Me being me or just with the experience of the white room i had already forgotten about the things that transpired last night. Leaving those thoughts aside life in the muggle world posed its challenges. Being stuck here made training difficult, not because of a lack of time—I had plenty of that—but because of space. Every time I thought about letting loose with magic, the Trace loomed over me like a constant threat. The Ministry's method of tracking underage magic might have been flawed, but I wasn't eager to test its limits espically not near the muggles.
So instead of spells and stuff, I turned to alternatives. My evenings were spent swinging a wooden stick I'd found near the forest last night while returning. It vaguely resembled a sword, though it was rough and splintered in some places. Still, it was better than nothing. Each swing helped me focus on technique and control, even if it didn't carry the weight of a real blade.
Exercise became my fallback. Push-ups, sit-ups, running laps around the orphanage courtyard—I did whatever I could to maintain my physique. Garuda often perched nearby, offered support and sometimes commented about be sticking to "primitive methods." Still, I had to make do.
---
The monotony of summer was broken when the school owl delivered my book list. I wasted no time heading to Diagon Alley, itching for something to remind me of the magical world.
My first stop, as always, was Gringotts. I exchanged a few pounds for galleons, a process I'd done times before. This time, however, I noticed something in the corner of my vision—the CS system had a notification. Curious, I opened it and found a feature I'd somehow overlooked: the currency exchange option.
"All this time, and I could've skipped the lines," I muttered, shaking my head. Garuda chuckled from his perch on my shoulder, clearly amused by my oversight.
"Well, Arthur, at least you've learned now," he said smugly.
"Yeah, yeah," I grumbled, tucking the galleons into my pocket.
---
With money in hand, I navigated the bustling streets of Diagon Alley. My first priority was, of course, the books. Flourish and Blotts was packed with parents and students preparing for the new school year. I managed to grab all my second-year textbooks without much trouble as they were stacked together, though I did overhear a few people excitedly whispering about The Fraud.
Yes, Gilderoy Lockhart. The self-proclaimed hero, bestselling author, and all-around showboat who'd be gracing us as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. I caught sight of him in the corner, signing books and basking in the adoration of his fans.
I didn't bother approaching. In fact, I deliberately turned the other way. I had no desire to engage with him—or waste my money on his fabricated exploits.
Next, I visited Madam Malkin's for a new set of robes. My old ones were starting to feel a bit tight, likely from all the physical training I'd been doing. I opted for a more fitted style this year, something that wouldn't restrict my movements in a pinch.
---
After finishing my shopping, I made my way back to the orphanage. The rest of the summer passed in a blur of routine. I helped out around the orphanage when I could, fixing things here and there or watching over the younger kids some even I grew attached to.
Training remained a priority. Though my resources were limited, I pushed myself harder each day. The wooden stick was an extension of my arm as I practiced basic swordsmanship. It wasn't as effective as real combat training, but it kept me sharp.
Studying surprisingly also became a significant part of my routine. I made it a point to go through all my second-year course books before the term even started. Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger, The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2 by Miranda Goshawk—I devoured them all, except the fantasy written by the fraud as I didn't buy it.
Garuda often quizzed me on the material, though his questions tended to be unorthodox.
"What would you do if a ghoul attacked you mid-potion brew?" he asked one evening, his tone deceptively casual.
"Depends," I replied without missing a beat. "Is it a hostile ghoul or just a nosy one?"
"Hostile," he said.
"Easy. Stun it first, then deal with the potion. Priorities."
He nodded approvingly. "Good. Though I'd suggest setting up wards next time to avoid interruptions altogether."
---
Despite the frustrations of being unable to fully unleash my magic, I couldn't deny that the summer was productive.
I lay in bed one night, staring at the ceiling, I couldn't help but wonder what challenges awaited me this year aside from the known obviously.
---Note
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