Chapter 8: The Academy of Raya Lucaria
With the wind at his back, Harry raced through the picturesque landscape of lakes and dense forests, pushing forward toward the Academy of Raya Lucaria. Along the way, he encountered a few haggard figures who appeared to be old crones, loitering near the lakes, their intentions unclear. However, Harry was not one to be easily hindered. Quick banishing charms sent them tumbling, clearing his path with ease.
The journey led him to the imposing gates of the academy. These ancient portals seemed to pulse with a potent magical energy, resonating in harmony with the very essence of the academy itself. As Harry dismounted from Torrent, the atmosphere around the gate crackled with anticipation, and a brilliant blue seal materialized before him. Its magical aura was unlike anything Harry had encountered before, prompting him to invoke the meager detection spells he had brought with him from his world. Yet, the nature of this particular ward remained elusive, shrouded in mystery.
"Bloody hell," Harry muttered under his breath, feeling a tinge of frustration at his inability to decipher the intricacies of the ward. In his world, Bill Weasley had been the go-to expert for such matters. He wished Bill were here now, as the situation demanded his expertise.
Turning his attention to the key he had retrieved from his mokeskin pouch, Harry felt a strange, almost anticipatory connection between it and the seal. He extended the key, and it was drawn from his hand, merging seamlessly with the luminous seal. Slowly, the seal parted, forming a doorway that beckoned him forward. As Harry stepped through the opening, he could not help but glance back, witnessing the seal's rapid reformation, ensuring that no one else could pass through after him.
As Harry ventured further into the Academy of Raya Lucaria, he soon found himself amidst the hallowed halls of arcane learning. However, his presence did not go unnoticed. Mages, draped in flowing robes adorned with symbols of Glintstone sorcery, materialized from the shadows. The mages wore grey masks, hiding their identity from Harry, carrying with them an air of practiced mastery, their staffs crackling with the telltale blue energy of their craft.
With fluid movements, the mages conjured shimmering spells of Glintstone fire, sending deadly projectiles hurtling towards Harry. He deftly deflected them with his staff, the clashing elements of their magic illuminating the corridor in a frenzied dance of light and shadow. Yet, these mages were not his only adversaries.
Mechanical skeletons, armed with a menacing array of weaponry, lumbered forth, their metallic limbs clanking with every step. Harry knew he had to stay on the move, blending his spells with agile footwork to evade their relentless advances. With each skeletal foe that fell, more seemed to rise from the depths of the academy, determined to protect its secrets.
The first mage raised his hands, fingers weaving intricate patterns in the air. A swirling orb of Glintstone fire formed and shot towards Harry. Reacting swiftly, Harry deflected the fiery projectile with a Protego Shield Charm, sending sparks flying as it collided with his magical barrier. He retaliated with a deadly Reducto curse, which exploded on contact with the mage, reducing him to a cloud of shimmering blue particles.
Two more mages stepped forward, conjuring Glintstone daggers that danced through the air with deadly accuracy. Harry countered with a swift transfiguration spell, turning the daggers into harmless butterflies that fluttered harmlessly to the ground. He then unleashed a barrage of Blasting Curses, the concussive force of each explosion sending the mages flying backward, their bodies smoldering.
As the battle raged on, more mages joined the fray, their Glintstone spells whizzing through the air like azure comets. Harry employed a combination of Shield Charms and quick side-steps to avoid their attacks, deflecting bolts of magical fire and evading intricate hexes. He retaliated with Sectumsempra, slashing through the robes of his adversaries, leaving deep, bleeding wounds that forced them to retreat.
Amidst the chaos, the mechanical skeletons approached, their clanking limbs reverberating through the corridor. Harry's attention was divided between the relentless mages and these relentless foes. He decided to focus on the mages first, knowing that the arcane power they wielded posed a greater immediate threat.
With a flourish of his staff, Harry transfigured the floor beneath the mages into a treacherous, icy terrain, causing them to slip and lose their footing. He then unleashed a Confringo curse, creating fiery explosions that engulfed the disoriented mages in a torrent of flames. The acrid scent of burning robes and charred flesh filled the air as they screamed in agony.
The mechanical skeletons closed in, their metallic limbs poised to strike. Harry knew he could not take them all on at once. With a quick incantation, he transfigured a section of the corridor into a massive stone wall, effectively barricading the approaching adversaries. They collided with the barrier with a cacophonous crash, temporarily immobilized.
Harry's chest heaved with exhaustion as he surveyed the aftermath of the battle. The corridor lay silent, the defeated mages and their mechanical guardians vanquished. Spotting a site of grace bathed in a soothing blue aura, he quickly approached it, feeling a profound sense of calm in the presence of grace.
As he stepped onto the site, a gentle, restorative energy enveloped him, gradually mending his wounds and replenishing his magical reserves. It was a welcomed reprieve after the intense battle he had just endured. He could feel his strength returning, and his fatigue began to dissipate.
"Ah" Harry let out a loud groan as his wounds began to heal.
With his body slowly rejuvenating, Harry took a moment to collect his thoughts. He knew he could not afford to stay here for long, as whatever challenges lay beyond the imposing door at the end of the corridor awaited him. But a brief respite was essential if he were to face those trials with clarity and determination.
Finding a relatively comfortable spot near the site of grace, Harry lay down and closed his eyes. The soothing energy of the grace enveloped him like a warm, protective blanket. It did not take long for the weariness of battle to catch up with him, and he soon succumbed to a well-deserved slumber.
As the hours passed, Harry's breathing steadied, and his wounds continued to heal. When he finally awoke, he felt reinvigorated, ready to confront the mysteries and dangers that awaited him behind the massive door at the end of the corridor. With renewed purpose, he rose to his feet, his mind focused and his determination unwavering. It was time to press forward and uncover the secrets of the Academy of Raya Lucaria, no matter the cost.
Warily approaching the imposing, oversized door, Harry placed his hand on the cold, ornate handle and pushed it open. The door swung inward with a low, echoing creak, revealing a sight that took his breath away.
Before him stretched a vast, grand library, the sheer scale of which was awe-inspiring. Countless shelves, stretching from the floor to the towering ceiling, were filled to the brim with ancient tomes, dusty scrolls, and leather-bound grimoires. The room was bathed in a soft, ethereal light that emanated from enchanted sconces, casting an otherworldly glow on the countless books.
Portraits of various mages, their faces a testament to their wisdom and power, adorned the library's walls. Rolling ladders were strategically placed along the shelves, allowing access to even the most obscure volumes. It was a sanctuary of knowledge, a repository of centuries' worth of magical wisdom.
"Hermione would have loved this place" he thought sadly.
As Harry marveled at the magnificent library, he could not help but feel a profound sense of reverence for the accumulated knowledge it contained. However, his exploration was interrupted by a sudden, menacing growl that reverberated through the room.
Startled, Harry turned to see the source of the growl. Emerging from the shadows, a majestic red wolf padded toward him, its eyes gleaming with an air of menace. The creature's fur was a rich, fiery red, and its size was imposing. It moved with an eerie grace, each step purposeful and predatory.
Tensing instinctively, Harry raised his staff, his senses on high alert. The wolf, interpreting his stance as a provocation, suddenly lunged forward with blinding speed. In the blink of an eye, it was upon him, jaws snapping shut where his head had been just moments before.
Harry's heart raced as he narrowly avoided the deadly bite. Reacting quickly, he unleashed a powerful curse, a bolt of crackling energy that arced toward the wolf. The creature dodged with an uncanny agility, its movements fluid and unpredictable.
The first attack summoned a magical golden sword into the wolf's jaws. With a graceful flourish, the wolf swung the blade in wide arcs, sending shimmering crescents of golden light toward Harry. Swiftly, he transfigured a nearby book into a shimmering, impenetrable shield that deflected the golden onslaught.
Undeterred, the wolf unleashed its next attack. It leaped high into the air; its body engulfed in a corona of Glintstone fire. From this fiery vantage point, it launched a massive magical projectile that hurtled toward Harry. Thinking quickly, Harry transfigured the air around him into a dense, shimmering barrier that absorbed the impact of the projectile.
As the battle raged on, the wolf continued its relentless assault. It darted left and right, creating magical orbs as it moved, each one coalescing into a deadly Glintstone glintblade. Harry employed Transfiguration with finesse, transmuting the very air into an intricate web of tendrils that ensnared the glintblades, rendering them harmless.
With a sudden burst of inspiration, Harry unleashed a complex Transfiguration spell that transformed a nearby book into a mesmerizing, glowing lighthouse. The wolf's predatory instincts were captivated by the beacon of light, and its attacks faltered as it fixated on the shimmering illusion.
Seizing the opportunity, Harry cast a final, intricate Transfiguration spell that enveloped the wolf in a shimmering cocoon of enchanted vines. The majestic beast struggled against its bindings for a moment before its demeanor shifted. Its eyes, once filled with menace, softened, and it regarded Harry with an almost human-like intelligence.
Lowering his staff, Harry approached the captive wolf cautiously, his initial wariness giving way to curiosity. There was more to this creature than met the eye, and he could not help but wonder if he should kill the wolf. Deciding not to kill it, Harry cast an Impervious charm on the vines, making them impossible to break.
"Don't try to break them" Harry warned the wolf, which let out answering growl in response. Moving away from the wolf, he spotted an open door on his right which he went through, emerging on to a large courtyard., his heart racing. The large courtyard was sparsely populated, except for a mechanical soldier who was dispatched with a quickly cast Banishing charm. The Academy seemed to throw a peculiar mix of challenges his way, from mages wielding Glintstone sorceries to strange mechanical contraptions.
Surveying the courtyard, he could not help but feel a sense of unease. There was an eerie silence that hung in the air, broken only by the distant echo of his footsteps on the cobblestone path. Harry cast a series of protective charms over himself. He had a feeling he was in for more surprises. Surveying the courtyard, Harry's eyes settled upon a precarious sight — a bridge that extended toward a towering, ancient tower. The bridge, however, seemed to defy logic, for it hung in mid-air, disconnected from the courtyard. It was as if the Academy itself had crafted this challenge, a test of a Tarnished's magical prowess.
Undaunted by the apparent absurdity of the situation, Harry swiftly assessed his options. It was clear that traditional paths had no place in the Academy's enigmatic trials. He had to rely on his magical abilities, improvisation, and quick thinking.
Without hesitation, Harry raised his staff and summoned the power of Levitation. His body lifted off the ground, and he gently floated toward the precipice where the bridge was suspended. As he approached the edge, he sensed a malevolent energy, a lurking danger, emanating from the bridge. It was clear that the Academy's challenges were far from straightforward.
As he hovered at the edge, Harry's instincts sharpened. The time for careful calculation had come. With a swift flourish of his staff, he cast a Banishing Charm upon himself, enhancing his velocity. The combination of Levitation and Banishing propelled him forward like a guided missile, launching him onto the hanging bridge. With cautious steps, he began to traverse the bridge. The magical architecture of the Academy played tricks on his senses. Shadows danced along the edges of his vision, and faint whispers seemed to echo through the very stones beneath his feet. The bridge itself was a testament to the Academy's craftsmanship. Its surface was adorned with intricate runes that glowed with an ethereal light. They pulsed with arcane energy, hinting at secrets long forgotten. Harry could not help but marvel at the artistry of it all, even as he remained vigilant for any hidden dangers.
Before he could react, a colossal, obsidian-black sphere manifested above the bridge, tumbling toward him with malevolent intent. The sphere gained momentum frighteningly fast, and Harry's instincts kicked in.
"Protego Maxima!" he shouted, his staff tracing an intricate pattern through the air. A shimmering, silvery barrier materialized before him, just in time to intercept the deadly sphere. The impact sent shockwaves through his body, but the shield held, repelling the sphere with a deafening explosion.
Harry staggered back, catching his breath. There was no respite. Another ominous sphere manifested, this time from a different angle as if the Academy itself was adapting to his every move. Thinking quickly, he summoned the vines from the nearby garden, transfiguring them into a massive, snaking wall of thorns that coiled protectively around him.
The dark sphere collided with the thorns, causing a symphony of violent cracks and splinters. Harry winced as shards of obsidian flew in all directions, narrowly missing him. It was a calculated risk, but it bought him enough time to leap over the fallen debris and continue his ascent.
With each step up the bridge, the attacks became more relentless. When the next sphere manifested, he transfigured a section of the stone bridge into a springy, gel-like substance, cushioning the impact as it rolled past harmlessly.
Finally, battered and bruised but resolute, Harry reached the summit of the tower's bridge. The constant barrage of traps had taken its toll, and he needed a moment to catch his breath. The desolation that greeted him at the tower's peak only deepened his sense of foreboding.
The once-majestic garden had withered and decayed, overtaken by creeping vines and invasive weeds. The once beautiful flowers lay wilted, their petals a somber reminder of the vibrant life that had once thrived here.
Amidst this desolation, Harry's attention was drawn to a distant figure clad in gleaming armor. The knight, a sentinel of this academy, began a slow and deliberate approach. As the knight drew near, Harry felt a mixture of weariness and determination.
With a wary but resolute stance, he addressed the armored guardian. "I seek no quarrel with you or with Queen Rennala," Harry began, his voice carrying a note of sincerity. "My purpose here is not one of strife, but of necessity. I must speak with her and seek her counsel. Let me pass, and we need not resort to violence."
The knight's visor remained closed, concealing any hint of emotion or contemplation. With deliberate precision, he unsheathed his gleaming sword, its blade catching the feeble light that managed to penetrate the overgrown canopy above. The message was clear — the guardian of Queen Rennala's tower would not yield without a fight. Harry's shoulders sagged, an unspoken acknowledgment of the impending clash. With a resigned sigh, he raised his staff, the etched runes upon it shimmering with latent power.
"So, it shall be a duel," Harry murmured, his voice heavy with the weight of inevitability.
With a mighty swing of his sword, the knight aimed for Harry's head. Harry ducked just in time, the blade narrowly missing him. "Reducto!" he shouted, directing his staff at the stone path beneath the knight's feet. A powerful burst of energy erupted from the staff, causing the stones to explode into fragments. The knight staggered but managed to maintain his balance, his shield once again absorbing most of the impact.
The knight retaliated with a swift slash of his sword, aiming to disarm Harry. Harry, however, was quick to react. "Confringo!" he incanted, sending a fiery explosion toward the knight. The blast struck the knight's shield, causing it to emit a dazzling display of sparks. The knight's stance wavered, but he stood his ground, his shield absorbing the brunt of the explosion.
Harry knew that direct spells might not be enough to defeat his adversary. He needed to be more creative. "Ferula!" he shouted, transfiguring a nearby bush into a writhing mass of enchanted ropes. The ropes shot out, aiming to ensnare the knight. To Harry's surprise, the knight deftly deflected the enchanted ropes with his shield, leaving them to coil harmlessly around a crumbling statue.
The knight was not just skilled with his sword and shield; he possessed an uncanny ability to anticipate and counter Harry's spells. The stalemate continued, each opponent probing for weaknesses.
Harry decided to change tactics. "Diffindo!" he called out, slicing his staff through the air in a precise movement. A razor-sharp cutting spell shot toward the knight's shield. The shield held for a moment, but under the relentless assault, it eventually shattered into pieces, leaving the knight exposed.
Seizing the opportunity, Harry cast a Disarming Charm. The knight's sword flew from his grasp and clattered to the ground. Defenseless, the knight raised his hands in surrender. Harry knew the duel was over. He had pushed himself to his limits, and the knight had fought valiantly. Lowering his staff, he approached his defeated opponent. "I don't want to hurt you," Harry said, extending a hand in a gesture of goodwill. The knight accepted, allowing Harry to help him to his feet.
The knight's voice quivered as he began to reveal the grim tale of Queen Rennala's fall from grace. "Queen Rennala was once a beloved and revered ruler of this academy," he explained. "But her world crumbled when Radagon, her dearest love, abandoned her. Left heartbroken and devastated, she lost her way."
He continued, his voice growing heavier with each word. "In her despair, Queen Rennala delved into dark and forbidden magics. She sought to bring back Radagon, to undo the pain of his departure. But her path led her to the grim art of reincarnation."
Harry listened in horror as the knight described how Rennala had used an amber egg left behind by Radagon to perform her sinister experiments. She would capture Juvenile Scholars from the academy, calling them her "sweetings," and subjected them to a harrowing process of rebirth. Each rebirth left their memories fading into oblivion, and the children born anew were frail and short-lived, imperfect beings.
"How do I get to the top of the tower?" Harry asked, his voice resolute.
The knight gestured to a nearby lift hidden amidst the overgrown vines. "Take the lift," he said, his gaze filled with remorse. "It will carry you to the summit."
Before Harry could ask any more questions, the knight, burdened by his perceived failure, plunged his sword into his own chest. Shocked and desperate to save him, Harry rushed forward, attempting to use his magical skills to heal the knight's wound. However, it was too late. The knight's sacrifice was irreversible, and his life slowly faded away.
Taking a moment to collect himself, Harry stepped back from the fallen knight, showing a brief but profound gesture of respect for his vanquished adversary. As he stood there, he couldn't help but sigh, feeling the weight of the battle and its consequences settling upon him. The lifeless body of the knight lay cooling on the cold, unforgiving stone floor.
Regaining his composure, Harry decided it was time to move forward. He turned away from the knight and made his way towards a nearby lift, which appeared to be beckoning him with its faint, inviting hum. With a sense of resignation, he stepped onto the platform, and without needing any further command, the lift sprang into motion. Upon reaching the top, Harry was greeted by a massive door that barred his entry into the heart of the tower. This door, with its weathered and imposing appearance, seemed to stand as a final test of his resolve. But Harry was undeterred. With a resolute exhale, he pushed against the door, its hinges creaking in protest as it reluctantly swung open.
As the massive door swung open, Harry found himself standing on the threshold of a truly remarkable chamber. The room stretched out before him, bathed in a subdued glow emanating from an assortment of flaming torches strategically placed along the stone walls. The chamber, he realized, resembled more of an arcane archival hall than anything else. His eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the curious assortment of magical instruments, ancient tomes, mystical mirrors, and an assortment of peculiar knick-knacks scattered haphazardly throughout the room.
Intrigued, Harry could not resist the urge to explore further. It was then that he became aware of an ethereal chorus of singing that hung in the air, a haunting melody that drew him in. Moving cautiously toward the source of the eerie music, he came upon a sight that both perplexed and disturbed him.
In the heart of this mystical chamber, there were several dozen children scattered about, each donned in a uniform of sorts. Some of them were engaged in an eerie, synchronized chant, while others focused their young but formidable magical abilities on levitating books and attempting to conjure fire. What struck Harry the most was the vacant look in their eyes, as if they were but mere vessels for some otherworldly purpose.
Dominating the center of this surreal gathering was a colossal golden dome that floated suspended in the air. Through its translucent surface, Harry could discern the figure of a slender woman cradling what appeared to be an enigmatic, shimmering egg. Her attire, flowing robes of midnight black and a conical black top hat perched atop her head marked her as someone of great importance in this arcane assembly.
With an eerie fascination, Harry whispered, "Queen Rennala," his voice filled with a mixture of awe and sympathy. He felt pity for the fallen queen, abandoned by her husband, her children absent, her own academy disavowing her.
In a moment of compassion, Harry made a pivotal decision. Instead of resorting to immediate confrontation, he raised his staff with a determined purpose. Rather than attacking Queen Rennala, his first act was to cast a sleeping charm, one by one, on each of the vacant-eyed children scattered across the chamber. Slowly but surely, they succumbed to a deep slumber, their bodies collapsing gracefully onto the chamber floor.
As the last child fell into a peaceful sleep, the colossal golden dome that had held Queen Rennala and the mysterious egg shattered like fragile glass, sending her tumbling to the ground unceremoniously, her once-regal presence reduced to that of a fallen figure. As Harry extended his hand to touch the fallen Queen Rennala, a sudden, sharp voice pierced the air, echoing throughout the vast chamber as it began to fill with a mysterious mist, which swirled and billowed around him like ethereal tendrils.
"Upon my name as Ranni the Witch," the voice proclaimed with an air of authority, causing Harry to freeze in his tracks. "Mother's rich slumber shall not be disturbed by you, foul trespasser. Send word far and wide. Of the last Queen of Caria, Rennala of the Full Moon. And the majesty of the night she conjureth."
With those haunting words, the mist that had enveloped the chamber slowly dissipated, revealing an entirely new and surreal landscape. Harry felt himself transported to a realm beyond his comprehension. The ground beneath his feet seemed to be composed of liquid, each step he took sending ripples cascading outward, creating a mesmerizing dance of shimmering reflections.
Above, a colossal full moon adorned the emerald sky, its radiant glow casting an otherworldly light upon the bizarre environment. As the moon's soft luminescence bathed everything in an eerie, tranquil radiance, Queen Rennala began to stir. Her form, once frail and fallen, gradually ascended to her full height.
Within the enchanting, moonlit expanse, Queen Rennala held her staff aloft, its polished surface adorned with an intricate tapestry of runes that appeared to come to life, shimmering and pulsating in response to the potent, otherworldly energy that coursed through the chamber. The queen's eyes had remained closed, her demeanor serene as if she were communing with forces beyond mortal understanding. The world around her, with its liquid floor and surreal celestial backdrop, seemed to resonate with her presence. It was as though the very elements of this mystical realm acknowledged her as their sovereign.
Then, with a sudden and deliberate motion, Queen Rennala lowered her staff until it touched the undulating surface of the liquid ground. At that precise moment, she slammed the staff into the floor, sending ripples cascading outwards. The impact echoed through the chamber, resonating with a profound resonance that seemed to awaken dormant magic in the air.
Slowly, the queen's eyes fluttered open, revealing orbs that glistened with ancient wisdom and an unwavering determination. Her gaze fell upon Harry, who stood before her, captivated by the spectacle unfolding before him. In that intense moment of eye contact, it felt as though Queen Rennala's piercing gaze bore into his very soul.
As Queen Rennala opened her eyes and fixed her gaze upon Harry, the chamber seemed to crackle with arcane energy. Before he could react, the queen raised her staff, charging it with magic that pulsed like a beacon of power. In an instant, she released a searing beam of energy directly forward, aiming it at Harry with precision.
Reacting swiftly, Harry summoned a protective barrier, his wand deflecting the beam of energy just inches away from him. The force of the attack sent him skidding backward across the liquid floor, creating a rippling wake in his wake. Queen Rennala, relentless in her assault, swung her staff in a sweeping arc, conjuring magical stars that materialized in the air. They hovered for a brief moment, then shot towards Harry with surprising speed. Harry dodged and weaved, narrowly avoiding the luminous projectiles as they burst into brilliant displays upon impact with the chamber walls.
The queen's next move was equally formidable. She summoned a massive crystal in front of her, and with a sudden gesture, shattered it into countless razor-sharp shards. These shards flew in a wide arc, creating a deadly storm that Harry had to frantically dodge. He summoned a protective shield charm to deflect most of the shards, but a few managed to graze him, leaving superficial cuts on his arms and legs.
Realizing that direct confrontation might not be the wisest course of action, Harry began to focus on his defensive spells. He deftly maneuvered around the queen's attacks, all the while seeking an opening to incapacitate, not kill, his possessed foe.
As the battle raged on, Queen Rennala's powers seemed to grow stronger. She transformed herself into a full moon, her luminous form hanging in the air like a celestial body. The queen's full moon form dispelled Harry's magic, leaving him momentarily defenseless. But he remained vigilant, his determination unwavering.
After a suspenseful pause, the queen's moon form broke apart into a cascade of shimmering light. The fragmented moon floated toward Harry, each shard radiating a malevolent energy. With a final explosive burst, the shards converged upon him, creating a blinding explosion that sent Harry tumbling backward.
As he struggled to regain his footing, Harry realized that this battle was spiraling out of control. The queen's powers were beyond anything he had encountered before. In a desperate bid to understand the truth, he paused, his eyes locking with Queen Rennala's. It was in that moment of connection that he saw the torment in her eyes, the flicker of a lost soul trapped within.
Harry realized that Queen Rennala was not in control of her own actions. She had been possessed, and manipulated by an outside force. Gathering all the strength he could muster, Harry raised his wand high, casting the Patronus Charm.
A radiant stag burst forth from the tip of his wand, its silver brilliance pushing back the darkness that had consumed Queen Rennala. As the Patronus washed over her, a cry of anguish escaped her lips, and the presence that had held her captive recoiled.
In an instant, the room seemed to shift, and Queen Rennala collapsed to her knees, her eyes filled with tears. The outside force that had ensnared her had been banished, and she was finally free. As Prongs once more cantered towards Rennala, she raised her head and for the first time, Harry saw something other than grief in her eyes.
"Oh, little Ranni, my dear daughter" she murmured "Weave your night into being."
Once again, the fabric of reality slowly shifted around Harry, and he found himself back in the mysterious archives, standing beside Queen Rennala. His cautious steps brought him closer to her, and he tentatively placed an arm on her shoulder, offering an awkward pat for comfort.
After a period of silence marked only by the echoes of her fading tears, Queen Rennala finally broke it with a quizzical tone, "Who are you, stranger?"
"My name is Harry Potter, Your Majesty," Harry introduced himself, torn between extending a bow or not. In the end, he settled for a shallow nod of respect. To his surprise, Queen Rennala seemed to find his formality amusing.
"Majesty is not a term I have ever heard being used to address royalty," she replied, her voice regaining strength as she gradually rose to her feet and scanned her surroundings.
"Oh," was all Harry could manage to utter.
"Indeed," Queen Rennala nodded, a faint smile gracing her lips before she continued, "The Carian royal family has always been addressed as the Radiant Sovereigns. However, I believe I can make an exception for you."
"I thank you, Your majesty," Harry replied, showing his gratitude.
"Quite so," Queen Rennala acknowledged. "Now, tell me, Harry Potter, why are you here? The last I remember, my Academy rebelled against me after I lost control of my powers and nearly killed a child."
Harry took a deep breath, knowing that he had to convey the gravity of his mission. "Do you know of the Elden Ring?" he asked to which Rennala nodded in recognition. "Well, it was mysteriously shattered, leading to a war among the demigods who sought to seize control of its power. There was a stalemate, and somehow, I was transported to this world, along with other Tarnished, with the purpose of mending the Elden Ring and becoming the Elden Lord."
"You say the demigods went to war," Rennala said, her expression filled with disbelief. "What of Radagon or that..." There was a momentary pause before she continued, her voice trailing off, "...Queen Marika?"
"Both vanished when the Elden Ring was shattered," Harry replied somberly. "I came here from Stormveil Castle after defeating Godrick in battle and taking his great rune. I need your rune to proceed further."
Queen Rennala's gaze turned distant as Harry mentioned the rune, and she sighed heavily. "The rune you seek is the last gift I have from Radagon, my husband," she began, her voice tinged with a mixture of sorrow and resentment. "He left me to become the consort of Queen Marika, and it was in this rune that he sealed his farewell."
Harry, understanding the sentimental value of the rune but also the urgency of his quest, tried to convince her gently. "Your majesty, I understand that the rune holds great significance for you, but it is also vital for the restoration of the Elden Ring. With its power, I can mend what was broken and bring stability to this world."
Queen Rennala's gaze sharpened as she considered Harry's words. Before she could respond, her thoughts drifted to another pressing matter. "What of my children, Ranni, Radahn, and Rykard? What has become of them in my absence?"
Harry hesitated for a moment before answering. "Your children... they have also been affected by the upheaval caused by the Elden Ring's shattering. Radahn was a formidable warrior, known as the famed Red Lion and a scourge of the stars. He fought valiantly against Malenia and her rot in the Caelid Wilds during the war between the demigods. Now, Caelid has been engulfed by the scarlet rot, and even approaching the region is no mean feat. Survivors of Radahn's army are still in the wilds, staving off the rot with fire. If the rumors are true, Radahn is still there as well, in Caelid, going mad due to the scarlet rot. Ranni vanished on the same night when Godwyn the Golden was killed, and Rykard initiated his own war to overthrow the rule of the Erdtree and the Greater Will as the ruler of Volcano Manor."
Queen Rennala's face twisted in a tumult of emotions as she absorbed the news about her children. However, as she looked around the archives, her eyes fell upon the vacant faces of the children she had created to fill the void during her imprisonment. Her expression turned to one of remorse as she realized what she had done.
"These children..." she began, her voice trembling with guilt, "I created them to replace what I had lost, but in doing so, I lost myself. My actions were a desperate attempt to fill the emptiness, and now I see the price they paid for my weakness."
Harry placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Your majesty, you can make amends for what has transpired. Together, we can restore balance and ensure that no more harm comes to this realm. It is time to do what is right, not what's easy."
After a moment of contemplation, Queen Rennala decided. "Very well, Harry Potter. I will entrust you with the great rune you seek. However, in return, I ask that you escort me to the Caria Manor, where I hope to recuperate and begin a plan to reunite with what remains of my family and make amends for the past."
Harry hesitated, torn between his mission and the queen's plea. In the end, his sense of duty prevailed, and he reluctantly agreed, "I will accompany you to the Caria Manor, your majesty. We shall face whatever challenges lie ahead together."
"Very good," Queen Rennala smiled gently, her eyes reflecting a mixture of relief and sorrow, as she raised her staff. With a quiet flick, she cast a spell that enveloped all the malformed students in the chamber, and slowly but surely, they began to fade away into nothingness.
"What are you doing with them?" Harry asked, curiosity tinged with concern.
"These children were not real," Rennala explained softly, her voice filled with empathy. "They were but a figment of my grief given life. I am erasing the magic that brought them into being so that their suffering may finally end. The juvenile scholars will emerge in their place with their memories once the magic affecting them has faded."
Harry nodded in understanding as he watched the spectral children vanish one by one. With a muttered incantation, he summoned balls of light that illuminated the darkened archives, casting away the shadows that had clung to the chamber's corners.
"I am finished," Rennala announced as the last of the children disappeared. "Let's leave."
"Very well," Harry agreed.
Together, they made their way out of the archives and into the lift, which carried them down to the overgrown garden where the lifeless form of the Carian knight lay.
"Ah, Oberon," Rennala whispered, her voice filled with a mix of gratitude and melancholy. She knelt beside the knight's lifeless body. "You were loyal to the end. I hope you can find rest among the stars now that your vigil is over."
Harry, understanding the significance of the moment, quietly went to the overgrown garden and used his staff to dig a grave. With care and reverence, he levitated Oberon's body into the prepared resting place, covering it with the earth. Then, with a wave of his wand, he transfigured a nearby slab of granite into a dignified headstone.
"What do you wish for it to say?" Harry asked, turning to the silently observing Rennala, who stepped forward.
"He was my most loyal retainer, aside from Loretta," Rennala replied, her voice filled with gratitude and respect. "See that his gravestone tells everyone who passes about his unwavering service to the Carian Royal House of Liurnia."
With a solemn nod, Harry carefully etched the words into the stone, each stroke a tribute to Oberon's unwavering dedication. The final inscription read, "Oberon, Faithful and Fearless, Rests Here, Forever in Service to Caria's Crown." He stepped back, satisfied with the tribute, and allowed the stone to stand as a testament to the knight's loyalty.
As they exited the garden and ascended the stairway that had once been fraught with danger, Harry's thoughts turned to the looming threat. But before he could voice his concerns, Queen Rennala reassured him, her voice carrying an air of authority and confidence.
"Fear not of any attack. Now that a Carian Royal walks with you, the Academy of Raya Lucaria welcomes you as a guest."
"Good to know," Harry muttered under his breath, though he remained cautious. They continued their ascent, nearing the spot where the staircase ended abruptly in mid-air. However, Rennala's command over her staff surprised Harry. With a graceful swirl of her staff, the staircase rotated in the air until it connected seamlessly to the courtyard below. They jumped onto the stable platform and proceeded toward the library.
"Bloody hell," Harry exclaimed as he spotted a masked mage rushing toward them, staff raised menacingly. He moved to intercept the attack, but Rennala acted swiftly. With a precise strike from her staff, a glintstone arrow pierced the mage, ending his threat with a sudden and fatal halt.
"Never again," Rennala swore as she passed the twitching mage without a second glance, her determination unwavering. She entered the library, and Harry hurriedly followed. As he stepped into the expansive library, he witnessed something unexpected – the Queen was smiling, a rare sight indeed. Her newfound happiness was evidently due to the presence of a bound wolf, which whined joyfully.
"Unchain him," Rennala requested of Harry, who hesitated for a moment before complying. The unbound wolf leaped towards Rennala, paying no attention to Harry, and began lavishing her with affectionate licks. Rennala's laughter rang through the library.
"Oh, Infernoth," Rennala affectionately patted the wolf's head once he stopped licking her.
"He's yours?" Harry asked, somewhat surprised, as the wolf romped around the library, displaying more puppy-like enthusiasm than the fierce, giant wolf he was capable of being.
"He was gifted to me by Radagon," Rennala replied, her smile fading as she spoke of her former husband. "He is my protector and my friend."
"Good thing I didn't kill him then," Harry said sheepishly, realizing how close he had come to a grave mistake, as Infernoth continued to frolic around, a far cry from the menacing presence he had been when they had fought.
Rennala chuckled at Harry's comment, her eyes filled with a mix of amusement and relief. "Yes, Infernoth may appear imposing, but he's always been gentle with those he knows and trusts. You've made a wise choice, Harry."
As Harry watched the wolf's playful antics, he could not help but smile as well. It was a rare moment of levity since he had arrived in the Lands Between. "I'm glad I didn't make a mistake," he admitted.
"It's time for us to leave," Queen Rennala announced, her voice stopping Infernoth in his gamboling around. Harry nodded in agreement and began to lead the way through. Together, they retraced their steps, making their way back through the labyrinthine passages and mystical chambers of the Academy. The giant wolf, Infernoth, remained a loyal and vigilant presence at their side.
On their way out, Rennala's keen eyes surveyed the mages that Harry had subdued during his fierce battle to enter the Academy. They had been formidable adversaries, but now they lay defeated, their powers stilled.
"Even if you had not defeated me, this is impressive spellwork, Master Potter," Rennala complimented Harry, her words a recognition of his skill and determination. Harry, in response, bowed respectfully, acknowledging the Queen's praise. As they approached the entrance of the Academy, the imposing magical seal still hovered across the gates. As Rennala and Harry approached it, the seal once more parted to form a doorway to which they both passed outside.
With a resounding whistle, Harry summoned his spectral steed, Torrent, who materialized with an ethereal presence. Meanwhile, Queen Rennala gracefully ascended the back of Infernoth, settling herself into a commanding position upon the giant wolf's powerful frame. Throwing a final glance at the imposing Academy of Raya Lucaria, Harry turned his attention to Queen Rennala and addressed her with respect and determination. "Shall we, Your Majesty?"
Rennala met Harry's gaze with a resolute nod, her eyes filled with purpose and a sense of duty. Without further ado, she urged Infernoth forward, and the giant wolf surged into motion with a powerful burst of speed. The ground seemed to quake beneath his mighty paws as he tore away from the academy, his majestic form a blur of fur and determination.
Harry, astride Torrent, nudged his ghostly steed into action, and Torrent responded with a spirited neigh, his spectral hooves galloping after Rennala and Infernoth.
AN: I decided to do the entire Raya Lucaria arc in one chapter as there wasn't enough material to stretch it. I hope you guys enjoy it. Please read and review.