My name is Eldon Matlock, and do I have a story to tell you. It's not just any story—it's the kind of story you'd read in a self-insert fanfiction, but with a twist. You see, my name wasn't always Eldon. In fact, I can't even remember what my original name was. That detail doesn't matter, though. What matters is this: I've been reincarnated.

Yes, reincarnated. The real deal. And before you ask, did I meet a god-like entity or a Random Omnipotent Being (ROB)? The answer might surprise you. I vaguely recall an encounter with something like that, but the specifics escape me. All I remember is signing up for this—CYOA, selecting a universe to begin my journey. Apparently, this initial world would serve as a preparatory phase, lasting exactly 12 years, before I'm sent to the universe where my true quest awaits. Even I do not know the details of that world—what it is, what I will face.

And the universe I chose? Harry Potter. Yes, the same Harry Potter you know from books and movies.

Why did my past self-choose this world? I can't say for certain, but the logic is clear enough. This world brims with opportunities for growth—knowledge to acquire, power to harness. It's a perfect springboard for the challenges that lie ahead. The world was weak enough for it to be a starting point, but it has enough resources for a good starting point. I'll be here for 12 years, and I don't intend to waste a single moment.

I'll turn eleven in two months. It's March 3rd, 1987. That's right—I'll be entering Hogwarts four years before the events of canon. This timing is deliberate. My last year at Hogwarts will coincide with the events of The Prisoner of Azkaban. That gives me a precious window of time to prepare—to lay a foundation strong enough to carry me through the unknown challenges awaiting in the next world.

Let me make one thing clear: I'm not here to play the hero. I have no interest in meddling with Harry's destiny or ensuring Voldemort's defeat. My focus is singular: to accumulate as much magical knowledge and power as possible. To borrow a line from the dark lord himself, "There is no good or evil, only power and those too weak to seek it." That's my reality.

If you were in my position, you might consider helping Harry or altering the course of events to suit your ideals. But I'm not you. This world is just the starting point for my journey. What happens to it after I leave is of little consequence to me.

Now, let's talk about my life here. I was born into the Matlock family, a minor pureblood house with a lineage tracing back to the days of King Arthur and the Pendragons. Unfortunately, my parents aren't around. A few months before my birth, Death Eaters killed my father, George Matlock. My mother died during childbirth. That left me in the care of our family butler, Willard Neil, who's been my mentor and guardian.

Willard has done an admirable job of raising me. He's taught me pureblood etiquette, the social graces required to navigate this world, and a healthy respect for the power of knowledge. I spent most of my early years buried in books, scouring the family library for anything that could give me an edge. And let me tell you, this world is far richer in magical knowledge than the books you've read would suggest.

For starters, Hogwarts itself offers far more than the basics we saw in canon. During the first two years, students learn foundational subjects: Defence Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Charms, Herbology, Astronomy, Transfiguration, and History of Magic. But things get far more interesting starting in the third year.

Magical Theory becomes a compulsory subject, and students are required to choose at least two electives from a diverse array: Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, Muggle Studies, Basics of Alchemy, Basics of Healing, and Basic Magical Control. By this point, students can also drop Astronomy unless they're taking Divination or Alchemy, as those subjects require it.

Once students complete their O.W.L.s, the curriculum expands further. Advanced subjects become available, including Advanced Alchemy, Advanced Healing, Higher Magical Control, Artificing, Basics of Rituals, Curse and Counter-Curses, Dark Arts, Basics of Wandless Magic, Warding and Basics of Mind Magic. This system allows for specialization and mastery, far beyond what canon ever hinted at.

When I discovered these details, I was stunned. The depth of magical education in this world is staggering, and it's clear that even with all my prior knowledge, I'll barely scratch the surface in 12 years. But I intend to make the most of every moment.

I've already begun planning how to approach my time at Hogwarts. My path won't be straightforward—power and knowledge often lie in the shadows; in places most would fear to tread. The electives I choose, the risks I take, will all be calculated to serve my ultimate goal. But specifics? Those are best left unspoken. After all, a good plan is one kept close to the chest. What I can say is that my focus will be on disciplines others might overlook, the arts that, while seemingly unnecessary, might just be useful in the future.

This is the world I've been reborn into, and it's a world full of mysteries, opportunities, and challenges. I'll uncover its secrets, master its power, and prepare for whatever lies in the world beyond.

If you've made it this far, you're probably curious about what comes next. Trust me, so am I. But one thing's for certain: this is only the beginning of a much greater journey.