Chapter 11: Whispers of the Forgotten Library
System Alert: New Mission Unlocked – "Find the Forgotten Library"
Objective: Locate the ancient, hidden library buried within the grounds of Hogwarts. Completion Reward: Affinity Skill – "Arcane Lore (Passive)" and one rare spellbook.
The green-glowing sconces of the Slytherin dorms flickered softly as Harry sat up in bed, system text fading from his vision. The gentle murmur of the Black Lake pressed against the glass walls, a constant lullaby for the students of the dungeons.
Harry's emerald eyes gleamed with intrigue.
"The Forgotten Library, huh... that's definitely not in Hogwarts: A History."
Pulling the emerald-tinted curtains around his bed, he summoned his system.
---
[Arcane Mastery System: Status Overview]
Name: Harry James Potter
House: Slytherin
Level: 8
Title: The Reforged
Bloodline: Arcane-Touched (Dormant)
Affinity: Light Magic [Intermediate], Dark Magic [Beginner], Arcane Magic [Basic]
Attributes:
INT: 34
WIS: 30
DEX: 20
STR: 22
CHA: 25
LUCK: ???
Known Skills:
Arcane Threadweaving [Passive]
Spell Memorization
Beginner Potioncraft
Cleanse [Light – Active]
Minor Hex [Dark – Active]
Mana Channeling [Passive]
Observant Mind [Passive]
Current Mission:
Find the Forgotten Library
Hints: Rumors swirl around the Founders' secrets... Perhaps someone knows more.
Progress: 0%
---
The next day dawned in shadow and greenish light. Harry walked beside Draco Malfoy, who, despite his usual arrogance, showed a subtle respect toward Harry. Maybe it was the way Harry didn't beg for his approval—or maybe because he felt they were oddly similar.
"I heard you reading late again," Draco said as they made their way to breakfast.
Harry shrugged. "Just following a lead. Ever hear of the Forgotten Library?"
Draco raised a brow. "My father mentioned it once. He said it was a legend—something even he couldn't access."
Harry smiled thinly. "Then I'll be the first."
Their first class was Potions, and Professor Snape's robes billowed ominously as he addressed the room.
"Let us see which of you has the mind... and temperament... for true potion-making," Snape intoned.
Harry's cauldron bubbled evenly. He worked quickly but cleanly, even adding a stabilizing herb that wasn't listed—just as Snape had shown him privately years ago.
Snape walked past him slowly and murmured, "Good."
Draco watched in slight disbelief. "He likes you," he muttered.
Harry smirked. "He respects skill."
Next came Transfiguration, where McGonagall's sharp eyes narrowed on the Slytherin boy who turned a matchstick into a perfect silver needle—wandlessly.
"Advanced concentration, Mr. Potter. Unexpected, but commendable."
In Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Quirrell stood at the front of the room, stuttering through the lesson about minor jinxes and counter-curses. His turban looked as ridiculous as ever, but Harry kept his expression neutral.
His mind, however, was sharp.
'So, the Dark Lord is already here… Hiding behind that fool's stammering voice. No wonder I felt that chill.'
The system buzzed lightly in his mind, reading the magic in the room.
System Alert:
Host has recognized a High-Level Dark Presence: "Fragmented Soul – Concealed"
Advise caution. Active confrontation is not recommended at current level.
Harry let his eyes drift casually around the room, then settled back into his seat.
'Don't worry, I'm not suicidal. Yet.'
As the lesson ended, Hermione walked up to him as they packed their things.
"What do you think of Professor Quirrell?" she asked.
Harry looked her in the eye for a second longer than necessary.
"I think he's not what he seems."
Hermione tilted her head. "You think he's lying?"
"Worse. But don't worry about it yet," Harry said with a gentle smile. "He's not our problem. Not for now."
That night, in the common room, Harry pulled out a book he borrowed from the library: Hogwarts: Myths and Mysteries. The room was quiet except for the turning of pages and the soft bubbling of the lake.
He wasn't alone.
Daphne Greengrass was seated across from him, scribbling notes for Herbology. Blaise Zabini leaned against a cushion nearby, casually flipping through an old journal.
"You always reading something strange," Daphne said without looking up.
"I like knowing what others forget," Harry replied.
He read a passage that made him pause.
> "The Founders of Hogwarts created not just classrooms and halls, but hidden spaces of knowledge. One such place, now lost, was said to hold the truths even magic feared."
The system chimed again.
Progress Update: 10% – Clue Discovered: Founders' Hidden Knowledge
Harry sat up straighter, eyes narrowing with curiosity.
"This is real," he whispered. "And I'm going to find it."