Author's Notes: I've something very important to say before we start... Tron? Really? To quote the Simpsons Treehouse of Horror Episode 3D Homer, "Did anyone see the movie Tron?" No. The answer was definitely not Tron. I'm Canadian and I was born in 1990 and grew up in 90s. That was a quote from the popular 3D Canadian series Reboot, Episode Game Over of the original series. Not that dumpster fire they dropped on us a couple of years ago that I've since repressed. No one cares about the humans!

Kudos to Vilkath and DiveLord for getting it right. Have a bunch of cookies!

In addition, I'm taking some liberties with some characters. As such, certain events and character portrayals in Fantastic Beasts – which were controversial and a far cry from the quality given to us by the original seven books! - will be played with and won't follow what was released on screen.

Anyway, on with the chapter!

Chapter 4: Just One of those Days

Throughout the neighbourhood of Little Whinging many would see a small young boy running as quick as his small little body could despite how cool the air was. Harry Potter was covered in sweat and his progress stunted by the baggy clothes he wore. Despite being tightened up as best as they could, the clothes were still too many sizes too big for him and threatened to fall off him when he ran. Often did Harry's focus shift to trying to keep them, impeding him from performing at his best and causing him to have a poor form whenever he did the exercises.

"Come on. Just a little further!" seeing the goal in sight, Harry pushed himself and ran as though a pack of hungry hounds were snapping at his heels. But as Harry climbed up the final step did the boy trip and end up flat on his face.

|Quest Completed|

Basic Daily Exercise (Running)

Main Quest: Arrive to the Library Center in under forty minutes (Accomplished)

Side Quest: Arriving at Library Center every five minutes earlier or more will increase EXP earned (Accomplished)

Total Rewards Earned

250 Exp + 100 +100 (450 * 35%) = 607.5 Exp

|Congratulations! A special skill has been created through a special act!|

|Due to continuously pushing yourself in order to move faster, the active skill |Sprint| has been created!|

|Sprint. Lv1. Next Lv 0%/100%. Skill Modifier: DEX [D], END [E] Mastering Speed: C| A skill that allows you to run more quickly for a short period of time. Unfortunately, despite the benefits it grants, repetitive use along with its current level and if possessing low endurance will cause a noticeable increase in fatigue levels. STA Cost: 40 Per Use

* Increases movement speed by 11% + Modifier + Perks = 52%

* Duration: 3 Seconds + Modifier = 7.5 Seconds

|Congratulations!|

|Your level has gone up by one!|

Status Window

Name: Harry James Potter

Job: N/A

Level: 8 Next Level: 537.3/5400

HP: 400 + [25] ~ 425

STA: 500 + [25] ~ 525

MP: 675 + [50] ~ 725

STR: 16 + [1] ~ 17

VIT: 16 + [1] ~ 17

DEX: 33 + [1] ~ 34

END: 20 + [1] ~ 21

INT: 24 + [1] ~ 25

WIS: 23 + [1] ~ 24

CHA: 17 + [1] ~ 18

SPI: 27 + [2] ~ 29

LUK: ? + [1] ~ ?

Attribute Points: 20 + [3] = 23

"Bloody well worth it," Harry thought but then began to worry when his vision was nothing more than a blur, "Oh, no."

Harry found the occurrences to be quite strange whenever they occurred. How the messages he saw could be clear as day even if he didn't wear his glasses but then the world would shift into a hazy fog when they disappeared.

"You alright there, mate? Nasty fall that," Harry heard the familiar voice of the security guard, "Here. Saw this fall off your head."

"Thanks, Sean," Harry appreciated the gesture and sighed in relief when the world righted itself, "Working the holidays again?"

"Fortunately, no. My wife's folks are in town this year and I managed to get time off. I'm done in an hour and then off for the next little bit. You'd better enjoy the library while you can, Harry. I heard it's going to close a bit earlier this year so some minor renovations can be done," the man informed him.

"Renovations?" the news confused and unnerved the boy.

"Very last minute apparently. Some of the pipes weren't put in properly and have already started leaking. The center has to close up for the next little bit to fix them before they cause any serious problems. And since they're saying we're going to be in the minus ten range for the next bit they want it done sooner than later. Sorry, Harry. I know how much you like it here," Sean apologized.

Harry frowned but thanked the security guard for the information. It wasn't news that the young boy welcomed, unfortunately. Not only was it going to be cold, or at least much colder than usual for the holidays in these parts, but five days had passed since Harry had finished his first dungeon, and now he and the rest of his classmates were on holiday. An upside to all this was the Dursleys spending most of their time this year-round shopping or working in Vernon's case and pretty much leaving him alone for the most part.

Aside from the daily quests that popped up, the only downside Harry believed was the fact that he didn't have much to do after completing his chores. Dungeons were an option but after what happened to him last time, Harry wanted to ensure he didn't repeat the failure that had befallen him.

(Five Days Earlier; Abandoned Mines Dungeon)

"Where I'm I?" were Harry's first thoughts as he woke up.

|You Have Died|

|Would you like to Resurrect?|

(Yes/No)

The young boy blinked and groaned loudly in exasperation. All that effort, all that fighting like his life depended on it, and it had, and he still died nonetheless. And now he was god knows where.

Granted, Harry had never really been religious, the Dursleys never bothered with religion as his uncle Vernon called it a load of rubbish and codswallop. However, even then Harry thought being dead would look a lot different than this.

Heck, being dead – though not really dead, mind you – felt very weird to Harry. He could feel his body, feel himself flexing his arms, clenching his hands, and curling his toes but despite seeing nothing but white all around him and the floating text box, Harry might as well have been standing in a darkened room.

Regardless of the sensations in his limbs, and looking around in a circle like a dog chasing its tail, Harry quickly realized that he wasn't going to get anywhere fast in his current situation and knew what he had to do.

"Back to square one," Harry thought and exhaled a sigh and said 'yes'. The only saving grace Harry noted was that this time round he knew what to expect and had some items with him to make things easier.

|How would you like to Resurrect?|

|Sacrifice Unique Soul Shard?|

(Yes/No)

|Use Natural Dungeon Respawn?|

(Yes/No)

"Unique Soul Shard? When did I get that?" did he take down the dungeon boss with him and that was one of its drops? Pretty rare considering but not unheard of either. However, Harry wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth and had no desire of losing everything he had earned up until now.

"Sacrifice Unique Soul Shard," Harry stated and was greeted by another text box.

|Warning! Sacrificing the Unique Soul Shard is irreversible!|

|Do you wish to continue?|

(Yes/No)

After seeing that message, Harry thought about it for a bit before giving his answer once more, "Yes."

No sooner had the word left his lips did Harry feel a headrush unlike any other; his vision flashing white and then all of a sudden did Harry find himself back in the mine dungeon, and flooded with floating messages.

|Congratulations! You have conquered the dungeon [Abandoned Mines]!|

|Congratulations! You have completed the challenge [Back from the Dead]!|

|You have gained 1000 EXP!

|As a result of sacrificing the [Unique Soul Shard| you have gained/awakened the following:|

|+5 to all Attributes, 20 AP, 1 SPP, Parseltongue Language Skill (Student), Parseltongue Magic Skill (Student), Darkslayer Title (Student), Dark Arts Affinity: Basic Rank|

|As a result of dying below level ten, Tutorial Mode has been activated!|

"Ah! Stop!" Harry shouted. The suddenness and large influx of information too much for Harry to deal with at once. It was giving him a headache and the unexpectedness of it was throwing him off, too.

Looking around and seeing no dungeon boss and the lack of fireballs being fling at him, Harry breathed a sigh of relief when he concluded that he had taken Ripclaw down with him.

With the area safe, Harry was free to look at the messages, organizing each one and going over them to figure out what it was they were telling him, "Conquered the dungeon, easy enough to figure out. Completed a challenge, look into that later," Harry also ignored the experience gain message, too, "What's this about me gaining skills?"

|Parseltongue Language Skill|

Parseltongue, an ancient magical dialect that allows one to communicate with snakes and other serpent-like creatures as well as understand them. Various cultures have their own version of the skill and depending on the area of origin the skill can either be revered or despised due to the actions performed by those throughout that region's history.

Special Note: Your current level only allows you to speak and understand the language of serpents orally. You currently cannot read or write in Parseltongue in your own dialect, nor read, write or converse with other Parseltongue Skill users of another dialect.

|Parseltongue Magic Skill|

Magic derived from the ancient magical dialect that allows one to communicate with snakes and other serpent-like creatures as well as understand them. The skill not only allows you charm and control serpents but use the language to cast spells unique to it alone.

Special Note: Your current level only allows you to control mundane snakes and magical snakes of X classification as well as cast minor student level spells unique to the Parseltongue language.

Affinity

An affinity is a perk granted to one that allows them to perform certain skills much more easily than others. An affinity is either gained over time through countless hours of practice, granted by an item, hereditary, or one is simply born with a knack for it.

"Makes sense," Harry noted, not bothering with the Darkslayer Title as it was pretty straight forward. He gained a boon over apparition related monsters. Tutorial Mode, however, while he had an inkling, made him curious.

|Tutorial Mode|

Tutorial Mode is a temporary special perk that occurs as a result of one dying below level ten whilst in a low-level dungeon. The perk will offer assistance to the user by offering Daily Quests to improve your stats, gain basic but useful skills increasing the amount of EXP earned from monsters, quests, and increase EXP towards skills. In addition, item, AP and money received will be increased, as well as increasing the damage dealt and reduce damage taken until deemed fit, at which point the perk will disappear.

Tutorial Mode: Daily Quests [Attribute Enhancement] will occur, +25% EXP and Money Gain, +25% Chance Item Drop Increase, +25% Effectiveness, Power and EXP Increase towards [All Skills], -25% Effectiveness and Power Increase towards [All Skills] from Foes, 3-5 AP Gain per Level Up

Harry honestly didn't know how to feel when it came to Tutorial Mode. On the one hand he had something that would enable him to improve at an accelerated pace, but the video game player in him made the boy think he was being babied or having his hand held. It wasn't exactly something he cared for, but given he had also just died in a low-level dungeon on his first try, Harry guess he could use the help.

However, Harry couldn't help but be curious at how much his attributes had improved, as a result of him sacrificing the soul shard. He wasn't left disappointed when he saw all of his stats had gone up by five points, with the exception of LUK.

Status Window

Name: Harry James Potter

Job: N/A

Level: 7 Next Level: 2967/4500

HP: 375

STA: 425

MP: 675

STR: 15

VIT: 15

DEX: 31

END: 17

INT: 22

WIS: 22

CHA: 17

SPI: 27

LUK: ?

Attribute Points: 20

"YES!" Harry couldn't help himself and ignored the loud echo that resonated in the cave. While he hadn't levelled up, Harry believed this was easily the next best thing. Better even!

"Five points to each attribute and twenty for anywhere I want," coupled with the skills he got, Harry was not regretting his decision to sacrifice the soul shard. For now, the young boy decided he would save them for later. Having twenty points was amazing for one in the lower level tier.

Seeing enough for now, Harry looked around and could help the smile that threatened to split his face open. Christmas was almost a week away, but it had certainly arrived early for the young Gamer.

Key of the Mines – Rare Quality

Item Type: Important

Durability: One-Time Use

Description: A mysterious key dropped by the boss of the Mine Dungeon. Its exact purpose is currently unknown but best kept on hand just to be safe.

Special Note: Only one key per person can be held and can only be used once per individual.

Minor-Grade Soulstone of the Urd – Rare Quality

Item Type: Enhancement

Durability: One-Time Use

Description: The concentrated energies of a decently strong creature reside within this stone that are just begging to be released. Using this item will increase your attributes and allow you to choose a new skill. The skills granted by each soulstone is randomly generated but native to that particular species or a skill they use.

Buffs/Perks: +1 END, Fireball Skill [Lv 1]

Note: If the granted skill is already learned, it will instead increase by one level. Skills cannot be increased beyond their maximum level.

Soulstones

Soulstones are items that are dropped by powerful beings such as a dungeon boss and sometimes the odd rarespawn. While guaranteed to drop the first time a boss is defeated, the odds of it dropping decrease by fifteen percent until it stops dropping altogether afterwards. The drop rate for creatures that have passed every 30th mark decrease by an additional fifteen percent rate after their first defeat. These items are highly sought after as they grant the consumer a boost in their attributes along with skills, too. Soulstones differ from scrolls or books, as they allow one to bypass the required prerequisites needed for certain skills.

Soulstones come in five ranks: Minor-Grade, Advance-Grade, Master-Grade, Grandmaster-Grade, and Legendary-Grade. While Minor Soulstones are rare as they come, the higher-ranking ones are even rarer and grant even greater AP points and skills. However, the chances of coming across them are extraordinarily low and usually many would take the chance to sell these items as even those at the lowest level sell for a great amount of money.

"Oh, thank you, God," Harry's prayers had been answered, "An offensive spell," and while the Fireball Skill spell was a fairly generic one that beginning adventurers would receive, it was still a welcoming sight regardless of how general it was.

|Fireball. Lv1. Next Lv 0%/100%. Skill Modifier: SPI [E] Mastering Speed: C| A basic magical skill that allows you to conjure a ball of fire the size of a large baseball and launch it at your enemies. MP Usage: 65|

* Launches one fireball per use

* Damage: 21-27 + Modifier + Perks = 41.63 - 50.63

* Success rate to cause [Burning] status effect [11% + Modifier + Perks] +/- [(Caster Level – Victim Level) + Victim's (VIT) + Victim's Perks]

* Range: 15 Meters

Harry smiled and welcomed the sight before him. Though basic and mundane compared to most spells the perks and modifiers easily made it a strong asset for Harry to have early on.

"Oh, blast it all," grand as it was to have such as skill, Harry realized that his mana pool wasn't exactly going to enable him in performing the skill in large repetitive use. Quickly doing the math, Harry realized that his current level would only allow him to use the spell a total of ten times before he had to wait for his mana pool to refill.

"So much for abusing the heck out of it," while he could use the large amount of AP he had on tap to give himself a sizeable mana pool boost – another quick count would allow him to cast it an additional seven times – Harry was determined to keep them on hand in case of an emergency. Would it be a great boon if he did? Oh, yes. Without question the boy knew it would be. But it wasn't an emergency.

For thinki–

Harry ignored the message and focused his attention on the remaining loot before him. Unfortunately, there was only one dubbed [Ripclaw the Haughty's Pouch]. The description informed him that the drop was basically a bag of goodies that would give him a random amount of items with the maximum amount being three and one being the lowest.

Minor-Grade Healing Potion (Rare Quality)

Item Type: Recovery Item

Durability: One-Time Use

Description: An item that instantly heals one's HP. The purpose of its creation was to instantly heal the wounds of an individual but it cannot cure illnesses, fatigue, or energy levels. The potion and its improved variants were thought to be a mere myth or fabrication as few of them were ever created or seen and the methods on creating them were deemed lost. Has a bitter taste.

Buffs/Perks: Drinker Instantly Recovers 25% of HP.

Small Leather Coin Pouch – Common Quality

Item Type: Currency Holder

Durability: One-Time Use

Description: A leather bag that holds a small amount of money. The amount given is random but each bag depending on their size lies within a certain range.

Buffs/Perks: Gives £20 to £50

"Not bad," Harry was being honest. The young British boy would say what he got wasn't a great haul but what he received would certainly help him down the line. Money was always welcomed, he had so little of it, and the potion would certainly help him when in need of a quick pick me up.

Placing all the loot in his Inventory Box, Harry was happy to see that things were starting to look up for himself. He had amassed a decent amount of money – being thirty-three pounds shy of a hundred – that was more or less a fortune in Harry's opinion. And while it was nearly Christmas, the boy wasn't going to bother using it on his family. Not only would it raise questions and end with him being accused of stealing money, Harry believed it only fair given he had only ever gotten half-assed gifts such as an old sock or an extra piece of food to eat. Food he had helped prepare!

Now that he thought about, "Why do I need to go back to the Dursleys anyway?"

With his ability, Harry knew he could make a good amount of money and could leave the neglectful and hate-filled family. Though while the amount of money he had was impressive for a child, the more logical part of him knew it would take more than what he currently possessed. Stealing and pickpocketing were an option, but Harry was hesitant due to the moral ramifications involved. His pig of a cousin did it to the other students when he believed he could get away with it, and Harry didn't want to be compared to his cousin in any shape or form.

Adding to the fact that he didn't know how to do any of those things either. Though, knowing his ability, he'd most likely develop the skills through the process of trial and error. That was another downside. His skills were lacking. Skills and attributes. His perks aside, money was good but lack of proper skills and decent attributes to survive also had to be considered.

In the end, tempting as it was to do so otherwise, Harry knew he had no choice but to continue living with his "family". The money he made from the dungeon was good, but not nearly good enough to step on his own. He'd have to find dungeons that offered better rewards and a larger amount of money first before he followed through with such a plan.

"Guess that's enough for today," with it was nearing the time they expected him back and all the monsters gone there was no real point in staying in the dungeon anymore. If anything, Harry would grin and bear it for a little while longer. What was the worse thing that could happen, he thought.

(Library Center, Present)

Actually, now that Harry thought about it, the young lad had to redact his last statement. There was one major downside that had occurred that was worse than having little to do after his chores.

"Bloody aunt Marge and her little monster," Harry groused as he looked through the books, he hoped could offer some kind of skill or perk. Or at least take his mind off the fact that Marge had arrived to stay for the next little bit.

Marge Dursley was the elder sister of Vernon, and easily one of the largest women and one of the most unpleasant of people Harry ever had the displeasure of meeting. The woman's arrival had come to a surprise to everyone but Vernon. With Marge going on a trip during the holidays next week, she and Vernon had arranged for a weekly stay to make up for her absence. The woman had even brought Dudley a great deal of presents, two of which he'd be allowed to open on the last day before she left.

Harry felt he had been to the moon and back when Vernon had announced his sister wouldn't be able to spend Christmas with them. Harry's mind had gone blank due to how ecstatic he was at the time.

Then Marge had to ruin it all by showing up yesterday on what should have been a happy day. An unexpected and unwanted surprise that had Harry hoping it was a nightmare. Harry's first words had been 'Oh, bloody f-ing hell' the moment he saw the large vehicle that advertised her moustached mug and that of the sour looking mutts as well. Only one person had this car, he hoped at least, and despite it being the start of the holidays, seeing that car in the driveway had only bore ill-news to him.

The fact she brought Ripper with her was only the cherry on top. Dear god, how he hated that dog, "More of a hell hound than a dog really."

The dog's personality was as bad as its owner. Whenever Harry walked by Ripper the bulldog would growl and look ready to chase him; all because of one little accident in the past. The monster knew how to hold a grudge.

|You have found the skill book [Runecarver: Student]|

|Would you like to learn?|

(Yes/No)

"Runecarver?" not exactly a skill that Harry was hoping for if he was being honest. However, beggars couldn't be choosers and so Harry opted to see what it was all about.

|Runecarvers|

Runecarvers are linguistic practitioners of ancient and potent magical or eldritch symbols, runes, and glyphs that enable them to use them in order to induce a variety of different effects based on their meaning. Runecarvers as a result can use them to either add the properties of a spell to an object, create powerful wards or traps, or even empower themselves to achieve feats normally impossible to perform.

However, while similar to [Enchanters], Runecarvers require in depth knowledge of the symbols they are creating due to the greater potency and danger involved in them. A Runecarver is a danger to themselves and those around them if they don't properly take the time to learn the language involved as it can lead to catastrophic results.

To Harry, it actually didn't sound like a bad skill to have. Unfortunately, when the young Gamer announced his intent on learning the skill did he get a message informing of requirements not being met.

|ERROR! ERROR!|

|NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS NOT MET!|

|YOU REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING!|

|WIS: 65|INT: 55|SPI: 85| Mastery of Ancient Runes: Student|

Rather than get discouraged by the fact he couldn't learn the skill, Harry put the book away for later. Harry believed that the skill would come in handy down the line and wanted to keep the method of learning it close at hand when he could.

Looking to the clock, Harry saw that he didn't have much time left and began to look at a few guidebooks from fantasy games such as D&D, Forgotten Realms to help him, too. The last time he had browsed one it had set off a quest. It was at least worth giving it a try.

Harry also added a mixture of history books based on witches and wizards. But as he read through them, all Harry earned was him coming to the conclusion that they were more graphic and detailed on their supposed accomplishments than anything else. None had actually helped him learn anything about witches other than them either being great illusionists or those who supposedly sold their souls to demonic entities or made pacts with godlike beings. Harry closed the last book when he found no mention on how they used their skills once more. Once again, Harry opened to the D&D book for assistance.

"Here we go," Harry quickly skipped through the basic drivel before he found a passage that looked interesting.

"Wizards and witches are beings who possess the ability to wield and manipulate the arcane and mythical energy known as magic through years of research and learning. Often compared to sorcerers, the difference between the two is that while wizards and witches are generally though who have a talent to learn how to bend the arcane to their desires, sorcerers are those naturally born with the ability," as he finished that passage, Harry skipped to the page that detailed sorcerers.

"Sorcerers, or sorceress for females, are those born with the natural ability to manipulate the weave on a whim rather than through research and learning. While almost anyone can use magic only a select few can perform spells in the manner sorcerers can due to their innate gift rather than by obtaining it through study like wizards do. But despite their innate ability, sorcerers are taught control over their magic by another at a very young age, as even for them the act of learning certain spells becomes more difficult as they get older. There are some exceptions to this rule and those are referred to as 'Chosen'. Chosen?" looking at the index, Harry skipped a few pages before he found what he was looking for.

"Chosen were champions, and very rare to come across, selected by deities, or gods, to represent them in some way or form. As a result, a Chosen is given abilities that he or she otherwise didn't have such as herculean strength, lightning swift speed, unimaginable intelligence, the ability to bend time and space to travel immense distances and even realities, and even the ability to use magic in fantastic ways even the most talented of magic weaving beings could not."

Harry blinked at how weird it sounded but much of what he read made sense. He hadn't been all that interesting and lead a fairly normal, if not sad, life. Yet a little over a month ago he had gained a strange ability that only magic could explain. Was he, as the book said, a Chosen? The boy didn't want to jump the gun though and continued to read, skipping ahead until he found what he was looking for, "However, not all individuals that spontaneously gain unique abilities are classified as 'Chosen'. Some are merely beings who were touched by a deity's power and developed unique abilities as a result. These beings are called 'Gifted' and the abilities they manifest vary in terms of strength and capability."

"Usually, they are centered on a unique quality or interest of the being. Such examples are swimmers finding themselves' with the ability to breathe underwater and swimming as quickly as fish. Or an individual suddenly developing an immunity to harsh weather or various forms of temperature extremities. Though similar to one another, a 'Chosen' will usually bear the mark of a deity on their person while 'Gifted' individuals, on the other hand, will bear no mark. A 'Chosen's' mark will be in the form of a faded scar or symbol that glows, and can be felt upon one's powers being used."

Once more Harry had to stop himself from jumping the gun. Despite not feeling anything from it, his lightning bolt scar could be counted as a symbol. His relatives said it was a wound he had gotten from his drunken parents before their fatal accident. But with the amount of time they lied to him and them being who they were, Harry doubted the truth of the tale. Harry also hoped the part of his parents being no good drunks was false too, but decided not to get his hopes up. Too many times had it happened with the Dursleys only for his hopes to be squashed in the end.

Though not initially what he wanted to find, Harry continued to read up on the 'Chosen' article before flipping back to the sorcerers when he felt he knew enough on the subject. "Sorcerers are seen as talented and magically superior compared to others, though it's not always the case, and seek to better understand and manipulate magic itself for various purposes."

"Much like wizards, sorcerers are trained at a young age to better understand the intricacies of power they have access to in order to ensure no harm came to themselves or others. Normally a sorcerer is taught by a master, or those more experienced in the art, to better control and draw out their magic. If a master was not available to teach, much like would be wizards, a sorcerer would instead use tomes or a greater spell-book, better known as grimoires, in order to understand how to control their innate power. Such methods included meditation, which was introduced to magical practitioners by ancient monks or religious practitioners of the eastern continents, who were masters of the skill and various others," skipping ahead once more, Harry found the information that mattered to him.

"Meditation, an ancient skill … yadda yadda yadda … Ah, here we go. Was practiced because it was said to have allowed one the ability to enter a trance like state that cleared the mind of all thoughts, gaining better focus and allowing one the ability to delve deeper into themselves. This grants the individual in training the ability to better harness their innate power and gain a better understanding of what they are capable of."

That answered one question that he was looking for. Harry either needed to find a tome, wherever that could be found, or take up meditation to better use his magic.

Putting the book into his Inventory Box in a discreet manner and away from the cameras, of course, Harry quickly gather any the book there was on meditation. When he opened them, no pop-up appeared this time, to his rotten luck, but Harry was not dissuaded. Going to a more secluded area in the center, Harry read the book attentively as best he could.

"When it comes to meditation, one must learn that a key factor involves breathing–" he continued on for nearly half an hour until he felt he knew enough about the basics of meditation. The books were boring, to be honest, very boring, but if his hunch was right it would benefit him in the long run.

"That's enough of that. Down to business," Harry started by crossing his legs and putting both hands inside one another on his lap rather than taking the pose generated by Hollywood. Harry scrunched up his face as he tried to focus on not thinking.

Which, as a predictable result, only served for his imagination to start and his focus to waiver. "Not as easy as it – Ah, blast it!" he realized he was doing it again.

Despite his slip-ups and the mistakes Harry made along the way, the boy was determined to get it done. Well over an hour had passed by before Harry finally started making progress. The boy found himself being drawn inwards. Sound and his surroundings become void to him as he felt himself being drawn to … something?

With a few seconds, Harry felt as though he came upon a small stream. It felt warm and inviting. Almost like a nice bath that melted away the aches in his body. Hesitantly, as he did not want to disrupt what was happening, Harry reached out and "touched" the stream and felt greater warmth envelop him.

|A special skill has been created through a special act!|

|By focusing and allowing yourself to become more attuned with the energy within yourself and around you, you've gained the active ability [Meditation Skill].|

|Meditation Lv1. Next Lv 3%/100%. Mastering Speed: E| A very old skill that has been around for thousands of years that makes you enter a trance that enables you to regain lost mana, and allowing you to recover it much more rapidly.

· Allows you to recover an additional 10 MP per Minute outside of combat

· Allows you to reduce fatigue levels by .1% per Minute outside of combat

· If attacked while meditating, there is a 60% chance of suffering from [Confused] or [Dazed] debuff

"Brilliant," Harry was positively giddy that it worked. While he only had the one spell, at least now he had a method of regaining his mana more quickly. The boy would make sure to level it up to increase the benefits it gave him. But he also realized something, "So if I can focus on wanting a certain skill. Maybe… "

Closing his eyes once more, Harry used the [Meditation Skill] to delved inwards once again. Just as before he felt the warmth of his magic, but Harry decided to take another route. Concentrating, Harry gently took a hold of the magic current inside him and focused on his intent. He wanted the magic to spread, to grow warmer, brighter, welcoming. He focused on anything that was healthy and holy alike, shaping his magic into something that good and wholesome. His focused waivered a bit, however, as the act of making the spell proved difficult. Then Harry lost control and his hold on his magic was gone before he felt his consciousness return.

"Darn it!" Harry had felt close to achieving what he wanted. But it looked like he needed to increase his [Meditation Skill] a bit more. It wasn't a total loss, though. It was a start at least and all he needed was a better-focused mindset to actually create the spell. But Harry decided to forgo to continue mediating in the building, despite being in a secluded area. It wasn't exactly comfortable and it would look weird if someone by chance did pass by.

All and all, the things he learned and accomplished at the moment weren't too bad, "Not great, but not bad either. Ah, shoot!" Looking at the time, Harry could already hear his relatives yelling his head off and feel the pain of Marge's cane. Quick as a shot, the young boy quickly left his sanctuary and used [Sprint] in the hopes of getting to the house on time, or at the very least get there within reasonable amounts of tardiness.

(Unknown Countryside)

Albus Dumbledore shook his head as he walked through the dark fiery gate of swirling magical energies. While apparating had long since replaced the ancient and essentially forgotten travelling method known as portals, its use was the only method in which the century and a half old wizard would be able to reach whom he was looking for. But even then, while using them didn't offer the same discomfort or nauseating feeling one would get from apparating, walking through them had always made his hair stand on end and sent a shiver through his bones.

Regardless of that, Dumbledore spotted the small little cottage on the cliff side and began walking up the stone path placed in front of him. Much had happened in the last five days, and Dumbledore honestly didn't know what to make of them or the circumstances that surrounded them.

'What in Merlin's name is going on?' had been the words the bewildered wizard's thoughts when he had gazed upon the more or less ruined silver trinkets used to monitor one Harry Potter.

Dumbledore had become sidetracked the moment Fawkes flashed before him and no sooner had the elderly wizard found himself back inside his office. His mission to find the expert he was looking for temporarily put on hold as something even more important required his full and undivided attention.

Dumbledore had quickly looked over his trinkets to ensure they weren't somehow tampered or destroyed by an external force, but each scan and each inspection of each individual silver piece only added more weight on his shoulders. Finally, when the Supreme Mugwump had feared the absolute worst, did the once broken silver trinkets begin to mend and fold back into order before his very eyes as though nothing had happened.

Dumbledore had aired on the side of caution for the next five days and what little spare time he had did he keep a watchful eye on a returned Harry. The last Potter looked fine enough, smaller than James did at that age but nothing physical about the lad had stood out.

Dumbledore had not approached the boy and kept his distance, hopeful that what had happened was just a very unusual and unique experience that would never reoccur. But on the off chance it did, Dumbledore wanted to be there to stop and identify what the cause was and figure out the why of it, too.

Luckily nothing had happened since. The boy didn't do much except go to school and frequent the library, a trait he shared with his mother. It was on this day that Dumbledore believed he could chance it and finally resume his initial search for an expert on such matters.

As he arrived at the front of the cottage, Albus' years of experience had him sensing the magic surrounding the property as well as the arch that made up the entrance.

"Albus?" a voice from the garden had Dumbledore smile as he looked upon an old and welcoming sight.

"Comment ça va, Perenelle?" the man greeted his former master's wife with a kiss on her delicate hand, "As beautiful as ever," he complemented.

"We have my husband's potion to thank for that," indeed, despite being older than Dumbledore almost over four and half times over, Perenelle still retained the appearance of one still in the prime of her life as a side effect of the Elixir of Life.

The ancient witch was no great beauty when compared to the aristocratic looks long associated with the Blacks or the Malfoys, or the otherworldly beauty of a Veela or Siren, as many freckles adorned her face that were accompanied by several small but faded scars she had attained over the years, all of which Albus had never learned of how they came into being. But regardless of what many would see as imperfections, the French woman was still quite fetching nonetheless. Albus had other inclinations but he wasn't blind.

"Elixir, my dear, not a potion," a voice from the house rang.

"Peu importe," Perenelle shrugged, her husband rolling her eyes at how easily she disregarded it.

"Nicolas," Albus greeted his old master and partner with a firm handshake. The man was taller than Albus by an inch and a half and pale and crowning his head was grey hair with specks of black that was parted in a widow's peak, while dark muttonchops adorned the side of his face. The most noteworthy feature was how he smelled of various herbs and spices. But unlike Severus, who at times made one feel as though the man wore too much cologne or oils, Nicolas' had a much more pleasant if earthy scent about him.

"Albus," Nicolas smiled and then frowned, "Are you alright?"

Dumbledore only continued to smile and chuckle. It had always bewildered and amused him how Nicolas could determine his mood just by shaking hands, "Personally, I'm fine, thank you. But I've run into a very delicate and unusual matter that requires the expertise of a master."

Knowing that Albus would only come to him unless he had no other chose or if the matter was of critical importance only served peek the man's interest, "This doesn't have anything to do with you-know-what, does it?" Nicolas' face hardened a bit but it didn't last long.

"No, no. Nothing of the sort, I assure you," Albus informed the older magical being, "No, this involves a ward of mine. I'm certain you've heard of Harry Potter?"

"Boy-Who-Lived, Dark Lord Conqueror, Second Coming of Merlin, Dragonrider, Lightbringer, Vanquisher of Darkness?"

"Ah, you've read the books," Dumbledore noted.

Perenelle was heard scoffing, "Load of merde if you ask me. You English certainly have wild imaginations or lack of a common sense if you believe in such garbage."

"Personally, I preferred the dragonrider one. Found it quite amusing," Albus said and Perenelle gave him a look that only made him chuckle once more.

"Albus, focus," Nicolas reminded his former student. Powerful and influential as he was, Albus had a habit of getting lost in his eccentric and whimsical nature at times.

"Ah, yes. Forgive me. Harry somehow managed to disappear and then reappear without leaving any indication as to how. Nothing unwholesome mind you from what I've discovered so far, but the manner to which he has, has left me bewildered. And, I suspect unknown forces are responsible."

"Unknown? As in ancient and eldritch?" Nicolas theorized.

"Remarkable as it sounds, I believe so, yes," Albus confirmed.

Nicolas merely hummed and had a pointed look about him as he voiced his thoughts, "Such events have not been seen or heard of in centuries. Then again, we did just enter a new millennium a little over ten years ago," many in this day and age dismissed the things that the man briefly contemplated on.

Dumbledore remained silent as he watched the man think on the matter. While Nicolas Flamel was well known for his mastery over alchemy and potioncraft and his creation of the Philosopher's Stone, only the rare few knew that the former French scribe was knowledgeable on matters long since forgotten or dismissed as fiction or fantasy, even by magical standards. Few also knew that Nicolas was also a very talented duelist, one of the rare few alive that could challenge Dumbledore due to the unparallel experience gained from being nearly seven centuries old, though he had not partaking in the professional circuit for a very long time.

Hardly a minute passed before he was looking at the Hogwarts Headmaster, "Show me where you lost the boy."

(Privet Drive, Sometime Later)

"Grr," Harry grunted as he cleaned the dishes while the family of obese individuals, even his thin as a twig, horse-faced bint of an aunt laughed at something on the telly. Despite his best efforts and arrive pretty much dead, Harry had been unable to make it in time nor arrive within acceptable amounts of tardiness.

And even after abusing the [Sprint] for all it was worth, all Harry had to show for it was a smelly sweaty form. The only upside had been the skill going up by a level, but that had been overshadowed by how upset his older relatives had been.

"Hey! Where's that popcorn!?" Dudley shouted/complained.

"Boy!"

Harry's hands fumbled some of the dishes he was cleaning and he winced as he cut himself with one of the knives. Luckily for Harry, his Gamer's Body simulated the pain but not the injury unless it was severe enough. Grabbing the popcorn, Harry quickly rushed over to the couch and tripped over Marge's cane. Harry caught himself and prevented the popcorn from flying everywhere and making a mess, but not before he stepped on Ripper's paw.

"ARFF! GRRRR!" the bulldog growled and snapped at Harry's legs.

"Aunt Marge!" despite not wanting to call her that, Harry looked to the woman for help as Ripper approached him menacingly. His Gamer's Mind quelled the fear he felt but despite being able to focus more clearly, Harry knew he was still in trouble.

"Humph. You deserve what's coming to you. A bit of pain helps build character; I say. Lord knows wastrel spawns like you need a firm hand!" Marge quipped as if the situation was not her problem.

"ARFF!" Ripper took off like a shot and Harry ran as quickly as he could to the back door leading to the yard. Harry tried to close the door before he could be reached by was unsuccessful as Ripper was already half way through and snapping at his legs. Harry chose to run to the backyard tree where he'd get out of reach from the little beast. The better vantage point would also allow him to scare Ripper off with some magic.

But Harry as finally reached the tree and made to climb up, Ripper jumped and snapped his jaws around Harry's leg. Most of what the vicious dog had in his mouth was the pant leg but some skin was being bit all the same and painfully.

"Grrarrgggghhhh!"

"Let go!" Harry tried to shake him off but Ripper merely continued to resist and tug even more. Almost like he was playing with a chew toy. Harry didn't even bother calling for help, knowing that no one would answer his pleas. From here Harry could see the Dursley's hadn't moved from their spot in the leaving room, and then it all came out.

Harry was sick of it. Sick of the treatment he was getting from others he shouldn't be getting. Sick of being pushed around and being someone's punching bag. Sick of the unfairness of the world and the lack of love that others got for being nothing more than spoiled little shites! He was sick of people not caring or wanting to help him, or believing him.

He was sick of the bloody Dursleys and the neglect and hate they gave him. Sick of making it look like they were being charitable to him and feeling like he owed them! And he was especially sick of this fuckin dog that was pulling on his leg and trying to make a chew toy out of him! For once he'd like them to see how it was like to be on the other end of the stick! To show them that Harry, not them, was at the top of the food chain! That they deserved a taste of their own medicine and for once feel fear as he once did! And for once in a very long time, Harry lost control of his anger and his magic, now running wild, reacted to his desire.

|Warning! Warning! Accidental Bout of Magic in Effect!|

Harry paid no attention to the pop up as a surge of power rippled through him. The powerful desire triggered a reaction that sent out a strong pulse of arcane energy, darkening the neighborhood temporarily before the lights flickered back on as if nothing happened. While this occurred, the Dursleys had been mildly muffled by the loss of power. The act nearly making Dudley throw one of his tantrums before the power came back on just as quickly.

"Hmm? Odd," Vernon wondered what all that was about but years as a director in a company that manufactured drills and other machines made him chalk it up as a mere power surge. The Dursleys continued watching their program as if nothing happened when not even a minute later did Marge say, "Vernon, do you hear that?"

Looking at his older sister, all Vernon said was, "Hear what?"

To which she replied, "That's just it. Nothing."

Marge knew her bulldogs very well; Ripper very much so as he was her favorite, and knew that he wouldn't stop making noise, loud ones at that, when he was playing with whatever he had. Getting up from her seat, making it groan in relief from the incredible loss of pressure, Marge waddled over the back-screen door where Petunia's bad seed of a nephew, and her precious Rippy-pooh, disappeared to.

"If that little sod," Petunia blocked her son's ears, "has done something my precious-"

The woman never got to finish her sentence as something came crashing into her just as she opened the glass door. The force behind it was incredible as Marge felt herself being swept off her feet and crashed into the kitchen counter. Marge fell to the ground soon after and became immobile but remained very much conscious of her surroundings.

"Marge!" Vernon called out and moved as quickly as someone with his large frame could to help his sister, "Blow me down! What happened, Marge?"

"AAAAAHHHH!" Petunia's piercing scream filled the room and both siblings saw the woman was shaking like a leaf while Dudley was paling by the second. The boy looked ready to lose his supper and it was easy to see why. Sprawled on the ground with several cuts, and bleeding wounds was Ripper. The whining from the horrible dog told them he was alive but he wasn't in the best of shape if the lacerations, bleeding, and bruising was anything to go by.

"Rippy!" a distraught Marge shouted at the state of her beloved pet and companion, "My dear sweet Rippy! What happened to you?!"

While everyone else was fretting over the animal, the dog essentially looked as though he had gone through a meat grinder, Vernon's face developed an ugly shade of puce as he marched outside.

"BOY! YOU BLOODY WELL GET IN HERE ARE THERE'LL BE HELL TO PAY!" no one else was with Ripper during the time and the manner that was injured had to be his freak of a nephew's doing! "BOY IF YOU'D DON'T BLOODY WELL SHOW YOUR-"

"HhhRAAWWRAAWWRAAWWRR!"

Vernon's eyes widened at the sound and had no time to react as a large animal came out of the darkness and swiped at him. The large man barely managed to get his arms up into and even then he felt his vision darkened as his body was sent flying from the blow, his arms most assuredly broken and god knew what else. Vernon's body crashed hard and fast against the kitchen counter, a loud crack filled the house and a piece of the counter was left broken and dented behind repair. No one made to move towards the man as they felt horror, terror, any words that could be used to described fear really, encompass their very being at what entered the house.

Of all things they'd expect to see, a panther was not one of them. But all knew it was far from an ordinary jungle cat of today. It was large, easily the size of a horse if a tad smaller and compact with sleek muscles and wicked claws longer than a finger that dripped with blood. Next were two of its teeth that jutted downwards from its mouth. They were nowhere as long as the ones one would see on a sabertooth tiger in museums, but they looked just as wicked and deadly. And finally, there was the creature's face. Or, more importantly, what it held. A scar in the shape crossed over its left eye, eyes that Petunia knew too well. Eyes that were the same shade of green her dead sister had. Only one other person had that shade, "Harry."

"Hhhhrrrrrr," the panther-like beast growled lowly and made the three stiffen. Petunia and Dudley were openly crying and looked ready to faint while Marge looked absolutely catatonic. Vernon remained unconscious from the powerful blow he had received. The large beast looked at those who tried to harm him, who have been harming him over the years. He'd leave them alone, but in the predator's mind, they were a threat to his existence. They needed to be eliminated. Now! Wasting no time, the transformed Harry went to attack just as a chorus of voices rang out!

"Stupefy!"

Sorry for the delay. Work, Covid and me helping my parents move and then helping them with the large amount of flaws in the new place (it's a brand new house, not old). The only upside is that it's not just us who have these problems, but at the same time it speaks on the quality you get now a days. Anyway, be safe and review tons, please! Also, I have a few fic challenges for those who are interested, if you do decided pm me and chapters have to be a minimum of 5k in length and no bashing! Let me know what you think.

A Hard Kept Promise

Eddard Stark did his best to live up to the promise he gave Lyanna as best he could. His damn honour, guilt, and love for his dying sister compelling him to acquiesce to her last request. How could he refuse the wish of a dying woman, one of his blood no less, and one that he fought a war over? Jon, however, was indeed his mother's son by making a delicate task and making it more difficult. (Purely a Song of Ice and Fire or Game of Thrones Fic. Jon takes more after his mother in personality but his father in looks. Other features include being very tall at his age and attractive. As you can see, this posses a problem for Ned, especially since his love interests are Mya Stone and Myrcella Lannister)

An Unwanted Stranger on an Unexpected Adventure

Magic was capable of many things, both great and terrible, and for that reason many feared and revered the supernatural power. When the last dragon died out and magic waned into a shadow of its former glory, many saw it as an opportunity to further themselves. Unfortunately, they hadn't counted on the unexpected arrival of century old wizard. Nor how much of an impact he'd have on the Great Game. (A Harry Potter/Song of Ice and Fire or Game of Thrones Fic. An older Harry, centuries old, who finds himself in Westeros by walking through the Veil and surviving due to being the Master of Death. Here Harry is introduced as a healer with an uncanny ability, which leads to many of Rhaella's children after Rhaegar to survive. Aerys still goes mad but Harry's healing alleviates the worse of it.)

A Different Verse

A man can lose a hundred battles but only needs to win one to be the victor of a war. This was the case when Rhaegar won the Battle of the Trident due to the aid of a man no one really knows about. Many would then realize Harry Black caused a ripple effect that forever changed the Great Gamer. After all, what are swords and knights compared to magic capable of feats never seen before? (A Harry Potter/Song of Ice and Fire or Game of Thrones Fic. A fifteen year old Harry appears in Westeros at Summerhall, the how must remain a mystery, and befriends a young Rhaegar. In this story, Harry will have faults and be ignorant due to the fact that he grew up believing knights were chivalrous and royals are beloved monarchs. This will bite him in the ass to the point it slowly starts to change him so he can survive)

A Broken Shinobi Endures NoneTheless

Banished by Madara when Kurama was extracted from him, a near dead Naruto barely survives to find himself in a world vastly different from his own. Matters are only worse when the language isn't his own, there's no plumbing, his chakra coils are shot to hell, and worst of all there's no ramen! But a ninja endures the hardships and makes the best of what they can. Unfortunately, what he can do, everyone wants a piece of. (A Naruto/Song of Ice and Fire or Game of Thrones Fic. After Naruto has Kurama extracted from him, Madara banishes him to god knows where "Westeros". Naruto's ability to mold chakra is heavily impaired, so that means no Kage Bunshin, and no Rasengan. Basically he is Lee but can still do things such as seals, perform superhuman feats such as speed, strength, run up walls and water. If he is in contact with something or someone, Naruto can temporarily imbue them with chakra. At times, Naruto can use lingering pockets of Kurama's chakra, but doing so causes him intense blinding pain. This will be a Naruto sellsword/mercenary type story in the beginning and should not be a case of him befriending the Starks or encountering them off the bat of the story. We have too many of those, let's go somewhere original.)