The library's hushed corridors offered a welcome escape from the Dursleys' oppressive home. Harry slipped inside quietly, his heart steady as he wandered among endless rows of books. Today, his aim was not dictated by chores or forced tasks—it was driven by his own yearning for knowledge.
As he meandered through the stacks, a slender volume caught his eye. Its faded cover read "Meditation for the Modern Mage." Something about it called to him, and without hesitation, he pulled it from the shelf and settled into a quiet, shadowed corner.
He opened the book and, as always, activated his inner Library of Arcane Truths. In his mind, the familiar system interface shimmered into view:
[Library of Arcane Truths - Appraisal Mode]Book: "Meditation for the Modern Mage"
Overall Quality: Moderate
Information Accuracy: 75%
Flaw Analysis: Offers only beginner techniques; advanced practices are missing.
Absorption Efficiency: 60% (Requires daily practice to integrate fully.)
Special Note: A promising foundation for enhancing magical recovery and control.
Every word flowed into him—gentle instructions on focus, controlled breathing, and the mindful channeling of magic. In that quiet moment, the library around him blurred as he absorbed the text, storing away each subtle tip that could help him manage the surges of power within.
When he finally closed the meditation book, he glanced around and noticed a small collection of slim volumes on European cuisine. Their modest covers promised practical cooking techniques rather than elaborate gastronomic theories. With cautious curiosity, he ran his fingers along one, and the interface reawakened:
[Library of Arcane Truths - Appraisal Mode]
Book: "Essentials of European Cuisine"
Overall Quality: Fair
Information Accuracy: 70%
Flaw Analysis: Assumes traditional techniques; lacks modern adaptations.
Absorption Efficiency: 65% (Practical application is key.)
Special Note: A useful guide for refining everyday cooking skills.
As he absorbed the culinary insights, Harry's thoughts drifted into a private, reflective monologue:
'I need to gather every advantage I can. The Dursleys will never hand me money, so I must find my own way. Maybe I should do some car wash jobs—neighbors might pay a little extra for a proper cleaning. Pocket money would help fund future library visits and allow me to expand my collection of knowledge.'
This internal resolve warmed him as much as the quiet sanctuary of the library. Today, he had no library card and no subscription—just the silent, forbidden joy of learning in secret. He closed the slim cookbooks with deliberate care; if anyone from the Dursleys saw him with these, it could only bring trouble.
With the weight of these precious lessons stored away, Harry rose and left the library. The echo of whispered knowledge trailed behind him as he stepped back into the ordinary world, already plotting his next move. Every secret absorbed was another stepping stone toward independence—and a future where he would no longer be held back by the constraints of his current life.
The journey had only just begun.