak, her voice grave and direct. "Harry, there is something you need to know. While you were here, something happened at Morgana's Crater—something that requires your immediate attention."
Harry's heart skipped a beat, a knot forming in his stomach. "What happened?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
"The portal at Morgana's Crater opened again," Emma explained softly, her ethereal form flickering slightly in the morning light. "A person came through—a person of great importance, though we do not yet know their identity."
Harry's eyes widened. The portal—the mysterious gateway that had brought him to Morgana's Seat—had been a puzzle since his arrival. They had all thought it had closed permanently. "The portal reopened? But... how?"
Theron nodded, his expression serious. "We aren't certain. The portal's magic is ancient and beyond our full understanding. But what we do know is that someone has crossed through, and they vanished before we could identify them. Their magical signature is unfamiliar and powerful."
Lira's voice was as cold and precise as ever. "We have contained the situation for now, but we need you to return to Morgana's Crater during the Christmas break. Whoever came through may be linked to you in some way. You might be the only one who can deal with this."
Harry felt a mixture of dread and determination settle over him. The portal's reopening brought with it unknown dangers and challenges, ones that could impact not only him but potentially all of Morgana's Seat. "I understand," he said, his voice steady. "I'll be there as soon as the break begins."
The Custodians exchanged glances, their expressions serious and resolute. Valeria spoke again, her tone carrying a note of warning. "Be prepared, Harry. This could change everything we know about Morgana's Crater... and about your purpose here."
Harry nodded, the weight of her words pressing down on him. "Thank you for telling me. I'll be ready."
With that, the Custodians turned to leave, their forms blending with the morning mist as they made their way toward the path leading back to Morgana's Crater. In the distance, Garmr, their formidable guardian beast—part Cerberus, part Hellhound, and part Unicorn—waited for them. With a low growl and a powerful leap, Garmr took to the skies, carrying the Custodians back to where the mystery of the portal awaited.
Harry stood alone in the courtyard for a moment, his mind racing with questions. Who could have come through the portal? What did they want? The joy of victory from the tournament was now tempered by the realization that a new challenge awaited him—one that could be even more dangerous than anything he had faced so far.
Breakfast and the Heads' Final Speech
When Harry finally made his way back to the Great Hall for breakfast, the room was filling up with students, buzzing with a mix of excitement and lingering exhaustion from the previous night's festivities. Harry spotted his friends—Lysandra, Cyrus, and Selene—already seated at the Umbra House table.
"Hey, Harry," Lysandra called as he approached, her smile fading slightly when she saw his expression. "You look like you've got something on your mind."
Harry sat down, lowering his voice as he spoke. "The Custodians called me in this morning. Something happened at Morgana's Crater... the portal opened again."
Cyrus nearly dropped his goblet. "The portal? But... I thought it was closed for good after you came through!"
"That's what we all thought," Harry replied, his voice tense. "But it opened again, and someone came through. They don't know who, and whoever it was disappeared before the Custodians could find them."
Selene's eyes widened with concern. "So, what's the plan?"
"I need to go back during the Christmas break," Harry said, his tone resolute. "The Custodians think I might be the only one who can deal with this."
Lysandra placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We'll help you prepare, whatever you need. We've got your back."
Before Harry could respond, the Headmistress, Isabell Star, rose from her seat at the high table, calling for silence. The Nine Heads of the Continent Families stood behind her, each exuding a powerful presence.
"Students of Arcanum Isle," the Headmistress began, her voice carrying throughout the hall, "as we bring this year's Bewitched Tournament to a close, we are honored to have been joined by the Nine Heads of the Continent Families. Before they depart, they have a few final words to share with you."
The hall fell silent as Auden Ironclad of Karnath stepped forward first. His rugged demeanor commanded attention, and his deep voice was like rolling thunder. "You've all shown strength in this tournament, but remember, true strength isn't just in your victories; it's in how you carry yourselves after a loss. Continue to rise, no matter how many times you fall."
The students broke into applause as Quinn Emberguard of Azoria stepped forward next. His serene expression and wise eyes calmed the room. "The bonds you've forged here are invaluable. Treasure them, for they are what will guide you through the darkest of times."
Each Head spoke in turn, offering their unique perspectives—Renzo Drakkenclaw emphasized courage and conviction, Lyra Tideborn highlighted ambition tempered by wisdom, Zelena Umbrasil spoke of embracing the unexpected, and Marin Archivist underscored the pursuit of knowledge and compassion. Soren Glaciara praised the virtues of toughness and selflessness, while Zorion Skydancer reminded everyone to remain adaptable, like the winds.
As the final speeches concluded, the Heads gathered at the center of the hall, preparing for their departure. With a graceful gesture, Zorion Skydancer summoned the Sunnighters—the mystical chariots pulled by the legendary creatures that combined the ethereal qualities of Thestrals, Unicorns, Nightmares, and Pegasi. The Sunnighters descended from the sky, their enchanted forms hovering just above the ground.
With a final nod to the students and staff, the Heads stepped into their chariots. The magical beasts lifted off with a powerful beat of their wings, ascending into the skies and disappearing beyond the horizon.
Returning to Routine
As both the Custodians and the Nine Heads departed, life at Arcanum Isle gradually returned to its normal rhythm. The excitement of the Bewitched Tournament began to fade, replaced by the familiar routines of classes, studying, and magical training. For most students, it was back to business as usual.
But for Harry and his friends, the mystery at Morgana's Crater loomed large in their minds. As they walked to their first class, Lysandra turned to Harry, her expression thoughtful. "You've got a lot to prepare for. But you're not going to do it alone."
Harry nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "I know. We'll face this together, like always."
Cyrus clapped him on the back, his grin unwavering. "And if anyone tries to mess with us, they'll have more than just you to deal with."
Selene smiled, her voice filled with confidence. "We're a team. Whatever's waiting at that portal, we'll be ready."
Harry felt a sense of calm and gratitude wash over him. The Bewitched Tournament had been a significant challenge, but it was clear that even greater challenges lay ahead. Yet, with his friends by his side and the support of those who believed in him, he felt prepared to face whatever awaited him at Morgana's Crater.
And so, as the students of Arcanum Isle settled back into their routines, the stage was set for the next chapter of Harry's journey—a chapter filled with new mysteries, new dangers, and the promise of new discoveries.