The Second Chamber

I felt so free and liberated; holding starlight was right, so right. All the magical effects I created with the guitar were intentional. It was so easy and so less draining than normal. 

The feeling of elation was greater than when I played Maryann's violin. This feeling reminded me of why I have this calling to music: it's not a hobby. It's not another tool in my magic belt. This was a vital part of who I am. 

There's also a sense of longing that surfaces, a yearning to explore deeper, to understand more fully the connection between my magic and my music. Today has shown me a glimpse of what's possible, of the untapped potential that lies within me. It's an exhilarating thought, the idea that this is just the beginning, that there are more secrets to uncover, more mysteries to unravel in the harmony of magic and melody.

And I knew where to find answers to these secrets, but that would have to wait till another day. Today, I would spend by the shore with my friends, talking and relaxing. 

--

All week, I had been itching to run to Johan's portrait and access the second chamber, but a week full of magic studies kept my mind off it. Gilderoy had given up bringing live creatures to class after the pixie incident; now, he just acted out scenes from his book with whatever student he dragged up front with him. I happen never to get called because of one simple fact: when I was called upon first, I offered to play some music to add to the experience. This turned out to be a double-edged sword, one I didn't need to make a fool of myself, but I also had to do it for every lesson after. Which sounded fun at first but soon grew boring; there are only some cord progressions that show how 'heroic' Lockhart was.

Finally, it was Friday afternoon, and I made my way to the fourth floor. I had told my friends that I would be unavailable this afternoon. So I carried starlight and approached the portrait of Johan Gaulder.

"ah, Back again, Mister Carter", Johan smiled. "Or is it Minstrel Carter?" he looked at the guitar.

"we're about to find out" I smirked at him, and he opened the passage. Arriving in the hexagonal chamber, Johan had his lute out in his second Portrait.

"To open the Second Chamber, repeat after me" he lifted his lute and played a set of chords.

I sparked up Starlight and played the chords back. Soon, we were off in a call-and-response song that didn't slow down, only sped up. It went on for a while, getting quicker and quicker till we were playing at the same time.

Then there was a *Click* and Johan's second portrait swung forward, revealing another passage. Climbing through, I walked for a bit and pushed open a door leading into a grand circular room.

"Welcome to the chamber of echos", Johan said from a third portrait that he was painted in, which looked like a medieval street corner. I looked around the room.

The walls are lined with ancient, enchanted instruments that float gently in the air, each vibrating with a life of their own, waiting to be played. These instruments range from harps made of shimmering light to drums that mimic the sound of thunderstorms. In the centre of the room stands a large, crystal pedestal, atop which lies an ancient tome titled Harmonia Magicae.

I walked up to the book. "After reaching this point, you can now call yourself a minstrel", Johan said. "The next steps are yours. This book was passed from master to apprentice for an age", he sighed. "I never found an apprentice in my time, but now, finally, someone worthy has come", he smiled a genuine large smile. "In it, you will find spells and techniques and notes from all who had the book before you." 

"thank you," I said to Johan as I opened the book and started to skim it.

The book in the heart of the chamber contains lost knowledge about the magic of music. It details how certain melodies can heal while others can enchant or even summon magical creatures. It explains how musical magic was used by ancient wizards to communicate with nature, influence emotions, and manipulate the elements. The margins of the book are filled with handwritten notes from previous wizards and witches who have added their discoveries, including Johan, whose insights on the power of musical storytelling are especially prominent.

After a while of reading, Johan speaks up again: "The chamber is special and not the last on your journey; you now have the book and knowledge from past minstrels. You also have access to their past instruments." he gestured around. "This is where I leave you, young minstrel" The raven sammy flew from out of the picture and landed on his shoulder."It was nice meeting a new minstrel, but my magic is weakening, and I must say goodbye; you do not need me to open the chamber again. Just play the song we played, and it will open." 

"but what about the first chamber?" I asked.

"oh, I asked another to stand guard for it; the password is Johan the Great." With that, he took off his fluffy hat, gave a bow, and walked out of the picture. 

I felt a loss at losing Johan. It wasn't that I knew him well, but he waited a thousand years to meet a new minstrel, and now he had to go. Maybe I should write a song about Johan maybe one day. Johan and the raven Sammy. I chuckled and turned back to the Harmonia Magicae.