Astaria: A New Dawn

CH 20: The Manors Completed

A month had passed since the leaders of the magical communities made their promises to the Guardians of Astaria. The land had begun to thrive under their stewardship, with magical beings working in harmony with the natural magic of the world. Now, after weeks of anticipation, the grand manors that had been commissioned for each leader were finally completed.

The builders, led by the goblins and aided by wizards, house-elves, and other magical creatures, had outdone themselves. Each manor was a reflection of the leader it was built for, designed with personal preferences and magic woven into every stone, every beam of wood, and every enchanted window.

The workers had labored tirelessly, and now, as the final touches were made, they were ready to unveil the manors. After a short break to rest and recover, the workers would move on to Arcane Crossroads, where the city was already halfway completed, ready to become the thriving heart of their new world.

Harry stood outside his newly finished manor, gazing up at the impressive structure before him. The manor was built of smooth stone, with towering walls and grand windows that let in the golden light of the Astaria sun. It was regal yet modest, blending seamlessly into the natural landscape around it. Magic hummed softly in the air, embedded in the very foundation of the building.

He stepped inside, feeling a sense of pride and awe as he walked through the grand entrance hall. The floors were polished stone, enchanted to stay clean and warm underfoot. The high ceilings were adorned with subtle magical lights, casting a soft glow over the room. Every inch of the manor was designed for comfort and functionality, with rooms for strategy meetings, studies filled with ancient books, and living spaces that felt cozy despite their grandeur.

The manor was more than just a place to live—it was a sanctuary, a space for Harry to lead and plan the future of their new world.

Across the valley, Luna Lovegood wandered through her own manor with a delighted smile on her face. Her home was a reflection of her whimsical, free-spirited nature, filled with soft colors and gentle, flowing designs. The walls were painted in pastel blues and greens, and the windows were framed by enchanted flowers that bloomed in response to her presence. Magic flowed freely through her home, giving it an airy, ethereal feel.

She wandered into a sunlit room filled with shelves, already stocked with scrolls, magical creatures' studies, and notebooks for her ongoing exploration of Astaria's wildlife. In the center of the room was a large desk, already cluttered with sketches of the Guardians they had encountered, including detailed drawings of Angelo, Sunnighter, and the other majestic creatures.

"This is perfect," Luna whispered to herself, her fingers brushing over the pages of her journal. The manor was a haven for her creativity and research, a place where she could connect with the magic of the land.

Neville Longbottom stood in the entrance hall of his manor, his hands in his pockets as he surveyed the grand room before him. His home was built with nature in mind, seamlessly blending into the surrounding landscape. The walls were made from enchanted wood, and the gardens surrounding the manor were already thriving with magical plants from both Astaria and Earth.

Neville's heart swelled as he walked through the garden, seeing the wide variety of magical flora he had gathered from their explorations. There were glowing vines, delicate blossoms, and towering trees, all thriving in the rich soil of this magical world.

His study overlooked the gardens, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Inside, shelves lined the walls, already filling up with books and research notes on the magical flora and fauna of Astaria. He could already see himself spending hours in this space, continuing his work to understand the magic of the land and cultivate it.

"This is everything I could've asked for," Neville said to himself, smiling as he took in the sight of his new home.

Isabel Star, too, was inspecting her manor, her steps soft and measured as she took in the design. Her home was elegant and deeply connected to nature, just as she had envisioned. The colors of her manor were shades of blue—her favorite color—with natural materials used throughout. The furniture was crafted from wood, smooth and rich in texture, and the walls were adorned with tapestries of serene landscapes.

The large windows let in the light, and Isabel could hear the gentle sound of water running through a small stream that wound its way around her property. The air inside was fresh and cool, scented faintly with lavender and the earthy smell of wood.

She wandered into her private sitting room, a space designed for peace and reflection. A large window faced the wilderness beyond, offering her a stunning view of the natural beauty of Astaria. A small table stood in the center, with space for meditation and contemplation.

Isabel smiled softly. "This is where I'll find my center."

Theo Nott and Daphne Greengrass explored their manors with similar admiration, each impressed by how the workers had captured their unique tastes and preferences. Theo's manor had an air of quiet elegance, with dark wood paneling, ornate furniture, and quiet corners for reading and study. It was a place of thoughtfulness and calm, with rooms that seemed designed for introspection.

Daphne's manor, on the other hand, was sleek and modern, with clean lines and polished surfaces. Her home was filled with light and space, a reflection of her need for clarity and openness. The enchanted gardens surrounding the manor added a touch of magic to the modern design, a fusion of the old and new.

After each leader had finished inspecting their manors, they reconvened at Arcane Crossroads. The workers, refreshed from their brief break, had already returned and were hard at work completing the grand city. The foundations were laid, the buildings were taking shape, and the streets were being paved with enchanted stones. Arcane Crossroads was coming to life, piece by piece.

As Harry, Luna, Neville, and the others stood on the newly built streets, watching the workers move from building to building, they felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Their manors were complete, their homes were ready, and soon, Arcane Crossroads—the heart of their new world—would be finished too.

"This city will be magnificent," Harry said, his voice filled with quiet determination. "It's almost halfway done, but when it's finished, it will be the center of everything we build here."

Luna nodded, her eyes sparkling. "It's already starting to feel like home."

One by one, the leaders left the streets of Arcane Crossroads and returned to their new manors, knowing that they were witnessing the birth of something extraordinary. Soon, the manors would not only be places of leadership and reflection but homes from which they could build a better world.