(NOTES: I'm sorry, the story was posted in the other story, I'm sorry for the confusion! 2-25-2021)
Story notes- So, I've had to do this chapter like 5 times before settling on something worthwhile, at least to my eyes. I will likely repeat myself because minimal editing to make things flow somewhat. Major time skip here, this will probably let me pull some deus ex machina later on as well since it is a jump without details. Originally Dudley would've joined Harry as a party member and they'd find a new dungeon together, it was reaching a good 4k words in length. This chapter will be fairly short when compared to other chapters. Of course 'short' being more than 5k words minimum. If things seemed jumbled, most likely they are. This chapter has been a mish mash of various parts cut, paste, and modified. I've done what I could to smooth it out, but I've become somewhat blind to mistakes.
Eventually I'll go back and rewrite chapters to fix errors.
Disclaimer: I lay no claim to things in this story, they belong to their respective owners.
Summary: Change is on its way, and it is time to move forward.
Chapter 5: Time Moves On
OooOooO
Dudley had taken the news that Harry was stuck inside a game quite well. Dudley already knew that Harry was magical. "Mum told me a while back. She also said that I have to keep it secret."
The cousin had no problem keeping this a secret as well. For that Harry was thankful. It was around this time that Harry had realized that the maze had a cooldown timer on it. He had tried to go back the next day, only to be rebuffed and the warning.
Instance is locked for 7 days after exiting a completed level! Or after the completion of two levels to prevent players from exploiting for experience and item gains. This is also to allow the dungeon to reset and rotate it's treasures. Thank you for your patience.
This didn't seem to deter Harry too much. While he was at the library he looked up the theories of telepathy. He had to mention that he had read an early copy of the Matilda book and wanted to know more about it.
There were few books on the subject, most of it too advanced to understand for Harry. There also seemed to be no options to quick learn from them either. At least, so far. Most were small scale exercises that seemed gimmicky to Harry. There were mentions however of other 'paranormal' psi activities. They seemed interesting to learn eventually.
The Maze visits were kept to a minimum, Harry felt that it was important to not rely on it for experience points and levels. There was another surprise in store for him though. A few months after discovering it he had attempted to move on to the next level only to be blocked by gates that slammed shut on him. A helpful window popped up designating the area.
[Warning! Age restricted zone!]
You do not fit the age requirements for this zone! This zone is restricted to ages 10+!
It was at this point Harry decided it was best to do some more research on these types of games. A few dozen books later, he had come to realize that there are 'starter' zones. Areas designated with somewhat easy things to do, where the enemies weren't as... complex for the level. He also realized that experience points would greatly diminish after certain levels have been reached. Sort of a deterrent for experience farming and exploitation.
He had also looked up dungeons as well.
Most dungeons were completed once finished, one could go back with higher perception to find more hidden loot but that was about it. In this instance with The Maze Harry didn't think that was quite the case. He had also realized though that any loot found would probably be skill-capped somewhere. What books he had found were usually all beginning steps to more branches of magic. Sure there were items to be found, however there was a distinct lack of weapons.
Harry had only noticed after a third run when he walked away without any weapon being found that run.
The second time Harry had gone back, looting the main chest this time, he walked away with a couple more skill books, some more utility items, and a single actual weapon. The third run yielded some type of armor, a few less utility items, an a single skillbook.
There was much to learn, and time went by as he figured things out. A few dozen items with somewhat underwhelming stats and basic items. Stuff with no stats, things that were broken, or minor consumables. Curiously there wasn't much in the way of potions. His other ventures were working well, bartering items he found, random daily events, and what not.
Harry had figured out the system to a degree, and had gained a couple skill levels because of it. However, the more he learned, the less experience it gave, or so it seemed. He was gaining the same amount of experience, however the cap seemed to have jumped up since he had hit Level Five. Still, that didn't mean he had been idle either.
Sure he couldn't get past certain level gates, however that didn't stop him from learning other things as well. When the time allowed for it.
For instance, he had figured out a way to improve the Frostbolt spell. If he held just the frost element and not empower it with magic, it would coat his hands with a neat glove of frost. If he cast any spell with it active it would add a slow effect to it, if he punched or hit anything while that ability was active, it also added a bit of a slow. However, with an interesting exception when used with other frost spells! They would effectively explode and still fly outward, sort of creating a cone of frost that would slow things down. If the frost glove was expanded past his wrists, it split frost spells into two, first creating a larger frost bolt before splitting into two.
At the moment he dubbed it [Frost Glove].
That didn't mean that was the only thing he had done though! Harry had gone back to the maze often enough that he decided to level a few skills, one being lockpicking. He found that if he focused slightly, but not quite observing the process, he could lockpick faster! Once he [observed] all it would tell him was the door was locked and required a key. Sure there were various question marks, but Harry had yet to figure those out. Using the ability on the lockpicks simply told him they were lockpicks, however he figured that since he read up on it that it became obvious.
The ability let him make educated guesses, not actually give much else detail. Unless it was a blatant Gamer thing, in which case it did give more information.
Still, he had gotten through various rooms over the last couple years. There he had found a few spell books, a handful of weapons that weren't broken, and some various clothing items.
There was even another level book for the frost spells, however he had decided that it was a bit too advanced to learn at this stage. It was simply called [Frost Comet]. He didn't have enough magic to pull it off yet.
Another set he had found though was something called [Sweeping Gale]. It allowed him to shove back everything around himself. It was also easier to learn than frostbolt! Although it may have been a higher class of spell, it's magic cost meant that he could only cast it maybe twice before being empty. Sweeping both hands around him, adding magic to the disturbed air, it multiplies the power of the wind, knocking things in his immediate surroundings about. With a fairly short range, the spell at least gave him room to maneuver. It didn't explain how to harness the power of the air though like frostbolt did, just how to perform the technique. When he tried to create a windbolt the spell either fizzled out or exploded the magic.
He had remembered at that point that he had an affinity for both lightning and air magics. Perhaps there was more to it than a simple perk? It was something he would have to test out with another air type of spell. So far he hadn't found any lightning type spellbooks, nor did he have a way to even start making them.
It was something at least, there wasn't much spell books to be found so far. At least Harry was experimenting with what he had currently.
By now a few of his spells had evolved as well, he could change the color of multiple items. Not that it did much for him currently, currently he was in the process of trying to change the color of other things.
Speaking of which, he had hid a bit of the gear he found by changing their color a bit. He had started wearing a waistcoat, the thing was made of soft leather and was apparently enchanted! It gave him a bit more dexterity and constitution, therefore a slight bit of defense as well. With liberal use of color changes it looked like a regular waistcoat. Of course he had to convince his aunt that he would like to wear them, but it worked.
It was a curious thing, since he had gotten it, the thing fit perfectly so far. He knew he grew, some of his old clothes were stored away or donated. Harry kind of wished that all clothes would grow with him like the leather waistcoat did.
That wasn't all though, he had found some kind of gloves, they even had a gem sewn in! [Gloves of Wind] was the item's name, allowing wind type of spells to be enhanced. They were an off white color, the clear gem was on the back of each hand, embroidered with some kind of funny looking thread that glimmered in the light. Looking them over again Harry figured that he would find some real use of them later on, currently it would only be used for the singular wind spell he had, at least it didn't increase the cost, but they didn't reduce it either, simply enhancing the effect. The Stone Guardian did at least two flips before crashing on the ground the one time he tried it.
No other focus items were found, the rod of shadows seemed to work for now. It wasn't a true wand, apparently there was some kind of specific spells he had to use for it to work. Also, the one time he tried using it outside some people in cloaks appeared!
They searched the area, talking amongst themselves as they searched, they wove their wands and people seemed to ignore them as they passed by, just like himself! Deciding that it would be a bad idea to be caught, Harry backed away, they were after all nearing his direction. So far it seemed to work, they never really took note of him, then again, he couldn't really tell who they were either. Most of them showed up as [?] on their nameplates, they had magic too though! Still, he just couldn't tell how far along they were. Creeping along he had left their search area, pondering the situation.
That wasn't all of the things the boy had learned either.
In that time, Harry had also learned other skills as well as varied weekly quests! Sure he could encounter them in his travels, but he had not thought to search his own neighborhood! The lady down a street usually wanted help with gardening, simply pulling weeds some days, others watering the plants. It was here the boy had stumbled upon a new skill [Gardening]. It wasn't much to start out with, simply it allowed him to figure out what plants belonged and which did not. It helped quite a bit when he started asking questions about what each plant was, and how it had to be taken care of. It had expanded his knowledge quite a bit!
Simply glancing through the neighborhood allowed him to find out who was diligent in their gardens than others. A neat skill to have, even if he had no real use for it currently. No, the benefits of helping that lady was reputation! He never really took note of how anyone really took notice of him, or what they had thought. It wasn't until he was asked politely if he could help with some chore. It had turned out that everyone had kept a steady distance from him when they did notice him, this seemed to have created an image of someone to 'keep an eye on' to the neighbors. Sure they weren't quests or dailies in the sense that he got any meaningful experience, but the reputation gain was a great plus.
People were more open to talk to him, even teach him some things!
The somewhat quiet man at the end of the street was a mechanic of some kind, not that he would explain it when asked yet. "Some other day boy, now hand me that wrench, no the one next to the spanner."
It allowed him to learn what various tools did. No skills have appeared from it, yet he had a better understanding of what did what.
This had led him back home at some point as well. One day he read another journal gifted to him by his aunt while at the table. Uncle Vernon had gone to work, Dudley had gone off to play with Piers, that left Harry alone with his aunt who was preparing for dinner. Feeling curious he decided to discreetly watch her, fascinated by what she was doing. He knew better than to bother his aunt while she was in the kitchen, it was apparently her domain. Still, that didn't mean that he couldn't watch, the dining area wasn't walled off from the kitchen.
"Aunt Petunia, what are you doing?"
She was doing something different today, she was slicing a vegetable in a way Harry hadn't seen before. Glancing up she went back to prepping "I'm slicing these vegetables for tonight's meal."
"Why are you slicing it like that?"
"It will cook faster, and give more flavor."
There was something fascinating about the way she was doing that, so he watched and questioned now and then. Over time, she would eventually ask him to help, not much, simple tasks. Still, it was enough for him to learn a few things at least. Not that he knew it at the time, but it would be one of the stepping stones for potion making in the future.
It was practical learning that was a bit tough to learn elsewhere.
OoO
Harry managed his 'magical outbursts' by sheer practice of the handful of spells he had. Still, magic did have a mind of it's own at times. Some of his spells would fail, or work in malfunctioning ways. Instead of blue he would instead get brown, instead of toys doing as he commanded, they would do something else. The only consistent skill he had was telekinesis so far, and that was still a work in progress, even if he had reached the second rank.
The passage of time waits for none though. And it had gone by rather quickly for him.
For every further gain he had gotten, it would take longer still to gather more. For now Harry felt that it would be time to read up on the provided resources. Most of which seemed to be keyed to some event yet to happen. Majority of the books would not open to him, even when he used his [Rod of Shadows].
For other books, they were tedious to learn, the etiquette, the history of the British Wizarding world, and the various families involved. With no one there to teach, Harry would flounder, attempting to replicate what he could understand. His aunt was not much use, and it would be pointless to ask Vernon for assistance on getting him a etiquette trainer. Still, there were neighbors that were willing to teach some of what they remembered. Especially some of the elderly of the neighborhood.
What skills he couldn't grasp from reading, he learned from those around him. At the least he was now somewhat trusted with the community, not that Harry really knew how much that would change his future. Not to mention the various life skills that would prove invaluable at some points, even if he didn't have the Gamer ability. He would come to rely more upon practical learning after an event that would force him to do so.
Despite anything Harry had done, he was no longer gaining any meaningful experience. A mere pittance at this point. He had looked this up, and had discovered that there were some rather... harsh diminishing returns. The next hurdle would be level 10 apparently at the next zone, wherever that may be. Another term for it was the "Starter Zone", where there wasn't much of a challenge to be found, that it was simply there to get adventurers started, with maybe a dungeon or a tough challenge of some sort.
"What do I do now though?" He asked aloud, pondering the situation. Glancing about an idea slowly formed, he was at the library once more. "Maybe... I can learn much before I leave to Hogwarts?"
"Mister Potter, a word if I may." Looking up he seen Mrs. Clarke standing there, with a somewhat concerned look on her face.
"Yes Mrs. Clark?"
"Does your aunt know you are here?"
"Yes she does, I let her know that I come by every now and then."
"Be that as it may, a few of the aides and indexer have some... concerns about the reading material you are using." With a pointed look at the Dungeons and Dragons book sitting open in front of Harry. "We fear that you are a bit too focused on such a thing, and would urge you to look into something more light hearted."
Harry could only blink owlishly, glancing down at the book in question. So far it wasn't posing much harm, it had pointed out much that he had overlooked.
"I must ask Mister Potter, you haven't joined in any gangs or suspicious groups have you?"
The question floored Harry for a moment, it was whiplash inducing the switch between topics. "Er... No Mrs. Clark, may I ask what brought this on?"
With a somewhat uncomfortable look the Librarian took a seat across from the boy. "Well, we wouldn't have minded if you came along with friends, or groups when reading such material. However, by the looks of things you seem intent and focused on reading that, often. You have also been reading some rather advanced materials for your age. You can understand where our concern comes from. There has been some rather disturbing things in the news about such a book influencing the youth in the last few years. As I said, we wouldn't have minded too much had you come with friends, or other like minded individuals, maybe even an older sibling. However, such is not the case, and we worry that it may be affecting you."
Harry had to consider that for a moment. Trying and failing to remember the last time he had willingly played with others his age. The last time he was here to simply read something fun or interesting rather than to advance his understanding of his situation. Looking at it from the outside he came to the startling realization that it did look strange.
"You understand now don't you Mister Potter. Now that I've your full attention, I must ask that you leave such a reading material for a while. Go outside and try to get along with your peers. To enjoy the sun, to simply be a child Harry. Do not come looking for that book, for we have decided that it must be banned from this library."
Harry could only look at her in shock.
"Further more, you will be restricted to the children's section of the library. Any time you come, you may be monitored for your safety. Believe me, this wasn't a decision made lightly! We shall be monitoring your reading materials, and ask for your reasoning behind them. You are such a bright child Harry, but you mustn't burn yourself out before you can truly shine." With that Ms. Clark gently took the book out of his hands, with one last sympathetic look she walked off as an aide gently guided Harry to the children's section of the library.
Harry had a bit of solace in the fact that the dungeon entrance was near enough to the children's section anyway that slipping inside wasn't going to be much of an issue. Looking around the section he was surprised that there were still skillbooks to be read anyway!
Thinking about the D&D book, Harry realized that he may have actually been limiting himself to what was in the book rather than experimenting himself. Afterall, there was no real 'random number generator' attached to his spells other than their skills against his. Thinking about it Harry realized that Levels really didn't say anything about other people, not that he had really run into anyone with levels just yet anyway. Simply Health Bars, occasionally Magic Bars.
Still, time would pass, he had his fun exploring, playing, learning. Some things were fairly notable, others simply mundane, blurring together various days. One such event was the winter of 1987.
It was a particularly bad winter, was the thought going through Harry's mind currently. No one was really able to go anywhere safely. It was recommended to stay inside. Looking at the snow piling up, Harry believed it.
Thankfully they had managed to prepare for such an event. There was food, water, the utilities were still working as well. So even though the situation didn't look to be letting up, at least they were safe.
Currently Harry was also training another ability from the journal his aunt gave him, glancing at the book reminded him of what it read.
Lily had an attitude like fire, sometimes she could be calming as a candle flame, other times anger as large as an inferno! She never did have problems with cold weather like the rest of us. I've done my best to keep her away from flames, to some success. She would casually play with fire like it was a simple toy at times. Our parents had talked to her once about it once they discovered it. Soon after she had quit playing with fire. Still, that did nothing to deter her personality. She once mentioned that heat was everywhere, and that it couldn't be too hard to control it. Well that may be so for her, but not for us normal people! Lily insisted though that fire provided warmth, light, and comfort. She claimed that was how she kept warm most of the time, to be fair, her hugs were exactly that, warm and protective.
[Heat Manipulation]
Warming up the world!
This is an extension of the [Fire Affinity] perk, an off branch of elemental manipulation and specialization. Given enough time and practice it may be possible to learn how to play with natural flames. With this skill it is possible to keep the body at optimal temperature. Note: There is only a One(1) person limit on how many this skill affects.
It was an ability that didn't really have a quick learn skill attached to it. However, by reading the journal Harry understood the concept and could probably activate it by training rather than wasting points in it. Currently he was practicing by staying next to the heat vent, feeling the warmth, attempting to understand what it meant.
It was an interesting thing to do, once he felt warm enough he would sit in the windowsill and let the cold creep up on him. This surprisingly gave him the ability to train both. He would try to keep the warmth with him next to the window, and try to keep cool as long as possible next to the vent.
Not that he knew it, but it would lay the foundations for further spell crafting far off into the future, especially when concerned with frost and fire spells. Both of which were his weaker classes. Not to mention the applications of the skill, to regulate body temperature.
Harry's current task was being more like his mother, learning what she did. One of the very few tangible connections he would feel with her.
The winter passed by, and everyone recovered. In that time he had run the Maze countless amount of times, finding what loot he could that he felt was worthwhile. Various junk items were left behind, broken weapons, worn out tools, outdated clothing, books that had no real use since they were severely damaged, or were in another language entirely. By this point Harry was certain that all he could do now was learn, and simply enjoy the moments as they came. There were a couple sad moments, some of the elders had passed on, a few families moved, such was life.
At least then he found more people to interact with, to learn from.
OooOooO
Time has a way of moving when unnoticed, sometimes it feels like an eternity, other times days, weeks, even months can pass in a flash. Harry was now ten thank you very much. He was now starting to count down the days to his 11th birthday.
One day his aunt once again requested his presence, they headed to the park once more for a serious conversation. These things weren't really common, but each time they had an impact in his life.
"Harry, I know that we haven't been as close as we should have been, with you being my, my sister's son. I just don't know why, but whenever I try to become close to you, it feels like something just pushes me away!" With a deep breath Petunia looks back at her nephew. "You will be going to Hogwarts soon, that is inevitable, something I've known for years. You will be gone for about nine months of the year."
Harry's eyes went a bit wide at that information. "Yes, it is after all a boarding school. You will do well, just as well as you have done these last few years. No matter what happens, you will be welcome back here, however, I would recommend you spend what time you have learning what you can, as quick as you can! That man, the one who killed my sister and her husband is still out there! Or so that Dumbledore character claims. I have not been able to get back into contact with him since he left you here. You will need to keep a watchful eye around that man Harry, he seemed far too interested in Lily when news came that you were on your way."
She paused in thought for a few moments before firming up. "You give them hell should that wretched man come back! Him and his merry band of misfits! I still remember how terrible things were back then. People found dead with no reasons, mysterious disappearances and what not. Just remember Harry, you are still a child, when something happens you should find a responsible adult to assist you. At least make an attempt! Always trust your gut instinct though, so far you're instincts are usually spot on."
This surprised Harry, he tried thinking back to when these particular moments happened around his aunt.
"If you can, try to get into contact with some kind of doctor if possible. See if you need any kind of boosters, or something. I do not want you coming back with some kind of magical disease to infect us with!"
And so Harry would have to make a list of things to do and ask about whenever he was invited to Hogwarts. Thankfully he didn't have to suddenly think up everything, his aunt had given him a list of things she wanted answered if possible. She knew that there were probably questions best asked by Harry himself for whatever reason she wasn't privy to.
Harry went back to reading through the books once again, a few had opened themselves as the date got nearer. Moreover there was hidden notes from the books his mum had left. One such note was to specifically ask for either Professor Flitwick or Professor McGonagall for introductions when the time came. If for whatever reason they're busy, request any available head of house. He had hoped that they still taught at the school. Some of the notes pointed out things that could help, and things that seemed helpful but could be found better explained elsewhere. Of course there were random notes as well, musings written down more than anything else really.
Books from his father didn't really have much in the way of notes, if any really.
Not to mention the fact that some of the books were identical, they clearly had different ideas on what was important. For instance, his father figured etiquette and history was more important to learn first. His mum on the other hand delved right into skills to learn, and the importance of education. His aunt insisted on control however, along with measured responses. Harry wasn't exactly sure which style of teaching was more effective, short or long term, still he would learn what he could regardless. It wasn't like there was any harm in learning more things right? Surely knowing more would help him in the long run.
Truthfully Harry had tried to keep busy to take his mind from the passing months. Looking back, he knew that perhaps this ability had changed him more than anyone could have figured. It was like... growing up in a way, just far ahead of his peers. Sure he was more of the reserved type of child, but since this ability unlocked?
With a shake of his head the boy decided not to ponder that thought any further.
OooOooO
They had just gotten back, Petunia was ushering Dudley to the couch, he was wrapped in a medical blanket. Behind the two was Harry, also wrapped in a blanket, behind him was a furiously muttering Vernon.
It was Dudley's birthday, they had gone to the London Zoo as part of the celebration. It was shaping up to be interesting at least, until they got to the reptile section. Apparently there was some kind of summer secondary class there on a trip as well. Harry and Dudley were admiring the boa constrictor when two groups of older boys were arguing about something behind them. It wasn't their business, they simply glanced over before going back to the snake.
Unfortunately an fight occurred and before anyone realized what had happened there was the sound of shattering glass, some surprised shouts and chaos. When all was said and done everyone was thankful the snake didn't do anything besides back off.
The only one who might know what happened was Dudley, the snake was surprised and it reared back ready to attack. Harry had noticed, yelling at the snake to back off. In the panic no one really noticed the two hissing noises from the enclosure. When the staff rushed in, they managed to wrangle the snake away, Vernon and Petunia were livid and frightened.
A quick investigation revealed that it was some kind of jewelry that caused the glass to shatter. They would say that it was fortunate that the giant snake was more afraid of the events to actually do anything before the workers arrived.
Harry knew differently of course, and would never reveal what had happened. No need to worry his aunt more than she was already, there was also no need to get Vernon's attention either. The boy knew that they were both alive thanks to him, the glass after all shattered completely, and did not leave any lethal shards to stab them, not unlike the very second he noticed what had happened. Like the jaws of some monster coming for them. He glanced at his magic bar, it was recovering slowly, having almost depleted itself trying to keep them both unharmed in a large bout of accidental magic. That night he would snack hard on some of the sweets he had, feeling the energy drain. Not even the everfull bread helped, nor did he want to chance taking a mana potion.
Despite the Gamer's Body Harry was only human, and a child at that. He would have recurring nightmares of a snake with shattered glass for a maw, ready to swallow both him and his cousin in one deadly go. Still, he would recover.
It was during this time Harry would often hang around Dudley, knowing that this may very well be the last time they see each other in a long while. Of course they were also fitted in newer school clothes. Perhaps they were just a slight bit loose, but Petunia had assured them that they would grow into them. Harry of course had been given a spare set one size larger on the off chance he hit a growth spurt mid school year. Dudley didn't have this problem, since he would be returning for winter break.
Vernon of course grumbled about it, but mostly went with it seeing the practicality of it. Of course neither boy knew that Petunia and Vernon had many arguments over the situation as Harry's birthday was approaching. By this point Vernon had believed that Harry wasn't really a magical, to be reminded about it had nearly set him off. There was that sliver of hope that Harry and Dudley would be going to Smeltings Academy.
Under Petunia's rule, they were comfortable, if barely. By now the neighborhood had somewhat mellowed out as unemployment had steadily declined over the years. They weren't caught up in the 'Current Craze' like the various others of the neighborhood, and had come out on top as the years progressed. With raising two boys, Petunia hadn't the time to gossip and busybody, which put her in a better position in the neighborhood as well. She was an example to look up to and get advice from.
Harry only knew this from overhearing the neighbors when he was doing various chores and what not. His Observation skill, nor his natural curiosity wouldn't allow him to simply ignore these things.
The last month had passed along, by now Harry was only really focused on the letter, wondering how it could possibly arrive. Of course he knew it could be his birthday, Aunt Petunia had told him often enough, it was emphasized through his parents letters as well. Still, perhaps it would come early! Some things though only arrive right on time, this being one of them.
He was right in a way, the Letter did show up a week early!
Mr. Harry James Potter
Former Nursery Room
#4 Privet Drive
Little Whinging
Surrey
It was odd that it would place his bedroom, also that the room apparently had a name! It was something else to ponder later. For now he took the letter to his aunt, by now Vernon finished his breakfast and had gone to get ready for work. They would mark it for the Deputy Headmistress and see what happened from there. Thankfully an owl was nearby to take the letter back.
Watching the owl leave, Harry could only ponder what adventures await him.
OooOoooOooO
Hopefully I haven't left any parts hanging, much. That is all I've got to say here. Prepare for Diagon Alley?
OooOooOooO
Info dump, optional reading.
-D&D: Did you know that there was a moral panic about Dungeons and Dragons? That it was 'connected' to satanism, the occult, suicides, depression, gang-related activities, and a whole host of other such things. I decided to nod at the history of the game by adding the library section. I got curious about the history of the game, and this popped up. Not to mention it is a way to restrict Harry from learning everything too quickly. Harry suddenly gained this 'intensity' that someone was bound to notice, that it would make many weary.
-Time Skips: I really wanted to add a few skills and items before he heads to Hogwarts, but understand that I'll never actually get to Hogwarts. So, I've decided that this gives me a bit of a cheat later on, the ability to claim Harry had found an item previously, or skill. Is it a cop out? Hell yes it is. Not to mention events that should have happened, can be planned out better. Including Dudley for instance, another Instance as well, but that got put in the scrap heap for later use.
-Acceptance Letters: There has to be some kind of registry that the headmaster sends to the governors who pass it along to the ministry, for the potential following year. The cut off date for letters to be sent out is probably July 31st, which coincides with Harry's birthday. I'm willing to bet that the Deputy Head probably visits students individually across the school year, most likely with assistance of a time tuner. This cut off date gives guardians time to possibly save up for school supplies, or at least debate if they're sending their children to the school. Harry's case might actually be a special circumstance. They might actually have a week planned out to give tours to muggleborns and muggle raised. With a set cut off date, it gives a deadline for the School and Ministry to set aside some 'hardship' funds for families and students that can't afford such a thing. It is also probably optional, I don't imagine the Malfoys ever touching the fund. Then those that decide to not use it, even if it would help, looking at Molly here. There is too much to speculate, and I would be glad to expand upon it, but these infodumps are getting out of hand, this is the 'summary' of the previous notes already.
