A Weekend of Bonding
Saturday morning begins with a slower pace for the students of Arcanum Isle. Harry wakes up to the soft sounds of the wind rustling through the trees outside, the dormitory bathed in the gentle light of the morning sun filtering through the curtains. Nyx caws softly from her perch, and Harry stretches, feeling a rare sense of peace after the structured week of classes. After getting dressed, Harry joins his roommates for a more relaxed breakfast in the Great Hall. The atmosphere is less formal, with students chatting casually and the tables offering a simpler fare of fruits, bread, and cheese. Harry, Cyrus, and Selene sit together, discussing the week's classes and sharing their thoughts on the teachers.
As they finish breakfast, Cyrus opens up a bit more about himself. "I come from a long line of duelists," he mentions, his tone both proud and a little reserved. "My family's been training in combat magic for generations. It's kind of our thing." He explains that his family has a strong reputation for producing skilled duelists who often compete in prestigious tournaments. Cyrus's passion for dueling becomes evident as he talks about it. He has a competitive streak, always pushing himself to be better, and he's excited about the upcoming Arcanum Tournament. "I'm aiming to be one of the top duelists here," he admits, his green eyes flashing with determination. "Maybe we could practice together sometime, Harry. You seem like you can handle yourself in a duel." Harry is impressed by Cyrus's dedication and the legacy he carries. He recognizes a bit of himself in Cyrus's drive to excel in dueling and agrees that practicing together could be beneficial. "I'd like that," Harry responds, appreciating the opportunity to both sharpen his skills and strengthen his bond with Cyrus.
Later in the day, as the three of them explore the grounds of Arcanum Isle, Selene shares more about her background. "My family's role in Morgana's Seat has always been... quieter," she says, her voice thoughtful. "We're keepers of secrets, protectors of knowledge that isn't meant for everyone. My parents always said that power isn't just about strength—it's about knowing when to use it and when to keep it hidden." Selene's talents lie in areas like mind magic and necromancy, skills that require subtlety and patience. She's especially interested in the art of illusion and has a natural talent for creating convincing deceptions. "It's not about tricking people," she explains. "It's about guiding them to see what needs to be seen, and sometimes, what they don't even realize they're looking at." Harry is intrigued by Selene's quiet wisdom and her understanding of the deeper, more subtle aspects of power. He recognizes that her approach complements his own more straightforward style of magic. "You've got a good way of looking at things," he tells her, earning a rare, slight smile from Selene.
Over the weekend, Cyrus and Selene naturally become curious about Harry, especially after seeing glimpses of his abilities in class. When they ask him about his background, Harry shares some carefully chosen details. "I grew up learning magic in a place where survival often depended on how well you could defend yourself," he explains, hinting at his experiences in the wizarding world without revealing too much. "I'm good at thinking on my feet, especially in a fight." He also talks about his particular interest in defense magic, a skill he honed back at Hogwarts. "I've always felt that protecting others is just as important as being able to fight," he says, reflecting on his time in Dumbledore's Army and the battles he fought in his world. "I think that's why I'm looking forward to learning more about necromancy—it's a different kind of power, one that involves understanding the balance between life and death."
Both Cyrus and Selene are impressed by Harry's perspective. Cyrus appreciates Harry's emphasis on defense, seeing it as a complement to his own focus on offensive magic. Selene, on the other hand, is intrigued by Harry's interest in necromancy, recognizing a kindred spirit who seeks to understand the deeper mysteries of magic. They don't press him for more details, sensing that Harry's past is complex and not something he's ready to fully share.
By Sunday evening, the three roommates have begun to form a strong bond. They share a common drive to excel at Arcanum Isle, and their complementary skills create a sense of balance in their group. Cyrus's competitive spirit, Selene's subtlety, and Harry's resourcefulness make them a well-rounded trio, capable of supporting each other in the challenges ahead. As they sit together in the Umbra common room, discussing their plans for the week and their ambitions for the future, Harry feels a growing sense of belonging. Despite the mystery of his origins and the uncertainty of his future, he knows that, for now, he has found a place where he can grow, learn, and perhaps even find the answers he's seeking.