The Mage's Path: Chapter 19

Hi all, 

Here’s the final chapter of the week. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas! I'll be taking a break for the first half of next week to spend time with family. I’ll be back on Thursday with the first chapter.

Chapter 19

Harry dropped into the armchair across from Dumbledore as the Dursleys scrambled from the room like startled rabbits. He stared at the old man warily, as if he were facing a monster about to lunge at him.

Dumbledore reached into his garish robes, producing a small paper bag. "Lemon drop?"

“No thanks.”

The old wizard popped a candy into his mouth, sucking thoughtfully as the silence stretched between them. If he expected Harry to crack under the pressure and start babbling, he'd have a long wait.

"Hello there," Dumbledore addressed Celeste, his eyes twinkling behind half-moon spectacles. "You must be Harry's companion?"

Celeste crossed her arms. "I'm his familiar. Celeste."

"Fascinating. Where did the two of you meet, if I may ask?"

"You might."

Silence filled the room as a smirk spread across Celeste's face.

"I trust you've been keeping out of sight of Muggles," Dumbledore said mildly, unruffled.

"I'm not stupid," Harry replied. "Only my relatives know about her, and they hardly matter."

"Excellent." Dumbledore steepled his fingers. "You've been away from Privet Drive for quite some time."

"Been spying on me?"

"Nothing so crude. The wards simply alert me to extended absences. But there is some leeway in case your relatives take you on holiday."

Harry snorted. "The Dursleys, taking me on holiday? That'll be the day."

Dumbledore frowned, stroking his beard.

"Did those same wards tell you they kept me in a cupboard for my entire childhood?" Ice crept into Harry's voice. "Or was that not important enough to monitor?"

"No. The wards aren't quite so... comprehensive. A regrettable oversight. I trusted your aunt would treat you as family."

"Trusted? Or convenient?" Harry leaned forward. "You sealed my parents' wills, dumped me with magic-hating relatives, and never checked on me once. Some guardian you turned out to be."

Dumbledore sighed. "Professor McGonagall mentioned you might harbour some ill feelings. Perhaps I could address your grievances?"

“I’m all ears.”

"Very well." Dumbledore folded his hands in his lap. "The night your parents died, I faced an immediate problem. You needed protection from Voldemort's followers. Many escaped justice by claiming they were under the Imperius Curse."

"They wanted to kill a baby? That's pure speculation."

"No." Dumbledore's eyes hardened. "After placing you with your aunt, the wards recorded eight separate attacks. The blood protection proved too strong—they all failed."

Harry's mouth went dry. "Death Eaters?"

Dumbledore shook his head. "I managed to catch one of them in the act. He was a mercenary from the Abyss Realm. Are you familiar with it?"

"I've heard of it in passing. Why would a mercenary target me?"

"I never discovered why. They escaped before I could question them properly. At the time, I assumed one of Voldemort's followers had hired them."

Harry's mind raced with the implications. He didn’t immediately assume it was the Death Eaters that were after him. What if it was someone else? How many enemies did he have?

"The wards must be powerful to stop eight separate attacks," Harry said.

Dumbledore nodded. "Your mother's sacrifice created a blood protection, but it only works while you live with her relative. I created a wardstone based on it, which protects you as long as you stay in the Whinging area."

"So you chose my aunt." Harry's eyes narrowed. "Did you know what the Dursleys were like when you left me here?"

"I knew Petunia resented magic, yes. But I believed she would overcome her bitterness for her sister's child." Dumbledore's voice dropped. "I was wrong."

"The wills—"

"Were sealed to prevent anyone challenging your placement here. Your parents named several potential guardians, but none could provide the blood protection. Sirius Black was your godfather, but he was arrested for betraying your parents. The Longbottoms were tortured into insanity shortly after. The others..." Dumbledore spread his hands. "The blood wards were paramount."

"What about checking up on me?"

"Another mistake. I placed a squib, Mrs Figg, nearby to monitor you. Her reports mentioned you were small and quiet, but showed no signs of abuse. I chose to believe what I wanted to hear." Dumbledore's shoulders dropped a fraction. "I convinced myself that some unhappiness was an acceptable price for your safety."

"Why tell me all this now?" Harry asked.

"Because you deserve the truth, and because I need your trust for what's coming. Voldemort isn't truly dead. He will return, and when he does, you'll be a target. The blood wards are your strongest protection, but they require you to call this place home."

Harry's brows furrowed. Didn’t Professor McGonagall mention to Dumbledore his doubts about the facts of that Halloween night? He decided to stay quiet about it for now.

"You mentioned my godfather," Harry said. "How did he betray my parents?"

"Your parents used a complex spell called the Fidelius Charm to hide from Voldemort,” Dumbledore said. “The spell conceals a secret inside a person's soul—in this case, their location. This person becomes the Secret Keeper."

"And Sirius Black was their Secret Keeper?"

"Yes. Only he could reveal where they lived. He gave that information to Voldemort."

Harry's nails bit into his palms. "Did he ever explain why he betrayed them?"

"I never asked."

"But they made him my godfather—they must have trusted him at one point." Harry leaned forward. "Surely his reasons came out at the trial?"

"I cannot say." Dumbledore shifted in his seat. "I wasn't present at his trial."

"You knew him personally though?"

"Yes. He worked alongside your parents in our fight against Voldemort."

"Yet you never bothered to find out why he turned on them?" 

Dumbledore sighed. "Those were chaotic times, Harry. I carried many responsibilities. I should have made time but it wasn’t on my list of priorities. I felt betrayed and didn’t want to listen to anything Sirius had to say."

Harry's mouth twisted. What kind of leader didn't investigate why his followers betrayed their cause? His parents had trusted Sirius enough to make him godfather —people didn't hand over that responsibility lightly. None of it made sense.

He needed answers, but he wouldn't find them here. Dumbledore's version of events was too skewed by his own biases. Harry would dig deeper on his own—starting with finding out exactly what happened at that trial. 

"Are you demanding that I remain here all summer?" Harry asked.

"No. You only need to spend at least two weeks here each summer to maintain the wards. The rest of the time..." Dumbledore's lips twitched. "I noticed there is a magical tent in your backyard."

"It's the only way I can remain here whilst keeping my sanity."

"A simple yet elegant solution to the friction with your relatives. I shan't demand you get on with them—that ship has already sailed. But I need you to inform me if you plan to leave the Whinging area."

"There are only ten days until Hogwarts begins. I do not need to be anywhere else."

"That eases my mind. We can address this topic again next summer."

Harry struggled not to roll his eyes. He would play along for now—he could slip away whenever he wanted, and Dumbledore would never know. 

"What of my parents' wills?" Harry asked.

"I shall have them unsealed, though it may take some time. Perhaps I could accompany you to the Ministry over the Christmas holidays? It should be ready by then."

Harry nodded. “As long as I can visit my family vaults as well.”

“Certainly. Now, where did you disappear to for the past few weeks, Harry?” 

"Doesn't the all-powerful and wise headmaster know?" Celeste teased. 

Dumbledore shook his head. “I would hardly describe myself that way.”

Harry flexed his fingers, weighing his options. After a moment, he raised his hand. "Lumos."

Light bloomed from his palm.

Dumbledore’s gaze sharpened “Wandless magic? No, it doesn’t seem to be the case. You still had to perform the incantation. It’s like your arm is acting like a wand.”  

"Nothing gets past you."

Harry explained his visit to Ollivander and the recommendation that led him to France. He kept his account simple—no mention of the Delacours or his adventures, just that he'd toured the country while waiting for Madame Beaumont to craft his wand. Then he described how the wand had fused with his arm bone, creating an unprecedented magical focus.

“Extraordinary,” Dumbledore said. “I’m aware of Eloise Beaumont’s methods but I have never come across a case where a wand has fused with the wizard. How many spells have you cast with it?”

Harry shrugged. “Just the Wand Lighting Charm.”

"The charm seems stable enough, but it's only first-year magic. I must ask you not to experiment further until you reach Hogwarts. Madam Pomfrey can monitor you while we test its limits."

Harry nodded, already planning to ignore that particular request. He already knew that it was safe to cast spells. He wanted to unlock a Primer for one of the magical branches before Hogwarts. As soon as he thought that, a new quest notification pinged on his HUD.  

“Aren’t you going to disqualify me from Hogwarts for not being able to use a wand?” Harry asked.

Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled. “Not at all. Technically, you are using a wand—merely in an unconventional way. We simply need to ensure it's safe." 

Harry hid his disappointment. Worth a try. 

Dumbledore pulled a pocket watch from his robes and flipped it open. “I must be on my way. It was nice meeting you, Harry. I will see you at Hogwarts on the first of September.“

After the headmaster's departure, Celeste broke the silence. "Smooth talker, that one. Still don't trust him."

“I will withhold judgment for now. I still can't get past the fact that he sent me to the Dursleys, but I guess he had a valid reason.”

Harry opened the new notification to read the new quest.

======New Side Quest: Primed for Hogwarts

Description: Harry Potter's unique Hybrid Arm Wand has opened the possibility of converting traditional wizarding magic into Primer skills. By mastering spells from any single branch of magic (Charms, Transfiguration, Defence, etc.), he can forge a deeper connection with that magical discipline. Unlock a Primer before Hogwarts starts.

Main Objectives:

1. Learn 15 different first-year spells from a single branch of magic.

2. Successfully cast 1 advanced spell (3rd year or higher) from the chosen branch.

Quest Completion Rewards: 2,000 XP; Magical branch unlocked as a Primer skill.

Time Limit: Before September 1st.

Quest Difficulty: Moderate. 

Note: This quest is seen as one that originates from Scotland. ======

Harry smiled. "I'm not going to complain about getting rewards for something I was already planning to do." 

The best thing was that completing the quest would help him reach the requirements to unlock the next set of countries. 

 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The next morning, Harry pulled ingredients from his inventory and laid them out on the tent's kitchen counter. Steam rose from several pots as he worked, the air thick with aromatic spices.

"Is it ready yet?" Celeste hovered nearby, drawn by the smells. She'd already sampled three different components, claiming it was 'quality control'.

"Almost." 

Harry stirred a rich red wine sauce, adding herbs gathered from Potter Isle. The caramelized shallots and mushrooms from the fairy grove melted into the reduction, their magical properties enhancing the base flavours. 

He plated the Coq au Vin—chicken braised in wine, served with pearl onions and fairy grove mushrooms. The meat fell off the bone, having absorbed both the sauce and magical properties during its slow cooking process.

"Appraisal."

======Coq au Vin a la Fee | Rare | Effect: Combat Meal | Quality: High

Description: A traditional French dish elevated by magical ingredients. The chicken is braised in wine infused with herbs from Potter Isle, while grove mushrooms and magical herbs enhance its properties. The slow cooking process allows the magical elements to be fully incorporated into the dish.

* Increases maximum HP by 20% for 1 hour.

* Increase Defence by ten for 1 hour.

* Improves melee damage by 10% for 1 hour.

* Improves critical strike chances by 5% for 1 hour. 

* Increases consumption by 35. ======

He had worked on his Cooking skill along with his potion brewing, increasing the skill level to three. After eating so many delicious French cuisines, he had been inspired to recreate this dish because it was his favourite. 

The only issue with the recipe was that he couldn’t buy wine. But he convinced the Delacours to part with two dozen bottles from their winery.

"We're going to get sloshed on this food," Celeste said between bites, having already demolished a portion twice her size.

Harry snorted. “Maybe for you. Unless I eat several portions at once, I’m sure I will be fine.”

"Ready to tackle the dungeon?" he asked, storing their dishes in his inventory.

Celeste patted her belly. "After that feast? Bring it on."

She perched on his shoulder as he activated Dungeon Return. A prompt appeared, and he selected the Aspen Horror Dungeon, the only one on the list. In an instant, they materialised inside the corrupted woods.

"We spawned at the same point," Harry noted, scanning their surroundings. 

He opened his Spatial Pouch and summoned Grove from his inventory. The wooden golem stood motionless, awaiting commands. Through experimentation, he'd discovered he could store the golem in his inventory—far more convenient than trying to transport it normally.

Harry checked his settings menu. With Grove present, they registered as a three-man party, with experience split evenly.

"Bit dodgy, that," Harry muttered.

Since Grove couldn't earn experience points, one-third would simply vanish into thin air. He adjusted the settings until only he and Celeste would receive the experience.

Harry directed Grove to take point as they followed the narrow trail. Everything was familiar to him, so in theory, there wouldn’t be any nasty surprises. Soon, they came upon the first corrupted node they had encountered last time.

"Why have the nodes reset?" Celeste asked.

"Probably because they affect some of the monster’s traits."

"No rewards for destroying them this time though."

"Still worth clearing them out."

As soon as they approached the node, an Aspen Sapling Horror burst out of the underbrush. Grove lumbered forward, summoning a wooden shield. The Aspen Horror struck the shield and bounced off it, not doing any damage to Grove.

Celeste grinned. "Grove could handle these weaklings alone."

"True, but then we'd miss out on the experience," Harry pointed out.

Harry circled left as Grove pinned the Horror against a corrupted tree. The monster's jaws snapped uselessly against the golem's wooden shield, leaving shallow marks on its surface. 

Celeste's Dark Resonance crackled through the air. Dark energy swirled around her as she prepared her next attack.

Harry activated Sneak, ghosting around the monster until he flanked it. The Serpent's Fang flashed out, its curved edge finding a weak point in the monster's bark-like hide.

Grove's form expanded, roots erupting from the ground to entangle the Horror's legs. The monster thrashed against its bonds.

A supercharged Shadow Lance pierced through the Horror's shoulder, Celeste's dark magic eating away at corrupted flesh. The monster's health plummeted.

Harry struck again, the Serpent's Fang triggering both the Blood Hunger and a critical hit. Health flowed into him as the bleeding effect took hold.

The Horror broke free with an ear-splitting screech. It lunged at Harry, but Grove intercepted, its wooden frame absorbing the impact. The golem's shield expanded, pressing the monster back.

Celeste's final Shadow Lance struck simultaneously with Harry's blade. The Serpent's Fang sank deep into corrupted flesh as dark energy tore through the monster. It dissolved into motes of light, leaving only loot behind.

“That was too easy,” Celeste said. “Grove is a beast.”

“We want it to be that way,” Harry said. “Still, the Sapling isn’t the hardest monster in this dungeon, and there is room for improvement.”  

They continued through the dungeon, killing every monster they came across. Harry noted that the Bloodroot had respawned but none of the treasure chests did.

The Aspen Abomination and Sentinel proved trickier opponents. Grove's wooden frame cracked under their assault, and their coordination faltered at crucial moments. Still, with three against one, they overcame both monsters. The fight against the Abomination was especially easier considering Harry fought it alone. They took a break so Grove could regenerate his health before moving on. It was fortunate he had that ability; without it, he wouldn’t last for long. Potions didn’t work on the golem.

Harry bypassed the Altar of Sacrifice. Though he still needed two more equipment pieces, he'd wait until reaching level twelve—the dungeon's limit. Waiting to get the best version of the equipment while conserving resources was the smarter choice.

At the end of the dungeon, Harry was glad to see that the Boss monster wasn’t around. He still had nightmares about that fight. They stepped through the waiting gate. The familiar interior of his magical tent materialised around them, where he had activated Dungeon Recall.

“Not a bad hull,” Harry said, calculating their gains. “If we keep this up, we will get eight dungeon runs in before the start of Hogwarts.”

“It’s too bad we can only use it once per day,” Celeste grumbled.

"Don't forget, it's per dungeon," Harry said. "That means unlocking more dungeons will just give us more chances to level up."

"Better start searching then."

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Harry plunged into a whirlwind of activity over the next week. Between conquering dungeons and mastering first-year spells, he and Celeste scoured England for the remaining gates. Their search expanded beyond monitoring news of dying plant life— they deployed a combination of shadow fairies and Hedwig.

The shadow fairie could see the gates thanks to their connection to Celeste. But it was Hedwig who proved most invaluable. The snowy owl's intelligence shone through as she followed Harry's instructions, eventually discovering a hidden gate deep in the countryside, tucked away where no human eyes could spot it. Without her sharp vision and determination, that particular dungeon might have remained hidden for months. While she couldn’t see the gates, she could see their effects on the environment.  

Harry thought about entering a new dungeon but decided to continue grinding the Aspen Horror Dungeon. Thanks to their efforts, both of them were now level twelve with plenty of AP and PP in reserve. Both of them had increased their combat skill levels thanks to the number of monsters they faced. After it became too easy, Harry didn’t utilise Grove anymore to maximise their skill gains. 

They collected a good amount of loot. He now had a decent supply of Bloodroot in his inventory, along with plenty of materials and enchantment gems. Once he unlocked the Aspen Sentinel’s bestiary, the monster dropped a new enchantment gem.

======Watcher's Eye | Level: 10 | Rare | Type: Enchantment Gem 

Description: A crystalline sphere containing the distilled essence of the Aspen Sentinel's protective instincts. When socketed into armour, it heightens the wearer's spatial awareness and ability to detect lurking threats.

* Expands mini-map coverage radius by 25%.

* Enhances detection of concealed enemies by 15%.

* Marks detected enemies automatically on mini-map. ======

He socketed it into his Gamer Specs since it fit the equipment perfectly. Even though the glasses were just level one, the enchantment gem didn't have any level restrictions.

Harry also grabbed the last two pieces of equipment from the Altar of Sacrifice. One was for him, and the other was for Celeste.

====== Ranger's Treads | Level: 12 | Rare | Type: Defence | Enchantment Slots: 1

Description: Custom-crafted boots using enchanted leather as the base material with living wood woven through the soles and sides. The unique construction allows for silent movement while providing robust protection.

* Defence: 7

* Durability: 130/130

* Increases Agility by 10%

* Reduces falling damage by 50%

* Movement noise reduced by 20%

* Enchantments attached: [Empty] ======

======Shadow Weaver's Shroud | Level: 12 | Rare | Type: Defence | Enchantment Slots: 1

Description: A gossamer-light suit of magical armour sized perfectly for a fairy. Woven from shadow-touched silk and reinforced with living wood fibres. Provides the wearer with the ability to partially obscure themselves. 

* Defence: 15

* Durability: 160/160.

* Increases Endurance by 10%

* While in darkness, grants partial invisibility.

* Offensive shadow spells deal 20% more damage.

* Enchantments attached: [Empty]  ======

On the day before he had to leave for Hogwarts, Harry managed to complete the requirements for the ‘Primed for Hogwarts’ quest. He earned 2000 experience points and unlocked the ‘Charms Mastery’ primer skill.

======Charms Mastery [Primer] | Active/Passive | Level 1 | Upgrade: Natural Growth | Attribute: SPI/INT

Description: Through dedicated study and practice of Charm-based magic, the caster has developed a fundamental understanding that transcends mere spellcasting. This Primer enhances Charm-category spells while unlocking unique magical properties that blend traditional wandwork with the system's power. New levels are gained through consistent use and mastery of charm-based magic.

* Reduces MP cost of all Charm-category spells by 10%.

* Increases duration of charm effects by 20%.

* Improves control and precision of charm-based spells.

* Provides a 20% chance to maintain concentration on multiple charms simultaneously.

* When casting charm spells consecutively, each successful cast increases the effectiveness of the next by 5% (stacks up to 5 times)

* INT > 50: Can identify active charms and their properties by sight.

* SPI > 50: Grants the ability to layer multiple charms on a single target without interference.

* Wandless Magic: Reduces MP cost by an additional 10% when casting charm spells without standard wand movements.

* Silent Casting: Increases charm potency by 15% when cast non-verbally

* Each level increases all percentage-based effects by 5%.  ======

As far as Harry understood, the system divided Charms magic into distinct Primers. The one he'd unlocked covered general Charms, excluding Dark Charms, Defensive Magic and Healing.

The Dark Charms Primer encompassed Jinxes, Hexes and Curses. All shielding spells and counter-curses fell under the Defence Primer, whilst Healing magic warranted its own category—covering diagnostic spells and treatments. The latter two Primers likely included relevant Transfiguration spells as well.

Besides these activities, Harry worked towards unlocking his next set of countries for the system. Though levelling up offered the simplest path, he opted for a different approach.

Completing the quest met his first requirement.

The second clicked into place during his visit to Gringotts, despite what he told Dumbledore about not travelling outside of Whinging. He asked Ragnok to purchase a small property in Hogsmeade. He managed to get one for chump change. It was called the Shrieking Shack, an infamous building in the British magical community. The villagers thought it was haunted even though no noises had emerged from the building in over a decade.

For his third requirement—ten completed side quests—he'd already ticked off several. The remainder he gathered through exploration, picking up straightforward quests he could complete within a day.

Harry would get the final requirement after he arrived at Hogwarts.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Harry wheeled his trolley through King's Cross station, the morning crowds parting around him like water. Hedwig's cage rattled atop his trunk with each bump in the flooring, drawing curious glances from passing commuters. He'd arrived early so he could get a good seat on the Hogwarts Express.

He paused at the barrier between platforms nine and ten, spotting a bushy-haired girl standing alone. She matched his height and had a developing body that suggested she was a second or third-year. 

It looked like she had been in a scuffle as her clothes were rumpled and askew. An angry red scrape marked her cheek. She kept glancing around the platform, shoulders tense.

Harry tapped his glasses, activating his HUD.

Hermione Granger - Muggleborn Witch - Level 11

Level eleven didn’t sound like a student in their second or third year. Maybe she went through an early magical maturity.

"Is everything alright?" he asked.

She spun to face him. "I'm fine."

"Now clearly that's a lie. Why are you waiting here? Don't you know how to get through the barrier?"

Her eyes narrowed. "Do I look stupid to you?"

"Do you really want me to answer that? I'm Harry, by the way."

Her gaze flicked to his forehead, lingering on his scar. "I'm Hermione Granger."

"Judging by your reaction, you already know who I am. Now, what happened? It looks like you were mugged."

She sighed, shoulders slumping. "My father changed his mind at the last second and decided I don't need to attend Hogwarts. When I argued, he took my trolley with all my school supplies. I tried to stop him but I fell."

"You don't have the best relationship with your father, I take it. I know how that feels."

Her eyebrow arched. "I thought your parents were—"

"Dead? Yes, they are. I was referring to my aunt and uncle. You’ll never meet a more horrible pair of human beings in your life."

A ghost of a smile crossed her face. "I'm sure my father can challenge them to that honour."

"What about your mother?"

"Dead."

Harry winced. "Sorry."

"Don't be. You didn't know."

Harry paused as an idea occurred to him. "Would your father still be outside in the parking lot?"

She nodded. "He'll wait for a while, hoping I'll give in. Hell will freeze over before that happens."

Harry grinned. "Want to participate in a heist?"

Her eyes widened. "You don't mean..."

"You distract him while I retrieve your school supplies."

"But he's probably already locked them in the trunk."

"Not a problem. I have superpowers."

She rolled her eyes. "What about the trace?"

"The what?"

"The trace on your wand. It's how the Ministry knows when kids are performing underage magic illegally."

"Oh, that's not a problem either. Ready?"

They emerged from the station into the morning sunlight. A sleek silver Mercedes sat in a corner of the car park. A tall man in a tailored suit paced beside it.

Harry hung back near a concrete pillar while Hermione squared her shoulders. She brushed her wild hair back and marched toward the Mercedes.

"Father, please, can we discuss this rationally?" Her voice carried clearly in the still air.

Mr Granger spun to face her. "There's nothing to discuss. This magical nonsense ends now. You're going to a proper school."

Harry crept along the row of parked cars as Hermione launched into an impassioned speech about educational opportunities. Her father's attention locked onto her, his face reddening as he jabbed a finger in her direction.

At the Mercedes' boot, Harry raised his hand, mimicking the precise wand movements he'd practised. 

"Alohomora," he whispered. Magic surged through his fingers, and the lock clicked open with a soft snick.

"You can't keep me locked away from who I am!" Hermione's voice rose, drawing her father's attention as Harry eased the boot open.

He spotted an abandoned trolley nearby and wheeled it over, wincing at every squeak of its wheels. A pair of trunks sat nestled between boxes of dental supplies. 

He transferred the trunks to the trolley, muscles straining against its weight. The boot closed with barely a whisper, and Harry ducked behind the Mercedes, keeping the car between him and Mr Granger's increasingly heated voice.

"...and furthermore, young lady..."

Harry wheeled the trolley toward the station entrance. He didn't dare look back until he reached the safety of the building.

Five minutes later, Hermione appeared at the barrier, her cheeks flushed pink and a triumphant grin spreading across her face.

"Mission accomplished?"

She nodded, taking control of her trolley. "He's still ranting in the car park. Probably won't notice anything missing until he's home."

“It was like taking candy from a baby.”

“Thank you, Harry,” Hermione said. “Just ten minutes ago, I was feeling hopeless, believing I might never get to go to Hogwarts.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

They passed through the barrier together, emerging onto Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. The Hogwarts Express dominated the platform, its scarlet paint gleaming in the morning light. Steam billowed from its stack, wreathing the half-filled platform in white clouds.

Harry blinked as floating text bombarded his vision—names and levels hovering above every witch and wizard present. He looked away before the information overload gave him a headache.

They hauled their trunks onto the train and found an empty compartment near the middle. After stowing their luggage, Hermione sank into the seat opposite Harry.

A purple blur shot from Harry's pocket, making Hermione jump. Celeste hovered between them, her wings catching the light streaming through the window.

"Finally free!" Celeste stretched her tiny arms. "Hello, I'm Celeste."

Hermione's mouth fell open. "Is that a fairy?"

"Umbra Fairy," Celeste corrected, preening. "I'm Harry's familiar."

"But fairies aren't supposed to be intelligent enough for conversation. And I've never seen one with that colouring—"

"Are you calling me stupid?"

"No! I just..." Hermione fumbled in her bag, pulling out a thick book. "According to 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them', fairies possess very limited intelligence-"

"Your book is wrong," Celeste sniffed. "I'm one of a kind."

Harry chuckled. "You'll get used to her."

"Won't you get into trouble with your father for pulling that stunt?" Harry asked after Hermione had stopped interrogating Celeste.

Hermione wrinkled her nose. "At least not until next summer. My father wouldn't have the first clue about contacting me in the magical world."

"What about school tuition?"

"It's already paid for this year and you can't get a refund. I'll figure something out for next year's tuition."

The compartment door slid open. A gangly redheaded boy stood in the doorway, his secondhand robes frayed at the edges.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked. "Everywhere else is filling up."

Before he could respond, Harry's eyes caught movement in the boy's pocket—a fat grey rat poking its head out. 

Ronald Weasley - Pureblood Wizard - Level 7

His breath caught as text appeared above the rat.

Peter Pettigrew - Halfblood Wizard/Animagus - Level 62

Harry's thoughts whirled. Why was a grown wizard disguising himself as a child's pet? The implications were disturbing. Was Ron aware of the rat's real identity?

The rat's beady eyes met his before it vanished back into Ron's pocket.

"Yeah, come in," Harry heard himself say. "We've got plenty of room."

So, what do you think? In the next chapter, Harry arrives at Hogwarts and has to deal with a rat. I will update the status post with the next chapter. 

Thanks for reading.