Harry Potter and The Arcane Ascension

CH 19: A Brief Respite at Morgana's Crater

As the first days of the new year dawned, Harry found himself once again preparing to leave Arcanum Isle for a brief return to Morgana's Crater. The Yule Ball had been a whirlwind of emotions and events, and now, as the school entered a quieter phase, it was time for a much-needed break. Garmr, the loyal and fearsome Guardian who had ferried Harry back and forth many times before, was already waiting for him at the entrance to the school.

The sight of Garmr, with his powerful form and unwavering gaze, brought a sense of comfort to Harry. As he mounted the Guardian and settled in for the journey, he felt a familiar mix of excitement and nostalgia. The trip back to Morgana's Crater was always a welcome escape, a chance to reconnect with the place that had become a second home to him in this new world.

The flight was swift and smooth, the landscape below blurring into a tapestry of colors as Garmr flew with practiced ease. Harry leaned into the ride, letting the wind whip through his hair, his thoughts turning to what awaited him at Morgana's Crater. He had much to discuss with the five Custodians—updates on his classes, the events of the Yule Ball, and the latest news about Ginny.

Upon arriving at Morgana's Crater, Harry was greeted warmly by the five Custodians. They stood in their usual positions, a mixture of sternness and warmth in their expressions as they welcomed him back. The crater, with its imposing structures and the ever-present aura of ancient magic, felt as familiar as ever.

Valeria, Keeper of the Veil, was the first to speak, her voice carrying the authority that came naturally to her. "Welcome back, Harry. We trust your time at school has been productive."

"It has," Harry replied, a small smile on his face as he dismounted Garmr and approached the Custodians. "There's a lot to catch you up on."

Emma, Shade of the Throne, gave him a knowing look, her ethereal presence as calming as ever. "Then let's not waste time. Come inside, and we'll hear all about it."

The group moved indoors to a spacious chamber where they could sit and talk in comfort. Once everyone was settled, Harry began to recount the events of the past few months, starting with his classes.

Harry began by discussing the progress he had made in each of his classes, detailing the challenges he had faced and the knowledge he had gained.

Defense Against the Dark Arts had grown increasingly demanding, with the professor pushing the students to master more complex spells and defensive techniques. Harry spoke of the intense duels they had practiced, the strategic thinking required to outmaneuver their opponents, and the deepening understanding of the dark forces they were learning to defend against.

Potions and Alchemy had also become more intricate, with lessons that required precise measurements, careful timing, and a deep understanding of the magical properties of various ingredients. Harry had learned to brew potions that could heal, harm, or transform, each one requiring a level of concentration and skill that he had not needed before. He described the satisfaction of successfully creating a difficult potion, as well as the frustration of having to start over when something went wrong.

Nature's Balance had been a class that resonated deeply with Harry. He explained to the Custodians how the lessons in this class had helped him connect with the natural world in ways he had never experienced before. The grounding exercises, the meditations, and the practical applications of magic in harmony with nature had given him a profound sense of peace and belonging. Harry spoke of how this class had made him feel more connected to the very earth of this world, as if the magic here recognized him as one of its own.

Slave Training was another subject Harry discussed at length. He described how the class had helped him build confidence in his role as a master, teaching him the importance of consistency, authority, and empathy. Harry admitted that this class had been particularly challenging for him, as it forced him to confront aspects of his new life that he was still adjusting to. However, he also acknowledged the progress he had made, both in his understanding of the role and in his relationship with Talon.