Realizing Growth
The month progresses, and Harry begins to notice just how much he has grown. Physically, he feels stronger and more resilient, the result of rigorous dueling sessions, challenging magical exercises, and the demanding Midnight Trials. His robes, once a perfect fit, now feel a little snug—a sign of his growth spurt. His magical abilities have expanded as well; spells that once required great effort now come to him with ease, and his control over his magic has become more refined and precise. Along with this growth comes a newfound confidence. Harry feels more at ease in his environment, more capable of handling the challenges thrown his way. He's aware of his progress, but he's also conscious of the responsibilities that come with greater power. As the new month begins, his confidence is tempered with a sense of vigilance and readiness for whatever may come next.
At the start of the new month, Harry is on his way to meet Selene, as they had planned to discuss a recent assignment from their History of Morgana's Seat class. The chosen spot is a quiet alcove in one of the school's many courtyards, a place usually calm and conducive to study. As he approaches, Harry spots Selene ahead of him, deep in conversation. Initially, he assumes she's talking to another student, but as he gets closer, he realizes that Selene isn't speaking with a peer—she's speaking with a slave. The slave is a young woman with a submissive yet not entirely broken demeanor. Dressed in plain, serviceable clothing, she bears the unmistakable symbol of Lunaria on her wrist, marking her as property of Selene's family. Harry stops, unsure whether to approach, feeling an unexpected mix of curiosity and discomfort.
Not wanting to intrude, he hesitates before stepping forward. Selene notices him and offers a small smile. "Harry, this is Lyra," she says, gesturing to the slave. "She's been with my family for years and helps me with certain tasks here at the school." Lyra glances at Harry, her eyes cautious but observant, and inclines her head in a gesture of respect. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Master Potter," she says quietly, her voice steady but carrying the practiced deference of someone accustomed to her station. Harry isn't quite sure how to respond. He feels a mix of emotions—discomfort, curiosity, and a nagging sense of unease. He has known about the existence of slaves in Morgana's Seat, but this is the first time he's come face-to-face with one. "Hello, Lyra," he replies, trying to keep his tone neutral. "It's... nice to meet you as well."
After a few moments of conversation, Lyra excuses herself and leaves. Harry watches her go, his thoughts swirling. As she disappears around a corner, he turns to Selene, unable to keep the question from spilling out. "Selene, how do you... how do you feel about all of this?" He gestures vaguely in the direction Lyra went, his words stumbling over the weight of the question. "About having slaves?" Selene's expression shifts to one of contemplation, and she takes a moment before responding. "It's complicated, Harry," she begins. "In Morgana's Seat, slavery is deeply ingrained in our society. It's not something that can be easily changed—it's tied to our economy, our politics, even our traditions." She sighs softly, her gaze becoming distant. "But that doesn't mean I don't think about it. I try to treat Lyra and the others with kindness and respect, but I know that doesn't change their situation."
Harry listens, feeling a mix of frustration and sympathy. "But isn't it wrong?" he asks, his voice carrying the weight of his own upbringing and beliefs. "To own people, to make them serve you like that?" Selene meets his gaze, her eyes serious. "Yes, Harry, it is," she admits quietly. "But what can we do? This is the world we live in. I've thought about it a lot, especially after meeting you. You see things differently, and that's made me question some of the things I've always accepted as normal. But I'm also realistic. Changing this system isn't something that can happen overnight—or even in a lifetime. It's... complicated."
As they continue to talk, Harry feels increasingly conflicted. On one hand, he understands Selene's pragmatism and the reality of the world they inhabit. On the other, everything in him rebels against the idea of people being treated as property. He knows that this is a major part of Morgana's Seat, but he isn't sure if he can ever fully accept it. His thoughts turn inward, grappling with the complexity of the situation. He doesn't know how to resolve these feelings just yet, but he knows this encounter has left a lasting impression on him. It's a harsh reminder that his journey in Morgana's Seat isn't just about mastering magic or navigating social dynamics—it's also about confronting difficult truths and deciding where he stands on the issues that define this world.
After their conversation, Harry and Selene shift their focus back to discussing their assignment, but the topic of slavery lingers in Harry's mind, coloring his thoughts and emotions. As the day goes on, he tries to concentrate on his studies, but the encounter with Lyra and the conversation with Selene have left him unsettled. By the end of the day, he realizes that this experience has changed him. He's growing not just in power, but in awareness—and with that awareness comes new challenges, both moral and personal. He's no longer just a student learning magic; he's a participant in a complex and often harsh world, and he knows he'll need to decide how to navigate it with integrity and purpose.