Throne Room Encounter
After several days of rest, contemplation, and subtle observations of Morgana's Seat, Harry received a summons from Valeria, the Keeper of the Veil. The message was clear but polite: the Custodians had decided it was time for a formal discussion, and Harry was to be brought before them in the Throne Room. Before leaving his room, Emma appeared to guide him. Her presence was as ethereal and calming as before, and she offered Harry a few words of reassurance. "This meeting is important, Harry. They seek to understand you, as much as you seek to understand this place. Be honest, but also be cautious. The Throne Room is a place of power."
Emma led Harry through the winding corridors of Morgana's Fortress, where the walls were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes from Morgana's past—her conquests, her experiments with magic, and her moments of triumph. As they walked, the air grew thicker with magic, and Harry could feel the presence of something ancient and powerful ahead. As they neared the Throne Room, the architecture became more grand and imposing. The doors to the Throne Room were massive, made of dark wood inlaid with glowing runes that pulsed with magical energy. Two of the Guardians stood watch, their eyes following Harry's every move as the doors slowly swung open.
The Throne Room was a vast, circular chamber with high, vaulted ceilings that seemed to stretch endlessly upward. The walls were lined with massive pillars, each one engraved with intricate designs that depicted the flow of magic throughout Morgana's Seat. At the far end of the room, elevated on a platform, stood Morgana's Throne—a large, imposing seat made of black stone and adorned with arcane symbols. The Throne pulsed with a subtle, dark energy, a testament to the power it once held and perhaps still held. The five Custodians stood near the Throne, each positioned in a way that reflected their roles and personalities. Valeria stood closest to the Throne, symbolizing her authority over the Veil. Theron, the guardian of the Arcane Wells, was nearby, his presence grounding the room with the stability of ancient magic. Lira, ever vigilant, watched Harry with a careful eye, while Caelum stood slightly further back, his expression one of curiosity. Emma remained slightly apart from the others, her gaze fixed on Harry with a mixture of concern and encouragement.
Valeria gestured for Harry to step forward, and he did so, feeling the weight of the Custodians' gazes upon him. "Harry Potter," Valeria began, her tone formal yet not unkind. "We have brought you here to discuss matters of great importance. Both your world and ours may be connected in ways we do not yet fully understand. It is time we share what we know." Harry took a deep breath before speaking, recounting his journey into the Forbidden Forest, the discovery of the ancient portal, and how he was unexpectedly pulled into Morgana's Seat. He explained his confusion upon arriving, his desire to return to his world, and his realization that this world operated under different magical laws and traditions.
Valeria listened carefully, then asked, "Tell us more about your world, Harry. About the magic you practice and the events that led you to that portal. What kind of power could have drawn you here?" Harry spoke about the Wizarding World, the war against Voldemort, and the role he played in defeating one of the most powerful dark wizards in his world. He mentioned the unique aspects of his magic—particularly his connection to powerful artifacts like the Elder Wand and the Philosopher's Stone. He was careful to avoid revealing too much, mindful of Emma's earlier advice, but he was also honest, knowing that trust was a two-way street.
Theron stepped forward, his voice deep and measured. "The Veil of Worlds was not meant to be breached. For centuries, it has remained dormant, protecting our world from outside interference. But your arrival suggests that the barrier between our worlds is weakening. Perhaps it is Morgana's magic that called out to you, seeking something... or someone... from your world." Lira, still wary, added, "If the Veil is weakening, then others may follow. We cannot allow our world to be exposed to threats we do not understand. You may not be a threat, Harry Potter, but what if others from your world come with darker intentions?" Emma, her voice soft and echoing, spoke to the deeper connection she sensed. "I believe that your arrival is not an accident, Harry. Morgana's magic is old and wise. It does not act without purpose. There may be something here that you are meant to find... or perhaps something that only you can do."
After a moment of silence, Valeria spoke again. "We will continue to investigate the nature of this portal and your connection to it. In the meantime, you will remain under our watch. You will have access to certain parts of the fortress, and we may ask for your assistance in unraveling this mystery. In return, we will do what we can to help you find a way back to your world." Harry nodded, understanding that this was likely the best outcome he could hope for. He agreed to cooperate with the Custodians, hoping that this alliance would bring him closer to finding a way home. However, he also remained cautious, aware that not everything in Morgana's Seat might be as it seemed.
The meeting ended, and Harry was escorted back to his room by Emma. The walk back was quiet, with both of them lost in thought. Emma offered him a small smile as they reached his door. "Rest now, Harry. There is much yet to learn, and you will need your strength." Alone in his room, Harry reflected on the day's events. He knew that his journey in Morgana's Seat was far from over and that the Custodians would continue to test him, seeking to understand his role in the grand scheme of things. He also knew that, for better or worse, his fate was now intertwined with theirs—and with the mysterious legacy of Morgana herself.