As I stared into the softly glowing interface suspended in the air before me, the system finally caught up, revealing everything I'd been too busy to check for days.
At the very top, it displayed my full name: Callum Tesfaye Dawn
Age: 11
Flame Magic Proficiency:
White Flame: Intermediate (95%)
Gold Flame: Intermediate (95%)
Black Flame: Intermediate (90%)
??? Flame: Intermediate (70%)
Wandless Magic Proficiency: Advanced (99%)
Legilimency: Intermediate (60%)
Occlumency: Intermediate (60%)
Parseltongue: Novice (20%)
Invisible Wall: Intermediate (75%)
Telekinesis: Advanced (65%)
Mana Meditation: Intermediate (99%)
Magic Missile: Novice (50%)
Mind's Eye: (Passive)
[ACTIVE QUESTS]
Influence Harry Potter's Life for the Better – Progress: 59%
Those Who the World Forgot – Completion: 50%
Zero to Hero – Completion: 13%
A Leader's Conviction – Progress: 20 / 100 Points
I exhaled slowly. "Hmph… not bad for a few day's at Hogwarts. Each flame was steadily climbing toward advance. That (??? Flame) still remained a mystery, but I could feel it growing stronger through my greater proficiency and use of the other flames.
Wandless magic nearing full advanced? That was huge. The moment it crossed into Advanced rank, the precision, control, and potency I would gain would place me on an entirely different tier from the average Hogwarts student. Hell, even most Aurors. I wonder what's higher than advance maybe "mastery" or "Perfect" questions for another time.
The quests, too, confirmed what I already sensed: I was changing people's lives and this school one ripple at a time, but I wasn't close to being done. "Time to meditate."
I sat cross-legged on my bed, feeling my body mana recovering and surround me in a warm embrace. My thoughts settled and the noises around me faded and my wandering emotions sharpened into focus.
I meditated the whole night, increasing the proficiency into advance. My stamina pool grew, my mind felt sharper, and I could sense magic in the walls, the floor, even the very air better then every before.
By the next morning, I was back in the common room. But this time, not alone. Nikita sat across from me talking with me on the same advance material for alchemylike makinga potionof youth or making Philosopher stone from different materials elements. She keeps surprising me and I like it. Draco, brooding but focused knowing that if he want'ed to better he had to put in the work. I was helping two second-years identify potion ingredient substitutions for Snape's class after hearing what he started testing people on all of sudden.
The week passed in a steadily.
One day, I flawlessly turned a silver goblet into a coiled silver viper and back again. While helping the other first years do the same. McGonagall's eyes widened ever so slightly.
"Ten points to Slytherin for technique… and five more for good leadership," she added with an approving nod. When I asked to demonstrate a hybrid transfiguration using dual objects and wandless control, she raised a brow—but allowed it.
I succeeded and the respect in her gaze deepened. "Mr. Dawn, I daresay you're raising the standard for first years. Perhaps even for some upper years." "Thank you, Professor," I said, bowing slightly. "I only hope to make our House better."
She gave a tight smile. "I believe your on the right track."
Snape's approach to me was not suprising. While Harry received his usual cynical treatment harsher since Snape new me and Harry grew up under my mom. I found myself tested each day subtle tricks, false instructions slipped in as "typos," magical ingredients swapped with lookalikes.
I passed every single one some barely I have to thank mom for the constantrevieing she made me do. I used my flames to stabilize the the temperature of the potion. While also improving the quality of the ingredients that I could tell were of poorer quality. I believe Snape was doing this to test me to see how I would respond. I know others would say I was just sabotaged and they be right but I like winning when the odds are stacked against me. It just shows how good I am when I succeed anyway.
After a week, Snape stopped trying to sabotage me. Saying I am a adequate potion brewer and he was wrong about me for now anyway. I considered it a sign of respect or a warning maybe both.
Each morning during breakfast, McGonagall awarded our house new points for how we came to the Great hall in a neat andcorderly manner. Snape, surprisingly, began doing the same after testing me on potion brews that obly third years should know. Other professors started paying attention too. Some other houses questioned what was going on even a few Hufflepuffs whispered praise.
Slytherin's scoreboard, once bottom-tier, now rivaled Ravenclaw's and Gryffindor's and what shocked everyone most was our house unity not through superiority of ones family connections but because we were showing our skills and drive to be better.
Upper years took the initiative guiding first-years. Duels held with instruction. A culture shift was booming. Not everyone was agreeing or on noard but until they make a move against me I wont do anything.
During lunch one day of I found Harry sitting near the lake outside. "Has your scar hurt at all lately?" I asked quietly. He blinked. "What? No. Why?" "Just wondering," I said, waving it off. "You'll tell me if it ever does?" "…Sure." Good that means I definitely removed his connection from Voldemort completely. One less thing to worry about.
We sat talking about how his quidditch practices were going while skipping stones. A mermaid of the lake waved at us. Halloween is close and so is the troll it would be a perfect chance to gather ingredients, and test the knife and test absorbing magical creatures as well.
The days had passed in a blur of school life. As I returned to my bed Friday night, I glanced at my open parchment—the notes of my journey so far.
The final day of the month brought with it an uneasy stillness—like the calm before a storm. I found myself summoned to the Headmaster's office.
Standing before me was Headmaster Dumbledore, Professor Minerva McGonagall, and Professor Snape. The atmosphere was formal, but not hostile—yet I felt like I was standing trial and receiving a commendation all at once.
Dumbledore eyes gave me that familiar, grandfatherly twinkle. "Apologies we haven't had much time to talk, Callum," he began kindly. "I've reviewed your letters regarding your proposals for… quite a few things."
He stroked his long white beard thoughtfully. "A physical education curriculum… from strength training to self defense with a list of their benefits. It's rather unorthodox for Hogwarts, given the lack of requirements for O.W.L.s in such areas, but I must admit—there's merit in your vision. Perhaps something to revisit in more detail soon."
My pulse steadied. I nodded. "Thank you, Headmaster."
"And those energy-boosting potions you sent were amazing. You haven't named them yet, have you or submittedto be reviewed for recognition yet?"
"Not yet," I said with a small smile. "But I'll let you know when I finalize the formula."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Perhaps consider adding a sweet flavor. Nothing motivates young witches and wizards like sugar, after all."
McGonagall cleared her throat pointedly, bringing us back on track.
Snape's turn.
His voice cut through the room like a scalpel, cold but precise. "You have done… admirably, Mr. Dawn. House Slytherin is behaving like an academic institution once more, not a den of roving wolves. The students fear you and strangely enough, they also respect you that much is clear."
My expression remained neutral. I didn't thank him because I could feel the twist coming.
"I tallied your gains for the month," he continued. "By your own estimate, you're five short of 100 house points, correct?"
I nodded, a flicker of hope forming.
"Then allow me to amend your records." He paused. "Minus fifty points from Slytherin for unauthorized combat in the Room of Requirement and the Slytherin common room."
I blinked. Internally, I screamed.
And there it is.
McGonagall stepped in next. "Minus another fifty points, Mr. Dawn, for ignoring the chain of authority namely, the prefects, the Head Boy and Girl and acting without prior approval from a professor."
I nearly dropped to the floor. "...You've got to be kidding me," I muttered under my breath.
But just when it felt like they were about to finish me off. Snape tilted his head slightly. "Plus one hundred points for exceptional potion work under extreme circumstances and precision of technique." McGonagall followed. "Plus one hundred points for advanced transfiguration display and outstanding demonstration of skill far beyond your year."
I looked up and that's when I saw Dumbledore smiled.
"And one hundred more points, Mr. Dawn, for outstanding leadership, innovation, and elevating the standards of House Slytherin… and Hogwarts itself. Well done. Continue as you are—though perhaps with a little less chaos next time."
Ding.
> [Quest Complete: A Leader's Conviction]
You have exceeded expectations as a leader and you are now recognized as a hidden authority within House Slytherin.
Rewards Unlocked: New Spell added to Enchanted Journal
Bonus Reward: [Mysterious Key – Origin Unknown]
I narrowed my eyes. Key? A quest key? What kind of door needed that? Before I could spiral into theories, Snape cut the air again. "Continue to lead the house if you wish, Mr. Dawn. You have my permission. However—next time the prefects or Heads are ignored in favor of violence, come to me first. No spells unless it's truly necessary."
I gave a respectful bow of the head. "Understood, Professor. Thank you."
I smiled faintly. "Actually, I have something for you."
His eyes flicked with curiosity. From beneath my cloak, I summoned a bottle—its contents swirling with a faint blue glow directly from my inventory pretending it was from my cloak.
"A partially consumed Magical Amplification Potion, Professor."
He narrowed his eyes. " What is this?" I said. "It's a Magical Amplification Potion, It can raise ones magical reserves." He would eye it then me. "How did you acquire something like this, Mr. Dawn?"
"I was sworn to secrecy so I cannot say from who and why it was given to me," I said solemnly. "Unbreakable Vow." The professor's gave me a look halfway between suspicion and disbelief, like if that was true I'm crazy. Only I know that was a lie I just don't ever want to explain the system.
"Why are you giving it to me?" I leaned forward slightly. "Because I want to understand how it's made and with your help I want to recreate it. If I can Refine it and make it better then even better. If it works we will split the credit and the profits."
The silence hung in the air for a long moment. Then the faintest hint of a smirk played across Snape's face. "Very well," he said softly. "Come to my lab after tomorrow's classes. If you're capable of more than just flashy duels… we'll see."
"Is this all you have?" he asked, fingers wrapping around the bottle. "No but that's all I'm showing for now until I become more than an adequate potion brewer," I said.
Snape gave an approving nod. "Wise."
Dumbledore's attention had been fixed elsewhere. His gaze shifted slightly—to the perch beside him. Fawkes, the phoenix, turned his head and stared directly at me with curious eyes.
That's it, I thought, an idea forming on how to use the essence stone. Fawkes and phoenix magic.
The three professors gave me final nods. McGonagall returned to her duties. Snape disappeared in a swirl of robes.
Dumbledore simply smiled, eyes twinkling. "Well then, Mr. Dawn," he said. "The future grows more interesting with every step you take." I smiled back faintly. "I intend to make it unforgettable."
As I approached the Headmaster, who was now idly feeding Fawkes bits of dried fruit from a tiny tin, I cleared my throat gently. "Headmaster Dumbledore may I ask you something else?"
He turned toward me, that timeless spark in his eye never quite leaving. "Of course, my boy. What troubles your thoughts?"
"Tesfaye family do you know anything about them and their Flame?" At the mention of the name, something shifted in Dumbledore's expression.
"I have heard of the Tesfaye family," he said slowly, stroking his beard. "A storied name old, even by the standards of the oldest magical bloodlines. Their flame yes, I tried to study it in my youth."
He moved toward one of the many bookshelves in his office, running a hand along the dusty tomes before shaking his head. "But so little is written about it. Most of the knowledge surrounding their Flame was passed down through private journals in the inner family very protected."
"But you do know something?" I pressed.
"I'm aware of what it was capable of," he said. "At its peak the Tesfaye Flame could heal and destroy with equal potency never seen before or recreated. It was said to be beloved by magical beasts… especially phoenixes." He glanced toward Fawkes, who preened idly atop his perch. "That flame, particularly its white and gold variations was rumored to resonate on a spiritual level with magical lifeforms."
Without a word, I raised my hand.
Fwoom.
From my palm, a soft, radiant light burst forth—a flame of white and gold so pure, it made the very air shimmer with calm. Fawkes snapped to attention. The bird's golden eyes widened, wings fluffing as it emitted a trill of joy.
Dumbledore's eyebrows rose slightly. "Ah… so it's true. So this what the flame looks like." Then, in my other hand, I summoned the Black Flame—sullen, silent, and ominous in its coiled tendrils.
The energy in the room changed instantly.
Fawkes didn't caw or recoil. Instead, he simply went still, observant, wary—but not hateful. A perfect, tense silence hung in the air.
Dumbledore studied both flames with deep curiosity.
"I wouldn't show that to Fawkes," he said calmly. "He doesn't fear it… but he's old enough to recognize that it touches something beyond."
I nodded and dismissed the black fire instantly, letting only the golden white remain. "It's the one I trust least myself," I admitted.
Dumbledore gave a quiet hum of understanding.
Fawkes, now free from the uneasy aura of the black flame, chirped and leaned forward again. Gently, I raised the golden white flame, letting it dance in my palm.
The phoenix bent low—and with grace and surprising delicacy—pressed his beak and chest into the flame.
The reaction was immediate.
The flame merged briefly with Fawkes, glowing through his feathers. His already magnificent plumage took on a radiant gold hue that shimmered like sunlight through crystal. Energy pulsed outward from him—life, pure and vibrant.
"Magnificent…" Dumbledore whispered.
"Can I…?" I asked, nodding toward the phoenix.
He smiled. "Ask him, not me."
I turned to Fawkes. "Would you mind if I petted you?"
Fawkes tilted his head, then gave a very clear nod.
As my hand brushed against the silken heat of his feathers, I discreetly summoned the Essence Stone from my inventory—still dull and inert from the last attempt. With one hand petting his neck, I carefully let my other hand graze the tips of the phoenix's long tail feathers.
The stone reacted immediately.
Crack.
It shifted in color—burning orange with a red hue, like molten fire caught in crystal. It throbbed warmly, pulsating with an energy unlike any I had collected before.
I smiled to myself, quietly storing it back in my inventory.
Then, unexpectedly, Fawkes trilled again. He rustled his wings—and four gleaming feathers detached themselves.
They drifted down like sun-kissed snowflakes, landing in a fan-like shape before me.
Dumbledore's eyes widened. "Four feathers…"
"That's rare?" I asked.
The Headmaster looked genuinely impressed. "Very. Phoenixes do not shed for just anyone. For Fawkes to offer four… It's not just trust—it's acceptance. A phoenix feather gifted willingly is among the most potent magical materials in existence."
I felt a flush of warmth in my chest. "Thank you," I whispered, petting him once more.
Fawkes leaned into my touch.
The moment passed. I offered a respectful nod to the Headmaster and his phoenix. "With your leave, sir… I have a room to visit."
He chuckled. "Ah, yes. The castle always provides."
I turned, excitement building in my chest. With phoenix feathers in hand, and a newly charged essence stone burning in my inventory, I made my way toward the seventh-floor corridor.
The Room of Requirement awaited and with it, the next phase of my evolution.