Chapter 6 – Hidden Menus and Hogwarts Loading
"If the game is changing the rules… maybe I should start writing them."
—
Harry sat cross-legged on the floor of the cupboard, wand in hand, scroll open beside him.
The System pulsed faintly in the air above him, flickering like a waiting cursor.
His hand shook. Not from fear — from focus.
The scroll had simple instructions: Focus your will. Picture light. Say the word.
He did.
"Lumos."
A soft spark, barely brighter than a match, blinked at the wand's tip.
But the System exploded.
[Spell Learned: Lumos]
Skill Gained: Spellcasting Lv. 1
XP Gained: +4 (First-Time Cast + Pain-for-Gain Bonus)
Lumos – Cost: 2 MP/sec | Output: Basic Light | Duration: Channel
[Side Quest Complete: Learn a Spell]
+1 INT
+Magical Theory XP (3)
New Feature Unlocked: Spell List
A new menu tab slid into view — clean, utilitarian, humming with potential.
[SPELL LIST – 1/∞]
- Lumos (Active)
- Notes: Light intensity may scale with Wand Quality and INT
- Modifiers: Adaptive Magic Path applies – Bonus XP on Creative Use
Harry leaned back against the wood, heart thudding with satisfaction.
He wasn't just in the magical world now.
He was building his own spellbook.
—
He scrolled through his stats again, just to see if the System would show him more.
It did.
A faded tab blinked into existence:
[Reputation – Factions / Individuals]
He tapped it.
[Faction: Hogwarts] – Status: Watched (Neutral)
Your choices have drawn curiosity from the institution. No penalties.
Unique Quests: Available Soon
[Faction: Gringotts] – Status: Uneasy Respect
Observed behavior: Cautious, Informed, Disciplined
Perk Progress: Vault Etiquette +1%
[Faction: Diagon Alley Vendors] – Status: Unknown Potential
Some vendors have marked you as observant. Influence locked until Level 3.
There were others too — grayed out.
- [Ministry of Magic] – Hidden
- [Order of the Phoenix] – Locked
- [???] – ???
It felt like discovering the political board in a game he hadn't even started yet.
He had power now — not much, but something. Enough that eyes were turning toward him.
And he'd only just begun.
—
Hagrid had returned, arms laden with books, robes, parchment rolls, and a battered, second-hand trunk.
"Got yeh all sorted now," he said. "S'nothin' fancy. But it'll hold yer things."
Harry touched the trunk — the System pulsed.
[Item Acquired: Trunk – Common (Expandable)]
New System Unlocked: Equipment / Gear Slots
Current Storage: 10 Slots (Upgrade Possible)
Equippable Detected: School Robes (No Buffs)
Key Feature: Wand Slot (Active Quickdraw Enabled)
His hands hovered over the robes.
Worn fabric. Faded black. The hem was frayed.
But when he put them on, the System acknowledged the change.
[Gear Equipped: Robes – Common (No Buff)]
Appearance Updated – Faction Recognition Active
Cosmetic Modifier: Wizarding Student (Unranked)
It wasn't armor. Not yet.
But it was a system slot. That meant potential.
He could already imagine enchanted cloaks, stat-boosted boots, rings that enhanced magic… it was coming.
Sooner than Hogwarts would be ready for.
—
Platform 9¾ wasn't visible yet.
September 1st still hovered a week away.
But Harry was ready to leave. Not emotionally. Systemically.
Hagrid dropped him off at the Dursleys with a final nod. "Keep yer wand close."
Harry entered the house with his head down and trunk rolling behind him — and the System dimmed.
As if the real game hadn't started yet.
But one final message blinked across his vision before sleep took him:
[Main Quest Ready: Board the Hogwarts Express]
Time Remaining: 6 Days
Warning: Optional Event – Stealth Entry Available
Stealth Rating Required: 3
Current Rating: 2
Hint: One more level may change everything…
Harry stared at the number.
Then at the countdown.
Then at his wand.
He had six days to reach Level 3.
The grind was real.
And the train to Hogwarts was waiting.
—
End of Chapter 6.