(11-7-2021 2:35pm PST) This chapter is basically Harry now. We are in the process of rewriting. Majority of secondary characters from here, shunted to chapter 1. This chapter will be shorter for it. There will probably be typos. Read disclaimer on that at the end of last chapter. Keep in mind, I did not have the players handbook, nor any D&D books on hand when I started up to chapter 6.
Disclaimer: Things you see here belong to their respective owners. I make no claim to them.
Chapter: The Gamer is Born
OooOooO
Time was an odd thing to grasp, most never really notice it. Especially in their younger years. One day simply melding into another. Some moments though shape the person long before they even realize. Some things though, are hard to forget.
OoO
Little Whinging Park, June 1984
Harry was confused, a feeling he was quite familiar with growing up. Harry knew things could be explained later on. This though, took the cake. He was currently hiding in a bush in a game of Hide and Seek. There were plenty of bushes, it was a park after all. No, not this bush.
In the final count Harry panicked and hid in the nearest thing he could find. Had he taken a moment longer to look around, Harry would have noticed the problem. This was the only bush for quite some distance. This was a bad spot no matter how you look at it.
Suddenly they came, Piers running right for him! Harry didn't want to be found first! "Aha-!...huh? No one?"
Harry opened his eyes wide, starting right at Piers who was confused as well. "I thought... no one?" Piers looked up suddenly before taking off "I see you!"
Harry finally let out a breath he as holding. The game progressed, leaving him amused and bemused. Until someone dived into the bush, pushing them both out. "There they are! Get them!"
We both scramble to get away from the sudden group of children. 'Dudley! He gave away my position! No time!'
They ended up being tagged, and the game continued. The only ones that had been able to find him was Dudley and some other girl who was single minded in seeking. He tried hiding in the bush again, only to be caught easily by that girl. She was determined to show that he was cheating.
He couldn't recreate what happened, but he was still good at hiding! He didn't cheat to win either!
Finally it was time to go home, Aunt Petunia kept giving Harry those strange looks. They would be having another talk tonight apparently. Unknown the lock was weakening.
That night Petunia had another serious talk with the boy. He had asked about his parents, noticing the other mother's and fathers out at the park. Petunia had laid down the facts. It was time Harry knew, if only between the two of them. "They were killed Harry, your mother was my sister. She was part of some secret police force to protect the people. Her and your father, James Potter, died when one of the madmen found them. They fought against this madman, and were forced into hiding when they had you."
"What!" Harry looked her in the eyes, searching, afraid.
"They were heroes, don't let anyone tell you otherwise! I may not have liked what they did, but they made sure that normal people lived, and no one would know about it. It was a terrible time Harry, people were taken, they disappeared, or were killed outright. I don't know why, but it was happening. Your mother and father were out there trying to put a stop to it. And they Succeeded at the end, the madman fled that night he attacked your family. The man who brought you here said that this person might come back to finish the job." Petunia stared down at him, Harry had fallen back on his bed. At the moment he didn't look like the savior of the Wizarding World, he looked like a frightened child.
Petunia embraced him, he was in tremors! "Oh Harry, I'm sorry."
She would tell him stories of his mother, of her younger sister Lily. Petunia had no stories about his father James Potter, only that Harry looked just like him, but with his mother's eyes. Harry's childhood would end that day, and he would slowly become the person his foes would come to fear. He was still a child, but the memory was another turning point in his life. That he may not be alone, but he also had big enemies that were looking for him.
OoOoO
Time as it does moved forward, and before anyone really knew it was Harry's fifth birthday. Things were now in motion that couldn't be undone.
OoO
Midnight July 31st, 1985
'Initializing Standby... Scanning Subject... Scan Complete... Subject: HARRY JAMES POTTER ... Ritual enhancement: Luck 200+/-, Enemy Countermeasure: Life Drain Burn edition Keyed to Target: TOM MARVOLO RIDDLE, The Gamer, Child Power Lock: Unlocking, Power Boost +150%...
Initializing Gamer Installation... The Gamer has Successfully Installed... Upgrading Subject Harry Potter to Gamer Body please standby... Upgrade complete, Uploading HUD... Upload Complete...
Scanning Subject for traits... Scan Complete, Inherited Abilities: Born Wizard, Parseltongue via Genetic Mutation, Lightning Affinity, Air Affinity...
Resetting Power Level to One... Consolidating Attributes... Reset complete... Available Attribute perks Acquired: Five... Skill Points Acquired: Ten...
Uploading Welcome Screen... Upload complete, Updating Language Select, Scanning for Languages... Scan and Upload Complete, Language Select: English... Welcome to the Game Harry James Potter Please Press Continue...'
Harry sleep on, his body glowing dimly as changes were applied. His mind being altered slightly, his body enhanced to a degree for quicker adaptation. A window popped up waiting for confirmation.
Welcome to the Game
Harry James Potter
Please Press Continue
[Continue]
Morning came as it often does, and Harry was highstrung. Just waiting for someone to notice the new development. The light blue transparent window, just floating in front of him, now smaller and moved up and to the left. No one mentioned it, although Petunia was giving him some strange looks once more. More than once he was alarmed that their arms moved through it like it wasn't there. "May I be excused Aunt Petunia?"
She gave him a quick measured look before nodding. "Be sure to wash your hands!"
Leaving in haste, Harry washed up before going to his room. Another strange thing! A trunk and a rucksack awaited for him! Stepping back he was confused, they weren't there when he left the room, and everyone was downstairs the entire time. How? "Harry, what is wrong?"
He whirls around, Aunt Petunia was looking at him with concern. Glancing back at the things, they were still there. She looks up, eyes roaming the room, skipping over the trunk and bag. "I don't know."
She sighed, expecting a different answer. "Harry, I think it's time we have a longer talk. There is something you must know. Let's take a walk. We don't want Vernon overhearing anything about this."
Wordlessly he followed her, sparing one last glance at the items. "Vernon, I'm going for a stroll, I'm taking the boy with me. Take Dudley out for some bonding or something." She took her coat, nodding at the gruff reply. "And no excessive purchases! Unless you intend to bring something for the boy as well!"
Harry wordlessly put on a jacket, he didn't want to get his hopes up on that. Uncle Vernon didn't like him as much as Aunt Petunia does.
There might be hope, Vernon was a rising star at Grunnings. If only by the fact that he could keep a level head during the unemployment crises that was going on. Things weren't as tight as they used to be. The company was increasing his wage as needed to keep him. Not many had the dedication to stick around. Other companies would love to get a hold of someone that high in any firm. So long as they didn't go crazy, such as buying a new car every few months, or get the newest thing they could possibly think of. Not unlike those young adults that went through money like it was water.
"Come Harry. Stay near me at all times, do not go astray, understand?" asked Petunia
"Yes Aunt Petunia." he respond dutifully.
They made their way to the park, stopping now and then when a neighbor wished to have a quick chat with Petunia. Eventually they make it to the park, where she motions to sit at the picnic table. There were no families out today. It was just Harry and Petunia. She clears her throat.
"Harry, it's your birthday today. You shouldn't have to be around Vernon today. I've tried Harry, to get him to warm up to you, but he's so stubborn!" With a huff, she continues. "Do you remember what we talked about last time?"
He whispers back, "Magic."
"Magic. I expect you to keep hiding it from your uncle and Dudley. I know it will be harder. Lily, your mother, could do magic. When she was this age, Lily was doing much, floating things, bringing plants to life. It seemed so... fantastic." She sighs, a ghost of a smile gracing her face, before marring with a scowl. "But it wasn't all fun and games. Sometimes in a fit, things would break, with no explanation. Some stuff would vanish, stuff she couldn't have. It was a trying time. Most of the time, that stuff was Mine!"
Harry stares wide eyed at my Aunt, it was all starting to make terrible sense now. Why she was over protective of Dudley. "I expect no different from you Harry. I am more prepared this time. I had to dig around some of my old things. I think this may help you."
She pulls out a journal, staring at it for a moment before handing it over. "Take this. Read it well, and practice every day. You are to come to me, immediately if you feel like you can't control yourself."
Opening the cover, he was surprised. It was handwritten. "Thank you Aunt Petunia!"
"I've been working on this for the last couple of years. If Lily had learned from these, maybe we wouldn't have grown distant. She wouldn't have met Him." Whoever that was, she didn't think much of this person.
Harry was confused by her muttering. Was it his father James? So many questions, but he knew better than to ask, especially when she was in this mood. She allowed him to run around the park for a bit, before they went back home. Vernon surprised him with a small gift, a simple sketch book and some colors.
Sure Dudley got a toy, but Harry felt his was better in the long run.
OoO
Later that night Harry made sure that he would be alone for a bit, opening the trunk first. There on top was a letter to him. Under it was various books and journals.
The letter was tear stained, the writing somewhat shaky, cramped, but all the same elegant.
Happy Birthday My Harry,
I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you my son! I'm writing this as I hold you now. You're sleeping, content, happy, Alive. You must hate me for what I've done, leaving you alone after these long years. If our Last Will and Testament was followed, you should be with someone that is magical. I just hope that you are well, and with your father, James Potter.
If not, then you are a Wizard Harry. You have power, and it won't be easy to control. You are to go to Hogwarts of Witchcraft and Wizardry when you turn eleven years old. Do not trust the Headmaster, he has plans, I don't know what they are. There will be people who will try to be friends with you only because you are famous. Don't let this stop you from making true friends.
There is so much to tell you, but not right now. That will come in the future. For now though, there will be something more urgent.
Perhaps you have found some type of 'window' or something similar. I have gifted you a... rare enchantment. It changes the world around you. Showing only you and those you choose. Please Harry, be careful with who you trust with this, if at all. Do not show the Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Not a word, not even a hint!
This ability is called The Gamer. It should help you with your life. To be as strong as you can possibly be. There are some family journals in this trunk, your ancestors who had used this Gift. Do not try to cheat this, please My Son! Terrible things happen to those that try to cheat! Judas Peverell had tried doing that, and it ended Dreamer's Alley, and a good portion of regular London in a raging fire.
Become Strong! Learn everything you can, both magical and nonmagical. The Potter Family has many enemies, some who would even kill us, who would kill you.
I wish I could tell your father about this. I hope that you are staying with him. Please, tell him that I am sorry for doing this! It was the only way!
Live long my Harry, grow a big family, have many children. I don't want to see you until you are an old man with grandchildren of your own.
Love Always Your Mother,
Lilly Potter
Harry put the letter down, half of the words he couldn't understand as well, but 'kill you' and 'enemies' was crystal clear. He wasn't abandoned like Uncle Vernon said he was! he angrily wiped the tears away, finally acknowledging The Game's menu for what is was. It was his Mum's last gift.
He decided it was time to press continue. How could he not? His own Mum sacrificed herself to give him the ability. Barely touching the button the window changed.
Harry James Potter [The Boy Who Lived]
Level 1
Active abilities
-The Gamer
-Enemy Countermeasures:0/250
-Power Boost: +1.5 Multiplier
-Magic Core
-Fade
'Do you wish to activate the Tutorial? [Yes/No]'
Harry presses the 'Yes' button after a brief hesitation.
[Starting tutorial, entering Tutorial Instance.]
The world flashes before Harry find himself in a stone room with a door. On the wall next to the door is a board with notes.
"Welcome to your first Instance! Time will have frozen in the real world, Instances contain anything from Hidden Knowledge to Dungeons. In time you may create your own Instances with the right knowledge."
He look around the plain room, it had a few posters and a mirror that shows... "Me?!"
Rushing over, Harry notices that nothing seems to be moving, the neighbors car was frozen in place at the window. He gapes at it for a few more moments before going back to the posters.
"Notice at the corner of your eyes, there are bars and numbers. You may move these as you wish. You may even wish them into items to check your stats, be it a bracelet, ring, or even eye glasses. Your only limit is your imagination. The Red bar is your Health Meter, once this nears empty you may pass out. If it ever empties, you have a limited time of two minutes to refill it above 5%. Failure to do so will result in death.
The Blue bar is your Magic Capacity, once empty you must wait for it to refill. You may use other abilities that do not require Magic during that time. Note: For severe drains, you may incur Magical Exhaustion, it may cause you pass out.
The Green bar was a Stamina Meter. Once it reaches full, the body must rest until the meter goes to half or empty. Running, jumping, fighting, is all affected by Stamina. In some instances the player can ignore the meter, performing beyond it's limits. At a cost, it requires more rest, and has quick diminishing returns the more it's used in a short period of time; allowing the meter to fill up quicker.
Status can be found in the character menu. Be sure to check this often!
Please continue through the door when you are ready."
The next room held posters of sorts. Each had their own titles and descriptions.
Strength, Dexterity, Intellect, Constitution, Wisdom, Perception, Charisma, and Luck. A smaller poster had Defense and Will Power.
(Note: Attributes explained at end of chapter!)
"You may increase such Attributes via Attribute Points. Please be aware that use of points are Permanent! Caution and careful thought is advised! Attribute points are gained through levels and rare rewards. Every Level will provide 2 points. Every year you live will provide 5 points.
This is a attribute multiplier, if you have 100 STR, you will be stronger, but not able to punch through brick walls unless suitably trained to do so. You may now Select your Attributes if you wish! Simply think or wish for Attributes Window. Please continue on to the next room when ready."
Doing so he was surprised to see a window pop up. Harry goes through the posters reading off each one to get a better understanding. After the second poster Harry decide to wait off on it, most of the words made no sense. Closing off the window Harry goes to the next room, before noticing another Poster, it's something about Tool Tips? He went back through to the first door, and it's there as well. Rushing back to the attributes room he tries to read it better.
"Tool Tips is a teaching aide for Players. Providing a short summary when needed. These are unnoticed by others. Recommend to turn on."
He does so, more help is always welcome. A short window pops up! A brief Heads Up Display (HUD), name, the meters, essentially guiding him a bit more quicker than the posters. Without the in-depth descriptions however.
The next room had a chest. The new tool tip popped up over it. Something called Inventory. There on the lid was a button, a window explained that it would become his to use. It would open up like the other windows. He presses the button, the thing turns into sparks! They fly into him, not burning or hurting, to be sure Harry pats himself down. How exciting! "Inventory!"
A window pops up, showing multiple empty squares, on the side is a rolled up paper, something called an inventory scroll.
The Tooltip popped up as he crossed another door, showing a new tip. Skill Books. The room has a pedestal with a single floating book. They walk over to it.
Congratulations! Here you will learn about Skill Books! You will be rewarded with skill [Observe]! And 250 exp! Upon completion. Would you like to continue? [Yes/No]
He was a little excited, his first skill! Pressing yes the window closes, leaving the floating book in it's wake. Carefully Harry grasps it, when a tool tip pops up explaining the object.
"This is a Skill Book! These can be found throughout the world! Some are hidden away, forgotten about, or banned by the people of the time. Beware when encountering such knowledge! Some books are trapped, for the average person it is usually some enchantment, ward, or a literal trap activated once the book is touched or moved. For The Gamer, it transports them into a Dungeon! There you must defeat the Guardian to access the Skill Book. You may leave the Dungeon, however the penalty for doing so is a six hour lock on that dungeon and a 25% current health penalty!"
Pressing the continue button he quickly examines the book, it's blue with the title 'Observe'. It looks like it has a few dozen pages in it. He opens the cover, and another window pops up.
"There are two ways to acquire the knowledge of a Skill Book! The first is careful reading of the book, from front to back. Gamers are gifted perfect recall when it comes to knowledge! Do not mistake this for being a Genius! You will sometimes need to train these skills once learned. It also takes some careful selection of skills to use for certain tasks. The other way to learn a Skill book is simply consuming the Skill Book. It should show up as a Red Button on the spine of the Skill Books. Be warned, doing so will copy the book, consuming the copy. After doing so you may read the book for further study. You will have learned the Skill, but not know what it does without practice!"
Sure enough there is a button on the side, it is so tempting to push it. Deciding he has nothing to lose Harry presses the button. The book glows bright, a ghost image appears above it before flashing away. Still holding the original, the button now gone, there doesn't seem to be anything different. With a shrug Harry reopens the book and began reading.
[Observe]
A Skill used to learn about any object or person. This skill does not need to be called out loud, it simply has to be thought of..
Harry stops to think the word 'Observe'?
[Observe] activated! Skill Book [Observe] has been Observed! Congratulations on learning your first Skill! Please continue reading the Skill Book. Skill leveled up! Now 2/100!
He recoiled a bit, then become sheepish. Whoever made this knew what would happen. With that he continues reading.
"Now that you have Observed this book, let's continue. You may use this skill to learn more about an object or person, up to a certain point. Observing people will tell you if they are Male or Female, and possible health points up to 2 levels higher than yours. Any more than that will show a '?' or Skull for possible enemies and/or Bosses. Objects will give you a general name, and basic uses for the object. For enhanced objects you will need to learn more about it through manual learning. Observe will let you know if the object is magical or mundane.
Observe II can be learned after mastering Observe, it will become a Passive Skill that is always active. It will allow you to learn up to 5 levels above your own, and give basic stats up to 7 levels above your own. It will also let you know what species a being is. At this level you may also tell the quality of items, and possibly the number of active spells. Furthermore..."
The book went on further explaining the limitations of the ability. Use Observe, get information, got it. Closing the book, Harry adds it to his new Inventory. Another ToolTip pops up.
"Skill Books will be stored in the Inventory Library. You may place up to 20 Skill Books in this library at a time. You may recall these books when needed. It is recommended to start a player made Library to store future Skill Books. Player made Libraries must be learned."
Leaving the room, he heads to the next. There He find the exit, it was a bit confusing really. Shouldn't there be more? Looking back he finds there's two more posters.
"WARNING! There are NO Save/Reload Options. Once dead, you stay dead!"
Harry shuddered, reminded that he was indeed still mortal.
"Skills can be learned in three ways, physically learning them by working at it. It takes time, and gives you better quality usage, stronger output on abilities, and a better understanding. The other way to learn them is through Skill Books, you will start at level 1 through this way, anything crafted or used will be average until appropriate levels are achieved. The third way is through the Skills Menu through provided Skills. These work the same way as Skill Books, just without any detailed information, and works together with learning both previous ways.
You can find potential Skills by finding mentions of them throughout your Journey. Overhearing a conversation, witnessing them in use, finding them out in the world, a wide variety of ways to find and learn these Skills. You may use Skill Points to purchase Skills, and level them if you need to do so, although this is not recommended using points to level a Skill unless you are absolutely sure you need to. Skills are, once again, leveled up through usage. If you find skills in the world, you can unlock them through understanding, self learning, and through teachers. Some new skills can be created by combining previously mastered skills. Good Luck Harry Potter."
There wasn't much else to do but leave. So Harry walks out the door, the world flashes once more. A moment later he's back in the room, and time moves once more at it's normal pace. "Woah."
He's reminded that he was tired, it felt like hours in there. Information overload. Curious, he looks at the Trunk. 'Observe!"
[Lily's School Trunk]
Left behind for her son to use in the future. Enchanted to be two times bigger inside. Active Notice-Me-Not charms, keyed only to Harry James Potter. Active Featherweight charm. Portkey single use.
Harry tried the same on the bag. His eyes widen in surprise at the description.
[Rucksack of Holding]
Created by James Potter for his Heir. An average Rucksack made of Dragonhide. Each pocket enchanted with space expansion. Active Notice-Me-Not charms keyed to Harry James Potter. Due to Space Expansion, it is effectively lightweight. Single use Portkey-Spent.
He would need to look through it tomorrow. Setting it aside, he's surprised that it feels empty, the sack looks full!
He lays down, covers up and dreams of a time different from this. With his Mum Lily and my Father James. Many brothers and sisters, a huge family! Harry's dreams were content that night.
OooOooO
End Chapter
Extra reading!
Attributes explained:
Strength(STR) was mostly self explanatory, it also increased physical carry capacity a bit. Note: it does not affect inventory capacity. It adds a slight percentage increase to physical attacks.
Dexterity(DEX) was about response time, be it movement, or spell casting speed. High enough DEX allows spell chains, a broader selection of fighting stances and combinations, as well as an increase to accuracy response time.
Intellect(INT) would boost problem solving skills, increase magic capacity by bits, and a very slight increase to experience.
Constitution(CON) is for hit points, and a body durability modifier, allowing stamina to last longer. It increases the time for holding your breath slightly as well as temperature resistance.
Wisdom allows the player to become more self aware. It is a spell recovery modifier, and provides a mental boost. It allows the player to read the situation better, providing more options for common sense. High enough wisdom allows the player to commune with mystical entities.
Perception(PER) aids in aiming, finding weaknesses, location of traps. The player is more aware of the surroundings, allowing them to act with more caution.
Charisma(CAR) allows the player to influence others through communication. It provides some advantage when bartering, as well as defuse situations with higher CAR. With high enough CAR, you may intimidate those with weaker will to avoid confrontation. Be cautious! Those of Equal or greater may challenge you anyway.
LUCK, both good and bad. This stat increases the likelihood of a Critical Strike, the finding of extra Loot, and sometimes influences Positive Situations. Do not rely on this! It may also increase the likelihood of Critical Failure, the Loss of Items, and can influence Negative Situations.
Defense(DEF) is modified by armor, enchantments, STR and CON. It may help the Player take less damage from attacks.
WILL Power allows the player to shrug off mental attacks and controlling spells better. Influenced by both INT and WIS.
