The implications were exciting, but Alex also understood the limitations. “Electricity weakens when it travels through the air. That’s why I’ve avoided using lightning magic for long-range attacks before. To extend the range effectively, I’ll need more power or a reliable conductor.” He tapped a finger thoughtfully on the table. “The best conductor is magic itself, but that means greater magic consumption for long-range attacks. Alternatively, I could use external conductors like water, metal, or…”
Alex trailed off, already visualizing combat scenarios where Thundris Tempest could shine. “Direct lightning strikes need speed and precision to minimize power loss. Maybe I could combine this with other spells or create attack runes to enhance its efficiency.”
Alex felt a surge of inspiration as he grabbed a piece of parchment, his quill racing across the surface as he planned his next steps in researching lightning spells. Speaking softly to himself, he outlined his thoughts with growing excitement. He envisioned developing high-speed, high-intensity electric shock spells that could redefine magical combat. The idea of replacing traditional lightning runes in spells like the Weather Hex with the newly crafted Thundris Tempest rune intrigued him. He pondered exploring groundbreaking applications of electrical energy, such as conjuring Ball Lightning, crafting an Electromagnetic Cannon, or generating a EMP Wave. Tactics began to take shape in his mind—blending electric spells with others, such as combining it with Aguamenti or the Raven charm.
The potential for magical equipment also called to him. Inscribing the Thundris Tempest rune onto a Binding Spirit Serpent could open doors to fascinating possibilities. Finally, Alex mused about whether this rune possessed unique properties akin to Fiendfyre—legendary for its insatiable destructive nature and eerie ability to mimic forms. Could Thundris Tempest harbor similar traits, perhaps consuming ambient magical energy or reshaping its effects dynamically? The possibilities seemed endless, and Alex's mind buzzed with the thrill of discovery.
Satisfied with his plan, Alex resolved to dedicate the rest of his summer vacation to developing and understanding the 'Thundris Tempest' rune he had recently acquired. It was also the perfect time to digest the wealth of books and knowledge he had collected from the Travers family. With so much material at hand, he had plenty to fuel his alchemy experiments.
The following weeks passed in a steady rhythm. Each morning, Alex immersed himself in reading, soaking up theory and inspiration. Afternoons were spent in the laboratory, conducting spell experiments, practicing incantations, or sketching blueprints for alchemical tools. His evenings were capped off with a hearty meal at the Leaky Cauldron, where he chatted with Tom, the innkeeper, before retreating to his room to prepare for the next day.
The routine was monotonous but productive. By the end of the summer, Alex felt he had made substantial progress on several fronts. When the day finally came to return to Hogwarts, Alex arrived at King’s Cross Station alone. Unlike his quiet departure at the start of the summer, this time he drew attention as soon as he stepped onto Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
His change in appearance was striking. The brass monocle he once wore had been upgraded to a sleek silver design, and his previously long hair was now cut short. Yet, despite these alterations, he was instantly recognizable. Over the summer, Alex had become something of a celebrity in the wizarding world. Stories of his exploits—both exaggerated and true—had been a staple in the Daily Prophet and other wizarding publications. Whispers and pointing fingers followed him as he calmly boarded the train.
Once on board, Alex found an empty compartment and settled in, hoping for a quiet ride. His peace was short-lived. A familiar voice called out, and Vivian strolled in, her usual cheerfulness in full force. “Hey, Alex! How was your summer?” she asked, grinning as she took a seat across from him.
Alex gave her a flat look. “You. What was that so-called exclusive report about?”
Vivian’s grin faltered for a moment before she quickly changed the subject. “Wow, it’s been ages since I’ve seen you! What’s with the new hairstyle? I almost didn’t recognize you with it cut so short!”
Alex’s expression didn’t budge. “Don’t try to dodge the question. What happened with that interview?”
Vivian hesitated, then shrugged with an awkward laugh. “Okay, fine. I met a reporter at a banquet, and he was really interested in your story. You don’t know this, but gossip about you was worth a lot back then, so…”
“So you sold me out?” Alex asked, exasperated.
“Sold out is such a harsh way to put it! I was doing you a favor—helping you gain some fame! You’re practically a household name now,” Vivian said with a nervous giggle, trying to brush it off.
“Oh, really? You think making me famous for ‘hosting barbecue parties at school’ and ‘torturing classmates with inhuman training’ is a favor? And why does half the article talk about your poker club?”
“That was all the reporter’s idea!” Vivian protested, her voice rising. “I had nothing to do with that part. He just got really interested in my club!”
Alex sighed and shook his head. Vivian’s thick skin and shameless excuses were impossible to counter. Before he could respond, Charles and Welen entered the compartment, breaking the tension. “Good timing. Sit down,” Alex said, gesturing to the empty seats. As they settled in, Alex pulled out a small wooden rack filled with test tubes, along with sealed medical needles, disinfectant, and cotton swabs.
“Uh, what are you doing?” Charles asked, watching Alex with wide eyes. “And what happened to your long hair? I thought it looked great.”
“Never mind that. I need your help,” Alex replied, ignoring the question as he organized his equipment.
Vivian, who had spent part of her childhood in the Muggle world, immediately recognized the items and recoiled. “Wait, wait, wait… Are you planning to draw blood?”
“Relax. It’s just a small physical exam to check your magical reserves,” Alex said calmly, rolling up her sleeve.
“No, no, no! I hate needles! I’m sorry for the interview, okay? Don’t do this!” Vivian pleaded, squirming in her seat.
Alex gave her a stern look. “Stop moving. If you keep struggling, I might mess up and hit the wrong spot.”
“No! It’s going in! It’s going in! Ow! It hurts!” Vivian cried out dramatically as Alex expertly drew half a test tube of blood.
Despite her over-the-top reactions, Alex’s focus never wavered. “There. That wasn’t so bad, was it?” he said, setting the filled test tube into the rack.
Vivian pouted, tears welling up in her eyes. “You’re a monster,” she muttered, cradling her arm.
Charles and the others watched Alex’s efficient and precise movements in silence. While they had spent their summer vacation idly relaxing, Alex’s intense approach felt almost ruthless in comparison.
After collecting Vivian’s blood, Alex carefully labeled the test tube and nodded in satisfaction. Then, he turned his gaze to the others. “Your turn next. Don’t worry, it’ll be quick. Look, Vivian’s already stopped crying, hasn’t she?”
“No, hold on a second,” Charles said, clearly uneasy. “What exactly are you doing? You’re not planning to dabble in dark magic, are you?”
Alex sighed, exasperated. “Didn’t I just say I’m testing your magical reserves? Stop overreacting.” He reached for Charles, who instinctively leaned back.