Harry woke to sunlight streaming through the dormitory windows and the sound of Ron snoring loudly in the next bed. His internal clock—sharpened by his enhanced stats—told him it was 6:30 AM.
[New Day Bonus: Full HP/MP Restored][Well Rested Buff: +10% XP gain for 8 hours][Founder's Legacy Active: +5% to all stats while in Hogwarts]
Rather than wake his roommates, Harry quietly used the bathroom, dressed in his school robes (with the protective vest underneath), and headed down to the common room. It was empty except for a few seventh-years cramming for their N.E.W.T.s.
Harry pulled out his timetable that had been left on his bedside table:
MONDAY:
9:00 - Transfiguration (with Slytherin) 11:00 - Charms (with Ravenclaw) 1:00 - Lunch 2:00 - History of Magic (with Hufflepuff)
TUESDAY:
9:00 - Defense Against the Dark Arts (with Slytherin) 11:00 - Herbology (with Hufflepuff) 2:00 - Astronomy (Evening class at midnight)
WEDNESDAY:
9:00 - Potions (Double period with Slytherin) 1:00 - Free Period 2:00 - Flying Lessons (with Slytherin)
THURSDAY:
9:00 - Transfiguration (with Ravenclaw) 11:00 - Defense Against the Dark Arts (with Hufflepuff) 2:00 - Charms (with Slytherin)
FRIDAY:
9:00 - Herbology (with Ravenclaw) 11:00 - History of Magic (with Slytherin) 2:00 - Potions (with Ravenclaw)
He had two hours before breakfast. Time to be productive.
Harry retrieved the Marauder's Map from his Inventory. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."
The map bloomed to life, showing every corridor, room, and person in Hogwarts. He could see his own name in Gryffindor Tower, the few early risers scattered throughout the castle, and—his eyes narrowed—Professor Quirrell pacing in his office on the third floor, very close to the restricted corridor.
Interesting, Harry thought. He filed that away for later investigation.
He spent the next hour exploring the castle using the map as a guide, his Founder's Legacy skill helping him memorize the layout instinctively. Hogwarts seemed to respond to him—staircases staying still when he needed them, doors unlocking at his approach, even the portraits greeting him more warmly than they did other students.
[Skill Gained: Hogwarts Navigation - Level 3][You now navigate the castle with expert ease]
At 7:30, Harry headed to the Great Hall for breakfast. The four house tables were filling up with students, and food was already appearing—eggs, bacon, toast, porridge, kippers, and more.
Harry sat at the Gryffindor table and began eating methodically. His enhanced VIT meant he needed substantial nutrition to maintain his physical condition.
"Morning, Harry!" The Weasley twins plopped down across from him.
"Fred, George," Harry greeted. "Good morning."
"He knows which is which!" Fred exclaimed in mock amazement.
"That never happens on the first try!" George added.
Harry smiled. His [Observe] skill made it easy—Fred had a small scar above his left eyebrow that George lacked. "Lucky guess."
Hermione arrived, looking stressed and carrying several thick books. "Have you studied for our first classes? I've been up since five reviewing Transfiguration theory and—"
"Hermione," Harry interrupted gently. "We're fifteen, not five. The professors don't expect us to know everything on day one. That's why we're here—to learn."
She blinked. "But what if I fall behind? What if—"
"You won't. You've already read all the textbooks. You're probably more prepared than some second-years." Harry's enhanced CHA helped him phrase it reassuringly. "Relax. You'll do brilliantly."
[Relationship: Hermione Granger 35/100 → 42/100 - Appreciates reassurance]
Ron stumbled in looking half-asleep, followed by Neville who seemed nervous. They ate quickly, then Harry led their group toward the Transfiguration classroom.
Professor McGonagall's classroom was already filling with students. Harry noticed Daphne and Draco sitting together on the Slytherin side. Daphne caught his eye and nodded in greeting.
Right at 9:00, Professor McGonagall transformed from a tabby cat sitting on her desk into her human form. Several students gasped.
[Skill Observed: Animagus Transformation - Expert Level][Note: Requires years of study and Ministry registration]
"Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts," McGonagall said crisply. "Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned."
She turned her desk into a pig and back again, demonstrating the basic principle. Then she gave them each a match and told them to try turning it into a needle.
Harry focused on his match, his enhanced INT helping him visualize the transformation clearly. He channeled his magic through his holly wand, picturing the match's molecular structure shifting, the wood becoming metal, the shape elongating and thinning...
[Attempting Transfiguration: Match to Needle][INT Check: 29 - SUCCESS][WIS Check: 36 - PERFECT EXECUTION]
The match shimmered and transformed into a perfect silver needle.
[Skill Gained: Transfiguration - Level 2][Achievement Unlocked: First-Try Success][+100 XP]
"Excellent work, Mr. Potter!" McGonagall's stern face showed approval. "Ten points to Gryffindor. A perfect transfiguration on your first attempt is quite remarkable."
Around the room, other students stared. Hermione had managed to make her match pointy and silver, but it was still clearly wood. Draco had gotten his match to turn metallic but not change shape. Most others hadn't managed anything.
"How did you do that?" Hermione whispered, frustrated.
"Visualization," Harry explained quietly. "I imagined exactly what I wanted the match to become—every detail. Then I let my magic make it real."
[Teaching others improves your own understanding][Transfiguration Level 2 → Level 3]
By the end of class, Hermione had successfully created a needle (earning five points), and several others had made partial progress. Harry had moved on to transfiguring the needle into a pin, then back to a match, practicing control.
[Relationship: Minerva McGonagall 40/100 → 52/100 - Impressed by your talent and dedication]
Next was Charms with Professor Flitwick, a tiny wizard who had to stand on a pile of books to see over his desk. When he called roll and reached Harry's name, he squeaked excitedly and fell off his books.
[Professor Filius Flitwick][Level: 64][Title: Charms Master, Former Dueling Champion, Head of Ravenclaw][Description: Half-goblin wizard. Brilliant at Charms. Kind and enthusiastic teacher. Will nurture talent when he sees it.]
They were learning the Levitation Charm—Wingardium Leviosa. Flitwick demonstrated by making a feather float gracefully around the room.
"Now, don't forget that nice wrist movement we've been practicing!" he squeaked. "Swish and flick, remember, swish and flick. And saying the magic words properly is very important—never forget Wizard Baruffio, who said 's' instead of 'f' and found himself on the floor with a buffalo on his chest."
Harry had already practiced this charm on the train with Draco. He performed it effortlessly, making his feather rise smoothly and dance through the air under his control.
[Skill: Levitation Charm Level 4 → Level 6]
"Wonderful, Mr. Potter! Wonderful!" Flitwick clapped his hands. "Ten points to Gryffindor! You have a natural talent for Charms!"
Across the room, Hermione was furiously practicing, her feather wobbling but not lifting. Ron was waving his wand erratically and hitting Seamus in the face.
"Here," Harry said to Hermione. "You're too tense. The wrist movement should be fluid, not stiff. Like this—" He demonstrated slowly. "Swish and flick. Natural, like you're conducting music."
Hermione tried again with the correction, and her feather shot upward so fast it hit the ceiling.
"Ah! Miss Granger, excellent! Another ten points to Gryffindor!" Flitwick beamed.
[Relationship: Hermione Granger 42/100 → 50/100 - Grateful for your help and patience][Relationship: Filius Flitwick 30/100 → 55/100 - Delighted by your talent and teaching nature]
History of Magic with Professor Binns was exactly as boring as described—a ghost droning on about goblin rebellions while students struggled to stay awake. Harry used the time productively, using his Auto-Read function to absorb the textbook while taking notes for appearances.
[Book Absorbed: A History of Magic - First Year Content][+1 INT, +1 WIS][Skill Gained: Magical History - Level 2]
That evening, after dinner, Harry retreated to a quiet corner of the library. He had several goals for his first week:
Master all first-year spells quickly Start on second-year material Investigate Quirrell discreetly Build relationships with key allies Begin physical training to complement magical study
He pulled out his purchased Advanced Spellcasting texts and began reading systematically. His enhanced INT made comprehension easy, and the Founder's Legacy bonus accelerated his learning.
[Auto-Reading: Advanced Charms Theory][Estimated completion: 2 hours]
"Harry?"
He looked up to see Daphne Greengrass standing near his table, carrying her own stack of books.
"Daphne. Please, sit."
She sat gracefully across from him. "I wanted to congratulate you on your performance in Transfiguration today. McGonagall doesn't praise students lightly."
"Thank you. You did well yourself—your match transformation was nearly perfect."
"Nearly isn't good enough for my family's standards." She said it matter-of-factly, not bitterly. "But I appreciate the sentiment. I also wanted to discuss our arrangement."
"The political alliance?"
"Yes. I've been gathering information as promised." She pulled out a small notebook. "Several things you should know: First, there's considerable interest in your friendship choices. You've been seen with Draco Malfoy, which surprises people given his father's reputation. Second, Dumbledore has been asking subtle questions about you to various professors. Third, Professor Snape has been heard complaining about 'arrogant Potters' in the staff room."
Harry absorbed this information. "Thank you. That's useful. What do you need from me in return?"
"For now? Simply continue being yourself. Your balanced approach—befriending students from all houses, excelling academically, avoiding political extremes—actually helps my family's neutrality stance. You're proving that cooperation between houses is possible."
[Relationship: Daphne Greengrass 48/100 → 55/100 - Values your integrity]
They studied together for the next hour. Daphne was brilliant, her insights into magical theory sharp and practical. Harry found himself enjoying her company—beneath the cool facade was a genuinely interesting person.
When she finally left to return to the Slytherin dungeons, Harry felt pleased with the progress. His alliance with Daphne was developing into genuine friendship.
[Quest Update: Build Relationships][Daphne Greengrass: Strong Foundation Established]
The next morning brought their first Defense Against the Dark Arts class with Professor Quirrell.
Harry entered the classroom warily, his protective amulet warm against his chest—it was reacting to the dark presence in the room. The classroom smelled strongly of garlic, which Quirrell claimed kept away vampires he'd met in Romania.
[Garlic Smell Detected][Analysis: Attempting to mask the scent of dark magic][Your Ancient Magic perception can sense the corruption beneath]
Quirrell himself was a stammering, nervous wreck, his turban wrapped tightly around his head. Every time he faced away from the class, Harry's Ancient Magic sight showed the twisted darkness on the back of his skull—Voldemort's presence.
"G-good morning, c-class," Quirrell stuttered. "T-today we'll b-be discussing d-dark creatures..."
The lesson was terrible. Quirrell could barely string sentences together, and when students asked questions, he seemed terrified of his own subject. But Harry watched carefully, using [Observe]:
[Professor Quirrell - Host Body][STATUS: Possessed, Weakened, Fearful][Hidden Entity: Active, Watching, Hungry][Note: The entity is dormant during classes but aware. It's conserving energy.]
When Quirrell's turban was turned toward Harry, he felt his scar prickle painfully.
[WARNING: Dark Magic Detection][Your scar is resonating with Voldemort's presence][HP: 450/450 - No damage, just discomfort]
Harry kept his expression neutral despite the pain, not wanting to alert Voldemort that he'd noticed anything unusual.
[Quest Update: Investigate Quirrell Discreetly][Information Gathered: Quirrell is definitely possessed, entity is aware during classes but conserving strength, your scar reacts to proximity]
Wednesday brought double Potions in the dungeons—the class Harry had been simultaneously anticipating and dreading.
Professor Snape started the class with a dramatic entrance, his black robes billowing behind him. He spoke in barely more than a whisper, yet everyone caught every word.
"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making," he began. "As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses..."
Harry listened carefully. Beneath the theatrical delivery, Snape was actually describing the genuine artistry of potions. His enhanced INT appreciated the complexity.
"Potter!" Snape said suddenly. "What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
Harry's Auto-Read function had absorbed the potions textbook days ago. "Draught of Living Death, sir. A powerful sleeping potion."
Snape's eyes narrowed. "And where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"
"The stomach of a goat, sir. It's a universal antidote to most poisons."
"What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"
"They're the same plant, sir. Also called aconite. Highly poisonous, used in Wolfsbane Potion to help werewolves."
Snape's expression was sour, clearly disappointed he couldn't catch Harry in ignorance. "It appears," he said coldly, "that fame clearly isn't everything. But let's see how you handle practical work. We'll be brewing a simple cure for boils. Instructions on the board. Begin."
Harry read the instructions carefully:
Cure for Boils:
Dried nettles Crushed snake fangs (add slowly) Stewed horned slugs Porcupine quills (add AFTER removing from heat)
His enhanced INT and the potion knowledge he'd absorbed made the process clear. He prepared his ingredients with precision, his VIT-enhanced hand steadiness ensuring perfect knife work.
[Attempting Potion: Cure for Boils][INT Check: 30 - SUCCESS][DEX Check: 19 - GOOD][Following instructions precisely...]
Harry worked methodically, ignoring Snape's looming presence. He added ingredients at the exact right moments, stirred the specified number of times, and carefully removed his cauldron from the flame before adding porcupine quills.
His potion turned the perfect pink color described in the textbook.
[Potion Complete: Cure for Boils - PERFECT QUALITY][Skill Gained: Potion-Making - Level 3][Achievement: Perfect First Potion][+150 XP]
Across the dungeon, Neville's cauldron exploded, covering him and Seamus in angry red boils. Snape vanished the mess with a wave of his wand and deducted five points from Gryffindor for Neville's "idiocy."
Snape stalked to Harry's cauldron and stared at the perfect pink potion. His face twisted into a scowl.
"Acceptable," he said coldly, clearly pained to admit it. "Though I'm certain you had help somehow."
Harry met his eyes calmly. "No help, sir. Just careful reading and precise execution. As you said—potions is an exact art."
[CHA Check Passed: Respectful but firm][Relationship: Severus Snape -35/100 → -30/100 - Grudging respect for competence, still biased]
Snape swept away without another word, but Harry noticed he didn't deduct points or make further accusations. That was probably the best he could hope for.
After Potions, Harry had a free period. He headed to the library again, this time pulling out his Occlumency books. If Voldemort was in the castle, Harry needed mental defenses.
[Book: Occlumency for Beginners][Would you like to Auto-Read? WARNING: This skill requires practice, not just knowledge][YES/NO]
Harry selected YES, then spent the hour practicing the meditation exercises described. Occlumency required clearing the mind, building mental walls, and hiding thoughts.
[Skill Gained: Occlumency - Level 1][Effect: +5% resistance to mental intrusion, +2 WIS][Note: This skill must be actively practiced to improve]
That evening, Harry sought out Cassandra Vole in the library. She was sitting in the Restricted Section (somehow having gained access already), reading a book on defensive curses.
"Cass," he greeted quietly.
She looked up, a slight smile on her face. "Harry. Come to join me in technically prohibited research?"
"Something like that. I wanted to ask—have you noticed anything unusual about Professor Quirrell?"
Her eyes sharpened immediately. "Beyond the obvious? His excessive fear, the garlic smell, the way he flinches whenever someone mentions Voldemort's name?" She leaned forward. "Or do you mean the dark magic radiating from his turban that most people can't sense?"
Harry's estimation of her increased significantly. "You can sense it?"
"I'm naturally sensitive to dark magic—family trait. Most people chalk it up to nerves or eccentricity, but that man is hiding something dangerous." She studied Harry carefully. "Why? What have you noticed?"
Harry made a decision. Cassandra valued honesty and practicality. "I think he's possessed. By something or someone very dark."
Rather than dismiss him, Cassandra nodded slowly. "That would explain the contradictions. The reports say he was competent before his 'trip' to Romania. Now he can barely teach. Possession would cause that deterioration."
"What should we do?"
"Information gathering first. We need proof before making accusations. I'll watch him during classes, note patterns in his behavior. You," she looked at him meaningfully, "should stay away from him as much as possible. If he really is possessed by something dangerous, and it notices your interest..."
"Understood."
[Relationship: Cassandra Vole 52/100 → 62/100 - Trusts you with dangerous information][Quest Update: Investigate Quirrell - Ally recruited]
The first week continued with similar patterns. Harry excelled in every class:
Herbology with Professor Sprout - Earned ten points for perfect handling of Devil's Snare Astronomy - Correctly identified all visible constellations
Flying Lessons with Madam Hooch - Natural talent on a broomstick (though he kept his Nimbus 2000 hidden for now)
By Friday evening, Harry reviewed his progress:
[WEEKLY SUMMARY]
Level: 18 → 20 (+2 from XP gained) Skills Gained: Transfiguration (Lv.3), Charms (Lv.6), Potions (Lv.3), Occlumency (Lv.1), Herbology (Lv.2), Flying (Lv.4) House Points Earned: 65 for Gryffindor (most by any first-year) Relationships Improved: McGonagall, Flitwick, Daphne, Cassandra, Hermione Quest Progress: Investigating Quirrell/Stone protection
Current Stats:
STR: 16 VIT: 18 DEX: 19 INT: 32 (+2 from reading) WIS: 39 (+3 from experience and Occlumency) CHA: 26 LUCK: 17
Notable Achievements:
Perfect score in every class Established study group with Hermione, Neville, and Ron Maintained alliance with Daphne and Cassandra No negative incidents with Snape (minor miracle) Successfully avoiding Dumbledore's attention while excelling
On Saturday morning, Harry was in the common room helping Neville with Transfiguration when the Weasley twins approached.
"Harry, my man!" Fred started. "We've been discussing," George continued. "And we think you're wasted—" "—absolutely wasted—" "—not playing Quidditch!"
Harry smiled. "I appreciate that, but first-years aren't allowed on house teams."
"Normally no," Fred agreed. "But there's precedent!" George added. "And you're a natural flyer!" "Plus, we need a new Seeker—" "—Charlie graduated last year."
"I'll think about it," Harry said diplomatically. In truth, he'd love to play Quidditch, but he had more important priorities. "Let me get through my first month of classes first."
That afternoon, Harry decided to explore the castle further using his Marauder's Map. He wanted to familiarize himself with the secret passages before attempting anything risky like investigating the third-floor corridor.
He was walking through a lesser-used hallway when he encountered a ghost he hadn't met yet—a beautiful young woman with floor-length hair and a sorrowful expression.
[The Grey Lady - Helena Ravenclaw][Ghost - Ravenclaw House][Level: N/A (Spirit)][Special Note: Daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw, knows secrets of Hogwarts]
"Good afternoon," Harry said politely.
The ghost looked surprised that he'd addressed her. "Good afternoon, young man. You're Harry Potter, aren't you? The new Gryffindor who's been earning points in every class."
"News travels fast. I'm just trying to do well."
"You remind me of someone," she said thoughtfully. "A student from centuries past who also had a gift for Ancient Magic. He saved Hogwarts once, you know."
Harry's interest sharpened. "The student from the 1890s? I've read about that incident."
"You're well-informed. Yes, that one. He had the same look in his eyes that you do—determination mixed with caution." She studied him. "Be careful, Harry Potter. This castle holds many secrets, not all of them safe."
"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Lady Helena."
She smiled, surprised by the respectful address. "It's been a long time since anyone called me that. You may seek me out if you need guidance about Hogwarts' history, young Potter. I know more than most."
[Relationship: Helena Ravenclaw (Grey Lady) 0/100 → 40/100 - Appreciates your respect and intelligence][New Source of Information Unlocked]
After his conversation with the Grey Lady, Harry returned to the common room where he found Neville still struggling with his Transfiguration homework.
"Here, Neville," Harry said, sitting beside him. "Let me help you with that visualization technique..."
He spent the next hour helping Neville, Ron, and a few other first-years with their homework. His teaching helped reinforce his own understanding.
[Teaching others improves your skills][Transfiguration Level 3 → Level 4][Relationship: Neville Longbottom 40/100 → 52/100 - Deeply grateful for patience and help]
[ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: Heart of the Lion][All three love interests have positive impressions of you][Reward: +3 CHA, +100 XP, Relationship gains with all three boosted by 10%]
As Ginny left the library with renewed confidence, Harry felt satisfied. His first week at Hogwarts had been incredibly productive.
But as he gathered his books, his scar prickled. He looked up to see Professor Quirrell watching him from across the library, his expression unreadable beneath his turban.
Their eyes met for a long moment before Quirrell turned and hurried away.
[WARNING: You have been noticed][Quirrell/Voldemort is now aware of your unusual competence][Exercise extreme caution]
Harry's hand instinctively went to the portkey in his pocket. The game was getting dangerous.
But he was ready.
[Chapter 7 END]