Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any other references in this fanfic.
A/N: Thanks for all of the great reviews. Not a lot of questions this time but I'll answer some anyways.
First: Charles will train some of the other children once he knows they are completely loyal to him. (Binding oath, hidden test, etc.) He won't share the gamer ability though. More on that later.
Second: I already have plans for the Chamber of Secrets so don't worry, and yes there will be a dungeon there.
Third: I'm not sure why I even have to write this but there will be absolutely No Rape! If you were worried about that, don't be. I find that fanfic that do put it in are too angsty and trying to hard to add some extra drama.
Well anyways hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 13
(Flitwick)
For the umpteenth time in the last hour Flitwick's eyes flickered to Charles Bell.
The charms professor had noticed the change in his young pupil after the holiday break.
The boy carried himself with a bit more self-confidence, something that was missing before.
He also took note that the young Ravenclaw no longer seemed to be on edge, as if every corner held some hidden danger. The bags under his eyes had also mostly disappeared leading him to believe that whatever nightmares had previously plagued him had subsided for the moment. Whatever had happened over the holiday's it seemed to have done wonders for the boy's mental state.
Ring!
The sound of the bell tower brought him back to his wits, as he got up on his desk, "Ahem, alright class you are free to pack up and leave. Don't forget we will be having a quiz on Friday, so study hard."
That made the class groan, except his Ravenclaws, never his Ravenclaws.
"Mr. Bell would you mind staying back for a moment," he called out just as the raven-haired boy finished placing his books in his bag.
He received some playful jabs from the rest of his housemates as they left, showing Flitwick what a tightknit group, they had become in only a few short months.
Once they were all gone Charles walked to the front of the classroom. "Yes, Professor, did you need something?" he said in that reserved tone that people got when they thought they were in trouble.
Gesturing to a stack of heavy tomes the short professor gave a short chortle, "No need to be worried Mr. Bell, I only wished for your assistance in helping me return some books back to the library, otherwise I fear Madam Pince will be rather cross with me."
Charles' shoulders visibly sagged in relief as he gave a smile, "Well we can't have that."
"That we can't," Flitwick said with a laugh.
Making their way out of the classroom, the two wizards made small talk.
It wasn't until they reached the second floor did Flitwick finally ask what was on his mind, "So tell me Mr. Bell have you been keeping up with your sword play recently?"
The sound of footsteps behind him stopped momentarily before quickly resuming.
Charles gave a sigh of defeat, "I should have known better than to think I could fool you Professor. I was so sure I had gotten past all of the security charms too."
"I'm surprised you were able to recognize and avoid many of them as well," Flitwick said praising, "you might have a knack for curse breaking in the future."
"Thank you… I think. So, what gave me away?"
"I'm afraid I can't tell you that, don't want to give away all my tricks," the professor grinned, thinking about the pressure detection charm he placed on the common room rug.
"Oh well, worth a try," the boy said with a shrug, "So am I in trouble?"
"Well normally you would, but I understand the circumstances behind your actions, so I'll only advise you not to do it again, or at the very least not get caught."
"That's very kind of you sir."
The part goblin wizard shook his head, "There's no need, it was partially our fault for letting the events transpire as they did. Though I must say you seem well put together now."
"I am, or that's what I'd like to believe. Ms. Emily, the orphanage Matron, had me go to a specialist after I told her about the Halloween incident," the boy said with a wince, apparently still not over it completely.
"I take it she didn't take it very well," he guessed.
"I doubt many parents would be thrilled at having their children almost crushed by a troll. I'm actually really grateful to Ms. Emily, despite the orphanage not having much in the way of money she still insisted I go to a professional."
"I suppose your right. So, you went to a specialist you say."
"Yes, a therapist, they helped me work out some of my thoughts on the matter. They suggest that I find a hobby to take my mind of such things."
Nodding to himself Flitwick internally agreed, after the war he had found himself unable to settle down, always on edge expecting another attack. He took up knitting as a result, but when that didn't pan out, he found that metal working suited him more. He'd gotten better but there were still days when he would find himself going through old combat maneuvers. "Have you found one you like?"
Charles stopped to adjust the books with one hand as the other reached into his bookbag and pulled out a book.
"500 Pastime Activities: Finding the right hobby for you," the professor read the title, "Ho? Have you found one you like?"
Putting the book back, Charles continued to walk, "Well, none yet. Currently I'm trying my hand at puppetry and a bit of fencing. I also bought a book on magic crafting and dueling."
"Are you thinking of getting into the dueling circuit too?" Flitwick asked, his curiously peaked.
"I haven't really thought that far ahead, I just hoped it would be better if I learned to protect myself?"
"…You know, I used to be a Dueling Champion back in my day. If your ever find yourself in need of help, my door is always open," the small professor offered kindly, receiving a broad smile from the boy.
"Thank you Professor, I'll be sure to keep that in mind."
"Remember Mr. Bell, there is nothing wrong with asking for help," he said taking out his wand and levitating the books in Charles hands.
"Huh? Oh. I didn't even notice we were here already," Charles said looking at the entrance to the library.
"I thank you once more for helping me, 5 points to Ravenclaw," he said twirling his wand in the air, "No I suggest you go get back to your friends, I'm sure they are waiting for you."
"Okay. Goodbye Professor."
"Goodbye, Mr. Bell," he said watching as the young Ravenclaw disappeared down the stairs. He was happy to see that Charles had gotten the help he needed.
(Ravenclaw Tower)
"Soo, what did Flitwick want?" Padma asked me as soon as I stepped through the door.
They were all gathered inside of the boy's dorms, it had become our group's unofficial gathering spot seeing as the boys couldn't enter the girl's wing.
"Huh? Oh, nothing, he just wanted me to carry some books to the library for him," I told them, casually throwing my bag on my bed. Internally I congratulated myself at managing to get an open invitation for some dueling practice from Flitwick.
"That's good," she said before looking at her watch, "Well we have the rest of the day off, do you guys want to do something."
"Library?" Anthony offered, from his spot on the ground.
"I don't feel like getting back to studying just yet," Lisa muttered with a yawn before laying face down on the bed.
"Gasp! And you can yourself a Ravenclaw," Terry said dramatically, getting a pillow to the face for his troubles.
"I have some comics we could read, I got them from some of the older kids at the orphanage," I told them as I placed my fingers next to my mouth and gave a loud whistle. Hermes appeared seconds later flapping his tiny wings carrying my top hat. "Thank you, Hermes."
Reaching into the depth of my hat I magically pulled out a stack of comic books.
The guys grinned as they took a comic from the pile and returned to their previous positions.
The girls however didn't look equally as excited, except for Mandy Brocklehurst who also took a comic. "Charles, don't you have anything else in that hat," Lisa asked.
"Let me check," I told her as I gave the hat a shake and reached inside again.
I pulled out a shirt, a pencil case, a dead mouse which Hermes eat instantly, a hand puppet, a half-eaten burger that was snatched up by Terry. "Hey! I was still eating that."
"You snooze you lose, Bell," the Ravenclaw said taking a bite out of the burger.
I pretended to grumble as I reached inside again and pulled out a whole rack of magazines.
"Oh yes this will definitely do," Lisa said as she, Padma and Sue Li each took a magazine.
Flipping through the pages, Padma looked up, "You know, I've been meaning to ask, but does that hat have everything?"
"That's what I said," Anthony called out.
"I refuse to answer that," I told her before taking one of the comic books. Perhaps I could get some new ideas from them.
Things were relatively peaceful as the boys kept to themselves and the girls discussed various fashion trends among themselves. Seeing them so open and friendly to each other, I couldn't help but pat myself on the back for bringing them all together. The closer they grew, the more loyalty they felt toward me.
Hearing a tap on the door I stood up, "I'll get it."
I received grunts of affirmation from the rest, who hadn't even looked up.
Opening it I saw Robert, sporting his new jacket.
"Hey Captain, did you need something?"
"Come on, get dressed. I forgot to tell you yesterday, what with everything that happened, but we're having practice right now."
"Wait what?" I said looking out the window to see snow falling outside, "But it's freezing right now."
"Doesn't matter, none of the other houses signed up so that means we have the entire quidditch pitch exclusively for us for the remained of the week," he said with a smile.
"Yeah, there's probably a reason for that," I told him pointing to the window covered in frost. I actually had plans to visit the Plant Dungeon today to mine more Angel Dust.
Robert snatched the comic book out of my hands, "Oh Batman, I'll check this out later, but right now we have practice."
"Fine," I said as reached into my top hat to pull out my Nimbus 2000 and a spare uniform.
"Does that hat have everything?" Robert asked incredulous.
"That's what we said!" Padma and Anthony chorused together.
(Zombie Dungeon)
Crack!
Releasing my hold on the zombies neck, I watched as it disappeared in a puff of black mist leaving behind a few Knuts and a single tooth.
Around me was the sound of gunfire as my Dolls mowed down the incoming mob of undead. They were simple wooden mannequins outfitted with old 1920s mobster suits and bird masks, along with a pair of tommy guns. Six was the maximum number I could make at the moment until I was able to acquire more power stones or raised my mana reserves.
In the sky Hermes was dropping explosive potions into the hoard, watching them be engulfed in alchemic fire before diving down to collect the loot. I allowed him to keep what he could collect as long as it wasn't too important. Money wasn't a real issue anymore. Thanks to the Territory Management I was making somewhere between 2-3 thousand a day.
The earth shook as the elemental zombie finally appeared, causing great pillars of stone to shoot out from the ground.
Charles, this one looks stronger than the others.
The voice of Hermes echoed in my mind, 'It is, so be sure to watch carefully, I expect you to be able to deal with it by yourself in a few months.'
What, you can be serious! I'm a messenger spirit, not a combat spirit!
I ignored him in favor of mentally commanding my mob squad to retreat to a safer distance.
Wasting no time, the Linch launched a fireball almost as big as himself toward the ground.
With practiced ease I equipped my elemental rapier from my inventory. Gracing the Ice rune, I stabbed it into the earth in front of me causing a wall of ice to rise from the ground, protecting me from the roaring inferno that quickly engulfed the dungeon.
I jumped into the air just in time to avoid the spikes of earth that sprouted underneath me.
Using [Double Jump] I maneuvered myself avoiding the blades of sharped air.
[You sense Danger!]
Letting instincts take over I gave a twirl in mid-air watching as a lightning spear managed to just graze my leg. Numbness creeped over it for less than a second before it disappeared altogether.
'So, it learned a new trick huh? Well so did I.' I reached into a bag attached to my waist and took out glass marbles filled with different potions. I imbued my will into them using [Puppetry] and threw them into the air, where they scattered into different directions moving at near untraceable speeds.
Landing on pillar I used it as a springboard to launch myself at the undead wizard.
Using my superior dexterity, I avoided the attacks thrown my way as well as the spikes that grew out of the side of the pillars when I happen to grow too close.
When I was only a few dozen feet away I saw it twirl its wand, a cone of swirling wind blades appearing from the tip.
I'd seen the same attack reduce stone to dust, so I was in no hurry to see the effects on myself just yet. With a small twitch of my finger an explosion hit the back of its head disrupting the spell.
When it turned around to see what had hit it, I jerked another finger and this time its left hand was incased in ice.
Using a squeezing gesture, it was bombarded from all sides, the flying marbles breaking against its body, causing the volatile potions inside to explode. One particular marble hit it on the side of the head causing the face and skull to quickly rot away.
Charging forward I pierced its heart dealing 5X the normal damage. Then I unleashed a volley of mana bolt into its body.
[Gained 15,320 experience.]
Your level went up by 1.
Hermes' level went up by 1.
Hermes' level went up by 1.
Hermes' level went up by 1.
Landing gently on the ground I took stock of my stats as Hermes collected the drop items.
Charles Bell
Class: The Gamer
Title: Overlord
Level: LV 24 Next Level: 0.2%
HP: 850/ (340+ 510)
MP: 630/(600+30)
STR: 25
DEX: 26
VIT: 29
INT: 55
WIS: 63
LUK: 30
Points: 47
Money: 30,450 G/ 3 S/ 2 K
Inventory: 6,203/12,000
My HP was at a reasonable level thanks to all of that life nectar I've been consuming. I've also accumulated a fair amount of points but was hesitant to use them just yet.
As for Hermes' progress.
Hermes
Class: Lowest-Level Spirit
Title: Messenger Spirit
Level 12/20 Next Level: 30.43%
HP: 20/20
MP: 100/100
STR: 1
DEX: 100
VIT: 2
INT: 10
WIS: 60
LUK: 10
Skills:
Spirit Body: This allows the spirit the ability to affect the real world by granting them a temporary vessel. Killing the body does not kill the spirit, only returns it back to the ethereal plane where it will rest until called again. Costs: 10 MP per minute.
Spirit Magic: An innate skill allowed to all spirits. Spirits can call upon the will of the world to cast magic not unlike wizards.
Murder of Crows: Allows one to summon a flock of birds to distract opponents. Cost: 10 MP
Seems like leveling past 10 gave him new skills along with the use of magic.
[Spirit Magic] seemed easy enough. It gives Hermes the ability to finally learn simple spells just like it was described.
The [Murder of Crows] was strange however, not only because Hermes was a raven instead of a crow, but because it didn't specify it the flock was created out of thin air or if there already had to be birds present.
'Hermes come here for a second,' I called out, the spirt raven blinking into existence on my shoulder.
What?
'Do you feel anything different?'
Different? I'm kind of hungry now that you mention it?
'Hermes,' I said with a sigh.
Okay, fine. Let me see. …yes, I can sense something. It feels, strange but familiar. What is it?
Showing him the screen, I pointed out to the two new skills.
Sweet giblets, I can use magic now!
He shouted in surprise.
'Yes, why don't you try out the last one now.'
Okay let me give it a go.
Hermes jumped off my shoulder and on the ground.
Murder of Crows!
Almost instantly I saw spectral copies leave his body before they appeared a few inches away looking like exact duplicates of him.
When I tried to touch one of them, my fingers went right past them, meaning that they were only illusions.
I did it!
Hermes shouted excitedly, as he flapped his wings in glee, leading the copies to do the same.
He would need more practice if he hopped to bring out the skill's full potential. Luckily, I had the perfect training ground for him.
'Come on Hermes, we're going to another dungeon.'
What for?
He said tilting his head to the side causing the clones to do the same.
'Now, now, how would you like to try some tasty gnomes.'
Gnomes? You mean those potato headed creatures?
'No. These ones are different; they gorge themselves with honey so I'm sure they will taste better.'
Fine. But we better be back for dinner.
(Plant Dungeon)
Sometimes I found myself wishing there were more of me, just so that I could get everything done in time. Unfortunately, until I could create physical copies, I'd have to settle for multitasking.
Bombarda!
+100 EXP
+100 EXP
+100 EXP
+100 EXP
But rather than lament, I focused on my own project.
The skill books in my hands disappeared into a flurry of lights that flew into me.
You have learned the skill [Craft].
You have learned the skill [Basic Granting Magic].
[Craft] (Active) LV1 EXP: 0.00%
Description: A skill to make something. Humanity has advanced their civilization through inventing things. Crafted objects become better as mastery level rises.
Registered blueprints: 0
Chance to fail when crafting- 50%
[Basic Enchant] (Active) LV1: EXP: 0.00%
Description: Basic magic that existed since the stone age. It is magic where you can grant magic into different objects.
Effect: Grants low level magic on the object.
Duration 10 Minutes.
Cost: 40 MP
I shut my eyes as I mentally felt a shift in my mind, as the new information settled in.
While it was true that I had read the two books before hand, and knew the theories inside and out, it was nothing compared to what I knew now. Certain part became entirely obsolete as my power shifted to make things easier for me to use.
I've enchanted a few items before, the musical flowers being prime examples, but this felt different somehow.
Picking a stone nearby, I thought of the spell I wanted to use.
"Enchant."
-40 MP
The book descripted the process as coating the object with the modified spell as if you were applying a coat of paint.
What I felt on the other hand was my magic seep inside the rock. Strands of magic weaving themselves into the very molecular structure of the stone to become one.
Letting go of it, the stone began to rise higher and higher into the sky, as if gravity had been reversed. I watched it go until it I could no longer see it.
While the time limit was certainly less than described in the book, it more than made up for it with its ease of use. It also appears that I didn't needed need to waste time modifying an existing spell like everyone else and could just apply the raw version instead.
Next I took a look at the [Craft] skill.
Briefly I wondered why I hadn't gotten it before but decided not to dwell on it too deeply.
Registered Blueprints: 0
Hmm.
Looking though my inventory I began to take out all of the blueprints I had accumulated so far. These ranged from cars manuals to simple building plans to even full-sized skyscrapers designs. It was amazing how easy it was to get the information you wanted when you had full access to the city hall records.
(Courtyard)
"Hey there Princess, how's the petition going?" I asked as soon as I spotted the young heiress sitting alone on the snow-covered bench.
"You're late," she said coldly, her mouth in a thin line.
"I apologize, I was held up with some matters that took longer than expected?"
"I'm surprised you could get away from your entourage at all," she said mockingly.
"Ha, I'm not sure I know what you mean Princess."
"Of course, you don't," she stated sarcastically, "No one can get close to you when you're all together."
"Aww, you're jealous?" I said jokingly.
"I am not," she said with a bit more emotion that she probably meant to. "It's honestly pathetic how they follow you around like lost ducklings."
"Whatever you say, Princess, but I think that's enough banter for the moment."
"Well what did you want?" she said sounding less angry.
"Now, now, no need to be a grouch," I told her, taking the vacant seat next to her, "I was just wandering if you happened to acquire the wand crafting book I asked for last time."
It took her a moment to remember as I saw her eyes light up in realization, "Right, I completely forgot about that."
"…Well?"
She looked hesitant as she answered, "I did manage to get my hands on one."
"Great, how much?" I said already reaching into my hat.
"It free of charge," she announced causing me to stop and give her a suspicious look.
"But-"
"But there's a catch," she went on.
Giving a shake of my head I chose to play her little game, "Of course there is. Well what is it?"
Putting on a sweet smile she continued, "Nothing too hard, you just have to teach me as well."
Oh. Securing more time with me and learning a valuable skill, well played Daphne.
"Why Princess, if you wanted me to spend more time with you, all you had to do was ask?" I said dramatically, causing her to swat my arm. "Ah, so barbaric, completely unbecoming of a lady."
"Take this seriously Charles," she pleaded.
"Oh, very well, I accept," I told her sticking out my hand.
"Brilliant, I'll go collect it immediately," she said standing up.
I grabbed her hand before she could leave however, "Hold on, Princess. I was hoping we could talk a little more."
Her eyes immediately went to our hands as she swallowed thickly. "O-oh?"
Too easy. Letting go I continued, "Yes, I was wondering if you could tell me more about the magical world. Specifically, what's the situation like in other countries."
She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and sat down again, "I suppose I have time."
"Great. But don't think I came unprepared," I said, pulling out several dessert menus from my coat, "Pick anything you like, my treat."
Her eyes lit up as she saw the colorful pictures of confectionaries.
"So, what can you tell me," I asked handing her the menus.
"Hmm, well I only know the basics as well as what my father has let slip," she said offhandedly, scanning through the list of desserts. "As you know magic is treated differently depending on the location…"
-Break-
"I see, so Eastern magic ties more strongly to spirituality," I repeated back as I poured Daphne another cup of tea. In between us was an ice table I had transfigured out of snow, with a wide assortment of different desserts spread out.
She took it gratefully, "Yes, but contrary to what they preach, they have one of the strongest militaries forces in the magical world."
"The Three Clans," I recalled.
"The Dragon Clan, The Tiger Clan, and The Tortoise Clan. There used to be a fourth, The Phoenix Clan, but the other three banded together and wiped them out about 50 years ago," she said, pausing to take a bite of her shortcake, "But whatever alliance they made at the time must have only been temporary because they immediately started fighting among themselves soon after. Even now, they fight for territory, with each clan numbering in the thousands."
"Interesting," I commented, I'd have to pay them a visit in the future, "What can you tell me about their magical abilities? Do they use wands like we do or something else.?"
Daphne shook her head, "Wands were more of a European invention so you likely won't see it that far east. Instead they use weapons called, Chi Artifacts, which are supposed to work just the same. They are more combat oriented, so I suppose that works best for them."
"What about martial arts?" I asked curiously.
She looked confused by the word, "Huh?"
"Sorry, I meant fighting style. Do they only use magic, or do they use physical attacks too?"
"Magic obviously. Though there is talk that they've been trying to combine the two for some time, with very little success."
"Do you think you can get me a few books from them?" I asked wondering if I would have more success with my ability.
"That shouldn't be too hard actually, they are known to sell their less powerful techniques to the public, mostly meditative techniques with a few weapon manuals mixed in. Though I should warn you that they are quite pricey and in Chinese," she said warningly.
I chuckled, "Well then, it's just my luck that I've recently stumbled into some money."
"Just where are you getting all of this money?" she half yelled with a frustrated.
"I reserve the right to not self-incriminate by answering," I said in my best lawyer voice.
"Fine keep your secrets. Lucky for you, I happen remembed seeing a couple among my family's library."
"Do you think they'll let you take them?" I asked curiously.
"Why would I tell them?" she said evilly, "I doubt they would even notice them missing. My family tends to collect a great deal of things after all, most of it gather dust."
That cause me to grin, "We'll then, how soon can you get them?"
"I can go during the Easter Holiday."
"Fantastic, once you have a firm price, I'll be happy to pay," I said standing up. I reached for the dessert menus only for them to be snatched up by the blonde witch.
"I think I hold on to these," she said coyly, fluttering her eyelashes.
Amused I rolled my eyes, "Oh fine, I suppose you more than earned them, but you'll have to pay for any addition orders from now on?"
"I can work with that."
"Well then, it was a pleasure to talk to you again," I said turning to leave.
"Yes, I'm sure it was," she said with a smug grin.
I walked only a few feet before coming to a stop and turning to look over my shoulder, "And don't worry, I'll tell my little ducklings to stop giving you such a hard time Princess."
I didn't wait for a response before continuing to walk, catching the cupcake aimed at the back of my head without looking, "Thank you!"
(Room of Requirements)
Walking through the mounds of lost objects I tried to hold back my desire to organize everything in favor of keeping an eye on my prize, that was turning out to be more elusive than I initially guessed.
Hermes was helping me by searching from the sky.
The Snatch bears, the teddy bears with expandable pockets inside of them, wear busy at work collecting anything of value.
I saw a suit of rusted armor and signaled one of the bears to snatch it, I could probably make it into a doll later.
I then directed another to collect any lost wands, no doubt they would come in useful when I started to craft my own.
I spotted a chest full of jewels and quickly placed it in my inventory before Hermes could see. Luckily a swarm of Cornish pixies burst from one of the cabinets, causing Hermes to dive down after them, hunger clear in his red eyes.
After an hour of searching I finally found what I was looking for.
Ravenclaws' Diadem.
There laying next to what should be the Vanishing Cabinet, my second prize.
Rowen Ravenclaws' Diadem- Rank: Artifact
Description: Rowen's prized diadem rumored to increase the wearers knowledge. The diadem was thought to be lost… after which it was cursed by Tom Riddle.
Effect: Increases the wearer's WIS by 50 points.
Effect: Increases magic regeneration by 100%
Cursed Effect: The wearer will be driven to insanity by the diadem.
Cursed Effect: The wearer's soul will slowly be taken over by Tom Riddle's fractured soul.
Perfect.
I retrieved the diadem and took note of its discolored and bent form.
[A strong mental attack detected!]
[[Gamer's Mind] neutralizes attack.]
Oh, it looks like the horcruxes was unable to overcome [Gamer's Mind] just like I thought.
Looking through my collection of skill books I found the one that suited my needs.
You obtained the skill 'Curse Removal'.
[Curse Removal] (Active) LV1 EXP: 0.0%
Description: Using various energies like mana, ki, or chakra it is used to remove any 'curse' on a target. As an experienced mana user, it is used to physically remove the curse using mana. Able to remove medium or higher-grade curses with a soul stone. Able to remove medium or lesser grade curse without soul stone.
Cost: 500 MP
That was unexpected. The summary refers to something called ki and chakra besides mana, I should make a mental note to look into both later. Right now I had other things to worry about.
Placing the Diadem gently on my head I immediately felt the surge of energy.
[A strong mental attack detected!]
[[Gamer's Mind] neutralizes attack.]
I took notice of my magic regeneration which had reached an unnatural level.
Magic Regeneration: 45.1% per minute.
Let's see right now my WIZ should be 113 and I get 1% for every 10 WIZ so 11%. Next I add the effects from [Sage's Wisdom], [Ravenclaws' Diadem], and [Mana Affinity] which boosts my natural recovery rate by 300%, 100% and 10% respectively.
11X (300%+100%+10%)= 45.1
Well that settles it, there is no way I'm giving this back.
Placing a hand on the battered horcrux I closed my eyes and channeled my mana into it, in order to find the curse's location.
"Remove curse," I called out letting my mana wash over it.
[You have failed to remove the curse.]
[Remove Curse]'s level has risen by one.
…That was to be expected, I would have honestly been disappointed if that was all it took to get rid of the horcrux. Besides it wasn't as if I truly wanted to remove it just yet, rather I wanted to use it to practice [Remove Curse]. The various cursed objects in here should also serve as good practice.
However, just as I was planning to reach for one such object my mind came to a screeching halt.
Suddenly I recalled something, an insignificant little fact that suddenly became blaringly obvious thanks to my increased wisdom score. The Sorting Hat had the power to summon the Sword of Gryffindor from any location in the world, not necessary hide it within itself. This meant that before the events of the second book the sword was already out there somewhere.
And what better place than the room of hidden objects.
There was a small chance that the sword had somehow wound up among the piles of trash.
Calling back the snatch bears I had them drop what they were doing in order to look for the sword.
I'd have to remove the summoning enchantment placed on it of course, but after that I could think of a number of uses. Perhaps I'd sell it to the goblins in order to form a deeper partnership. Or better yet I could give it to Daphne so she could do it and secure some allies for her upcoming business venture, leaving me free of any potential backlash. I could even simply melt it down and craft a better weapon. I would need to think more on it later.
I could now see why people wanted the diadem so much, its effects were amazing. New ideas began to pop into my head in a rapid stream. I should really start keeping a journal to record all of these.
(Dorm Room)
Yes, if I add this, and take that- no. Maybe if I make it like this, would that work?
I was distracted form my work when I felt something hit my head, "What the?"
Turning around I was greeted with a strange sight, my female classmates where all running around the room carrying bundles of different fabrics. The guys I noted were absent, but I put that on hold as I had a more pressing question, "What happened to the room?"
It looked completely different than what I remembered when I walked in.
"Oh, your finally snapped out of your trance," Lisa said holding up some blue and silver streamers in her hands "Well Terry let it slip that you were thinking of decorating your room and so we decided to help you out. What do you think?"
Getting up from my chair, I immediately took stock of the room. It didn't even look like a bedroom anymore, looking more like a club room than anything else.
The polished wooden floor were now covered with a blue carpet with bronze eagles. The stone walls had been smoothed out and colored a light blue, with various nature painting hanging sparingly. Christmas lights of all things draped down from the center of the ceiling in a spider-web like pattern, illuminating the entire area. Speaking of which, the ceiling had been replaced with a moving night sky with swirling galaxies and fast-moving comets. The beds I noticed had been moved to one side of the room while the other had bean bag chairs around a large coffee table and a small bookcase filled with comics and magazines. The real finisher however was the glowing neon sign on one wall that said, 'Ravens Nest'.
"…What happened to the iron stove?" I questioned noticing that the large heater was gone.
"Oh, that. We asked a Prefect if it was okay to move it?" Lisa answered, wrapping silver streamers around the bed posts.
"And they said yes?" I asked dubiously.
"Well no, but he said he would make an exception if you returned his jewelry to him," Lisa explained, "he even helped with enchanting the ceiling and the lights."
Taking a closer look I noticed that it wasn't the metal wires themselves that were giving off light but rather the glass bulbs, that had been enchanted to glow. Well that was certainly one way to get around the no electricity rule, but how did you turn them off?
"Was he also the one that expanded the room," I asked when I noticed that the room seemed to be a lot bigger, almost five times it's original size.
Padma, who was rummaging around the chest filled our rooms equipment, answered this time, "No, that was someone else, the Head Boy, Eric something. He said he'd do it but you'd owe him one. Where'd you get all this cool stuff?"
"So glad you all took decision on my part," I said sarcastically, though a little impressed by their resourcefulness.
Padma just grinned, "That's what friends are for." She turned to Lisa, "So bronze eagle or silver eagle?"
"Neither, use this instead," she shot back, waving her wand over a large plastic bowl transforming it glass. As expected of a Ravenclaw.
Looking at Lisa bossing the rest of the girls around, I was reminded of my mother when she had to plan another charity event. "And what exactly did the other guys have to say about this?" I asked once again noticing their absence, though if they were anything like my father, I could guess what had happened.
"They said, 'Cool, call us when you're done,' and left for the common room," Mandy said bouncing around a small rubber ball against the wall. So that's what hit me.
"That… sounds about right," I muttered.
Looking out the window I noticed that it was already dark out, had I really been so absorbed in my thoughts that I completely lost track of time and my surrounds. That could prove dangerous. I would have to fix that as soon as possible, or at least limit myself to a safe location.
Removing the diadem hidden underneath my top hat, I placed it in my inventory along with my journal for safe keeping.
"Well seeing as it's too late to stop you, is there anything that I can do to help," I offered kindly.
(Scene change)
"They kicked you out too," Michael asked.
"…Yes," I said trying to sound upset, thought I couldn't help but find the entire situation humorous.
"It's your fault you know," Anthony chimed in, "Ever since you gave them those fashion magazines, they've just been looking for an excuse all week."
"I guessed as much. My bad," I said offering a bag of potato chips as an apology.
"Sweet, you are forgiven," Terry called out as he took the bag.
"So, I noticed the girls didn't look mad, that must mean you successfully hid the posters and the magazine, right? Where'd you put them exactly?"
Terry spoke up, "I hid them inside of the furnace, not like anyone was using it."
…I'll tell them later
A/N: Another chapter done.
How did you like it?
Half a year has almost passed since Charles was reborn, and only a couple more chapters left to finish the first book. 7-9.
How did you like Charles group, any ideas for their name?
What about Hermes, following after his master and committing Gnome genocide.
Charles had also finally learned to craft and enchant items, yay!
I'm also trying to expand the world a little, by adding different countries. How they view magic, and their unique approaches to them.
I know what some of you might be thinking. Another Phoenix story again, argh…
Cliché as fuck, but not to worry. No symbol of light, chosen one, or any of that bullshit here. I'll explain it a bit more in the next chapter but suffice to say, it will be unique. Trust me, you guys will love it, for those who want to know more PM, could use the feedback.
The Diadem is powerful, but also a double edge sword as you can see.
By the way did anyone else think that the sword of Gryffindor might be in the room of requirements lost among the thousands of other things, before Harry managed to pull it out of the Hat?
Well I'll be focusing on updating Kenji: The Shinobi Craftsman so until next time.