Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the intellectual property associated with Harry Potter.

Hi all,

This is a slow chapter. There is a time skip, and Harry has been busy, so there is a fair bit of background explanation.

Patrons get access to advanced chapters for all of my stories. Read my profile for information on how to join if you are interested.


Chapter 22

The news of Charlus Potter's miraculous return from the dead did not sit well with Dumbledore. He obtained a copy of the Daily Prophet and read it as he sat down for his evening meal. He spat out his pumpkin juice after seeing the headline about the historical Wizengamot meeting. He was furious, to say the least.

There was more bad news to come. Another article exposed his relationship with Grindelwald and questioned whether Dumbledore had actually defeated him in 1945. There was no doubt in his mind that Charles Potter was responsible for the character's assassination. The fact that it was all true was irrelevant.

His reputation was irreversibly damaged by the article. Before today, he wasn't too worried about being labelled a criminal. Upon achieving his goals, he was confident he would be welcomed back with open arms. The world would revere him.

Dumbledore pushed away from the table and stood up. His appetite was gone. He paced around the room, his mind racing with thoughts as he tried to figure out how this affected his future plans. Charlus Potter was a force to be reckoned with, particularly because he had the upper hand in this situation. Given everything he had done to the Potters, he would undoubtedly seek revenge without a moment's hesitation.

It occurred to him that Minerva had betrayed him, a fact that dominated his thoughts. She must have been aware that Charlus was alive before he was ousted as Headmaster. Could she have been the one to persuade Flitwick to examine the Book of Acceptance? The person who he had taken on as his apprentice, loving and treating them as his own child, had done something to hurt him.

Albus was filled with uncontrollable anger. He swiftly reached for his wand and unleashed a mighty blasting hex, instantly shattering the dining table into countless fragments.

The Sorting Hat watched the man's outburst as Dumbledore unleashed a series of curses, wreaking havoc in the dining room. Witnessing such a display of raw power from a skilled wizard was truly intimidating, as everything in the room was utterly destroyed. What made it even more unsettling was that, despite his anger, Dumbledore maintained enough control that the structural integrity of the room remained intact.

He cursed himself for his complete helplessness. While he possessed the ability to speak, in every other aspect, he was as lifeless as an object. It was impossible for him to escape and make his way back to Hogwarts. His absence from the castle may have triggered a chain of events, potentially putting the students at risk.

After venting his anger, Dumbledore reached for a lemon drop and placed it in his mouth. The candy had a calming draught that helped him maintain his composure. This was not the moment to surrender to anger; instead, he required clarity of thought and strategic planning.

Dumbledore entered the study so that he could write some correspondence. His first priority was gathering information on Charlus Potter, making it necessary to direct his subordinates to investigate him.

He wished he had a way to keep tabs on Hogwarts, but Snape double-crossed him. Snape broke the magical vows that connected them, resulting in Albus suffering greatly from the backlash. If he had been aware of Snape's advancement in Occlumency, he would have implemented different strategies to control him.

It was a minor oversight, but everything was still manageable. Charlus wouldn't survive this time. Moreover, he could personally kill the man as he had initially intended, which would make it even more satisfying.


October 22nd

Harry glanced up from his breakfast to see Hedwig gliding towards him with a package in her grasp. She landed on the table before him. Harry tried to take the package, but Hedwig let out a sharp bark, fixing her gaze pointedly on the bacon resting on his plate.

"Fine, I'll trade the bacon for the package," Harry said, pushing his plate forward, and Hedwig relinquished the package to him.

"Whose it from?" Daphne asked.

"It's from the Artisan's Guild," Harry replied.

"At least it's not another love letter from your devoted fan club," Daphne muttered.

"You're already aware that my grandmother is screening my mail." Harry reminded her with exasperation.

As he unwrapped the package, three items awaited him. Among them were a luxurious robe, a slim book, and a guild card.

"So, the old man finally took the time to make me a guild robe."

It was a black half-robe adorned with a silver pattern depicting planets and stars. The guild symbol, a hammer with a finely etched rune, was proudly displayed on the breast. Though slightly flamboyant, the garment still looked amazing.

"Go ahead and try it on," Hermione encouraged.

Harry wrapped himself in the cloak, immediately experiencing a surge of comfort. The cloak must possess an enchantment designed to keep its wearer warm.

"Harry, you're looking great," Tonks called out from where she sat at the Hufflepuff table, playfully wolf-whistling. "Would you like to go on a date?"

"Sorry, but I really don't like bubblegum pink," Harry called back.

"How about now?" Tonks asked, turning her hair blonde. "I know you have a particular fondness for blondes."

Harry ignored her and shifted his attention to the next item, his official guild card. It resembled a piece of parchment that had been coated with a protective layer like it had been laminated. There seemed to be some sort of solution applied to it. Written on the card were his personal particulars, along with his current rank. The space allocated for his rank remained empty, leading him to conclude that he had yet to meet the requirements for even the lowest tier.

The final item was a comprehensive guild handbook. He eagerly opened it and began flipping through the pages until he stumbled upon something that piqued his curiosity.


Guild Ranks

The guild member ranks are divided into five levels, just like the way an Artisan is classified. The distinguishing factor is that in order to advance to a higher rank, guild members must accumulate a certain number of points. These points can be obtained by fulfilling commissions or by submitting a patent for a product that holds commercial value.

Each rank in the guild offers unique privileges, including the ability to take on more challenging commissions and higher compensation. Moreover, members of higher ranks also enjoy attractive discounts on all guild resources and services.

The five ranks are as follows:

Apprentice - Must have created one original Artifact that has practical application.

Journeyman - Must have created three original Artifacts and earned 1000 guild points.

Expert - Must have created a High-Grade Artefact and earned 5000 guild points.

Master - Must have created a Superior Artefact and earned 20000 guild points.

Grandmaster - ?


Harry looked up as the doors to the Great Hall swung open, drawing everyone's attention. Several witches and wizards entered, and Headmaster Flitwick rose from his seat and took a step forward to greet them warmly.

"Who do you think they are?" Tracy asked as she craned her head to get a clearer view.

"Somebody of importance," Hermione replied.

"Is that so? I never would have guessed," Tracy quipped.

Headmaster Flitwick clapped his hands, and the hall instantly grew quiet. "I know you are all eager to know about our esteemed guests, so I won't prolong the anticipation. Allow me to introduce the esteemed Master Artisans from the Artisan Guild's Headquarters in Helsinki. Their mission here is to unravel the mystery of the Enchanted Wall. Let's warmly applaud their presence."

The students clapped politely as Harry observed the new arrivals curiously.

Harry was completely unaware that there was a main headquarters, and he couldn't help but question the necessity of having an HQ in the first place. Perhaps it was necessary to have a centralised location to oversee the guilds spread throughout the world, establishing guidelines and policies for them to adhere to. .He couldn't help but imagine himself visiting there one day.

"Is it just me or does Harry look like he's about to burst with uncontainable excitement?" Daphne taunted.

"You're out of your mind," Harry retorted.

They finished breakfast and left the Great Hall. He reminded the others to meet him in the Room of Requirement for his demonstration after classes. He couldn't resist the temptation to show off a little.

He worked hard over the past few weeks, despite being surrounded by many distractions caused by the Wizengamot meeting. Upon his return to Hogwarts, Harry faced a daily bombardment of students eager to know more about his grandfather's revival. They felt entitled to know every detail about his life, which greatly irritated him. The situation became so intolerable that Harry's grandmother took a firm stance and delivered a speech in the Great Hall, demanding that everyone give him space.

It was not helpful that both the Daily Prophet and the Quibbler kept publishing articles that dug deeper into Dumbledore's past. As more questionable actions were revealed, cracks started to appear in the image of this once highly respected man. The fact that these actions were not discovered earlier led to speculation about possible cover ups. The populace of Magical Britain engaged in discussions about various theories, whether it took place around the dinner table, in the corridors of the Ministry, or at local pubs.

The Weasleys gained attention because of their past association with the man. People were curious about what he did to damage their relationship, but they chose not to disclose any details. Still, their refusal to succumb to pressure from other influential families who supported Dumbledore improved their standing in the eyes of the public.

Speaking of them, certain well-known families, including the Longbottoms, Diggorys, Doge, Edgecombe, and Peasgood families, experienced a decline in their influence due to their association with Dumbledore. Although this would not have any lasting detrimental effects, it did pose temporary social and financial consequences for them.

Charlus went on a charm offensive, taking Magical Britain by storm. The newly formed alliance was going strong and added a new member to their group. The Davis family, of which Tracy was a part, did not have seats in the Wizengamot, however, they brought significant resources to the table. In the meantime, the alliance has not made any major moves within the Wizengamot, as they wanted to wait until the commotion subsided before focusing on policy.

Harry continued to attend classes and diligently worked on modifying the Lumos Spell Card. However, before he could proceed with that task, there was a crucial step he needed to complete: creating the runic ink. This special ink would provide him with the boost he needed to increase the Spell Card's effectiveness.

He used up more than two hundred shop points to purchase various types of ingredients, including several vials of Cimmerian Terror blood. Although it was costly, there was still a significant amount of points left. Unfortunately, the initial experiments yielded poor results, and he ended up squandering two vials of dragon blood in just two hours.

Things became easier when he realised that the crystal, Red Jasper, was crucial in stabilising the blood. After a few more days of experimenting, he incorporated additional ingredients and successfully developed his own runic ink. Upon testing it, he found that its potency surpassed the previous one by threefold.

The Lumos Spell Card has been upgraded to the Flashbang Spell Card. Fortunately, no additional modifications were necessary. All that was needed was a simple adjustment to the Brightness Sequence, turning it up to its maximum level. As a result, it now produces an exceptionally bright light that temporarily blinds anyone who lays eyes on it.

Harry didn't simply rest on his laurels after his initial success. He ventured into the field of Arithmancy, although he soon realised it wasn't essential to fully grasp the subject. As he increased his Elder Futhark skill, he found that he could intuitively create highly efficient arrays without fully understanding the underlying principles. Of course, if he wanted to explore the intricacies of spell creation, a deeper understanding of Arithmancy would be necessary.

He remained cautious, though experimenting in this manner carried significant risks. Activating an unworkable array would lead to a catastrophic explosion. Even sitting too near it could prove fatal. Initially, he relied on appraisal scrolls to assess the array's functionality but abandoned that approach due to dwindling supply.

Instead, he decided to create a compact and durable box specifically designed to hold a card. Positioned on the side was a small receptacle where his wand could be placed, allowing him to activate the card from the outside. To ensure its sturdiness, he sought the assistance of his grandmother who cast an unbreakable charm on the box.

Afterwards, he dedicated countless hours to modifying the remaining four spell cards he had initially created. As a result, he came up with a collection of incredibly useful spells that would prove invaluable in a variety of situations.

Additionally, by creating new arrays, he was able to meet the requirements and successfully complete one of his ongoing tasks.


The host has completed a task!

Task #7 - Appraisal Scroll schematic.

Objective: Inscribe ten different Rune Arrays.

Reward: 2000 general experience per array; Appraisal Scroll schematic.


Harry promptly retrieved the schematic from his inventory. He was taken aback by the complexity of the array. Notably, it incorporated not only the Elder Futhark Runic language but also the Anglo-Saxon Runic language. For now, he decided to set it aside, planning to dedicate time to learning the new language and gaining more experience.

The array had a second issue where it was an Intermediate Array, which meant it was a combination of two arrays. However, he didn't grasp the rationale behind using both the Anglo-Saxon Runes and another language, instead of just using one. But being an amateur, he had no right to question its design.

Another advantage of completing the task was that he gained enough experience to level up.


The host has levelled up to Level 9!

The feature 'Host's Workshop' has been unlocked.

The schematic for the Blood Binding Sequence has been unlocked.

Progress to level 10: 2314/38400

Level 10 Unlocks

Skill: Velocior

Item: The Crafting Handbook


Harry looked at the Blood Binding Sequence schematic first. He already had an idea what it was, and the description confirmed it. By adding someone's blood to an array, it ensured that only that person could use it. Harry placed a lot of importance on this sequence. If he wanted to keep his arrays private or prevent others from accessing his more dangerous creations, he would need to learn it quickly.

He opened the Source and accessed the new page showcasing the latest feature called The Hosts Workshop. As he scrolled through the information, he couldn't help but be amazed.


The Hosts Workshop

Owner: Harry Potter

Artisan Rank: -
Renowned:
0

Workshop Level: 1 Next [5000]

Crafting Stations

No crafting stations are currently placed.

Unlockable Features:

Level 2: Workshop trunk.

?

Workshop Tasks

Learn the Smithing skill: 100 exp points

Build a Smithing station: 200 exp points


This new feature enabled him to enhance his workshop. It provided a detailed list of tasks that could be completed in exchange for workshop experience. He wondered if he had to be physically present in the workshop to carry out these tasks. If he completed them elsewhere, would he miss out on the valuable experience? It looks like he would have to wait until the winter holidays before he could start earning points.

It was a good thing that the Enchanter that had been hired to outfit his Workshop had just completed the job. The primary function of the wards allowed him to use both magic and electricity in the workshop.

The Unlockable Features section caught his attention. Although only the first reward was disclosed, it sounded appealing. He wondered if a Trunk Workshop actually consisted of a portable trunk that was home to a fully functional workshop. The concept of a trunk capable of safely holding a living person was completely new to him, but considering his limited experience and exposure to the magical world it wasn't entirely implausible. There were wizarding tents after all.

After classes, Harry headed straight to the Room of Requirement. With the Marauder's map in hand, it was much easier for him to navigate without running into anyone. Lately, he had been keeping a close eye on Professor Quirrell, who seemed to be visiting the third-floor corridor with increasing frequency. Although Harry couldn't help but feel a bit suspicious, there was no concrete evidence to suggest any malicious activities taking place.

Inside the spell practice room, he decided to practice before the others arrived. He wanted to ensure that his big reveal would go smoothly.

He did not actually use his own magic to power the card, but only a minimal amount to activate it. The trigger sequence provided by Professor Babbling was highly adaptable. Depending on the amount of magic applied, he could adjust the time it took for the spell to be cast. However, because the magic he added was almost insignificant, it required an exceptional level of control over his magic. Any slight deviation in the amount of magic used would result in incorrect timing and a high probability of missing the intended target.

Learning to infuse magic into a card proved to be a challenging task for Harry. He delved into thorough research on the subject in the library, only to find numerous books offering differing opinions on the technique. Opting for the least popular method, Harry chose to become a Level 2 Occlumen, due to it being the quickest and easiest route to mastering the skill. However, the necessity of learning Occlumency made it a significantly more demanding endeavour in practice.

At first, he hesitated, knowing it would take time to achieve. However, since he was already working on mastering Occlumency, he saw an opportunity to accomplish two goals at once. Surprisingly, it only took him three weeks to achieve it, leaving Daphne, who was still on Level 1, flabbergasted. To advance to Level 2 Occlumens, he needed to complete three stages.

First, he had to clear his mind completely. It took him another week of practice to achieve this milestone. Eventually, he was able to maintain it effortlessly for over ten minutes. The experience was truly peculiar. Initially, he felt as though his mind was intangible and fleeting, but with each step forward, it grew more substantial. It was as if his mind was transforming into a tangible entity over time.

Additionally, it was beneficial for his emotions. Whenever he felt stressed or angry, he could clear his mind to regain balance. This practice resembled an active form of meditation as he could keep his eyes open and remain mobile. He remembered observing Daphne doing this occasionally, noticing the blank expression on her face. Trying it himself in the mirror, he discovered he had a similar appearance. However, it wasn't until reaching higher levels that one could eliminate the weakness.

The next step involved learning to detect an intruder attempting to access his surface thoughts. This required him to maintain a connection with the Omniscient Mind's Eye and allow it to engage in passive Legilimency on him. It was quite unnerving as he couldn't be certain of its safety.

This stage proved to be easier than the first. After just a few hours, he began noticing ripples in his mind, indicating the presence of an intruder. With more practice, he was able to detect it with one hundred percent accuracy. He attributed his quick mastery to his Mental Resistance skill.

The third stage presented the greatest challenge by far. It involved acquiring the skill to detect the intruder in one's mind by recognizing their distinct magical signature. Developing a heightened sensitivity to magic was essential for this task. Daphne advised focusing on the Wards at the Hogwarts boundaries, as their immense power infused the air with magic. He dedicated countless hours to this location, hoping to perceive something. Yet, he harboured doubts about his own abilities, fearing that he might not possess the same aptitude as others.

He was struck with a sudden idea and quickly transformed into his Animagus form to test if the Demiguise had a greater ability to sense magic. As soon as he made the shift, a faint shimmer appeared in the air, reminiscent of a heatwave. Every now and then, he caught sight of particles of light moving within it. When he returned to his human form, he noticed a distinct difference. Though not as pronounced, he could now perceive some of the things his Animagus form could.

This stage lasted nearly two weeks, but he finally managed to detect the magical signature of the Omniscient Mind's Eye. The visual representation of the eye appeared identical to its physical form, resembling a purple crystal ball.

At that moment, a vast expanse began to form in his mind. Though still enshrouded in darkness, it started to acquire dimension. If he squinted, he could barely make out a solid wall in the distance and a ceiling above. The size of the space remained unknown to him, yet it appeared remarkably expansive. For now, Harry was unable to move within it, but he envisioned that this would change as his skills improved.

As soon as he was onto Stage Two, he read the next chapter of Occluding The Mind to see what the next step was in the process.

Occlumens Level 2 was exactly what he was looking for as it involved the activity of getting in deeper touch with one's magic and subconscious mind. The first stage involved connecting to the Magical Conduit which was the source of a wizard's and witches' magic. To do that, he needed to dive deeper into his subconsciousness. It was a scary prospect because people had been known to lose themselves within their own minds doing this. If there was no one to bring him back, then he could stay under until he forgot to even breathe.

To delve further into his subconsciousness, it was all about visualisation. As he envisioned the depths of his mind, he had to imagine descending deeper. However, comprehending this concept proved challenging, as the ground beneath him felt increasingly solid. Eventually, he conceived the notion of picturing himself standing on water and gradually sinking below its surface..

When he managed to sink further, he was disconcerted to find that was floating in nothing but a black seemed as though he had no thoughts beyond the surface. When he attempted to move, he was startled to find that he could, despite the darkness making it difficult to discern his movements.

He had been moving for hours when a bright light appeared ahead. As he approached, he discovered a massive tunnel illuminated by swirling colours resembling streamers. Curiously, he extended his hand and received a small electric shock upon touching one of them. Before he could react, he was abruptly pulled out of his mind.

Daphne's forceful pinching jolted him out of his dazed state. He had been unaware, but twelve long hours had actually passed since he had entered a deep meditative state, but it felt like mere moments ago. This disorienting experience made him wary of repeating it. However, the silver lining came in the realisation that whatever he had done within those walls had triggered a latent power within him. With some effort, he managed to conjure a small dose of magic in his hand - though its effects were severely limited. Nevertheless, this newfound ability proved sufficient for activating the Spell Cards.

Becoming a Stage Two Occlumen also came with the added advantage of being able to create protective shields for his surface thoughts in order to prevent intrusion. However, he had only scratched the surface and hadn't explored it fully yet.

He was broken out of his thoughts when the others arrived.

"I have waited long enough, Potter. It better be worth it," Daphne said as she walked into the spell-casting room, pretending to look bored.

"Believe me, it's absolutely worth it," Harry beamed.

Terry Boot sighed, "It's about time. We've been waiting for a long time to see what you've come up with."

"The best things in life are definitely worth waiting for, aren't they?" Padma remarked as she walked into the room.

After weeks of studying with Terry and Padma, the club had reached a consensus that they could be trusted, leading to the official invitation for them to join the club. Their response upon entering the Room of Requirement was in line with the typical behaviour of a Ravenclaw - an immediate eagerness to delve into the books. Even so, the club did not intend to check the books for curses until they had sorted through the entire Room of Hidden Things. Up to this point, they had only finished a fraction of the room.

"Take these sunglasses," Harry instructed, distributing them to the group. "They're essential for the first Spell Card. Without them, you'll suffer a lot of pain."

"The Flashbang?" Hermione inquired as she slid the sunglasses over her eyes.

"That's correct," Harry affirmed. "Stand behind me now and be prepared to be amazed."

"Go, Harry!" Hannah cheered with enthusiasm.

Harry confidently gripped the first card between two fingers, its familiarity comforting him. Assessing the distance, he calculated that a mere one-second delay would be necessary to successfully hit his target. Injecting a minute fraction of his magical power into the trigger sequence with a flick of his finger, he gracefully released the card.

The card soared through the air and abruptly halted, emitting a powerful burst of light. Despite wearing sunglasses, they were compelled to avert their gaze as their eyes stung.

"What do you think?" Harry said.

"It's incredible," Susan exclaimed as she extended her arms and embraced him. Harry could feel her ample chest pressing against him, causing him to become a little absent-minded. Daphne responded by reaching over and slapping the back of his head.

"Ouch! What was that for?" Harry complained.

"You know exactly what it's for," Daphne scowled.

Susan blushed furiously and retreated, seeking refuge behind Hannah's back. In an attempt to gloss over the uncomfortable moment, the rest of the group showered him with congratulations.

"The next Spell Card I have is called Blackout. It's a modification of the Wand Extinguishing Charm," Harry explained.

Harry tossed the card and it sprang to life. In an instant, the space around it was engulfed in impenetrable darkness, covering an area of about three metres in diameter.

"Wow," Hermione exclaimed, her voice filled with awe and excitement. "That is truly remarkable. Just curious, how long does the effect actually last?"

"About a minute," Harry replied.

"The light cannot penetrate the darkness from the outside," Padma observed. "What about from within?"

"The Wand Lighting Charm doesn't work inside it," Harry explained. "I believe that's because this spell was initially intended to extinguish the light. However, I haven't tried any other spells yet."

"We need to test its limitations,' Hermione said excitedly, taking out a notebook to take some notes.

"I totally dig the excitement," Harry responded with a chuckle. "But hold your horses until I finish the demonstration, then you can unleash your mad scientist skills."

Harry took out his next card. "This spell is the one I am most proud of. It is called the Interceptor, capable of intercepting spells. Can someone cast a spell at me from the other side? "

Susan stepped forward and moved across the room until they were standing ten feet apart. She summoned her wand and waited.

"Whenever you are ready," he said.

Susan cast a Disarming Spell, causing Harry to swiftly throw the card forward without any hesitation. Just moments before the spell struck, the card transformed into stone, propelling it through the air. The card had fulfilled its purpose, successfully dispelling the spell in the process.

"The concept is promising, but the card has limited surface area," Terry noted. "This limits its ability to effectively intercept the spell."

"I've been considering expanding on the idea," Harry confessed. "It's not a problem for me since I'm skilled at accurate card throwing. However, if I were to give some to you guys, it would be pointless."

"Can it block an unforgivable?" Tracy inquired.

"Who knows?" Harry shrugged. "I would say it's not likely, but I am not like I can test the theory out."

Harry revealed the following card, which contained a straightforward Fireball spell. This spell was essentially an adaptation of the Fire-making spell but with the addition of a shaping sequence that transformed it into a fiery sphere. Notably, it possessed immense destructiveness and inflicted significant harm upon impact. Unlike its counterparts, this particular spell was engineered to explode upon contact, rendering a delay timer unnecessary.

"May I have a target shaped like a human?" Harry queried the room, and instantaneously, a lifelike dummy materialised before them.

"The last Spell Card is called Sickle Blade, and is a modification of the Cutting Spell," Harry said.

"I don't like the sound of it," Hermione said nervously.

Harry flung the card, and it struck the target in the torso, and the torso was severed in two. The spell had released an astonishingly keen blade capable of cleaving through anything obstructing its path. Failing to defend against it could lead to the loss of a limb or even worse consequences.

"Harry, you're crazy," Daphne declared.


So, what do you think? The next chapter is Halloween, which is different from canon, and a lot more dangerous.

Thanks for reading.