The Serpent’s Heir

He didn't mean to go there.

His feet carried him — not his will.Down through the third-level corridor, past the sealed wards, deeper than any student should go.

And when he stood before the ancient stone door, it opened.

Not with a spell.

Not with a push.

But with a greeting:

"Welcome home, Ardyn."

Inside the Seal

He stepped through the door.

Not into a chamber. Not into fire.

Into memory.

A space carved out of time — a hall with no ceiling, no end.Walls built of black stone and moving reflections.Each one showed a version of Harry — laughing, crying, burning, dying.

At the center stood a pedestal, and on it:A wand. Not his. Old. Etched in rune-burned silver.

As his hand reached for it, the seal on his wrist flared white.

The Voice Returns

"You made this place.""You shaped the seal with memory and sacrifice.""But then you ran."

"And now you must remember why."

The wand burned cold in his palm.

And when he turned —he wasn't alone.

Selene stood beside him.

Not in dream-form.

But real.

The Keeper Speaks

"You weren't supposed to return," she said softly.

"But I did," he whispered. "Because I… built this?"

She nodded. Her eyes were tired, not angry.

"Althar Ardyn. You were the youngest of us.The one who saw beyond blood.And when the Fifth House tore itself open—

You gave your name to hold the rift shut."

He stepped back.

"This is a prison."

She looked at him.

"No, Harry. It's a choice."

Final Scene – The Door Shifts

The room began to tremble.

On the far wall, the reflections of Harry shattered — one by one — until only one remained.

A version of him standing alone…

Wearing robes of the Fifth House.Eyes white. Mark fully glowing.Smiling.

The voice echoed one final time:

"The seal is breaking.""Choose your name.

Ardyn… or Potter?"