The Mage's Path: Chapter 36

Hi all, 

Here’s the next chapter. The second Mage’s Path chapter will be out later today.

Chapter 36

Dawn crept across the Black Lake, painting its surface in shades of gold and amber. Harry's breath misted in the crisp morning air as his feet pounded against the ground. Beside him, Ron's heavy breathing had deteriorated into harsh gasps.

"Come on," Harry called, slowing his pace. "Keep up."

Ron stumbled to a halt, hands on his knees. "Bloody hell, Harry. How are you not dying?"

“I’ve been doing this longer than you.”

Harry jogged in place, his pulse steady despite the distance they'd covered. It was understandable that Ron struggled to keep up. His stamina let him run twice as far and still have energy left. This was the first time Ron had done any serious exercise. Wizards were generally inactive, unless their job, like being an Auror, required them to stay physically fit. Or in this case, training to be a Quidditch player.

"We need to take a break," Ron wheezed, collapsing onto the ground.

The Forbidden Forest stretched out ahead, its thick branches blocking the morning light. Harry stared at the edge of the trees, his thoughts on the case of the troll incident. He still needed to complete the quest, but he had run out of ideas for solving the mystery. The only option left was to explore the tunnel and find out where it led.

"What's got you staring at those trees?" Ron asked, following Harry's line of sight.

"Nothing important." Harry shook his head, dismissing the thought. The tunnel would have to wait.

"This running business is mental. My sides feel like they're splitting in half."

"Your form needs improving," Harry said. "But if you want to join the team, we need more than just cardio. Core strength, upper body work—"

“I’m trying for the Seeker position,” Ron interrupted. “I thought small and scrawny is better.”

“Look at the other teams,” Harry said. “All the Seekers have large physiques, which makes it easy for them to bully you in the air. Also, having a strong core allows you to perform more athletic feats.”

“I suppose so.”

Harry frowned. “We need some gym equipment.”

"Where are we supposed to get that?"

"We could ask Professor McGonagall to transfigure some weights,” Harry said. 

Ron's eyes brightened. "That's brilliant. Think she'd go for it?"

"It’s worth asking. Ready to finish the circuit?"

Ron groaned but pushed himself upright. "Lead on, you sadist."

They completed their run at a gentler pace, Ron's breathing gradually returning to normal as they approached the Quidditch pitch. The sun had climbed higher, casting long shadows across the grounds. Students would be stirring soon, preparing for another day of classes.

Harry pulled the brass key from his pocket. "Madam Hooch gave me permission to use the shed."

He unlocked the storage shed and retrieved one of the school's battered Cleansweep Fives. He pulled out his shrunken broom from his pocket and expanded it. 

"Here." Harry tossed his broom to Ron. "You'll get better performance out of this one."

Ron caught the Nimbus. "Wicked.”

They kicked off simultaneously. The school broom felt sluggish compared to his Nimbus, its turning radius wider and acceleration delayed. Ron, meanwhile, moved with newfound confidence on the superior broom.

"The difference is incredible," Ron called, executing a smooth banking turn. "I can actually feel what the broom wants to do."

Harry started teaching Ron with some flying drills. Ron was decent, but if he was going to try out for the Seeker position, he needed to improve. The one thing Ron wasn’t lacking was courage, an important element of being a Seeker.

He found explaining how to fly challenging. Flying came as naturally as breathing. Teaching someone else to achieve that connection required breaking down instinctive responses into concrete steps.

They practised for twenty minutes, Harry offering corrections and encouragement as Ron's technique improved. The basics were falling into place, though Ron still lacked the grace that marked experienced flyers.

“Let’s finish the training with a race,” Harry said. “Three laps around the pitch."

Ron grinned. "You're on."

They took off towards the nearest goal post, Harry pulling ahead despite his inferior broom. The Cleansweep groaned under the strain, its wood creaking ominously as he pushed it to its limits. Ron followed close behind, the Nimbus responding eagerly to his commands.

Halfway through the second lap, Harry's broom lurched violently to the left. He grabbed the handle with both hands, fighting to maintain control as the broom bucked beneath him. The sudden movement nearly unseated him.

"What the hell—" Harry's curse was cut short as the broom dropped three metres without warning.

Ron noticed the commotion and veered towards him. "Harry! What's wrong?"

"Broom's gone mad," Harry shouted, wrestling with the handle as it twisted in his grip. "Can't control it."

Ron reached Harry's position, extending his hand. "Grab on, I'll—"

His words ended in a startled yelp as the Nimbus began its own erratic dance. Ron's knuckles whitened around the handle, his face pale with panic as the broom spun in a tight spiral.

"Ron!" Harry watched in horror as his friend lost his grip, tumbling towards the ground thirty metres below.

Without hesitation, Harry released his broom and dove after him. The wind whipped through his hair as he accelerated downward, arms stretched forward. Ron's terrified expression filled his vision as the distance between them closed.

Five metres from impact, Harry wrapped his arms around Ron's chest and activated Gale Push.

The spell erupted from his hands, propelling them both forward with tremendous force. Their trajectory shifted from a deadly plummet to a diagonal descent. Harry chained the technique, casting "Gust Leap" to arrest their downward momentum even further.

Three more Gust Leaps carried them to earth, each one bleeding off speed until they landed safely.

Ron collapsed to his hands and knees, gasping for breath. 

Harry rolled to his feet, scanning the surrounding area with sharp eyes. One broom malfunction could be explained. The school equipment was notoriously unreliable. But both brooms failed simultaneously. His Nimbus was practically new. The odds of it failing were remote.

Someone had sabotaged them. Someone wanted them hurt, or worse.

The pitch appeared deserted. If their attacker had been present, they must have escaped already. Harry cursed under his breath. He wouldn’t give them such an easy opportunity again. He needed to be more careful.

"Mate," Ron gasped. "That was brilliant. I thought I was going to die."

Harry slapped him on the shoulder. "I'm glad I managed to catch you."

"What was that magic? How did you stop us from falling?"

The question Harry had been dreading. His wind magic was far beyond anything taught at Hogwarts, let alone to first-years. He needed a plausible explanation.

"Levitation Charm," Harry said, the lie coming easily. "Cast it on our clothes to slow the descent."

Ron's brow furrowed slightly, but he didn't press the issue. The explanation sounded thin even to Harry's ears, but he didn’t have anything better.

"Come on." Harry retrieved their fallen brooms, checking for obvious signs of tampering. Nothing. "Let's get back to the castle."

They walked in companionable silence, the morning's events weighing heavily on both their minds. Harry's thoughts churned with possibilities—who had the skill to sabotage brooms remotely? Who had the motive to harm them?

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The Great Hall buzzed with conversation as they descended the marble staircase. Harry spotted Hermione immediately, her bushy hair unmistakable even from a distance.

She wasn't alone.

Fleur sat beside her, looking distinctly uncomfortable as a group of sixth-year boys hovered nearby. 

"Excuse me," one of them stammered, "but would you like to visit Hogsmeade with me this weekend?"

"Non, merci," Fleur replied curtly, not looking up from her breakfast.

Another boy stepped forward. "What about the Three Broomsticks? Just for a butterbeer?"

Celeste zipped between them. "Buzz off, you dunderheads! Can't you see that she wants to eat in peace?"

The fairy's sharp tone finally grabbed their attention. They shuffled away, muttering disappointment, but their gazes lingered on Fleur's silver hair.

"Morning," Harry said, sliding onto the bench opposite her. "How are you settling in?"

Fleur's expression softened. "Better now. These boys are persistent."

“If they get too annoying, let me know,” Harry replied. “I’ll deal with them.”

She blew him a kiss. “My hero.”

“I can sort those twats out too,” Ron offered hopefully. 

Fleur smiled but didn’t blow him a kiss. Ron’s shoulders slumped as he went back to his meal.

Hermione looked up from the thick book propped against her porridge bowl. "I've been reading about the Wireless Network. Did you know there are over one hundred active stations across Britain?"

"Find anything useful about becoming a host?" Harry asked.

Hermione's excitement dimmed. "Several hurdles, actually. The biggest problem is my age—in the magical world, you need to be fifteen to work legally. But I can get around that if I have an adult to represent me."

"They shouldn’t be too hard to find,” Harry said. “Should we ask Remus?”

"I don’t want to be a bother,” Hermione replied. “There's also the question of where I'd broadcast from. Most stations operate from London or Edinburgh. I can't exactly commute from Hogwarts."

Harry was about to respond when footsteps approached their table. Tonks appeared beside them, her hair a vivid purple this morning.

"Morning, sprogs," she greeted them. "Mind if I join you?"

Harry shifted to make room for her. 

Tonks had caught the tail end of Hermione's explanation. "Looking for adult representation? Have you considered speaking to Dumbledore? He's your magical guardian, after all. All Muggleborns get him by default."

Hermione shook her head. "I'd rather not involve him if possible."

"I can understand that sentiment,” Tonks snorted. “McGonagall might be a better option."

"That's a good idea,” Harry said. “How about we speak to her after class today? I need to ask her something as well."

Hermione nodded. "It's worth trying."

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The last student filed out of the Transfiguration classroom, leaving Harry and Hermione alone with Professor McGonagall. She finished organising her notes before looking up.

"What can I do for you both?"

Hermione stepped forward. "Professor, is it possible for students to work while attending Hogwarts?"

McGonagall's eyebrows rose. "Why do you need to work, Miss Granger?"

Hermione took a shaky breath. "My father won’t support me. He hates magic and tried to stop me from attending Hogwarts. I need income for living expenses and next year's tuition."

"I see. Is there no possibility of reconciliation? Perhaps I could speak with him."

"No." Hermione's response was immediate. "He despises everything about our world. It's only thanks to Harry that I made it here at all."

McGonagall's expression darkened. "That's most unfortunate. If your father attempts to force your withdrawal, Wizarding Child Services may become involved. This isn't the first case where Muggleborn children have fallen out with their parents. In extreme circumstances, children are removed from hostile environments and rehomed with wizarding families."

"That's barbaric," Hermione whispered.

"The alternative is permanent magical suppression and memory modification," McGonagall said. "Magic cannot be easily severed. Even without conscious memory, you would spend the rest of your life feeling incomplete, as though a vital part of yourself had been torn away."

Hermione shuddered. "I love magic. Let's avoid that scenario."

Harry cleared his throat. "Hermione needs an adult representative for employment purposes. We didn't want to approach Dumbledore."

McGonagall studied them both. "Where do you plan to live, Miss Granger? I cannot permit you to reside alone."

"She can stay with me," Harry said immediately.

Hermione smiled. "Thank you, Harry. But finding accommodation isn't my immediate concern. I need income first."

"Why didn't you want to involve the Headmaster?" McGonagall asked. "He is your magical guardian."

Harry snorted. "We don't trust him."

"Harry!" Hermione hissed.

McGonagall absorbed this revelation without visible surprise. "You have the option to transfer your magical guardianship to me. Many Muggleborn witches have chosen this path, finding it more comfortable. As your guardian, I would have authority over your magical education and welfare. Your father doesn’t have any legal standing in our world."

"While that's highly questionable ethically," Hermione said. "I'm not inclined to complain given my circumstances. I'd like to request that transfer."

"Very well. I'll initiate the paperwork tomorrow."

"Can I transfer mine to you as well, Professor?" Harry asked.

McGonagall shook her head. "I'm afraid not. Your situation differs from Miss Granger's. Your parents specifically named Dumbledore as a potential guardian in their will."

"Dammit. Worth a shot."

"Miss Granger, there's a financial grant for struggling Muggleborn students, though it only covers half the tuition fees. Have you considered what type of employment you're seeking?"

"Harry suggested radio hosting, using my voice abilities. But I haven't worked out the logistics—whether I could broadcast from Hogwarts or need to travel elsewhere."

McGonagall tapped her fingers thoughtfully against her desk. "You don’t necessarily need to be a radio host. I have an idea, but I need time to consider the details. I'll have an answer by the weekend."

"Thank you, Professor."

"Is there anything else?"

Harry straightened. "Yes. I wanted to ask about transfiguring some equipment."

"What sort of equipment?"

"Gym training equipment. Weight machines, dumbbells—are you familiar with them?"

"Yes, Mr Potter. However, maintaining such transformations would prove challenging. Do you recall my explanation about an object’s resistance—how it determines its opposition to change based on weight, size, and composition?"

Harry nodded.

"That number also governs transformation duration. Metals possess notoriously high resistance, fighting against magical alteration. I'd need to re-transfigure your equipment every few days, and frankly, I lack the time for such a task."

"Could you teach me to do it myself? You know how bored I've been in your classes lately."

McGonagall's lips twitched with amusement. "An excellent suggestion. I'll demonstrate the technique, and you can practice during individual work time."

Harry grinned. "Did I ever mention you're my favourite professor?"

"I appreciate the sentiment. I have time available now—we might as well begin immediately."

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Harry had spent the past few days focused on schoolwork and helping Ron train. He took a break from grinding dungeons, feeling exhausted from the events in the Shadowlands realm. 

During Transfiguration class, he worked on converting cauldrons into dumbbells. The exercise proved challenging at first—his early attempts produced lopsided weights that collapsed within minutes. But by Thursday, he'd managed his first perfect transformation. The only problem was the duration; it reverted to a cauldron after an hour. 

The practice had levelled his Transfiguration skill, bringing improvements, including a new perk that decreased an object’s resistance by five percent. It wasn't much, but future levels would compound the effect, eventually allowing him to perform complex transformations much easier. 

Harry placed the dumbbell beside his desk and selected another cauldron. This transformation demanded more effort—ten kilograms required additional magic and concentration. He steadied his breathing, visualising the desired weight distribution.

The second dumbbell emerged heavier, its proportions slightly thicker to accommodate the extra mass. Harry's magical reserves felt the strain, but the result was flawless. Two perfect weights, ready for Ron's training regimen.

"Alright, that's it for class," Professor McGonagall announced from the front of the room. Mr Potter, Miss Granger, please stay behind."

Harry and Hermione approached the professor's desk as their classmates filed out. McGonagall reached into her drawer and withdrew a blue envelope.

"What's this?" Hermione asked, accepting the envelope with curious fingers.

"An enchanted envelope, similar to a Howler," McGonagall explained. "But instead of being used for public humiliation, it projects voice at moderate volumes for private listening."

Hermione's brow furrowed. "I don't understand."

McGonagall settled back in her chair. "Radio hosting is too ambitious—too many regulatory hurdles for someone your age. I've devised an alternative. You can create audio newsletters and sell them to interested parties. Charge a reasonable fee, and with a sufficient audience, you'll earn steady profit."

Hermione's eyes widened. "This is brilliant. But would people accept such a novel concept?"

"You don't need to start with the general public," Harry interjected. "Why not create newsletters for the school first? Test the waters."

"Precisely my thinking," McGonagall agreed. "Two or three newsletters weekly shouldn't prove too burdensome alongside your studies."

"I love this idea," Hermione said, turning the envelope over in her hands. "But do I need to record my voice for every single envelope individually?"

"No. There is a charm that lets you speak just once, and the magic copies your voice onto several envelopes. The challenge lies in developing compelling content."

Harry nodded. "And finding the right vocal style. It's different from reading newspapers aloud. If people dislike your delivery, they won't purchase future editions."

"One particular detail required considerable research," McGonagall continued, "but Professor Flitwick provided invaluable assistance. The voice can only be heard by whoever opens the envelope. Otherwise, single purchases could serve entire groups, devastating sales potential."

"How will I distribute them?" Hermione asked.

“I'll create an enchanted collection box that dispenses envelopes upon payment. No one needs to know the newsletter's source."

Hermione's excitement grew visibly as McGonagall outlined additional details. Harry watched his friend's face light up with genuine passion. She'd found something combining her love of information with practical earning potential.

If the newsletters gained traction at Hogwarts, word would spread throughout the British magical community. Success here could secure Hermione's financial independence permanently.

"When can I start?" Hermione asked.

"I'll have the collection box ready by next week," McGonagall replied. "That gives you time to prepare your first article."

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The space outside the Chamber of Secrets offered perfect privacy for Harry's latest experiment. Heavy vapours drifted from his cauldron as he carefully measured ingredients into the bubbling mixture. He'd been attempting to incorporate the Aspen Abomination Essence into the minor health potion for days, hoping the catalyst would transform the potion into something extraordinary.

He still didn’t understand how the material worked. Was the catalyst supposed to enhance the original potion’s effects, or would it change into something else?. 

The potion thickened, shrinking to a quarter of its original volume and turning a pale pink. He waited, but there was no indication that the recipe had failed. It might still be a failure, but at least it was stable.

Harry carefully ladled the potion into several crystal vials. 

“Appraisal.”

======Minor Fairy Restorative | Rare | Effect: Instant HP Recovery | Quality: High

Description: A specialised healing potion created by using a catalyst, made especially for fairies and other small magical beings.. It’s more concentrated, allowing for faster consumption. 

* Recovers 150 HP instantly.

* Recovers an additional 5 HP over ten seconds.

* Recovers 50 MP.

* Increases consumption by 10.

* Toxicity: None. 

======

Harry grinned. The outcome was a nice surprise and made the effort worthwhile. Celeste would be glad to have a potion of her own. It worked faster and also helped restore her MP.

He spent several days experimenting without success, using up a lot of materials in the process. Getting it right hadn’t been easy, as the catalyst was very volatile. Adding the wrong amount at the wrong time usually ended in explosive results.

After numerous attempts and participating in the Herbology class, he had picked up two new skills related to Potions: Ingredient Preparation and Harvesting. However, these skills didn’t last long on their own. They combined with Potions Brewing to form a new Primer skill.

======Potion Mastery [Primer] | Active/Passive | Level 1 | Upgrade: Natural Growth | Attribute: INT/PER 

Description: Through dedicated study and practice, the player has developed a fundamental understanding that transcends simply following a recipe. This mastery enhances all potion-brewing attempts while unlocking unique properties that blend traditional techniques with magical innovation. New levels are gained through consistent brewing and experimentation.

*Increases base success rates for low, medium, and high-quality potions by +50%, 35%, and 25%, respectively.

*Increases potion potency by 25%

*Reduces ingredient waste by 25%

*Reduces toxicity by 25%

*Heightened sensitivity to potion consistency changes.

*Reduces brewing time for all potions by 10%.

*Provides a 15% chance to create an additional dose when brewing.

*INT > 80: Can analyse completed potions to reverse-engineer their recipes.

*PER > 50: Enables identification of ingredient quality by sight. ======

Primers were overpowered. He needed to focus on skills that would unlock even more of them. This reminded him that he should prioritise unlocking a stealth Primer, just like he had originally planned, to enhance his melee combat.

Harry had now learned three Primers related to his schoolwork. He only needed the Dark Charms Primer to fulfil one of the requirements for the Academic Excellence quest. 

After putting the potions away, he checked his progression. He had just enough experience points to level up twice, and he used them immediately. He had reached level twenty-three and accumulated plenty of Path Points. He already knew how he planned to use them, but for now, he focused on his AP. 

Harry allocated six points to Spirit, bringing the attribute to fifty. The decision required no deliberation—crossing this threshold unlocked new perks across multiple skills. His Wandless Magic skill gained the most significant upgrade—the ability to dual-cast spells. 

The restriction on wand magic remained—he still needed to master traditional spells before casting them wandlessly. But his Grimoire magic operated under different rules. It would explosively increase his destructive capabilities. 

Harry spent the rest of the points on Endurance because it looked weak compared to the other attributes. He opened his status page to check his updated parameters.

====== Player Status

Name: Harry Potter 

Occupation: Apprentice Mage 

Level: 23 Next Level: 77485 

Experience Pool: (1300) 

Attribute Points: 0

Path Points: 17

Resources

HP: 450/450 

MP: 986/986 [1160]

SP: 666/666

Attributes

STR: 20

AGI: 37

VIT: 45

END: 23

SPI: 50

INT: 30

WIL: 37

PER: 22

DEF: 5 [+ Equipment] 26

=====

Occupation:

Apprentice Mage: +1 to SPI per level, +25% increased efficiency and potency for all elementary spells/skills.

Titles:

Charismatic Gamer: Your magnetic personality and charming presence have a positive influence on those around you. This may lead to new opportunities and favourable interactions in the future.

King’s Authority: +1 to WIL per level, +50% effectiveness towards resisting mental manipulations, both magical and mundane.

Accelerated Growth: Reduces the amount of experience required after level 10.

Burden

Veil of Blood: Decreases total MP by 15%. 

Accelerated Growth (temporary): Harry isn’t a little boy any longer. =======

He needed seven more levels before he could take on the Chamber of Secrets dungeon. With only a short time before the Dungeon Break, he had to focus on levelling up. That meant finishing all possible side quests and grinding in the dungeons. His goal was to complete the dungeon before the Christmas break.

=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The Great Hall buzzed with its usual morning energy as Harry ate his breakfast. Hermione sat rigid beside them, her untouched toast growing cold.

"You're going to be hungry later," Harry said, watching her fidget with her napkin.

"What if no one buys them?" Hermione hissed. "What if the voice sounds terrible? What if—"

Professor McGonagall's voice cut through the breakfast chatter. "Your attention, please."

The Great Hall quietened as the Transfiguration professor stood at the High Table. In her hands sat an ornate wooden box.

"This morning marks the debut of a new venture at Hogwarts," McGonagall continued. "A student has created an audio newsletter—The Hogwarts Voice—providing news and commentary relevant to our school community."

Students leaned forward with interest. McGonagall lifted the box higher.

"These enchanted envelopes contain recorded articles. Each costs one Sickle and can only be heard by the person who opens it. I encourage you all to support the author for such an interesting idea."

She placed the collection box on the table. "The writer prefers to remain anonymous, allowing their work to speak for itself."

The moment McGonagall returned to her seat, students surged towards the box. Harry watched the crowd with amusement as excited chatter filled the air.

"I don’t think you have to worry about them selling,” Harry observed.

Hermione's face had gone pale. "Oh God, what have I done?"

"Relax." Harry stood, fishing coins from his pocket. "I’ll buy us some copies.”

Harry joined the queue and purchased four copies. He distributed the envelopes, keeping one for himself. They tore them open simultaneously.

A warm, confident voice spoke directly into his ears, distinctly female but unfamiliar. The speaker possessed a natural cadence that drew listeners in, her tone both authoritative and approachable.

"Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Hogwarts Voice. I'm your anonymous correspondent, bringing you the stories that matter most to our school.

"Our lead story tonight concerns the events of Halloween evening, when a fully-grown mountain troll breached Hogwarts' defences. Official sources confirm the creature infiltrated the castle during the evening feast, though questions remain about how such a breach occurred.

"What we do know is this: a first-year student found herself trapped in a bathroom with the twelve-foot monster after what can only be described as a cruel prank. Certain individuals thought it amusing to lock a fellow student in a confined space. Their 'harmless' joke nearly resulted in tragedy.

"Fortunately, true Gryffindor courage prevailed. Ronald Weasley, upon learning of his friend's predicament, immediately abandoned the safety of the Great Hall to render assistance. His loyalty and quick thinking in the face of mortal danger exemplify the finest qualities of his house. He challenged the troll, but going up against such a dangerous creature as a first-year is no easy feat.

"Enter Harry Potter—who recently lost his status as The Boy Who Lived, thanks to the revelation that Voldemort never confronted the Potters that Halloween night. But his changed status doesn’t mean he cannot become a hero in his own right. 

“Potter engaged the troll in single combat, displaying magical prowess that defied his age and experience. Rather than flee or call for help, he chose to stand between his friends and certain death.

"The confrontation was brief but decisive. Working together, Potter’s efforts overwhelmed the creature, leaving it unconscious and his friends unharmed. Professor McGonagall arrived to find the situation already resolved—a testament to quick thinking, raw courage, and the bonds of true friendship.

"This incident raises troubling questions about castle security. How did a mountain troll penetrate wards that have protected Hogwarts for centuries? Was this a random breach, or does it suggest something more sinister? The timing—during a school feast when all students should have been safely in the Great Hall—seems particularly suspicious.

"More disturbing still is the realisation that student cruelty nearly enabled a tragedy. Perhaps those responsible for the 'prank' will reflect on how their actions could have cost a life. One can only hope they possess sufficient conscience for such reflection.

"Whatever the answers to our security concerns, one fact remains clear: when faced with genuine peril, some students chose courage over cowardice, loyalty over cruelty. In an age when many question whether our heroes truly deserve their reputations, both Potter and Weasley demonstrated that heroism often emerges from the simplest choice—to help a friend in need."

Harry lowered the envelope. He was surprised by the contents of the article—she'd managed to portray him as a hero whilst reinforcing Ron's courage. Even though it was a bit exaggerated, it was a good topic choice. The troll incident remained fresh gossip throughout the castle, making it perfect material for a debut piece.

"The writing's excellent," Hermione observed. "Whoever wrote this has real talent."

Harry leaned in and whispered. "I know you need to keep your identity hidden, but do you have to praise yourself so much?"

Hermione turned her nose up, ignoring him. Fleur laughed at their behaviour.

Around them, students erupted in animated discussions. Harry caught fragments of conversation from nearby tables.

"—Never heard about Potter saving someone—"

"—wonder who locked Granger in there—"

"—one Sickle seems steep for three minutes—"

"The voice is lovely," a sixth-year girl commented to her friend. "Very professional."

"Bit pricey though," her companion replied. "Could've been twice as long for the money."

Harry grinned in satisfaction. The response to her newsletter was mostly positive. It helped build Hermione's credibility. He figured that at least a third of the students had bought a copy, and more were lining up to get one. If she could keep up the momentum, success was inevitable.

A notification showed up on his HUD.

======Congratulations! You have completed the Side Quest: A Voice for the People (1/5). Rewards: 15,000 XP; 1 PP; Next quest unlocked. ======

======New Side Quest: A Powerful Voice (2/5) 

Description: Hermione's Cadence Mage abilities extend far beyond voice mimicry. Help her discover the combat applications of her gift, transforming her natural talent into a formidable weapon against those who would harm her. 

Objectives: 

• Train Hermione to weaponise her voice abilities. 

• Have her demonstrate her skills by breaking a wooden target, such as a desk.

Rewards: 20,000 XP; 2 PP; Next quest unlocked. 

Time Limit: End of school year. 

Quest Difficulty: Moderate ======

He wondered where this quest chain was headed. He had expected it to be another task to help Hermione expand her business, but it had taken an unexpected turn. Would she be willing to develop her abilities? He could try to persuade her by mentioning the troll incident. She had instinctively tried to use her voice to harm the troll, so the potential was there.

Harry dismissed the notification as Fleur rose from her seat. "I must leave for my first class.”

They waved goodbye as she left, then finished breakfast before heading to their first class.

During the troll attack, Hermione's scream had produced visible distortions in the air—actual sound waves powerful enough to distract the mountain troll. But she'd acted on pure instinct, with no understanding of what she'd accomplished.

Training her meant breaking down those instincts into teachable techniques. Sound was physics, after all. Low frequencies could disorient opponents, scramble their inner ear and leave them staggering. High-pitched shrieks might rupture eardrums or shatter glass. Concentrated waves could crack stone walls if she learned to focus them properly.

His mind drifted to other pressing matters. The tunnel on the first floor still needed investigating—he needed to discover where it led and complete that quest. But it wasn't his only concern. Potter Isle required attention. The settlement repairs couldn't wait indefinitely, and he needed to integrate the new Griever Pride. Leaving it unattended was bound to cause problems. Their current cooperation felt fragile, temporary. Without proper leadership, territorial disputes would inevitably emerge.

So, what do you think? In the next chapter, Harry returns to the island and investigates the tunnel.

Thanks for reading.