Chapter 2: The Room
Chapter 2
You have found a new area: Underwater Dungeon
You are unable to enter the dungeon.
I dismissed the window that popped up with swipe of my hand pretending I was swatting a bug.
Currently I was on a small boat together with some other first years.
The boat sailed smoothly, cutting through the water's surface like a sharp blade. The others were gasping and aweing as we went under a bridge and neared the large stone castle. I made sure to do the same so as to not stand out, thought I noticed that my mouth was starting to hurt from smiling so much.
On the way here I had encountered another dungeon at the train station, but my level was still too low for me to enter.
It only took us a moment to reach the underground dock.
Carefully climbing out of the boats we huddled together as Hagrid led us up a stone pathway all the way toward the entrance of the school.
The large man knocked on the large wooden doors, and out came Professor McGonagall in all her stern glory.
"The firs' years, Professor McGonagall."
"Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here," I heard her say, before she opened the door fully and led us inside.
The first thing I noticed were the large stone knights that looked to be partially embedded into the wall. I remember them coming to life at the end of the last movie during the war.
"Observe," I whispered under my breath as I looked at one.
Stone Golem LV ?
I frowned internally, even if on the outside I pretended to be awestruck just like the rest of them. I looked toward the transfiguration mistress just to be certain it wasn't a mistake.
Minerva McGonagall LV ?
As she was explaining something to the group, I took turns to observe the rest of the children.
Hermione Jean Granger LV 4
Harry James Potter LV 3
Draco Lucius Malfoy LV 5
It would appear that I can only see the level of those that are close to my own.
[Observe]'s level has risen by one.
I dismissed the window when I heard screaming coming from the back. Turning around I turned to look as ghosts began to sprout up from the floor. I realized only then that the Professor was nowhere to be seen.
Fat Friar LV 10
That was the highest level that I had seen yet. The other first years tended to have levels between 2-5.
I briefly wondered how one would go about killing a ghost. If I remember correctly then Nearly Headless Nick was injured during Second year by the basilisk so that meant they could still take damage.
I was brought out of my musings when McGonagall came back and shooed away the ghosts.
We formed a single line and were led into the Great Hall.
I pretend gasped as I looked around the room like a curious toddler. I was close enough to hear Hermione spout facts about the room, making me remember to take a gander at Hogwarts: A History later when I have the time.
"I wonder if they buy the candles by bulk, or simply transfigure random items into them. I'm surprised that they aren't dripping over people's head."
We were led to the front of the room, next to the Sorting Hat.
Hannah Abbot was the first to be sorted, and just like in the books she became a Hufflepuff.
"Bell, Charles!" McGonagall announced my name.
I walked to the front of the room, took the hat and placed it on my head covering my eyes from the rest of the school.
"You boy have a well-guarded mind," a voice whispered in my ear, "I am unable to peer into anything more than surface thoughts."
'Interesting.'
"Very interesting, I assure you," the hat remarked, "I don't suppose you can turn it off, so that I might sort you?"
'I have no control over it. I wish to go to Ravenclaw,' I told it.
"Ravenclaw eh? Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. I need to see your memories to sort you into the House that suits you best."
'As I said, I will take Ravenclaw. It might not be the house best suited to me, but it is the one I have chosen.'
"Stubborn, aren't you?"
'I don't see why you are taking so long.'
"Very well then boy, then I wish you luck in… RAVENCLAW!"
I could hear them clapping so I took of the hat and went to the table second on the left where those wearing black robes with blue on them clapped the loudest. My uniform also transformed to match their, with my tie turning into a blue and silver stripped one.
Strange, I distinctly remember the color scheme for Ravenclaw being blue and bronze in the books. Blue and silver was supposed to be in the movies.
Ignoring this inconsistency, I was greeted with hardy handshakes and clasp on the backs by older housemates. I made sure to give off the right combination of nervousness and excitement as I took my spot in the middle of the table.
The sorting was quick and soon I was joined by seven others, 4 girls and 3 boys.
I greeted them all in a warm manner, as I introduced myself.
The girls were Mandy Brocklehurst, Sue Li, Padma Patil, and Lisa Turpin. On the boys' side were Terry Boot, Michael Corner, and Anthony Goldstein. With me, there were 8 Ravenclaws this year.
Dumbledore stood up to give his customary speech and after he was done, food began to appear on the golden plates.
I took a bit of everything so as not to seem rude despite not feeling hungry, which was strange since I had not eaten anything all day.
There wasn't much to say about the food other than I have had better. Back in my old life, I had gone to a private boarding school, where the meals were prepared by top chefs knowing the latest culinary skills. Compared to dishes that had been made the exact same way since the 11th century, and I couldn't help but find the food in front of me lacking. Of course, I didn't show it on my face, nor did I really care about it, food was just something I need to survive… probably?
After the meal was done, the Headmaster stood up once more and warned us to stay clear of the third floor. I briefly wondered, if I was to kill Fluffy, how much EXP would that earn me, but quickly dismissed the thought seeing as I would never get away with it.
The Ravenclaw prefect soon led us to the fifth floor where we traveled up a narrow spiral staircase until we reached a door with only a golden knocker in the shape of an eagle.
After the prefect answered the riddle, we entered a large circular room with blue and silver silk hanging from the ceiling. Arch windows decorated the wall and a blue carpet with stars was placed in the center of the room. There were many desks, chairs, and bookshelf around the room with a large marble statue of Rowena Ravenclaw guarding the entrance to the dormitories.
After unpacking my belongings, I laid on my bed unable to fall asleep. I looked to see the rest of my housemates getting ready for bed as well. We would be sharing a room for the next 7 years so it would be best if we all got along.
Now that I had time to think, I was unsure of what I should do.
I was given a new life, but no purpose.
This had never happened to me before, I had always been committed to my role of perfect son, that I wasn't sure what to do now.
There was nothing that truly interested me. Sure, learning magic would be a fun distraction, but what then? Could I really be content with just that?
Staring up at the canopy, I thought of what would happen in a few years. If everything went like cannon, then Voldemort would rise again, and England would be thrown into war.
If I really wanted to, I could inform those stronger than me on the way to finally beat him. But did I real want that?
Besides, stopping Voldemort was something Harry could do. No point in me stealing the spotlight.
So, if stopping him wasn't my goal, then what was it?
Unable to come up with a suitable answer I was reminded of a distant childhood memory.
I remember sitting on my father's lap, watching the Disney version of Hercules for what had to be the dozenth time that week. I recalled turning to my father, and pointing to the large television screen, announcing how I would grow to be just like Hercules.
My father had ruffled my hair and smiled down at me and told me it was only natural since every boy dreamed of being the strongest at least once in their life.
"The strongest?" I whispered to myself as I checked my status window.
Charles Bell
Class: The Gamer
Level: LV 3 Next Level: 75.00%
HP: 100/100
MP: 110/110
STR: 5
DEX: 5
VIT: 5
INT: 6
WIS: 5
LUK: 5
Points: 5
Money: 0
I noticed that I now had 5 points to spend on my attributes. It also looked like I only needed a bit more to reach the next level.
From the few games I played, I understood that points were very important to the type of player you wanted to be. If the extra point in INT was anything to go by however, it seemed that I could also raise them without spending the points.
To test this, I got off my bed and onto the floor and began doing push-ups. When I reached the 30's my arms felt stiff and weak, showing me exactly how bad my current body was.
Pushing your body to its limits causes your STR to go up by 1.
Seeing that I could raise my stats by doing activities related to them, I went back to bed.
However, the more that I thought about it, I noticed a problem. I had no idea how to increase my wisdom or my luck. I also recalled that I need to raise my WIS to 50 to take away the negative side affect cause by [Numbed Emotions].
I reasoned that a higher WIS would allow me to make better decisions, so I used 3 of my points to raise it to 8, while I put the rest into luck.
Charles Bell
Class: The Gamer
Level: LV 3 Next Level: 75.00%
HP: 100/100
MP: 110/110
STR: 6
DEX: 5
VIT: 5
INT: 6
WIS: 8
LUK: 7
Points: 0
Money: 0
I didn't feel anything different but supposed that only time would tell.
With nothing else, I got under the covers and turned off the table lamp next to me, plunging the room into darkness.
(Break)
I woke up at exactly 6 AM, feeling completed rested without any of the usual sleeping fatigue that I was used to feeling.
My roommates were still fast asleep, so I tiptoed my way around the room, making my bed and retrieving some of my books.
I read for an hour, my INT raising twice as a result.
Diligent studying causes your INT to go up by 1.
Diligent studying causes your INT to go up by 1.
I didn't know what classes I had scheduled for today so I read a bit of everything.
Putting the books away I got dressed and headed to the common room, to see if anyone else was up.
Entering the common room, I noticed that a few people were already there studying. A few managed to pull their heads from their books to greet me.
I waved back but headed toward one of the many bookshelves. Running a finger on their spine I checked to see if any of them were skill books.
You obtained the skill book [The standard book of spells: Grade 3]
[Will you learn this skill] [Yes] [No]
You cannot learn this skill. Required INT: 15
"Tch."
You obtained the skill book [Intermediate Transfiguration]
[Will you learn this skill] [Yes] [No]
You cannot learn this skill. Required INT: 60
"Again?"
You obtained the skill book [Magical Drafts and Potions]
[Will you learn this skill] [Yes] [No]
This time I tried something familiar and choose the first year's potion's book. It looks like I was finally being reward as the book disintegrated into golden flakes that flew into my body.
I cautiously looked around the room to see if anyone had seen me, but no one had even looked up from their books.
I was starting to like Ravenclaw more by the minute. Everyone tended to mind their own business.
Looking back I noticed that a new window had popped up.
You've obtained the skill 'Potions Making'.
[Potions Making] (Passive) LV1 EXP: 0.0%
Description: The noble art of potion making is now open to you. Potions you make are 3% more powerful.
Suddenly I knew the proper way to stir a cauldron, the best method to dice ingredients, even the best way to maintain the temperature. The entire contents of the book seemed to have been implanted into my head almost as if I had read it a hundred times.
"This could be very useful. Although it looks like it does not work on books with only theory."
Looked around the room, I stealthily took a copy of my books from the shelves and placed them inside of my inventory when I was sure no one was seeing me.
I quickly retreated back to my room, where my roommates were still fast asleep.
You've obtained the skill 'Magic Casting'.
[Magic Casting] (Passive) LV1 EXP: 0.0%
Description: You're a wizard! Magic is in your blood. Just don't poke your eye out with your wand.
Passive: Charms, Jinxes, Curses and other magical spells are 15% more powerful.
I whipped out my wand and tried to cast a basic spell.
The tip of my wand sparked to life, before it sputtered out like a failing lightbulb. "Right, the penalty for numbed emotions."
The rest turned out to be filled with two much theory and only had one or two spells, so they couldn't be counted as skill books, which was a shame since I was curious about how transfiguration worked.
Heading back down, I walked toward one of the older students, "Hey, do you mind answering something for me?"
The girl that looked to be a sixth year turned to face me, "Huh? Sure, what do you need?"
"Is there a rule about leaving the common room?"
"Oh, you can leave the common room after 7 AM, just so long as you make it to your classes. Curfew is at 8 PM and you need to be in your room by 9 PM."
"Thank you very much?"
"Sure, kid. You're one of us now, don't be afraid to ask questions. It's how you get ahead," she told me with a smile before returning to her book.
It was good to know that I could leave the tower at any time but seeing as I didn't now my way around yet, I left any exploration of the castle until later in the future.
Instead I exorcised in my room until it was time for us to head to breakfast, by which time I was able to increase my STR by 2 and my VIT by 1.
Breakfast was bland, so I only took some oatmeal and some orange juice. I tried the pumpkin juice last night, but almost ended up spraying it all over the table. I had no idea what Rowling was thinking, but pumpkin juice was the stupidest thing I had ever tasted, I couldn't comprehend how some people actually liked it.
Finally, we were handed our class schedules, and I noticed that we had Charms and Herbology then lunch, followed by Potions with the Hufflepuffs and then Defense against the Dark Arts.
I'll give this to Hogwarts, it certainly kept one on their toes. I almost fell through the staircase when the step in front of me disappeared causing me to hang on for dear life. Really need to improve my strength.
Luckily today was just an introduction to the subject and we wouldn't need our wands, which was good for me since almost all of my spells kept failing. Charms was interesting enough with Professor Flitwick demonstrating some basic tricks. Herbology with Professor Sprout was held in the greenhouse, where I spotted several strange plants moving around and the entrance to another dungeon.
After a quick lunch it was time for potions with the Hufflepuffs. Luckily, I was prepared and since there was no need for wands I managed to survive without making a total fool of myself. Although I couldn't help but think that Snape kept giving me strange looks, as if he was mentally dissecting me. He shouldn't be able to read my mind since even the Sorting Hat couldn't, but perhaps that made it stranger in his eyes.
The final class for today was Dark Arts with Quirrell.
I took a seat on the back and tried my best to write down what he was saying, but his stutter was making it hard. Thirty minutes into the class I began to think this was some elaborate revenge plot by Voldemort to weaken the wizarding world through poor teaching. At the one hour mark, I was sure of it.
"Observe."
Quirinus Quirrell LV?
Voldemort LV?
'Well that was to be expected,' I thought as I wrote down what was on the board using my quill.
Finally the bell sounded, with Quirrell faking being startled which causing everyone to chuckle.
"L-l-loo-k-k-s li-k-ke th-that a-a-all. As-ssingm-m-ment is o-on the b-b-board-d. Y-you ma-ay l-l-le-e-ave."
It looks like I just might have to kill Quirrell if he continued to talk like that. I didn't have a lot of pet peeves, but all that stuttering was getting on my nerves.
It was 4:30 PM and I had the rest of the day free until dinner which was served at 6.
"Now what?" I asked myself as I walked out of the smelly room with by book under my arm.
Looking to see I wasn't being watched I placed the DADA book in my inventory and began to make my way to the Ravenclaw tower.
This time I made sure to jump over the disappear step, but that got my mind thinking.
"If I remember correctly, then the Room of Requirements should be free right now. I might as well check it out and see what I can find."
Wise decision making causes your WIS to go up by 1.
Seeing as the game system agreed, I headed toward the seventh floor, curiously wondering how many people must have died just getting to their destination.
I was out of shape, as I looked at the notification window panting to catch my breath.
Pushing your body causes your DEX to go up by 1.
I spotted the painting with the trolls and walked by three time thinking of a nice lounge room.
Magically a door appeared from the opposite wall.
You have found a new area: Room of Requirements
Inside was a richly furnished room with expensive leather furniture, bookshelves filled with ancient tomes, and a warm fireplace.
I went in and closed the exit behind me, mentally telling the room to close off the entrance to anyone. The door melded to became a smooth wall.
"So, this is it? Do I just need to ask for something for the room to give it to me?" I said as I sat in a plush leather chair.
"Room! Bring me a change of clothes," I commanded.
The room did exactly that by conjuring a blue shirt and black jeans.
I scrutinized them, if memory serves, then I couldn't take anything conjured by the room out of it.
"Room. Bring me one of my spare uniforms."
This time nothing happened, no matter how many times I repeated the order or waited.
"So it can't bring things from anywhere in the castle? That's a shame, else I could just ask for the Philosopher's Stone."
I tested the abilities of the room by making it do other things from conjuring moving puppets to turning off gravity.
"Still, there should be a treasure trove of lost items somewhere. Could I possibly get them here? Room, bring me all the lost change that people have lost in the castle throughout the years."
From the ground erupted a fountain of gold, silver, and bronze coins that shot up like a geyser pelting me on their way down.
"…ow."
I picked up a Knut from the coin pile that must have been up to my waist.
I brought it to my inventory and watched as it disappeared.
Money: G0/ S0/ K1
Grabbing a few more I Knuts I watched as the number kept rising but when I placed the 29th coin something unexpected happened.
Money: G0/ S1/ K0
"Oh, so it converts it naturally," I concluded before spotting a withdraw tab. A small window that looked like it belonged to a calculator appeared asking for the money I wanted to take.
"Let's see, how about 1 Sickle?" I said pushing the number one button and then the button that had a silver coin on it.
Amazingly, a silver coin appeared in my hand rather than the 29 Knuts I had put in.
Great, I now had some income I could spend. It was only now that I began to realize that I didn't have my family's fortune to rely on. I would need to support myself from now one. The corner of my lips strangely lifted up at that thought.
Without further adieu I began shoveling the pile of coins into my inventory, enjoying as the numbers began to climb higher and higher.
After I placed the last of the change, I sat down on the chair again and thought of my next plan.
"Wait? Isn't this a medieval castle? There should be weapons right. Room, bring me all of the lost weapons in the castle."
The room grew bigger as racks and racks of different types of weapons appeared before me, some of which looked to be rusted beyond all hell. I stood up and picked up a rusted dagger that looked ready to snap in half.
"This could give someone tetanus. Observe."
Old dagger: A rusted dagger from the 12th century, that looks ready to fall apart. This will certainly give someone tetanus.
Placing the dagger back, I went down the rows of weapons using observe on all of them.
[Observe]'s level has risen by one.
[Observe]'s level has risen by one.
Observe was now level 4.
Rapier- Rank: Ordinary
A normal rapier that is perfect for thrusting and slashing attacks.
Swinging the elongated sword, I was reminded of my fencing competitions. I took a pose and thrust forward. Immediately I noticed the difference caused by my size and lack of upper body strength.
"Room, create a training dummy."
It responded immediately as a wooden dummy sprouted in front of me like a tree.
Holding the thin sword, I slash at the immobile doll across the chest.
A skill has been created through a special action.
You obtained the skill, 'Sword Mastery'.
Sword Mastery (Passive) LV 1
Description: A skill that allows user to freely handle swords.
5% increase in attack damage with swords.
The sword suddenly became as light as a feather in my hand. I tried a few more swings and noticed just how fluid my movements had become.
"This is good, I can work with this."
I had encountered another hidden dungeon while I was traveling to my potions class, one that I could finally enter. Seeing as it was called the Zombie Dungeon, I figured that it was filled with the undead. I suppose it did make sense however, as Hogwarts was no doubt an old castle, and seeing as the Slytherin were in a repurposed dungeon it was safe to assume that people had died here. But that begged the question, would they be normal zombies or wizard zombies.
That however wasn't important, as I would first need to raise my attributes before I even contemplated going in there. I might be emotionless, but that didn't mean I had a death wish.
Hitting the dummy a few more times, I noticed an obvious problem.
"I won't get anywhere if it's just standing there. Room, I want a training dummy that can fight back."
The wooden dummy melded into the ground as a new dummy that looked more human took its place.
This new dummy was equipped with a long sword and it was eager to use it as it sprinted forward in the blink of an eye.
It slashed at my head and I was just barely able to duck. I tried for a leg sweep, but it countered by jumping and going for a downward strike.
I used the flat of by blade to redirect the slash to the ground next to me, then jump forward, headbutting it.
As it staggered back, I re-entered my fencing stance.
Despite the dangerous situation I was in, I was the same as before.
No, that wasn't entirely true. My heart did beat a tad faster, but it was not out of nervousness.
Back when I was in my old world, I had always wondered what it would be like to be in a real fight using a real rapier rather than those toys that were used in competitions. The fight that I had always longed for was finally hear, a fight to the death, with one clear winner.
My eyes narrowed even as the corner of lips lifted.
"The path to the strongest, is filled with many challenges. Rejoice, I'll give you the pleasure of being one of the stepping stones I leave in my wake. On guard!" I announced as I dashed forward.
(Snape)
The potions master looked over the Great Hall and frowned when he saw the object of his irritation laughing away without a care in the world.
The strange thing was that his gaze wasn't directed at the Gryffindor table, like most would expect.
His eyes narrowed just the slightest bit as he looked at Charles Bell, a first year Ravenclaw.
Despite the boys well practiced actions, Snape could see what truly laid beneath those eyes. There were times when he would look at the mirror and see the same thing.
The boy might as will be dead with all the emotion contained in those golden orbs. They were eyes that lacked remorse of any kind. Those sharp yellow irises showed a startling lack of empathy, so much that even Snape had become curious of the boy's origin.
He was a skilled actor, Snape would give him that, but not nearly good enough to fool someone like him that had years of experience working with the worst sort of people.
Nevertheless, there was not much he could do since the boy had yet to do anything worth reporting. He would just have to wait and see.
He kept his face impassive, even as his nose picked up the scent of garlic. For the umpteenth time, he thought how bad his luck was to be seated to Quirrell.
But then again, his life had always been unlucky, so why would this year be any different.
A/N: Hey, hope you enjoyed reading. Now to answer some concerns.
First, just like the Neville story, Charles has no plans to become part of the Golden Trio. That has been over used, to the point where it has become the standard. Instead he will be like a muggleborn version of Draco, with his purpose of using them to make himself stronger.
As you can tell, he isn't the most vocal or interesting when it comes to his feelings. Don't worry, that was my intention. I'm setting this up until he gets his companion, that will act like a moral compass (Navi).
"Hey, stop stabbing that guy!"
"Why?" Stab.
"He's going to seriously die if you continue!"
"…" Stab.
"Stop!"
Something like that, so just hanging there until they appear which will be soon.
So that part with the Room of Requirements, was something I always dreamed of doing myself. Seriously, there must be like millions of dollars' worth of stuff just laying around. Pawn shop anyone?
I'm curious to know, how much money you guys think he got. Hogwarts is like 1,000 years old, and it does house some of the richest and spoiled kids after all.
Quick reminder: money table in this story is as follows.
Galleon: $ 25
Sickle: $ 1.50
Knut: $ 0.05
Next chapter he will enter the Zombie dungeon.
There are 15 dungeons around Hogwarts by the way.
Lvls: muggle average is 5(High schooler) - 15 (MMA fighter).
Wizard level varies but Hogwarts graduate is typically 70-80
Stats. 10 is the average for normal people. Professional weight lifters have a STR of 20, while known genius have an INT of 20. Basically 20 is the peak of human ability, anything beyond is considered super-human.
Wizard INT works differently as it is affected by magic, not necessarily making them smarter than muggles. Average adult has an INT of 60 and a WIS of 10.
Charles will go with magic knight route.
As for pairings, well he will charm a few witches, though the real question is if they can charm him. Sociopath, remember.
Hope this clears things up. I'll try to add more outside point of views to show how Charles appears to others.
Until next time.