AN
I give the whole credit for the character Cassiopeia (along with the nick name Theia) and the plot idea of her to Inimicus, the dude who helped me and still do whenever I am stuck with my story.
I made a slight mistake - the perk point will be awarded every 10 levels. Sorry if this confused you. I have already changed it in the chapters. Now the first one he got to choose, when he became level 5 was actually a gift for his birthday after receiving his powers. Meaning he gets to choose perks at level 10, 20 etc.. He doesn't at 15, 25 etc..
The Potter Dock idea is from Midnight Gold by InheritanceConfessor2011. I have sent a PM, never got a reply. If he does ever complain about it then I will take that part down.
All suggestions, remarks, criticism and reviews are welcome.
Chapter 8
"What the fuck?"
Only with the help of his Gamer's Mind and Occlumency that Harry didn't jump up from his stool in a massive state of panic. Instead he sat there with a calm aura as he searched for the source of the loud scream.
He soon heard mutterings of four different people in his head, two feminine and two male;
"How is such a thing possible?"
"Is he a wizard at all?"
"I think so, I mean he did have wizarding parents"
"Stop this the kid is listening"
"Ah, hello is there a problem? Who is this?" Harry asked mentally.
"It's nothing to worry dear" a feminine voice replied as another one followed it "We were just surprised by the powers you posses"
A gruff male voice said, "Allow me to introduce, we are the imprints of the four founders left inside the magical sorting hat. We don't talk directly like this, instead let the hat do the job with our guidance."
"Yes, your, let's just say spectacular powers, intrigued us and we came forth to sort you ourselves." a smooth male voice continued.
"So where do I belong then?" Harry asked. He wanted to have a full conversation with them, get to know them, their secrets, their knowledge but knew that he didn't have time nor would anyone allow it just because he wanted it.
"You are worthy of all four houses; you have courage and cunning in spades, the resourcefulness and a thirst for knowledge, you are hard working, and loyal to those who have earned yours. We can see it, the struggles you had, the problems you faced, and how you overcome them. But it seems you have a house already in mind. And we agree that house will be the most suitable for your needs." the voices stopped for a moment, "However since this is the first time someone like you have appeared, we would like to give you a quest. Choose it and you will find that which only we alone know of, choose it and you will find all you need in your journey to bring back your house fortune, choose it and you will become powerful. Do you accept?"
Intrigued by the request, Harry asked "What is the quest?"
"That we will not tell you until you accept. Of course you can choose not to, but you will never find what lay hidden ever. And the quest itself will not be easy, it will test your courage, cunningness, resourcefulness, knowledge, patience and above all you as a person. So what say you young wizard?"
Finding little to no information to go on, Harry thought it over. 'Yes it would be a hard quest, but where was there a case when someone got reward without risk. If I want to rebuild my family in this world, then I need all the help I can get' Harry finally reaching a decision said with conviction "Yes I accept the quest"
Harry was blinded for a second by a bright light, then he came to a room with nothing but white walls and floor. He looked around and found four people standing there. The first, a male with black hair and goatee wore black and emerald green cloak and medieval dress and the second male with red hair and beard wore red and gold cloak. Both were muscular and lean. The former had emerald eyes like him where as the later had sky blue eyes. The first woman wore yellow and black cloak, with strawberry blonde hair and a curvaceous body, with amber eyes, while the second wore blue and bronze cloak who had black hair, crystal blue eyes and an equally beautiful body, she had a tiara on her head. Harry quickly realized they were the founders, but before he could greet them, a blue screen popped in front of him.
A quest has been created.
Quest Alert!
The Founders' Heir : Find the lost treasures!
Find the lost and hidden treasures of the Founders' of Hogwarts and become their heir
Rewards,
100,000xp
New Title - Founders' Heir
?
?
?
?
Failure,
You will never be able to become the Founders Heir
Possible Death
YES - NO
Harry pressed yes and turned his attention towards the founders. They seemed to be measuring him.
"It's good to see face to face, but we are rather short on time, so let us get the introduction out of the way. I am Salazar Slytherin, this is Godric Gryffindor, the lady with tiara is Rowena Ravenclaw and last but not least Helga Hufflefuff." The man with the black goatee said.
"Inside Hogwarts we four each have created a secret room or chamber by ourselves. Each holding our most beloved and heavily guarded treasures. You must find each one and claim it as your own. Of course they are guarded by traps and beasts. But what fun is it if it's too simple. However to help you on this quest and also in your life we will give you a clue to a wonderful room that we created together, combining our expertise. It's called the Room Of Requirement and you will have to find it on your own as well. But here is something that will help you on your way 'If you have to ask you will never know, But if you Know you only need to ask'." Ravenclaw spoke in a mysterious tune. "I am sure you will be able to figure it out, after all you choose to be in my house" she finished with a smile.
"Find our legacy Harry, find it and restore what we struggled for, restore who we really were" Gryffindor said as Helga joined "History has been long since corrupted, to suit the needs of the ones who told them. Find our truths, show it to the world and bring peace to our world."
"Make do and steady your heart and mind for what is to come my child. For this is only the beginning, the beginning of a whole new era, an era of war, love, destruction and hopefully peace. And you shall be its central point, everything will be on your shoulders." Rowena said in a heartfelt voice.
"Find those who will stand beside you. Give them your loyalty and they will give you yours. Now go, know that we are with you always" Helga said.
"You must have courage not just to face danger but to admit your follies as well and that you need help" Godric said, the light again started to blind him as Salazar joined " and when you stumble know this, help shall always be given at Hogwarts Harry, to those who ask for it"
Harry was back to where he actually was and regained his senses as he heard the loud call of sorting hat saying his house "RAVENCLAW" , causing the Ravenclaw table to erupt in applause. Harry smoothly took the hat off his head and handed it to Prof. McGonagall and got up from the stool. Taking a place next to Padma, he listened carefully as the rest of the names were called out and sorted into their houses, before listening to the Headmaster's speech half-heartedly. He also received his quest complete window, which he closed promptly.
Quest Complete!
Hogwarts Student : Get Sorted!
Rewards,
500xp
Bonus Quest - Founders' Heir
As dinner appeared, the tables erupted into small talk. Harry was bombarded with questions from all around the table. Harry politely replied to each one as he made a mental list of useful people like the fifth year prefect Penelope Clearwater. Harry made small talk, not really being interested in making friends based on first encounters, preferring to wait and judge his fellow house mates before deciding their worth. In his house there were only two boys, Anthony Goldstein and Terry Boot, in his year besides Harry. Others were Amanda Brockelhurst, Lisa Turpin, Hermione Granger, Su Li, Padma Patil and Cassiopeia Malfoy of whom Harry was wary of. She was apparently Draco Malfoy's twin.
As the dinner finished, the Headmaster rose once again while all the food vanished.
"Ahem, just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered, I have a few start-of-the-term notices to give you" he said in a grandfatherly tune.
"The first years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. A few older students would do well to remember that as well" Dumbledore's eyes twinkled in the direction of two ginger haired twins.
"I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all, that no magic should be used between classes in the corridor"
"Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house team should contact Madam Hooch."
"And finally, I must tell you that this year; the third floor corridor on the right hand side of the castle is out of bounds; to everyone who do not wish to die a very painful death" he said in a most serious tune.
'Something is up, he is not that stupid to realize that half the school will now be looking into it. It seems he has more cunning than a Gryffindor should have. Have to keep my eyes open around this guy' Harry thought before his internal monologue ended as the whole school erupted in song. Harry used this time to use Observe on the teachers including Dumbledore and just like he thought it only gave him blank question marks.
Everybody finished the song at different times. At the end, only the ginger haired twins were left singing along a very slow funeral march. Dumbledore conducted their last few lines with his wand and when they had finished, he was one of those who clapped the loudest.
"Ah, music, a magic beyond all we do here! And now bed time. Off you trot.!" he said dismissing them all from the hall.
Ravenclaw prefects ordered the first years to follow them. They walked past suit of armors, around corners, up stairs. The castle was almost like a maze in its own right. Harry was wondering how much further they had to go, before they came to a sudden halt. There was a door in front of them. There was no keyhole and no door handle; nothing but plain expanse of ancient wood and a bronze knocker in the shape of an eagle.
The female prefect he identified from the feast stepped forward turning towards them and said, "This is the entrance to the Ravenclaw tower. You have to knock and the guardian will ask you a question or a riddle, which you will have to answer, otherwise you won't gain entrance. If you don't know the answer, wait for another student to come along or go to our head f house." She then proceeded to give them a demonstration; as she knocked the guardian asked a riddle in a wise tone,
"What starts with the letter C and ends with T, which is moist on the inside and hairy on the outside?"
Penelope and the male prefect Tony blushed bright red hearing the riddle, Harry mentally snickered as most of his fellow year mates remained clueless at the innuendo. He noted that Padma, Hermoine and Cassiopeia had blushes on their face as well. Filing that information away in his mind, he stepped forward and said, "Coconut"
"Correct" the guardian said finishing with a booming laugh, opening the doorway. Harry had the distant feeling that the guardian did that on purpose and maybe a closet pervert as well.
Harry pushed forward as his fellow year mates and the prefects shook off their awkwardness and got the first glimpse of the Ravenclaw common room. The room could be best described as an 'airy' room with many arched windows overlooking the surrounding mountains, all hung with heavy blue and bronze curtains, matching their house colors. The ceiling was domed and painted blue with twinkling stars on it. The floor was covered in midnight-blue carpet, completing the 'Ravenclaw' look about the place.
The room was filled with fat and cushy armchairs that looked quite comfortable to just sit and read a book. The room also seemed to be circular in shape, showing that it was indeed inside the Ravenclaw tower, while there were several stairs leading up to the student dorms. There was a statute of Rowena Ravenclaw beside the entrance to the room, which seemed to be almost similar to her imprint Harry saw when he put on the sorting hat.
"Impressive" Harry said, taking in the sight of the common room.
The male prefect nodded in agreement, before calling for their attention, "Ravens are famed for our knowledge, and as such we have our own rooms, while other houses have to share. This is so you can read, study and practice magic without disturbing your house mates. Your rooms are basic; this is intentional so they can be customized and to encourage you to learn charms and spells to make these rooms your own over the next seven years. Each room has the name of its occupant on the door, it will be yours for the next seven years."
Pausing before continuing his speech, "Each year has its own group study period, along with their own older student, acting as a mentor, who will be tasked with helping you." He gestured to the surrounding Ravens, who were watching their new house mates with interest.
"Now, the girl's dorm are over there" the prefect said pointing to a set of stairs, then pointing to another set in the other corner, "And these are the guy's dorms. While I remember, I suggest you reread your potion textbooks, because our potion master love to take house points for failing to answer his questions fully and correctly." He then dismissed them to find their own rooms.
Walking up the stairs with the rest of first year males, Harry quickly found his room, which itself was bare. The bed was an impressive four poster one with blue curtains, with desk and work area in the corner and another door leading to a wash room. Noticing his trunk in the corner, he took out his first year books and arranged them on his desk to have an easy access, he took all of his potion materials before setting down on the bed to reread his first year potions books, as the fifth year recommended.
He used his occlumency to keep everything he read into a codex so he could remember them perfectly, he also added the information about ingredients from Herbology linked to the potion section as well. After that was done, Harry went to order his mental file of each student, which he created, like house, year etc. Harry also thought about the quest he got from the founders. But he didn't go into further details as it became midnight and he went to sleep leaving it for later date.
You have slept in your bed. HP & MP restored to 100%. All negative status effects and ailments have been cured.
Harry woke up early like he used to, with the sun just barely out of the horizon. The night had been restless, due to his internal excitement at finally being able to attend the school and learn at the hands of some of the best teachers in the world.
Harry started his morning routine of pushups and sit ups, he also had added a hanging bar to do pull ups and chin ups. He wanted to go for a run and a swim, but decided to wait a couple more days for that. Noticing it was almost time for breakfast, he made his way over to the wash room for a shower, before putting on his robes and trying but failing to tame his hair.
Checking himself in the mirror before heading down to common room, he sat down in the corner waiting for rest of his year mates to arrive. Realizing he was early, he started going through his mind codex using occlumency.
Soon his year mates came down. Before they left the common room, their head of the house came to greet them and gave their time tables and also offered his help with anything that they might need. Looking at the time table, Harry saw that they shared classes with the other three houses alternatively for subjects. Like Herbology which he have today was shared with Slytherins. Taking the necessary books for today, Harry went to get breakfast with his year mates while having small talk with Padma.
Harry rested on his bed, enjoying the peace and quiet for a change now that the day was over. This gave him a chance to reflect on everything that had happened on the two days since that first evening.
The first couple of days were amazing; they just flew by in a mix of awe and excitement. Even if most of the lessons were just introductions to the courses, basic lectures on what the subject was about and the planned material for the upcoming year; it did nothing to kill his excitement.
The only subject that was disappointing was History of magic, which was taught by the ghost of the former History teacher who had happened to die during his sleep or during one of his lectures if the terror twins were to be believed.
Professor Cuthbert Binns seemed to have permanently cast a sleeping spell over the room and all the students in it, even he himself wasn't immune to it! This frankly was a bit of a disappointment to Harry as he considered himself to be an amateur Historian. After all he had read most of the history section at his local library when he searched for dungeons.
Ultimately, he ended up asking several older Ravenclaws about the ghost during lunch time. Frankly, their advice wasn't promising, it turned out that it had happened to everyone. Most of them ended up doing self study instead and skipped History all together, before dropping the subject rather than endure the ghost. Others charmed their quills to write down the notes for them instead. Unfortunately the charm wasn't taught until fourth year and Harry wasn't ready to owe anyone for simply learning such a spell, so it didn't help him either.
Another subject that was interesting but was ruined because of the teaching was Defence Against Dark Arts or DADA, taught by Prof. Quirinus Quirrell. His constant stuttering, the smell of garlic and his constant jumping at shadows had made him the second most useless professor in Harry's list. While enquiring about it Harry had learned about the curse on the DADA position and how every year the professor for DADA is met with unfortunate incidents and was replaced the next year. Some had even died for taking up the post. Of course, being him Harry immediately got a new quest out of it.
A quest has been created.
Quest Alert!
The Curse Breaker : Find and remove the DADA curse!
Find the reason for the curse on DADA post and remove it
Rewards,
100,000xp
New Title - Curse Breaker
500,000 galleons
?
Failure,
Every DADA professor will meet an unfortunate fate
Death
YES - NO
From the high xp reward, Harry was sure it will take a long time to solve it. But the chance of getting such a huge amount of xp and money made him accept the quest.
Fortunately Herbology turned out to be far more interesting than he had originally expected. The subject was taught by Professor Pomona Sprout, the Head of Hufflepuff House.
Prof. Sprout seemed a rather easy going person, which in hindsight should have been expected. She was a person of the earth, who clearly embodied her house's value of fair play and hard work. Listening to her lectures on magical plants, it was clear that they were her passion and it explained why she was considered one of the leading experts on magical flora.
The highlight of the lesson came from the Slytherin students, and how they reacted to the thought of getting their hands dirty. Thinking about it again caused Harry to chuckle quietly at the memory of the day's events. Their reactions made it clear which of them could be considered spoiled.
However, their reaction was even stronger when Prof. Sprout ordered them to pair up with another student from a different house in order to promote student unity and spread the seeds of friendship. A couple of low voices whispered complaints about being partnered up with their Ravenclaw counterparts. He heard what seemed to be Draco Malfoy's favorite line, "Wait till my father hears about this." Fortunately he and Padma were partnered up with Slytherins who were exception to this rules. His partner turned out to be a girl with flawing blonde hair named Daphne Greengrass, while Padma paired up with an auburn haired girl named Tracy Davis.
The two groups went about their collective tasks, which made it clear in hindsight that both Daphne and Tracy had previous experience in magical gardening. Harry had managed to do decent work, mainly because his level in Herbology was high and because he followed Daphne's methods, due to her more extensive knowledge in magical plants. By the end of the lesson, both had earned a good number of house points since they, unlike other pairs, just got to work rather than bicker over the task. During the task they made minor small talk, nothing personal, just light talk to help pass the time. Harry did enjoy her company.
Another thing that intrigued Harry was the fact that Draco and Cassiopeia didn't partner up during the class. Harry decided not to jump into conclusion until he could do an Observe on both of them.
That was another thing Harry was disappointed about, due to the hectic work and class, he couldn't find time to do an Observe on who he wanted to. But he decided to do it during the weekend.
The next day, Harry headed to the class he was most looking forward to, Charms. The class was taught by his head of House, Professor Filius Flitwick, charms master of Hogwarts and retired duelist.
Professor Filtwick was short, only about four foot in height and from what he heard from his fellow housemates this was due to him being part goblin. This was extremely odd, considering how rare inter-species marriages were, to the point of nearly being unheard of, in British culture.
Harry took a seat in front of the class to get better view and was joined by Padma. After a couple of minutes, the Professor walked in and jumped onto a stack of books, before beginning his introduction speech about the subject and the materials, like the other professors.
Watching his Head of House, Harry couldn't help but smile at the sight of the tiny professor balancing on books, trying not to fall off.
When his name was finally called out of the register, the Professor literally jumped in excitement. However, this display of energy, while embarrassing for him at first also resulted in Prof. Flitwick losing his balance, sending the book stack scattering across the floor.
Being a formal duelist, the professor landed gracefully to the applause of the students, taking the attention away from Harry, for which he was very grateful. After that little stunt, the professor continued calling the register. When it was over, Harry listened with interest as the professor showed several of the charms they would be learning over the course of the year, which was received with a series of "awws" from the students.
Watching the professor, he could remember reading about the spells on display and the theory behind them. Smiling as he watched, Harry felt confident that he would live up to his Head of House's expectations. After all, he had managed to cast several of them before coming to Hogwarts. Right then and there, he made a silent promise to himself to learn all the first year spells by Christmas.
The first half of the class was about the theory of basic Lumos light charm. Professor Flitwick stated that while it was one of the simplest of spells, them being first years will take some time to get it right, as they needed necessary experience in casting spells and focus required in controlling their magic. Naturally their work rate would increase as they progressed through the school year, due to their magic becoming easier for them to wield.
All too soon the classroom was filled with students shouting, "Lumos", in an attempt to create a light on the tip of their wands. They began to shout louder as their frustration increased, in a vain attempt to force the spell work, not realizing it made no difference.
There were occasional sprouts of light here and there, but it was Harry who got it first to have a steady ball of light at the tip of his wand. Which earned him 10 points, who was followed by Hermoine who got another five points for their house. Watching her Harry realized that she has marked him has her academic rival, which he thought was childish until he realized they were children.
He also noted that Cassiopeia had got the hang of it as well, proving his theory that pureblood kids have gotten previous training.
"Want some help?" he asked Padma as he saw her struggling.
"Sure", she said "If you don't mind"
For the rest of the lesson, Harry helped Padma to do the Lumos charm, which she was able to do successfully after his help. Seeing this, Prof. Flitwick came by to quiz Harry on his knowledge and what other spells he could do. Harry ended up admitting that he was already capable of casting a good dozen number of first year spells, such as the 'color changing charm' and the 'levitation spell'. He also told Flitwick his goal of learning all the first year spells by Christmas. By the time he was done listing the spells, as well as his own goals, his teacher seemed to bounce with energy and gave him another twenty points for it.
Finally the school bell rang, causing the professor to assign the Lumos charm practicing as home work. Then he dismissed the class so they could go down to the Great Hall for lunch.
On the way to the Great Hall, Harry caught a glimpse of the hour glass which kept track of the House points and saw that Ravenclaw was ahead by 35 points.
Even though Harry sat with his year mates, he never initiated a conversation unless necessary. He let others talk while he just listened. Looking across the hall he found Padma sitting with her sister at the Gryffindor table. During one of the conversation, Anthony and Terry asked Harry for his help in learning to cast the Lumos help. Which he agreed on the condition that they would never ask his help for writting assignments or some such and only for help with actual casting of spells, which they agreed with him.
After lunch, it was Transfiguration another class Harry want to excel since his dad was known as a prodigy in the transfiguration field. It was taught by Professor Minerva McGonagall, Head of House Gryffindor and the Deputy Headmistress. She was strict, telling them straight away that anyone who fools around will never be allowed to step in her class as it was dangerous. But she did make everyone amazed by her animagus transformation from a tabby cat, which steeled Harry all the more to become one.
Currently, they were asked to turn a match stick into a needle. It was much harder than it sounds as transfiguration was a step by step process of changing one material into other while changing size and shape as well. Harry who had been practicing it before did it in on his first try earning him ten points from the professor. Of course Hermoine seems to take it as challenge and started concentrating on it with a new found vigor and doing it getting ten points. Harry as was becoming usual started helping Padma, who was able to change the material of match stick into silver by the end of the class earning her five points as well.
Eventually he got around to trying multiple transfigurations. It took awhile to learn, but as he practiced he got faster after each consecutive attempt. By the end of the class, he was able to change ten matchsticks into needles at a time and back again without too much difficulty, which earned him another ten points.
After that there was no more classes as they returned to their common room to relax and some to start working on their homework, after having dinner. Harry internally mused the changes that already appeared in the students after these two days still lying on his bed.
In the two days, already some have started forming groups. Anthony and Terry had become one, so did Lisa and Amanda. Padma and Su were one as well who tried to include Hermoine and Cassiopeia as well but the later remained polite while aloof and the other buried herself in books. Harry was on taking terms with everyone except Hermoine and Cassiopeia, one because she didn't want to get away from her books and the other because both were wary of each other. But Padma has started to become a friend of sort for Harry.
Harry stopped his musings and moved to get a shower and change into something comfortable. He took his sweet time as he showered and came out wearing nothing as he normally did as he put his new clothes on his bed. Harry was still drying his hair as he didn't see Padma was in his room. He was startled by a loud squeak, quickly moving the towel Harry was greeted by the sight of Padma covering her face in the bed curtain.
Deciding to be a bit cheeky, Harry said "I didn't know you are a voyeur Padma, you naughty girl". He covered himself in the towel he used to dry his hair.
"I wasn't, I didn't know" Padma squeaked and stuttered out.
"Ha ha, its fine you can look now" Harry said, Padma turned around only to let out a loud "eep" and turn around again.
"Oh come on, this is nothing" Harry said as he put on his clothes. "Alright now I am fully clothed, sheesh Padma what kind of gutter is your mind in?"
"You shouldn't run around naked" Padma said with a huff as she turned around, still with a blush on her face. Of course for Padma, Harry's well toned body, which while didn't have any six packs, dripping water droplets was easily an arousing scene.
"My room, my rules. Now what can I do for you?"
"I came by to ask if we could study for the potions class we have tomorrow, since the prefect told us that the professor will ask questions" Padma said.
"Sure take your books and come here, we can study for it. I have some chocolate frogs I bought from the train"
"Okay I will be right back" with that Padma left. The rest of the day was spend going through the potion books with Padma and after she left, Harry got to work on his charms book.
He had learned that a new skill Spell Codex , which was basically a collection of all the spells he knows, have been added to the [Knowledge Bank] skill tree which leveled up as he learned new spells and it also seems to help with his occlumency as once he learned the spell properly, he could recall them and its uses quickly. Also the things he found out about the spells are also added in, like 'wingardium leviosa' is the levitation spell geared to floating feathers and if he add the Latin name of object with 'leviosa' he could easily handle levitating other objects more easily than using the same spell.
You have slept in your bed. HP & MP restored to 100%. All negative status effects and ailments have been cured.
"Ah yes," Professor Snape said softly when he reached Harry's name during roll calling, "Harry Potter..our new celebrity"
With that one dialogue Harry knew that his entire potion class for the seven years if he choose to take it after OWLS, would be utterly irritating and useless for him. Professor Severus Snape, Head of House Slytherin and potions master seems to have a bone to pick with him. Harry was at first impressed by the professors dramatic entrance with his cloak billowing. But one look from him, Harry realized this would be one of those classes and teacher he would dread to go to.
Harry was bombarded with questions as soon as the register was called out. Luckily for Harry, he had already went through his potions book and was thus able to answer all of them. Snape then proceeded to put them on creating a boil cure potion. Harry and Padma paired up for the job as Padma was week at potions.
As soon as the class was over, Harry quickly made his way out of the dungeon to escape from the oppressive feeling he got from the professor. He was able to brew the potion to perfection, so he only got a sneer from Snape.
Today all the first years had flying class after lunch, which Harry was most looking forward to. He knew his father was a good flyer and played for the Gryffindor quidditch team. He also wanted to try for his house team next year as first years were not allowed to play.
All the first years were lined up in two lines, each having a broom by their side, the students on the two lines facing each other. A witch with white sparky electrified hair and yellow hawk like eyes and the body of a physical fitness trainer came down and walked along the middle of the two lines returning the greeting she received from the students. The witch was Madam Rolanda Hooch.
"Good Evening, now stand close to your broom, extend your hand towards it and say 'UP' " she instructed.
Harry did so and the broom jumped into his hands. Harry could feel the broom stick and the magic it held. Soon everyone had broom in their hand, some who gave up shouting and picking it up with their hand. Soon Madam Hooch had them slowly hover over the ground and follow her like young ducklings following their mother duck.
Neville Longbottom somehow managed to get himself knocked off his broom, falling some good height, luckily only breaking his arm thanks in part to several statues that slowed down his descent by locking on his robes. Madam Hooch immediately went to check on Neville, ordering the students to land on the ground.
It was then that Harry saw Draco knocking his sister out of her broom, it was a good height more than from where Neville fell from and was sure to give a grievous injury, if not life threatening. Without hesitating Harry launched himself after her falling form, only catching her by the nick of time.
Harry was moving at a break neck speed as he zoomed towards the falling form of Cassiopeia. The old broom strained under him, trying to move at a speed it was no longer capable of. It gave out puffs and screeching noises as some of its bristles were torn away from the broom by the wind. But Harry didn't let up as he moved closer as she fell. 50 feet, 40, 30, 20, 10, 7 and 'slam' Harry got her as he pushed his broom further so as not to crash into the ground himself with her in his hands. The broom wobbled and jerked as he sped across the ground with Cassiopeia in his hand. After some more time of more jerking, Harry got the broom under control.
All through Harry's stunt, the girls were screaming, boys gasping and madam Hooch standing shocked to the bones with the injured Neville on her hand.
Harry was oblivious to it all as his concentration was on the beautiful lady in his hands. The fact that Cassiopeia was stunningly beautiful only dawned on him then, in that situation where he was holding her in his arms in the sky. If not for the broom, it might have looked like a scene from the comic book Harry read once called Superman.
He looked into her stormy grey eyes, drinking in her features in the evening sunlight that streamed the sky. She had blonde hair streaked with black along them, which seemed to hide behind her blonde locks, Harry could tell from such an intimate position that it was not a dye. Her blonde hair glowed in the evening sun light, giving a nice contrast to her black hair. Her ample body was hidden by her robes but not from his touch. Harry's budding hormones was waking up to the mesmerizing show and feel he got from carrying her. Harry quickly shook himself out of his stupor and hormone induce and asked, "Are you okay?"
She only nodded her head in response, probably still in shock of her imminent dance with death. Her skin which was pale was much more paler than usual because of the fright. Harry smoothly glided his broom back to the ground, he used Observe on her while doing so;
Cassiopeia Malfoy - Hogwarts I year Student - Lvl 10
HP : 500/500
MP : 340/340
STR : 12
VIT : 15
DEX : 12
END : 10
INT : 22
WIS : 17
CHR : 15
LUC : 6
KAR : 0
Cassiopeia Malfoy is the daughter of Lord Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Malfoy nee Black. Draco Malfoy is her twin brother. Her father and brother hates her and sees her as a valuable object than a person. She is cared for only by her mother.
She is wary of Harry. She feels indebted to him. She wants to be his friend.
Harry landed with Cassiopeia in his hand to the squeals of girls and cheers of boys. As soon as he let Cassiopeia go into the waiting hands of Hooch, Harry received two new messages.
New Perk Obtained!
Knight In Shining Armor : Your charisma receives a permanent +5 stat points. Girls will swoon around you. Flirting receives a +10 % boost.
New Skill Created!
Broomstick Flying - Active - Lvl 1 (4/5)
The ability to use a broom to fly and do amazing stunts with it.
(5 + 40%) handling on broomstick
Harry quickly closed it confused whether to be pleased or angry at it and smiled sheepishly to the crowd as madam Hooch commented on his excellent flying skill but berated him for his recklessness. Cassiopeia gave a grateful smile as she followed madam Hooch to the infirmary. Harry smiled back as he internally vowed to be her friend and to protect her from her father and brother. By the time the commotion settled down, Harry knew that he had a new title among the girls of Hogwarts now.
That day after the class ended, Harry invited Cassiopeia to the library along with Padma and Su. She was hesitant at first but Harry's insistence on the matter caused her to give in. It became apparent that Cassiopeia or Theia as she liked to be called, was good at potions. So they swapped their work for inspection. Harry checked the charms work, Padma checked transfiguration, Theia checking potions while Su checked DADA. Su may be shy but her knowledge in DADA was impressive to the group.
After doing their work, Harry checked out some second year charms books while Padma took Astronomy books, since she loved star gazing and wanted to impress their professor. Speaking of star gazing, all of the males of Hogwarts loved star gazing as well, but in their case it was ogling the young professor Aurora Sinistra, who had olive skin and black hair with chocolate brown eyes. Her curvy figure and fit body has become the many fantasies of many males of Hogwarts, including Harry.
All of them went back to the Nest, as was the name used for their common room, where Padma brought out her wizarding chess set, which she had brought with her to Hogwarts. She explained that she liked chess over other wizarding games, since it kept the mind sharp. A game like exploding snap was all about quick reflexes, which her sister always beat her at, she admitted somewhat bitterly.
Harry was amazed by the animations of the chess pieces; they would moan or curse whenever they moved into danger or were destroyed by enemy piece.
This would become their routine in the evening in the week to come. Soon they became a tight knit group of friends in the weeks that followed. They always gathered in the library for working out any and all assignments that were given and even having small study sections as well. After completing their workload, they would sit down and discuss their lessons and different theories, while pointing out each other's mistakes or misconceptions. They would also talk about the latest stories in the Hogwarts rumor mill, all over a game of chess before retiring to their beds to repeat the cycle next day.
Saturday morning, Harry woke up at 5:30 am to do his run around the quidditch pitch. He chose Saturday and Sunday for this, since few people got up so early on weekends. Harry ran five laps and then went for a swim in the black lake, where he met the gentle but giant squid. Harry truly enjoyed the work out. Afterwards he showered and went for breakfast with his friends, from there each went there separate ways. Padma to hang out with her sister, Su for whatever she had to do and Theia to meet up with Daphne and Tracy.
For Harry it was time to start his search for the place the founders have told him. The room they had created together, the Room of Requirement, which was the key towards finding their treasure rooms. But alas, search he did, found the room he did not. At least the search wasn't entirely wasteful as he found a number of abandoned class rooms where he can learn magic and practice it without interruption.
In the evening Harry met with his friends again as they returned to their daily routine. This became the set tone for the gang's entire week.
Three weeks later
In the three weeks that passed, Harry has gotten closer with his three friends. Padma has become especially close, while Theia has started to open up and trust him more. Su was silent, but blunt when needed to be. It became apparent that she was not shy, just that she only spoke when it was required by her or when she needed. Her open and blunt statements attested to that.
Harry has missed Nimuea, but it was her decision to stay back in the mansion, keeping Tilly company. In her own words, Harry needed to find more mates and with her around he would not do so. Thinking about her put a smile on his face, and for the first time Harry wanted Christmas to come early.
However, Harry was currently sitting in his Head of House's office, waiting for their meeting to start. The chair itself was bit small for his taste, so he decided to do something about it. Standing up, Harry used his Spell Codex to bring up the necessary spell, tapping his wand on the chair he said, "Engorgio", causing it to grow into a comfortable size.
Behind him he heard clapping and turning he saw Prof. Flitwick clapping excitedly seeing him perform the charm. "Most impressive Mr. Potter, take ten points for performing a second year charm."
"Thank you, Professor" Harry replied.
"Please, take a seat" Flitwick said gesturing to the chair Harry had just enlarged, with a smile on his face.
"Would you like some tea or perhaps some biscuit?" the tiny wizard offered.
"Thanks but I am full, but I will take you upon that tea though" Harry replied politely, accepting the cup and taking a sip.
"Now let's get started shall we?" the professor said in a cheerful voice, "I'm sure you're wondering what this is about. This is merely a way for me to get to know the new students and connect with them. Since you have been performing so well I decided to begin with you. It also helps build trust, so I can better advice you in your educational choices." he continued "So are you enjoying your stay at Hogwarts? Is it up to your expectations?"
"Hogwarts itself is beautiful" Harry said with a smile "I had read a bit about it before coming, but seeing it myself, simply put; the books don't do it justice."
"Hmm, wonderful" the professor chirped happily, "Many students tend to think that. It's the reason we have the first years enter Hogwarts for the first time the way they do, it adds to the school's beauty and set the tone."
"Now let's talk about classes and what you think about them. I know you are performing well above the expectations in my class and most of my fellow teachers says the same about you in their classes. " Flitwick continued with a smile, "What do you think of your lessons?"
Weighing up how to word his response before replying, "The best way I can put it would be that I have mixed feelings. Some lessons are a disappointment, such as History and Defence where both teachers are horrible. It's getting to the point that I am considering skipping the lessons and doing independent study in the library, whereas others have been enjoyable. However I do find some classes to be unchallenging." Harry finished hoping his answer wasn't cocky or arrogant.
"Ok, Harry tell me what classes do you find unchallenging?"
"No disrespect intended, but I find both yours and Prof. McGonagall's classes unchallenging. As you saw earlier I am already into second year charms and I spent most of last Saturday going through all the first year charms, making sure that I could cast them effectively. Mastering them now is just a matter of time, likewise with most of the transfiguration materials."
"Simply put, I expect I could take the second year exam for both subjects by this summer without much difficulty. You yourself saw part of my charms work.," Harry said tapping the chair, "The rest, I am finding reasonable enough. That said, the negative so far is the potions class, more specifically Prof. Snape's attitude towards me. I find it most unprofessional, especially when you consider this is a place meant for learning." Harry said "I understand the need for having a strict classroom work ethic, but the attitude is not required."
The professor just nodded in agreement before speaking, "Prof. Snape's attitude has often been considered a problem by many students and parents, but the Headmaster requires him. The depth of his Knowledge is unquestioned and finding someone of his skill is a rare thing.," he said with a smile before continuing, "Defence and History have been having problems for many years. Budget cuts and policy have led to their decline, because even though Hogwarts is not under the Ministry of Magic, it still has to listen to them. The best I can advice is independent study and if you have problems with Defence ask me. I am sure I can help direct your development, after all in my youth I was known to be quick with my wand." The professor's wand suddenly appeared in his hand, before returning to its holster.
"Thank you for your offer, I may take you upon it sometime in the future since I have an interest in developing my own dueling style."
"That might be possible in a couple of years. How are you enjoying the time outside of classroom? I hope the commotion due to you being the Boy-Who-Lived was minimal and have died down by now. I know you are close with Padma, Cassiopeia and Su." the professor asked.
"It was quite uncomfortable at the beginning, but it has declined since the day I was sorted. My fellow Ravens are good and yes I do like the company of my friends. They have been good for me." Harry replied with a fond smile on his face.
"That's good, now what other interest do you have?"
"I've started reading some basic Ancient Runes texts on theory and everything, since they have many practical usages. And I like anything that challenges me or tests me" Harry replied.
"Most interesting, I am sure our local Rune Mistress will be keen to meet you in your third year." his Head of House said causing Harry to flush a bit in embarrassment, "Now my senior prefects have told me you haven't been turning up to the group study sections, may I ask why?"
"To be honest, I don't need their help, since all assignments so far are very basic. Why waste two hours going over an essay I have already written to an 'O' level? I prefer to focus my energy else were, plus I don't want to waste the prefect's time when they can spend it helping people who actually need assistance." Harry knew it was a bit arrogant, but he was not going to lie.
"Fair point, your charms essays themselves have been at an outstanding level. I don't think you have missed a single point since you started in my class. Maybe it would be for the best to assign a single prefect to monitor your studies, and assist you if you need it." Flitwick stated.
"That's fine as long as he or she doesn't slow me down, I'd rather I didn't have to explain myself," he said jokingly causing the professor to chuckle as well.
"You do have your mother's thirst for knowledge as well as your fathers confidence Mr. Potter" Flitwick said as he hopped off from his chair and removed a rather large and dusty tome from the large bookshelf near his desk, before taking his seat again.
"I hope I have gained enough of your trust that you can come to me if you feel you are not being tested sufficiently. I must cut this wonderful meeting short; I have a lesson starting in the next couple of minutes, however take this book." he said with a smile before handing over the book.
He then stood abruptly and headed towards the door and opened it for Harry, "I hope my copy of 'Charms: More Than Making Things Float!' challenges you further" he said continuing "I hope however that you will keep it quiet, I would rather not have my NEWT students swarming me trying to get their copies," Flitwick said with another smile "Just return it when you have read it to its full potential" he finished with a chuckle, leaving a stunned Harry as he existed the office.
Leaving the office quickly, Harry made his way to his dorm, eager to begin reading the tome his Head of House had provided.
While Harry was immersed in the new book, the charms professor came to a decision on who Harry's mentor will be. His fifth year charms class came to an end, where he called out to the prefect for the position, "Miss Clearwater please stay behind. Rest of you are dismissed, but remember to read the next two chapters"
His reasons for selecting Penelope Clearwater was simple. First, it would give one of his prized Raven a chance to focus on her OWLS, due to her having only one student to mentor rather than having to take part in leading a study group.
Second, she had a lot to gain if a friendship occurred. It would help her after leaving Hogwarts to have a head of an Ancient and Noble house supporting her. He knew it was often hard for his female students to find respectable careers in the magical world. The magical world was a male dominated society, and it was especially difficult for muggleborns, despite them often getting better grades than there pureblood counterparts.
Penelope followed her diminutive Head of House to his office, before making her way to the chair in front of his desk, which seemed to be larger than the last time she was here. After sitting down, she looked on as Prof. Flitwick called on a house elf to serve them refreshments.
Flitwick, after thanking the elf, started, "I am sure you are interested in why I asked you to stay behind. But first I have to ask if you had finished reading the book I gave you at the beginning of the term?"
Penny recalled the book he gave her, which was written by the professor himself. It had been shocking to learn how backward English wizarding society was. Magical society seems to be stuck in 1700's, where positions were often brought through family connections, prestige and money was considered much more important than raw talent. With enough money, you could get away with murder, provided you have the right connections.
And a large amount of the society was controlled by a small group of individuals, who controlled the laws, employment rights and positions within the government. Also no muggleborn had ever risen to be the head of any of the important departments of the Ministry of Magic. The best she could hope for was to be a high ranking secretary, of a rather unimportant department head. It had been sickening to learn how limited her future was without the right connections.
Also, to learn that many of her less talented peers would be favored over her due to their blood status and gender, she was just above werewolves in status, was truly disheartening. Simply put, being a muggleborn and a witch meant most purebloods saw her as a pair of legs for their entertainment and pleasure.
Most wizards would expect her to stay at home to take care of children and be a homemaker. It gave her vision's of Percy's mother, who seemed nice, but a bit controlling. But she wanted more out of her life, this also made her question the true intention of most of her male friends.
The book also helped in explaining the sneers and smirks she got from her some of her male year mates, who obviously knew that if she wanted to go anywhere in her career, 'favors', would be expected from her.
Looking across the table, she saw her Head of House waiting for a response. "Yes, the book you provided me was an eye-opener. I had no idea how backward the ministry was."
"I hope you understand I gave them to you in hopes that you will be better prepared when you leave Hogwarts" taking a sip from his cup he continued, "However, I may have found a possible solution for you."
"What do you mean?" Penny asked curiously.
"Well, as you know from the section in the books about peerages and their role in our government, the backing of the Head of an Ancient and Noble house could be beneficial for you. And to that point, Ravenclaw is currently hosting a soon to be Lord, who is more famous than any one student in Hogwarts." Flitwick answered.
"You mean Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived?" Penny asked.
"Indeed, not only is he famous for having that title, but also he is the next Lord Potter of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter. Which means, after Hogwarts you can have the backing of the most influential wizard in our society." he replied while continuing, "Mr. Potter has proven himself to be more talented than his peers, as well as having potential for great things like his mother and father"
Penny just nodded to show that she was following along, but she was wondering where the professor was heading with all this.
"He does not feel the need to attend the study section, and I agree with him. He has proven himself to be far above the average Raven and I expect him to receive two masteries before he leaves Hogwarts." Filius explained causing a shocked look to appear on Penny's face.
The comment about Harry's potential had stunned Penny, because it was rare for an individual to even attain one mastery, let alone multiple masteries. To hear that her Head of House expected him to manage at least two meant he had high hopes indeed. Looking back at her amused professor she asked, "What does this has to do with me?"
"It means that I am hoping you will accept my request for you to be Mr. Potter's mentor. Simply put I will excuse you from doing study sessions with the lower years, so that you can supervise his studying. It will give you more time for your own studies for the coming OWLS exams" Flitwick answered, hoping that the girl would make the connection between the book he gave her and the opportunity he was presenting in aiding the future Lord's education.
Seeing the still clueless face of his student, Flitwick decided to be bit more obvious, "Traditionally, the Potter family has always been forward thinking and rarely cares about blood purity. Harry himself was raised in the non-magical world and also had a muggleborn mother, I am sure you can see the potential of gaining possible alliance, or your gaining protection of his house early on before his Lordship is announced. I'm sure some of the more politically aware students of Slytherin house, are already aware of the possible alliance with Mr. Potter."
Penny suddenly understood what her professor had been hinting at through the conversation and silently cursed herself for taking so long to catch on. Quickly realizing just how much it could help her, by being on good terms with young lord in years to come. And he is the Boy-Who-Lived, who defeated the dark lord and his mother was muggleborn, which means he won't be dismissive of her, unlike most of his counterparts.
Looking at the professor, she could see he had been following her though process, so she answered, "It seems a waste not to encourage his talent and skills, I look forward to being able to direct his development."
Flitwick just nodded, "I hope you realize the opportunity you've been presented with and the additional benefits that could arise from tutoring him. Now since our business is done, I must return to my marking" dismissing her.
Penny got up and started making her way to the door, then she turned around before saying a heartfelt, "Thank you"
Flitwick looked up from his papers at Penny who was standing near the door, "Don't thank me yet. I just suggested a possible path that could benefit you both, but it is up to you to win the lad's friendship." he said, returning back to his marking. As she left, Prof. Flitwick thought about his new bright witch, who also happened to be a muggleborn. But in her case, he hoped she becomes to be young Mr. Potter's friend, without any assistance from him. Of course he planned to give her the same book he gave Miss Clearwater, but having Harry as friend by that time would only be to her benefit.
Penelope headed straight for the library, to learn about the Potter family, remembering the fact that Harry would probably be a Lord someday, and that it was best if she at least tried to learn something of his family's recent history, so she wouldn't make an utter fool of herself or screw herself over and ruin her chances by saying the wrong thing. On her way, she could feel the gazes of many males lingering on her ass, while it was flattering, she hated it now knowing their true intentions.
Harry was currently reading his way through the book his Head of House had given him. The book focused on how simple charms can be used for unintended purposes, such as combat, while giving examples on combining mundane charms could cause unexpected and sometimes lethal effects.
Basically the book was about how simple charms can be turned into combat capable spells for using in dueling and personal defense. The advantage is this was that clever usage of simple spells required less power, over some more energy expensive dueling spells.
Tactics like using an over powered cooking charm on an individual will cause severe burns, muscle damage, as well as creating similar, but weaker effects to that of a blood boiling curse. But these simple spells are easy to heal and counter, leaving no long term damage and are not illegal to use on another wizard. Simply put, the book encourages a devious mind in the cunning usage of overlooked, common spells to devastating effects. They would be especially dangerous when used with silent casting, where your foe wouldn't immediately recognize the danger the spell presented.
Harry really hoped in the years to come that Prof. Flitwick would agree to teach him, even if the style was not effective for him, because no matter how you look at it, simply being able to learn from a master duelist who relied on skill over direct power would help him develop his own skills in dueling. Additionally, it would help prepare him for other wizards who uses similar style. However his musings was ended when he heard a light tapping sound on his bedroom window.
Making his way over to the window, he saw that there was a Gringott's Bank owl trying to get in. Opening the window, he let the owl in, who deposited the letter on his bed, before quickly disappearing through the window.
Breaking the seal he read the short message inside;
The previously discussed and agreed upon investments have been made. I also made a number of smaller deals similar to the ones undertaken during the summer. They should prove profitable. I will discuss this with you on your next scheduled visit to the bank.
May your gold flow and your enemies bleed.
Bloodfist
Senior Account Manager
Smiling at the news Harry thought the goblin was doing a good job. He had looked over the Potter investment portfolio during the summer holidays and was very interested in reopening the Potter Docklands which had been a major cash cow for his family before the last war and the death eater attacks which resulted in its destruction after several raids. Along with the redevelopment of the Potter holdings surrounding the Docklands, which could possibly be rented out to new businesses, frankly, it would give London's Diagon alley some serious competition if redeveloped correctly..and all of it under his and his families control. Of course he had to do it eventually as it also became a quest when he thought about it;
A quest has been created.
Quest Alert!
City Builder : Build a Magical City!
Reopen the Potter Docklands
Redevelop the surrounding area of Docklands in Edinburgh
Build Edinburgh Magical City
Rewards,
100,000xp each for completing each target
New Title - City Builder
800,000 galleons
?
?
Failure,
Destruction of Potter Family Holdings and Docklands
Death
YES - NO
Harry accepted it even though the scale of the quest was large, he did it because doing so helped in completing the quest for rebuilding the Potter fortune.
He was already considering asking Bloodfist about it, as soon as the current businesses were sorted and fixed, to make preliminary moves to reopen the alley and docks again. He was pretty certain that businesses would return to the area if the right incentives were placed to entice them, such as low rent for a fixed period of time or a percentage of their profits, and prime shop position on the magical high street.
But first, he would discreetly buy up the old businesses and other real estate in the area he could get hold of both magical and from non-magical, whilst the land value was still low, before anyone realized his plans for the redevelopment of the area. After all, if anyone found out it would drive up the land value, decreasing the potential profit . Considering the money he would be sinking into the place and the political obstacles he'd need to overcome to make it a reality, he wanted to control as much of it as he could before he even started.
He knew Bloodfist would be supportive and more than willing to try; this project could very well triple the yearly revenue currently flowing into the Potter vaults if not more, improving the goblin's own prominence and position in the bank.
Naturally he would try to buy a good percentage of the surrounding real estate under the Debonair name to help prevent the people from connecting the dots. However he would have to be careful; he doubted that other powerful families, especially the ones who stole from him and those who have business interest in Diagon alley, would take kindly to seeing their profits decrease with the opening of another magical shopping alley much less a magical city.
It would take time and allies, but he was young and patient. His hours of grinding imparted the value of patience in him. He just needed to plan out his moves carefully and gather the right set of allies and supporters while taking advantage of every opportunity, including the title of Boy-Who-Lived, as it became available.
Noticing the time on the clock, it was time for dinner and he had agreed to meet with Hagrid after it, he wanted to hear more stories about his parents, so he hurried out of his dorm to get dinner.
After finishing his dinner, Harry made his way down the worn stone path to the Groundkeeper's hut, as darkness started engulfing the sky and the sun steadily set for the evening. The hut was a modest home, but it was warm and friendly like the Groundskeeper himself, and had that natural earthly feel about it.
The evening slowly tickled by as Hagrid introduced his dog named Fang to him and told him stories of his parents. The rock cake Hagrid gave him seems to be edible only for people like Hagrid, taking after its name itself.
Finally after several stories he got around to asking why he named the dog 'Fang', the half-giant replied fondly with an easy smile, "It gives him courage", before patting the dog with surprising gentleness on its brow.
This lead to a whole other series of discussion about all the magical creatures Hagrid had met. Hagrid told Harry about the giant squid in the lake, which Harry admitted have seen, the gryndilows, the mermans, the centaurs in the forest, who keep the unicorns safe. And of course the Headmasters phoenix, which Harry was very interested as he remembered about how he can evolve his Hedwig to one using Holy fire.
Sadly Hagrid had never heard of any holy fire. Hagrid also told him he would like to have a dragon as a pet one day. This lead Harry to ask, "Got any other pets of interest?"
"Only Fluffy, nice dog, really loyal, totally harmless, wouldn't hurt a soul" Hagrid started in explanation whilst taking a gulp of his own drink, "The headmaster asked if he could borrow him for the rest of the year," the groundskeeper exclaimed further with a half smile, as he recalled his pet.
Feeling curious about why would the Headmaster need a dog, he asked again, "Hagrid what kind of dog is Fluffy?"
"Oh Fluffy is just my favorite three-headed dog, you know a Cerberus right?" He responded in a caring manner gulping down his drink, totally missing the shocked expression on Harry's face.
"I didn't realize they were real. I thought they were fiction from Ancient Greece."He replied quickly, realizing many fictions he read might actually be real. After all Hagrid just confirmed the existence of Cerberus, What else could be out there? Are there Hydras? And to top it all he had made it a game world with his wish, anything is possible now. It suddenly dawned on him that he would have to spend some time in the library reading up about such magical creature, to fully find out which are real and which are not. It would also help him when he goes dungeon hunting as well as when he faced whatever the founders have put as guards.
"Nah Harry" shaking his head, his long beard falling into his giant mug, for him maybe the correct size, "Cerberus have been used for centuries as guard dogs by wizards and witches to guard their treasures. They are far easier to train than other magical creatures, such as dragons. After all a dragon may just cook you alive." the giant joked, as Harry listened patiently, before the groundskeeper pressed on in explanation, "Best a Cerberus will do is bite a limb off, or two, you'll just be unlucky if it gets your head, instead of a leg. You just need to know how to train them." he replied while taking another gulp before continuing on.
"Cerberus are just like normal dogs really, extremely loyal, but they are also extremely sensitive to sounds, even more so since they have three pairs of ears." looking at Harry again he said, "You just need to train them from a young age to respond to a set piece of music, so when the instrument is played, the dog calms down and falls right to sleep."
Harry's thinking has moved from the fact that mythical creatures existed to why the Headmaster needed a Cerberus in the first place, just then a quest menu different from the ones he got before popped up;
A chain quest has been added!
Chain Quest Alert!
Mystery of the Third Floor (1/5)!
What's up Dog? : Find Fluffy's Job!
Find out why the Headmaster asked Hagrid's pet Cerberus for.
Rewards,
500xp
Next Quest in the Chain Quest
Failure,
Death to you and the Hogwarts students
Possible destruction of world
Unlike the other ones, the quest was itself accepted taking the choice away from Harry. He clicked on the chain quest to get info about it.
Chain Quests :
Chain Quests are those life turning quests that you must complete no matter what. It is basically a series of inter related quest, that gets harder as you progress from the first quest of the chain to the last. The rewards for such quest also increase from the first to last, for example the xp gain will be triple of the previous quest in the chain.
Closing, Harry decided to try his luck with Hagrid since he seems to be a bit drunk.
"Hagrid, you never told me what the Headmaster wanted with the Cerberus"
"Oh, that Fluffy is being used as a guard on the third floor room inside Hogwarts." Hagrid replied somewhat regaining his mental thoughts.
"But why do you need to guard the third floor in the first place?" Harry persisted.
"You don't need to know that Harry, it's between the Headmaster and Nicholas Flamel" suddenly Hagrid sobered up, muttering, "I shouldn't have said that, I shouldn't have"
But Harry wasn't listening as he looked at the messages popped in front of him;
Chain Quest 1/5 Complete!
What's up Dog? : Find Fluffy's Job!
Rewards,
500xp
Chain Quest Alert!
Mystery of the Third Floor (2/5)!
Who's that? : Find the mystery man!
Find out who Nicholas Flamel is.
Rewards,
1500xp
Next Quest in the Chain Quest
Failure,
Death to you and the Hogwarts students
Possible destruction of world
Harry quickly closing the messages, he turned towards Hagrid, "Hagrid who's Nicholas Flamel?"
"Oh Blimey, look at the time Harry it's almost time for curfew. Back you go Harry and listen forget what I said about Nicholas Flamel and don't tell anyone I said that would'ya?" Hagrid hurriedly pushed Harry out of his house, and closed the door saying goodnight.
Climbing the worn stone steps back to the castle, under the huge shadows it cast on the setting sun, Harry missed everything around him as he had only one question in mind;
"Who's Nicholas Flamel?"
AN
To Outlaw,
No the karma is not based on infamous, Inimicus gave me the idea for it, he may have thought it based on it.
Nope, writing one story is hard enough man :)
Yes, there is a possibility of Karma affecting party recruitment. But not going to spoil any fun explaining it. The karma status has other implications as well, which will be discussed in later chapters.
For Dovahchu,
About the NPC characters being the same level or not, are you sure they are all NPC's or are they more? Buhahaha
Now for Hiei - Uchiha,
About putting money in his vault, Harry hasn't thought about it. And he likes having money on hand. About the weight of money, I made the inventory so that money doesn't have any. Besides he will deposit it before it goes above the range of 600,000. So hope that solves that problem.
Next Chapter - Damsels in Distress