Harry's Discovery and Practice
After weeks of reading and absorbing the history and culture of Morgana's Seat, Harry feels a growing restlessness. Despite his intellectual pursuits, he realizes it has been over a month since he last performed any kind of magic. His wand, once an extension of his will, feels almost foreign in his hand. Eager to reconnect with his magical abilities, Harry decides to explore more of the fortress, hoping to find a place where he can practice. As Harry wanders through the lesser-used corridors of the fortress, he comes across a heavy wooden door slightly ajar. Pushing it open, he steps into a large, dimly lit chamber. The room is lined with stone walls adorned with various weapons and shields, and in the center are several life-sized training dummies, each one enchanted to move and react to attacks. The floor is marked with dueling circles, indicating that this room is used for combat practice and magical training.
Harry steps into one of the dueling circles, drawing his wand with a sense of anticipation. It's been too long since he last wielded magic, and he feels a rush of excitement as he raises his wand. Taking a deep breath, he begins with simple spells—Stupefy, Expelliarmus, and Protego—reacquainting himself with the basics before moving on to more advanced techniques. As Harry's spells strike the dummies, they spring to life, moving in a coordinated manner to mimic real opponents. They dodge, block, and even retaliate with non-lethal magical attacks, forcing Harry to stay on his toes. The practice becomes more intense as Harry pushes himself, casting faster and more powerful spells, using his quick reflexes and honed instincts to stay ahead of the enchanted dummies.
The sounds of spells crackling and echoing through the fortress don't go unnoticed. The Custodians, who have been keeping a watchful eye on Harry, are alerted by the magical energy emanating from the dueling room. Intrigued by the sudden burst of activity, they quietly make their way to the room to see what is happening. Valeria, Theron, Lira, Caelum, and Emma arrive one by one, slipping into the shadows near the entrance of the room. They watch in silence as Harry duels against the dummies, observing his technique, his speed, and the sheer power behind his spells. Each Custodian brings a different perspective to the scene, but all are impressed by what they see.
Valeria, always the guardian of the Veil, is particularly impressed by Harry's precision and control. She sees in him a powerful wizard who, despite being an outsider, has the potential to be a formidable ally—or a dangerous enemy. She nods subtly to herself, recognizing the value of Harry's abilities. Theron, the keeper of the Arcane Wells, is intrigued by the way Harry channels his magic. He senses that Harry's connection to magic is strong and pure, untainted by the darker influences that often pervade Morgana's Seat. Theron wonders if Harry's magic might be a key to unlocking or stabilizing certain aspects of the ancient wells under his protection. Lira, ever the strategist, watches Harry's dueling with a critical eye. She assesses his strengths and weaknesses, noting how he adapts to the dummies' attacks and how he uses his environment to his advantage. Lira recognizes that Harry's combat skills could be invaluable in more than just duels—they could be crucial in any conflict that might arise within or outside the fortress. Caelum, the scholar among them, is fascinated by Harry's use of spells that are clearly from another world. He considers how Harry's knowledge of different magical systems could contribute to their own understanding of the Veil of Worlds and the magic that governs Morgana's Seat. Caelum begins to see Harry not just as an outsider, but as a source of knowledge and innovation. Emma watches with a serene expression, her ghostly form barely visible in the dim light. She feels a quiet pride in Harry's progress, having seen him grow more comfortable in this world. Emma senses that Harry is beginning to truly embrace his power, and she knows that this moment is a turning point for him. His willingness to engage with his magic again signals a readiness to take on whatever challenges may come.
After an intense session, Harry finally lowers his wand, breathing heavily but with a satisfied grin on his face. The dummies fall back into their stationary positions, and the room grows quiet once more. Harry wipes the sweat from his brow, feeling invigorated and more connected to his magic than he has in weeks. As Harry catches his breath, the Custodians step out from the shadows. Valeria is the first to speak, her voice calm and measured. "You've been holding back, Harry," she says with a hint of a smile. "Your skills are impressive, especially considering the circumstances. It's clear that you've been well-trained." Theron steps forward, his deep voice resonating in the chamber. "Your connection to magic is strong, Harry. It's good to see you embracing it again. There's much we could learn from you, and perhaps much you could learn from us as well."
Harry looks around at the Custodians, slightly surprised by their presence but also pleased with their praise. "It's been a while since I've had a chance to practice," he admits, his tone humble. "But it feels good to get back into it. This world... it's different, but I'm starting to get the hang of it." Lira's eyes narrow slightly as she steps closer. "Different, yes. But this world has its own dangers, Harry. The skills you've shown here today are impressive, but the real challenges lie ahead. Be ready for anything." There's a note of challenge in her voice, as if she's testing Harry's resolve. Emma smiles softly, her presence as calming as ever. "You've come a long way, Harry. Keep pushing yourself, and you'll find that you're capable of more than you ever imagined. And remember, you're not alone here. We're all watching, and we're all here to help—if you need it."
As the Custodians leave, Harry is left with a renewed sense of purpose. The practice session has reminded him of who he is and what he's capable of. More importantly, it's shown him that the Custodians see him as more than just an outsider—they see him as someone with potential, someone who might one day play a significant role in this world. Harry decides to make regular use of the dueling room from now on. He knows that he'll need to stay sharp, not just to survive, but to thrive in Morgana's Seat. The world he's in is filled with power struggles and ancient magic, and he intends to be ready for whatever comes next.