Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the intellectual property associated with Harry Potter.
Hi all,
Here's the next chapter. Harry continues his training and returns to Diagon Alley.
Chapter 9
The gleaming facade of "FitFuture" stood out like a beacon of modernity amidst the tired brick buildings of Greater Whinging's quiet neighbourhood. Harry paused, taking in the sleek glass and steel structure. It was a recent addition, but judging by the almost full parking lot, it was already popular. He had passed the fitness centre before, but this was his first time approaching the building.
He wanted to expand the number of physical skills he had, and the fitness centre sounded like the perfect solution. Even though he could learn them outside, it would be easier to make progress when the activities were grouped together and trainers were available to teach him the proper method.
The automatic doors whooshed open as Harry approached, cool air rushing out to greet him. Inside, everything gleamed—polished chrome, spotless mirrors, and state-of-the-art equipment he couldn't even name. The air hummed with the whir of treadmills and the distant clang of weights, punctuated by the occasional grunt of exertion.
A perky blonde at the reception desk beamed at him, her smile almost painfully bright. "Welcome to FitFuture! How can I help you today?"
Harry stepped forward, projecting a confidence he didn't entirely feel. "I'd like to sign up for a membership, please."
Her smile faltered slightly, perfectly shaped eyebrows drawing together. "Oh, I'm sorry, love. We need parental consent for anyone under sixteen. Health and safety, you know."
Harry furrowed his brow. Before he could respond, a booming voice cut through the air.
"Harry Potter! Is that you?"
A burly man with salt-and-pepper hair strode towards them, grinning broadly. "I thought I recognised you! Sarah, this young man's parents, and I go way back. There is no need for consent forms here."
Harry's eyebrows rose slightly, but he quickly schooled his features into a polite smile. The man winked, almost imperceptibly, and Harry gave a nod of understanding.
"Right then," Sarah chirped, manicured nails tapping away at her sleek computer. "Would you like to sign up for a yearly membership or pay for a week?"
"A week to start," Harry said. He pulled out his wallet and handed her some notes.
The man clapped a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Let me give you the grand tour, Harry. I'm Mike Henderson, by the way. Owner of this fitness centre."
They moved away from reception, the sounds of the gym growing louder. Mike's jovial demeanour shifted slightly, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "Listen, Harry," he said, steering them towards a quieter corner. "I recognise you from school. My daughter, Emma, is in your year. She's told me some troubling things about how Dudley treats you at school. From what I can read between the lines, that goes for your aunt and uncle as well."
Harry tensed, surprised by Mike's directness. "I... I'm not sure what you mean, sir."
Mike's eyes softened. "Every child deserves a chance, Harry. To grow, to be healthy, to find their strength. Maybe you'll find it here. But listen, this isn't exactly by the book. If anyone asks, you're here under my supervision as a family friend, understood?"
Harry nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Henderson."
Mike's grin returned full force. "Call me Mike. Let's show you around this palace of sweat and determination!"
As they toured the centre, Harry's mind drifted. The past week had been a whirlwind of training, each day a careful balance of pushing his limits and avoiding his relatives as much as possible.
He'd pounded the pavement religiously, slipping out in the early morning hours when the streets were still quiet. After the initial burst of attribute gains, progress had slowed to a crawl. He had levelled his Running skill to level 2, but that didn't help with the attribute gains. He needed to diversify his skills, and now, he had the means to do so.
His attempts at cooking had been equally frustrating. Despite years of experience cooking for his relatives, his skill had yet to materialise. Harry was beginning to suspect that learning skills weren't just about repetition but intensity. The harder it was, the more effective the training. It also seemed like the prior experience he gained before the system didn't count for anything.
Harry needed access to a kitchen where he could practise to his heart's content. He was hoping to find the solution in Diagon Alley.
He had read his first-year textbooks already. His understanding of the wizarding world had deepened considerably. He was tempted to dabble in potions, but so far, he'd found no potions capable of restoring his resources. It was another avenue to explore when he returned to Diagon Alley.
"And here we have our pride and joy," Mike announced, snapping Harry back to the present. They stood before a gleaming climbing wall, easily two stories high. Colourful holds dotted its surface like a giant, vertical puzzle, their bright hues a stark contrast to the muted tones of the gym. "This is the latest in safety technology. Harnesses adjust automatically, and the holds can be rearranged for different skill levels."
Harry's eyes lit up with interest. He watched as a lithe woman near the top reached for a tiny red hold, her muscles visibly straining. The concentration on her face was intense, a bead of sweat rolling down her temple.
"Impressive," he murmured, already imagining himself scaling those heights.
They moved on, passing a serene yoga studio where a handful of leotard-clad women stretched in impossible positions. Through the glass, Harry could see a woman bent backwards, her palms flat on the floor behind her feet. It looked painful just watching it.
Next came a cavernous room filled with treadmills, cycles, and other cardio machines. The rhythmic thud of feet and whir of wheels created an oddly soothing white noise. The dull thud of a punching bag drew Harry's attention to a small martial arts area tucked in the corner, where a man in a white gi was executing a series of precise kicks. Each impact echoed through the room, a testament to the power behind the strikes.
"We've got classes for everything," Mike explained, gesturing expansively. "Karate, kickboxing, even a bit of that fancy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that's all the rage."
Finally, they reached the weight room. Racks of dumbbells lined one wall, their chrome surfaces gleaming under the harsh fluorescent lights. Several machines filled the rest of the space, and their purposes were a mystery to Harry. The clang of metal and grunts of exertion filled the air, punctuated by the occasional encouraging shout from a personal trainer.
Mike turned to Harry. "So, where would you like to start your journey to peak physical perfection?"
Harry's gaze swept the room, considering. "Weight lifting. I would like to build up my strength before I try rock climbing."
Mike nodded approvingly. "Excellent choice. Let's start you off with some basics, shall we?"
For the next hour, Mike guided Harry through a series of exercises designed for beginners. They started with simple bodyweight movements before progressing to light dumbbells. Harry approached each exercise with focused determination, absorbing Mike's instructions and applying them with precision.
"Form is everything," Mike stressed, adjusting Harry's stance during a dumbbell row. "Better to lift light with perfect technique than to heave heavy weights about like a madman."
Harry nodded, concentrating intently on each movement. He could feel his muscles working in new ways, a satisfying burn building with each rep. While no skill notification appeared, he could sense the growth potential.
The player's Strength has increased by 1.
Harry grinned. This was why he wanted to try out the weights first. After several days of running, he earned several points in Agility and Endurance, but it wasn't an exercise that increased Strength.
As they wrapped up the session, Mike clapped Harry on the shoulder. "Well done, lad! You've got a natural aptitude for this. Keep at it, and you'll be turning heads in no time."
"Thanks, Mike," Harry said, wiping sweat off his forehead.
"Feel like trying another activity?" Mike asked. "Or are you too tired?"
Harry shook his head. "I have somewhere else I have to be. I will be back tomorrow."
Harry stepped into Gringotts with Celeste perched on his shoulder. After leaving her behind to visit the gym, she wasn't willing to stay behind again. He wore a cap over his to hide his scar, which proved enough of a camouflage to get him through Diagon Alley without him being accosted.
He approached a teller, acutely aware of the curious glances from goblins and wizards alike. The sight of Celeste was drawing more attention than he'd anticipated.
"I'd like to speak with Ragnok, please," Harry said. "He's my family's account manager. We have a meeting scheduled for 2 p.m."
The goblin's eyes widened slightly at the sight of Celeste but quickly returned to their usual stern expression. "Name?"
"Harry Potter."
Without a word, he hopped down from his stool and gestured for Harry to follow. They wound through a maze of corridors, the opulent marble giving way to rough-hewn stone. They walked for a minute before stopping at an oak door. The goblin slipped inside, leaving him alone in the corridor.
"Nervous?" Celeste murmured, her tiny hand patting his cheek.
"A bit," Harry admitted. "This is... it's about my family. My heritage. I've never known anything about it before."
The door swung open, and Harry stepped into a spacious office. The walls were lined with ancient-looking tomes and strange artefacts that seemed to hum with magical energy. Behind a massive desk sat Ragnok, a particularly fierce-looking goblin with a scar running down one cheek. His sharp eyes immediately locked onto Celeste, a mix of curiosity and wariness in his gaze.
"Mr. Potter," Ragnok said, his voice gravelly. "I've been expecting you. And I see you've brought... an unusual companion. Please, sit."
As Harry settled into the chair, Celeste fluttering to rest on the desk, Ragnok pulled out a small box. "Before we begin, there's a matter of your family ring."
He opened the box, revealing a heavy gold ring. Its face bore the image of a lion with wings, the metal gleaming as if it had just been polished. "This is the Potter Heir ring. It will be replaced by your family ring once you reach your majority."
Harry's hand trembled slightly as he reached for the ring. This was tangible proof of his heritage—a connection to the family he'd never known. As he slipped it on, a warm tingle spread through his body, and the ring resized to fit perfectly.
"What's this creature?" Harry asked, studying the intricate design. "I've never seen anything like it."
Ragnok's lips curled into what might have been a smile. "That's a Griever, Mr. Potter—the Potter family crest. It's a lion with massive wings that allow them to fly—truly terrifying creatures once considered lords of the sky. Even dragons were cautious of them. They are thought to be extinct now. Your family motto, if you're interested, is 'Beware the Family's Pride.'"
Harry nodded. A lump formed in his throat. He had a family motto. A family crest. Things he'd never dared dream of having. "What does this mean? From what I've read, this usually means I may have a seat in the Wizengamot later."
"Yes, but it's not my place to educate you on your family's responsibilities. Besides, it's not something you should be concerned about until you reach the age of majority, which is seventeen."
Harry nodded. "And my family's assets?"
Ragnok pulled out a thick ledger; its pages yellowed with age. "The Potter vault doesn't hold vast monetary wealth, but it contains numerous books, furniture, artefacts, and equipment salvaged from Potter Manor after its destruction."
"Potter Manor?"
"Your ancestral home," Ragnok explained. "Destroyed in the war. The land still belongs to you, as does an island in the North Sea."
Harry's eyebrows shot up. "An island?".
Ragnok nodded. "It's technically part of England but has been abandoned for over a century. The reason why is unknown to us, but you may find answers in your family vault."
"May I access it now?"
The goblin shook his head, and Harry's heart sank. "I'm afraid not. Potter heirs usually can't enter their family until they're thirteen. Your father's will may contain a different provision, but I am unaware of its contents."
Harry frowned. "Is there any other way?"
"Yes, but you need your magical guardian's approval."
"Dumbledore," Harry muttered, a bitter taste in his mouth. The headmaster's influence seemed to be everywhere. "Can I read the will myself?"
"You will have to go to the ministry for that. However, my contacts there have informed me that Albus Dumbledore has sealed the Potter will."
Harry felt a surge of anger, hot and fierce. Dumbledore again, interfering in his life, keeping him from his rightful inheritance. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm. "Is there any way to unseal them?"
"Not without Dumbledore's cooperation or a ruling from the Wizengamot," Ragnok said, his tone suggesting both options were unlikely.
Harry nodded, filing that information away for later. He'd find a way, somehow. He had to know what his parents had wanted for him. "About that island—how can I get there?"
"We don't have a portkey," Ragnok said, unrolling a map of the British Isles. He pointed to a small dot in the North Sea. "This is the location, but you'd need to travel there physically. It's protected with wards, but you should be able to enter without any trouble."
Celeste fluttered over to examine the map. "Oh, mysterious island adventures! Count me in, Harry!"
Despite his frustration, Harry couldn't help but smile at Celeste's enthusiasm. Her presence was a comfort, a reminder that he wasn't alone in this new, complex world he was discovering.
"And what about my parents' house?" Harry asked. "In Godric's Hollow?"
"The Ministry seized it, turning it into a memorial for your parents after that night."
"Is that even legal?" Harry asked, incredulous and angry. The idea of strangers traipsing through his parents' last home, turning their sacrifice into a tourist attraction, made his blood boil.
Ragnok shrugged. "That's a matter for the Ministry. I can provide the location if you wish to visit. Your parents are buried in the cemetery in Godric's Hollow."
Harry nodded, his mind reeling from all the information. As Ragnok wrote down the address, Harry couldn't help but feel frustrated. He had properties, artefacts, and family history to explore—but so much of it was just out of reach, held back by age restrictions, Ministry interference, and Dumbledore's machinations.
Something that Ragnok said struck him. "Wait, you said my parents were buried in Godric's Hollow. Does that mean my mother's body was found?"
"I misspoke," Ragnok said. "Your mother's body was never found, but it was assumed that it was destroyed in the explosion that night. Her coffin remains empty, but she has been officially declared dead."
Harry rubbed his face. That didn't make much sense. An explosion of that magnitude couldn't destroy a body. He had witnessed it through the memory in the dungeon. Unless there was a magical reason he was unaware of, it meant something else had occurred that evening. He would have to find the other half of that memory before he could figure out what happened on Halloween night.
"Thank you, Ragnok," Harry said as he stood. "You've been incredibly helpful."
"If I may, Mr. Potter," Ragnok said, his eyes once again on Celeste. "Your... companion. She's quite unusual. I have never seen a fairy like her before. I trust you understand the value of discretion in such matters."
Harry grimaced. "Of course. You're not the first to point that fact out. I have to keep her uniqueness as secret as possible."
Ragnok nodded approvingly. "Very well. Good day, Mr. Potter. May your gold always flow."
Celeste buzzed excitedly around Harry's head. "Well, that was interesting. Fancy yourself the lord of a mysterious island, do you?"
Harry chuckled softly. "Lord of nothing yet, it seems."
The island in the North Sea beckoned with its mysteries, but how could he get there? It sounded like the perfect place to set up his new mansion once he obtained all the fragments. A place to call his own where others couldn't intrude upon him. He didn't want to wait until he turned thirteen to visit, so he needed to find another way. Could he rent a boat to get there?
Harry stepped out of Gringotts, his pouch considerably heavier with galleons. He needed the money if his plan was going to work. He would no longer have to tolerate the Dursleys' presence.
"Where to now, Harry?" Celeste asked.
"The apothecary," Harry replied, his mind focused on his growing list of objectives. "I need to ask about potions that can restore magic and stamina."
They made their way through the crowded street, dodging hurried witches and wizards. The apothecary's pungent aroma hit them before they even reached the door—a mix of herbs, spices, and something distinctly magical. Inside, shelves lined with jars of odd ingredients stretched from floor to ceiling. A wizened old man stood behind the counter, his eyes brightening as Harry approached.
"Good day, young man. How can I help you?"
Harry cleared his throat. "I'm looking for potions that can restore magic or stamina. Do you have anything like that?"
The shopkeeper stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Well, now. The best solution for restoring magical reserves is to rest. But some potions can help in a pinch. The Invigoration Draught, for instance, can give a wizard quite the energy boost, but it's not a restorative."
Harry nodded, filing away the information. "I'll take three vials of the Invigoration Draught, please."
After completing his purchase, Harry headed towards Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment. The shop was cramped but cosy, filled with an eclectic array of magical items.
"Welcome!" a cheery voice called out. A middle-aged witch appeared from behind a stack of boxes. "Looking for anything in particular?"
"Yes, actually," Harry said. "I'm interested in magical tents."
The witch's eyes lit up. "Ah, planning a camping trip, are we? We have a fine selection of magical tents. What did you have in mind?"
Harry hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I'm looking for something basic. A single bedroom, bathroom, living room, and kitchen. And... I was wondering if it could be warded with notice-me-not charms?"
The witch raised an eyebrow. "The notice-me-not charms come installed with every tent. We don't want Muggles walking into one of our tents, do we?"
"That makes sense."
She led him to a corner of the shop where several tents were displayed. After a brief demonstration, Harry settled on a modest-looking green tent.
"Excellent choice," the witch said. "Now, about those wards. They'll need to be renewed every year but they should keep Muggles from noticing anything amiss."
Harry paid for the tent. The idea of having his own space, away from the Dursleys, was almost too good to be true. He had considered renting a room at the Leaky Cauldron for the rest of the summer, but he was concerned that Dumbledore would notice his absence and cause a scene. A magical tent in the backyard was the next best option.
Harry left the store. His final stop was Flourish and Blotts. He wasn't looking for anything in particular, so he chose a selection of books on various subjects. He wanted to expand his knowledge of the magical world, and it would also help him level up his Bookworm skill. The more books he read, the more proficient he would become in extracting knowledge from them.
Harry exited FitFuture in the late afternoon, his muscles pleasantly sore from another intense workout. He sat at a secluded bench in the nearby park, the same spot where he'd first tried fish and chips with Celeste. He needed to check his progress and read the notifications waiting for him.
"Status," he said, and a translucent window materialised before him.
Player Status
Name: Harry Potter
Occupation: Apprentice Mage
Level: 5 Next Level: 255
Experience Pool: (400)
Ability Points (AP): 0
Path Points: 9
Resources
HP: 260/260
MP: 334/334 [394]
SP: 98/491
Attributes
STR: 20
AGI: 21
VIT: 26
END: 18
MAG: 17
INT: 10
WIL: 14
PER: 10
DEF: 4 [ Equipment] 9
Occupation: Apprentice Mage: +1 to MAG per level, 25% increased efficiency and potency for all elementary spells/skills.
Titles
Charismatic Gamer: Your magnetic personality and charming presence have a positive influence on those around you. This may lead to new opportunities and favourable interactions in the future.
?: +1 to WIL per level, 50% effectiveness towards ?
Accelerated Growth: Reduces the amount of experience required after level 10.
Burdens
?: Decreases total MP by 15%.
He'd made significant gains in his physical attributes. The hours of training at FitFuture were paying off, but it was already starting to slow down. Still, it had a massive impact on his HP and Stamina. The increase in the latter allowed him to go longer without having to stop without taking a break. Even though learning the Cooking skill helped to resolve this issue.
He hadn't bothered to level up yet, as he wanted to keep his level the lowest it could be for the next dungeon. In the settings, he had set the dungeon level to dynamic, which meant all subsequent dungeons would change to match his level. He did this so he could always earn the maximum amount of experience points. He could always change it later if things became too difficult.
Celeste was still level four. Once they discovered the next dungeon, they could determine what requirements they needed to meet to enter.
"Not bad, Potter," Celeste said, peering at the screen. "You might be able to lift me soon without breaking a sweat."
Harry rolled his eyes. "You weigh about as much as a feather, Celeste."
He opened his notifications next.
Congratulations! You have learned the Swimming skill!
Congratulations! You have unlocked the "Athletics" Primer by acquiring six related skills! All skills will be combined into one, with all the associated benefits!
Athletics [Primer] | Active/Passive| Level: 1 | Upgrade: Natural Growth | Attribute: STR/AGI/VIT/END | Cost: 14/Min
Description: This advanced Primer combines and amplifies your physical training skills, creating a powerful synergistic effect that dramatically enhances overall physical performance and adaptability.
*30% effectiveness for all related skills.
*Increases chances to gain physical attributes during training by 30%.
*Improves physical skill learning speed by 20%.
*Once per day, instantly restore Stamina and gain a 50% boost to all physical attributes for 5 minutes.
*This Primer will continue to incorporate related physical skills as they are learnt, expanding its versatility.
Included Skills:
Running, Yoga, Weight Training, Rock Climbing, and Swimming.
Harry's jaw dropped. This was beyond anything he'd expected. It was not the fact that he earned the Primer that surprised him, but how it manifested. He misunderstood what Primers were on a fundamental level. Instead of being a group of separate skills, they combined all the related ones together. This meant any physical skill governed by it would benefit from it and increase its level to improve it further.
"Celeste, are you seeing this?" Harry asked.
The fairy zipped around the floating window. "By the shadows, Harry! This is incredible!"
Harry nodded. "All the training over the last two weeks was worth it."
He moved on to the next notification.
Quest Completed: Primed for the Big Time
Congratulations! You have completed the quest by unlocking the "Athletics" Primer. Rewards: 500 XP, 2 Path Points. =
He hadn't been actively trying to complete that quest, focusing instead on his physical training. Yet somehow, he'd managed to fulfil the requirements to complete it.
Originally, the quest had been about unlocking the stealth-operative Primer. But it turned out that any Primer was good enough to complete the quest. But he still needed to unlock Stealth Operative, or else he would lose out on its benefits. He still needed to learn two stealth skills to unlock it, but it wasn't a priority.
Harry clenched his fists. He could feel the difference in his body—the increased strength and endurance. And now, with this Primer, his growth potential would continue. The progress would have been impossible for a normal person. He didn't know how he compared to a peak physical athlete, but he imagined he would be able to surpass them one day.
He leaned back on the bench, running a hand through his hair as the full implications sank in. "All that training over the last two weeks... I thought I was just working on individual skills. But I was laying the groundwork for this."
Celeste nodded enthusiastically. "And think about it—this is just the beginning! Who knows how powerful this could become as you keep learning new skills?"
"You're right. This changes everything. We need to revise our training plan and explore new physical disciplines."
"Ooh, maybe we could try parkour next!" Celeste suggested.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves."
The aroma of sizzling spices and roasting vegetables filled Harry's magical tent, transforming the compact kitchen into a culinary haven. He stood over the stove, expertly flipping a pan of stir-fried vegetables while simultaneously checking on a simmering pot of curry. The past few weeks had seen a marked improvement in his cooking skills, far beyond what years of cooking for the Dursleys had taught him.
As he plated the meal, arranging the colourful stir fry beside a mound of fluffy rice and a generous helping of curry, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. He set the table, complete with a tiny plate for Celeste, before settling into a chair and summoning his skill menu.
Cooking | Active | Level 2 | Upgrade: 12/50 | Attribute: INT/VIT | Cost: -
Description: This skill enhances the player's ability to prepare food, improving taste, nutritional value, and beneficial effects. As the skill level increases, the cook gains an intuitive understanding of flavours, textures, and the hidden properties of ingredients to improve them further.
*Increases the beneficial effects by 25%.
*Increases the quality of prepared meals by 25%.
*Reduces ingredient waste by 20%.
*INT 20: Unlocks the ability to create recipes with specific magical properties.
*Upgrade to level 3 by preparing 50 more unique dishes.
Harry nodded, satisfied with his progress. While he couldn't examine the meals directly, he'd begun keeping meticulous notes on their effects.
He ate the meal with relish and then immediately checked his status to see the effects.
He reached for a leather-bound book on the counter, flipping it open to a fresh page.
"Vegetable Curry Stir-Fry," he murmured as he wrote. "Effects: Restores 15% SP, grants 5 to VIT for 1 hour. Should be able to improve on the quality."
He'd discovered that different combinations of ingredients and cooking methods could produce a variety of effects. Some meals restored his resources, while others provided temporary buffs to his attributes or skills.
A purple blur shot through the tent flap. Celeste zoomed into the kitchen, her tiny face flushed with excitement.
"Harry! Harry! You won't believe what I just saw on the telly!" she exclaimed.
Harry raised an eyebrow, setting down his fork. "Calm down, Celeste. What's got you so worked up?"
The fairy took a deep breath, settling onto the table. "There was a news report about a forest north of Greater Whinging. The trees are dying, the animals are fleeing, and no one can figure out why!"
Harry's eyes widened, his mind immediately jumping to the implications. "Environmental corruption," he muttered. "It could be a dungeon."
Celeste nodded. "That's what I thought too! We should check it out after dinner."
Harry glanced at his watch. It was already getting late, but the possibility of finding another dungeon was too enticing to ignore. "Alright. Hurry up and finish your meal."
They ate quickly and then set out into the growing twilight.
The forest in question was about an hour's walk from Privet Drive. As they approached, Harry could immediately sense something was off. The outer trees stood bare and lifeless, their branches reaching towards the sky like skeletal fingers. Leaves and underbrush that should have been lush and green in the height of summer had withered and retreated, leaving the ground barren and grey.
Harry slowed his pace, eyes darting from tree to tree, searching for any sign of movement or life. "Do you see that, Celeste?"
The fairy, perched on his shoulder, was unnaturally still. "I see it, Harry," she murmured, her tiny voice tight with concern. "It's like the forest is... sick. No, more than sick. It's like it's... dying."
Harry nodded grimly. "This has to be it. The dungeon entrance must be nearby. We just need to find it."
They stepped into the forest.
So, what do you think? In the next chapter, Harry and Celeste start exploring the next dungeon.
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Thanks for reading.