Harry Potter: The Last Exodus

Welcoming the Lost

The leaders reconvened the next morning, this time joined by the wizards and witches who had come through the unexpected portal from the Old World. The newcomers, some still in shock, sat quietly, their eyes taking in the grandeur of the Wizengamot Hall with awe and wonder. Their ragged robes seemed a stark contrast to the polished beauty of Eldoria's capital, and though they were exhausted, there was a look of relief among them.

Harry Potter began the meeting, his voice gentle but firm. "We've given much thought to your arrival and how best to help you acclimate. This world, Mirithis, is new and different, but you'll find it abundant with magic and promise. You'll have time to rest and to learn."

Isabell Star, leader of Brightmoor, added with a warm smile, "We're placing you at The Enchanted Haven, a hotel that's close to the city square. You'll have all the comforts you need, and we'll arrange for anything else you might require."

Each of the newcomers received a carefully prepared informational packet, a compendium of maps, brief histories, and practical details on life in this new world, from transportation to currency. As they looked over the packets, a tall, wiry man with graying hair raised his hand.

"If I may," he said, his voice hesitant, "where exactly... are we?"

The leaders exchanged glances, and Draco Malfoy stepped forward. "You're in Eldoria, the central continent of Mirithis. Here, magic isn't just a force; it's part of the very land and air. You'll find your powers are likely different now, perhaps even stronger."

The group seemed stunned but fascinated by this revelation, murmuring among themselves. Finally, Harry nodded to them, saying, "Go, explore the city. Take this time to understand your surroundings. When you're ready, there will be opportunities for you to build your place in this world."

Second Half: POV of Iris Weaver

As the meeting concluded, Iris Weaver, an elderly witch with silver-streaked hair and an inquisitive spark in her eye, tucked the informational packet under her arm and walked out into the city square with the other newcomers. Eldoria's capital, with its sweeping spires, enchanting lights, and vibrant marketplace, looked like a dream compared to the somber, underground life they had known back in the Old World.

She gazed around in wonder, her hands brushing the soft fabric of her tattered robes, feeling the magic pulsing beneath her feet like a heartbeat. The city was alive in a way she had never felt before.

"Iris, look at that," whispered a young witch beside her, pointing to a trio of unicorns walking calmly through the square. Vendors nearby sold enchanted wares, magical plants bloomed in vibrant colors, and, above them, the sky sparkled with faint trails of glowing ley lines.

Iris wandered over to a stand where a vendor was offering glass jars filled with softly glowing orbs. "Memory Lights," he explained with a smile, seeing her curiosity. "Captured moments from enchanted mirrors—think of it as art in motion." He held up a small jar where the faint image of a forest scene played out, complete with animals moving about.

Iris was captivated. "Amazing. So much magic here, as if the city itself is breathing."

The vendor chuckled. "That's because it is, in a way. This world, Mirithis, was built by magic. It sustains us, and in return, we keep it thriving."

Moving on, Iris found herself drawn toward the Enchanted Haven, the hotel that was now her temporary home. As she entered, she marveled at the elegantly carved archways and the floating crystal chandeliers, which cast a warm, gentle light that made the entire room feel like it was bathed in starlight.

At the check-in desk, a cheerful House-Elf smiled up at her. "Welcome to the Enchanted Haven, Madam Weaver! We've prepared everything you'll need." The elf handed her a room key, which glowed softly in her palm. "Your room is enchanted to be just the way you like it. If there's anything more we can provide, please let us know."

Iris thanked the elf and made her way up the staircase, enchanted by the beauty and warmth of the place. In her room, she found a bed that seemed to invite her into its softness, walls adorned with subtle, magical images of forests and starlit skies. She sank onto the bed, exhaling in relief.

She opened the informational packet once more, going over details of life on Mirithis. But it was the map that captivated her the most — each continent with its own character, its own purpose. She realized, with a deep sense of hope, that they had indeed found a sanctuary here, a world that offered them a chance to thrive again.

As she looked out the window at the vibrant life below, Iris felt a spark of excitement rise in her heart. For the first time in ages, she dared to dream of what the future might hold in this new world.

As Iris looked out over Eldoria, her thoughts spun. The city's pulsing magic, the mesmerizing lights that danced through the streets, and the distant mountains stretching toward the skies felt like the opening chapter of a story she never thought she'd live to see.

That evening, the leaders arranged a gathering for the new arrivals in the hotel's main hall. The room was warm and bright, with long tables filled with comforting, enchanted foods from Eldoria's kitchens: steaming bowls of spiced root stew, warm loaves of honey bread, and goblets of shimmering berry nectar. She took a seat with a few others who had come from the Old World, their expressions still caught between awe and disbelief.

Harry entered, flanked by Draco and Isabell, and the room quieted as he took the floor. His presence was warm yet steady, radiating the calm leadership everyone had come to expect from him.

"I know all of this must feel overwhelming," Harry began, "and perhaps a little unbelievable. But Mirithis is a place where magic flows freely. We left the Old World because magic was fading there, and we could no longer protect it. Here, in Mirithis, magic is life itself — it lives in the land, in the air, and in each of us." He looked around the room, his eyes meeting Iris's for a moment. "And that's why you're here. Mirithis is our home now. And as we create it together, you'll each have a role to play."

A murmur of conversation followed as everyone began to digest his words. Iris leaned over to a young wizard seated beside her. "Do you feel it, too? The magic is... different here, like it's responding to us."

He nodded, looking almost overwhelmed. "It's as if it's listening. I haven't felt my magic this strong since... well, ever."

As the meal continued, Draco and Isabell made rounds, introducing themselves and explaining the various ways newcomers could integrate into this new society. Some would help with preserving knowledge in the Arcane Archives, others could work alongside the builders shaping the city, and still others might take up roles in the new departments the leaders were creating.

After dinner, Iris and a few others strolled the city's winding paths under the starlit sky. She was struck by the way Eldoria seemed to hum with life and possibility — from the glow of magical street lanterns to the faint singing of enchanted fountains. She stopped, feeling the magic of the place swirling around her, as if Eldoria itself was welcoming her.

"Where to from here?" asked one of her companions, a wizard who looked as though he'd hardly slept in weeks.

"To bed first," she chuckled, though she could feel her heart brimming with excitement. "Then... who knows? We have a new world to build."