A/N: More exploring of Little Whinging. Similar to the quest in chapter 2, but a bit more in-depth

Harry woke early, the pale light of dawn filtering through the narrow cracks in his cupboard door. He lay still, wrapped in the thin, rough blanket that was his constant companion. The house was silent, the kind of quiet that only came before the Dursleys awoke. It was a rare moment of peace, one that Harry had come to treasure. In these early hours, he had time to himself—time to plan and prepare for the day ahead.

As he stretched, he felt the familiar tightness in his muscles—a reminder of the previous day's exertions. The soreness was welcome; it was proof that he was pushing his limits and growing stronger. Harry had always been small for his age, but with the Gamer System, that was beginning to change. Every bit of pain meant progress, and every bit of progress brought him closer to the person he needed to become.

He summoned his status screen with a thought, the blue panel flickering into existence before his eyes. The numbers and stats had become a part of his daily routine, each one representing a piece of who he was and who he was striving to become.


Status Screen

Name: Harry James Potter

Age: 3 years

Race: Human (Wizard)

Level: 4

Experience: 200/400

HP: 60/60

MP: 40/40

Strength: 7

Agility: 8

Vitality: 5

Intelligence: 12

Wisdom: 9

Luck: 10

Perception: 2

Stat Points Available: 0


Harry studied the screen, noting the gradual improvements in his stats. His Strength and Agility were inching upward, thanks to his daily physical conditioning. The Gamer System's design was clear: skills like Physical Conditioning would enhance his abilities in specific areas, but further stat growth required dedicated effort and completion of key objectives.

A soft chime drew Harry's attention to a new notification. It was the quest he had accepted the night before, reminding him of the tasks that lay ahead.

System Notification:
You have one active quest: Scouting the Neighborhood (Advanced).

Harry reviewed the details of the quest, his mind already planning out the day. The quest was simple enough on the surface, but each objective offered an opportunity to gain experience, learn something new, or grow stronger. He noted that each objective came with its own specific rewards, making the quest even more enticing.


Quest: Scouting the Neighborhood (Advanced)
Objectives:

Visit the Local Park and engage in physical training. (Rewards: +100 XP, +1 Strength, +1 Agility)

Explore the Abandoned Lot for materials and resources. (Rewards: +100 XP, New Skill: Survival (Level 1))

Investigate the Library for advanced reading materials. (Rewards: +100 XP, +1 Perception)
Total Rewards: +300 XP, New Skill: Survival (Level 1), +1 Strength, +1 Agility, +1 Perception.


The park, the abandoned lot, and the library—each destination was a stepping stone on his path to becoming stronger. Harry felt a thrill of anticipation as he thought about what the day might bring. It wasn't just about completing the quest; it was about the skills he might unlock, the experience he would gain, and how each of these would shape his growth.

But first, he had to get out of the house without alerting the Dursleys.

Harry pushed open the cupboard door carefully, wincing as it creaked softly. He paused, listening for any sounds of movement upstairs. The house remained quiet, the heavy snores of Uncle Vernon and Dudley the only sounds breaking the silence. Satisfied that he was still safe, Harry slipped out of the cupboard and tiptoed down the hallway.

The front door loomed ahead, a gateway to the outside world and the possibilities it held. Harry hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering over the doorknob. Even after weeks of sneaking out early in the morning, there was still a thrill in these moments—a mix of fear and exhilaration that reminded him how far he had come.

With a careful twist, Harry opened the door and slipped outside, the cool morning air hitting him like a refreshing wave. The sky was just beginning to lighten, the first rays of dawn stretching across the horizon. Everything was still and quiet, the world around him shrouded in a soft, pale light. It was the perfect time to explore, to push his limits without fear of prying eyes.

Harry set off toward the park at a brisk pace, his mind already running through the day's plan. The park had become his training ground, a place where he could work on his physical conditioning without attracting too much attention. It was close enough to home that he could return quickly if needed, but far enough away that he could lose himself in the exercises without worrying about being caught by the Dursleys.

As he approached the park, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The park was nearly empty, as it usually was at this hour. Only a few early morning joggers were out, their rhythmic footsteps a soft counterpoint to the stillness. The playground equipment stood like silent sentinels, waiting for the flood of children that would come later in the day. But for now, it was his alone.

Harry approached the monkey bars first, the cold metal slick under his hands. He had been focusing on pull-ups recently, a challenging exercise for his small body, but one that he knew would pay off in the long run. Pulling himself up with just the strength of his arms was no easy feat, but it was a test of endurance and determination—a test he was determined to pass.

Gripping the bar tightly, Harry took a deep breath and pulled. His muscles immediately protested, but he pushed through the discomfort, completing the first pull-up, then the second. By the time he reached the fifth, his arms were trembling with the effort, but he refused to stop. He had faced worse challenges than this. With each pull-up, he could feel his muscles straining, growing stronger.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Harry completed the tenth pull-up and let himself drop to the ground. His arms felt like lead, his breath coming in ragged gasps, but there was a satisfaction that outweighed the discomfort. He had done it. And more importantly, he was getting better.


System Notification:
Skill Increased: Physical Conditioning (Level 2 ➔ Level 3)
Quest Objective Complete: Visit the Local Park and engage in physical training.
Rewards: +100 XP, +1 Strength, +1 Agility


Harry smiled as the notifications flashed before his eyes. His Physical Conditioning skill had improved, and the system had rewarded his efforts with a direct increase in Strength and Agility. These small victories were crucial to his growth, each one bringing him closer to his goals.

After a brief rest, Harry moved on to the next part of his routine: sprints. He had marked out a distance between two points in the playground—a makeshift track that he could run back and forth across. It wasn't much, but it served its purpose.

Taking his position at the starting point, Harry tensed, readying himself. Then, with a burst of energy, he took off, his legs pumping as fast as they would go. The wind whipped against his face, the cold air stinging his lungs, but he didn't slow down. He pushed himself harder, faster, his feet pounding against the ground in a rapid rhythm. The world blurred around him, the trees and playground equipment becoming mere flashes of color as he focused on the path ahead.

He reached the end of the track and immediately turned, sprinting back the way he had come. His lungs burned, his legs ached, but he didn't stop. He couldn't stop. He had to keep going, had to push himself beyond his limits. It was the only way he would grow stronger, the only way he could prepare for what was to come.

When he finally completed his last sprint, Harry collapsed onto the grass, his chest heaving with exertion. His heart pounded in his ears, his muscles screaming in protest, but there was a deep sense of satisfaction that came with it. He had pushed himself further than he thought possible, and it had paid off.

Harry lay there for a few moments, letting his body recover as he stared up at the pale blue sky. The morning had only just begun, but he could already feel the rewards of his efforts. The system's notifications were proof of that. With each passing day, he was growing stronger, more capable of facing the challenges that lay ahead. But this was only the first step. There was still much to do, much to learn.

Eventually, Harry pushed himself to his feet, feeling a slight tremor in his legs from the exertion. He was tired, but it was a good kind of tired—the kind that came from hard work, from pushing himself beyond his limits. He knew he couldn't rest for long, though. The day was just beginning, and there was still so much more to accomplish.

Harry cast one last glance around the park before setting off for his next destination. The abandoned lot awaited him, full of potential and hidden dangers. But Harry was ready. He had trained his body, honed his skills, and now it was time to put them to the test.

With a sense of purpose, Harry left the park behind, his thoughts already turning to the challenges that lay ahead.

As Harry left the park, he felt a sense of accomplishment settle over him. The morning had started well, and he was ready to tackle the next challenge. The abandoned lot wasn't far from the park, a patch of overgrown land nestled between two old, run-down houses. To most people, it was an eyesore, a place to be avoided. But to Harry, it was full of potential.

The lot had been forgotten by the people of Little Whinging, left to nature's whims. Weeds and tall grass had taken over, and the ground was littered with debris. But Harry knew that with a bit of effort, he could find valuable materials hidden within the mess—things that others had discarded but could be repurposed for his own use.

As he approached the lot, Harry couldn't help but feel a tingle of excitement. This was where things could get interesting. There was a thrill in exploring a place that no one else cared about, in finding value in things that others had forgotten. And if he was careful, he might uncover something truly useful.

Harry crouched low as he entered the lot, moving quietly through the undergrowth. The tall weeds and grass nearly swallowed him whole, making him feel like an explorer venturing into uncharted territory. His eyes scanned the ground, searching for anything that might be of value.

There were old pieces of wood scattered around, some of them splintered and rotting, but others still sturdy enough to be used. Harry picked up a piece that seemed intact, turning it over in his hands as he considered what he might do with it. A training dummy, perhaps? Or maybe a simple bench for his exercises? He wasn't sure yet, but he knew it would come in handy.

He carefully added the wood to his inventory, feeling a slight tingle as the system stored it away. The inventory was one of the most useful features of the Gamer System—an unlimited space where he could store items without worrying about weight or size.

Next, he found a length of rope, frayed at the ends but still strong enough to be useful. He coiled it up and added it to his inventory, already thinking of ways he might use it in his training.

As he continued to search, Harry stumbled upon a few rusted nails, half-buried in the dirt. They weren't much to look at, but they could be useful if he needed to build something. He added them to his inventory, feeling a sense of satisfaction as his collection of materials grew.

By the time he had finished his search, Harry had gathered a modest but useful collection of materials: several sturdy pieces of wood, a length of rope, and a handful of nails. These items might not seem like much, but Harry knew that with a bit of creativity, they could be put to good use. Whether it was building makeshift training equipment or crafting something entirely new, he was confident that these materials would serve him well.


System Notification:
Quest Objective Complete: Explore the Abandoned Lot for materials and resources.
Rewards: +100 XP, New Skill: Survival (Level 1)


A notification flashed in Harry's vision, confirming that he had completed the second objective of his quest. He felt a small surge of pride as the system informed him that he had unlocked a new skill—Survival (Level 1). This skill, as described in the brief summary that appeared alongside the notification, would enhance his ability to adapt and make use of his environment, improving his chances of success in various tasks.

Harry smiled to himself as he reviewed his inventory. The lot was full of potential, and he could see it in every discarded piece of junk, every weed-choked corner. To most people, this place was just a forgotten patch of land, but to Harry, it was a treasure trove waiting to be explored. There was something deeply satisfying about finding value in things others had discarded, something that resonated with him on a personal level.

With his scavenging complete and his inventory stocked with useful items, Harry turned his thoughts to his next destination: the library. There was still a quest to complete, and the library was the perfect place to find the knowledge he needed. Plus, it was a lot less likely to give him tetanus than the abandoned lot.

The walk to the library was uneventful, which suited Harry just fine. The streets were starting to fill with people going about their daily routines, but no one paid much attention to the small boy walking by himself. That was fine with Harry—he preferred to stay unnoticed. It gave him the freedom to do what he needed to do without interference.

The library itself was a familiar sight, a place Harry had come to appreciate for its quiet atmosphere and endless supply of books. It was one of the few places where he could lose himself in learning without the fear of being interrupted or scolded for being curious. And that, to Harry, was priceless.

As he entered the library, Harry noticed the librarian sitting behind the front desk, her gray-streaked hair tied back in a loose bun. She looked up as he entered, her eyes briefly meeting his before returning to the book she was reading. There was a small smile on her lips, but she didn't say anything. Harry wondered if she had ever noticed the unusual books he'd been borrowing.

Harry gave her a quick nod before heading into the aisles. The library was a treasure trove of knowledge, and he was determined to find something that would help him in his quest. He knew exactly where to start.

He made his way to the section on botany first, pulling out a book on basic plant identification. It was the kind of thing most people would overlook, but Harry knew that understanding plants could be incredibly useful in the magical world. After all, many potions were made from plants, and knowing how to identify them could give him an edge.

Next, he found a book on herbal remedies, which detailed the uses of various plants in traditional medicine. Harry was fascinated by the idea that something as simple as a plant could have powerful healing properties, and he was eager to learn more. The book was thick, with dense text and detailed illustrations, but Harry was determined to read it from cover to cover.

Finally, he selected a book on world folklore, which promised to teach him about the myths and legends of different cultures. Harry had always been interested in stories, and he suspected that many of the old legends contained grains of truth. Plus, it was just fun to read about things like dragons and magic swords. Who knew? Maybe he'd find something useful tucked away in the pages of a fairy tale.

With his selections in hand, Harry found a secluded corner of the library and settled in to read. The soft rustle of pages was the only sound in the quiet room, and Harry quickly lost himself in the words. The hours slipped by unnoticed as he absorbed the information, his mind racing with new ideas and possibilities.

The book on botany was particularly interesting, with detailed descriptions of plants that Harry recognized from his walks around Little Whinging. He made mental notes of which plants were edible, which were poisonous, and which had potential magical properties. The knowledge was empowering, and Harry felt a surge of confidence as he realized just how much he was learning.

The herbal remedies book was equally fascinating, offering insights into how plants could be used to treat everything from minor cuts to serious illnesses. Harry imagined himself brewing potions and creating salves, using the knowledge he was gaining to help others. It was a comforting thought, one that made him feel more connected to the magical world he had yet to fully enter.

The folklore book was a bit different, more fanciful than the others, but Harry enjoyed it nonetheless. The stories of ancient heroes, magical creatures, and hidden treasures captured his imagination, and he couldn't help but wonder if there was some truth to the tales. Maybe one day he'd have his own adventures, just like the characters in the book. The thought made him smile, and he turned the page with renewed enthusiasm.


System Notification:
Quest Objective Complete: Investigate the Library for advanced reading materials.
Rewards: +100 XP, +1 Perception


As Harry finished the last book, he noticed a notification appear in the corner of his vision, indicating that he had completed the final objective of his quest. The system rewarded him with a small boost to his Perception stat, a reflection of the keen observations he had made while studying the various books.

Feeling satisfied with his progress, Harry decided it was time to take a break and stretch his legs. He carefully placed the books back on the shelves, making sure to memorize their locations so he could find them again later. There was still so much more to learn, but he didn't want to rush through it. Some things were worth taking the time to understand fully.

As he was about to leave, something caught Harry's attention. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a faint shimmer near the far end of the room, just beyond a bookshelf. Curious, Harry walked over to investigate. At first, it seemed like there was nothing there—just the plain wall of the library. But as he focused, the shimmer grew clearer, as if a veil was being lifted.

Harry blinked in surprise. What had looked like a blank wall a moment ago now revealed itself to be something else entirely—a small, narrow door, almost hidden in the shadows. It wasn't just hidden by physical means; it felt as if the door was cloaked by some sort of magical barrier, only visible to those who had the ability to perceive it.

His heart raced with excitement. This was no ordinary door, and this was no ordinary part of the library. Without a second thought, Harry reached out and turned the handle. The door creaked open, revealing a narrow staircase leading down into what appeared to be a basement. But this basement was different. The air felt heavier here, thick with an almost palpable sense of history and power.

As Harry descended the stairs, the dim light made it difficult to see, but his excitement only grew. What kind of knowledge could be hidden away in a place like this? He couldn't wait to find out.

The basement was small, the walls lined with old, dusty shelves filled with books that looked far older than anything in the main library. Some of the books had titles in languages Harry didn't recognize, while others were about subjects that would never be found in a typical Muggle library—advanced magical theory, ancient rituals, and forgotten lore. This was a treasure trove of magical knowledge, hidden away from the world above.

As Harry moved through the shelves, his eyes fell on a small, leather-bound book in the farthest corner of the room. It was simple in appearance, but something about it drew him in. The title, "The Basics of Potion Ingredients," was embossed in faded gold lettering on the spine.

Harry carefully pulled the book from the shelf, his fingers tingling as he touched the worn leather. This book was exactly what he needed to start his journey into the world of potions, even before setting foot in Hogwarts. He quickly opened it and began to skim the pages, absorbing the information eagerly. The book detailed various ingredients that could be used in basic potions, with illustrations and explanations of their properties.


System Notification:
New Skill Unlocked: Potion Brewing (Level 1)
Intelligence +1


The discovery was almost too good to be true. With this book, Harry could start learning about potions even before he reached Hogwarts. The thought filled him with excitement, and he carefully tucked the book under his arm, determined to study it thoroughly.

As he ascended the stairs and returned to the main library, Harry caught sight of the librarian again. She was watching him now, her expression unreadable. For a brief moment, Harry wondered if she knew about the hidden section and the book he had found. But she said nothing, merely offering him a small nod before returning to her work.

Harry quickly found a secluded corner and began to read the potion book in earnest. The words on the pages seemed to come alive under his gaze, the information flowing into his mind like water into a dry riverbed. He absorbed the knowledge eagerly, his brain processing and storing it for later use.

The more he read, the more Harry's understanding of potion ingredients deepened. The book detailed the properties of various plants, roots, and minerals, explaining how each one could be used in different potions. Harry's mind raced with possibilities. What potions could he start experimenting with? What ingredients could he gather from the local area?

The hours slipped by as Harry delved deeper into the book, his mind fully immersed in the world of potions. By the time he finally looked up, the sun had shifted in the sky, casting long shadows through the library windows. It was time to go.

Carefully, Harry replaced the book on the shelf, making sure to memorize its location so he could return to it later. He hesitated for a moment, considering whether to take it with him, but decided against it. It was too risky. If the Dursleys found it, they would likely destroy it, and he couldn't bear the thought of losing such valuable knowledge.

As he made his way out of the library, he passed the librarian again. She looked up, her gaze lingering on Harry as he clutched the book to his chest. But she said nothing, only giving him another nod as he slipped out the door.

As he walked back to Privet Drive, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He had learned so much today, gained new skills, and discovered hidden knowledge. The future was still uncertain, but with each passing day, he was becoming more prepared for whatever lay ahead.

The sun was already lowering in the sky as Harry made his way back to Privet Drive, the day's events replaying in his mind. His baggy clothes flapped lightly in the evening breeze, the sounds of the neighborhood blending into the background as he walked. Despite the fatigue that settled into his muscles from the day's activities, Harry felt more energized than he had in a long time.

As he approached the Dursleys' house, Harry quickly slipped around the side, avoiding the windows. He couldn't risk being seen by Aunt Petunia or Uncle Vernon, especially not when he was coming back from an unsanctioned outing. He made his way to the small patch of dirt that served as a garden in the Dursleys' backyard and crouched down beside the scraggly bushes.

Using the cover of the bushes, Harry quickly retrieved a few of the items from his inventory. He selected the length of rope and a couple of the sturdy pieces of wood he had found in the abandoned lot. With a quick glance around to ensure no one was watching, Harry began setting up a small training station. He tied the rope securely between two low branches, creating a makeshift obstacle that he could use to practice his agility.

He kept his movements quick but deliberate, working with the kind of efficiency that had become second nature to him. The Dursleys rarely ventured into the backyard at this time of day, but he wasn't going to take any chances. In just a few minutes, the training station was set up—a simple but functional course that Harry could use to hone his agility and reflexes.

Harry tested the rope, giving it a sharp tug to make sure it was secure. It held fast, and he nodded to himself in satisfaction. With the rest of the materials safely stored in his inventory, Harry had the freedom to set up more training tools as he needed them. For now, though, this would be enough.

He took a deep breath and began to move through the course, keeping low to the ground as he ducked under the rope. He moved quickly, his body twisting and turning with practiced ease. Each pass through the course was faster than the last, his movements becoming smoother and more precise. The repetitive nature of the exercise allowed Harry to lose himself in the motion, focusing only on improving with each attempt.


System Notification:
Skill Increased: Agility (Level 1 ➔ Level 2)
Stat Increase: Agility +1


The familiar blue notification appeared in Harry's vision as he finished his latest pass through the course, and he couldn't help but grin. His agility was improving, and this time, the system rewarded him with both a skill increase and a stat boost.

As he caught his breath, Harry couldn't help but wonder why the system had both a skill and a stat for agility. Wasn't it redundant to have two separate measures for the same thing? He had noticed that increasing his agility stat made him quicker and more responsive overall, while improving the skill seemed to enhance his ability to use that speed effectively in specific situations. Perhaps the stat was the raw potential, and the skill was how well he could utilize it.

The thought intrigued Harry, but he didn't dwell on it for long. Whether it was a quirk of the system or some deeper logic he hadn't yet uncovered, the result was clear: he was getting better, stronger, faster. And that was all that mattered right now.

After several more rounds through the course, Harry decided it was time to move on to the next part of his training. He retrieved the potion book from his inventory, the same one he had found in the hidden section of the library, and opened it to the first page.

He settled down on the ground, using one of the sturdy pieces of wood as a makeshift seat. The potion book was worn and old, the pages yellowed with age, but the information within was as valuable as gold. Harry's fingers traced the faded letters on the page as he read, his mind absorbing the details like a sponge.

The book began with the basics, explaining the fundamental properties of common potion ingredients. Harry quickly realized that many of these ingredients were plants he had already encountered during his walks around Little Whinging. It was strange to think that such seemingly ordinary plants could be so important in potion-making. He made a mental note of the plants he needed to gather, planning to collect them on his next outing.

The more Harry read, the more engrossed he became. The book detailed not only the ingredients themselves but also the various ways in which they could be prepared—crushed, boiled, dried, or chopped, depending on the desired effect. Each preparation method was crucial, affecting the potency and effectiveness of the potion. Harry was determined to master every step.

As he delved deeper into the book, Harry began to understand just how intricate potion-making truly was. It wasn't just about mixing ingredients together; it was about understanding the interactions between them, the way each one contributed to the final result. There was an art to it, a balance that had to be maintained. And Harry was eager to learn.


System Notification:
Skill Increased: Potion Brewing (Level 1 ➔ Level 2)
You can now prepare ingredients more efficiently, extracting greater potency from each.


Another notification appeared as Harry finished reading a particularly complex section on brewing a basic healing potion. His potion brewing skill had increased, and the system noted that his efficiency in preparing ingredients had improved. Harry felt a surge of satisfaction at the progress he was making. This was only the beginning, but it was a promising start.

The light was beginning to fade, and Harry knew he would need to head inside soon. He carefully closed the potion book and returned it to his inventory, making sure it was safely stored away. As much as he wanted to keep reading, he knew it would be dangerous to stay out much longer. The Dursleys would notice if he wasn't in his cupboard by the time they went to bed.

Before heading inside, Harry took a moment to dismantle his makeshift training station. He untied the rope and stowed it away in his inventory, along with the wood. It wouldn't do to leave any evidence behind. The backyard had to look just as it had before he started, or else Aunt Petunia might get suspicious.

Once everything was back in place, Harry quietly made his way to the side of the house, slipping through the back door without a sound. The house was quiet, the Dursleys already settled in for the evening. Harry quickly crept back to his cupboard, sliding inside and pulling the door shut behind him. He let out a quiet breath of relief as he settled onto his small bed, feeling the day's exhaustion finally catch up with him.

But even as his eyelids grew heavy, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for what tomorrow might bring. There was so much more to learn, so many skills to master. And with the Gamer System by his side, he knew that anything was possible.

The next morning dawned quietly over Privet Drive. Harry was up early, as usual, already planning his day. The summer sunlight filtered through the narrow cracks of his cupboard door, casting thin beams of light that highlighted the dust motes floating in the air. He was accustomed to waking up with the first light, giving him precious time before the Dursleys stirred.

Harry sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. His muscles were sore, a reminder of the previous day's training, but it was a good kind of soreness—the kind that told him he was growing stronger. He summoned his status screen with a thought, eager to see how his stats and skills had improved after yesterday's efforts.


Status Screen

Name: Harry James Potter

Age: 3 years

Race: Human (Wizard)

Level: 4

Experience: 200/400

HP: 60/60

MP: 40/40

Strength: 7

Agility: 9

Vitality: 5

Intelligence: 13

Wisdom: 9

Luck: 10

Perception: 3

Stat Points Available: 0


Harry studied the screen, noting the recent increases in his Agility and Perception. Seeing the tangible results of his hard work always filled him with a quiet satisfaction, a reminder that his efforts were paying off. Yet, there was always a lingering hunger for more—more progress, more knowledge, more power. He knew that he had to keep pushing forward, one step at a time.

Just as he was about to close the status screen, another notification flashed in front of his eyes:


System Notification:
Quest Completed: Scouting the Neighborhood
Objectives Completed: Explore the Park, Investigate the Abandoned Lot, Visit the Library
Rewards: +300 XP


Level Up!
Level 4 ➔ Level 5
Stat Points Earned: 5


Harry's eyes widened as the level-up notification appeared. He hadn't expected to level up so soon, but the combined rewards from completing all the objectives had pushed him over the threshold. He quickly opened his status screen again, eager to see the changes.


Updated Status Screen

Name: Harry James Potter

Age: 3 years

Race: Human (Wizard)

Level: 5

Experience: 100/500

HP: 65/65

MP: 45/45

Strength: 7

Agility: 9

Vitality: 5

Intelligence: 13

Wisdom: 9

Luck: 10

Perception: 3

Stat Points Available: 5


With the level-up complete, Harry felt a surge of pride. He knew that he had to make the most of the stat points he had earned. His Perception was still low, and given how useful it had been in discovering the hidden section of the library, he decided to allocate a significant portion of his points there.


Stat Points Allocation:

Perception: +3

Agility: +1

Intelligence: +1


Final Status Screen After Allocation

Name: Harry James Potter

Age: 3 years

Race: Human (Wizard)

Level: 5

Experience: 100/500

HP: 65/65

MP: 45/45

Strength: 7

Agility: 10 (+1 from stat allocation)

Vitality: 5

Intelligence: 14 (+1 from stat allocation)

Wisdom: 9

Luck: 10

Perception: 6 (+3 from stat allocation)

Stat Points Available: 0


Satisfied with his choices, Harry closed the status screen and took a deep breath. The previous day's exploration of the abandoned lot had given him a collection of useful materials, and his time in the library had provided valuable knowledge. Today, he planned to continue his training, refining his techniques and perhaps even discovering something new.

But first, he needed to gather some of the plants he had read about in the potion book. Harry slipped out of his cupboard quietly, careful not to wake the Dursleys. He made his way to the backyard, where he had noticed a few of the plants mentioned in the book growing wild among the weeds. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

Kneeling down beside a patch of weeds, Harry carefully began identifying the plants he needed. The potion book had taught him to see beyond the surface, to recognize the magical potential hidden in these seemingly ordinary plants. He reached out and gently plucked a few leaves from a plant he recognized as Dittany—a powerful healing herb.

As he gathered the plants, Harry couldn't help but marvel at how something so simple could hold such power. The book had explained how Dittany could be used to heal wounds almost instantly, making it a vital ingredient in many healing potions. He placed the leaves carefully in his inventory, making sure they were stored safely for later use.


System Notification:
New Item Acquired: Dittany Leaves
Potion Brewing Skill Progression: Gathering ingredients firsthand enhances your understanding of their properties.


Harry smiled as the notification appeared. His potion brewing skill was improving not just through reading but by practical experience as well. The system rewarded him for taking the initiative to gather his own ingredients, reinforcing the importance of hands-on learning.

Next, Harry turned his attention to a small cluster of Mallowsweet growing nearby. The book had mentioned that this plant was often used in divination potions, helping to clear the mind and enhance focus. Harry carefully gathered a few of the leaves, adding them to his inventory alongside the Dittany.

With his ingredients collected, Harry returned to the house, slipping back inside without a sound. He knew that it wouldn't be long before Aunt Petunia started her daily routine, and he wanted to be safely tucked away in his cupboard before then. Once inside, he pulled the potion book from his inventory and began reviewing the steps for brewing a basic healing potion using the Dittany leaves he had gathered.

The instructions were clear, but Harry knew that the process would require precision and patience. He had no cauldron or proper brewing equipment, but the book offered alternative methods for those in a pinch. Harry decided to try using a small pot he had found in the kitchen, something that wouldn't arouse suspicion if the Dursleys noticed it missing.

He waited until Aunt Petunia had started her chores in the kitchen, then quietly snuck in and retrieved the pot. Back in his cupboard, he set up a small makeshift workstation, using a few other items he had gathered from the abandoned lot to help with the process. The space was cramped, but Harry was determined to make it work.

Following the instructions in the book, Harry carefully prepared the Dittany leaves, crushing them into a fine paste. He then added a small amount of water and began heating the mixture over a tiny flame he had managed to create using a candle. The process was slow and required constant attention, but Harry found himself completely absorbed in the task.

As the potion began to simmer, the soft scent of herbs filled the cupboard, calming Harry's nerves. He watched as the liquid slowly changed color, turning a pale green as the Dittany infused into the water. The book had warned that the potion could easily be ruined if not watched carefully, so Harry kept his eyes fixed on the pot, stirring gently to prevent it from boiling over.

Finally, after what felt like hours, the potion was ready. Harry carefully poured the liquid into a small jar he had found, sealing it tightly. The potion wasn't perfect—he knew that much—but it was a start. The fact that he had managed to brew it at all was a small victory in itself.


System Notification:
Potion Brewing Skill Increased (Level 2 ➔ Level 3)
Your ability to combine ingredients and brew basic potions has improved. Potion effects are now more potent.


Harry felt a surge of pride as the notification appeared. His skill in potion brewing was improving, and the system acknowledged his progress. The book's instructions had been invaluable, but it was his own determination and effort that had made the potion a reality.

He carefully stored the potion in his inventory, knowing that it might come in handy later. With the day still ahead of him, Harry considered what to do next. The Dursleys would be busy for a while, which meant he had some time to continue his training.

He decided to return to the agility course he had set up in the backyard. The rope obstacle had been effective, but Harry wanted to push himself further. He retrieved a few more items from his inventory, including some of the sturdier pieces of wood and a small metal bar he had found in the abandoned lot.

Harry set to work, constructing a more elaborate training course. He added a series of hurdles made from the wood, spacing them out to force himself to jump and move quickly. The metal bar he set up as a balance beam, challenging his coordination and control. It wasn't much, but it was enough to keep him occupied and continue honing his skills.

As Harry began moving through the new course, he could feel the difference from the previous day's training. The added complexity of the hurdles and balance beam forced him to think quickly, adjusting his movements to maintain his speed and balance. It was difficult, and he stumbled more than once, but each mistake was a lesson learned.


System Notification:
Skill Increased: Agility (Level 2 ➔ Level 3)
Your movements are becoming more fluid, allowing for quicker reflexes and better balance in challenging environments.


Harry paused as the notification appeared, a small smile tugging at his lips. His agility skill was improving, and the system was helping him refine his movements. He could feel the difference as he moved through the course, his body responding more naturally to the obstacles in his path.

Satisfied with his progress, Harry decided to take a break. He disassembled the training course, returning the items to his inventory before heading back inside. The Dursleys were still occupied, giving Harry a bit more time to review the potion book. He pulled it out again, flipping through the pages until he found a section on more advanced potions.

One potion in particular caught his eye—a strengthening solution that promised to enhance physical abilities for a short time. The ingredients were more complex, and the brewing process required greater skill, but Harry was intrigued. It would be a challenge, but he felt ready to attempt it.

He quickly scanned the list of ingredients, noting that he already had some of them in his inventory. The rest, he would need to gather during his next outing. The thought of successfully brewing a more advanced potion filled Harry with excitement. It was another step forward, another way to prepare himself for the future.

As the day wore on, Harry continued to study the potion book, making notes of the ingredients he needed and planning his next steps. As the day came to a close, Harry set the potion book aside. There was still a lot to learn, but for now, it was enough. He stretched out on his bed, as much as was possible in the cupboard, letting the quiet of the evening settle in. Tomorrow would come soon enough.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed, all reviews are welcome and appreciated. Going to make a spreadsheet or some other document to better keep track of the leveling. Also to those concerned about him being too young at this point in the story, don't worry, but I won't spoil anything. Also let me know if I should reduce the number of status screens, definitely feeling like I might be overdoing it.

A/N 2: Rest in Peace Maggie Smith.

Status Screen - End of Chapter 4

Name: Harry James Potter
Age: 3 years
Race: Human (Wizard)
Level: 5
Experience: 100/500
HP: 65/65
MP: 45/45

Stats:

Strength: 8 (+1 from park training quest objective)

Agility: 11 (+1 from park training quest objective, +1 from agility course, +1 from stat allocation after level-up)

Vitality: 5

Intelligence: 14 ( +1 from reading, +1 from stat allocation after level-up)

Wisdom: 9

Luck: 10

Perception: 6 (+1 from library quest objective, +3 from stat allocation after level-up)

Stat Points Available: 0

Skills:

Gamer's Mind (Passive): Level 1

Gamer's Body (Passive): Level 1

Meditation: Level 4

Cooking: Level 1

Wandless Magic: Level 1

Stealth: Level 3

Learning: Level 1

Reading: Level 2

Writing: Level 2

Physical Conditioning: Level 3

Potion Brewing: Level 3

Observation: Level 1

Survival: Level 1

Agility: Level 3