Chapter 5: What's The Point?

A/N: This one was around 3k words; I'll try to keep it around 3k, but no promises.

Should I do a time skip of his time before Hogwarts? I'm leaning towards the time skip but let me know what you guys think.

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Previously on Playing With Magic

Along with the new spells, I can also feel the assimilated improvements to the spells I have already learned, along with the increase in magical control. If this is anything like chakra, it should mean less wasted magic when casting spells. I'll have to test them another time, though. I might as well heal some of the other patients if I am even able to get close without anyone knowing.

Back to the grind.

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London

St Mary's Hospital

Jonathan Grey

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As the morning light filters into the room, the first thing I see is a notification from the system.

[Notification: You have earned a total of 170 System points for your achievements.]

[Points breakdown: 10 points per person healed.]

A contented smile graces my face as I absorb the news of just one night's worth of work. Proof that good deeds lead to rewards, even if the good deeds are done for selfish reasons.

Despite my satisfaction, a lingering curiosity prompts me to seek confirmation. 'Hey, System,' I mentally inquire, 'just to double-check, is earning points tied to helping others? Specifically, healing them?'

[Points are awarded for a range of deeds, both neutral and good. The specific points vary based on the nature and impact of each deed.]

Intrigued by the dynamics of the System and hoping that it's not one of those punishment-based reward systems, I venture further. 'System, is there any form of punishment for bad deeds? Or is it all about earning points for good and neutral actions?'

[The System does not impose punishments.]

So, it's designed to incentivise and reward positive actions, most likely to foster an environment where individuals are encouraged to make choices that contribute to the well-being of others. That means whoever put me here clearly wanted me to be some kind of good person.

With curiosity guiding my thoughts, I pose a question to the System, 'Hey, System, am I here to save this universe from Voldemort? Do I have any missions?'

[The System does not assign missions or predetermined objectives.]

Even though it says that, it did send me to one of the Harry Potter realities, which means this could be a version of Harry Potter in which Voldemort wins or something. On the plus side, I can gain points by just visiting hospitals and healing people, a win-win situation.

With that, my contentment deepens into a sense of purpose. Knowing that my magical abilities not only aid those around me but also earn SP adds an extra layer of motivation.

A knock at the door snaps me out of my bubble immediately. With a thoughtful expression, the nurse comes in and approaches me with the news I already knew would be coming. "Good morning, Jonathan. I have some information about your next steps." The nurse's tone is gentle. "Tomorrow, a matron will come to collect you. You'll be taken to your new home."

"OK, Thank you", I replied while rubbing my eyes. She then went on to ask us generic questions to check we were fine.

I only have one more day to increase points.

'Shop'

[Shop]

[Armour/Clothing- 99% Off First Purchase]

[Abilities- 99% Off First Purchase]

[Templates- 99% Off First Purchase]

[Summons- 99% Off First Purchase]

[Weapons- 99% Off First Purchase]

[System DLC - 99% Off First Purchase]

'Systems, summarise content within each category.'

[Common (White) - 1-99 SP]

[Uncommon (Blue) - 100-999 SP]

[Rare (Red)- 1,000-9,999 SP]

[Mythical (Purple)- 10,000-99,999 SP]

[Legendary (Orange) - 100,000-999,999 SP]

[Divine (Gold) - 1,000,000+ SP]

A sense of annoyance creeps in as I discover how expensive the shop is. A basic Batman is red, and he's human. I know he's peak human and is a genus in different things, but dayum.

"Come on, System," I mutter in frustration. "This is daylight robbery."

Amidst my exploration of the shop, frustration gives way to a glimmer of excitement as my gaze falls upon a peculiar item— I Know My Multiplications. The description states that acquiring the DLC will make all System purchases ten times cheaper. I couldn't stop the subtle smile that tugged at the corners of my lips even if I tried.

[I Know My Multiplications (Orange) - 100,000 SP]

[Sytem purchases are 10x cheaper (One-time purchase)]

[Discounted to: 1,000]

At least I have a discount on my first purchase. I better get started with the healing. Points aren't going to get themselves.

[Current SP: 270]

'…This might take a while.'

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The Next Day

As I browsed through the System shop, I saw a particularly intriguing option—Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, aka Ciri from The Witcher. Her unique ability to travel through different dimensions sparks my imagination, and I contemplate the potential advantages of having such a companion by my side.

After seeing the mythical touch-based bloodline copying ability, I couldn't help but think It would be insane to miss the prospect of acquiring it, particularly considering Ciri's dimension-traveling capabilities. The potential to obtain extraordinary traits from different dimensions, such as those of Kryptonians and Viltrumites, is limitless.

With Ciri also being a mythical purchase, the idea of purchasing her becomes more than just a purchase; and more of a strategic move. The prospect of exploring different dimensions, each with its own set of opportunities, bloodlines and magic, adds another layer of anticipation to this new life.

I am brought out of my musing by the nurse as she tells me about the matron of the orphanage I will be going to. "-The matron is experienced in helping children adjust to their new surroundings. She'll ensure you're well taken care of." she said, "Don't hesitate to ask if you have questions."

The morning sun bathes the hospital room in a gentle glow as a soft knock on the door announces the arrival of the matron. She enters with a kind smile. Dressed in a simple yet welcoming manner, dark blue uniform. She extends a hand, inviting me to join her on this transition.

"Hello, Jonathan," she greets with genuine warmth. "I'm Matron Rose. Ready for the next adventure?"

I couldn't help but smile at the reminder of Dumbledore's phrase.

I nod in response. As I gather my belongings, 

As we make our way through the hospital corridors, Matron Rose offers encouragement, assuring me that the orphanage will be a place where I can find new friends and create lasting memories.

A small vehicle awaits outside, symbolising the transition from one chapter to the next. The matron gestures for me to take a seat, and with a reassuring smile, she takes her place beside me. The vehicle sets in motion, navigating the streets with a gentle rhythm.

Through the window, I catch glimpses of the city passing by—the bustling streets, the occasional park, and the ever-changing scenery. Matron Rose engages in conversation, sharing stories of the orphanage and the children who reside there. 

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London

St George's Orphanage

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As we approach the orphanage, the vehicle stops slowly, and Matron Rose leads the way to the entrance.

As Matron Rose leads me into the heart of the orphanage, a lively chorus of laughter and playful chatter fills the air. The warmth of the communal space surrounds us, and my anticipation grows as we approach a room buzzing with youthful energy.

Upon entering, I meet a diverse group of children—two dozen ranging from ages 5 to 14. Their faces light up with curiosity and friendly smiles as they glance toward the doorway, their play momentarily pausing to welcome the newcomer.

"Children, this is Jonathan. He's joining our family here at the orphanage. Let's all make him feel welcome." Matron Rose introduced. 

A symphony of greetings and welcoming gestures ensues. The older children offer friendly nods while the younger ones exhibit unfiltered enthusiasm. The room comes alive with introductions, showcasing the unique personalities that make up this close-knit community.

"Hi, Jonathan! I'm Lily!" a bubbly 7-year-old with pigtails exclaims, her eyes sparkling excitedly.

The camaraderie extends as each child takes a moment to share their name and offer a gesture of inclusion. From the inquisitive 10-year-old Alex to the artistic flair of 12-year-old Mia. The older kids, with their welcoming smiles, take on a quasi-mentorship role, guiding the younger ones in extending a warm reception. 

I see Matron Rose in the corner of my eye as she observes the interactions with a knowing smile, her presence a steadying force amid the youthful exuberance as the children envelop me in their collective embrace.

Following the lively introductions and the welcoming, Matron Rose guided me towards the room where I would be staying. The door swings open, revealing a cosy space adorned with bunk beds, each one uniquely personalised by the inhabitants.

"Here you go, Jonathan," Matron Rose gestures warmly towards the room. "This is where you'll be staying. You'll be sharing this room with three wonderful companions."

Stepping into the room, I notice the arrangement of bunk beds, each with its own assortment of personal belongings. The space exudes a sense of shared creativity.

With a thoughtful touch, Matron Rose hands me a bundle of clothes. "These were collected from your family home," she says, her voice carrying a comforting reassurance. "I hope they bring a sense of familiarity as you settle in."

"Thank you" I replied.

I take the empty bed on the bunk close to the window and start neatly arranging the clothes as Matron Rose bids me a fond farewell, the door softly closing behind her.

[Current SP: 690]

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London

St Mary's Hospital

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The hospital corridors hum with the usual rhythm of medical activity. Patients move through their routines while doctors and nurses attend to their duties with focused precision.

However, a subtle undercurrent of surprise weaves through the staff as patients, including myself, begin to show miraculous improvements within just two days.

As a regular staff member, Nurse Mitchell could easily notice the difference. Patients who were previously bedridden or struggling suddenly exhibit signs of recovery. While conducting her rounds, she notices the shift in the atmosphere—a quiet buzz of disbelief mixed with a subtle awe.

In hushed tones, doctors exchange conversations about patients defying initial prognoses, their conditions improving at a pace that defies medical explanation. With a shared sense of curiosity, the nurses observe the phenomena, their interactions filled with speculative wonder.

As the nurse tends to her duties, she can't help but overhear snippets of conversations among her colleagues. "Did you see Mr. Johnson? He was barely able to walk yesterday, and today he's practically sprinting down the hallway." Such whispers ripple through the medical staff, creating a sense of shared amazement.

The nurse, too, becomes a witness to these extraordinary recoveries. Patients who were once confined to their beds now engage in conversations, their vitality returning like a sudden burst of light. The surprise is palpable, a collective acknowledgement that something extraordinary is unfolding within the hospital walls.

Theories circulate among the medical staff—perhaps a breakthrough in treatment or an unexplained alignment of factors. Yet, the true cause remains elusive, leaving the nurse and her colleagues to marvel at the inexplicable wave of recoveries.

In the midst of the astonishment, a subtle recognition dawns. It's not just a medical anomaly; it's a phenomenon that transcends the realm of conventional understanding. The nurse, while maintaining her professional demeanour, can't help but acknowledge the miraculous nature of these recoveries, an unfolding mystery that defies the boundaries of conventional healing.

Down the hall, a conversation is being had between two 'government officials' about a case.

"What do you think, Sir?" one person said. "We've checked everywhere for any artefacts or anyone that could have seen anything but came out with nothing."

"Nothing we can do about that kid," the other said with a sigh "I sent word to the offices to send in the big wands. They should be here soon".

Mad-Eye Moody, renowned for his vigilant and unrelenting pursuit of dark wizards and related magical anomalies, receives an urgent summons from the Obliviators. The atmosphere within the Ministry of Magic is charged with an unusual tension as rumours of the unexplained magical phenomena circulate like wildfire.

With his magical eye whirling and his senses on high alert, Mad-Eye Moody navigates the labyrinthine corridors of the Ministry towards the floo network and with a green flash of fire, he was gone.

Upon arrival, Moody is met by the Obliviators, their expressions etched with a mixture of concern and intrigue. They lead him to the epicentre of the magical disturbance, a room pulsating with small amounts of magical energy that defies explanation.

As he steps into the room, Moody's magical eye scans every corner, analyzing the residual traces of spells and enchantments. The evidence of a powerful magical presence is undeniable, leaving a trail that demands scrutiny.

The Obliviators, skilled in their craft of memory modification, recount the accounts of witnesses who observed inexplicable occurrences—patients miraculously recovering, objects levitating without cause, and a general sense of enchantment permeating the surroundings.

Mad-Eye Moody, known for his relentless pursuit of the truth, begins to piece together the puzzle. He delves into the details, considering the possibility of an infiltrator with exceptional magical abilities or an artefact with unforeseen powers.

Moody's instincts sharpen with each step, but after an exhaustive investigation within the hospital, he returns to the Obliviators with his findings. His magical eye whirls with vigilance as he reports back to the concerned group, their expressions a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

"I've scoured the area," Moody grunts, his voice unwavering. "There's indeed a presence of minor magical residual energy, but nothing that poses harm or immediate danger. It's as if there was a temporary enchantment, but it has since dissipated."

The Obliviators exchange glances, their unease palpable. They had anticipated a more straightforward explanation, possibly a child apparating with accidental magic, but the inconclusiveness of the findings adds an element of uncertainty to the situation.

With unwavering focus, Moody continues. "I've questioned the hospital staff thoroughly, but none of them seem to have any knowledge of how this happened. None were obliviated either. It's as if the magical event occurred without any visible source; a notice me not charm could have easily achieved that, though."

The room falls into contemplative silence, the implications of the unexplained phenomenon weighing heavily on the minds of those present. The mystery remains, and the Obliviators are left grappling with the uncertainty of a magical disturbance that defies easy classification.

"I'll continue to monitor the situation closely. If there are any developments or if the magical energy resurfaces, send for me if needed." Mad-Eye Moody continued, "With how many patients pass through there, if they were one, they are long gone now. I would leave this one to the spooks, though. Their lot would know better about the stranger magic". 

With that, he left.

As he returned to his office, a cluttered realm of magical artefacts and investigative tools, each item bearing the scars of years spent battling dark forces. His magical eye, always vigilant, roved across the room, but his thoughts were elsewhere, ensnared by the recent enigma at the hospital.

A map, a tapestry of pinned notes and case files, dominated his attention. His fingers traced the delicate contours of the parchment, lingering on pins that marked locations of sinister deeds. An uncharacteristic furrow etched itself into his brow as he muttered, "Healing magic, mysterious as it is, doesn't quite fit my definition of crime, but you can never know."

Moody redirected his gaze to the map before him with a resolute grunt. He thrust a pin into a new case file, its significance known only to him. "Time to refocus on these cunts for now," he grumbled. The perplexing magical event would have to take a backseat to the relentless pursuit of genuine threats and the unyielding vigilance demanded by the wizarding world's true adversaries.

As he pores over the case details, he can't help but contemplate the nature of the recent interruption. A nagging thought begins to take root in his mind—a sense that there is more to the healing than he could see. A possibility that it may have had something to do with a ritual.

With his theories and speculations, Moody reaches out to the venerable Albus Dumbledore. Though on the stranger side, the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has always been a source of wisdom and insight, and Moody recognizes the value of seeking Dumbledore's perspective on the matter.

With a determined nod, Moody contacts Dumbledore through the Floo Network, and soon the headmaster's serene office comes into view in the flickering flames.

"Albus," Moody begins, his voice carrying the weight of his concerns, "I've got a situation on my hands. There was an unexplained magical event at a Muggle hospital recently. It seems someone might have been testing a ward, magical protection or artefact of some kind."

Dumbledore listens attentively, his twinkling eyes betraying a hint of curiosity. "A ward, you say? That is indeed intriguing, Alastor. Do go on."

Moody proceeds to lay out his theories and findings, detailing the events at the hospital and his considerations regarding the motives behind the magical disturbance. He emphasizes the possibility that it was an act with benevolent intentions, a test of protective magic to safeguard Muggles from harm or simply a test for an artefact before sale.

Dumbledore, ever the voice of reason, ponders Moody's words thoughtfully. "While it is important to remain vigilant, my friend, let us not dismiss the possibility that it was simply an act of goodwill by a kind-hearted witch or wizard. Magic has the power to bring about both wonder and compassion."

Moody, known for his unyielding vigilance, grumbles slightly at the notion. "True, Albus, but we can't afford to be complacent. If this was a ritual of some kind, it might come back to bite us. I'll keep a close watch and continue my investigation. Just in case."

Dumbledore smiles gently, his gaze fixed on Moody. "As you should, my friend. Vigilance is a virtue, but let us not lose sight of the potential for good in the world as well. Keep me informed of any developments, and we shall proceed with caution. I do love a good puzzle"

With a final nod of agreement, Moody ends the conversation, understanding that the mysteries of magic often defy easy categorization. As he resumes his investigation, he remains ever watchful, determined to uncover the truth, even as he completely disregards the possibility of a benevolent wizard at work in the world.

With a deep furrow in his brow, he mutters to himself, "What else do you gain by doing this? What am I missing?"

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"I have ways of making money that you know nothing of."

- John D. Rockefeller

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owners.

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Until next time.