Morning sunlight poured through the tall arched windows of Slytherin Castle, casting ripples of gold across the stone walls.
Harry awoke slowly, the scent of mint and tea drifting toward him. On the bedside table, a cup still steamed faintly—kept warm by a preservation charm. He smiled slightly. The house-elves never failed to care for him, even when he disappeared for days on missions that would terrify ordinary wizards.
He sat up, muscles sore but whole. A faint chime sounded in his mind, and a translucent blue screen flickered before his eyes.
[Notification]
You have slept in your own bed.
HP, MP, and Stamina fully restored.
Temporary debuffs removed.
Harry dismissed the window with a thought. He sipped the tea slowly, letting the warmth spread through him. The room around him—the black marble floor, the silver runes glowing faintly in the dark stone—felt more like home than anywhere else in the world.
Yet his mind was restless. The Hartland Harbor battle replayed in fragments: fire, screaming, the dragon's roar, the stench of burned wood and flesh. He had won, yes—but only barely.
He had been reckless.
He had burned through his MP without restraint, casting Fireball after Fireball even when a dragon rained destruction for him. Had he paced himself, he could have fought longer, fought smarter.
He clenched his fist. "I nearly died because of my own stupidity," he muttered.
Walking out onto the balcony overlooking the forested estate, he felt the cold wind brush his hair. Somewhere beyond the trees, he could sense the dragon sleeping.
[Self-Reflection]
Mental Focus +1
Wisdom +1
Harry opened his Status Window again and studied the glowing numbers, thinking about what they meant—not as a game, but as a measure of his survival. His Skills made him powerful, yes, but unpredictable. He needed the discipline of wand magic too, the control and precision that raw power could never replace.
He made his decision.
He would master both. He would raise every skill, refine every spell, and ensure that the next time he faced a battle like Hartland—he wouldn't just survive. He would dominate.
The window flickered once more before fading from sight.
The words lingered in his mind like a vow:
[New Objective Added: "Discipline of Power"]
Train wand magic to Level 10 proficiency.
Upgrade three core skills to Level 15 or higher.
Do not deplete MP below 20% in future battles.
Reward: +800 XP | Passive Skill Unlock | Reputation (Self-Mastery Guild: +5)
Harry smiled faintly. "Challenge accepted."
He turned back toward the castle, his steps echoing through the ancient halls of Slytherin. Today, there would be no battles, no blood—only the quiet, disciplined work of a wizard preparing for his future.
Ever since the house-elves had moved in, the ancient fortress had come alive again. The marble floors gleamed like polished moonlight, the portraits whispered cheerfully once more, and even the old armor stands were free of dust.
The elves were happier here than they would have been under any wizard's employ. It was not simply the work—they found purpose. Harry never treated them like servants; he called them by name, asked for their opinions, even gave them freedom to pursue hobbies.
One elf, Tilly, proudly presented Harry with a knitted emerald-green vest one morning, insisting it would "bring out the serpent shine" in his eyes. Another elf, Nobb, had taken to gardening, transforming the left side of the castle grounds into a patchwork of vegetables, herbs, and glowing magical flora.
Harry had given them permission freely.
"You may use the land however you wish," he had said. "This castle isn't just mine. It's home—for all of us."
Beyond the cultivated fields lay the untouched wilderness—thousands of acres of old forest that hugged the castle's rear walls. The trees were dense, ancient, and shrouded in mist. Few dared venture inside, for there were no roads, no villages, only the whisper of wild creatures and untamed magic.
But the elves, ever curious, sometimes wandered there to collect fruits and herbs or to hunt small game. It was Nobb who came running to Harry that morning, his large eyes wide with both awe and fear.
"Master Harry! Master Harry! The great beast is awake again!"
Harry closed the spellbook he was studying and looked up sharply. "The dragon?"
Nobb nodded so hard his long ears flapped.
"Aye, Master. The big one who sleeps near the dark stream. It woke up at sunrise and stretched its wings—so big the trees bowed down! But it didn't roar or burn. Just… looked at the castle for a long time."
Harry stood, his expression thoughtful.
He set aside his cup of tea and grabbed his wand. "Show me, Nobb."
The little elf led him through the courtyard, past the gardens, and down a stone path that faded into the forest. The air grew cooler, the light dimmer, and soon the sound of distant breathing echoed through the trees.
There, among the moss-covered ruins of an old watchtower, lay the dragon—the same green-scaled beast that had carried him from Hartland. Its wings were half-folded, its golden eyes open and aware, watching him approach.
Harry stopped a few paces away. His heartbeat matched the slow, steady rhythm of the creature's breath.
"So," he whispered, "you decided to stay."
The dragon rumbled softly—a low, resonant sound that made the air tremble.
Harry stood before the great dragon once more, its green scales glinting in the morning sun. The ground trembled slightly with every breath it took, but there was no menace in its gaze. Instead, those golden eyes watched him with quiet curiosity, even recognition.
He took a deep breath and whispered, "Soul Read."
A faint shimmer passed between them as the [Soul Read – Lv. 5] skill activated. The world dimmed for a heartbeat, and suddenly, Harry could feel the dragon's emotions flooding into his mind—heavy, ancient, and yet strangely gentle.
Warmth. Safety. Trust.
The dragon felt safe near him. It was not fear or submission, but something far rarer—comfort.
Harry closed his eyes, feeling his heartbeat sync with the creature's slow, steady pulse. The connection deepened for a moment longer, and then came another emotion, unexpected and pure—belonging.
He opened his eyes, smiling softly. "So you've decided to stay."
The dragon's response was a low, rumbling purr that rolled through the earth like distant thunder. Its head lowered, eyes half-closed, as if acknowledging his words.
Harry thought of the dragon's memories that had passed through their bond—the flashes of flight, the sense of loss, the ache of family torn away. Now, through him, it felt connected again.
He reached out and placed a hand on the dragon's snout. "Then you're not alone anymore. This castle will be your home."
The dragon's wings shifted slightly, sending ripples of wind across the clearing. Harry grinned to himself, an image forming in his mind—himself in full armor, flying across a battlefield atop a dragon, black cloak billowing, wand blazing. The very thought made his blood quicken.
"One day," he said under his breath, "you and I will ride into war together. That'll be something to remember."
The dragon blinked slowly, as if understanding.
Harry chuckled, stepping back as the dragon finally folded its wings to rest. He turned toward the path back to the castle, sunlight gleaming across the stone towers beyond the trees.
This place was no longer just Slytherin Castle. It was a fortress guarded by a dragon.
The training field behind Slytherin Castle was silent except for the whisper of wind brushing through the grass. It was an open stretch of land—flat, empty, and surrounded by nothing but distant walls of stone. Harry liked it that way. No distractions. No witnesses. Just magic and willpower.
He stood in the center of the field, eyes closed as the hum of energy gathered under his skin. Sparks began to flicker around him, faint blue lines of light crawling across his arms like living veins.
[Lightning Wave — Lv. 1]
Cost: 50 MP per use
Range: 5 meters
Type: Area of Effect / Electric Burst
Description: Releases a radial surge of lightning from the user's body, shocking and burning everything within range.
Harry exhaled once, then thrust his hand forward.
"Lightning Wave!"
A blinding flash erupted outward. The air cracked with thunder as a ring of pure lightning exploded from him in every direction, scorching the grass to ash in a perfect circle. The smell of ozone filled the air, and for a few seconds he could hear nothing but the hiss of electricity fading away.
He blinked, checking the faint blue screen hovering before him.
[MP – 50]
Remaining MP: 1450 / 1500
The effect was beautiful—but limited. Only a five-meter radius. That might protect him in close combat, but against dozens of enemies, or in dungeon ambushes, it would barely scratch the surface.
He crouched, running a finger through the burned earth. "Too small… too costly."
Still, the potential was undeniable. If he could lower the MP cost and expand the range, this could become a defensive burst skill—one that could turn any ambush in his favor.
He clenched his fist, determination rising.
[New Training Objective Added]
Upgrade Lightning Wave to Lv. 10 or higher.
Reduce MP cost below 35 per use.
Increase radius to 10 meters.
Reward: +300 EXP | Skill Evolution Path (Thunder Dome or Lightning Burst)
Harry smiled to himself. "Alright then. Let's start again."
The sky above Slytherin Castle was painted in streaks of orange and violet when Harry finally stopped. He'd been at it all day—training, testing, refining—his body drenched in sweat and his robes darkened with scorch marks from his own lightning bursts. The once-green grass around him was charred into a wide black circle that shimmered faintly with heat.
He wiped his forehead and checked his stats.
[Skill Progress: Lightning Wave]
Level Increased → Lv.10
Range: 10 meters
MP Cost: 35 (scales with radius)
Customization unlocked: Adjustable radius (1–10 meters)
Skill Evolution available → Choose Evolution Path
Harry grinned, selecting the first option that flashed before him.
[Skill Evolution: Thunderdome selected]
A surge of energy pulsed through his veins—electric, alive. Sparks danced around his hands before fading, leaving a faint static hum in the air.
He crouched, examining the burned ground, satisfied. The dome had potential. He could feel how the lightning bent to his will now, allowing him to modulate its radius and strength. It wasn't just raw destruction anymore—it was control.
He tested again, this time keeping the dome small—barely a three-meter circle. Lightning flashed, contained and efficient, the energy dissipating almost instantly. His MP bar dropped by only 15 points. He nodded, impressed.
[Objective Completed: Lightning Mastery]
Reward: +300 EXP
Skill "Lightning Wave" evolved into "Thunderdome"
MP Efficiency +10%
Control Parameter Unlocked: Radius Scaling
As dusk settled, Harry finally collapsed on the grass, breathing hard but smiling. The skill had cost him nearly an entire day, yet the result was worth it. With the Thunderdome, he could repel ambushes, protect allies, or decimate clustered foes in seconds.
He stared at the faint blue interface fading before him. "Now this," he muttered, "this is power well-earned."
The clock had just struck six when Harry stepped through the Floo Network into the lobby of the Zeus Hotel. For once, he didn't use his usual dramatic entrance—the swirling blue light of the Astral Gate that always left his staff wide-eyed and whispering in awe. Tonight, his training had drained too much of his magic already. His MP was dangerously low after hours of training with the Thunderdome skill, and his body felt like lead.
The sudden emerald flare from the fireplace startled a few guests, and Harry stumbled out, brushing soot from his robes. The usually immaculate Lord Blackfyre looked uncharacteristically worn. His hair was damp with sweat, his hands faintly trembling from magical exhaustion.
Behind the counter, Leora—graceful as ever with her Veela bloodline—blinked in surprise. "Lord Blackfyre," she said softly, stepping forward. "You look pale. Do you wish me to bring you something? A potion, perhaps?"
Harry waved her off with a small smile. "No, Leora. Just training. Nothing to worry about. I'll rest in my suite."
She frowned but didn't argue—no one did when the Lord used that tone.
As he moved through the marble halls, he could feel eyes following him. The staff were used to seeing him confident and radiant with power, not drained and walking like a man carrying invisible weights. He didn't care. His focus was on the meeting ahead.
When he reached his suite, the heavy oak doors opened at his approach. Inside, the familiar faces of his inner circle awaited—Sam, Regina, Jason, Cassia, Cassandra, Charles, Joseph, and David. All of them were already seated around the long mahogany table, their conversation halting the moment Harry entered.
"Harry!" Sam was the first to rise, his usual smirk fading into concern. "What happened to you? You look like you've been struck by lightning."
"Close enough," Harry said with a tired grin, dropping into his chair. "I was… training."
Cassia raised an eyebrow. "Training or trying to kill yourself again?"
Jason chuckled nervously. "It wouldn't be Lord Blackfyre if it didn't involve explosions and scorch marks."
Cassandra Vale, the newest among them, leaned forward slightly. "If this is how you look after training, I'd hate to see you after a battle."
Harry simply shrugged. "I needed to push a few limits. That's all. Now—let's begin."
The room quieted. The faint sound of rain outside the tall glass windows filled the silence. The meeting had officially begun.
[System Notification]
Meeting Commenced: Inner Circle of Zeus Hotel
Participants: 9
Objective: Future Operations Planning
Bonus Condition: Leadership Presence Restored (+5 CHA for Duration)
The heavy rain outside drummed softly against the glass walls of Harry's suite. The table was scattered with scrolls, maps, and parchment filled with quick notes. Despite his exhaustion, Harry listened carefully as Charles, Joseph, and David presented their reports.
Charles unrolled a long parchment, his handwriting neat but hurried. "We've spent the entire day tending to the rescued creatures, my lord. Many were injured during captivity—especially the goblins. Two of them are still critical. We've used healing draughts and spells, but they'll need more than we can offer."
Harry nodded slowly, his fingers tapping the edge of the table. "Continue."
Joseph added, "The inventory is complete. The list includes goblins, centaurs, dwarfs, and a few beasts of dangerous classification—manticores, chimaeras, and a pair of acromantulas."
At the mention of acromantulas, Regina's face paled slightly.
Jason leaned forward, grim. "We can't just release them all. Some will attack the first settlement they see, wizard or muggle alike. We need proper relocation plans."
Cassandra Vale, calm but thoughtful, picked up the conversation. "Let's start with the sentient ones—centaurs and goblins. They can reason, negotiate. The rest will follow after." She pulled a small notebook from her robes. "For the centaurs, there's a herd in the Forbidden Forest at Hogwarts. If I speak with them, they might accept these displaced ones into their ranks."
David frowned. "I already talked to the rescued herd. They're not from the Hogwarts colony—they were taken from somewhere in Eastern Europe, by the looks of it. They said they won't return to their old herd, even if we found them."
"Then Hogwarts might be their only option," Cassandra replied. "If the forest centaurs are willing."
Harry's eyes gleamed faintly under the soft chandelier light. "Do it," he said. "Go to Hogwarts tomorrow. Talk to them. If they agree, we'll arrange safe transport. If they don't…" He paused. "We'll find another forest. Somewhere deep enough that wizards won't intrude."
Cassia spoke next, her voice careful. "And the goblins, my lord? If they're stable enough to travel, we can take them back to Gringotts. They'll be safest among their own kind."
"Two are too injured," Charles reminded softly. "They'll need to stay here until they recover."
Harry nodded. "Then it's settled. Cassandra handles the centaurs. Cassia and Jason will coordinate with Gringotts for the goblins. The rest of us focus on securing a location for the beasts—somewhere remote."
Jason leaned forward on his chair, his tone calm but confident.
"Why don't we just take all the magical creatures and relocate them to the forest around Slytherin Castle?" he suggested. "That entire area's isolated—no muggles, no villages, nothing for miles. It's perfect. We can build proper wards around it, seal it from intruders, and mark it as part of your estate, my lord."
The room fell silent for a moment as everyone turned to him.
Cassia nodded immediately. "He's right. If you allow it, I can help Jason cast the wards. Between us, we can create a protective perimeter strong enough to keep both muggles and magical beasts from crossing the boundary."
Harry leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. The idea made sense. The forest behind the castle stretched endlessly, wild and untouched. If anyone could tame it safely, it would be him.
Sam scratched his chin. "It's not a bad idea, honestly. Right now, all those creatures are cramped in that enchanted ship. We can't keep them there forever."
Cassandra agreed. "Yes. And moving them to a familiar, nature-rich environment will calm them. Especially the centaurs and dwarves. The forest sounds ideal."
Harry glanced around the table. None of them had ever visited Slytherin Castle except Sam and Cassia, but everyone seemed to trust Jason's reasoning. The thought of turning the massive, unused lands around the castle into a refuge for rescued beings stirred something inside him—pride, perhaps, or purpose.
"Very well," Harry said finally, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "We'll do it. The forest surrounding Slytherin Castle will become a sanctuary. You two"—he looked at Jason and Cassia—"will handle the wards. Make sure no one from the outside world can find it. Especially the Ministry."
Jason nodded firmly. "Understood."
Harry rose from his seat, stretching his tired shoulders. "We've made plans long enough. Now it's time for action."
Everyone nodded. The war room of Zeus Hotel fell silent again—each member leaving with renewed determination.
And for a brief moment, as Harry stood by the window watching the rain slide down the glass, he felt the first glimmer of something he hadn't felt since the Heartland battle—hope.
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