The morning sun filtered weakly through the high windows of the Gryffindor dormitory. Elias Blake sat on the edge of his bed, his fingers steepled and eyes closed in quiet concentration. The others around him stirred in various states of sleep or groggy movement, but Elias remained still, deep in silent practice.
In his mind, the world slowed.
The Fate Divergence System interface pulsed gently within him, an echo of intent rather than a visible screen. After purchasing the [Occlumency – Initiate Level] the night before for 120 Fate Points, Elias had begun to feel the first whisper of structure—mental boundaries building, subtle control over thought and emotion tightening like a second skin.
[System Notification: Your thoughts are less exposed. Surface-level emotional bleed reduced. Mental resistance against minor Legilimency attempts has increased by 18%.]
It was a small step, but a crucial one.
"One step ahead of the others," Elias murmured under his breath. "That's all I need to stay in the game."
He had spent part of the night mentally organizing his thoughts—literally. Memories and emotions had been slowly layered, ordered into compartments. Nothing perfect yet, but a start. It was strange how calming it was… to have a mind that began to obey.
Breakfast – Great Hall
The day began like any other, but whispers ran hot across the Great Hall.
Elias walked in quietly, his pace measured. His presence now stirred subtle reactions—not quite fear, but recognition. People were starting to notice he wasn't just another first-year. It wasn't just his appearance or charisma; it was his silence. His eyes. The kind that observed more than they revealed.
He slid into a seat beside Hermione. She looked up, slightly startled, but said nothing at first.
"Morning," he said casually, reaching for toast.
She paused, then nodded. "Morning."
Silence.
But it wasn't hostile. Just cautious.
[Fate Divergence +2: Subtle shift in relationship with Hermione Granger.]
Across the hall, Elias caught Draco Malfoy staring at him again, his expression unreadable. Ever since Elias had casually deflected Draco's earlier remarks about bloodlines and legacy, Malfoy had grown more wary.
Elias simply raised a brow in return.
McGonagall walked past their table at that moment, nodding at both Elias and Hermione with a glimmer of pride. It was clear to everyone now that she considered them among Gryffindor's brightest prospects. Even other professors had begun to notice.
System Purchase:
Later in the day, Elias used 35 Fate Points to purchase a [Basic Magical Theory Compendium I], a mental repository of essential magical theory—casting flow, magical intent shaping, and structured incantation breakdowns. Instantly, his understanding of core mechanics behind most beginner spells expanded.
[System Notification: Academic comprehension boost – minor. Understanding of Charm and Transfiguration principles increased.]
Evening – Black Lake, Solitude and Reflection
The sun had just begun to dip when Elias found his usual spot beneath the tree by the Black Lake. He brought the guitar—his trusted memento from the Muggle world, one that his house-elf had acquired for him last summer. He tuned the strings slowly and then began to play.
This time, the melody was calm, wistful. Not sad. Not joyful. Just… honest.
He strummed the chords of an old song—"Wish You Were Here," by Pink Floyd. His voice was smooth, gentle, filled with quiet feeling.
Unbeknownst to him, a few students passed along the path behind the tree—two Ravenclaw girls and a Hufflepuff fifth-year. They slowed, drawn in by the music.
"That's not a wizard song," one of them whispered.
"No," the older one said, "but it's beautiful."
Elias didn't stop. He didn't need an audience. The song wasn't for them—it was for himself. To remember the boy who had once been lost in the noise of a different life. To remind himself of who he had been… and who he could become.
Night – Dormitory
As the castle settled into silence, Elias lay on his bed, hands behind his head, eyes open and thoughtful.
What are your goals? the System had asked earlier in a prompt.
He had listed them out, carefully:
Master Occlumency – at least Intermediate by year's end.
Learn silent casting – begin practice after Christmas.
Build relationships with key students – especially those from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff.
Acquire at least one rare magical item or knowledge base.
Uncover more about Hogwarts' hidden magical systems – especially the castle's wards.
Maintain a subtle but superior academic standing.
Prepare a shield spell before spring – something not on the curriculum.
A quiet determination lit his gaze.
No more drifting. No more reacting. This year, I plan. I shape. I lead.
Outside, the moon cast a silver glow over Hogwarts. And somewhere deep beneath the castle, ancient magics stirred, sensing a player who was not bound by the rules of the original tale.