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Arcane Growth Interface
Growth Points (GP): 13
Current Level: 1
Attributes:
- Spell Control: 1
- Emotional Resonance: 2
- Charms: 0
- Defense: 0
- Dark Arts: 0
Available Upgrades:
- Spell Control (Cost: 10 GP) | Improves spellcasting precision and stability.
- Emotional Resonance (Cost: 15 GP) | Deepens magical connection to intent and empathy.
- Basic Discipline: Charms (Cost: 5 GP) | Unlocks foundational Charm spells.
- Basic Discipline: Defense (Cost: 5 GP) | Unlocks foundational Defensive spells.
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Arin stared, mesmerized. He reached out a finger and poked the glowing rectangle. His finger passed right through it, meeting no resistance. The text wavered like a reflection on water for a moment before settling back into place. It was the most magical thing he'd seen yet, even more so than the platform or the train. "Wow," he whispered, completely captivated by the elegant, personal system floating before him. He had a system. For growing. It was like something out of one of the fantasy novels his uncle used to read him, but this was real. This was his.
"Arin? What is it? You've gone all glassy-eyed," Ron's voice cut through his fascination. "Are you feeling alright?"
Arin looked up from the glowing interface, his eyes wide with wonder. "It's... a menu!" he said, pointing vaguely at the space in front of him. "For growing! Look, I have points. I can spend them on... things!" Ron and Harry both peered at the empty space where Arin was pointing, their expressions shifting from concern to confusion. "A menu? For what? Lunch?" Ron asked, squinting. "There's nothing there, mate." Harry tilted his head, also seeing nothing but the worn upholstery of the opposite seat. It seemed the Arcane Growth Interface was a secret just for him, a private conversation between him and the magic itself.
[+2 GP | You discovered a deeply personal aspect of your magic.]
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The Arcane Growth Interface wavered again, the text shimmering as the new GP was added. The number at the top now read a proud '15'. Arin looked back at the options, a feeling of immense possibility bubbling in his chest. He could upgrade 'Spell Control', which sounded very practical and important for a wizard. He could improve 'Emotional Resonance', which was already at level 2 and seemed to be connected to how he interacted with people. Or, he could unlock a 'Basic Discipline' for only 5 points. Charms sounded useful and fun, and Defense seemed very important, especially with people like Draco Malfoy around. The choice felt significant, a real first step on his journey at Hogwarts.
The glowing menu faded as the compartment door slid open again, this time revealing a kindly-faced, plump witch pushing a cart laden with an astonishing variety of sweets. "Anything off the trolley, dears?" she asked with a warm smile. Ron's eyes went wide as he stared at the Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, and pastel-coloured cauldron cakes, a wistful expression on his face. He instinctively patted his pockets, then let out a quiet sigh, slumping back in his seat. Arin, fascinated by the menu moments before, now found himself captivated by the sweets, but he too patted his empty pockets. He hadn't thought to bring any wizard money, a detail that suddenly seemed like a major oversight. "I... I don't think I have any," he mumbled, feeling a familiar pang of disappointment.
Before the witch could move on, Harry sat up straight. "We'll take the lot," he said, pulling out a bag of coins from his pocket. Ron's jaw dropped. "Harry! You can't!" he exclaimed, but Harry was already handing over the silver and bronze coins, soon receiving an armful of sweets in return. "It's fine," Harry said with a small, shy smile. "I didn't know what to get anyway. Here, we can share." He pushed a large pile of sweets onto the seat between them, offering a Chocolate Frog to Ron and a pack of the Every Flavour Beans to Arin. "Wow, thank you, Harry!" Arin beamed, immediately tearing open the pack. "That's incredibly kind! Are you sure?" Harry just nodded, looking pleased that he could share. Ron, already unwrapping a frog, mumbled a grateful "Thanks, mate" around a mouthful of chocolate.
[+6 GP | You experienced and appreciated a selfless act of friendship.]
As they munched on their treats, the train began to slow. The sky outside the window, once bright blue, was now darkening to a deep, velvety purple. "We'd better get changed," Ron said, swallowing the last of his frog. "Hermione said we'd be arriving soon." They all fumbled with their new school robes, a bit awkwardly, the compartment soon filled with the rustle of black fabric. Arin struggled for a moment with the clasp on his cloak, but Harry noticed and helped him with a quick, easy gesture. Through the window, lights began to appear in the distance, twinkling like fallen stars against the dark landscape. A collective hush fell over the compartment, a shared sense of wonder and nervous anticipation filling the air. They were here. They were finally here. The train let out a final, echoing whistle, and with a gentle lurch, it glided to a stop. Their adventure was about to begin.